Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
parking ticket, Danish way
Yes, I just got a parking ticket- without being really doing wrong. I drove to the Greve Center (do never, ever use there if you can) in near Copenhagen. I saw the Europark- sign, saying that I have to set the clock. (Those who do not know what is a parking clock: it is a uniquely-Danish system of setting a manual paper clock for a parking, that you have to have on your car, on the right side of your front window. ) It is 3 hours free parking, but you must set the clock, it says. I understood it as I set the clock for the time of leaving. I arrived there at 12:15, so I set it as 15:00.
I got a ticket, when I am back from my visit to Førtex, after 30 min. Why? Because I should have set it as I arrived.
There are many things unfair in this situation. First, the sign should have had an instruction of how to set a clock. New comers and non-Danes do not have a fair chance here. Secondly, they fine it not for actual action (f.e. over stayed, wrongly parked, etc.) but for 'not setting a clock right'. This is an assumed crime. Thirdly, if one might be educated by Europark on clock setting, it should not be so expensive as 510 dkk.
It seems to be that Europark had been on TV for its aggressive and somewhat shady way of making money, and its increasing complains from parking ticket victims. I read some debate on this issue, and surprised to find it that many Danes seems to think it is OK to be fined for such human mistakes, like forgetting to set a P-clock. It is not right. Surely there are people see my points here?
Fine should be for things already happened illegally, not for simply forgot to set a clock. Setting a clock by oneself is not a freedom or proof of trust on responsible drivers, but doing a parking services job. Checking if one is staying longer should not be burden for all drivers, but should be done by the parking company. We are paying fines because the private parking company is too greedy to do the work right. Let it be a parking meeter in this country, let the guilty ones to be fined. But no: innocent people with normal human mistakes are being punished for crimes they never committed.
I am amazed that Danish rules are allowing such way of making money. Just because it is a law, and one is used it, Danes are blaming themselves when they get a ticket. I also think alot of blame should go to the shops, that use Europark-a likes. It seems to be that there are tons of money to be made from its careless and forgetful customers. Did you know that they share profits?!!!
Don't get me wrong. I would grumpily pay for a parking ticket, if I committed actual crime. But paying for following a sign, that did not provided a proper information? If this rules are only for Danes, I should certainly not pay for it. And those Danes who may think I should know better about Danish system; yeah, right, and you would surely have memorized all German laws when you drives through camping sites there this summer.
I suggest that do not go to the shops using Europark. It is never a free parking space, but a free trap for squeezing money out of you, for being a human. That is not a service. This should not be the kinds of human mistakes that one should pay for. Europark is actually make lots of money from this, and that is simply wrong. Those Danes attacking Guantanamo and Bush's Iraq war, just look at here closely at home in Denmark: you have your own preemptive punishment that you better deal with. Or you may one day pay for other terrible human mistakes like 'not remembering your social security number', or 'not pronounced ones name right'. All of you are actually working for Europark, when you set that clock. And when you are not doing job right, Europark is charging you for it. Maybe I should run a parking service. It sure looks like easy money.
I got a ticket, when I am back from my visit to Førtex, after 30 min. Why? Because I should have set it as I arrived.
There are many things unfair in this situation. First, the sign should have had an instruction of how to set a clock. New comers and non-Danes do not have a fair chance here. Secondly, they fine it not for actual action (f.e. over stayed, wrongly parked, etc.) but for 'not setting a clock right'. This is an assumed crime. Thirdly, if one might be educated by Europark on clock setting, it should not be so expensive as 510 dkk.
It seems to be that Europark had been on TV for its aggressive and somewhat shady way of making money, and its increasing complains from parking ticket victims. I read some debate on this issue, and surprised to find it that many Danes seems to think it is OK to be fined for such human mistakes, like forgetting to set a P-clock. It is not right. Surely there are people see my points here?
Fine should be for things already happened illegally, not for simply forgot to set a clock. Setting a clock by oneself is not a freedom or proof of trust on responsible drivers, but doing a parking services job. Checking if one is staying longer should not be burden for all drivers, but should be done by the parking company. We are paying fines because the private parking company is too greedy to do the work right. Let it be a parking meeter in this country, let the guilty ones to be fined. But no: innocent people with normal human mistakes are being punished for crimes they never committed.
I am amazed that Danish rules are allowing such way of making money. Just because it is a law, and one is used it, Danes are blaming themselves when they get a ticket. I also think alot of blame should go to the shops, that use Europark-a likes. It seems to be that there are tons of money to be made from its careless and forgetful customers. Did you know that they share profits?!!!
Don't get me wrong. I would grumpily pay for a parking ticket, if I committed actual crime. But paying for following a sign, that did not provided a proper information? If this rules are only for Danes, I should certainly not pay for it. And those Danes who may think I should know better about Danish system; yeah, right, and you would surely have memorized all German laws when you drives through camping sites there this summer.
I suggest that do not go to the shops using Europark. It is never a free parking space, but a free trap for squeezing money out of you, for being a human. That is not a service. This should not be the kinds of human mistakes that one should pay for. Europark is actually make lots of money from this, and that is simply wrong. Those Danes attacking Guantanamo and Bush's Iraq war, just look at here closely at home in Denmark: you have your own preemptive punishment that you better deal with. Or you may one day pay for other terrible human mistakes like 'not remembering your social security number', or 'not pronounced ones name right'. All of you are actually working for Europark, when you set that clock. And when you are not doing job right, Europark is charging you for it. Maybe I should run a parking service. It sure looks like easy money.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Learning Danish at KISS
KISS stands for Københavns Intensive Sprog Skole. It has special method teaching: students have to memorize 15 new sentences each class, in form of test as reciting and writing. This is only short, speedy Danish course offered in whole of Denmark,as each level takes only 3 weeks (with 3 hourx3days per week). If you miss more than 2 classes, or mass up any of those tests more than 2 times, you are automatically take the same level again.
It is popular with foreigners who have high level of education, who are eager to do competitive, intensive course in speedy way. Otherwise, I was told by other students, one has to take painfully slow, other more common language schools, up to 2 years.
I have taken KISS since last June. From my experience, KISS can work only if one gets a good teacher. I had roughly 7 different teachers there in the course of 6 levels (it takes 10 levels to the end with Danish 3 Exam, which is required for residency). 4 of them were ok to good teachers, and 3 were horrible. Students do not have any choice for teachers, and the school has been strangely cranky on the matter.
Good teachers are same everywhere: dedicated, helpful, kind, skilled. The bad ones at KISS are authoritarians, who take things to the personal level. I strongly believe that formal test in each level would be better off for students to get an objective evaluation.
Students are not dumb, and can see unfair treatment when one sees it.
Even if I did pass this level, I have got a classic bad teacher's evaluation. I was told that I ask too many simple questions (!!!), and the teacher predicted that I shall never be able to pass future exams. I could not get any constructive information regarding my Danish, but strange personal trashing here, which I really did not see it coming. I wondered if this is the way those underprivileged kids get from their depressing teachers. Those comments are down right wrong. I do have expectation that a teacher would be supportive, even if I may not be the brightest in the class. Waite, I am not that bad, really, I did pass the level. I speak Norwegian already, and I have two masters degrees, and I love to learn foreign languages. Did I mention that I am an assistant professor in computer animation?
I had 2 nut case teachers in a row at the moment. While I loved those good teachers, I am fed up with KISS attitude and some abusive teachers. I am considering to change to other school. I want to have my learning Danish as positive as possible. It is any body's time waisted with nai-sayers.
PS. KISS certainly stroked wrong way with Kommune, and it is now closed down. It caused a mess for my exam plan. Well, life goes on.
It is popular with foreigners who have high level of education, who are eager to do competitive, intensive course in speedy way. Otherwise, I was told by other students, one has to take painfully slow, other more common language schools, up to 2 years.
I have taken KISS since last June. From my experience, KISS can work only if one gets a good teacher. I had roughly 7 different teachers there in the course of 6 levels (it takes 10 levels to the end with Danish 3 Exam, which is required for residency). 4 of them were ok to good teachers, and 3 were horrible. Students do not have any choice for teachers, and the school has been strangely cranky on the matter.
Good teachers are same everywhere: dedicated, helpful, kind, skilled. The bad ones at KISS are authoritarians, who take things to the personal level. I strongly believe that formal test in each level would be better off for students to get an objective evaluation.
Students are not dumb, and can see unfair treatment when one sees it.
Even if I did pass this level, I have got a classic bad teacher's evaluation. I was told that I ask too many simple questions (!!!), and the teacher predicted that I shall never be able to pass future exams. I could not get any constructive information regarding my Danish, but strange personal trashing here, which I really did not see it coming. I wondered if this is the way those underprivileged kids get from their depressing teachers. Those comments are down right wrong. I do have expectation that a teacher would be supportive, even if I may not be the brightest in the class. Waite, I am not that bad, really, I did pass the level. I speak Norwegian already, and I have two masters degrees, and I love to learn foreign languages. Did I mention that I am an assistant professor in computer animation?
I had 2 nut case teachers in a row at the moment. While I loved those good teachers, I am fed up with KISS attitude and some abusive teachers. I am considering to change to other school. I want to have my learning Danish as positive as possible. It is any body's time waisted with nai-sayers.
PS. KISS certainly stroked wrong way with Kommune, and it is now closed down. It caused a mess for my exam plan. Well, life goes on.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Travelling with a baby and a kid 2: never KLM again!
This is going to be the last time I will fly with KLM with my own money. So far, service is terrible, and this is even before the trip starts. I wasn't given a baby bassinet, and it has been 5 days since I requested bulkhead seat for bringing own bassinet. It is not been confirmed yet, and I do not see why it takes so long. Why should I wait until everyone book the darn plane and see if anyone else has smaller kids than I am???? What is the purpose of book it early?? It is obvious that KLM can not, and do not provide reasonable service to small kids family. I deeply regret I ever bought the KLM ticket. I miss horribly, the friendly LH. LH even offer mileage program for 2+ year olds kid. I must have been possessed, when I booked KLM.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Traveling with a baby and a kid
I am traveling alot. My family travels alot. We fly at least 4 times per year globally, to cover family visiting and vacations. At least once a year, we all fly to Korea, to visit my family. It makes me somewhat an expert on flying with small kids. Yet it is always rather struggle to get some valuable information regarding traveling with small kids. Now I want to share my hard learn knowledge with other poor souls.
1. Flying long distance: seat and bassinet
Check with the airline regarding bassinet policy. I have been using Lufthansa for last 3-4 years. I liked it, since it has nice and spacious airbus 340 with many and roomy toilet area, and a big bassinet ( about 75 cm x 37.5 x20 ( guessing, not exact size of LH) and I think it was up to 15 kg, or so. They never fussed over weight or size of a baby as long as the baby is under 2 years. It was very easy to get a bulk head seat with friendly service. They also seemed to have more bassinet seats available compare to KLM, and 2 seats row was working nicely with me + a 3 year old + 6 month baby.
Now, I wanted to try something different and booked KLM without checking first. To my horror, they have a smaller bassinet only for up to 9 months baby who is max. 65 cm, 9 kg! Even if the baby is small (size of 63cm and 8 kg) and fit for the size of the bassinet (71cmx30cmx20cm), the age is matter (14 months), and I was flat refused! Because the baby might be bigger a month later when she is flying, the service said. I think it is disgraceful. They also have only 4 places for such bassinet. If I knew of this, I would have definitely not buying KLM. Certainly I do not recommend it to others. They would not give me any bulk head seat at all, since the service line do not have access for those seats. I was told to go to the airport early to see if it is available, yeah right!
After a week of struggling with KLM service, I finally extracted a critical information accidentally: that if I bring my own basket, they can request for a bulkhead seat. I will find out, if I get it after 48 hours. I am not impressed with whole thing so far, and just pray the 10 hour flight is not going to be a hell. I am seriously considering, that buying a seat for the little one. The child seat is supposed to cost 75% of adult price. However,it is discounted from the fare only, not the taxes, so in reality it is rather 90% of the full price.
At least, KLM allows a car seat to be used, if you buy a seat for the baby. But the seat is small (42.5 cm width) so one have to be sure of, if the car seat fits. It is expensive to buy a baby seat, but I do think it is much safer for the baby, if you can use a car seat. Some airlines do not allow a carseat, nor even provide a baby belt for take off and landing. LH provides it, but not SAS. I think I shall get my own baby belt to bring it with me in the future travels.
I plan to let my big one (almost 4 year, about 108 cm) to sleep on the floor in bulkhead seat, and have the baby on the seat. One could bring something to protect the child head and body from hard corners and seat-legs.
2. useful equipment for traveling with a baby and a kid
Now, I really wonder if I should start my own business for baby traveling. Just because it is so under developed market. Very few, but I found interesting stuff on the internet here. The sites are for demonstration purpose and quoted randomly, not for the best shop.
2-1. Samsonite baby travel cot : pop up and compact (bed: 88cm x 55cm, when folded: 27 cm). It even comes with sun shade and net. I wish I knew of this before. It is for babies. You can not buy this easily in Denmark. UK seems to have a better market for it.
2-2. Inflatable travel cot : looked very interesting. I do not know if it is good to use.
2-3.Kelty convertible stroller and backpack combi
: impossible to buy it in Europe, but it looked great. There are reviews that the stroller is not as smooth, but when you travel in Europe or places that are not stroller friendly, you can use the backpack. It can be used until 20 kg. I am considering to buy it (about 176 us$), though the shipping and tax might be more expensive to buy from US. Ah, the horrors of living in Denmark, with import tax.
2-4. LeapPad: This seems to be better than Videonow PVD player. I am waiting for mine to be delivered. This is for entertainment for my almost 4 year old in long distance travel.
2-5. disposable baby front cover for feeding time: In Denmark, you can buy this in Bilka, 10 in a package. Quite useful for small, drooling and messy babies on the run.
2-6. plastic cover for strollers for sun, rain and wind : you can buy it in Korea, cost about 17 us$. I have other brand, and it is one of must-have. If you have a Korean friend, ask them to order it for you.
2-7. Car seat and folding stroller in one ( under product, it is second item) or see here : about 500 us$. You can find similar thing in Denmark, I think. This is a good Korean design, and the set can incline backwards up to 175degree, and claims that can be used up till 5 years old, which I guess Korean child size. You can detach the car seat and use separately. I am going to look at it when I travel this March with KLM.
3. Things I wish I had
3-1. check-in size- rolling travel bag combined with a child stroller: I read about a US woman invented this product while ago. Good idea, and wish it exists.
3-2. Folding stroller for both a baby(seating or lying) and a kid (seating or standing) same time in one: it couldn't be that hard to design some thing like this, isn't it? or at least they should have something that the big child can stand on. In Denmark, they sell something called 'big sister stand', which is a panel with wheels, and you can attach it onto the baby trolley. Smart, but it is only for those big baby wagons and brand-specific.
3-3. small folding chair that fits in leg-room space in a airplane: I am thinking of making one myself. So kids can play and seat on it.
3-4. soft form bottomed sleeping bag for small kids, to use it in the air plane floor.
1. Flying long distance: seat and bassinet
Check with the airline regarding bassinet policy. I have been using Lufthansa for last 3-4 years. I liked it, since it has nice and spacious airbus 340 with many and roomy toilet area, and a big bassinet ( about 75 cm x 37.5 x20 ( guessing, not exact size of LH) and I think it was up to 15 kg, or so. They never fussed over weight or size of a baby as long as the baby is under 2 years. It was very easy to get a bulk head seat with friendly service. They also seemed to have more bassinet seats available compare to KLM, and 2 seats row was working nicely with me + a 3 year old + 6 month baby.
Now, I wanted to try something different and booked KLM without checking first. To my horror, they have a smaller bassinet only for up to 9 months baby who is max. 65 cm, 9 kg! Even if the baby is small (size of 63cm and 8 kg) and fit for the size of the bassinet (71cmx30cmx20cm), the age is matter (14 months), and I was flat refused! Because the baby might be bigger a month later when she is flying, the service said. I think it is disgraceful. They also have only 4 places for such bassinet. If I knew of this, I would have definitely not buying KLM. Certainly I do not recommend it to others. They would not give me any bulk head seat at all, since the service line do not have access for those seats. I was told to go to the airport early to see if it is available, yeah right!
After a week of struggling with KLM service, I finally extracted a critical information accidentally: that if I bring my own basket, they can request for a bulkhead seat. I will find out, if I get it after 48 hours. I am not impressed with whole thing so far, and just pray the 10 hour flight is not going to be a hell. I am seriously considering, that buying a seat for the little one. The child seat is supposed to cost 75% of adult price. However,it is discounted from the fare only, not the taxes, so in reality it is rather 90% of the full price.
At least, KLM allows a car seat to be used, if you buy a seat for the baby. But the seat is small (42.5 cm width) so one have to be sure of, if the car seat fits. It is expensive to buy a baby seat, but I do think it is much safer for the baby, if you can use a car seat. Some airlines do not allow a carseat, nor even provide a baby belt for take off and landing. LH provides it, but not SAS. I think I shall get my own baby belt to bring it with me in the future travels.
I plan to let my big one (almost 4 year, about 108 cm) to sleep on the floor in bulkhead seat, and have the baby on the seat. One could bring something to protect the child head and body from hard corners and seat-legs.
2. useful equipment for traveling with a baby and a kid
Now, I really wonder if I should start my own business for baby traveling. Just because it is so under developed market. Very few, but I found interesting stuff on the internet here. The sites are for demonstration purpose and quoted randomly, not for the best shop.
2-1. Samsonite baby travel cot : pop up and compact (bed: 88cm x 55cm, when folded: 27 cm). It even comes with sun shade and net. I wish I knew of this before. It is for babies. You can not buy this easily in Denmark. UK seems to have a better market for it.
2-2. Inflatable travel cot : looked very interesting. I do not know if it is good to use.
2-3.Kelty convertible stroller and backpack combi
: impossible to buy it in Europe, but it looked great. There are reviews that the stroller is not as smooth, but when you travel in Europe or places that are not stroller friendly, you can use the backpack. It can be used until 20 kg. I am considering to buy it (about 176 us$), though the shipping and tax might be more expensive to buy from US. Ah, the horrors of living in Denmark, with import tax.
2-4. LeapPad: This seems to be better than Videonow PVD player. I am waiting for mine to be delivered. This is for entertainment for my almost 4 year old in long distance travel.
2-5. disposable baby front cover for feeding time: In Denmark, you can buy this in Bilka, 10 in a package. Quite useful for small, drooling and messy babies on the run.
2-6. plastic cover for strollers for sun, rain and wind : you can buy it in Korea, cost about 17 us$. I have other brand, and it is one of must-have. If you have a Korean friend, ask them to order it for you.
2-7. Car seat and folding stroller in one ( under product, it is second item) or see here : about 500 us$. You can find similar thing in Denmark, I think. This is a good Korean design, and the set can incline backwards up to 175degree, and claims that can be used up till 5 years old, which I guess Korean child size. You can detach the car seat and use separately. I am going to look at it when I travel this March with KLM.
3. Things I wish I had
3-1. check-in size- rolling travel bag combined with a child stroller: I read about a US woman invented this product while ago. Good idea, and wish it exists.
3-2. Folding stroller for both a baby(seating or lying) and a kid (seating or standing) same time in one: it couldn't be that hard to design some thing like this, isn't it? or at least they should have something that the big child can stand on. In Denmark, they sell something called 'big sister stand', which is a panel with wheels, and you can attach it onto the baby trolley. Smart, but it is only for those big baby wagons and brand-specific.
3-3. small folding chair that fits in leg-room space in a airplane: I am thinking of making one myself. So kids can play and seat on it.
3-4. soft form bottomed sleeping bag for small kids, to use it in the air plane floor.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
House selling in Denmark
Denmark is Lartin-America of Scandinavia, in a sense that things are (too) relaxed and rather slow attitude, somewhat confusing administrational process, which I confirmed it in real estate business. I do like them in many ways, yet it is still worth marking the differences.
When we sold an apartment in Norway, it took only 3 days in total; day 1-open house, day 2-bidding among buyers, day 3-both party signed contract. Done.
In Denmark, it seems to take for ever. We offered to buy a house: days later, we were told that contract is being drawn, and in a week long time afterwards, both party signed. The deadline for payment and documents for owner-ship were Monday-1 week after, yet we did not get signed contract back from the agency (you need it to process all the bank and lawyer documents). Finaly, I asked the agency to fax me on Thursday, delivered it to the bank personaly,and nagged both the bank and the agency on if we can meet the deadline. No one seems to mind to be later than deadline, and we still do not have hard copy of the signed contract except the faxed.
To sell the house, it went really fast regarding the city we live in. It usually takes 3-6 months to sell here, but our house got an offer after the first day of viewing. We were told by the agency that they are checking the potencial buyer's finances. About a week later without any information, we finally called the agency what happened. We were told that the contract has been made and the buyer signed it that day, without we knowing it. Great, it would have been nice to be informed. We signed two days later, and it's all sealed. However, the whole process is very strange and distant one for us.
I had other strange and confusing administrational dealings in Denmark before, and now it is one more evidence that Danes are different from Norwegians for sure. Well, I prefer Danish attitute in general to Norwegian's, yet it is still bit shocking how they are different in mystrious ways...
When we sold an apartment in Norway, it took only 3 days in total; day 1-open house, day 2-bidding among buyers, day 3-both party signed contract. Done.
In Denmark, it seems to take for ever. We offered to buy a house: days later, we were told that contract is being drawn, and in a week long time afterwards, both party signed. The deadline for payment and documents for owner-ship were Monday-1 week after, yet we did not get signed contract back from the agency (you need it to process all the bank and lawyer documents). Finaly, I asked the agency to fax me on Thursday, delivered it to the bank personaly,and nagged both the bank and the agency on if we can meet the deadline. No one seems to mind to be later than deadline, and we still do not have hard copy of the signed contract except the faxed.
To sell the house, it went really fast regarding the city we live in. It usually takes 3-6 months to sell here, but our house got an offer after the first day of viewing. We were told by the agency that they are checking the potencial buyer's finances. About a week later without any information, we finally called the agency what happened. We were told that the contract has been made and the buyer signed it that day, without we knowing it. Great, it would have been nice to be informed. We signed two days later, and it's all sealed. However, the whole process is very strange and distant one for us.
I had other strange and confusing administrational dealings in Denmark before, and now it is one more evidence that Danes are different from Norwegians for sure. Well, I prefer Danish attitute in general to Norwegian's, yet it is still bit shocking how they are different in mystrious ways...
Monday, August 01, 2005
Moving again
It has been really busy lately, but again, it always has been busy in life of mine, with travels, works, and changes. Somehow I am moving around allot: just count last 5 years, I have officially moved 2 times back-and-force (4 trips) between USA and Scandinavia, and if I include domestic moving, it will be + 5. Wow.
I swore never to repeat the trans-Atlantic moving again, but you never know. Having a baby does not make it any easier, and I long for a settled life. Like my husband's friend, A and M, who grow up as neighbors in a remote country side of Norway, and dated about 10 years, married, and lives in same home town for the rest of their life.
I hoped that moving to Denmark, to this lovely country side city, would be something for longer terms. Neigh, it won't happen yet. My husband found job in Copenhagen, while I have a job in a city that is far from Copenhagen.
After stressful search for a possible home near Copenhagen, we finally offered buying one property today, and it will be clear within a week if we can finalize it.
We have a beautiful, big house now, with a big garden. It feels like a middle of a forest, and I love it all. M runs happily in the garden, enjoys the swing hung in the tree, flowers bloom all year around. This is the first ‘house’ we ever bought, and we renovated beautifully. This is the place my beautiful M spent most of her life so far. I will miss the tranquility of the house, and the peaceful garden. I wonder if we will have a house as lovely as this one in the future.
However, changes are good, however painful and uncomfortable it feels at the moment. If something is alive and moving forward, it is in constant changes, and I remind myself it as positive force.
I swore never to repeat the trans-Atlantic moving again, but you never know. Having a baby does not make it any easier, and I long for a settled life. Like my husband's friend, A and M, who grow up as neighbors in a remote country side of Norway, and dated about 10 years, married, and lives in same home town for the rest of their life.
I hoped that moving to Denmark, to this lovely country side city, would be something for longer terms. Neigh, it won't happen yet. My husband found job in Copenhagen, while I have a job in a city that is far from Copenhagen.
After stressful search for a possible home near Copenhagen, we finally offered buying one property today, and it will be clear within a week if we can finalize it.
We have a beautiful, big house now, with a big garden. It feels like a middle of a forest, and I love it all. M runs happily in the garden, enjoys the swing hung in the tree, flowers bloom all year around. This is the first ‘house’ we ever bought, and we renovated beautifully. This is the place my beautiful M spent most of her life so far. I will miss the tranquility of the house, and the peaceful garden. I wonder if we will have a house as lovely as this one in the future.
However, changes are good, however painful and uncomfortable it feels at the moment. If something is alive and moving forward, it is in constant changes, and I remind myself it as positive force.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
About truth
I work as an assistant professor in computer animation.When you work in a university, you would expect at least some smart folks. But, no, nut cases are everywhere. Unfortunately, I am very naive, and believe what people say upfront. I say what I mean myself and I think others are same. I also believed in confrontation as in saying truth clearly would bring understanding in a conflict, but unfortunately, not everyone is happy to say straight, nor hear one. Funny thing about truth-telling is that when one says it, the other also tends to react truthfully; whether they want it or not.
Usually they are angry that they have to say truthful things.
As the result of this characteristic of mine, my social skills are not that great. I am sometimes confused ;if it is me who is very wrong. Today, after another unfortunate truth hunting, I realized that I am wrong in the sense believing saying truth will save the conflict. Expecting truth from the other is expecting really a lot. I am afraid that I have a lot to learn.
Usually they are angry that they have to say truthful things.
As the result of this characteristic of mine, my social skills are not that great. I am sometimes confused ;if it is me who is very wrong. Today, after another unfortunate truth hunting, I realized that I am wrong in the sense believing saying truth will save the conflict. Expecting truth from the other is expecting really a lot. I am afraid that I have a lot to learn.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Struggling with a baby
I guess M can be looked as a toddler, even though she really is in a baby category. As 2 year olds, she has 3 year olds body and strength. M just started a daycare, after being taken care of and spoiled to rotten by her beloved Daddy for last two years, at the comfort of home. Daddy started a new job in Copenhagen, and temporarily separated from home, being a weekend father.
Now, the reality sinks in to her little mind, and she is doing her best to protest to her poor mom. Somehow each week is getting worse, despite adults logic that she may get used to it by week. M throws tantrums in the mornings now. She does not want to change clothes, no diaper change, no everything, crying and pushing me away, and cry more as soon as I leave her alone.
Unfortunately for her, she does not realize that pushing away and being hold by me can not co-exist. So we go on with pushing and holding in cycles, and I simply do not have energy for, especially after lack of sleep lately.
As M is a big girl ( 96 cm, 15 kg), she also has some fierce kicks, and I am defenseless while forcing some pants on her. Luckily, she still does not know how to take the pants off yet, so it stays. Socks have no chance. I am afraid that she may stay in dirty clothes in days if things get worse. I do not think I can force her to put anything after 3 years old, when she will certainly train herself to have big muscles.
In split seconds, I really wished to ship her to the daycare half naked, and let the nanny do the job. It seems to be that she protests mainly to me, not to strangers. Unfortunately, it’s a busy week at the work so I can not take her at home until the weekend.
Now, the reality sinks in to her little mind, and she is doing her best to protest to her poor mom. Somehow each week is getting worse, despite adults logic that she may get used to it by week. M throws tantrums in the mornings now. She does not want to change clothes, no diaper change, no everything, crying and pushing me away, and cry more as soon as I leave her alone.
Unfortunately for her, she does not realize that pushing away and being hold by me can not co-exist. So we go on with pushing and holding in cycles, and I simply do not have energy for, especially after lack of sleep lately.
As M is a big girl ( 96 cm, 15 kg), she also has some fierce kicks, and I am defenseless while forcing some pants on her. Luckily, she still does not know how to take the pants off yet, so it stays. Socks have no chance. I am afraid that she may stay in dirty clothes in days if things get worse. I do not think I can force her to put anything after 3 years old, when she will certainly train herself to have big muscles.
In split seconds, I really wished to ship her to the daycare half naked, and let the nanny do the job. It seems to be that she protests mainly to me, not to strangers. Unfortunately, it’s a busy week at the work so I can not take her at home until the weekend.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Eurovision song contest
It was a mare chance that I watched the final of the contest, simpley because there was nothing on offer in other channels. I never watched it before,but enjoyed Terry Wogan's comments from BBC Prime.
Now, I have to agree with him in that alot of songs were very much mixture of East (Turkey, India, etc) + River dancing + Japanese inspired drumming performance. Boring pop songs were refreshing out of all the ethnic extravaganza.
Few were very funny and unexpected. Moldova ( I don't know where it is) was very funny and refreshing. I was impressed by Norwegian entry, watered down Queen + Kiss glam rock, mainly it is so unlikely from Norway. I don't know what I expected; maybe country singing that is strangely popular in Norway? The song was good, and the singer has a voice. Sweden was very good, better than most of singers in singing and performance, but a song admiring US city life may not impress European viewers nowadays. Danish entry was cute, but my husband strongly disliked silly boy-band dance steps.
What I was surprised to find out is that the contest is judged by viewers from all European country, and how each neighbors stick to each other, how strangely political it was. Norway got highest points from fellow Nordic countries; Iceland, Finland, and Denmark. Sweden and Norway are emotional rivals, which rather give Denmark 12 points than to each other.
Of course, so many tiny countries in Eastern Europe makes it difficult for three largest nations in Europe to win any friendly voting. UK, France and Germany are bitter enemies that did not want to help each other neither. Not that thier entry were any good, though. German singer was off key most of the time and painful to listen.
My husband was hoping Sweden would get better rate, and I liked Norwegian one, but the boring and simple Greece entry won the contest. I think 2 nd runner up Malta was much better.
Now, I have to agree with him in that alot of songs were very much mixture of East (Turkey, India, etc) + River dancing + Japanese inspired drumming performance. Boring pop songs were refreshing out of all the ethnic extravaganza.
Few were very funny and unexpected. Moldova ( I don't know where it is) was very funny and refreshing. I was impressed by Norwegian entry, watered down Queen + Kiss glam rock, mainly it is so unlikely from Norway. I don't know what I expected; maybe country singing that is strangely popular in Norway? The song was good, and the singer has a voice. Sweden was very good, better than most of singers in singing and performance, but a song admiring US city life may not impress European viewers nowadays. Danish entry was cute, but my husband strongly disliked silly boy-band dance steps.
What I was surprised to find out is that the contest is judged by viewers from all European country, and how each neighbors stick to each other, how strangely political it was. Norway got highest points from fellow Nordic countries; Iceland, Finland, and Denmark. Sweden and Norway are emotional rivals, which rather give Denmark 12 points than to each other.
Of course, so many tiny countries in Eastern Europe makes it difficult for three largest nations in Europe to win any friendly voting. UK, France and Germany are bitter enemies that did not want to help each other neither. Not that thier entry were any good, though. German singer was off key most of the time and painful to listen.
My husband was hoping Sweden would get better rate, and I liked Norwegian one, but the boring and simple Greece entry won the contest. I think 2 nd runner up Malta was much better.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Blog matter
Well, this is my first attempt in blogging, and frankly, not sure of the nature of it. First of all, I am dreadfully private person, and do not care for comments from strangers. Besides, random comments tend to be insensitive and at times, insulting.
There are brave folks out there put names and pictures on the net. I am certainly paranoid about spooky creeps out there, who may use information to come by and get friendly killing with my family. I think this kinda of thought had been manifested my years in US, the kingdom of fears, and limited experiences in internet posting (still turned out very spooky responses).
I rather take this blog as a diary, a random ranting to, let’s say, anonymous nice people who can understand me very well and that I do not have to response back. There is a story of a king's barber who had to keep a secret that the king has donkey ears, and he went to a forest and shouted it. Now, blog on internet can be my forest. I sincerely hope no one will not know my real identity, so I can rant freely about anything. Except from my husband, who I have no problem of sharing my inner most thoughts, none of my family and friends knows about this blog. I want to keep it that way. I found one sided communication very comforting now and then.
There are brave folks out there put names and pictures on the net. I am certainly paranoid about spooky creeps out there, who may use information to come by and get friendly killing with my family. I think this kinda of thought had been manifested my years in US, the kingdom of fears, and limited experiences in internet posting (still turned out very spooky responses).
I rather take this blog as a diary, a random ranting to, let’s say, anonymous nice people who can understand me very well and that I do not have to response back. There is a story of a king's barber who had to keep a secret that the king has donkey ears, and he went to a forest and shouted it. Now, blog on internet can be my forest. I sincerely hope no one will not know my real identity, so I can rant freely about anything. Except from my husband, who I have no problem of sharing my inner most thoughts, none of my family and friends knows about this blog. I want to keep it that way. I found one sided communication very comforting now and then.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Baby bites
Baby bite 
M got her first baby bite from her fellow baby at the daycare. As it can be seen, it can not be mistaken as any other bites but baby's.
Apparently, K, the biting-1-year-old, just wanted to express his liking by 'kissing'. Our brave M did not cry but 'oooh,oooh'ed, and said 'no' when she was asked if it hurts. But who knows if 2-years old understands such questions...
I hope K does not love M too much.
She is currently bored by Mummy who is making this blog and playing music and asking me 'la-la', which means dancing. Ok, here we go.
M got her first baby bite from her fellow baby at the daycare. As it can be seen, it can not be mistaken as any other bites but baby's.
Apparently, K, the biting-1-year-old, just wanted to express his liking by 'kissing'. Our brave M did not cry but 'oooh,oooh'ed, and said 'no' when she was asked if it hurts. But who knows if 2-years old understands such questions...
I hope K does not love M too much.
She is currently bored by Mummy who is making this blog and playing music and asking me 'la-la', which means dancing. Ok, here we go.
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