2013 3 days in

They say 13 is an unlucky number. I'm hoping they're wrong, although my hailing in 2013 was not under the best of circumstances as I sprawled on the couch recovering from a stomach flu. 

On the bright side, at least I didn't have to start dieting - my body did it for me. Whether from food poisoning or the notorious vinterkräksjukan (a highly contagious stomach bug which is rampant through Sweden's well-insulated houses this time of year), it was over in a day, thank God. And since then, 2013 has been on the up. Well... almost anything is on the up when you're sick.

so excited for 2013

As for resolutions, I've decided to de-clutter my life, both physically and mentally. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a collector of all sorts - clothes, shoes, sea glass, text messages, scraps of paper, every thank you note and invitation I've ever received - they're all here, and I cannot seem to part with them. Not so convenient for someone who moves somewhat frequently, but what can I say - I'm sentimental. 

However, I have recently been struck by the urge to get rid of stuff. (Perhaps the fact that since Christmas, my clothes do not all fit in my drawers has something to do with it.) Either way, I'm taking advantage of the urge while it lasts and plan to get rid of one thing every day for as long as I can. Quality over quantity, right? 

As for the mental de-clutter, I'm trying to find a balance and focus on the important things. As they say, don't sweat the small stuff.

I'll let you know how long it lasts, but I can happily report I'm going strong 3 days in. What is your New Years Resolution?

God fortsättning i 2012!

New Years in Stockholm usually means an expensive evening squeezed at a table within inches of 2 other tables for an over-priced 3-course meal in portions I suspect are roughly the size of a 7-year old's afternoon snack. Not that I'd know because this year, after coming to the conclusion that a meal out would be no less than 1300sek (that's almost $200) per person in this city, NS and I decided to do it ourselves.

Whisky cheddar and chevre to start with the Swedish delicacy toasted skagen, followed by oxfile, asparagus and homemade french fries, and to finish, ostkaka (another Svensk favorite, their version of cheesecake) with whipped cream and raspberry jam. It was delicious, more so accompanied by champagne and plenty of wine.

We rang in 2012 with more champagne on Västerbron, one of Stockholm's highest bridges which links Kungsholmen, the island where we live, to Söder, Stockholm's southern island. From the top of Västerbron, we could see the entire city surrounded by thousands of fireworks and Chinese lanterns (a la Disney's Tangled) set off in the clear sky. It was a beautiful sight, and a New Years to remember.