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some places we've visited so far

  • antalya, turkey
    I miss hearing the call to prayer before sunrise every morning, the sunshine and the small winding roads in the old city. But I don't miss the olives for breakfast. See my blog entry
  • helsinki
    The cruise from Stockholm was the highlight. Breathtaking, really. We found Helsinki to be down-to-earth, friendly and a just-right size. See my blog entry
  • london
    Why on Earth did it take me so long to visit London?! Rivals Paris for best city in Europe. Avoid Oxford Street and Covent Garden, and head to Chelsea and Holborn. See my blog entry
  • paris
    It was my third trip to Paris, but our first while living in Sweden. And, more significantly, our first with a baby in tow. Metro ≠ baby friendly. Centre Pompidou = 10x more fun with a little one. See my blog entry.
  • bergen and oslo, norway
    Think Colorado. Flooded. Oslo is a refreshing little city and the fjords offered beautiful views in all directions. Not love, love. But definitely like, like. See my blog entry.
  • prague, czech republic
    Yes, it has beautiful architecture. But no soul. Skip it and go to Budapest instead.
  • berlin, germany
    We only spent a night here, but I could tell immediately that this was a city I could live in. Hope we can get back there sometime soon. Loved the new architecture, friendly people and the gigantic, wooded park.
  • tavira, portugal
    A great place to relax, see endless fields of daisies, drink sangria and be surrounded by the smell of orange blossoms. See my blog entry.
  • amsterdam and delft
    Amsterdam was one of our favorite European cities and Delft is a little gem you wish you could fit in your pocket and take home. Loved the individual style and easy-going nature of the people. See my blog entry.
  • budapest
    Hurry, it's already been discovered. Wonderful cheap food and an outdoorsy mentality. See my blog entry.
  • dalarna, sweden
    Reminds us of home. Really relaxing and laid back. See my blog entry.
  • hong kong and tai pei
    Super friendly people and so romantic. See my blog entry.
  • nice
    Loved Villefranche and the whole area east of Nice. See my blog entry.
  • barcelona
    Loved the tapas and eating paella on the beach. See my blog entry.

about me



  • In November 2005, my husband and I moved to Älmhult, Sweden, for my dream job. Five years later, our little family of three moved back. Except, back turned out to be a brand new place called Portland.

    email me

« Aktivitets in Älmhult | Main | A day of firsts »

December 09, 2005

Happy name day to me!

JoeljakobYesterday was my name day ... it's this odd thing in Sweden where they name each day. So yesterday, it was Virginia's day. Some people celebrate it like a birthday. Me, I spent it having all my copy for the Europe and North American catalogs reviewed by the governing group. It's a group of IKEA execs who oversee the whole catalog production. And, I'm thrilled to say that it went awesome!!! I've been putting 10- to 12-hour days in all week, so it was nice that all the hard work paid off. I actually can't remember a time that I've felt more pressure in a job. On Wednesday I actually felt like I was hyperventilating. So much for the laid-back Swedish work ethic! :)

On Thursday evening I did manage to celebrate my name day a bit ... and the end of catalog crunch time ... with my favorite Swedish family. Karin invited me over for smörgås. You're probably familiar with the word smorgasbord ... it comes from that. It just means open bread sandwiches. I supplied the wine ...

I had my third Swedish language lesson and it's coming right along. I know all the numbers and alphabet (3 extra letters than ours ... ä, å and ö) and some basic phrases like tack så mycket (thanks a lot), god morgon (good morning), jaha (OK!), jättebra (great!), förlåt (sorry) and jag talar bara lite grand svenska (I only speak a little Swedish). Johannes

Today I also got to see all the new products that IKEA will be offering ... things that aren't in the catalog or stores yet. It was soooooo cool. It's a restricted area so most catalog folks only get to go up there once a year. Man, it was sweet. Half of me was feeling so damn lucky to work for IKEA, and the other half of me couldn't wait to get our Swedish apartment and decorate the whole place with new IKEA stuff. I so wish Lewis could have been there with me to design our dream kitchen, etc. But, he'll be here soon enough ... just 12 days!

P.S. I may have secured Tilly a modeling job for the 2007 catalog ... she could be our own little Swedish supermodel!

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Comments

I finally had to time to catch up with your life. I am thrilled your house sold and that, more importantly, Lewis has an arrival date. PLus now I know where to send your Christmas card! You take care.

Michelle

Posted by: Michelle | December 09, 2005 at 11:48 AM

When is my name day?

Posted by: Liz | December 13, 2005 at 12:28 PM

Liz, the name day for Elisabet, Lisbet is Nov. 19. Rich's name day (Rikard, Dick) is Feb. 7. Will and Sam don't have one. :(

Posted by: ginny figlar | December 14, 2005 at 10:30 AM

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