2021 – a year summary

January 18, 2022

What did you do in 2021 that you’d never done before?
I got pregnant and gave birth early to Peanut <3 I also started working with a new client as a consultant, where I’m still today. Sold our apartment. IVF treatments/tries.

Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but several will in 2022!!!

Did anyone close to you die?
Peanut

What countries did you visit?
We managed to finally see our family in the States after two years of not seeing them due to the infamous C. Otherwise, we stayed in Sweden.

What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?
It would be amazing to experience a new pregnancy again. We would also like to do more weekend trips in Sweden – explore the surroundings more, perhaps visit a spa or two. Spend quality time together in other places than home.

What days from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory?
Sadly really tough days, starting January 19, 22nd, 26th, February 1st, 2nd and 3rd, and then several months after that – all connected to losing Peanut. Also, the first weekend in May when she was buried, July 2nd when we moved to Norrköping and left Uppsala (which, compared to the other dates, was great!). 

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
To live with my grief. The decision we made to leave Uppsala and move to Norrköping. Started taking singing lessons and to sing in a choir again. Working with my new client.

What was the best thing(s) you bought?
The trip to the States over the holidays and the continuing treatments to get pregnant again.

What was your biggest failure?
That I didn’t work out.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, and I’m so thankful for that.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
Liz, my parents, and the therapists we have had and I still have. So freaking thankful for all of them!

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My own a lot of times.

Where did most of your money go?
Flight tickets, food, treatments, and therapy sessions.

What are you really excited about in 2022?
Hopefully to start living life a bit more if C is getting better in the world. Projects with our newly bought camera. Smaller trips, and perhaps get pregnant. Oh, and to feel better in general.

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Travel, read books, been in contact more with friends, and do creative stuff.

What do you wish you’d done less of?
Crying.

What song will always remind you of 2017?
» José Gonzales: Line of Fire
» Lisa Nilsson: 100
» Two Feet: I Feel Like I’m Drowning
» Clara Mae: Call Your Girlfriend
» Daisy Dash: New York, New York
» Lars Winnerbäck: Tror jag hittar hem
» Homegrown, Quibus: Why Baby Why 

How did you be spend Christmas?
In the Mountains of North Carolina, USA, together with Liz’s closest family.

What was your favorite month(s) of 2021?
July when we moved to Norrköping, explored the old-new city, decorated our home, and spent a week in the archipelago where the weather was really nice and warm. We also had a surprise delayed birthday party for my dad and it was the first time, in a really long time, family got together.

Did you fall in love in 2021?
Yes, even more with Liz ♥

What was your favorite TV program?
Have no idea to be honest. Perhaps Så Mycket Bättre? I didn’t really watch any TV.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don’t really do the hating. But an old neighbor was not on my top favorite person list, the least to say. 

What was the best book you read?
I didn’t have the concentration to read anything last year, but I hope to change that this year.

What (was the best) serie(s) you watched?
I enjoyed La casa de Papel, Yellowstone, Unorthodox, Maid, The Queen’s Gambit, and Lupin.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Perhaps not a discovery, but I got a hangup on What I Did For Love (Glee version) from the musical A Chorus Line.

What did you want and get?
A renovated kitchen in our apartment in Uppsala. An apartment located in the middle of downtown of Norrköping, with an amazing view.

What did you want and not get?
A year without the pandemic.

What was your favorite film of this year?
Have no idea.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 37 and we were in the middle of a pandemic. Liz sang for me and served me breakfast in bed with gifts, and surprised ordered take out with yummy food in the evening. I worked during the day.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To not find out Peanut had a chromosomal abnormality and ending the pregnancy. 

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021?
A bunch of cozy clothes such as tights and oversized sweatshirts.

What kept you sane?
To talk with Liz, our therapist we were seeing after everything with Peanut, my parents, and my therapist. Talk, talk, talk and process all my emotions and feelings over and over again. To let myself cry, be upset, angry, but also to let myself feel joy and happiness as well. To start doing more music stuff again. Love it.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
The one and only, Helen Sjöholm 🙂 

What political issue stirred you the most?
Politicians dealing with the pandemic and the storming of the Capitol building on January 6th. Craziness.

Who did you miss?
Friends and family ♥

Who was the best “new” person (people) you met?
Our therapist and my new colleagues. 

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021
Do not take anything for granted and try to really enjoy what you have, because you never know where and how life can turn. 

Earlier year summaries
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2011

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July 28th 🤍

July 28, 2021

It was your due date today, July 28th and I have had so much anxiety and grief about this day for so long. We know she could have come earlier or later, but today is the day that we were counting down to. Ever since we decided to end the pregnancy, I have pretty much been crying every day at some point since January when we find out about how things were.

Some might think, or have even mistaken, it was a miscarriage. It wasn’t. We had to make the decision on our own, based on what all the tests showed and what the doctors said. It was horrible. We were also pretty far into the pregnancy which made it even worse to end it. It was a birth at the hospital, we held our Peanut and said goodbye to her, and she’s buried in Uppsala now.

This has been and is so hard to handle. All I see is other people being pregnant and having babies. I’m happy for their sake, but it hurts at the same time that we never got to experience it all. It’s also so hard to handle, hearing people talk about their children (which I understand they are and will continue doing and I have to learn to face it and deal with it – but right now I’m super extra sensitive and it’s tough to hear). Everything wasn’t ok with you, Peanut, and I have to keep reminding myself about that and not get stuck in thinking it wasn’t.

Even though I was physically feeling really bad while being pregnant and spent pretty much all of the time in bed/sofa, I miss it terribly and would do anything to be pregnant again. To think that we were three (or four with Zola the cat), to plan what your crib was gonna look and be like, discuss culture differences/similarities, how we wanted to raise you as an American and a Swede – share it all with you. You were gonna be an American and a Swede, have both passports to open up the world to you even more, if you wanted to explore it later on. We had decided to continue to speak English at home and with each other, since society and surroundings are all speaking Swedish. We had talked so much about everything and then it all just crashed.

Your were a tiny little human being who was gonna be named Sonja Ruth Reynolds Eriksson. We love you and forever will keep you in our hearts, little Sonja. 🤍

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It’s still pretty tough – a life update.

April 10, 2021

It’s been almost two months since my last post about our little Peanut, who we sadly had to say goodbye to on February 3rd. The days are moving on with a bunch of work (I have a new job since the beginning of December 2020 since I lost my other job due to the Covid-19 situation in the world back in August the same year) and also some major preparations. Not too long after February 3rd, Liz and I decided we needed a major change in our lives, a fresh new start, and a focus/project during spring as we’re facing a spring and summer far different than we first thought by not expecting a baby anymore.

I’m still crying pretty much every day over our dream that never happened. I’m still being reminded by various milestones, such as entering half way in pregnancy, earlier scheduled times with midwife, classes we were going to participate in, stuff we were going to purchase, preparations in the home we were going to do, and so forth. Not to mention all the strollers, pregnant women, and babies that are out there to see – in real life and on social media. I’m happy for their sake, but it still hurts in my heart and soul, and it’s still pretty hard to deal with to be honest. But it hasn’t been that long since we ended the pregnancy and I can’t be too hard on myself. I’m so thankful for having Liz in my life, the counselor we’re seeing together, and my therapist I’m seeing by myself. Also my amazing parents who are supporting me and keeping up with my freak outs of grief on a regular basis as well. It is what it is. I have to accept it, and try to move on in life even though I feel I don’t have the right to do that since Peanut never got the chance to do so. We don’t regret our decision and we know it was the best for all of us…still, of course, it hurts. So much.

As I wrote earlier, we’re doing some major changes and preparations in life right now. We’re moving this summer to Norrköping. The plan is to get our apartment up for sale in the beginning of May, and it will hopefully be sold by summer (fingers crossed). We’ve been fortunate with great luck and amazing timing to get hold of our almost dream apartment in downtown Norrköping. It’s bigger than the one we own now, has a huge balcony with a great view of the whole city, right in the middle of downtown so close to everything, and there is also some other great convenient stuff we want to have. It feels so good. We need this change. If you know or remember, we actually used to live in Norrköping back from 2010 to 2013. However, it was a pretty dark period in my life where I was really sick with anorexia, so we haven’t been able to really enjoy the city for real. We’re also going to be closer to more family and friends (although it’s really sad to have to leave some other family here in Uppsala – but we’ll come back and visit, for sure). I’m gonna be able to focus and do a lot of more music in my life, which I’m really looking forward to. Singing in a choir again and to taking private singing lessons, are already on my agenda and I’ve booked a voice coach. So exciting! I’m also gonna be able to still see my therapist since she’s also offering online sessions, and has a clinic in Stockholm as well, which I might go to on a regular basis.

As I mentioned earlier I’d gotten a new job back in December, and I was feeling really bad a day back a few weeks ago when I thought I was gonna have to give my notice..but my boss totally offered me to still keep it but to work from Norrköping instead. How perfect!! I love my new job, but my newest client (I work as a UX-designer consultant), is in Stockholm – therefore, it could be some trips to the big city whenever the pandemic is letting us, which isn’t too far from Norrköping.

So all in all. Things are moving on in the midst of the grieving process.

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Peanut, you will never be forgotten 🤍

February 14, 2021
Peanut <3, week 13

Our journey to you started about two years ago. There were many visits to the hospital, tests to take, conversations to have, and a bunch of excitement. It was hopefully going to happen now, finally!

There were several bumps and roller coaster rides along the way but, in the beginning of November of 2020, it seemed to have worked!!! November 17th. The test day was here and IT WAS POSITIVE – WE WERE PREGNANT 🤍 Our excitement was beyond words and we were flying on clouds of happiness.

Then the adventure of being pregnant started. I felt so nauseous and sick in a way that I could have never imagined. But it was all worth it, I thought. I ended up spending a little more than 3 months in bed or on the sofa (in some ways the pandemic “helped” us since I could work from home then). But, Liz had to take care of everything – from serving me the little I could eat, to cleaning the apartment, doing all the laundry, and she couldn’t even touch me because the touch/movement would make me puke. It was pretty bad, to say the least. But, the excitement kept us going. Peanut, our “working name” for the baby was worth everything 🤍 


Our announcement picture to our families! & Week 11 and I was so excited and happy!

We documented every week by taking pictures and videos.

January 19th, 2021
Mid January came and we (or I, Lina, since Liz was not allowed at the hospital due to the pandemic restrictions – she was fully healthy though) were going to check on Peanut and during the ultrasound we found out everything didn’t quite look ok. We got the worst possible result on the test with a 50/50 percent chance that Peanut wasn’t going to be healthy. The stats were 1:2. One out of 2 babies would be healthy. A 50/50 chance. Not good odds. We were devastated and we started to live in this weird fog of worries. The hospital booked us to do more tests just a couple of days later, and when the day came Liz was finally allowed to be part of it and was able to see Peanut for the first time. I had already been blessed to see Peanut two times at that point (week 8 and 13). Liz cried at how amazing Peanut was. I was nervous about the tests I/we were facing. But it was all beautiful, even though the reason for the tests were all a big chunk of worries.

The test results were going to be reported to us by phone, no matter the result – positive or negative, 2-3 days later (but it was Friday so we had to wait an additional two days). Those waiting days were some of the toughest days in my life. I could not think of anything else. I did not function (even more so with the nausea).

Week 14 after the additional tests.

January 26th, 2021
On Tuesday January 26th at 1:18PM the phone rang. It was bad news. Peanut had some chromosome abnormalities and with that there would most likely tag along several other complications. We were now pregnant in week 14 and had entered the second trimester. It was exactly the time (or actually a week before that) that we had planned to announce our pregnancy. It was exactly the time that we had planned to start buying a few things in order to prep for Peanut’s arrival (July 28th, 2021 🤍). But, instead of celebrating and announcing, we were now faced with the decision to end the pregnancy or to go through with it and hope that the baby would be healthy enough to live. What we did know, though, was that Peanut already had some serious health issues. We were in complete shock for days. All of it surreal and crushing. So, we sat with it and just let all of our feelings and thoughts flow for a few days.

February 1st, 2021
We scheduled another appointment with a doctor for further discussions some days later. I talked with a counselor which we are seeing from now on, and then after meeting with a specialist together, Liz and I decided for Peanut’s sake and for our own, that it was the best to end the pregnancy. It was the hardest decision we have ever made and we were devastated. This wasn’t the way we wanted this journey to end. Our dreams were crushed. We started the ending process, and while I’ve been through some tough days in my life, I can say that these days have, by far, been the worst days in our lives. When you’ve come this far in the pregnancy (about to enter week 16), it’s a birthing process at the hospital. The difference is that you don’t get to go home with your baby…

We were terrified and devastated, but, we did it all. Together. We were able to see and hold you, little Peanut, and you were so beautiful in your own little way. And then we said goodbye.

February 3rd, 2021 – the day with said goodbye to you, Peanut.

Even though just a short time has passed and we are now deep in our grief, we wanted to share this story to honor our beloved Peanut, our girl who we had several names planned for, and who we were expecting to meet in July this coming summer. Peanut, you will never be forgotten. We love you and we dug deep into our souls to do what we thought was the best for you and for us. 🤍

With great and forever love, 
Mamma Lina & Mommy Liz

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My new quarantine routine

May 2, 2020

I gotta have some routines when working from home and when not really doing anything specific from day to day. This is something I’ve been working on figuring out from day 1 of quarantine.

I know that some of my readers aren’t from Sweden and I’m not going to describe exactly how the Swedish society is facing the pandemic, although plenty of you have probably heard both good and bad news about the strategy here. Shortly put: we’re not in lockdown and we don’t have strict laws forcing us to stay home. The strategy is based on strong recommendations with daily updates of information from experts. At 2PM there are different agencies/departments who provide the latest information, recommendations, etc. at a televised press conference. And the majority of the population follows these recommendations. In general, we are all listening to what is being said. There have been situations, however, where people have started to relax a tad bit too much, and then there are new rules to follow the next day due to that.

We’ve built our society on freedom with a great portion of individual responsibility. That’s always been a big part of Swedish society. And, now, Sweden has, from pretty much the beginning, been careful about shutting down the whole country since this pandemic most likely will go on for a longer period of time, and a total shutdown will not be possible to keep going month after month – due to economy and people’s mental health. I’m not saying this is the best way of facing the pandemic, nor that it is a bad way – we will all see once this is “over”, or when we have a greater distance from it all. This is just a really short description of how Sweden is doing it.

The day before yesterday was Walpurgis Eve /April 30/”Last of April”, which is a huge celebration day in Uppsala where we live. Hundreds of thousands of people are usually out and about, having picnics in parks, celebrating spring. You can read more about it here. It usually looks like this. (<– Google image search of Last of April in Uppsala). Yesterday the city looked like this (<– The article is in Swedish, but focus on the drones videos/images taken – the differences!!!). People listened to the agencies/departments who were telling us to skip the big celebrations 2020, and that makes my soul and heart warm – we can do this!

Pictures from other years during Last of April celebrations, totally “stolen” from Liz’s blog.

Ok, I wasn’t gonna write a lot about the pandemic and Sweden..hehe. Back to where I started, about my new routines. The past weeks, I do believe since Easter, I’ve lost some “discipline”. I don’t like to have rules, and will never really have any since my life existed with so many rules when I was sick with anorexia. I’m over that kind of mindset, and but I like to focus on what makes me feel good right here and now. Therefore, the routines are not based on something I’m gonna do every day, or push me towards some kind of weird spiral down to a dark place. No, this is all based on how to make me feel good inside out, in these times of pandemic.

Starting on Monday, I’ll only work 80% (and not 100%), but thanks to the government of Sweden, I’ll get paid for 96%. This means, I’ll work every day but will get off earlier which actually feels kind of nice now when spring is here and summer is upon us. The evenings are brighter and warmer.

My idea and plan
07.15 AM Wake up
08.00 AM Start to work
12.00 PM Lunch break with a walk outside
15:30 PM Get off

After work hours, I will start taking power walks for at least 45 min (could also be some easy work out at home instead or combined), come home and take a shower, and then cook dinner. After dinner, I’ll do various activities which could be to play the piano, sketch, clean/organize the storage units in the basement, watch Netflix, bake, get out in the car somewhere (out in nature), puzzle, talk with my parents on FaceTime, Zoom with the whole family (it’s hilarious), clean our home, do laundry, spend time in our backyard, and hang out with my brother and his family or two of our friends. In this way I’ll get some physical activity, fresh air, a structured work day, regular meals, and social activities as well. It’s what I need and feel good about right now.

Most important is to wake up and get a feel of what I need that exact day. Do I need to just lay down on the couch and watch Netflix, I’ll do that, and not feel bad about it. I don’t need guilty feelings hovering over me, or negative thoughts about myself right now. I wanna feel as good as I can in this time.

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We’ve bought a car and her name is Luna.

May 1, 2020

It’s been a bit crazy lately, where Liz and I have tried to figure out what to do and how to face the pandemic in our everyday lives. We both work from home and have done it for two months soon. We have zero future travel plans ahead to the States or anywhere, which feels surreal since we always go to the States in summer. But unfortunately not this year, which hurts in our souls. I’ve had this “I’m stuck” kind of feeling (who doesn’t, though, right now?) and a huge need for a more “I’m free!” kind of feeling in the midst of everything going on right now in the world. Liz and I love to take road trips, explore unridden, to us, roads, and have just “play-it-by-ear” kinds of plans. To just pack a snack, get in a car and go, is something we’ve missed greatly the past five years in Sweden. BUT as of this week, that has changed, and it feels so good!

Two days ago, we picked up our car, a Toyota CH-R (for those interested), and our lives have truly changed. Not only in owning a car, but in my mind and soul – I nowadays have this kind of freedom-feeling inside of me. Crazy to have to buy a car right now in order to feel that, but..oh, well. Before Luna, which is the car’s name we decided on for her, we’ve been stuck at home since we don’t want to go by bus or train anywhere (and also, where to go right now anyway? Nowhere!). With a car we can now easily get out in nature – drive to the coast and be by the ocean, explore areas we’ve never explored before due to the inconvenience of not having a car and no other transportation possibilities to get to those areas. We’re talking nature spots now since we don’t want to be around any other people than our small click of family (my brother and his family and two friends we’ve been seeing all along during the pandemic.

Luna is freedom to us right now.

Once the pandemic has calmed down and is more under control in the world, we see ourselves going down to my parents and then to continue to the southern part of Sweden and visit my family there and then all of Europe is just a close drive to be under our wheels! Or to drive up to Northern part of Sweden and experience the Midnight sun, visit friends, and just be close to my roots up there (both my grandmas were from southern part of Sweden, my grandad on mom’s side was from up north, and my dad’d dad was from Stockholm – so I have wide range of roots from North to South) Gaaaah, what a dream, and one day, it will be possible, and a little sooner possible with Luna <3

Why Luna? Firstly, because it’s a badass name but too close to Lina so I don’t want to name a possible future baby that. Hehe. Second, it means the moon, which my love has a great special love for, and at the time we bought her, there was a new moon. Perfect, right?

Count on some updates from upcoming road trips. In the beginning just from closer areas here in Uppland (the area Uppsala is in), but once we can move around more, definitely some more longer adventures!

Hope y’all doing ok and stayin’ safe.

Love,
Lina

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En vädjan till egoisterna

March 29, 2020

Jag skulle ha varit där nu. Skulle ha haft semester i en vecka och åkt skidor i fjällen. Skulle ha tillbringat tid med min älskade familj som jag inte träffar alltför ofta. Före skidsemestern skulle jag och min fru haft besök av en nära vän från Tyskland som vi inte träffat på länge och innan det skulle vi ha beställt ett nytt kök. Före det, eller månader sedan, hade vi även börjat den största processen i mitt och min frus liv – att blir gravida! Tänka sig att jag precis nämnde det i detta sammanhang först! Nu har jag sagt det till världen, eller ja, till de som faktiskt är här inne och läser och som förstår svenska. Jag kommer skriva mer om vår process framöver för jag/vi vill gärna dela med oss av vår resa att skaffa barn som vi har börjat på och i de dryga två år som gått sedan jag sist bloggade, har jag den senaste tiden saknat en kanal i mitt liv där jag kan uttrycka mig. Jag kommer med andra ord att börja skriva mer här igen, för jag behöver det och då även berätta mer om vår process i att försöka att bli gravida. Men som sagt, det är en annan process och historia. Nu, tillbaka till det jag började skriva om…

Just nu är allt ovisst men jag vet att vi inte ska iväg på vår skidsemester med familjen med start idag. Vår vän från Tyskland kom inte hit och hälsade på oss. Vi har pausat våra köksrenoveringsplaner just nu och avvaktar läget och Reproduktionscentrum utför inga behandlingar i dagsläget och då på obestämd tid framöver. Vi kommer dessutom inte att kunna åka och hälsa på vår familj i USA till sommaren som det ser ut nu och vet inte när vi kommer kunna se dem igen. Den ovissheten är otroligt jobbig, speciellt då vi har en släkting som ligger för döden.

Det är sjukt tråkigt att allt detta sker och jag är ledsen och gråter ibland. Jag HATAR rent ut sagt Covid-19 men det handlar om hälsan nu – om liv och död.

Jag blir uppriktigt sagt otroligt arg, besviken och ledsen när andra skiter i detta och lever på som om det inte fanns någon annan än de själva här i världen, i Norden, i Sverige, i den stora staden eller det mindre samhället. DET om något har satt sina spår i mig. HUR är det ens möjligt att tänka så egoistiskt just nu? 

SNÄLLA, res inte nu. Folhälsomyndighetens rekommendation är att inte resa just nu, vare sig det är till fjällen, din sommarstuga, eller andra ställen. Stanna hemma för att minska smittspridningen i landet! Hoppar vi de sociala sammankomsterna nu, kommer det förhoppningsvis gå snabbare för oss att få tillbaka den vardag vi så gärna vill ha tillbaka. Ge efter med vad ni själva vill ha eller göra nu och få det snabbare tillbaka snart. Fjällen kommer att vara kvar, nästa år. Det kanske inte din mamma eller farmor är. Det är sant. Det händer. Människor dör. Ta det inte som att det bara är en förkylning för dig och ignorera allvaret, för någon annan som tar över din eventuella “förkylning”, kan dö.

Tänk också på vad det innebär för de mindre städerna, samhällena eller byarna som inte har samma resurser som exempelvis Stockholm, Göteborg och Malmö. Trotsar många människor, eller går emot de rekommendationer som finns och som är tillsatta istället för restriktioner, kommer Sverige vara tvunget att ta till restriktioner och ändra lagar tillfälligt åt det hårdare hållet. Vill vi det? Kan vi inte försöka ta ett individansvar nu, ändra våra planer och vårt liv just nu, så att vi snart kan få tillbaka våra liv igen?

Även om ni inte känner av några symptom eller tycker ni är sjuka så KAN NI FORTFARANDE BÄRA PÅ VIRUSET OCH NI KAN BIDRA TILL ATT NÅGON ANNAN BLIR SJUK OCH KANSKE DÖR!!! Bara för att du ville åka skidor, gå på den där puben och dricka en öl, eller gå på den där tillställningen då det ändå ”bara” skulle vara du och 499 andra personer. Tack och lov att denna siffra ändras, från och med idag, till max 50 personer (även om det är lite väl löst bestämt och en kan ifrågasätta en hel del). 

Hur svårt kan det vara att ta hänsyn till fler än dig själv? Snälla, detta är en vädjan till dig som kanske fokuserat lite väl mycket på jaget det senaste tiden. Suck it up och ta ett samhällsansvar nu – för allas hälsa. Det känns skönt att ha skrivit ned detta nu och jag känner att jag behöver runda av detta inlägg för att gå vidare med lite mer positivitet i kroppen. Känner ni att ni själva behöver och vill skriva av er, är kommentarsfältet öppet för tankar, känslor, reaktioner eller vad ni nu känner att ni vill skriva och dela med er utav. Ta hand om er och era medmänniskor <3 Avslutar med ett citat som jag sett cirkulera den senaste tiden;

Jag går till jobbet för din skull, stanna hemma för min skull.

Anne Rosendahl, sjuksköterska
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a get to know me list

January 15, 2018

Holiday season

1. How are you?
Thirty-three.

2. How old do you feel?
Like thirty-three, but sometimes I feel a few years younger, and then I realize how many years have actually passed in real life.

3. Where do you live?
I live in an apartment in Uppsala, Sweden, together with my wife. We bought it in March 2016.

4. What have you done today?
It’s Saturday evening and I haven’t actually done that much today. Woke up around 9, drank coffee, watched YouTube, finished the series “Dark”, fixed a little in the apartment, but mostly been relaxed.

Lina & the garden.

5. Summer, fall, winter, or spring – what do you prefer, and why?
I think late spring with summer just ahead of us. But I do love each season’s uniqueness; like the all of the fall colors, winter coziness, endless summer nights, and spring when everything is so green.

6. Are you addicted to something?
Acknowledgement, love, the Internet, chocolate, and coffee.

7. Mention three things people might not know about you?
1. I’m a super organized person who wants it over-the-top clean around me. So, I actually have to have goals to not clean everyday, but perhaps once a week at the most.
2. I took riding lessons for almost 10 years as a kid and teenager.
3. I’ve spent more than a year in the hospital, in total, throughout my life so far. (due to treatment of Anorexia and surgeries for my birth defect).

vsco

8. Where in the world would you like to be right now?
At a beach in Bali with my wife.

9. How are you feeling right now?
Relaxed.

10. What’s your favorit candy?
Chocolate.

11. Your favorite store(s)?
Weekday, Zara, Granit, Crate & Barrel, Michael’s, and West Elm.

Me and a view of Manhattan 1

12. Are you a morning or evening person?
More of an evening person than a morning person, I think. However, I’m pretty even – not going to bed that late, but not getting up that early either.

13. Have you had any stitches?
Yes, my face, my right leg, and in my mouth.

14. Who did something extra special for you last?
My parents and my wife’s parents.

vsco

15. Are you shy?
Nope, I don’t see myself as shy. I can talk with pretty much whomever, in front of lots of people, or individuals. But I do get a little nervous every now and then. Especially when performing (singing and playing the piano) during an important situations (funeral, wedding etc.).

16. What’s your middle name(s)?
Maria and Viktoria, because my parents liked the names.

17. Would you like to get married?
I am married. December 26th 2009! Still going strong ♥

List from Flora!

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January 2018

January 13, 2018

 

Happy New Year ♥
First post of the year, folks!

I’ve celebrated Christmas with my Swedish family in my hometown, and a couple of days later, Liz and I flew to the States, and celebrated a belated Christmas and then New Years Eve with our American family and friends! We’re now back in Sweden, Liz is back at work, and I’m working on figuring out a few next steps for me in life, which sounds pretty serious (and it is actually pretty important and big to me).

Let’s say, 2017 turned into a lot of unexpected turns, which forced me into some new beginnings. It’s been a roller coaster the past months to say at least, but I’m finally beginning to see the end of the ride.

I was laid off work this past fall and it wasn’t handled good at all by my former company. I’ve been struggling getting my rights upheld – my legal rights- and there has been a lot of annoying waiting time and more unexpected turns. It’s been exhausting!! However, I’m actually glad it happened to me, because it has forced me to move on to what I now believe are way better things. I cannot stress hard enough how excited I am for my new adventures coming up. It’s close to being pretty clear now! Once the contract is signed, I’ll let you know, but I do have a job offer, actually possibly two job offers, and I’m beyond excited!

So a new year, a new job coming up soon, and I’m feeling better than ever! I think I’m gonna write a post where I make a list of things I wanna do/do more of in 2018. But that’s gotta be a different post, I believe. Just wanted to say hi now, and yes, my blog is back on the regular address, and you’ll find my portfolio linked up in the main menu. I’ve also fixed a new header, as you probably have noticed already. A few small changes, but they do feel pretty darn good, I think.

 

USA winter 17/18

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2017

December 31, 2017

What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?
We were on a TV-show, House Hunters International, that aired in the States! So we were on American TV – crazy!! It was the first year that we didn’t go to the Swedish archipelago or the beach in the States. I didn’t have that much vacation… but, Liz’s parent’s came to Sweden and we showed them around!! And, also… I was laid off from work.

Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I usually don’t make any resolutions, but I will write down some wishes for myself that I’m gonna work on! I did reach one goal – to get healthy! The most important thing in the whole world!

Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one really close, but a few!

Did anyone close to you die?
Too many died in 2016, so I’ve been fortunate to not lose any close ones in 2017 ♥

What countries did you visit?
USA three times. We started the year in Maine, went to New York City and North Carolina for 2.5 weeks in summer, and then ended the year in North Carolina. We visited our amazing friend, and her cute son in Ireland, and went to Germany for our friends’ wedding in the end of May.

What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?
A new job and a chance to hang out more with friends. Plus, travel abroad more.

What days from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory?
When our friends got married. When I was laid off work. When Liz’s family came for visits ♥

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
My health!

What was the best thing(s) you bought?
The trips to Ireland, Germany, and the States! My Nintendo Switch and my MacBook.

What was your biggest failure?
Perhaps to not have as healthy of a lifestyle as I wanted to. Take walks, work-out, eat better and so forth. But I’ve been mentally tired, so I’ve needed a lot of rest and recovery time on the couch with Netflix.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thank goodness!! The only thing that happen was a migraine I got one time, like I’ve never experienced before.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
Liz, my parents and Liz’s parents. Liz for always being there for me, my amazing wife. My parent’s for good advice and patiently listening to my phone calls filled with thoughts, cries, and questions. Liz’s parents’ for always being there and deciding to pay a trip for us to the States over New Years.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My old job.

Where did most of your money go?
Flight tickets and food. Oh, and my Nintendo Switch and MacBook!

What are you really, really, really excited about?
To get a new job!! To travel to some new places in the world, go to the archipelago and beach week 2017 with the American family!! Perhaps fix our apartment a little (closets).

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Travel. Been in contact with friends. Creative stuff.

What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying.

What song will always remind you of 2017?
» The Hamilton Soundtrack
» Oscar Linnros: Psalm för skolgårdar
» Säkert!: Allting flyter
» Declan Flynn:  Come Down
» Laleh: Let it Fall

How did you be spend Christmas?
In Norrköping, Sweden at my parents’ house and at my sister’s house. Flew to the States just a couple of days later to celebrate a delayed Christmas there and New Years with friends ♥

What was your favorite month(s) of 2017?
July/August – we went to the States and then Liz’s parents flew back to Sweden with us!

Did you fall in love in 2017?
Yes, even more with Liz, my wife for eight years ♥

On a conference trip in 2008 when we officially became a couple.

What was your favorite TV program?
Världens tuffaste jobb with Carina Berg and Wahlgrens Värld. However, I’m not really watching that much TV. Mostly documentaries and TV-series on Netflix and HBO Nordic.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don’t do the hating. But I do feel anger towards a few.

What was the best book you read?
Oops. I haven’t read that many books…gotta work on that. 2017 has been the year of podcasts for me.

What (was the best) serie(s) you watched?
The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Outlander, The Fosters, Greenleaf, Stranger Things, The Good Wife, Shooter, The OA, American Odyssey, Glitch, Good Witch, Alias Grace, Godless, Narcos, Captive, Anne with an E, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, 13 Reasons Why, Jessica Jones, Orphan Black, Ozark, Limitless, Scorpion, Doctor Foster, Big Little Lies, The Good Fight, Designated Survivor, and probably a few more I’ve forgotten now.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Hamilton Soundtrack

What did you want and get?
Good health, a UX-design certification, Nintendo Switch, and a MacBook! Oh, and a possible new job (not 100% sure yet though..)!! A girls weekend in a summer house together with old friends!

What did you want and not get?
Some trips and an iMac.

What was your favorite film of this year?
Have no idea. Watched mostly series (obviously!), so check the above list of series ↑

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 33 and celebrated it by attending my friends wedding in Germany! An amazing wedding in an old church in a small idyllic village in the middle of beautiful nature. Great people and I got to sing and play at the wedding ceremony! Before my actual birthday, Liz, my brother and his wife, surprised me with a dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in town – Jay Fu!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To not have to go through the crappy process of being laid off work.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?
High raised jeans, t-shirts (long and short ones), cozy sweaters, and sneakers. Also a bunch of cozy clothes since Iv’ve been home a lot.

What kept you sane?
Liz and my psychologist(s). My parents. Listening to music, studying, creating, taking pictures, filming, playing video games, hanging out with friends and family.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Several people who live a creative life in various ways – they’re not true celebrities in the way you think of celebrities though..hehe!

What political issue stirred you the most?
Donald Trump.

Who did you miss?
Friends and family…♥

Who was the best “new” person (people) you met?
People in the same/similar job or business area I’m in. So. Much. Fun. So many great souls with a passion for design/UX-design. A friend of our friend who got married in Germany. We road tripped together in Germany and had a blast! Also, we got to hang out with our producer director (nowadays our dear friend) from House Hunters International. Had so much fun!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017
Don’t waste your energy on some people who you’ll never get energy from (the same as last year and the year before that, and the year before that..hehe) and to get healthy and free will take its time BUT IT’S SO WORTH IT! By losing my job, I’ve realized how freaking awesome I am. Hehe. I mean, I’ve learned so much about laws, my rights, others’ rights/mistakes, what I can do, how easily I learn stuff, how good I am at writing stuff, explaining stuff, sharing my knowledge, and what strength I have inside of me! I can do whatever! BAAAAAM! Screw “jantelagen“!

Earlier year summaries
2016
2015
2014
2013
2011

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a christmas list

December 7, 2017

What’s the best with Christmas?
It’s cozy in the midst of all the darkness. We light a lot of candles, listen to music, spend time together with family and friends, and eat yummy stuff (read Swedish candy and American Christmas food).

What’s the worst with Christmas?
When people are stressed out and want that “perfect” Christmas so the stress takes over, and it’s not enjoyable. Also to have family and friends in different parts of the world.

Stockholm at the Old Town Christmas market in December 2016

Christmas sausage or Christmas ham?
None. I don’t eat meat.

Ribs or Janssons (fish casserole)?
Again, I don’t eat meat so the traditional Swedish Christmas food is not for me. However, if we skip the fish in Janssons, I’ll take that.

Glögg (mulled wine) or  Christmas soda (julmust)?
This one is hard, I don’t drink much of either one of them..however, I do believe I choose… No I can’t decide.

Gingerbread cookies or lucia buns (saffron)?
Lucia buns, for sure!

Skumtomtar or knäck? (types of candy)
Hmm… Probably skumtomtar since I’ll know for sure they’re yummy. Knäck has to have the perfect temperature, taste, and balance in order for me to like them.

Give or receive Christmas gifts?
Both! I love the process of figuring out what to get a person, wrap it, and see the person open the gift. However, I also enjoy getting gifts as well.

At Rockefeller Center in New York City, December 23, 2016 

Favorite Christmas movie?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s a must to watch it late on Christmas Eve.

Favorite Christmas TV calendar?
Sunes Jul

Favorite Christmas song?
All I Want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey
Mary Did You Know – Pentatonix

Favorite Christmas scent?
Christmas tree!

When is it time to put up the Christmas decorations and ornaments?
We always do it directly after Thanksgiving. We don’t have alot of decorations, but we hang stars in all the windows, put up the Christmas tree, and change our blankets to more Christmas-like ones. Oh, and have a lot of candles everywhere.

When is it ok to put up the Christmas tree?
Whenever you want to!! Nowadays, my American wife and me mix both cultures and traditions, and also create our own so we put it up right after Thanksgiving (if it’s not a real one). If it’s real, we most likely do it during the first or second week in December. When I grew up, we put it up (always a real tree) around the 20th of December so just a few days before Christmas.

When do you open gifts on Christmas?
We open both on Christmas Eve (Swedish tradition) and on Christmas Day (American tradition). We get stockings in the morning.

What are you gonna do on Christmas?
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day: I’m gonna wake up at my parent’s house, eat breakfast with a fire in the fire place, Christmas music playing in the background, and hang out with my family. Later on we’re going to my sister’s house and spend the afternoon there with more family. On the 26th (which is also our wedding anniversary!!) we’re flying to the States and will spend ten days there ♥

New Years Eve?
We’re gonna hang out with friends in Asheville!!

Do you think it will be a white Christmas?
Yes.

List found on Sandra’s blog

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The Holiday Season has begun + video

December 3, 2017

Hope you’re having an awesome start to the holiday season (if you’re into those kind of things). I must say, Liz and I have made it really cozy here at home with stars in the windows, a Christmas tree that is up and decorated, and last night we drank mulled wine and ate a typical Swedish Christmas saffron bun. When typing this, I’m also listening to Christmas music with candles lit around me; so in other words, the Christmas spirit has arrived, and I love every single bit of it.

We’re celebrating Christmas Eve (the Swedish way) at my parents’ place this year, but flying to the States on the 26th to spend some quality time with my in-laws and friends there. So pretty much the best of both worlds this holiday season, which is super fun!

We decided to film and make a YouTube video while decorating this year, so let’s check it out here below ♥ Happy First of Advent!!

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Picking up the pieces

November 2, 2017

This is how I’ve felt lately… separated into different pieces because life turned me in a completely opposite direction then I expected. But you know what? I think that this process that I’ve been forced to go through will actually turn into something amazing – something way better than I could have ever imagined! So even though I’ve felt like I’ve been in split into pieces, I think I’ve put myself together again, one piece at a time. I know where I wanna go, and hopefully how to get there!

I’m gonna find a dream team to work with, in an amazing work place, with fun, interesting, and exciting projects where I get to be creative and have loads of fun! YEAH!

 

(I haven’t mentioned anything about it at all, but in the end of September, I was laid off work due to their bad economy. So I, along with three others, were made to leave. Long story short, there’s still a process going on with that, which I’ll not get in to. But, while not working, I’ve studied a class, gotten a certification in User Experience Design (UX-design), and worked on my portfolio. So now I’m ready to hit the job market again! Wish me luck ♥).

 

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they were always just a tram ride away

September 17, 2017

“They’re not treating me fairly!”, said a sobbing Lina, hardly able to make herself clear through her tears.

She asked me to explain the whole situation, listened carefully, and eventually told me to go and wash my face in cold water because it would feel good to my bright, red, tear-streaked face. She knew me so well. Even though I knew deep inside of me it might have been me that had not been treating my siblings fairly, it always felt she was on “my side” of the whole story, and that’s what I needed right then.

Between my private violin lesson and my orchestra practice, I always went to their big apartment, located right in the middle of downtown. We had fika, talked and talked, and they listened and listened. During the summer months, when they lived in their summer cottage, out in the country side, which I truly wasn’t a big fan of (most likely because the rugs weren’t as cozy as in their downtown apartment, and the toys weren’t as many), I spent a lot of time there anyway. We played ice cream store through the kitchen window, where I always ordered an ice cream boat. We went to the lakes and swam.

One time, when my youngest aunt lived in another city, and they were going to visit her, I joined them, and we surprised her. I was standing behind the door when they rang the doorbell, and jumped out from my hidden place, and we all screamed “Surprise!” That was the same trip where I got really upset when we were walking downtown, until they bought me “Tårtspelet” – a board game. I was so excited then that I forgot I was upset. We also played endless of rounds of card games at their dining table, while eating chocolate and drinking apple cider. If I was lucky, and had been nice, while walking downtown, helping out, I could get beautiful angel book marks. The beauty was that I never expected anything, it was just something extra every now and then. What truly was the most important, was the endless amount of hugs and love I always felt from them.

Once I got a little bit older, I started cleaning and helping them out every week, ran to the store for them, or picked up pastries from the bakery just down the stairs, in the same block. It was a time I felt I could help them and be there for them when they needed it. When I needed help with school work, I could always ask him, and then I was stuck forever, since he literally knew e v e r y t h i n g, and therefore told me e v e r y t h i n g. Sometimes he could move over to start talking about the native Swedes and what life was like up north in Sweden. We were a great team.

The years passed, and I moved to other cities, and even countries, and I couldn’t see them as often as I wanted. However, I tried to always keep them updated, by sending post cards, and/or letters, and whenever I was in town for a visit, I always paid them a visit as well.

Tears are streaming down my face right now.

Tears of happiness that I got to have them in my life. Tears of joy of all the memories I have.

But also tears of sorrow. I miss mormor and morfar so bad.

Today, a year ago, was the last time I saw my mormor (grandma), talked with her, and hugged her. We looked at old photo albums, talked about the past, and laughed in the present moment. And when it was time for me to leave, we both knew. We knew it was the last time we would see each other in this life. My morfar passed away three years before her, and I knew they were finally gonna be together again soon. It was the right thing. It was time. However, it’s so easy to be selfish in moments like this, because I miss you so much, mormor and morfar..

 

LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER

♥

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the city

September 11, 2017

Never forget September 11, 2001…

As a little love letter in motion digital format, I’ve put together a short video of our time in New York City this summer. Gaaah, love that freaking city so much. And when we’re at it, I would be deeply thankful if you would like to hit that subscribe button on our YouTube channel, liz+lina ♥ Thankyouthankyou

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burning rose

September 7, 2017

A few weeks ago, our friend Claire from London (and who also was our tv producer of House Hunters International), came for a visit! We had such a great time; and as a thank you for staying with us, she had bought a gift. How sweet and totally not necessary! However, I have to admit, I got really excited because… how amazing is this packaging?! I knew immediately where it came from, from the black and white bag. NK – Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm. Americans, think Macy’s in New York City. I loooove how NK wraps their gifts; and, of course, I loved what was inside! Thank you so much, Claire! Ok, let’s check it all out!

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Life happened

September 4, 2017

photo credit to Jeremy Trimnal – friend and photographer at Asheville Blog

Hey <3

Last time I posted anything here was our latest podcast episode on May 10th! To blog and record podcasts haven’t been my priority when I’ve needed to put all my energy into life in general. But you know what? It wasn’t anything I’d planned. It just happened. However, I’ve been working on trying to figure out how I want to live my life, and in doing that, I have simply lived. To leave the anorexia behind, focus on what was good for Lina, not the eating disorder. I’m not gonna excuse myself, because I’ve grown so much as a human being during these past months, and that’s freaking amazing. Since I haven’t updated anything here for a while, though, I thought we could do a little recap of each month and what I’ve been up to.

photo credit to another wedding guest

MAY

  • Liz and I road tripped, together with a new friends of ours, in Germany. Well, we flew to Berlin, rented a car and drove about three hours south from Berlin. Our friends were getting married and it was such a beautiful wedding ceremony in an old little church in the middle of the village where our friend grew up. I was also fortunate to be able to sing and play. The wedding reception was also so much fun! Another fun fact, it was also my birthday, so I got to celebrate the beginning of my 34th year out in the country, at a beautiful wedding, in Thüringen, Germany.
  • Back in Sweden, my wife surprised me with dinner out together with my brother, his wife, and a close friend of ours (who’s birthday is just about after mine).
  • I was working on myself a lot this month.
  • We celebrated our version of Memorial Weekend by having a picnic in the big park together with family and friends.
  • The lilacs were blooming, spreading their sweet scent all over town, and summer was on it’s way, along with my excitement.

JUNE

  • Celebrated June 6th (Sweden’s National Day), by drinking beer in some beautiful summer weather.
  • We decided to redo a little interior in our living room by selling our couch, and buying a new one. We are in love with the new look, and how much more spacious it all feels. Score us! (More photos to come!)
  • Was really sad and upset about a “friend” of mine. I tried. Was denied. Got tired, and broke up with the person. Still dealing with this in my heart and soul, because I feel like I never got the chance to really work it out with the person.
  • My cousin graduated from high school in Norrköping and we took the train down to be part of the celebrations.
  • Celebrated Midsummer out in the archipelago together with my wife. I’m still working on a little video, and one day it will be done. Just gotta finish another project first.

JULY

  • Ate endless amounts of strawberries because that’s my absolute favorite thing to eat. At. All. Times.
  • Counted down the beginning of my vacation by celebrating others’ vacations beginning by exploring a new bar in Uppsala with amazing cocktails. Plus an almost 360 degree view of Uppsala. Good stuff.
  • Vacation time which meant going to the States time!
  • Spent our first days in the States, in New York City, hanging out with my American cousin who was doing an internship there during the summer. Explored Upper East Side for the first time (Liz and I try to explore different areas each time we’re there).
  • Flew down to North Carolina and Asheville/Lake Junaluska/Waynesville area. Hung out with family and friends, and drank endless amounts of beer. Because that’s what you do there.

AUGUST

  • Flew back to Sweden, WITH MY IN-LAWS! Yes, that was huge since it was their first time in Sweden.
  • Started off in Uppsala with a lot of rest due to jetlag.
  • I started working again, but my first week I “worked from home”, from Norrköping, where we hung out with my parents and Liz’s parents, and toured around e v e r y w h e r e. So great to finally be able to hang out with both our parents in Sweden! They’ve seen each other several times, but in the States when my parents’ have traveled there. Now my parents’ got to host my parents-in-law. So great!
  • Went back to Uppsala and to work in the office. Decided to really work on being there, and not working from home. And as of today, I’ve been there every day three weeks straight. It’s a record. (FYI: I’m on sick leave, only working part time, and haven’t had the energy to work from the office around other people so many days in a row before now). Liz’s parents stayed at my brother’s place, since he and his wife were hiking in Spain, so after work, I hung out with them and toured around Uppsala. My parents came to town, and we all spent a day in Stockholm, toured in Uppsala, and just hung out together. Liz’s parents returned to the States after being in Sweden for three weeks. It’s been empty not having them around..
  • Our friend C from London, who also was our House Hunters International producer, came and stayed with us for a few days. We had so much time, visiting old film locations, eating good food, and drinking beer at Ångkvarn of course (we filmed there).
  • Ended August by going to an outdoor concert, sat on the first row, and listened to Helen Sjöholm and Tomas Andersson Wij <3.

It’s the beginning of September now, fall is creeping up on us, which I actually feel pretty pleased about. Last fall was awful so I have the feeling this is gonna be an amazing fall, way better then last year, with plenty of cozy nights together with friends and family! I also feel my creativity is increasing, so I’ll hopefully take care of that, and do some fun projects.

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27. How to travel the world + take photos. (Or whatever it is that YOU want to do!)

May 10, 2017

This week Liz + Lina sit down with Andreas Mattisson of Nature by Andreas. He’s a photographer, globe-trotter, magician, and friend. Together they discuss his trips, his upcoming photo book, and the magic of learning to live the best life we can… chasing dreams all around the world. Be prepared to be seriously inspired!

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And, Andreas has created a SPECIAL DEAL (for liz+lina listeners) on some AMAZING prints!

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Visit www.naturebyandreas.se and use the code “lizlina2017” to get a 20% DISCOUNT on all Fine Art prints. Valid until June 10!

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More links on Liz + Lina’s websites!

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www.belovelive.com

www.lier.se

 

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Being five again

May 7, 2017

I’ve bought new sneakers with velcro and it’s like being five again <3 Stan Smith Adidas it is and I think we’re gonna create a lot of good memories together. Just wanted to share that with the world, and also wishing you a great week ahead of you! Ok, let’s take a look at my lovelies.

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Welcome, beautiful May!

May 1, 2017
Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

Hey Friends, and welcome back!

I’ve been gone for a while, and with this post, I’m not saying I’m back on a regular basis again, just to warn you. Hehe. However, today, I had the feeling, and the longing to share my thoughts. I truly think I need this space, a channel to share exactly what I’m feeling and thinking. Whenever. However.

It’s first of May today. Also, from now on, called my birthday month! Yeah. I’m turning 33 towards the end of May (20th to be exact), and with that, I’m beginning my 34th year of living. How cool is that? I’ve made it this far, and hopefully have many years to come!

To be honest, I feel like my life is starting all over again, the sickness of my eating disorder is not my whole “life” anymore. There are other things to focus on. I still have a while to walk on the path of being free from it, but almost every day, I’m making progress in leaving it behind me, and it’s such an amazing feeling.

I’m also in a phase where I’m trying to minimilize my life when it comes to stuff. I don’t want to have tons of clothes – I prefer to wear pieces that I know where they come from, have a transparent business (where you know the process of making it and not many middle hands in between). I would much rather pay a little more for quality and good business values, instead of paying a mass company, with horrible working conditions for its employees, and so forth. I’m also making a change of the products I’m using (make up, etc.), to know if it has been tested on animals or not, and what ingredients it has. Ok, I’m not gonna get completely stuck in this subject right now, it can be its own post. However, my point is, that I’m trying to go through things I own, give it away or sell it, in order to own less. My goal is to know exactly everything I own and where it’s placed, to know where it comes from, and the process of making it.

In order to reach some things I really want to aim for, I’ve decided to set up some various goals for the month of May. I thought it could be a neat monthly tradition, where towards the end of the month, I go through my goals and see what I need to give more time doing or scratch from the list, or what I’ve done. No pressure, but pure joy and getting the feeling of working towards what’s important in my life right now. Here we go:

My May Goals

  • Continue going through stuff – get rid of things and organize the rest.
  • Plan a kitchen renovation.
  • Learn more about running a business.
  • Start using Lightroom (a photo editing software) on a regular basis.
  • Cook at least once a week, perhaps twice.
  • Try pole dancing.
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