On a sunny Tuesday afternoon in Stockholm.

I always feel so much alive when it comes to the spring and summer in Europe. The sky will be clear and blue with the sun shining throughout the day. The air is fresh and everyone just seems to be happy. The day is longer and I can just stay out the whole day.
Unlike when you live in a country who is 24 hrs warm and sometimes occasionally you get the rain to cool down, it is never the same. You don't appreciate the sun that much as we people do in Europe.

 People will be out more in the spring and summer. Obviously more people will spend more of their time outdoor much more. Outdoor restaurants will be the first to be fill up with people. Suddenly everything became much more alive.

These are the first thing which makes a lot of changes in the spring and summer. The flowers will start blooming everywhere. Unlike in the autumn and winter, all trees will be totally ripped off and there will be nothing left. So when we start to see the first small bud creeping out of the tip of the branches, we know that the spring is here.

Then this is next where you will start doing, tanning :) You will find any place to sit in a park, or benches in the estate area where you lived and start gathering friends or family. People will bbq, play games, drinks and enjoy so much of the outdoor while they still can.

This is why I really love the summer in Europe. I appreciate the sun much more than when I was living in the warm countries before.

Living and Moving abroad

I don't know if I could ever considered that is my home. My first move away from my birth hometown was when I was 23 years old. Then few years later it just kept going and it doesn't seem to stop.

A few days ago we had our15th years of wedding Anniversary so, I begin, to summarize, where we both have lived together in the world.

Singapore x1

Sweden: Stockholm x4, Borlange x1, Arvika x2

Ireland: Dublin x1

Spain: Riveria x1 Fuengirola x1

Egypt: New Cairo City x1

It was a blessing in disguise to have left Egypt at the right time just when it was during the revolution. Back to Sweden again after being in Egypt. We stayed there for a couple of years again before we decided to move again. This time we ending up in London. Honestly, we love it here. London is a place where you can live comfortably if you have the money. Housing is very expensive. Food... they are very reasonably cheap. Shopping.. varies, you can choose from the high end to the very cheap. Many nice cosy pubs etc.
Anyway back to where we are now.....

United Kingdom: London x1

We have changed 13 different addresses

We have lived in 6 different countries

3 different continents

Does it stop here? 

..........................................................

No, it doesn't and it will not stop here. It will continue.....

There will be another surprise again coming in this blog posting as to where we will be ending up.

Cold November Update

I know I have not been able to keep updating my blog for a long while now. London has kept me busy ,':) While on the other hand I am still in love with this place for every minute. Not a second I am doubtful about my move this time.

Over these past few months lot of things have changed. First and foremost, I have finally quit smoking for good. It has been 9 successful months without a single problem. I started going to the gym for a real workout during those period too without fail unless I am really sick. So 5 days a week I never fail to be there at the gym. It is so convenient to have full equipt gym at our house.

I do go for a swim too someday. Usually I will swim with my son for 20 to 25 laps each time. But lately it has been cold, I kind of skip my swimming that often even it is an indoor pool with 

sauna, jacuzzi and a steam room. The jacuzzi and steam room could be one of my favourite to just sit down relax after the gym.

 My son is enjoying his school here which makes it easier for me as a parents to see your child loves the school. Its a small Swedish International school here in Barnes near to where we live now.

 On the other hand my 2 daughters, came to visit us here in London frequently each time they are free. It is not far to fly from Sweden to London. This is one of the roof top terrace in the estate where we live in. My daughter use to take a walk and we sit here during the summer.

One of the nice place to see is Richmond. It is very near to where we live. It is full of restaurants, cafe shops along the river Thames.  My husband loves to take us for a long walk to different places and we would later find a nice cafe where we would sit and have some coffee and dessert. This photo was taken during the summer. Vel was here with us for almost 2 months.

Another lovely place we been to for our long walk is in the High Park in Kensington. It has a beautiful atmosphere with different types of boat paddling, people sitting under the sun and do a picnic. Outdoor restaurants around that area are usually full and packed with of people.

So here is my happy daughter Vel and my son Gabriel. 

 My eldest daughter Ellie came later in the summer with her boyfriend. Emil loves London too. He and Ellie had made a plan that they both will be moving here to London once Ellie finishes her university in Sweden. I will be a very happy mom again once everyone moves here. Vel and her boyfriend Krille, has also been talking about moving here.
Here we are in Richmond, having a glass of cold drinks after our long walk by the river Thames.

 As usual London is known for its wet day. It can come rain all of a sudden. Here we are sitting and suddenly a heavy downpour for a few minutes. The staffs in the pub came out with umbrella and distributed it to people who are sitting outside. Cool.... :)

 This was taken in Portobello Market. One thing I love about London is that you can find market everywhere. I love going to these market as it is usually full of life and plenty of different kind of good food at the stand. Here is my lovely daughter and her boyfriend Emil.

 We took a long drive to Brighton Pier. It is one of the famous tourist place in England. The weather has been fantastic that day and we sat at the long stoney beach. Brighton would be one of my recommendation for anyone visiting England especially during the summer. It is such a lovely place and full of live.

This came to the late summer when Vel's boyfriend is here for a week before they both flew back to Stockholm. I took them for a walk at Barnes pond. Its a lovely small town around the area where we live. Gabriel is so fond of Krille, so he is always tagging him wherever Krille and Vel go. 

It was a lovely summer with my family and I am looking forward to Xmas this year where all of them will be coming again to celebrate xmas and new year here in London with us.

Effective and intensive workout for weight loss

I have been training for the last couple of weeks intensively. Not only have I decided to lose weight this time but I also quit smoking for almost 3 months now and I feel that my stamina is much better when I run. 

Before I started my training I was really doing my research on how to lose weight effectively. I spent hours reading for the pro and cons of all different possible. I don't believe in popping pills, stop eating or dieting. I believe in eating right and exercise right.

To be very honest I live in a considerably quite well to do neighbourhood, we have a private gym for the resident. All the ladies who came to the gym are never alone. They mostly came with their private instructor and at time there are only 5 trainers including plus 5 instructors. 

I may not like the idea of having a private instructor to begin with. For me it is not complicated like a science rocket. All information you need in losing weight the right way are there on the internet, you can really do a proper research that you need it by reading carefully or seeing the video. Most importantly, you have to be push yourself hard and not try to cheat yourself since no one is watching you. 

Realistically, the first two weeks, I begin with 4 times a weeks and the other 3 days, I went for a long walk or swim few laps.

First week and 2nd week: Cardio exercise for 15 mins before I take my arms, butt, legs and Ab. In between all that I also did few exercises to strengthen my back. I did 10 x 3 for different muscles workout. 4 days gym and 3 days of long walk or swimming. Alternate one day upper body workout and the next lower body workout.

3rd and 4th week : Cardio 30 to 45 mins. 15 x 3 sets each for different muscles workout. 6 days training at the gym and 1 day swimming or long walk.

5th weeks. Same cardio 30 to 45 mins. Increase a little more heavier dumbbell while working with each different muscles group.

I am in that shape now on the photo after the end of 5th week.

I still have a long way to go especially to toned up different parts of my body muscles.

One thing I never asked myself how fast will I lose weight but I asked myself how long I can ran without feeling tired. When I can do 15 mins to 45 mins intensive cardio, I know I can lose weight slowly by then.

My aim is to really toned up my stomach, arms, legs butt, back and giving it 2 months then I will be satisfied. So I will be posting more photos when I see some more changes.

14 years Wedding Anniversary

A heart shape pendant was a lovely present which my husband gave to me on our 14 years of our wedding anniversary. He is cute in many way and the reason I said that is because he is like many other man who never actually remember special dates like we women do. Our wedding anniversary falls on 18th March. I was just waiting for the whole of last week and the week itself on the date of our anniversary to see if he remember or decided to do something.... but nothing. On the day itself, he woke up in the morning like usual, showered, did a cup of warm coffee for me, and sent our son to school. I smile to myself when he left the house as I know he did forgotten. Then I sent him a text message wishing him a Happy Anniversary. 

Usually he is back again by maximum 30mins after sending our son to school but this time he didn't. 

An hr later I text to ask where he was and my lovely husband replied that he is out shopping to find me a gift. Oh he is so sweet but I know he is not so good in shopping and it is early, way too early and the shops are still close so I asked him to come back home instead. I suggested we can have a nice dinner and a good wine tonight instead.

He came home shortly after with a nice wrap packet with a nice heart shape pendant necklace. He is a very nice, caring, loving husband and father. 14 years is a long time to be living with a person but I know we will be living together in many more years to come and surely will grow old together.

Our farewell party

We leaving to Dubai for 2 months and then we will head down to London for good in January. Gabriel will be going to the private international Swedish school in London which is not far from where we will be living.

Our last dinner party are celebrated with around 25 people that are our close friends, neighbors and family. The party was very successful. People were very happy with the food and they all had a great party. Last people to leave was around 3 in the morning. 

My daughters were both helping me with the cooking. Lena Björklund, a friend of mine came in few hours earlier to help me out with the food. 

Elrener got an offer finally for her long term student apartment which we will be driving down to Örebro again to help her move all her things to the other apartment. We will also helped Vel and her boyfriend to move all things into their own apartment which they will be getting their keys on Friday and we moved there next Saturday. 

4 different types of Sushi, roti John, spring roll, spicy prawn, epok epok, beef and chicken satay with peanut sauce and crispy meat.

Lena to the left who came in early to help out. Maria and her husband Mats parents to Krille (Vel's boyfriend) was our first guests.

Letting go of some people in my life.....

There are people who comes and go in my life, some stays for as long as I am alive and some just move on. I don't have problem of letting go of people who ain't worth holding on to. People may not be perfect but once I reach out my hands to you once and it will be the last you will never know. 

Live your life and I will live mine. I know mine is full of colourful n adventurous exciting life while yours have been dull and the same year after year. 

If finding other people fault is what you are good at than keep that profession as it has shown clearly why you still there.

Last but not least......

Christmas

We arrived back home to Sweden on the 22nd December at almost 12:00. Got to get everything ready and for Christmas at this short notices. Peter and I went out immediately after lunch to start buying and preparing for Christmas food. I went out the next day to buy all the presents. We did it at the last minute. I love our Christmas this year as it was not stress, everyone was happy and relaxed.

The last month of 2012.

I realized that I have been so busy during the last month of 2012 and have not had much time to sit and write  much on my blog. Where Christmas is getting closer, everyone are busy preparing for their xmas shopping, decorating.......
We the family on the other hand prepared everything at the very last minute,  Peter and I went to Dubai for a wedding of the daughter of Saleem B.L. Since it's a dress code stated in the invitation, I was busy looking for a dress to wear that evening, accessories, handbag instead of Christmas shopping. It was one of the most grand wedding I have been to.

On the 17th December, we arrive at the Mena Al Salam, Jumeirah Hotel. We checked into our deluxe Suite and went down to meet the rest of them who have arrived earlier. We were told that tomorrow everyone were supposed to meet at the lobby at 10 in the morning for a desert trip for lunch which was organised by the bride parents for lunch in the desert.

 18th December 2012.

It was Peter Birthday. Unfortunately I did not really get to celebrate his birthday like I wanted to as we were all so busy and tied up with an ongoing scheduled.

My lucky number 7 and I got a Jeep number 7 to the desert.

I was very surprised to see so many Jeep waiting in a row waiting for us. We get into the car and we stop half way to take a break. I was told that there were 50 Jeep ordered for this trip. I met so many people. It was a very nice experience and I am glad I have chosen a soft trip instead of the hard ones. It felt like I was in a roller coaster. I am glad that Moe was with us the the same car as he really created a nice atmosphere and made us laugh throughout our trip in the car ride.

Met Helen a journalist who came from England on this short break when everyone gets out of their cars to get some fresh air.

The lunch begins.

Peter, Mamet and Göran sitting under the tent.

After lunch, the bride and the groom with all their brother's, sister's, cousins went to sing while Moe played his guitar.

The bride mom and dad dance slow dance.

People as dancing under this tent including the bride and groom, their parents and people who were there. They have also organised different activities for everyone; snowboarding but since we were in the desert, they have sand-boarding instead. Most youngster tried sand-boarding, camel riding, painting etc. It was a memorable day. I really enjoyed the trip.

Camel riding.

Moe performing for us throughout the whole time there.

The cool sand boarding!

We got back to the hotel around 16:00 and was told that all the men are invited to the house of the boss around 17:00. Peter left with the rest of the guys. I rested in the room and at 19:00 I went to the lobby to meet up with the girls for dinner.
We took a Gondolen right in front of the hotel and went shopping.

It was really nice to see the different building and lighting during the night. 

We girls went back to the hotel around 21:00 and decided to have our dinner at the Chinese restaurant.

Peter came back to the hotel around 2 in the morning as he was sitting with the boss, talking and catching up old talk. We didn't get to do much to celebrate his birthday but we had a good time in the desert.

19th December 2012.

Woke up in the morning where Peter and I decided to go to the pool or the beach for a while before the dinner tonight. 

The workers have been working for days in setting up the tent for the big wedding.

That evening we were all ready for the dinner. Everyone was told to be at the lobby at 7 as the cars will be there picking up up.

It was a wedding dinner organized by the groom parents at one of the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifah. It was held at the fist lower level of the roof top. I was glad for that was it was pretty cold that night and if were to be on the top, we will all be freezing cold.

We got the best table, near food, near toilet, near smoking area :)

That night was interesting as I met personally with almost all the borther and sister's. One of them told me that he was the number 40's something in the family :) 

 This is a very nice interesting couple I met that evening. Humble, polite, soft spoken and sweet. I could not believe he was somehow a  person related to serving the royal family.

Our group of Guests that evening from the big boss invitation.

Welcome cocktail party before entering the wedding tent.

Where the wedding ceremony, speeches, performance was held. 

After the wedding ceremony and dinner, we went outside again as there are big firework and cake cutting outside the tent again. I was so speechless as it was so beautiful with firework, right beside the full moon and the lovely couple were so beautiful cutting their big giant wedding cake, I realized that I have forgotten to take a photo.

Anyway the photos of which I took of the bride and groom will not be displayed in my blog due to respect of their privacy reason. 

It was the most beautiful wedding and a nice wonderful time in Dubai.