I’m back from Helsinki after spending both Xmas and New Year’s with the framily. It was -22 °C almost every day but oddly, it doesn’t feel much colder than Stockholm’s -10 °C. They say it has something to do with the Gulfstream and the air humidity… Anyway, I love it when winter is like this instead of rain and slush. ☃️
The food at my parents’ place was delicious as always. Mom cooks better than any Michelin chef. During the holidays I stuffed my face with traditional Finnish Christmas dishes: ham, casseroles and lutefisk. And then there was dade cake, tiramisu, star pastries with plum jam and lots of other yummies. 😋 I honestly can’t understand how I still am the same weight as before after all this.
Right before New Year’s I met up with my friend Olga (we’re actually more like sisters) and had a lovely dinner at Savoy. They served us four courses, each paired with a different wine. Afterwards, we continued on to a nightclub where we used to party every weekend back in the day. Olga asked the DJ to play some of our favorites, and then we danced the night away.
Since my parents live a bit outside Helsinki, I spent the night at the lovely Hotel Kämp. Slept like a baby in their comfy bed after returning from the club. Wish I had taken a long bubble bath with the adorable duck first, but I was just too tired. At checkout, the receptionist shared a fun tidbit with me: many American tourists fall so in love with it that they end up contacting the hotel to have one sent over after their stay (these ducks are available for purchase in the hotel store).
The universe has clearly heard my intentions for this year. Apart from not gaining any extra weight I also experienced a flashback from my normal life. While enjoying a morning latte and browsing IT news at a café, a very handsome man approached me. He had spotted me as he walked by and couldn’t resist asking me out.
The guy was definitely top-notch, but I’m committed to staying true to my dream. So, I told him I was flattered but, unfortunately, “not single, which is a real shame”. I mean it, had I not had other geographical plans, we would definitely be dining together somewhere right now. But distractions tend to keep you from your goals. And it’s just not right to string someone along if you know for sure you won’t be sticking around.
Speaking of distractions… It’s really hard to invest the money wisely (= in summer clothes) when there are temptations like this hanging in front of your nose. 😍
My shopping list has other plans, though. I need a pair of casual summer heels (or five), tops, skirts and a smaller bag for late night dining. And a new iPad Pro after they are released in the spring. And that’s just the beginning…
