For my Angel

I’ve been thinking of doing this for a while now. Not just the want to get another tattoo but also something special for my Angel to be proud of; well, at least I hope she’ll be proud of it.

I spoke to the folk at work about getting it done, many were not thrilled at the thought. Some were out and out against me getting a tattoo of any kind, any where on my body; others objected to where I wanted it done. I nearly backed out of it late this afternoon after chatting to one of my manager’s; she telling me that if I’d come to the initial interview with a tattoo on my wrist she would not have warmed to me or felt me worthy of the job. Another colleague told to think of future jobs and interviews, telling me of Swiss conservativeness and how the tattoo would be frowned on. Working in a legal environment, I did give the tattoo and placement thereof a lot of thought. I have been wanting one on my wrist or even hand (a la Cheryl Cole) for a long time and took into account how it would affect me professionally. I feel, if need be, I can wear a long sleeved blouse, chunky jewellry or even cover this with make up. What told me I was doing the right thing was the following call with Angel:

Me: Guess what, I’m having a tattoo done this evening!

Angel: oohh, what and where?

Me: I can’t tell you, its a surprise

Angel: Tell me, Mommy

Me: Guess what it is

Angel: Is it my name?

Me: *shocked* No, why would you think that?

Angel: Because Aunty T has the initials of Josh and Kay on her?? *note the silent “duh!”

Me: Oh, well how would you feel if I did that?

Angel: That would be SO cool!!!

Me: Well, sorry for you, that’s not what I’m doing :-p

I must admit, I was pretty miffed that she so randomly guessed right!! But then, as a friend told me, she’s an intelligent young lady, how could I have expected less. When I told my mum of my tattoo intentions last week, I told her I was not going to tell Angel what I would be doing, I want to surprise her with it when she visits in December; I just hope she’ll still think of it as cool!

I love my new tattoo, I love who I’ve done it for and I love what it means to me. As much as it hurt, I love that I ’suffered’ for it. (okay, it didn’t hurt all that much, only on certain spots, and then I felt I could have punched the artist)… see the work in progress here

And the finished article:

I was very ijmpressed with the tattoo palour, since its the first tattoo I ‘ve had done in Switzerland, I was quite apprehensive. The salon was clean, everything hygienic and the service was efficient and friendly. Thank you to the folks at Giahi!!

Family love

My beautiful sister, T, is expecting.. and by the looks of it there must be something in the water in SA, since the lovely Acidicice is also expecting! Check out baby_ice’s progress here.

Let me introduce you to Xavier, my precious new nephew

At 29 weeks and I’m already inlove with him. My only heartache is that I’m not with T during this time and won’t get to meet Xavier till he’s a few months old.

T, my special darling sister, I love you so very much. Even though we’re not together; you are in my heart and on my mind everyday. Without you, its like I’m missing a limb, I am not complete. I know I don’t call or write you as often as I should, but sometimes is hurts too much to do so, knowing I can’t be there to give you hug or just have a good ole laugh, or even one of our quickly-passing disagreements. I can’t wait to see you, I can’t wait to meet Xavier, give Josh and Mousie a hug and spend time with you.

Quote of the Day

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."
– Franklin D. Roosevelt

 

I couldn’t have opened this email at a better time.

Silly Swissness

I’ve said it before, I’m not a typical expat blogger*, I don’t write about the daily goings–on of the Swiss, all the festivals  I attend and all the rules I find either fantastic or downright laughable. I write about myself, about me, about my cats, Mr. Twist and our angels and of course, my shoes (not that I’ve been writing much of anything lately, but lets overlook that for now). I guess its because in a strange way I don’t see myself as a typical expat. For most expats Switzerland is a stop over, a place to experience, to enjoy and explore. They’re here to work their short-term contracts and then move on to the next European or global destination before eventually heading back to wherever home is. For me, Switzerland is home, I know I won’t be moving to another country after a few  years,  and I know I won’t be moving back ‘home’.

Every now and then something catches my eye, I save the email or tear it out of the newspaper with the intent of blogging about it, as you can tell from my very sparsley published blog, I’ve not fulfilled on that little promise to myself. Today, for your blogging pleasure, I present you however with two gems that I’d had lying on my desk for countless weeks.

The first is one I rather unfortunately didn’t get to participate it – Naked hiking!!! I didn’t even know it existed, so uninformed am I that I’ve since discovered it to be quite the sport and done practically everywhere. I suggest you go out and find a naked hiking group to join, hehehe. Be careful however where you plan to get starkers and go hiking; the community of Appenzell are not very appreciative of it and you will receive a fine of CHF200, though I shudder to think where you might have stashed your cash on hiking day!

 

Oh well, there goes me donning my birthday suit for a hike in Appenzell, sigh.

Of course, with the next article, the first thing I noticed were the pictures. Then the second line of the title; I’m willing to admit that I didn’t know what an Analphabet was, nor could I pronounce it.. an-alp.. anal-ph.. I was stumped. I’ve since learned it means an illiterate person who does not know the letters of the alphabet. These posters were created to educate those who cannot read on AIDS prevention. Basically, in my own warped interpretation, if you don’t use a condom, don’t swallow. I would love to hear what the guys out there make of this!

So, finally, a bit of swissy blogging from me, who knows what I’ll come up with next!

*For some typical and really good ex-pat blogging, go and visit Jessica here. If you’re wanting a South African’s take on life in Switzerland, visit Anneliese - she’s only been here a few months but her blog is already filled with a mine of useful and entertaining info! (If you’re an ex-pat hungry for more, they both have links on their sites with other interesting blogs to visit, enjoy!)

Meme and stuff

This has been doing the rounds, and since I’ve been out of blogmode, its quite appropriate for now.

1. want: to be back in Amsterdam

2. need: more sleep 

3. thankful for: the quiet lull in the office at the moment

4. thinking: I have so much prep to do for the next few months. Have to get started!!

5. quote: “To play it safe is not to play.”  – Robert Altman

6. watching: for any chat messages

7. lacking: motivation

8. listening: myself chewing gum – oh so exciting, lol! 

9. responding: or planning to, after I get the right info, to several important emails

10. planning: the rest of my day, there’s so much work to do

11. am: thinking I should get those documents from the printer to review, but I’d rather sit here and type

12. not: in the mood for much, am hungry though

How are you today?