And a Kitschy New Year

The initial idea for my New Year card, was to have a flute glass full of champagne and a big rock on my finger but I settled for the cheaper version. Happy New Year to all, you are the best friends and blog neighbours anyone could wish for.

Magic Number Seven

One house for each

Badger -a mean creature of the forest- asked me to do this. I had tagged him previously but he chose to tag me in return. I am not tagging anybody although I would be interested in your choices. I just feel magnanimous right now.

Seven Things That Attract Me To Blogging
1.Getting to know people, learning about their lives and experiences. Usually these are different people than those I am able to meet in the “other real world” (quoting Stephanie again).
2.Having an outlet for my thoughts, emotions and photos (what a girly thing to say, I know)
3.The discussions
4.Feeling normal for once. People here usually say “that has happened to me too.”
5.The sheer pleasure of writing and reading.
6.The wonder that people are actually reading this stuff (quoting Badger now).
7.Getting fun things in both my email and snail mail.

Seven Things I Say Most Often
1. Fuck
2. I am not addicted to my computer or the internet.
3. I want to buy…(whatever, just fill the blank with something totally useless, like stickers or a new mug or a stamp set)
4.Let me tell you what I DON’T write (in meetings, when people ask me what I
write for a living).
5. Time to go to bed now! (To my son with a big grin on my face)
6. Panagia mou! (greek for Mother of God!)
7. Chloe is not here at the moment. This is her sister speaking (on the phone when I haven’t met deadlines).

Seven Impractical Things I Think Would Be Really Cool Anyway
1.Beds with special newspaper stands so that you can fall asleep reading the paper without waking up with it on your face.
2.Vehicle-mounted fully-automatic paintball guns. (stole this from Badger but a. it’s an excellent idea b. serves him well for tagging ME instead of writing the meme I tagged him with)
3. Exercise bikes with a special bag for remote controls to the TV, DVD, CD, etc. A mechanical hand to turn the pages of a book or magazine would be a great addition at little extra cost.
4.Self-driven cars that can change colour according to your mood and dress.
5. A mini Starbucks coffee fountain in the kitchen for which you can renew your supply every six months.
6. This is my everlasting dream. A people downloading machine. You just need fast access to the internet and presto! Your online friend of choice downloads in your living room.
7. The matching outfit generator. A special gadget connected with your drawers and wardrobe that identifies clean clothes and matches them to other clothes, taking into consideration the season and time of day. When an item is so horrid it can get you arrested for crimes against decency and fashion, an alarm goes and the expiry date flashes.

Pressies in the mail

the toy

the cd

the card

It’s so great, on difficult days like this one, to receive a present in the mail. Stephanie seems to know when to send her packages. It was so comforting to receive a wonderful mix cd, a card which apart from wishes had a recipe printed on the back, and the fantastic winter wonderland toy you see above, with which I had hours of fun.
I want to thank all of you for the nice words concerning Nikiforos. Just like you do in every time of need.
I want to thank daybyday-4day at this point who offered to do something very special for me. Not only is it not out of line, it is a very touching thought, such a sweet gift.
Risking melodrama at this point, I’d like to say you made me feel very warm inside on a really cold –again for greek standards- day.

A cat is a cat by any other name

So my cat died this morning. We are going to find a little place for her in the park near my mum’s house. I don’t want this to be a miserable post. She was a truly proud creature.

I dedicate this TS Eliot poem to her, a cat of many names indeed:

The naming of cats is a difficult matter,
It isn't just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I'm mad as a hatter
When I tell you a cat must have three
different names.

First of all, there's the name
that the family use daily,
Such as Victor, or Jonathan,
George or Bill Bailey--
All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names
if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen,
some for the dames;
Such as Plato, Admetus,
Electra, Demeter--
But all of them sensible everyday names.

But I tell you,
a cat needs a name that's particular,
A name that is peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he
keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers,
or cherish his pride?

Of names of this kind,
I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quazo or Coripat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellyrum--
Names that never belong
to more than one cat.

But above and beyond
there's still one name left over,
And that is the name that you will never guess;
The name
that no human research can discover--
But The Cat Himself Knows,
and will never confess.

When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought,
of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.

The Naming of Cats - T.S Eliot

A Postmodernist through and through

I found this in Zona Boy's blog. I thought it would be good to find out what my world view is, especially before 2005 is gone. I'm glad I am a Postmodernist according to the quiz. This is what I studied, Postmodernism. So it seems it stuck with me. What is your world view?

You scored as Postmodernist. Postmodernism is the belief in complete open interpretation. You see the universe as a collection of information with varying ways of putting it together. There is no absolute truth for you; even the most hardened facts are open to interpretation. Meaning relies on context and even the language you use to describe things should be subject to analysis.

Find it here

How was it for you?

No matter how much you prepare for Christmas, there’s always something missing, isn’t there? I don’t like the idea of magical, fairytale Christmas, because it makes all the people who don’t experience it, sadder. The truth is, that all you can do is try to see the beauty in things around you, in sweets, toys, decorations and lights. And you try to give some joy to those you love, along with presents and cards. And you know that the 25th of December is never going to be all you had been dreaming of.
But it doesn’t matter, as long at it is some of the things you wanted and some nice memories went to the big memories trunk.
I have never experienced fairy tale Christmas –I am not sure that it exists- and some of the past were far from fairytale. I love my mother very much and life as I know it now wouldn’t have been possible without her. But she really didn’t know how to celebrate Christmas. She never invited anybody, except maybe for a lonely old person from the neighbourhood, out of pity. The picture I have from Christmas at home is my mother cleaning the house maniacally and being grumpy. Apparently holidays gave her lots of stress and she knew she wasn’t good at having fun. So she just waited for Christmas to pass. Being very religious gave her the excuse that Christmas was more about going to church and fasting and less about celebrating.
Since I left home I have been consciously trying not to see these images. Trying to make Christmas special is not something I inherited, it’s something I try to create now, not only for my son and M. but for me as well.
This Christmas has been very special for three reasons.
The first is that for the first time I had so much free time to do all the things I wanted to do: make cards, bake cookies, decorate, buy presents early. Because I didn’t have to go to work.
The second, and very important reason is that it’s the first Christmas I share with you. You made it easier, more colourful and meaningful. I got little presents and cards from all over the world. That was very special.
The third reason is that this is my cat’s last Christmas. She is 19 now and the last few days has stopped eating. She only drinks water and getting thinner and thinner. I know she only has some days left. I am going to miss her terribly although I haven’t been living with her since I left my parents’ house 8 years ago. She is very old, but to me, she’ll always be the little kitten I found in a shoebox.

Strange creatures on the streets

Melomakarona: A greek christmas pastry.

I received a beautiful card from Stephanie and this wish token which I am now wearing as a pendant. Thank you Stephanie! This is a very special Christmas, because I am celebrating along with my blog friends too.

two different tree styles

hey, there's me and my son on the carousel

the nice ice queen

We had some lunch in this restaurant, "Cookou"

I just had to take a picture of this yummy Mercedes

Some figurines. In the same shop I found dolls from the movie "Corpse Bride" and bought some for M as a Christmas Present. He is going to be thrilled because he loves Tim Burton.
This is the cafe I have been going for more than 10 years now. It's in my old neighbourhood and it's called Classique. I went last night and there was a novelty. A champagne bucket for beer bottles.

Jingle all the way

I went out with Blondie for creme brulee lattes and bookshop browsing. There is a new bookshop and we wanted to check. It has a cafe too. Unfortunately, a wide screen shows passers by people at the cafe having coffee in real time. You couldn't hide if you wanted to.
So we went to Starbucks and a man next to us was snoring in an armchair (open mouth too). No, not again. Why do all weirdos go to Starbucks?
By the way, this is one of the most central avenues in Athens.

This is a detail from the window of a candy shop. (What, 5 Euros for lollies?Chloe, not a good time to get Scrooged)

A tree in Syntagma Square (central Athens)

Whenever something happens in this city I am the first to go and support it. Especially if it is a new carousel. This is part of christmassy Athens and it's nice but you have to wait for ages to ride a horse (it's free, that's why). Of course I didn't.
My friend Husker Du sent me a wonderful cd and a nice letter full of stickers. I can't thank you enough. Blogging is good for my cd collection.
And a bit later I got this from Vista! A double cd (Corrs and Adiemus) and a card. Christmas pressies already! Thank you pretty friend.
I went to a new toyshop with Blondie and bought this stamp set for me. I can't describe my excitement at being able to make my very own stamps. The box indicates that it is designed for children from 5-8 but I think this must be a misunderstanding on the part of the manufacturer.

street lights
I baked some cookies with my son. They usually look better than they taste. And that's a good thing because I want to leave room for melomakarona (a traditional greek christmas pastry).
a shop window next to my sister's house
a gigantic doll's house in Syntagma Square
This is my "Merry Christmas to you" photo

Unwittingly hugged

I had a meeting with the after hours people, this time at a more sociable hour. We agreed that I will have to go there 2 or 3 times a week and write articles on health, natural living and all these things I’ve not become famous for.
Now, I am going to say something and I know most of you are going to be alarmed, even my greek friends.
This person I have been having the meetings with is very friendly but in a grumpy way, not slimy friendly, if you know what I mean. After we agreed, instead of shaking hands, he hugged me. Indeed.
Have your jaws dropped? Those of you who have been following my employment saga, are probably not so surprised and maybe think that people in Greece do that when coming to business agreements. Well, they don’t. Nobody hugs anybody at work, unless they are equals and have a friendly relationship and they haven’t met for a month, or one of them is fired.
So he hugged me and it didn’t feel uncomfortable. Not at all. In fact I was surprised myself that it felt normal. It lasted for 4-5 seconds. It was like the hug you give a soldier before he goes to war and might never come back. That’s what I perceived at least.
Then he asked after my son and my family. Then he said bye, and didn’t look at me twice.
I went to the Irish pub for a drink. On my way there, I went to the same shop I had saved the fairy from, and this time saved The Little Prince.
I am now having some Glugwein, so here’s to you. May you never be unwittinlgy hugged at work.

The Little Prince in Australia

Tagged, tagged, tagged from here to eternity

I’ve been tagged by True Blue Guy. I don’t know why some people say they are not interested in that kind of thing. I thought bloggers loved talking about themselves. Anyway, may I also tag Steve, Stephanie, Cathy, Erikku, Badger, Vista, Daria, Pirate, Connie, Kimananda, Husker Du, Vesper, Heidi, Harry P., Omara, Ruby, Gurgo, and everybody else coming here, because frankly, this list is getting too long.

10 years ago...

I had just finished my studies and was looking for a job. I started teaching English and I would be thrilled when my little students brought me drawings and flowers.

5 years ago...

I was working for a news portal. My son was 2 years old.

Last year...

I quit my job in the newspaper and one thing led to another and somehow decided to work as a freelancer. We’ll see what happens next.

Yesterday...
It was Sunday, I read newspapers, cooked lunch and went to the cinema with my son to see Wallace and Gromit. It was excellent. I loved the details. Like the brand of Wallace’s fridge: SMUG

5 Yummy Things...

1) lemon pies
2) cheesecake
3) potatoes (all kinds)
4) crème brulee latte- Starbucks
5) toast, I love toast.

5 Things I Know By Heart...

All my internet-computer passwords
My Bank Account’s secret number
Friends, family’s birthdays and name days
Important telephone numbers (not more than 20).
About 500 songs’ lyrics

5 Things I'd Do If I Had Lots Of Money...

Travel all around the world.
Buy a beautiful house in Scotland and a flat in London.
Give my family, sister and friends nice things, and a country house with a garden for my parents.
Open a big bookshop for kids only that would look as if it had come out of a fairy tale with day-care activities too and a nice kiddie restaurant inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

5 Places I Escape To...

My home
My computer
Starbucks or other cafes, but mostly Starbucks
Cinema
Petite Fleur, a special little place.

5 Things I'd Never Wear...

Anything made from fur
Glam disco things
Cowboy boots-cowboy gear in general
Combat trousers, I would look very funny. I like them in other people though.
White stilettos

5 Fav TV Shows...

Friends
Sex and the city
BBC period dramas
Blackadder
I loved Boys in the Hood, many many years ago


5 Things I Enjoy Doing...

Listening to music (all day long)
Blogging and surfing the net in general
Reading and writing
Cooking for my friends
Traveling, seeing new things

Cargo train

Is there a last time you cry about someone or something? Can you honestly say, after that last time you never cried over that person again. Or is it that some of this pain remains and is there, every other time you cry, even if you don’t consciously attribute it to the specific situation. Does it add up, is it cumulative? If there isn’t a last time, was there ever a first time? Is this like a train that in every station adds up some more cargo.

The enigmatic plumber

We have cleaned everything. Now I sit and stare at the house. It’s nice that tomorrow morning I’m going to wake up in a normal house and with one more white bookcase too.
The plumber was smoking all the time in here. What did I care since I was already breathing in the marble dust? For some reason I cared. I have hang ups and want to be asked for permission in order for smoking to commence.
I am listening to Philip Glass. Because it is a constant repetition of the same thing. I wouldn’t be able to stand complex melodies now.
The plumber must have freaked out. At one point when solo for drill reached a peak, I put on my coat and told him “the keys are on the door, there is more juice in the fridge, I’m going out”. I just thought there is nothing here he could possibly want. Not even my help and somehow I trusted him. And I was right because I am now writing on my computer and Robbie Williams is on TV.
I’ve got something to reveal about the plumber that may or may not be interesting.
He asked me for a glass of water and when I went to the room he was working in, his bag was open and I swear, there it was, popping out, a long, blond lock of false hair.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Right. The plumber and his little helpers are coming tomorrow (on a Saturday) around 8 in the morning. This is going to be so much fun. To top up the impending mess, I went to IKEA and bought things that need assembling (new white bookcase again).
Other news from the Christmas front: I found this in one of your blogs. I saved the link and now I don't remember which one it was. Please tell me.
I am Rudolph. Who are you? Please do the quiz like the good grown ups you all are.

You Are Rudolph

Sweet and shy, you tend to be happiest when you're making someone else happy. Why You're Naughty: You sometimes stick that nose where it doesn't belong Why You're Nice: Christmas would be a sad affair without you!

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Oh you shouldn’t have!

I never know what to buy my mother for Christmas. Most of the times, she opens the present, smiles, thanks me cheerfully, then forgets about it. She never seems excited over anything. It used to be worse though. When I was younger she would sometimes even look disappointed in my gifts.
I remember her complaining about not having a good iron, then bringing her a very expensive and heavy one all over from the UK (not for Christmas, just a gift because I was coming back) and having to endure that disapproving look.
My sister has the same problem with our mum’s gifts. She never knows what to give her and mum’s gift usually takes her all day and more money than any other, just to make sure she is going to like it.
Do you know this feeling, when you love somebody and want to bring them joy, and somehow whatever you do is not good enough? That’s a bit like it.
The last couple of years I have stopped giving her personal gifts like clothes (god forbid, nothing is never right in that area: too big, too small, too youngish, too “granny”, wrong colour, wrong buttons) and have been opting for nice things for the house. Last year it was some wine glasses that she even used on New Year’s Day, this year it’s going to be something along those lines.
This works for me only in the following manner: I don’t attach much meaning to presents like that and I somehow protect myself from being heartbroken if she doesn’t like them.
On the contrary, my dad, my mother in law and every other person I know seem happy with anything. And because I feel free to be creative with them I generally give them better presents (except for dad who always gets after shaves, socks and books and seems thrilled to do so).
So, who’s the most difficult person you have to get a present for?
My playlist for this morning (I’ve been feeling retro these last few days)
Sibonay – Connie Francis
Sway – Dean Martin
Perfidia – Xavier Cugat
The Christmas song – Nat King Cole
Ausencia – Cesaria Evora, Goran Bregovic
Pretty – Roy Orbinson
Riding High – Peggy Lee
High Society – Louis Armstrong
More – Frank Sinatra

Too cold to write

I like old fashioned umbrellas

and magazines in bed

and planes, they excite me

I like my cat, she is 19 years old now. She is a girl but has a boy's name. She was a few days old when I found her and I couldn't tell.

I like all cats really. In greece there are many stray cats and my mum feeds all the kitties in our neighbourhood. They are not kitties really. They are big, fat cats.

I like my son's fascination with skeletons and pirates. He asked Santa for some more, totally unaware of any irony there.

I like the Little Prince, such a nice person

I like Hello Kitty things (still). I don't know why. Hello kitty is not particularly tasteful.

I like rainbows. I took this photo yesterday after the rain.

I like teapots. I like to think I collect teapots but I don't have more than 6.

I like Nick Hornby. He is funny, intelligent and has great taste in music.

I like red beer, like this one I had an hour ago

For the finale: I like potatoes like most people. Nothing beats the blues like carbohydrates do.