Dull weather today, and I must admit that I was tired when I woke up. Lots of cross country skiing on tv. Like that a lot but I have heard so much about Mall of Scandinavia so I went there today to start to have a look for christmas give aways. Maybe also because I have thought a lot about sweet auntie. I remember the first time I was in the US and she took us to all shopping malls. I remember I was astonished because everything was open 24 hours. Shopping malls, including shopping, movie and sports like bowling, is not yet that common in Sweden; but here we go! It was very nice and relaxing.

Honestly, I didn´t shop anything, I just had a look to find out what to give to my family. Always difficult. But a lot of fun. It does´t have to cost much, it is the thought that counts. So, since I didn´t shop I went for a brunch buffé. Very American. So this weekend has been dedicated to sweet auntie.

Now I am off for some training. After this very good brunch I definitely need to get rid of some pounds.

All the best!

Anna

Yes. December campaign is definitely needed. Sweden has been caught by a storm. Trains are cancelled. Roads have been closed due to fallen trees. This happens sometimes so it is normal. It is fascinated that weather is such a strong force and has big impact on humans. Since there is so little sun during this time of the year I have some extra vitamins.

So, it is challenging with December campaign, but it makes good. Did you know that when you smile you activate certain areas in the brain that make you happy? If you smile, and actively think of smiling, you can feel that you are happier. Or what do you think?

Yesterday I had a cosy Friday evening at home alone watching the final program of Swedish Idol. I think Idol is common in a lot of countries so a lot of people know what it is.  Nice music. I like music a lot. Makes me feel good.

Ok, a lot of talk about December campaign, but don´t you agree that a smile cheers you up 😉

Anna

Today I learnt an expression that if you smile, the whole world will smile to you. Very nice expression. Persian. I like to learn new things. But this is not easy. To smile, to always wear a happy face. Since my auntie is connected to America I have learnt that the life style over there is more easy going. Maybe it is temperature dependent. Climate related. I don´t know, but I continue with my December campaign. And it is challenging; especially if you get upset over something.

I don´t know why but I get upset that I have to tell people that I have Lappish origin. This is something I maybe have to get used to. I have grown up with two identities: Swedish and Lappish. However, this is very common in Sweden since there are many people with parents from two different countries. Lappish people have been considered as black people for a long time in Swedish history. This is changing now but I got upset when I read that Lappish people are not invited to the climate meeting. Again, some kind of discrimination. I feel sad about this so that is why it is difficult to constantly smile. But I work on it. And I will, whole December.

Anna

Sunday and beginning of December. Första advent. I really don´t know the translation of “första advent”. This is the weekend when you start to light windows and slowly getting ready for celebration of christmas. There are a lot of traditions in December.

It is rainy today. I really, really hope there will be snow soon. I miss a sparkling day with sun and snow. No rain. Maybe I will go for a walk later today. My father will sing in the church today so I will go and listen. Christmas carols.

Read the news and there is not much happening. Cameron talks about EU and Schengen. He is very clear about his conditions about Brittish membership in the EU. This is very good, because it is dangerous when subsidiary principle is not followed. That is, when decisions should be taken as close to people as possible. At the municipality level. Freedom should rule.

So what about myself? I feel fine and I am taking care of myself. I would like to go for a run today but it is so rainy. However, it is good to let the body recover before more training. Rest and just do nothing. Wishing you all the best at this “första advent”.

Anna