t.i.l.t. #7 – procrastinated edition

It’s been a very long while since I’ve posted a “Things I love Thursday” post, due to working and moving and other life altering events and whatnot… So although I do realise it’s Monday, I’d like to post a few things that make me smile that have been filling up my list. Here goes:

Hanging around on Sunday morning

I absolutely luuurv this. Having the time to say screw you to the alarm clock (that actually already starts Saturday night), taking a luxurious breakfast with eggs or pancakes or The BF… Not having a time schedule. Walking around in peace. Enjoying the one day I don’t need to have a guilty conscience when I’m lazy.

Cherry Hubba Bubba

I love the taste, I love that it reminds me of childhood – a worry free time when I would even split them with my bff, I love that I still think it’s fun to have a red-dyed tongue. I love the consistency and that I learned to blow bubbles with them.

Rainbow sprinkles

First, again, plain and simple because of the fun factor. And it makes any desert look more yummy. Especially a rainbow cake.

Being able to rub my eyes without make-up

It was true before, but even more so since I’ve started wearing make-up on every day to work. My face gets a rest on the week-ends, unless I go out. And not having to think about smudging every time I want to rub my eyes is a big relief – and so much more satisfying!

Queer as Folk & the CSD

I finally got to witness the Christopher Street Day parade this year, right on my balcony. It’s colorful, it’s loud, it’s fun. Best parade ever. On the same note, it reminded me of “QaF”, a well made TV series about homosexuality (even before the L-Word hype) – and it’s british!

Following songs

(some are old, some are new, all are borrowed, none are blue):

Amanda Blank – DJ

The Prodigy – Omen

The Gossip – Heavy Cross

[Note: I do understand that Beth Ditto is some sort of role-model or fashion icon for the morbidly obese, but I cannot condone it]

The Dresden Dolls – Coin Operated Boy

[Note: too bad there wasn't a good live video, because then one line would be replaced by "I can even take him in the ass..."]

Things I love … um … Sunday

It’s been a while, but I’m finally continuing my TILTs. Even though it’s not Thursday and the things on this list are a collection of some time and not just last week. But still – the sun is shining, I feel worn out (in a good way) and calm and in a good mood – so why not spread some happiness?

Getting a nice, clean haircut

I had a job interview last Tuesday, for which I wanted to look nice, of course. Since it had been several months (roughly eight) that I hadn’t been to a hairdresser, my hair was getting pretty scraggly (is there a word for a white, blond person’s hair looking like an afro? you know, like the jewfros?) and that just wouldn’t do. I hesitated where to go, because I don’t enjoy getting my hair done, but then I went to my “usual” (if you can call it that when you go just twice a year or so). I like the atmosphere there. They sell decoration, too, so it’s all made of wood and nice accessories. It’s own by an Italian and the woman who did my hair did not force me to make small talk (thank god). She did exactly what I wanted, even though I hardly explained it to her! She also did my eyebrows and even complimented me on my hair structure.  And she didn’t overcharge for any products she put in! In the end I was very pleased because it all looked so neat and clean and nice, just like I wanted, without any hooplas hairdressers usually like to do with my hair. And it wasn’t even expensive!

Wearing perfume

Hmm, this is starting to look like a very girly TILT… Anyway, while I was going through my bathroom cabinets the other day (to clean up), I came across some perfume samples I had collected (unwantingly) over time. You know those little things you get when you buy some cosmetics. I thought I would never use them, but still I didn’t want to just throw them away. So this time I took them out and lined them up and decided to try them out over the next days, even though there were some I knew I wouldn’t like. And lo and behold – I liked them. I usually just have one perfume I use until it’s empty, but I enjoyed picking different ones out according to how I felt that day or what “style” I was going for. I enjoyed getting a whiff here and there throughout the day, and there are two of them I might just buy in full.

New clothes

Ok, people who know me – don’t freak out. I know this all doesn’t sound like me, but don’t worry. I still hate to shop. It was excruciating. Again, because of the job interview, I had to set out for something new, because I wanted to look nice. And my closet is basically made up of jeans and t-shirts. So I went to look for something a little more dressed up, although I knew a typical suit would not match for this area either. I had a hard time finding anything that could work, and the one pair of pants I absolutely wanted  – they didn’t have in my size (i.e., someone with a butt). I did find a pair of nice tops, though. One in a sober color I could wear to the interview and one a little more flashy, for going out. I also bought two sweaters, since I had cleaned out my closet and would need some for the winter. So even though I cringe at the idea of shopping, I do enjoy having new clothes to wear very much. Especially once I find some that fit and I still think look good after some time.

Trying out new things

The BF and I had brainstormed about a hobby we could possibly share, that we would both enjoy, and that could give us something to do on week-ends. I had tried, finally, my first motorcycle tour with him and it was great. Sure, my muscles hurt from the unusual position and it would take some getting used to, but now every time I see a bike I want to get on it. Friday before last we wanted to try out wall climbing. I don’t remember how we got the idea, but I was always climbing on things as a kid (my mom called me a monkey), so I thought it could be fun. I’m still not sure if it was. The girl who explained things to us was really nice and we were the only ones there so we had all the walls to our self. We started slow, to see what it was like, and then went up on difficulty once we got a hang of it (no pun intended). Of course, The BF got a lot further than me because, well, he’s stronger, fitter and taller. And pushes himself more. I was fine with my level 4. When I tried to go to 5, I couldn’t reach the ankers, fell off a couple of times and my muscles started to shake. But what hurt the most were my burning hands. For the next two days, everything felt like I had been ran down by a bulldozer. It turned out that I had strained a muscle in my thigh, too. So I’m not sure if I’ll do it again, but I’m glad I at least tried it out and that I’m pushing my boundaries.

Crazy spring weather

These past few days, when I was locked inside my appartment learning for my very last exam (!), the weather was always there to entertain me in my breaks. From one second to the next it could change from blue skys to thunderstorms. Pouring rain and wind to fluffy white clouds. Of course, this sort of thing is only fun when you’re inside. But in that case, I find there’s nothing more thrilling than to watch some heavy dark clouds and guess when they’ll break. And I really love loud, heavy, hot weather thunderstorms with big crashes and blinding lightning. When it doesn’t go like that all day, but rather changes to a randiant sunlit sky the next instant, it’s all the better. Plus, I love the way the air smells when the weather is like this. Yay end of spring!

Savage Love

Last but not least, a new pass-time I have found. Rather by chance. This time: not a blog, but a relationship/sex advice column, by a gay and politically active man named Dan Savage. At first, I was obsessed with it. I have since calmed down a bit, but am still very much amused. Sure, it probably has to do with my sensationalism and the professionally damaged tendency to pick apart human behavior, but OH MY GOD is this stuff entertaining. And enlightening, really. Because man, I thought I was open-minded and tolerant and stuff. But what this man had to answer to – there is some crazy shit out there. Some really way out there wacky stuff. And I just love how direct he is with these people who seek his opinion (even though he has no professional qualification or anything) and how sound his advice is. I think everyone could learn something from reading this, and it sure makes me look differently on my position as a (possible couples-) therapist-to-be.

Choses j’adore jeudi – n°5

Sorry, couldn’t help but slip into something french here with the “numéro cinq”. It is a classic after all. But on to more important things: here is this weeks list of things I love.

Girls night out

Usually, two girl friends and I gather on Thursday nights to watch Germany’s next top model and to talk, of course. But two weeks ago, since we decided the show wasn’t really worth it and because a sister was visiting, we wanted to do something else and did a tour of the bars in a certain neighbourhood instead. It’s a little out there and more known for the predominantly low-lives who live there, but if you know where to go it’s a really nice corner of town. The bars were really good and much more interesting than what you can find in the city center, plus there was a much more free-spirited atmosphere. We ended the evening with beer from a gas station, drinking along the industrial canal, talking heartily and having a good time. I enjoyed it and think we should have fun like that more often.

Trees and sky

When I look out my apartment window, there is a big tree that always gives me a good idea of what season we’re in. In the winter, I can see right through it. In the fall it’s full of colors, leaves flying everywhere, and in summer it’s all fluffy and green and takes up the whole view. But what I noticed, I think for the first time this spring, is the neon green, fresh color it gets when the leaves start to grow. That luminescent color against the bright blue sky is simply electrifying and I could look at it for minutes on end.

April showers

Speaking of seasons, there is a saying that goes: April showers bring May flowers. I was saying this to The BF as he was upset lately about the sudden change of weather. From a sultry 24°C and burning sun we went to spring downpour and a cool breeze. I must say I love this kind of weather. I can’t stand it when it’s too hot, I prefer 15-20°C much more. It’s just more practical, and the air smells so fresh and everything seems to be alive and I don’t mind the rain at all. Plus, I’m anticipating the colorful flowers.

My new bookcase

Profiting of the presence of my mom and her car, we went to the Swedish furniture store of choice and bought me a bookcase. I’ve always wanted to have a whole wall filled with rows and rows of books, and this is my first step towards it. Sure, it’s much smaller than a wall and looks kinda crammed in my one-room-space, but my books get less dirt now and are all neat in a row and much easier to browse through. And it gave me an opportunity to hammer and drill wood together, something I love doing. Can’t wait to expand.

Longer days

The extra hours of light in a day is something that simply and truly thrills me. I am much more of an evening than a morning person, and with more light comes more time and energy to do things later in the day. I no longer feel like someone has cheated me of half my day and I can just call people up at seven and say: hey, wanna do something? And there still would be time. I love looking out to the setting sun and only then realizing that it is past eight (soon nine…). It comes with a sense of freedom and, at the same time, security.

Riding my bike to work

I start work at the clinic on Mondays at half past eight in the morning. Which is like super early for me, ergo not easy. At all. And yet, with the nice weather we’re having, I manage to get on my bicycle and tread the way to work instead of taking the cozy tram. But it’s worth it – because at that time, the world is still. And I love the peace. On my way there I pass a bridge and then ride along a pathway following the river. It’s such a nice scenery, I couldn’t imagine a better way to start a work day (or the week). Plus, I keep in shape.