Tomoko in Stockholm

Hmmm Good bye

2011-08-14T13:05:00.002+02:00

If I was to describe myself in a word, it would be - corny

... or cheesy
.... or embarrassing

Just read one post I wrote a long time ago and cringed, I had to stop reading it.

Life is fine
Yes I am happy

Sorry I subjected family and friends to my silly posts over the years.

Hugs
T

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T20:24:00.003+01:00

It's 8 o'clock on a Saturday, the regular crowd sits around
There's the whole fam sitting next to me, timing out from all the eating today..... (billy joel, Piano man)

Another year of the good Swedish life has gone by and I realised I haven't really written much for the last 2 years.

As I sit on the sofa here while Viktor's parents watch tv on Christmas night, I think it is high time to reflect briefly on my year.

To sum it all up, I am a very lucky person.
Our son Björn is our joy, 2.5 yrs old and exhausts us with his troublesome twos - what more can we ask. For every time he is difficult, he returns us with laughter, hugs, cheeky games, cute comments and an entertainer - the gains are far greater.

Viktor has been my dream man incarnated; being my best friend, the logical angel on my shoulder, a sensible sounding board for all trivial and important issues, forever patient with all my short comings and he is also my private clown.

I've changed jobs this year, away from the my-second-home embassy to a private firm. In hindsight I do not regret the move, although going to the Residence Christmas party last week did bring me back to a happy work life I had with my former colleagues. Though it is not fair to my new work environment - there are three fab people I adore there - we all take a few steps back once in a while before proceeding forward.

2010 was a year of waiting I think.
This is an online first - to make it official that the Nordlings will be moving to Australia in 2011, for reasons that will soon be clearer. Anyway, it's taken time to get the all clear for my next job, over a year really. But now the waiting will soon be over and we will have to rush in order to complete preparations to sell our apartment and relocate our lives to down under. A daunting prospect but very exciting.

I've lived in Stockholm for 5 years now.
This country is amazing and I am so fortunate to be able to become part of society.
Leaving Sweden to go back to Australia is something I don't take lightly, I know I am going to have a severe case of reverse culture shock. For all it's cold long winter issues and awkward conversations; the traditions, music and social welfare benefits are unreplicable. Thank you for looking after me Sweden xoxo

Merry Christmas

T

Upload of email version for html

2010-01-25T07:32:00.001+01:00

Upload of email version for html

2010-01-25T07:32:00.000+01:00

Let's try the smaller version....

2010-01-25T01:24:00.001+01:00

Testing html poster

2010-01-25T01:13:00.002+01:00

Uploading to add to emails

2009-09-25T10:36:00.000+02:00

Summer holidays 2009

2009-08-29T12:54:00.000+02:00

Early August I had a wonderful break away from Presidency work, spending a lot of time with mama group friends and family for the first week, then took a blitz of a trip to London for our Abbotsleigh European reunion.
Having organised it from here, I'm really chuffed that it happened and we had a wonderful night.
(Thank's Gabby for letting me stay at your gorgeous place in Angel!)

Then for the second part of my holiday we went to northern Dalarna and went mountain hiking in Norway.
Nothing much more to say other than that the trip was beautiful, damn lucky (superb weather conditions) and well worth the effort.

Björn on the boat taking us into the Norwegian side of the lake

The water off the mountains was so chilled, beats the pants off any other drink in the world

Viktor carried Björn for most of the trip, but I needed to give evidence that I did part-take in the load
(well at least for 20mins.... out of a whole day of trekking)

The Nordlings on a plateau-like area high in the mountains.

Some pics from this Summer

2009-08-29T12:39:00.000+02:00

Berlin & Gabby visited Stockholm

Björn enjoying some vitamin D

Uncle Kimen and Uncle Filip babysat a few times

And Björn beginning to develop dexterity

Our 2 year Anniversary

2009-07-14T23:56:00.003+02:00

Today had started like any other, struggling to wake up while Björn sounds his morning wake up plea with a broad happy grin.

I went to work, and the hours flew by. Had a short lunch break, before I realised, my boss said I should really start heading home.

So making my way out of the gates, I reach for my mobile to tell Viktor I will be home later than usual but at least I'm making my way home. To this V said he'll see me soon.
Turning the corner, I see a car identical to ours but before I could compute Viktor leaped out from behind the Norweign embassy's garden hedge with a surprising "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Yes it was a surprise, and I understood that he was meaning to say: Happy Anniversary.

Not having to catch the bus home was bonus enough, but he then took me to a sushi place I've been keen to go to for several months. I can count the number of times we have dined out together without Björn on one hand so it was a great perk to eat and enjoy eachother's company.

Later we went to pick up Björn from his great aunt Helene (Thank you!) and stayer for a few hours for tea. Not leaving until almost 10pm, it's been a super lovely evening.

Thank you Viktor for all your love.
Next year will be my turn to thing of something nice!

Good night all
Tomoko

Lucky, Spoilt & Well fed - My 28th Birthday

2009-06-01T00:40:00.000+02:00

Thank you Viktor for whisking us away for my surprise birthday weekend!
We stayed at a lovely new boutique hotel in Norrtälje - completely unexpected and the place was so beautiful.

We spent the afternoon walking around the town, then visiting Karin, Stefan, Alice and Edith at their summer house, then enjoying a fab dinner - just the three of us. Björn was very well behaved considering he had to hang out at the table for 2 hours.

Playing in a near by park

Starters

My Birthday Breakfast at the hotel!

Then to top if off, my birthday was a sublimely gorgeous Summer day - so we returned back to Sthlm, packed a picnic lunch and joined the families at Sickla beach. There Björn had his first swim in Sweden with his pappa.

Spoilt by love, fun, weather and happiness - how could I be sad about being a year older?!
Hmmm 28 - well, it sure has started off with a blast - may the happiness continue.
luv T

Note: Thank you so much to family for your bday emails. Mum, the Hermes scarf is funky - thank you! and Thank you to everyone for all the messages on FB. xoxo

Why no blogs

2009-04-21T22:40:00.002+02:00

It's simple really, I can't find my camera charger since coming back from Sydney.
Thus I can't take photos....
... which means that I would have to write about my life rather than just posting 3-4 pictures, which is by far the easier way to go about things.

So recent news:
- Björn's had a fever for the last 3 days. 2 of which were with Viktor, who has been a great pappa looking after him.
- On Sunday night I played at the Stadshuset (City Hall) with the KTH orchestra
- and tonight I played at the Konserthuset so it's been rather hectic.

- work is on the go, only 3 days a week still but from May it will be 5 days a week.
- I still need to lose weight and try to look presentable again
- Spring is slowly coming to Stockholm
- Björn is now 10 months old
- V, B and I are very happy.

So that's my update, all well really.

Well, sleep time is a precious commodity in my life now so will hit the hay now.
Good night
t

The Nordling Chefs

2009-03-31T21:14:00.000+02:00

On Sunday the Nordlings took a cooking class altogether for Ulla's 60th B'day (present given to her last year).
Hugo and Björn were babysat by Elenor and Aunt Helene.

Viktor and I made the starter: Crayfish soup. Would have been divine.... if there was a little less salt. But hey, makes me want to make it again to do it right next time round!

Nicken braising the meat

Dessert on the go.

It was a lot of fun!

Ok, V is off the phone so we will continue to watch Medium.

Good night
t

Emergency to the hospital

2009-02-12T15:45:00.005+01:00

Here are some pics, I am too tired to write anything right now.
Björn got an allergic reaction to some forgotten eggs that were in my puréed leftover fried rice.

It was either that or the lychee.

Within minutes of when I first noticed he was very red around the face, the rash on his back, legs, arms and hands were flaring up.

At the emergency ward, they were very prompt and we saw the nurses and doctors immediately. There was a team of 6 assisting us.

After he was medicated with some steroids and .... the stuff that reduces irration and itchyness, we were then transfered to the childrens ward to be under observation for 4 hours.

At 12:10am we were allowed to return home.

Björn is now sleeping very soundly.

Thank God that was all it was. It was terrifying.
Especially when I watched his lips swell as we were driving to the hospital.
All the fears of aphyxiation etc raced through my mind as I watched him turn completely red.

Anyway I will try to go to sleep now. Thanks Mum for being there for every second.
Can't thank you enough for helping me.

Night night /t

Awesome New Year 2009!

2009-01-03T00:57:00.004+01:00

Hello fam and friends near and far,

We've returned back to Stockholm in one piece, with a fixed car and 3 days of great fun with Stefan, Karin, Alice, Edith and the other NYE gang!

Winter 08/09 has turned out to be great. Since moving into our Sickla home in Jan last year, the lake right next to our place finally froze over! And the ski hill less than 10mins walk away officially opened on NYs day.
So before we headed to Bergshamra, Viktor tested the ice for its first winter lap. It is so crazy to have a huge ice skating rink 2 mins from the doorstep! (not that i really ice skate well or cross country ski...)

Joining the Svenssons/Schönbergs for NYE there was everything from 3 babies and one toddler, a MASS of unbelievably delicious food, plenty of drinking (which goes without saying), a board game inbetween, fireworks at midnight and champagne at midnight on the outside balcony in -11 degrees. Now what can beat that!

---- from here on, the pics didn't upload properly so will try again in a new entry

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T18:06:00.000+01:00

Best wishes to family and friends,

We just got back from a small christmas service at a church in Knivsta. It was very short and sweet.
We've been sitting around and eating a lot, taking walks in the snow inbetween and generally taking it is ultra easy.
Last night we watched Miss Potter which I really enjoyed - not one for the guys that's for sure.

Mum, I heard that you called while I was out - thanks for your call. Hope you have a fun day tomorrow, sounds like you're going to have a BIG and long day with lots of kids involved!

Lots of love to all, better go now, it is dinner time now! Then we'll be opening presents when Tomten (Santa) comes.
God Jul and good night!

Karin and Micke pop by on the 23rd

Farmor Ulla and Björn

Nicken lighting the Christmas candles

Our lovely Christmas tree!

Björn turns 6 months today!

2008-12-15T22:38:00.000+01:00

Busy busy busy! Tis the season to be jolly.... or is it 'tis the season everything is happening all at once and every tom dick and harry are meeting up before the end of the year - crazy times I tell ya!

Montage: 5 months old

Dinner at Emma & Petter's place. Björn thinks his cousin Hugo is great!

Hello

Last Friday night was Cubeia's Christmas dinner (V's company).

Lots of xmas food at a Medieval restaurant. Thank you Emma for baby sitting Björn that night!!!!

Good night
love Björn and Tomoko

Play Groups

2008-12-02T10:13:00.003+01:00

It's raining and quiet in Stockholm town today, and it feels a little gloomy in the Nordling household - namely because all the lights are off (btw Sweden is dark this time of year) while Björn sleeps and recovers from his fever ordeals and I am covered head to toe and comforted with a pack of tissues. Oh the joys of the flu!

Just wanted to post up a pic from last saturday's japanese playgroup. They are so much fun!
Thank you Kaori and Kaori for organising the activities, there is never a boring moment!!

Björn and I will be going to Hedgehogs this Friday, English speaking playgroup, which will be nice. I've only been once so far and the place is held in a really cute place full of toys.

Playgroups, lunches and fikas (coffee/cafe sessions) seem to be the lot in my life at the mo, but who's complaining - I LOVE THIS LIFE!

Also a new addition to our home - a baby high chair. Why mention this benal purchase? Well.... it's not every day you get a high chair that matches the rest of the house and costs over $400(AUD). The story behind it though: I made sneering comments when I first saw it "I mean, who uses leather for a baby chair that's going to be used as a second plate?!?!" and so on. But when we later realised that this piece of furniture was going to be in the centre of our room, I reconsidered, then twisted V to buy it. No regrets - I love this chair *sigh*

Anyway a coughing attach is on its way.
/over and out

t

Italian Baby Food

2008-11-27T00:57:00.000+01:00

Viktor will be posting up his photos on his album.

Just a funny episode: Baby Food for 4 months old Italians

In Sweden babies can start taste testing from 4 months, but very gentle purees such as potatoe, apricot and broccoli etc.
To my amusement, in the Italian supermarket I found small jars (for 4 month olds) of rabbit, chicken, beef, cheese and the funniest of all: proscuitto!!!

Anyway when in Rome (or northern Italy really), so Björn also ate italian food with his first taste of meat!

Proscuitto - for a 4 month old! Who would have thought.

/over n out.

Nordlings went to Italy!

2008-11-25T10:10:00.001+01:00

We're back - back to Stockholm where it's been snowing non-stop and ploughing through the snow with the pram is hard work!

Anyway we went on our first overseas family trip to Northern Italy.
Proud to say it and not ashamed about my lack of modesty: Björn was a breeze to travel on the plane with!

On the way he was a tiny intsy bit restless due to boredom but on the way back he didn't make a sound!

Where did we go? Hired a car and went through Brescia, Verona, Padua, day trip to Venice, Vicenza and a quick trip through Bergamo on the way back to the airport - phew!

We will post the pics up somewhere - don't know yet if it'll be on Viktor, Björn or my photo album...hmmmm.....

Nordlings in Venice

Jetsetting starts at age 5 months

I loved travelling as a fam - it was really enjoyable. Saying that, there's no place like home - it's great to be back and just take it easy (sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea and watching the snow fall outside).

Oh yeah - big news, day we got back my niece Lucy was born! Congrats Pete and Annette! Can't wait to meet her!!!!

Halloween Party

2008-11-01T20:07:00.002+01:00

Sharon and David held a great halloween fest on Friday night - a great crowd, plenty of drinks and lots of fab costumes. It was fun to catch up with them too after their wedding in Bali - the wedding pics were enviously amazing.

The Nordlings served their brains for the party
Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of it before hand. I made 3 brains carved out of a watermelon; 2 big ones and a mini brain for Björn. The signs read: 'Nordlings for Supper'

I can't believe people ate it!

2008-10-01T12:14:00.000+02:00

Last week

Yesterday

A perfect & relaxing weekend

2008-09-15T00:16:00.000+02:00

Every weekend is quite busy in the Nordling household so it was really calming to take it easy on Sat and Sunday.

On Saturday we went to the Belgian Greenhouse gardens, made specially to appreciate greenery during the cold winter months. I was pleasantly suprised and impressed at how good the gardens are. For the first time I saw what pineapples, vanilla pods, figs etc look like when they are still on trees!

Björn is doing well. How on earth did we manage to get a child that hardly ever cries?!?! Touch wood.

Björn finally got to meet Ragnar - future programming teacher or tutor ;-)

Note to family:

In the bathroom, above Björn's changing mat I made a collage of all his close relatives on both sides. He loves looking at them so we hope that he will come to be very familiar with faces in Sydney, in prep for when we go over there next year!

With love, t and Björn

Jarivs visits Stockholm - Yeah!

2008-09-07T21:53:00.000+02:00

Two weekends ago Jarvis came to Sweden! We spent the friday going around town (weather wasn't the best) but it was so wonderful to catch up and hang out with her! We had din din at home and luckily enough both Mattias and Jarvis stayed over!

BTW Jarvis: Viktor got the computer working again that Saturday! Hurray :-) Thanks for your patience and help.

Jarvis in Gamla Stan

On top of the Telecom tower

Jarvis the multi-tasker looking after Björn and helping Viktor with the computer - tack Jarvis

Saturday morning, taking a stroll at Sickla lake

Thank you so much for visiting us Jarvis, it was so so so so so awesome to see you again!
hugs
Tomoko

Family Trip to Kolmården Animal Park

2008-09-07T21:39:00.000+02:00

On 26 August Viktor, Björn and I made a short trip south to a very large zoo.
Björn might have been a little too young to really appreciate all the animals, but V and I had a good time!

Pregnant Dolphin
We saw lots of animals I had never seen in real life

The view from our hotel room

Björn turns 2 months old

2008-08-11T13:54:00.002+02:00

Yesterday Björned hit the 8 weeks mark - his arm coordination is increasing, he smiles a lot and he met a friend who is similar in age over the weekend.

Why is it that watching him never gets boring?

Viktor and Björn

Björn met Måns who is 3 months old

Karin & Micke stopped by last night so we ducked out to a greek restaurant.

His sleeping patterns at night haven't really improved and I fear I am beginning to rely a lot more on formula so I should try and increase breast feeding. Otherwise all is going well.

My Second Month Montage

Embarking on Week 7 with Björn

2008-08-03T22:10:00.002+02:00

It's late Sunday evening after a really delightful weekend spending quality time as a family of three.
Another week full of visitors/catch ups. Last week Lova, Daniel, Peter, Filip and Kimen came over in the evenings. Viktor's mum and dad came over on Saturday night. I met up with Ruth in town as well as seeing Jo Packer's parents! Björn and I also went to the BVC (Baby centre) for another weighing: he is now 4.47kg!

Aside from weighing much more, each week he is capable of doing more things - small things yet but his awareness of his immediate surroundings are increasing which means that he can play more with the mobiles and play gym.

Anyway enough baby talk. To see more pics: http://picasaweb.google.se/bnordling

My not-so-Japanese-looking son

Strolling down to the lake 3 minutes away from home

Thank you Mum!

2008-07-23T18:05:00.002+02:00

For the past 5 weeks my mum has been in Stockholm to help Viktor and I with Björn. She was an enormous & constant source of support and encouragment. She did 95% of things at home, including cooking, mending clothes (V and I can't sew), food shopping, driving me to the midwife appointments, laundry, cleaning, watering plants, reoranising kitchen cupboards, hemming up curtains, organising hallway cupboard - to mention a few. She was always there to help me with Björn - nappy changing, burping, clothes changing, getting him to sleep, bathing him etc etc.

The 1st 5 weeks of Björns life has been ridiculously adventurous and eventful. Too much to write about - basically los of outings, 2 trips to the countryside, lots of gatherings with Viktor's relatives and short trips into the city cente. None of which Viktor and I could have done without Haruko.

Mum cook dinner for all the visitors (2-3 dinners a week) and she even cooked up 2 dinners which she then transported to our friend's place and one which fed 13 people!
Anyway, point is she was awesome.

Sadly she went back to Sydney yesterday.

Thank you Mum,
Love Tomoko & Björn

The most important day of my life: Björn Enzo Nordling

2008-06-19T20:09:00.000+02:00

On Sunday 15th June 2008 little Björn was born at Söder hospital in Stockholm.

The last 4 days have been extraordinary and I am amazed/mesmorised with every little thing Björn does.

I am so very very lucky.

/ Lucky Tomoko

Is the wait over?

2008-06-14T12:41:00.003+02:00

It's almost 1pm on Saturday 14 June 08.

Pains started late last night and I woke up at 4am with contractions ever since.
All is fine, just ate lunch and basically taking it easy.
The discomfort - aka PAIN isn't too bad, it's all in the mind so they say.
One must not dwell on the pain, relax and think happy thoughts (or meditate) so that it reduces the freeze factor (which increases pain) and increases oxytocins - the happy drug/chemical that gets everything going.

So all is well.

I have a hard schedule to keep, there is less than 5 hours to go until Sweden plays Spain in the Euro Cup and I promised Viktor that I wouldn't deliver on a match night!

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

Back again, that was the worst contraction yet.....

Anyway need to go now. Might go to the hospital in a few hours.

Take care all.

/tomoko

Three days after due date....... hallo bubs..... are we ready?

2008-06-10T08:05:00.003+02:00

Viktor just headed out for work.
It's raining today which is a refreshing change - and I am still in waiting mode.
Saturday 7th came and went without a fuss, actually I did lots of things to try and naturally induce the baby:

- ate lots of spicy food
- walked
- went out shopping with Viktor
- spent time with Viktor....ahem
- and we even went to a free concert in the evening in Huddinge.
It was for youth, the average age was 15 I think. Heavy metal and punk rock outdoors. If you know me, you know that is not me, but I thought that lots of loud banging music would discomfort the baby and maybe encourage it to be free...?!?

Anyway that didn't seem to work. So counting 3 days now. Prenatal lectures said that delivery date is between 8 days before or after the date.

Mum is coming from Sydney in 7 days which is exciting. Maybe the baby isn't even born when she gets here.

Well..... hopefully not, I feel like a sloth for being a princess at home doing very little.

Here's to another day of relaxing, doing odd crafts and cooking.

/tn

Tick tock Tick tock

2008-06-04T12:13:00.002+02:00

What a wonderful few weeks I've had. The weather is incredible in Stockholm at the moment. It's going to be 25-20 degrees every day this week! The past 2 weeks have been better than the entire 2007 summer so I am counting myself very lucky for having this optimum break.

Enough about weather - THANK YOU to Lisa, Jo and Jarvis for each spoiling me with sms' and best wishes. Thank you to my family for the emails and cards. And was surprised to see so many facebook bday wishes, so thank you.

Yes, my bday was great. Viktor and I decided to do the opposite to his b'day (one week before with 16 visitors over 3 days) and we spent an entire day relaxing at a nearby reserve/park alongside the water. We bathed, sunbaked, ate snacks, slept, read and took it easy for the entire day. Then we were a little heat stroked so we came home and had a long afternoon nap! A PERFECT day in my books.

On Monday I managed to completely forget about my midwife appointment, so its been rescheduled for tomorrow. oops

Objectives met in recent days:
I've rearranged the entire contents of the wardrobe/cupboards in the bedroom, reorganise the storage room, caught up on all the laundry, almost completed filing of important docs and finally, stocked up the freezer with lots of 2 portioned meats of all sorts so I don't need to go to the shops once the bub comes.

Last task:
To redecorate the guest bedroom for when my mum comes in a few weeks. I bought curtains, bed fittings etc yesterday. I just need Viktor's help in moving around the furniture.

So that's all folks for now.
Thank you again for the birthday and 'good luck for the delivery' wishes!

cheers
Tomoko - now going to the bank.

Farewell to my Youthful 26th Year

2008-05-30T23:08:00.002+02:00

So long, farewell,
to youth, my hips and charm
Adieu, Adieu to you my 2 and 6

Good Bye....... Good bye...... good bye......!

My last 3 quarters of an hour as a 26 year old.
Twas a very good year, actually quite exceptional, with many highlights,
Thank you Viktor for still taking me down the aisle, taking me on an amazing extravaganza in the Himalaya, Christmas in Japan and Sydney, our new apartment and being pregnant for three quarters of the year!

So good night all,
I will go to bed hoping that an additional year to my age will increase my wisdom and my capacity to be a good mum in the near future!

Signing off - hugs from 26 year old Tomoko.

1st Weekend on Maternity Leave

2008-05-27T10:54:00.001+02:00

1 & 2) Surprise management Baby Shower! Thank you so much guys!

3) Mattias & Caroline with Livia visit

4) Viktor's Birthday gathering with his Aunts' families: Laidlaws and Mårbrants on May 23

Week 38 Tummy

2008-05-21T09:31:00.002+02:00

Last night Viktor and I walked to the lake (3 mins from our apartment) and took some photos. We also went to the midwife yesterday, all is on schedule. Touch wood.

love tomoko

The Eve of my Maternity Leave Chapter

2008-05-19T00:22:00.003+02:00

Sunday night - I should be going to bed.

But what am I going to do tomorrow morning?!?!?

It feels so strange that my schedule is completely clear.....

..... what should I do with my time!

This week's objectives:
- Rearrange one of my cupboards for baby clothes
- Pack bags for the hospital (for Viktor and I)
- wash all new clothes and towels for baby
- complete the painting I started last week
- decide on menu for V's birthday dinner next Sat night
- buy V's present
- write emails back to people
- hair cut
- relax

That should last me the first couple of days.
Tick tock tick tock - the waiting game will officially begin tomorrow.

Good night
/tomoko

Current Fixations

2007-10-09T16:00:00.000+02:00

My favourite function at the moment is: www.stumbleupon.com

With a click of a button, it does the search for all your interests and finds you interesting websites.

Tips: have 'online games' as one, lots of amusement to be found.

My faviourite website at the moment is: http://www.phatterism.com/

Nothing more to say other than, great website

t

The Year of Weddings & Farewells

2007-09-01T10:52:00.000+02:00

A BAZILLION THANK YOUs to everyone who came to our wedding.

I feel undeserving of such an amazing PRINCESS WEDDING, the whole entire day and evening was like a fairytale - if anyone is to claim they had an out-of-this-world wonderful and fantasy wedding, it is me! and this lack of modesty is with no credit to me.

Viktor did close to all the planning
Noorslott Staff were EXCEPTIONAL to EVERY tiny detail at the reception (the castle was impeccable)
Karin & Karin my bridesmaids have been so supportive, caring and - just the best.
Kimen & Filip are so organised, thoughtful and helpful with party plans
Stefan has been so solid as a friend to both V and I, you kept him relaxed (thank u!)
Simon flew over from London - had the whole master of ceremonies under wraps

And all the guests: DANCED ALL NIGHT and were the most amazingly fun loving, outgoing, warm and happy party people I have ever seen at any event! Thank you THANK YOU!

Thank you also to Petter (Emma's partner) for taking BEAUTIFUL photos!

From my camera:

And some pics to our honeymoon from Ananda Resort - wehere we had up to 3 treatments a day (full body massages, facials, body wraps, hot oil therapy - you name it, we did it!):

Since the wedding, I've been back at work. One week in Hanslope Park in England on an accounting course and the rest of the time seems to be going to farewell parties and dinners. Two people from UK Trade & Investment (work) left in the past 2 weeks including the boss who was a diplomat, and Hannah my great German friend+family moved back to Berlin last week and now Yoko is going back to Tokyo. So many sad farewells.....

I will load these pics onto my picasa site.

Lots of love
Tomoko

example cut paste

2007-06-18T10:51:00.000+02:00

Swedish Midsummer - German interpretation - Banned IKEA advertisement

2007-06-13T13:06:00.000+02:00

Can't wait until the 22nd June!

Emma (v's sister) emailed me this link.

Despite all comments on youTube, at least they got some of the details right:

- dancing around a maypole
- drinking snapps all day
- eating sill and bread with lots of butter

Overall I thought it was entertaining.
Never experienced a swedish midsummer? Come and visit me next year and I can show you!

Cheers
Tomoko

Wedding Info Finally Up online

2007-06-11T01:26:00.000+02:00

After weeks and weeks of knowing that people flying to Stockholm just for the wedding didn't have any info other than invitation details, it feels jolly good this 'to do' task can be ticked off the list!

Link: http://www.ewedding.com/sites/Nordling/

Good night
tt

Woke up and realised my life is very dandy!

2007-06-01T08:02:00.000+02:00

Well after causing such a downer of a pre-26 evening, my mood ever since has been quite the extreme opposite.

Viktor prepared breaky in bed, with 2 pressies (newest ipod shuffle - much better size for exercising with, and a rice cooker) and then in the evening we went to one of Stockholms high end restaurants called Lions Tower. The wine list was almost as extensive as the phone directory - I've never seen a list like it. There were so many wines between AU$500-1000 a bottle (no per glass servings) it was plush!

Thank you to everyone's well wishes - in particular Jarvis (who kindly wished my happy 24th!), Blake, Karin B, Viktor's mum Ulla, Emma and Mary.

Berlin - you'll be 26 soon enough and look like a smurf too! ha ha ha ha

All I needed was a slap to remind me that I am living it well.

So thank you V for once again spoiling me, and back to work I go!

26th Birthday Dinner at Leijontornet

Lots of Love
Tomoko - 26 and 1 day old (and very happy)

Dawning on a new error...

2007-05-30T22:39:00.000+02:00

Tonight - I cooked dinner then Viktor went to football training.

I watched 2 shows simultaneously (grey's ant. and 2nd season Proj. runnway) while waiting for the laundry (4 loads in total).

Viktor just came home.

and I am badly in need of a shower.

So as I was tidying up the apartment a little earlier on, it dawned on me that tomorrow won't bring mirth and happy tidings as it once did but will destinctively mark the end of my youth and the air of innocent optimism.

no daaaaa yes I know. The age old discussion women whine about but hey, I've now earned my right to say these things.

26 tomorrow - and I still need to get back to 6 people who've written really lovely emails (thank you soooo much for writing to me! I will write soon I promise) and a heavy conscience weighs me down a little.

Pros - getting married in a month so petty superficial issues ought to wilt with new marital stance and a blossoming spring of newly wed life.
Job: tick, apartment:tick, a firm disposal income:tick, happy home: tick, a guy who's doing all the wedding planning: tick, friends: tick
yeah yeah its not meant to be a brag list.

Cons - no more youth discounts for public transport (in Sweden everyone under 25 gets consession prices), will pass onto the late 20s, knowing my self expectations by 26 and the reality are not remotely close and yes the rate that I whinge and whine is unmistakably increased at a calamital rate.

Well yes, these are my last pondering thoughts for this evening, as a 25yr old.

Cheer up gran, tomorrow I will look onto today and think I should have been happy - being a day younger.

Good night
If anyone does read this nonsense, and feel compelled to wish me happy b'day - pretend that I am turning 24 . It has a better ring to it.

Oyasumi
Luv tomoko

Estonia last weekend, London this week - SO HAPPY TO STAY IN STOCKHOLM this weekend!

2007-04-21T12:10:00.000+02:00

Howdy, it has been ages.

Last weekend Stefan, Karin, little Alice, Viktor and I went on a cruise to Tallinn.
It was fun - the highlights would have to be:

- Hanging out with S,K and baby sitting Alice. She's 1 and she's already been outside of the EU!

- V ordered hot chocolate for me in Tallinn. It was a cold and windy day so it was just what I felt like. The hilarious thing was, he came back with an empty cup - except 30-40ml of think melted dark chocolate. Yes you had to be there but it did crack us up.

Anyway coming back from London - the 2 day course for UKTI was v.useful - I now know what we do as an organisation!
There are many things to add but I have to run, V is about to play a soccer match.

Cheers
tt

TOMOKO Song!

2007-03-24T18:02:00.000+01:00

FINALLY! There is a song using the name Tomoko!

Heidi and James at work told me yesterday that they heard a song on the radio in the morning with my name.

Lo and behold, move over Mona, Donna, Alice, Layla, Sandy and all the other songs...

TOMOKO is here!

Muhahahahahaha!!

Hafdis Huld Tomoko
Uppladdat av eole17

A Sad Good Bye

2007-03-10T10:12:00.000+01:00

Eliot Fitzsimmons 1981-2007

Sad Good bye

It seems surreal to even write about Eliot like this.
Dane called me on Tuesday with the news.

If only Eliot could sit at a pc now and read what I am about to say or more so, I wish I could have told him this last year:

- He is genuine. I think Eliot's facial expressions are like an open book, not in s neg. sense but as someone who wouldn't smear a fake expression in pretence. Despite growing up in a pretty pretentious environment, I could always ask Eliot how he really felt about a matter and the response would never be anything but his true thoughts.

- Eliot is the best double bass player I know, how is it that so few people have heard him play?

- In 1997 we were both in a musical at Knox. Eliot was a really nice guy who welcomed me, the 'outsider', and introduced me to everyone else. Eliot was so friendly and warm, he would let me join in on their 400 card games during breaks (even though I didn't know how to play) and even after the musical, he would invite me to his house parties. If it wasn't for Eliot, I wouldn't have become friends with many of the Knox boys I've hung out with over the years.

- My first (and only) Knox formal I went to was as Eliot's partner in year 10.

- In 2000 we went camping as a group up north. Crazy storm remember? and everything got wiped out with rain. Hilarious.

- You had so many parties at your place in Gordon. How many times did you have barbies? countless times. ha ha just remembered the time the boys lifted and carried away Porter's jeep one night, it was so random.

- Eliot, you are a great guy. The wonderful and absurd times of my school years were thanks to your initial kindness all the back in Guys and Dolls, and I treasure your friendship.

- I will never forget you.

love Tomoko

A Tribute to Carl Olof Nordling

2007-02-16T09:00:00.000+01:00

Viktor's Grandfather, Carl aka Calle, passed away yesterday at age 87 years.

A Tribute to Carl Olof Nordling

An academic who studied and research not for namesake but with a passion to learn continuously for a living. He even published a book in 2006 and has his own website & blog.

Carl O. Nordling's Website

I know Viktor has always held him as a source of inspiration as he showed the way to endeavour in learning new things. He kept up with technology, he was physically fitter than me until 3 months ago and he was always quick to pull out an encyclopedia, atlas or dictionary whenever we were over at his place for lunch.

He has been a very dear friend to me since I first moved to Sweden.
He always encouraged me to learn new Swedish words, gave me language books and CDs and was the one to teach me my very first swedish phrase in Finland 2004.

Calle: "Tomoko, kan du tala svenska?"
me: "Bara lite men jag lära mig mer och mer svenska varje dag"

He asked me the same question every morning during that summer until I could say it.

Calle took me to my first concert at the KonsertHuset and took me to see The Merchant of Venice (in Swedish) at the Dramatic theatre. Although I studied M of Venice in year 9, I was hazy with the story line so Calle said he had some reference books I could read prior to the show. He dropped off 5 different versions of Shakespeare's M.Venice and told me that one was good for it's brief summary (not so brief actually - a VERY solid book), another had detailed information on the contexts and references made in the play and I recall looking at one book's publication date and it was 1895.

We found out last night around 10pm and we are both shocked and upset.
Last night Viktor said the he 'missed him already'. I didn't feel it then but I feel it now.

Thank you Calle, for being such a caring friend and for welcoming me into your family.

I will miss you very much.
Love Tomoko

20-29 Dec Christmas in Sydney

2006-12-31T12:32:00.000+01:00

Christmas in Australia

Non Stop Christmas Festivities in December

2006-12-16T21:46:00.000+01:00

It's been a fair few weeks since I last wrote - the last 2 months have seriously flown by!

December has been non stop, at work and at rehearsals and plenty of celebrations each week.

Biggest 'happenings': Viktor no longer works for Tain, and is now a consultant for Crisp.

On Dec 6 I met the Crisp team and partners at their company xmas dinner on a harbour cruise.
I ate too much - awesome.

Dan, Mats and V

On 8th Dec my work (Trade & Investmend side) and a beautiful Christmas outing on an island 30mins boat ride from the inner city.
I ate too much there too - it was really lovely!

This month KTH Akademiska Kapell played at the Stadshuset (City Hall where the Nobel dinners are held) three times which was a great way to end the year.

German KTH exchange ppl Julien & Holger

Last night was dinner at the Ambassador's Residence for the staff xmas party.
Had fun and was able to dance with V which took some convincing, but well worth the persistence!

I was spoilt again today - Viktor gave me a new camera (our 2003 model was 2megapixels - less than mobiles these days) AND the book I've been REALLY REALLY REALLY wanting: "Special Topics in Calamity Physics" - hirray!

So I have some reading material for the long flight home in 2 days.

New CAMERA!
Thank you Viktor!

So yeah, back to Syd for Christmas - can't wait to see everyone - and I especially can't wait to hold Chloe, Elise, Dylan and Gina!

Merry Christmas all
Cheers
tt

Youtube clip of Möller & option to listen to concert

2006-10-29T00:42:00.000+02:00

Howdy, just came home from a lovely day with Emma, Petter and Hugo!
Will load pics up of v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.gorgeous Hugo - healthy and very happy.

Last night was a great night - went out with some work people, first starting out downstairs for drinks and a few shots of tequila, then making our way to Södermalm.

I suppose I did drink too much and admittedly probably made a complete fool out of myself but hey - some things will never change!
Thank you to all who were there that night - top night hey! Count me in on the next friday night outing. Hopefully I can upload some pics from Jo's camera (as long as they've been sensored ha ah ha ha ha just kidding).

BTW to Sydney folks: on our way home tonight temps dropped and it's now -1 or -2 degrees outside. It was darn cold! Especially cos I was still very hung over this morning when I walked out of the house so I left without a coat. Not so bright.

Anyway I will go to bed. V has kept on going - at 12:15am he made his way to a friend's house party.
Awah? It's passed my bedtime. I'm considering to join the 'grumpy old women's club', I think I would qualify despite my age.

Below is what Johaness Möller played at the concert for the encore. The accoustics in the church was great for it.

Gunnar, the tronbonist in the SAO, recorded the concert and so MUM, Mary and Pete - you can listen to them. We have another concert coming up in 2 weeks too - Mozart's Requim which is going to be exciting. Anyway mum, just click on the following link and you can listen to the Guitar Suite! Enjoy.

LISTEN TO THE SAO & GUITAR SUITE CONCERT

Thank you to V's grandad, Uncle Per, Aunt Helene and Agnes for coming to the concert!

Below is a pic with Stefan and Alice, walking back from our mushroom picking adventure.
Autumn has come and gone I think, it's too cold to classify it anything other than winter.

Signing off, tt

Lisa, Emma Andersson, Norrtalje and SAO concert with Johannes Möller

2006-10-23T00:34:00.000+02:00

WOW it's been a pretty BIG WEEK!
Lisa came to visit and we really had a lovely time - thank you so much for the cheese, the dinner at Kopan Jang ( I have no idea how to spell it!) but most of all, for being such an easy going house guest! I loved catching up with you. All the best with the rest of your exchange semester in the Netherlands!

This was at Karin's dinner in Östermalm on wednesday night.
For the Swedes: does anyone in the middle look familiar?
Non Swedes: her name is Emma Andersson.

Today before the SAO concert Viktor and I were in Norrtälje visiting Stefan, Karin and Alice.

We picked MASSES of mushrooms, bon apetit guys! and thanks again for having us, we will be back.

And finally but not least, to end a very exciting and hectic week SAO had our concert with Johannes Möller. It went v.well, no doubt some are still drinking at the after concert party.

Very happy with this concert, I think it went really well. Gigantic thanks to Johannes - it was awesome!

For more pics:

SAO Concert with Johannes Möller

Charity walk for Barncancer

2006-10-13T07:29:00.000+02:00

So here is one of my managers (right) and Stu who also works there.
They're nice and all - but just darn crazy!

Starting 5pm yesterday (after working) they set off on their 24 hour mission to walk, stopping for only a few minutes every hour when they touch base at the embassy.

They will finish at 5 pm today. I wonder how they're going.....

Sending off party.

Alice's Baptism

2006-10-11T06:19:00.000+02:00

Friday night Donna came over for dinner after work. Donna is on a 6 months posting from London which is cool. Thank you for the drinks at Metro and the delicious chocolate cakes!

V and i went up to Norrtalije for the weekend to stay with Karin & Stefan. Alice had her big day on Sunday - it was a lovely baptism and she was happy the entire time!

The place and sunshine was stunning

Thanks for having us over K & S, we'll be crashing at your place again very soon. luv tt

Lunch with the Ambassador

2006-10-03T20:04:00.000+02:00

Today was like playing hop scotch from one meeting to another, I understand why people come into the office before anyone else - it must be the only chance to be efficent and have time during the day. Anyway I had a good day.

At 12:30 all the newbies were invited to lunch at the Ambassador's residence and had lunch with Mr. & Mr.s Cary. It was a three course meal with wine and it was very enjoyable, but truth be told I'd been more focused on the conversation than the eating (yes yes, it must be a first!). Surprisingly I sat next to the ambassador over lunch and got to speak to him longer than I probably ever will. So yes, twas a fine day indeed!

Newcomer's lunch at the Ambassador's residence

Oct 3, 2006 - 3 Photos

signing off,
tt

The Internet

2006-10-02T20:15:00.000+02:00

I was a little annoyed that youtube is slow at the moment, maybe it's peak hour?
Anyway if your buffering speed is reasonable, this may be enjoyable.

Did a body pump session at work today (during lunch) and it was fun - though I'm already starting to feel sore around my shoulders and neck..... no pain no gain huh.
It's been a healthy start this week, V and I played badminton on sunday and after several matches of getting completely whooped, I WON!!!!! V's tiredness worked to my advantage.
That was definitely a first.

Ok enough rambling, I need to finish editing some art profiles that I'm writing for a friend at the mo - it's so hard to sound all arty and articulate. What would I do without my online thesauraus.

OH YEAH - Lisa is coming to visit me!!!!!!!!!!!! She's flying over on the 17th Oct which is only 2 weeks away. VVVVV.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v excited. She'll be here for 3-4 days which will be fab.

Mum, thanks for your call last night, it was great hearing your voice. My love to the fam, my nieces & little Dylan and most importantly a big hug and long walk for Gina.

night night

xoxo

Baby Boy!

2006-09-30T18:25:00.000+02:00

EMMA! GRATTIS! PETTER's A DAD & Polarn is SOOOOOOOOOOOO cute!

On 24th September a healthy and adorable new member joined our family!

Mum and baby are both doing well and it's been very exciting - I went to visit him on Tuesday and V on Wednesday - we're hoping to see the new family soon, hopefully this weekend too.

Work has been very good - people are great and my job role is becoming clearer with every day.
Last night, Friday, there was a 'Back to School' party and it was hilarilous and fun night. So many of the female staff dressed to impress, they looked so great - pigtails, short skirts and lollie pops in their hands! It was certainly a laugh - top time.
(I've been recommended by V to take the photo off this blog. oh well. )

Dinner at Filip and Kimen's place

Dinner With Kimen and Filip

Sep 29, 2006 - 10 Photos

After the event at work we had a house warming dinner at Kimen & Filip's new place.
Dinner was delish and I hope they weren't too annoyed that both of us rocked up fairly drunk - oops! But after din din we all went over to Berns (there were HEAPS of people in the queue and we just walked straight up to the bouncers and they let us through! Oh the joys of walking around with Ostermalmie (pretty) people!

This photo is from our trip to Gotland last weekend, it's an island off the coast of Sweden (approx. 4hr boat ride) where we met up with Mr.Nakajima who was Viktor's professor at Tokyo Tech. We had a lovely dinner and then hired a car and drove around the historical island. Weather was nice and there were lots of sheep ...... that was all really .... sheep and lots of churches - but it was a v.v.v.v.v.v.v.lovely trip.

Ok, V and I are going to the Glen Miller Cafe now - a small jazz club in town.

signing off,
tt

Stockholm Fisk & the weekend

2006-09-19T09:57:00.000+02:00

Last week Hannah and I went to the botanical garden on Djurgåden - one of my new favs in Stockholm!
The veggie patch has just about everything and I learnt a fair bit about what veggies look like before theire cut and sitting in supermarkets. Hannah is a botanist teacher so it was a great!

On Friday evening, the Nordlings met up and I was spoilt again. We celebrated for my new job but it was much more thrilling to see Emma and her big tum tum! Any day now.....!!

On Saturday night Emma & Simoninvited us over - Emma is a v.v.v.v.v impressive chef and the food was delicious. Tack tack!

Bring on the weekend!

2006-09-15T16:29:00.000+02:00

Things to do, places to be.....

Started playing Psychonauts today - it's GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My CIV IV void has finally been fulfilled!

Dinner with the Nordling Family tonight in the city which will be nice, then I have Japanese tea ceremony class tomorrow morning.
Spoke to Berlin today for a fair while - really sad to hear her loyal dog passed away this week......

The Hoff is back!

First one was definitely better.

Have a good weekend y'all!
tt

Unemployed no longer!

2006-09-13T14:57:00.000+02:00

Last week was quite possibly the most overwhelmingly joyous time I've had since I moved here.

I was deliriously estatic on friday when I found out I got the job as an admin assistant role at the British Embassy and I'm still on a high everytime I think about it! I will start in a week.

So to celebrate Viktor treated me to one of Stockholm's most expensive restaurants (actually it may be the most costly) and what can I say, it was gastronomically satisfying! Our 9 course dinner (with different wines for the dishes) is something we will have to wait a few years to do again - it's insane that the bill made Testuya in Sydney look inexpensive. Thank you thank you thank you Viktor!

Dinner @ F12

Martin, Sara and Tyra came up to Stockholm for the weekend and we all went to a big museum and dinner at our place. Tyra's growing up so fast! I hope that I can see them sometime soon again. On sunday V and I went to Calle's place (V's grandad) for lunch and had a lovely afternoon taking it easy and walking through the forest nearby.

Monday, September 11, we went to Daniel's bon voyage dinner at the KGB. The place serves russian good, has statues of Lenin everywhere and the speakers in the toliet teachers you russian! Daniel is in the Swedish military and flew to Afganistan the following day. I hope he has a safe but interesting time there and away from the battlefront. See you back in Sweden soon Daniel!

We bought some lights on the weekend too, one for over our bed and another for the window - both things that we were having difficulty putting up but thankfully Hannah came to the rescue yesterday! After we played batminton and lunch, we went back the her house to pick up her screw driver and she installed all the lights! She was so fast, precise and skilled with the handywork - I was in awe! So now our apartment is nice and light in prep for the dark and gloomy winter that's coming up soon.

Well that's all folks,
tt

Thanks Ian

2006-08-25T15:27:00.000+02:00

Just trying to learn new tricks,
lets see if this works.....

Thanks Ian, I hadn't read your blog in aaaaaaaaages - maybe since a year ago, it looks great. I just wanted to learn how to use the source code for YouTube so thanks for the lesson!

TT

New Addiction

2006-08-25T09:32:00.000+02:00

Up for the best and definitely the trickest online puzzle ever?

http://deathball.net/notpron/

Good luck y'all!

Currently waiting for breakthroughs from Viktor, because I'm stuck on level 11.

IT'S SOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!

Visit to Gröna Lund Theme park

2006-08-22T16:25:00.000+02:00

So we finally went!
Gröna Lund is a theme park in Stockholm which is open during the summer.
It was fun to hang out just with Viktor, pushing through the crowds of kids and lining up for the rides.

We went on the 3 scrarest rides which was v.v. awesome!

Here are some pics from the Laughing Mirrors pavillion.

My dream bottom and legs

The beautiful and handsome couple

We are so hot right now.

Julie visits Stockholm

2006-08-19T13:03:00.000+02:00

This week Julie and Colin came to Stockholm - it was very short but it was so good to see them again. Josephine, her friend Linda and UMA came up from Jönköping also so that was awesome!
Unfortunately the weather was bad while they were here but such is life.

Infront of the Government House

Traditional Swedish meatballs - by a japanese aussie cook

Viktor & Colin

Thank you so much for coming to visit!

Catching up

2006-08-15T10:30:00.000+02:00

So last Friday night 5 mates from the place I use to work came over for dinner which was great fun. It was lovely to catch up with them and to also found out that I was actually not bad at my job!(it's a hard sales job!) selling 4 delegates which has certainly done wonders to boost my sales confidence!
Here's Sophie, Sean and Raj in the pics - thank's for coming over guys!

Then last weekend V's parents invited us to a very nice restaurant in Sigtuna, which is the oldest city in Sweden (from memory I think Nicken said it's older than 2000 years old - THAT'S OLD!!!).
It was very luxurious and I am very thankful to V's parents - we're too spoilt!
I had a very interesting course of two different servings of pork - in two very different flavours which I've actually never tasted before - one very salty with okra seeds (i think) and another that was a richly bronzy-caramelized glaze roast pork that was delicious.
Thank you!

One more month, we can't wait!!!!

On Sunday we had an easy day in Uppsala. I hadn't actually seen too much around town having been there for only New Years Eve parties and gatherings with V's mates.

We drove into town to have a look at a possible wedding reception venue. It's under renovation now but oh! It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Beautiful!

Planning is now finally underway and we'll hopefully be having the party there in Uppsala. It's not too far from the church in Knivsta and besides - location location location!
The place is in the middle of the botanical gardens with a majestically sculptured garden around the building and it's right next to the palace (one of the Royal family's castles).

Anyway we then caught up with Lezsek for lunch and hung around till late arvo. When we headed back to Knivsta, we had dinner with V's folks and I plucked lots of cherries to take home. All in all 'twas a good weekend.

The end of the Summer holidays

2006-08-09T09:50:00.000+02:00

It's still lovely and warm in Stockholm and the sun doesn't set until 9:30 at night.

Yet the city itself is starting to gradually get back into working mode - meaning that the shops and offices are starting to reopen.
For all the whining non-Swedes do for the complete halt of businesses in the summer here, no one seems too keen to start working again either.
The swedish course recommenced 4 nights a week (6-9pm) and it's refreshing to take classes again. In my new class 36 students are enrolled in it but no more than 20 come but it will probably increase as the days get shorter and darker.

My cousin in Japan had a healthy baby girl last week which was great, we went to Emma & Petter's place for dinner last friday - the first crayfish dinner for the year (Tack Emma!) and Calle (V's grandad) came over for dinner on Sunday night.

I'm really looking forward to Julie coming over to visit hopefully next week if she makes a trip up to Stockholm (she's visiting Jose in Jönköping). Other than that, we've been watching a fair bit of Japanese animé in the evenings (The Ghost in the Shell series) and life is back to norm.

Hope everyone's well downunder and keep in touch,
cheers
tt

Camping in Southern Sweden

My first Pike!

Kloten Family Gathering 2006!

2006-07-10T10:06:00.000+02:00

FAMILY REUNION at Kloten!

Went away for a long weekend, where all the families on Viktor's mum's side got together to swim, sauna, canoe, eat, eat, eat, danse and eat!

Berlin was able to join in and it was an awesome weekend!

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH TO ALL THE AUNTS!!!

Sara & Martin at the Scottish Pub

Uncle Per, Axel, Martin and Berlin

The GANG!

Day 3 of Berlin's Visit

2006-07-10T10:00:00.000+02:00

Walking through Gamla Stan, Old Town

Infront of the Kings Palace, blast those tourist coaches!

BBQ at home withRagnar.

Thursday night, Grilla (BBQ) with Filip and a swim in the sea.

Berlin's in Town

2006-07-05T09:59:00.000+02:00

Kimen & Filip

Our trip to Drottinghams Slottet

First Day of Berlin's visit - SKANSEN!

Carola!

Swedish Midsommar 23 June

2006-06-25T22:04:00.000+02:00

MIDSOMMAR CELEBRATIONS!
Summer is here - days are VERY long - setting around midnight, and rising again by 3:30am!
We just spent the last 3 days in Norrtalje with Stefan, Karin, Alice and their parents!
It was AWESOME - we ate non stop, danced at the summer festival around the fertility symbol with everyone, went fishing ( Stefan caught 4, Viktor 1 and I caught a 1 too!), did some farm labour cutting water grass and distributing sand, and played lots with baby Alice!

Thank you so much Karin & Stefan, it was the BEST weekend in Sweden!

Now it's 10pm and back to reality with work tomorrow.
Soccerooos play tomorrow at 5pm, please please please please please make it through!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life being back in Stockholm after April in Sydney

2006-06-25T21:54:00.000+02:00

I turned 25yrs old in May, I started working and Summer has officially arrived.

Viktor, his parents and his grandad and I went to Finland at the beginning of June which was great fun. Saunas, eating, fresh air and falling asleep to the crackling of the fireplace in our room....
It was bliss.

We travelled across the Baltic via the Silja cruise, and went to Turku for the first time.

We've been watching the VM (World Cup) every night.

Plus I joined the Stockholms Akademiska Orchestra as soon as I got back and we've already played in 2 concerts - it's a medium sized orch but everyone is very kind and it's been lots of fun!
Thank you to Hannah, Per and Helene for coming to the concert 2 weeks ago!!!!

Pics from Restaurangen

2006-05-19T09:08:00.000+02:00

Just decided to post up some of the dishes - we had 10 different dishes between the two of us, and each was so scruptiously delightful, and the presentation was fabulous! Oh so good, 'twas so good......

Knivsta & Our 3yr Anniversary

2006-05-19T08:39:00.000+02:00

Although Sweden has turned a little chillier than previous weeks, the weather over last weekend was still tops. Last weekend V & I went to Knivsta, to spend time with Ulla & Nicken and also did some homework for our wedding. We went to Knivsta Church and it was so beautiful - the most romantic small church overlooking lush green fields!
We also had a look at a few reception places, we particularly liked one but a dinner costing more than $250 per head just doesn't make any sense - so the search continues.

So this is the driveway leading up to the very small but sweet Knivsta Church! It was built in the 1200s I'm told!

On Tuesday 16th May was our 3 year anniversary - and it was a v.v.v.v.vv.v.v.v..v.v.amazing evening. First, thank you to Christine & Roy (Blake's folks), we enjoyed a bottle of chilled Moet & Chandon while overlooking Stockholm from the roof top of V's work building. It is a great view, so much so that there was a camera crew shooting the city but from a public access area (ie. our spots were better!).

Then we went to Restaurangen (THE Restaurant) for an amazing 6 course meal, with 5 different wines! It was the most gastonomically satisfying meal of my LIFE! Stefan is a chef there and treated us to two very exp. dessert wines and dessert! The craaaaaaaaaaaazy thing was, that after having 5 courses already - each so beautiful it ought to have been a museum piece - out came a plate FULL of 5 assorted desserts. On the menu each dessert cost 70 kronor (around $14 ) and we had 10 of them between the two of us! INSANE!

Thank you so much Stefan for the best dinner in my life - every mouthful of the 3.5hr dinner was DEVINE!

Tack tack

So that's the latest update.
For other news this week: I had a job interview on Monday which went very well and I will be starting their training weeks starting this coming Monday. Very pumped to start working again.

Also, our splurge of the month extravaganza (other than the dinner last Tues) is a new sofa - which was actually the most expensive one in the EM furniture store - but I think it's best that I forget how much it cost.... anyway, IT'S COMING TODAY!
I've vacuumed and mopped every floor surface area in anticipation. Can't wait.

And finally, I spoke to Berlin yesterday - she's well and not in S.America. She said she had a great trip and is now in London, planning to work there for a while which is great - so if you're reading this Berls, I hope you come and visit us soon!

tt

Viktor's friday night - COOOOOOOOOL!

2006-05-13T11:40:00.000+02:00

I don't know how much of a poker fan you are, but in the craze of texas hold'em, which has been going on for about 2 years in my life (thanks to V) some people have become house hold names as poker celebrities.

Aside from v.popular players like Phil Ivy etc, the winners of the WSOP (world series of poker) are in every poker magazine, always in poker tours on tv and by the time you finish watching all the WSOP episodes you feel like you know each final table guy personally.

Anyway, on friday night V was invited by his boss (which was very special in itself cos his boss could have taken along anyone but asked V) to a Poker Stars tournament which had a couple of big names attending the event.

As it turned out, all the who's who in the poker industry in Sweden was there so V had some very interesting stories to tell about other competitors and their managers.

Anyway, there were only about 70 ppl in attendance, a pretty exclusive bunch reallly.

Any celeb players you recognise above?
The last three Winners of the WSOP: the Aussie Joseph Hachem 05, Greg Raymer 04 and Chris Moneymaker 03 sat on the table with a few Swedish celeb players!

Online poker is VERY BIG here - there are more ads on tv for Party Poker, Eurobet, Expekt, Svenska Spel and Parbet than there are adds for cosmetic and insuranc ads in tv - in other words tv commercials here are dominated by gaming companies! (by law its illegal to advertise gambling directly to Australian citizens).

Here's V with Hachem! An Aussie who beat the world at last year's WSOP!

And V standing behind Greg Raymer - he event wore his round signature reptile hologram glasses. ha ha ha ha

Anyway that's all for now folks. I'm actually in Knivsta at V's folks' place for the weekend.

Will be heading back to Stockholm later this arvo (Sunday).

tt

I am a very belated fan of Maddox - I must have too much time on my hands

2006-05-11T17:30:00.000+02:00

Ok, so I have a lousy blog.

It looks like several million other blogs.

And yes, I am a culprit of writing inconsequential uneventul minutes of my life.....

yet I'm not going to stop.

If you have a few minutes to spare, and you haven't seen this site before, have a read of Maddox. It will surely entertain everyone, particularly because what he says is all too true and I couldn't agree more with most of his articles: Maddox

oh and the thing about blogs? I just read this article by him, which describes my blog perfectly.

I sent the Maddox's link to James in Sydney a few days ago, and he replied back that he'd been reading it since 1999 - I'm just 7 years behind on the uptake!

If you can't be bothered to read it, never mind. However you are one of my male, single friends please read this: Composition of a woman's personality

Anyway, enjoy!

ps. The orchestra audition/ rehearsal was great! we have a concert in 6 weeks which is exciting too. (^_^) v

Best Spring ever

2006-05-10T14:52:00.000+02:00

Last weekend was Emma's 30th b'day gathering which was very nice and there were mountains of food. It was nice to see Viktor's relatives again and we'll be seeing them soon for another trip to Kloten which will be lovely.

We went on a picnic on Monday arvo - bumping into Ragnar, and having dinner with Stefan, Karin, little Alice and Karin's brother. This swedish spring thing is an entirely different experience of Stockholm - everything and everyone is becoming so alive and vibrant.

This pic below was taken just this morning, after I walked V to work, I went into town and sat under these cherry trees for over an hour - just listening to my ipod and reading a book about how an american lawyer - turned monk - teachers another lawyer about his journey through India. V read it and recommended it to me - anyway - it's all about positive thinking, how to make one's life more fulfilling and finding your own path etc. I was a little unenthusiastic in the beginning but its turning into an entertaining read.

So I made Katsudon for lunch and met up with V, we ate it back in the very same place I sat all morning, but it was just covered with people - it's so great here when people aren't depressed, covered up and miserable!

Tonight I'm going to my first practice with the Stockholms Academic orchestra - don't know if I will get in or not yet - perhaps I won't but it will be good fun just to try out.

Wish me luck!
tt

Back home in Stockholm!

2006-05-08T13:11:00.000+02:00

What an exciting April!

Everything happened at once but each day was so packed, it was awesome being in Sydney in April. I've put up some pics (only a couple out of 998 pics taken in one month!) on my website which looks completely different:

I though the dark blue was a little too gloomy when it's so sunny and bright in Stockholm now. The Swedish Spring has finally come and the whole city looks different. The streets look different because there are so many people walking where, just a month ago, were empty. A place called Medborgorplatsen used to be a large sqaure with a hot dog stand, but now that the pubs, restaurants and bars have opened up on the streets again - the entire area is FULL of people all weekend.

It's now warmer here than it is in Sydney, and the sun goes goes down around 9:30pm or later.

Everyone here seems to be in a cheerful mood and you find people in swimsuits and bikinis sunbathing in parks all over the city.

So hence, the brighter version for my website.

Being back in Stockholm for almost a week - I've been very energetic, walking almost 2 hours a day on average. I rewrote my CV and applied to a couple of places and will commence swedish classes in a week. Plus I will be trying out for the Stockholms Academic Orchestra on Wednesday night which I am excited about - hope I'll be decent enough. fingers crossed.

Anyway that's it for now.
love Tomoko

The Aussie Experience

2006-04-04T10:43:00.000+02:00

Back in Sydney, arrived on Monday morning. It was so darn good to see the house, see greenery and hug GINA!

Well I've jumped straight into the Oz style by getting sunburned today (actually more like a Pom - didnt put on sunscreen and went on the syd ferry), ate Yum Cha (so so good) and now have blistered feet from my new high heels - it was such a liberating feeling to not wear thick socks and winter shoes! But I paid the price and can now hardly walk - kinda dumb.

Anyway I met my new nephew and niece, both are gorgeous and tiny. Chloe still kind of remembers me (will have to play with her lots so she doesn't forget me in dec) and my fam is all well. My grandad got here in good shape too and its been fun going around the touristy places with him and my godmother Tomoko the past 2 days.

I need to get a mobile no. and I need to find everyone's mobie numbers. I am so out of touch with everyone other than through emaila addresses.

Ok thats it for now.
For some queer reason mum has reverted back to a dial up even though we have broadband connection on this computer? well V is coming soon so I might just wait to fix it.

cheers
tt

Last days of March

2006-03-31T10:15:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I had a nice day out with Hannah, walking through the city, seeing a camelia exhibition and doing a bit of shopping. Everything around us was melting, the canals were breaking away the big slathers of ice and it was a really beautiful day.
All signs pointed to the beginning of a belated but highly anticipated SPRING! but hey, we all spoke too soon because its been snowing nonstop today......

The melting ice skating ring in Kungsträdgården

The flowers were gorgeous

Last night Daniel and Lowa came over for dinner! They live in Uppsala so it was great that they made the trip down - we hadn't seen them since their engagement party a few months ago. Daniel and V have been neighbourhood friends since they were primary schoolers.

So now its the day b4 I go and I'm still in my pjs and haven't pack anything yet.
I have a few things I want to get for fam in the city but it just looks so miserable outside. ho hum

There was a blackout at Syd airport today, glad it was today not tomozza - my 89 yr old grandad will b landing. Oh yeah, I never mentioned it but Sayaka and Yoko came over yesterday and they got me a divine cake from my fav local bakery and a v.cute card - arigato!
Then Hannah and I went to see Prime then had a girls' dinner out at Cophlen Hag?!?! spelling? A v.famous thai restaurant in Södermalm.

So all this eating and hanging out - I now actually have to do something productive - I will have to relearn how to do that again.

Anyhow I better stop procrastinating and get on with it.
tt

Episode 15 of Prison Break

2006-03-29T11:11:00.000+02:00

*sigh* It was a relief that I got my weekly dose of Prison Break - after watching the first season every monday night with V, the tv commentator said that Swedes would have to wait until after Summer (ie. August) to watch the next season. Heeeeell no

I haven't watched a program as regularly as this show since..... I can't recall. Maybe the last show I watched without fail was..... probably Quantum Leap - now that's going back a decade ago!

Well the weekend was all v.exciting and I only just finished all the laundry from the trip and I have to start thinking about packing for Sydney.

Ho hum, it's so hard to image what I will wear. It's been below 0 degrees for so many months, I shudder at the thought of having to show my white radish legs in public again. usch!

I've had a really relaxed morning, V and I slept with the snooze button for over an hour (until it stopped reminding us every 5 mins). But in a couple of hours some ppl are coming over for afternoon tea then I'm heading over to Hannah's place for a movie night. The place is a bit untide so I better start cleaning up..... and I should call mum in Syd.

Ok
Cyas
tt

WELCOME Dylan & Elise!!!

2006-03-27T14:21:00.000+02:00

CONGRATULATIONS MARY & IRWIN!!!

Happy Birthday Dylan & Elise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just found out at lunch time that Mary had her twins - both are healthy and it looks like Mary is doing well too!
I am soooooooooooo excited to meeting them and seeing Chloe again!
I actually don't know exactly when they were born, cos I've been in Denmark over the weekend but I will hopefully be able to get in touch with someone tonight.

Wow talk about an instant family of 5!!!
Omedetou Yuko!

Meanwhile over in Europe...

A poster stuck on the women's toilet at the Carlsberg Centre.

I just got back from a weekend in Copenhagen, Mälmo and Lund (the latter 2 are in Sweden)!

It was a great weekend, I went with V's family and we did a lot of walking around the beautiful city of Copenhagen - there is so much to see in the city - I just hope the next time I go we have better luck with the weather cos it was pretty drizzly on Saturday and it snowed most of Sunday (but we had sunshine on the friday).

I said hello to Crowned Princess Mary (Donaldson) of Denmark.

You never know, she may have been looking out the window of her palace.

Due to the weather, we decided to go back to Sweden via train (less than an hour) to visit Sara and Martin in the city of Lund. It was so so sos sosososososooooooooooooooooo wonderful to see them again and to see TYRA again! She is ADORABLE and is getting so big so quickly.

We also went to Malmö, Sweden's 3rd largest city, to see the infamous Turning Torso building and have a walk around the city. So much to see, so little time!

Spot the odd one out (statue)!

Anyway, I will post up the pics from the trip on the other website soon.

Thank you so much Nicken and Ulla for the trip!
Thank you also to Emma and Viktor!

signing off,
tt

No Spring yet, just more snow

2006-03-22T16:02:00.000+01:00

The beginning of this week marked the midpoint btw night and day - 12 hours of both.
So as days are now getting longer than night, I was getting pretty excited to see more sun, feel warmer and experience the Swedish Spring!

But nearing the end of March, after a couple of warmer days (-1 to 0 degrees) the snow started to fall again. Ho humm

View of the other side of the street from our apartment

It's been snowing heavily this afternoon.

Anyway, I'm off the Copenhagen soon - on friday morning - I've heard a lot about it and am really stoked that we're taking a trip down.

I finally submitted forms with validated copies of my academic records, passport etc to the Hogsverket so they can validate that my education is recognised in Sweden. Boy, that sure took me some time to actually do it - twas eating away at me for ages so v.glad to get that out of the way.

oops times up, gotta go to Jumpa class now.
tt

The Bigger Me

2006-03-20T13:46:00.000+01:00

FFFFFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Ok

All who are going to see me soon in Sydney:

I am fat

Not a little on the chubby side, just plain and simply over weight.

There is no point hiding it and I'm no longer in denial.

I've accepted my present size, although of course I hope to change it in the future and there were attempts to control the enomity by going to the gym etc.

I feel good, I am happy and I have been enjoying my food - and well it shows (almost with neon lights!).

So what's my point? none accept that I am annoucing it on here so that when you do actually see me, you wont have to question if that's really me or just a few layers of jumpers underneath my t-shirt.

I haven't given it too much thought lately but today a very lovely person in my class, from Uganda told me something which woke me up to the reality of the situation. She herself, has a beautiful face and is very petite even though she has a daughter already and I think she's very pretty. So anyway she said to me how I have a very similar figure to women in her home country.

She is a really kind and intelligent woman, and I'm sure she did not say it to be negative. In fact it could have been either a compliment or just a mere observation on the similarity my rear end shares with many women in Uganda.

Whatever the reason, it hit home that my body has begun taking the form of a volumptious middle-aged African woman - round at the top and definitely bottom heavy. *sigh* but yes, it is true and funnily enough I had a look in the mirror when I got back 2 hours ago and there's no doubting that I'm on my way there....

I don't mind what I look like these days, as long as I stay physically fit (continuing my aerobic classes), eat healthily and can still wear normal sized clothes.

So hmmm....... I hear Sydney is still warm = skimpy clothes

Oh well! Such is life.

tt

Stefan, Karin & Alice

2006-03-20T13:27:00.000+01:00

When I got home from the Mozart consert Stefan, Karin and Alice were at home already.

V cooked last night, i was v.v.impressed. He made a whole chicken with citron and herbs roast in our german oven. Karin looked great and Alice is very healthy and mezmorisingly adorable.

Hej Alice!

Karin, Alice, V and Stefan playing Fear.

Another round of discussions as to when V and I will have a baby began after they went home.
I would really love to have kids, but perhaps in a year or two....... I think I should be able to say "My water broke!" in swedish before I actually fall pregnant.

17-19 March

2006-03-19T12:54:00.000+01:00

Here is Hannah infront of a historic statue in Gamla Stan (old Town).
We went to the Medieval Museum on thursday because Hannah had to do some research/learn about Stockholms history for her teaching course.

On Saturday Sayaka and I went to the Japanese Tea Ceremony class, our second lesson.

Did you know that the whole shibang and artform of making tea requires A LOT of concentration? Every hand movement, every step - EVERYTHING during a ceremony has rules and procedures. It is a lot of fun and very interesting - if only my legs don't always fall asleep!

After sitting on my knees for 2 hours, I have no sense of feeling in my legs and feet - that's even after taking a few breaks here and there to stretch (everyone else seems to be a lot more tolerable to the pain or are just use to it).

Our teacher, Eiko Sensei is very kind and lovely, and I always want to be more Japanese after I've met her - it's quite odd. She has a really genteel and purposeful manner in her speech, walk and movement - I would like to be like that one day....

Anyway the photo above is of afterwards, when Sayaka made some delicious Yakisoba (J.noodles) and Okonomiyaki (J. savoury pancakes). I met Markus for the first time, he is nice and I was suprised at how good his Japanese is! Tack tack Sayaka for the lovely lunch.

On Saturday night Viktor took me to a restaurant called 'En Gul och Ful'.
It is a terrible name but its AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's a very very hip chinese-inspired restaurant, which is why the place is called: 'A yellow and an ulgy'. Yes its a terrible name but taken light-heartedly it's very funny.
Most of the chefs are Chinese so it's all in jest.
It's definitely on the little pricer side - most restaurants (however awful) will cost at least AU$35 for one main dish. It was a little more than that per head but it really was worth it.

On Sunday night I went to the house where Nieves lives, for a Sting Quintet. They played Mozart- v.nice. Good fun catching up with Nieves again too.

Hannah & Nieves

Yesterday: Sayaka's bday afternoon tea & Dinner at La Camera

2006-03-15T09:45:00.000+01:00

Baking continues: this pic is from a few weeks back when Arina and I went to Sayaka's place after class. Arina taught us how to bake Uzbekistanian bread! (thanx for the photo Sakaya)

Another blurry pic (I am really bad at taking pics lately), sorry
This is Sancha - a really great gal from South Africa and the bday girl Sayaka.
We went to Yoko's house yesterday to celebrate and Yoko made a delicious pudding.
Tack tack Yoko!

Last night Ulla (v's mum) invited Emma (v's sis), Petter, Viktor and I to an amazing dinner at a place called La Camera - very fancy and the food was awesome. Thank you so much Ulla!
I had a special type of pasta (cant recall the name) with a creamy duck, rasin and mushroom sauce - scrumptiously delicious.
It was really nice to catch up because Ulla and Nicken are going to Barcelona tomorrow, then we are all going to Denmark in two weeks but Petter won't be able to go. I've never been to Copenhagen (other than transiting at the airport) so I can't wait.

puss och kram

Trip to Falun part 2

2006-03-14T13:05:00.000+01:00

So on this huge lake, everyone ice skated etc and I must admit, I mainly lay in the sun. It was devine. I can't express how strange it is to feel nostalgic about feeling the sun on your face. It's been so long since I felt the sun's warmth, I spent the day sunbaking while lying on snow. As you can see below, we all did a bit of sunbaking. People were resting all around the huge lake with beach chairs - just like at the beach - just its all white instead of yellow sand.

Still fascinated with snow, it was a lot of fun making snow castles, snow angels and fooling around.

Tomoko

Weekend in Falun, Darlana

2006-03-14T12:55:00.000+01:00

We were invited for dinner at Viktor's grandfather, Carl Nordling's place.
He made us reindeer with rice and salad!

Last weekend we went to Falun in the Dalarna province. It is about about 3.5hours North-west of Stockholm. We went to visit Aunt Eva and Viktor's cousins Elin and Martin came too!

We played Trivial Pursuit till late
(swedish edition)

I don't have any pics from the day before (sat) when we went skiing! V went snowboarding and I hired gear and went skiing fro the second time in my life. Lots of fun, a flew sores and bruises - but had a ball.

On Sunday we went to the HUGE lake where EVERYONE was ice skating! Some used their dogs to keep up momentum and there were many people pushing baby prams as they skated. It was quite an experience and we had great weather.

Thanks for the great weekend Eva!

Pics from Hinamatsuri Day on Friday 3rd March

2006-03-06T17:03:00.000+01:00

This is just a pic from bread I made a while back. Not interesting but posted anyway

Below is Sayaka and Yoko from my Swedish class!
Yoko had us over for a Japanese Girls' Doll Day.
Thank you!

Santi, Sayaka and Yoko

That night Viktor had a boys night out at Kelly's in Medborgargatan with Ragnar, .... and d'oh forgot their names. I went there to pick up my drunken man.

3rd of March is Hinamatsuri Day

2006-03-03T14:47:00.000+01:00

Mum's dolls displayed at Getaway Inn in the Hunter 2004

Engagement Invitations

2006-03-02T13:22:00.000+01:00

Well finally I emailed the invitations! - I'm very relieved that I didn't go ahead with my first plan which was to ask for everyone's postal address and send them cards from here.

The program I used was very simple, and the great thing is I can actually see if a) he/she has seen the email b) if they actually clicked onto the invitation and viewed it. Some people seemed to have read my email but not the invitation. Anyway online rsvp management isn't a new thing, but I'm jolly glad I used it.

About Invites:
There are people who I wanted to invite but didn't have their email addresses or had a v.v.v.old one so if there is anyone who wishes to go, just let me know and I can send you one or someone who's received the email can forward it to you.

Daily life in Stockholm

2006-03-01T10:38:00.000+01:00

Every morning we eat breakfast together around 7:30am.
Our routine for me to set up breakfast and make the tea (Viktor takes a bit of time to wake up). We eat while reading the morning paper and I do the sudoku each day (requires no reading!), then Viktor washes the dishes while I get ready for school which starts at 8am.

Breakfast usually consists of: Yogurt (aka Fil in swedish) with museli and bread with different toppings such as: cheese and caviar (from a tube) or liver paté with picked cucumber. I also have to have my vegemite.
Last day of February:

Viktor and I made homemade pasta from scratch!!!!!!

Here is our special creation:

Reindeer and Wild mushroom Pasta!
We had dinner at Emma and Petter's place on Saturday night (25 Feb).

The food was great! Tack!

So what is my life like here?

2006-03-01T10:25:00.000+01:00

I have been enjoying new hobbies such as baking - something I never knew how to do. I use a swedish kids cook book because I can understand it more easily and there are step by step illustrations.

This is my funny Swede - he wears this hat and coat around Stockholm now - its hard not to miss him!
On Monday (27th Feb) there was a huge welcome home gathering at a place called Medborgrplatsen - where several tens of thousands of people went to cheer for the Gold Medal athletes from the Winter Olympics. I left my mobile at home accidently, but it we found each other!

Emma, Ulla and Nicken are all very caring and warm. I am really lucky to have so much family support here in Sweden.
They are all extremely thoughtful and are always looking out for me.

Tack så mycket!

first entry by Tomoko Tazawa

2006-03-01T09:23:00.000+01:00

Testing one two three

Born: Tokyo
Grew Up: Sydney
Currently: Stockholm
Uni: UTS
Qualifications: B. Business & B. Arts International Studies (Japan)
Majors: International Business, Marketing, Japanese
Exchanges: Tokyo Institute of Tokyo 2003 & Stockholms University 2004
School: Abbotsleigh, Wahroonga 1999

Tomoko in Stockholm

Hmmm Good bye

Christmas 2010

Upload of email version for html

Upload of email version for html

Let's try the smaller version....

Testing html poster

Uploading to add to emails

Summer holidays 2009

Some pics from this Summer

Our 2 year Anniversary

Lucky, Spoilt & Well fed - My 28th Birthday

Why no blogs

The Nordling Chefs

Emergency to the hospital

Awesome New Year 2009!

Merry Christmas!

Björn turns 6 months today!

Play Groups

Italian Baby Food

Nordlings went to Italy!

Halloween Party

Ads

A perfect & relaxing weekend

Jarivs visits Stockholm - Yeah!

Family Trip to Kolmården Animal Park

Björn turns 2 months old

Embarking on Week 7 with Björn

Thank you Mum!

The most important day of my life: Björn Enzo Nordling

Is the wait over?

Three days after due date....... hallo bubs..... are we ready?

Tick tock Tick tock

Farewell to my Youthful 26th Year

1st Weekend on Maternity Leave

Week 38 Tummy

The Eve of my Maternity Leave Chapter

Current Fixations

The Year of Weddings & Farewells

example cut paste

Swedish Midsummer - German interpretation - Banned IKEA advertisement

Wedding Info Finally Up online

Woke up and realised my life is very dandy!

Dawning on a new error...

Estonia last weekend, London this week - SO HAPPY TO STAY IN STOCKHOLM this weekend!

TOMOKO Song!

A Sad Good Bye

A Tribute to Carl Olof Nordling

20-29 Dec Christmas in Sydney

Non Stop Christmas Festivities in December

Youtube clip of Möller & option to listen to concert

Lisa, Emma Andersson, Norrtalje and SAO concert with Johannes Möller

Charity walk for Barncancer

Alice's Baptism

Lunch with the Ambassador

The Internet

Baby Boy!

Stockholm Fisk & the weekend

Bring on the weekend!

Unemployed no longer!

Thanks Ian

New Addiction

Visit to Gröna Lund Theme park

Julie visits Stockholm

Catching up

The end of the Summer holidays

Kloten Family Gathering 2006!

Day 3 of Berlin's Visit

Berlin's in Town

Swedish Midsommar 23 June

Life being back in Stockholm after April in Sydney

Pics from Restaurangen

Knivsta & Our 3yr Anniversary

Viktor's friday night - COOOOOOOOOL!

I am a very belated fan of Maddox - I must have too much time on my hands

Best Spring ever

Back home in Stockholm!

The Aussie Experience

Last days of March

Episode 15 of Prison Break