Lizardek

23
Dec
2010

THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SNOW BUSINESS

This has been a cold and snowy winter so far. It started snowing in early November and it hasn’t let up yet. In fact, it’s snowing now; it’s been snowing all day. We’re supposed to get another foot or so, which brings us up to at least 3 feet, at least. And with the wind sculpting the snow into wild white piles, some of the drifts are up to my waist. I love the snow—you won’t catch me complaining. It brightens everything up…there’s no way I’d trade this brilliant brightness for another rainy dark cloud-covered Skåne winter. And even with...

21
Dec
2010

WARM WORDS ON A COLD EVENING

Martin’s last day of school was last Friday, Karin’s was Monday. Today was their first day home alone during Christmas vacation and because Tuesday isn’t a day either of them has computer time, they were bored. I knew before I left for work that they would be, if they didn’t go out in the snow, sledding or fort-building or snowman-making or something. Martin’s at that beginning teenager-stage…EVERYTHING is boring. He doesn’t want to go out and PLAY. Karin went out at some point, looking for friends to hang out with in the bright sunshine and snowscape but alas, no one...

20
Dec
2010

LET NOTHING YOU DISMAY

I bought Christmas presents for my in-laws today: theater tickets to see Madame Butterfly at the Malmö Opera in January. All I have left to get are a couple of small stocking stuffers and I’ll do that tomorrow or Wednesday. Everything else is done, except wrapping. And even half of that is done already! Cookies have been baked (4 kinds: Rice Krispie Holly Bars, Reindeer poop, Holiday balls and tonight, frosted sugar cookies) and all the cards were mailed last week. We haven’t received several envelopes/packages that are supposedly en route, so I sure hope they get here in time!...

18
Dec
2010

IN PASSING

Writing condolence cards is hard. Words seem inadequate. EVERYTHING seems inadequate, actually. What can you say or do that relates your sympathy, your empathy, your sorrow in the face of someone’s loss? Mostly I think it’s worthy that you try. That you say you’re sorry, that you send your love and a heartfelt note. That you open your arms and hold someone tight. Or let them cry. Or just listen. It’s never enough, though. Nothing is. My dad died 14 years ago on December 20th. 5 days before Christmas. A friend’s father died 2 days ago. And my sister-in-law’s father...

13
Dec
2010

TREES, FREEZE, GOODIES

Whew! I have a moment to sit down and catch my breath in this whirlwind month and by gum, I’m going to post while doing it! It’s go go go right now, with work still being crazy, though I’d hoped it would’ve slown down by now. I just made up that word: slown. It’s a good one, dont’cha think? (not really, I kid.) We rushed madly around yesterday in the late afternoon, after Anders got home from his hockey bockey game. Karin and I had run to the store earlier to buy her a winter jacket and then I dropped...

11
Dec
2010

PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER

I’m feeling pretty good about Christmas preparations this year. I’ve already gotten so much done, I don’t really feel stressed at all! The house is decorated, Christmas letter written, all my cards addressed, signed and mailed except 3 that are getting sent with packages. Gift shopping is nearly done: Martin and I went to the mall today and I finished Anders. Just need a couple more things for the kids, and his family and that’s done, too. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go get the tree today because the weather suddenly went warm and it was raining overnight and this...

07
Dec
2010

MY FIRST TEENAGER

I never really thought about what it would mean, 13 years ago, when you were born…that at some point you would grow UP. Grow beyond, pass me with a smile and a wave and that glint of mischief in your eye. I mean, I KNEW it was coming, but it wasn’t any kind of tangible real thing then. That you would grow from a baby with the most darling feet and dimple to a toddler to a child to a preadolescent to a TEENAGER. Now you’re in 7th grade. You’re thirteen! You’re the most amazing person and all I can...

04
Dec
2010

CONFESSIONS

As it stands right now, I could never be a vegetarian because: mmmmmmmmm, bacon. I have zero interest in the dream you had last night. My favorite holiday used to be Halloween, now it’s Christmas. My favorite time of year used to be autumn, now it’s spring. Both of these changes are due to 14 years of living in Sweden. None of the people I care about most, besides my husband and children, live in the same country as me. I spend much more time playing Spider Solitaire or Sword of Fargoal than anyone suspects. I’d rather chew off my...

01
Dec
2010

BLIZZARDEK

Staring into hyperspace snow for 40 minutes while simultaneously trying to keep the edge of the road in sight is VERY nerve-wracking. Why is it every time I have to drive somewhere in the evening it’s in white-out conditions? I keep hoping that the constant wind that is piling up drifts of snow will eventually blow it all out of the driveway and I won’t have to shovel. Or that I can at least put it off until Anders gets home on Friday…muahahahaha! Extremely aggravated that my husband’s car is nice and toasty and UN-ICED-UP in the garage while the...

26
Nov
2010

‘TIS NEARLY THE SEASON

It’s been snowing for several days. We’ve had the big fat flakes, the tiny polka-dotted blizzard conditions, full-on rain mixed with snow, which is the literal description the Swedes use for sleet. I wasn’t exactly excited by the first snowfall this year because I had to drive in it, twice. People get stupid in cars the first time the snow falls. They slow WAY down, they brake too hard, and some of them still have their summer tires on. I’m coming around slowly to enjoyment…it just seems too early for snow! Karin has been out sledding on the hill at...

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