tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39971547874219460612024-03-13T22:26:36.870-04:00Milon in Washington DCMalinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.comBlogger512125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-35561213529797939512012-09-30T15:29:00.000-04:002012-09-30T15:29:21.971-04:00In conclusion... To sum up... Lastly... – never mind. There have been so many times, I have thought that I should sum up this blog. I should write a "last entry" and call it a day. Call it a year. There should be some kind of summary of a life changing adventure such as my DC year. Shouldn't it?<br />
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Oh well. The art of letting go is not a specialty of mine, so there is a high possibility that such an entry will never be written.<br />
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I mean, how would it go? What would I say? Goodbye? So long? This was fun, let's do it again sometime? It's not my style, just ending things and leaving them for some kind of past. I want all my memories and experiences to be alive.<br />
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Sometimes, my mind wanders off and I think about walking those streets again. I can feel it so much I almost believe I'm there. You know what I mean? I'm very happy walking the streets I'm walking at the moment, still, there is something magical about DC.<br />
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I'm not ready to write a last post yet. I think I will. But not right now.<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-48301838899172983852012-09-15T11:30:00.000-04:002012-09-15T11:30:01.470-04:00My story about DC – published for students-to-be.A little while ago, I was putting together a short <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2012/06/dc-highlights-how-do-i-pick-five.html">text about my year in the US</a>, my life as a student and intern in DC. Yesterday, the printed story was to be found in my mailbox. And the timing couldn't have been better.<br />
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Lately, I've been having such DC cravings, it's almost ridiculous. I found the American shelf in my local grocery store and I almost started crying from the sight of Reese's and 3musketeers bars – among other goodies. I listen to <a href="http://youtu.be/XgVZ4b9O34s">Gil Scott Heron singing "Washington, DC"</a> and I almost think it's a great song – for real.<br />
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Tuesday night, I held a short presentation about my program and answered questions and mingled with enthusiastic students-to-be. When they asked me if I miss the city, I told them that Oh My God I do. I had to refrain myself from becoming too emotional.<br />
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So, receiving this magazine with a story that I'm actually very satisfied with, came as a perfect Friday gift. For you Swedish speaking people, the online version is to be found <a href="http://np.netpublicator.com/netpublication/n85250798">RIGHT HERE, on pages 24-25</a>. And for all you non-Swedes, you can simply run through the archives of this blog. Here you have the whole picture.<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-81983964279285113502012-07-20T07:43:00.001-04:002012-09-06T18:02:35.443-04:00Same, same but three completely different ladies.We're so different from each other. They're so young – Grandma's so old. Iron likes to plan things in detail – Grandma goes with the flow. Tattarn is into fashion – Grandma couldn't care less about clothing. Iron is afraid of the kitchen – Grandma loves to bake. Tattarn is an early bird – Grandma snoozes for an hour. If each one of us would be given a room to decorate, the three<span style="background-color: white;"> outcomes would look nothing like each other.</span><br />
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But I guess we share some core values. We're all interested in the fields of journalism and PR (PR especially!). All three of us have somewhat of an abnormal relationship with our respective Macs. We all share a passion for life in general and certain things in particular; Mad Men (and hot men), writing, travelling, <b>food</b> and (thank God, considering the latter) working out.<br />
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After a year of being tighter than tights, basically 24/7, we also share <a href="http://washington.org/">DC</a>.<br />
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However, when you're being tossed together in a situation like ours, you don't really know if you are friends for real before you are separated and then reunited – it's a fact! Now, let me tell you, that the 305 girls were reunited a week ago and we are <b><i>definitely</i></b> friends for real.<br />
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Such a blessing. Let's keep on jumping all around the world.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">JUMP – you're in Snickersville! (<i>Photo creds. to our beloved BOB, we've missed you lately.)</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-49883357358980477062012-07-16T09:07:00.000-04:002012-07-16T09:07:02.001-04:00Can't see the end of this love.My year in the US has come to an end, we all know that. Even I know that (although, it might not seem that way). However, the program I attended continues and a new group of students now prepare for their year overseas. Every now and then, I get emails from students-to-be, with questions about everything ranging from VISA details to tips about good restaurants or how to land an internship.<br />
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I love to answer these questions, and did so a few minutes ago. Whenever I can help, I'm more than happy to do it. Just now, as I was wrapping up my long respons, assuring the girl that she has a wonderful year ahead of her, tears welled up in my eyes and a wave of emotions rushed through my body, with an extra long stop around my heart.<br />
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I cannot see the end of my love for DC. If I would be given the opportunity, I would do it all over again. Even the headaches, even the heartbreaks, even the K-Mondays and the Pack Ass Tuesdays. I wouldn't change my year in DC for anything in the world.<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-45813416122672676052012-07-13T04:24:00.001-04:002012-07-13T04:25:16.954-04:00On our way to Böppa [buh-pa]!Finally! The day has arrived when Grandma and The Vagrant gets to visit Iron's famous hometown of Böppa! We cannot express the joy of seeing this so much talked about place. And as a huge, wonderful bonus, we also get to see each other. The 305 girls will be reunited. At last.<br />
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Apart from the curiosity to explored Böppa and the enormous need to see each other, the occasion that brings us together is Iron's birthday. Happy 21st, dear friend! Only a month too late, but why make it easy?<br />
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Cheers! To friendship, a view over the Pentagon and lots and lots och peanut butter. <i>(I sense a storm of emotions.)</i><br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-25270161284280994452012-07-06T18:15:00.000-04:002012-07-06T18:15:17.984-04:00When life is painfully beautiful.In the middle of life, as beautiful as it could ever be. Torn between the feeling of belonging elsewhere and knowing where home will always be. Thinking about the choices and decisions. Dreaming big and having visions.<br />
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How do you deal with all those feelings?<br />
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Travelling makes you so much richer, but somehow, for a sensitive person like me, it leaves you with an empty heart. I think about DC and how much I would love to walk those streets again. I hear a song. I remember a moment. I wonder if I did the right thing, if I really did all I could.<br />
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But when in doubt, I am so incredibly happy that I have all this. The most beautiful place on earth. 11:00pm. 64°F in water. 185°F in sauna. How could it ever be wrong to be so close to all this? Sometimes, life is just so painfully beautiful. Both here and there. We can't have it all. But we can appreciate what we have in front of us right here. Right now.<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-59771275881238129312012-06-27T05:49:00.000-04:002012-06-27T05:49:22.687-04:00My kind of thinking.Sometimes, people tend to forget the most basic things. So dear reader of this blog, let me remind you of something I believe we should all keep in mind – to treat everybody with respect and always be kind.<br />
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The spontaneous kindness of the average American is something I really miss over here. Nobody offers me a seat on the bus. Nobody lets me step forward in the line to the cashier. Nobody randomly compliments my poncho. Nobody offers to help me with my bags on the plane. Nobody holds the door for me. Nobody is spontaneously kind.<br />
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Well, of course, that's pushing it a bit, but you get the picture. <span style="background-color: white;">Gothenburg is colder than DC – not only Fahrenheit wise.</span><br />
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Source: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KyIERNAu93zHp82vSgA0gfezgJ3aumYdpzQvWWnZb1w/edit" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;">docs.google.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/ktbmann/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Katie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-6752163380472020772012-06-17T17:19:00.000-04:002012-06-17T17:19:15.918-04:00The happy place – the dance floor.I was never anxious about leaving Sweden. I was never nervous to go overseas and live there for a year. I'm an explorer and I love to be away from home. What I do not like, however, is leaving lovely people and places behind. Dear reader, you must be well aware of this fact and know that I miss DC a lot. <i>A lot!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>But what becomes of today when we keep walking around in yesterday? It's not fair to ourselves and it's not fair to what's in front of us now. So I'm trying my best to discover what's good about today. And yesterday, I believe I did.<br />
<br />I was having dinner with some lovely girls and I realized that I've actually missed all that. I've missed the red jackets, the nail polish, all the glitter and the dancing shoes. What's good about Gothenburg is definitely the dance group Patriciabaletten. Getting up on stage or just dance the night away at Larm.<br />
<br />Yesterday, I was in my dance bubble and I was just so happy. Not too bad. This Post DC Depression might pass, after all.<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-7486457717583631642012-06-17T11:44:00.001-04:002012-06-17T11:44:16.419-04:00Roomie Reunion.This weekend, I had two visitors on my couch. My beloved former roomie and forever dear Iron Ass stopped by with a friend of hers and before they left, she made sure to inform me that she's been here. I found this note and another virtual one and it made the old Grandma heart smile.<br />
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It was wonderful seeing you again, B2. <b>Come back soon!</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't forget the <i>Glasögon Night</i>, Iron!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-16508723042181985982012-06-13T16:41:00.002-04:002012-06-13T16:41:45.784-04:00The Fever that never ends.Did you know, that suffering from the <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2011/11/you-give-me-fever-when-you-kiss-me.html">Potomac Fever</a> is much more severe when you're far away from the source of the illness? Yes. Take it from someone who knows. Also, know that catching the disease from the beginning was still so – <i>oh-my-God-yes</i> – worth it, so don't be afraid. Go to the river. Fall in love. And know that you will never fall out.<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-68564497727655127642012-06-11T11:00:00.000-04:002012-06-11T11:00:07.173-04:00Learning to love again.More nostalgia on the way! I know, you think it's getting old. Like "Come on girl, get over it." But a farewell is a long process for an emotional girl. And in a fragile time of change, you gotta let her do it her way.<br />
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The absolute best way for me to get over and move forward is to run to the gym. So, Sunday night I bought a monthly pass for my Gothenburg gym and attended my first yoga class in almost a year. I knew I was exactly where I belong when the instructor told the group that the theme of the class would be "Love."<br />
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I struggled a little bit with my breathing and my focus, but I tried not to be so hard on myself. After all, the theme of the class was "Love." Instead of focusing on the bad, I gave myself credit for being stronger than I thought I would be. It was an excellent class for my body, mind and soul. I actually felt so much love, my eyes filled up with tears before saying "namaste."<br />
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To your head – For lovely thoughts. To your lips – For lovely words. To your heart – For love itself.<br />
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I love yoga and yoga makes me love life. Again and again and again – and again. I miss my NOVA gym, but my Gothenburg one is just as good. Love is all around. You just gotta let it in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yea, definitely gotta work on that handstand if it's gonna make the Olympics.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My dearest friend. I wonder how many times I pulled myself up here. A gazillion?</span></td></tr>
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-24306854196289764752012-06-11T06:12:00.002-04:002012-06-11T06:12:59.110-04:00DC highlights. How do I pick five?!On today's to-do-list is drafting a little diary over five extraordinary (or ordinary) events from my time in DC. It's an assignment for a student magazine, with the aim to inspire others to study abroad (DO IT!), or something like that.<br />
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But how do you pick only five things from an absolutely awesome year in DC? What should I write about?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2011/08/first-pitcher-second-pitcher-third.html">Nats game</a> that got delayed due to a thunderstorm?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">How <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2011/09/alert-student.html">IHOP is open</a> all day and night?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">About covering <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2011/09/i-could-get-used-to-this.html">the event</a> where the Chief Justice of the US was present?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or about covering the <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2011/10/reporter-is-going-out-to-cover-event.html">American Diabetes Association's fundraiser walk</a> to stop diabetes?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hearing Mr President Obama speak and Stevie Wonder sing for the <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2011/10/super-sunday-with-obama-and-stevie.html">MLK Memorial Opening</a>?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That amazing <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2011/11/10-out-of-10-american-flags-for-my.html">Thanksgiving in Snickersville</a>?</span></td></tr>
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-2187798067043439912012-06-10T16:51:00.001-04:002012-06-10T16:51:46.007-04:00Really? Did I? Over there?Sometimes, I'm having a hard time understanding that I actually lived there. I lived there. Those were my streets. That's where I did all those daily things. I ate. I slept. I ran. I worked. I studied. I laughed. I cried (very, very rarely!). I wrote. I photographed. I sang. I danced.<br />
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I loved. I lived.<br />
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In Washington, DC. Wow. That thought makes me feel like such a lucky girl. The capital of the US has so much fun to offer. Haven't been there yet? It's time to book your ticket. You might not want to live there, but I assure you that you definitely want to see it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yep. That was me. Living in DC.</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-50605021371795317272012-06-05T16:09:00.000-04:002012-06-05T16:09:07.737-04:00Kiwi and DayQuil for PDD?A few days ago, I was telling my mom how I haven't been sick lately. The day after, I had a sore throat and a terrible headache that lasted for more than 48 hours. Grrrreat! And my mom said: "Maybe you're allergic to Sweden?" That is most certainly a qualified guess.<div>
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The last time I was really bad was in December, just before going home to Sweden for Christmas. Then, I got excellent care with a personal delivery of kiwis and DayQuil. The American touch made me better and I was back on my feet shortly after a night of fever and pain.</div>
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This cold seems to be of a different kind and tricky to get rid of. It might be because it comes in combination with the severe condition of Post DC Depression. Yes, yes and yes. It's hard not to hold on to the beauty of DC. I miss the American touch of life and I feel a bit lost here in my own country.</div>
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However, I know it's just a minor cold. The right medicine can be found here too and when that's all sorted out I'm sure I'll be fit as a fiddle again!</div>
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<br /></div>Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-17240590103154482952012-06-01T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-01T07:00:05.182-04:00Where to raise the flag?Today, I'll get my old apartment back. The one that <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/search/label/Pre%20Departure">I packed down</a> almost a year ago. The bizarre feeling of that is just too much to even try to think about. Something else to consider is what to do with the American flag.<div>
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The questions are many. The answers are few. Will it match the rest of my interior? Is it really my style? Do I have a wall big enough for it? Would my neighbors approve of it hanging outside of my window? Should I use it as a blanket? Maybe let it cover my bed?</div>
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I don't know. But I will bring the flag to my home, because it's a part of my heart now. In one and two and three senses.<br /><div>
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</div>Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-41411259144285179762012-05-29T19:45:00.000-04:002012-05-29T19:45:33.107-04:00Words of wisdom: It's important to remember.A conversation that took place one day at 305:<br />
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Grandma: I like to look at my photos every now and then.<br />
Tattarn: Oh, we know that!<br />
Grandma: Well, you know, it's important to remember.<br />
Iron: Yeah, otherwise, it's so easy to forget.<br />
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We are a couple of bright headed ladies, we know. And while we're talking about it, let's look at some photos to remember. Just so we do not forget! Do you remember...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...the amazing Thanksgiving in Snickersville?</span></td></tr>
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-43643210972115824782012-05-25T07:34:00.000-04:002012-05-25T07:34:01.892-04:00Harris Teeter or Shoppers before ICA or Coop.I have this weird fascination with grocery stores. When I travel, that's one of the first things I check out. Maybe it's connected to my overall love of food, I don't know, but not only is food enjoyable to eat, it's also fun to look at. Grocery stores are often full of colors, shapes, forms, design. After all, the store consists of products produced to appeal and sell. It's kind of like art – right?<br />
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After living in the US and taking trips to Harris Teeter or Shoppers for fun, coming back to the Swedish market is highly disappointing and what I already miss the most is:<br />
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– Bars! In Sweden, the selection is slim and the few to choose from are ridiculously expensive. $5.00 for a two-pack? Not okay. I miss my favorite, <a href="http://www.sunbeltsnacks.com/www/docs/102/">Sunbelt's fudge dipped coconut bars</a>.<br />
– The cereal aisle in general and <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2012/03/cereal-country.html">"Wheeties – Breakfast of Champions"</a> in particular. Shopping for cereal at Harris Teeter is always such an adventure. What will I bring home?<br />
– The great variety of cheap Ben & Jerry's. Actually, a well sorted Swedish ICA can offer many flavors, but they are way too expensive for it to be okay to stock up with a whole bunch.<br />
– The fact that the cashier packs the bag for you. No words needed.<br />
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If I had to choose, I would pick Harris Teeter or Shoppers before ICA or Coop any day. Because bars, cereal and Ben & Jerry's are all crucial products in a well balanced diet and the stores themselves are so colorful and fun to visit.<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-29681210417268221652012-05-17T04:12:00.000-04:002012-05-17T04:12:12.823-04:00A new chapter of this blog. Let's call it Post DC Depression.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That thing about <a href="http://thewashingtoncorner.blogspot.se/2012/05/grandma-says.html">not crying</a> when leaving DC worked out a little bit so-so. Almost a whole hour into the flight I just stared out through the window while sobbing, yet trying to be brave. The remaining six or so hours, I watched a few movies and my eyes filled up a little too easy during all the cheesy "I love you"-moments.</div>
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Oh well. Some 24 hours after departure from American soil, I landed in my hometown and was greeted by one of my brothers, with the cutest baby in the world on his arm, a mustache on his upper lip and a welcome home sign in his hand.</div>
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Thank God for good reunions when you just had a heartbreaking farewell.</div>
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<br /></div>Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-91551934391375075472012-05-14T16:26:00.000-04:002012-05-14T16:26:57.148-04:00Grandma says...I've closed the 305 door one last time. At this very moment, I'm surfing on Starbucks' free AT&T wifi, waiting to board a plane to Sweden. The awkward feelings have reached their climax and left to do is nothing but to accept and keep my head up high. Crying my eyes out at the airport restroom just didn't get me anywhere. I almost impulsively bought all of the souvenirs from one of the ridiculously expensive shops just to be able to keep DC alive in my heart wherever I go, but soon realized that was not necessary.<br />
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I don't need no miniature monuments to keep DC alive. I've got it all easily accessible if I just close my eyes. And before boarding that cross Atlantic flight, I would like to send a message to the wonderful women who have been dancing by my side during this absolutely amazing year in the US. When we said goodbye on Saturday, none of us could talk, yet all of us knew. But sweethearts, let me remind you:<br />
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This is not the end. This is only the beginning of a lovely lifelong friendship and that's what's best of this year. <b>Härligt!</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So long from 305, but the 305 girls spirit will live on for a long time!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-84688446127603338312012-05-14T13:15:00.000-04:002012-05-14T13:15:00.364-04:00The sun keeps shining. The planes keep flying.The Super Shuttle will be here any minute and my bags and I are ready to go. Well, as ready as one can be, leaving a place that has become a little bit too much like a home (too quiet and not enough board games). But you know what, that plane will take me to another home. To other loved ones. The sun keeps shining and there is always a silver lining to be discovered. Oftentimes right in front of you.<br />
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So long. See you later.<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-46453392212524670562012-05-14T09:49:00.002-04:002012-05-14T09:49:28.833-04:00Run in the rain.Arlington is offering gloomy weather and rain today. A little bit like how I feel. I've taken down the flag. The running shoes are waiting for me and I'll head out in the neighborhood in spite of the rain. Oh dear. This is all so surreal.<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-28649968680549903102012-05-13T23:59:00.002-04:002012-05-14T00:06:39.765-04:00We don't want to call it what it was.....because it was the last DC day. Two girls who know how to enjoy life, know how to deal with that kind of situation. We put on a show. It started on <a href="http://www.nelliessportsbar.com/">Nellie's Sports Bar </a>on U Street with an all you can eat and one free mimosa drag show brunch. Yes, I did just say that. If you want a brunch and a half, that's the place to go! But don't forget your $1 bills, because the ladies <i>do</i> put on a show and want your appreciation.<br />
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The rest of the afternoon, we walked from one part of town to another, wrote down what we want to do before we die, went for a quickie to the National Archives, sat in silence in front of the Capitol, walked up to Chinatown for dinner, searched for Obama outside of his White House and walked to Foggy Bottom to take the metro back to Crystal City.<br />
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<i>We will always have DC. </i><br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-8355574662225083352012-05-13T11:21:00.000-04:002012-05-13T11:21:10.944-04:00On a river boat.We don't think much. We don't do much. We don't write much. We mostly hang out and simply are. Saying goodbye and wrapping up is not an amiable activity. But cruising on the Potomac is. Voilà!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And all of a sudden, Gunvald shows up on our TV screen.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-69820930818108394012012-05-12T11:10:00.001-04:002012-05-12T11:10:53.463-04:00Running on The Mall – check!We only have a few days left here in our <a href="http://youtu.be/UYLLNhTiQZc">W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N baby D-C</a> and we try to use our time wisely. As a last roomie get-together we jumped on the metro yesterday morning together with all the busy workers. While they got off and walked to Capitol Hill or other serious places, we ran off to The Mall and well, that's actually what we did.<br />
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After a run around The Mall – The Capitol, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and all the way back – we headed back to Crystal City for a well deserved last breakfast together.<br />
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That's what life's about!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dressed for success among all the suits. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Close to completion and look at the finish line – The US Capitol!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...what could be better than hand spun milkshake from <a href="http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/">Good Stuff Eatery</a>?!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997154787421946061.post-14930788193145465852012-05-12T10:42:00.001-04:002012-05-12T10:42:09.434-04:00This is awkward.These days are just weird and there are so many mixed feelings. The apartment is cleaner than it has been in weeks and all our belongings are now in suitcases, yet I still go to my drawer to look for things I need. Nothing there, it's empty!<br />
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The cleaning out and packing down part of life is so weird and awkward. I tried to pack down myself for a bit, but that was not helpful at all. It seems the best way to deal with this ending phase is to leave the apartment and go out and have fun.<br />
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Enjoy what you have when you have it!<br />
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<br />Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690456078399583113noreply@blogger.com0