A Halloween corpse

Happy Halloween guys. The streets around us is filled with pumpkins and spider webs  and tonight i expect all the little ghosts and vampires roaming the streets in search of candy. London does Halloween very well.

George is working so W and me will watch a spooky (ish) movie. Like Beetlejuice. And eat candy of course. Tomorrow its all in on the dress up but tonight i need a break. I am wearing my skeleton unicorn earrings though. You never get too old for a nod to the dress up.

And from tomorrow its free for all on Christmas spirit. I dont have to tell you ive been there since beginning of October but now the rest of the world follows me. Woohoo!

Belly. Its getting sturdy now in month 7. This is 5, 6 and 7. Midwife tomorrow and will hopefully know if hes growing away steadily.

Look at this dress from the Giambattista collaboration. I could get married and that and me happy.

Autumn walks with W this morning. Starting to go a bit slow but still getting around the park for an hour without issues. Less running around with the mini man though, thank god for sticks.

Pretty out.

Came home to a true Halloween sign. A corpse in the living room. Poor little mouse. Feel bad that he would end this way, at least its warm in our kitchen.

End of the decade – 2010

Its almost at the end of the decade and that means ive lived in London for 10 years. 10 fucking years!! So i thought id do a little recap of my time here one year at a time. Friends, memories, embarassing stories. Youll get it all.

I arrived on the 2nd of Jan 2010 with two bags and no bedding. The first night i slept under a jacket and showered with a bath mat. Nothing if not classy this lady. I knew nothing about London really and moved in with two guys i didnt know, but certainly knew of (Sthlm is small and gossip travel fast).

Eric and Robin was both infuriating and the best housemates a girl could ask for. They invited me into their group and made sure i had friends from day one. But they also hogged the TV to play Fifa and it was a bit like moving in with two younger brothers.

I settled in and did what i do best. Read books, walked all over London and got used to my new surroundings. I had Dani as well as the boys and about a month later Elin arrived with about 15 pairs of shoes and her ‘lets just suck the marrow out of life’ attitude.

I know me and London would get on well when on my birthday 6 weeks after coming here a whole nightclub sang Happy Birthday and i got a 5l bottle of shots delivered by sparkles and half clad girls. Its something about looking around a sea of faces that are still somewhat strangers but becoming friends and getting that feeling in your stomach of fuck yeah life.

Life in Ifield Road was an endless party. Sven lived next door and it was people over pretty much every night. The neighbours hated us in this posh Cheslsea street.

At work i had Dani and quickly got a group of friends there as well. The football was on and we went out every night that summer drinking rose and jagerbombs. Winning combo. I had to drink a jagerbomb per goal Germany scored. They scored a lot of goals that summer…

People came to visit. This is IT-Jens (ha, not his name but the boys were cruel). We had a thing and he came to visit. Unfortunately for him he turned out to be a bit of a dick. Or, if im going to be honest, i was probably as much of a dick. I was still epically weird around boys and he didnt really fit with the crew. Poor guy to be honest.

It ended with us never speaking again and him being to joke of the house.

But, the summer was long and London crazy and the party never ended. Here im drinking shots from a banana shot while straddling Sven in a wrestler mask. Given.

Kix had moved down from Bath and she lived with us. She, Elin and me became the bestest of friends and it was nice to have the girls to break up all the boys with. The three of us did everything together and they really made London feel even more like home.

Elin was the fixer and Kix the caretaker. Between the two of them you got spoilt by love, home baked bread, long chats into the night and as many hugs as my poor swedish heart could handle.

There was always another party going and my colleague Christoph was always up for one. Here was a free booze cruise on the Themes. We collected people around us that was as up for everything as we was. Nothing was a no go. Nightclubs to 10 am the day after, weird house parties with new friends, dress up raves, drinking with the argentinian polo team, free flowing booze and constant hangovers.

We did walk around London as well. Book markets, parks, museums. It feels like i never worked that first summer but i think i just had that much energy for everything. Who needs sleep when you are in London?

At the end of the summer i met Walkey and we quickly became a thing. I fell hard. Looking back we were very different but at time I jumped head first and dreamt of a future. I hung out up East most of the time and at the same time me and the girls moved into a new flat the three of us.

It all felt pretty magical. Meeting a guy i really liked, moving in with my bestest girls and having a job i enjoyed. Cant get better right? Cissi 28 was aceing life.

It was a lot of East London going and i spent my time with Walkey and with Tom and Ben who lived next door to him. Thats how we met. I picked up Tom and Ben in Ibiza and when we started hanging out in London Walkey stepped into my life.

Lets just say i won on one of them – Tom and Ben, i love you.

But, it was still mostly about my friends down west. Kix and me made an awesome party duo.

Yes, kitchen utensils are sexy.

Tompen moved to London and lived with us. It was us girls and the sweetest boy known to man. Between the parties we lived home life and took care of each other. You need that when you have left your family back home.

It was all about our little family. We still hung out with everyone else of course but in the end of the day we came home to each other. Tumpens and my favourite were drinking chai tea at the end of a night out. Wholesome.

And the amount of wine consumed. Could feed a small country.

We didnt really have money for Christmas decorations so we took what we had. Red knickers in the window anyone?

And newspaper and nail polish to make decorations.

End of the year Christmas dinner with the heroes. Sven, Stan, Ella, Robbo, me, Pettan, Tumpen and Elin.

And that was the first year in London. A lot of new friends, crazy experiences and awesome memories. I met some of the people that have stayed with me since. Kix, Tompa, Robin, Eric, Tom, Ben, Ella, Stan, Sven and many more. Elin and Dani became my closest friends and Kirsten stepped into my life as well. I have known all of these amazing people for 10 years now. Thats a life time.

They say it takes 10 years to truly call yourself a Londoner. I was already falling in love with the city that first year but another 9 years would form who i am today.

Faking smart

We went to the theatre last night. The death of a salesman. It was great but unfortunately my back was kiling me and in those tiny seats i couldnt get comfortable. So we left after the intermission. Probably the first time ever ive done that. Felt so bad but at least the place was filled to the rafters. Sorry team, it wasnt your fault.

Its getting real heavy now. Mainly shortness of breath, needing to pee all the time and pain if i walk too fast. And being very tired again. Those extra almost 10kg is weighing heavy on me. 84 days to go. Stay strong.

Feeling very tired today so doing more of a whine than needed really. Pop in again on friday when im all excited about the Halloween party that evening.

Do love the sights of central London. Not a fan of actually being there but i get struck by that childhood magic of being in LONDON!!

Feeling very smart for our intellectual night out. Too bad we failed.

7 months belly. There is no denying this shit. I dont think im bigger than normal really, im just feeling very big for me.

Midwife on Friday to get measured and stuff so ill guess we’ll know then. First, a bit of a hell week at work but see me rocking!

Carpe diem

Ha, im so bad at carping that diem at the moment. I just want to sleep. Or, try to sleep, its not a given these days.

Week 29 and this morning i did the diabetes test. No food and some sugary drink. Plus lots of blood letting. Monday win. Then it turned out baby is rhesus positive while im negative so for us to happily cohabit for another 3 months i needed some shot. Otherwise my body might reject him. Or he poison me. Same same.

Baby Munstev – making life messy since 2019.

So 3h in the hospital and then work. Tonight we are off to the theatre and this weekend its a Halloween party. Yes, i totally agree, that is just way to social for me at the moment.

Its all about the candles! Even George is a convert and he lights the sea salt on when im not around. Win.

He even said he is kinf of looking forward to Christmas this year!! I guess my plan of making Christmas all kinds of awesome is working. This year im making him an advent calendar, there will be some dope shit in there.

Celebrated Lollos bday on Saturday. Slurping oysters in style.

Then me, George and Katta went home and watched a movie. My team of sofa buddies.

Bought this years first hyacinth. Its happening people. I might also have eaten 2 packs of gingerbread dough in like 3 weeks.

Blaming the baby…

In the hospital this morning. Downside of being old and preggers is thats even more tests than normal. But so far so good, us viking women just rock this shit.

Bye toes

Im in the third trimester now and the kicks are more squirms these days. Sorry its getting cramped in there little one, im doing my best to grow to fit you.

Im feeling very calm at the moment. I think that with everything happening this year, ivf, pregnancy, ‘losing’ my job, George losing his have just ended me up in this zen place. My brain cant take more worry so instead im like ‘it will all work out’. And it will. We have family and friends around us and are two capable human beings.

Cant remember the last time i was this chilled out. Im planning for our move but its all more fun than anything. Looking at flats and squirreling away our money. I feel like Joakim von Anka hoarding our money. Also, happy to get back to friends and family.

Now im just trying to enjoy (as in get through) the last couple of months before the little guy is here. But, gingerbread dough helps and soon its all Christmas time for real and not just in my world.

Bye, bye toes. George has promised hell paint my nails so hopefully it wont totally go to shit.

Sad doggo

Its cold and rainy and i love it. Im a sucker for the cold. Walking around at home and loving it. Finally. Also give me more excuses for the PJ lifestyle im living right now.

Clothes is just a nightmare. Want to wear skirts but can barely put on tights. Want to wear jeans, sweaters dont cover stomach. Want to wear PJs, unfortunately not allowed in the work place.

So, lets talk less about that and focus on the fun stuff that is out there on the internet.

Honestly, this cant be unseen…

Heres the original for reference. Its totally a sad doggo…

Hehe, a collective slap to France…

Julia sent me this. I think this year represents this pretty well. Nothing goes to plan but things are going where they should anyway.

Hahahahaha, soooo true. My god, people that cant maneuver to tube…

I want this at home. Just to be able to say that every time someone asks.

Me! Love my sweet tooth. And my costume accessoaries. Reminds me i need to plan for Halloween.

Its a plan Stan

In Paris. I know ive been pretty clear about my feelings for this city but its not as bad as it could have been, the Eurostar is a dream and i have my little hotel where everyone knows my name. Ive just realised im not a massive fan of traveling for work. And very happy i only have one more trip planned in before im off.

Things are falling into place with our new reality. Well, given the last couple of months everything could happen…but the plan right now is moving already in May to get a head start with job hunting before summer to make sure that i have something by end of October latest. George is of course also talking to people and im pretty sure it

This gives us another 6 months here and the time to have our lil baby, setlle everything and get things ready in Sweden. Still dont have a clear answer from my job but it will have to work out. I cant wait around for them to make a decision.

So yeah, changes ahead. Baby, new jobs, new country. You know, the small things in life 🙂 At least life is not boring.

Last night i couldnt figure out what to eat. An issue i have with Paris is that restaurants dont open until 7 and im always hungry before that.

So, headed to McDonalds because why not. Started with the ice cream. When you are an adult you can do whatever you want.

And then cheeseburger in bed. Because rock and roll.

Back to London tonight and like resting. Ive realised how much i need my preggers pillow when i sleep in an uncomfortable hotel bed. And my boys. Need them.

A weekend with Katta

Had a weekend filled with Katta chill time. Pretty banging. Need to steal all the time i can.

One of the things we did was a 3.5h walk in Richmond and im surprised at how fresh i feel. Almost in my third trimester and i did that without any issues. Guess my strong scandi viking legs are good for something. Plus i almost slept normally last night.

But, talked to our CMO and she was all like ‘i loved the third trimester. I loved being pregnant’ and i was like ‘did you really though…’ She feels like one of those whos like ‘i just worked out all the way through pregnancy, gave birth in like an hour and went back to work after 2 weeks’ type of people.

Dont trust them. Sure, being pregnant is lovely and cool and cant wait for the end result but loving being pregnant? No way. Its heavy and uncomfortable, your minds all over the place, your clothes dont fit, you can barely walk a flight of stairs and youre a wind bag filled with trapped air. And i have it easy.

Anyways, off to Paris tomorrow and im hoping for an easy journey, the train normally kill my back.

Dinner at Kattas. We made vietnamese spring rolls. Or tried to. It was more like trying to handle a condom working against you.

I mean… not exactly restaurant worthy. But it tasted good and we laughed so who cares if you are pretty much eating a condom.

On Sunday met with Katta and her mum for a walk in Richmond.

W joined of course and became bffs with Kattas mum who had dog treats in her pocket.

Proper autumn weather.

This little man showing off how pretty he is.

Yup, striking a pose for mummy.

Trying to warm him up at Petersham. I think he was being a little drama queen but hey, it got him all the food and cuddles so obviously worked.

He, George thinks i look like a candy here. Guess i could be a lollipop with that round belly.

A long journey

Having dinner with Katta tonight. I need to see her as much as possible before she leaves. It will be empty here in London 😦

I wrote about our ivf journey on instagram today. An friend of mine texted me privately to thank me for talking about it. Shed done the same treatment to freeze her eggs and found it very hard and lonely.

I just want there to be no shame with this kind of treatment. Because there isnt. You cant help what happens with your body. But if people refuse to talk about it or whisper half heard gossip it becomes shameful. And you feel lonely. It hard enough as it is.

The same way im not ashamed of my struggles with depression im not ashamed that out bodies didnt really cooperate to have a baby. Instead im extremely grateful to modern medicine and a hospital system that gives you the help you need.

And to family and friends being supportive through this. Becasue as my friend who texted me wrote ‘i was not prepared for how hard it was going to be’. And it is. Its a bit like going to war against your own body. And your mind. So please, if anyone ever talk to you about their struggles to conceive or thinking about freezing their eggs, listen with an open mind hold their hand in the storm.

With the happy outcome of that journey its easy to forget the pain but a part of me will always be marked by those 18 months.

Life…

We went to the affordable art fair last night. Affordable is a very vague word. I mean, it started from £500 and went up to £6000 so lets say we didnt really come out with shopping bags of stuff (as in we bought zero).

Lovely event though and found some things i fell in love with. But, dont really make sense to buy lots of stuff before moving.

Speaking of moving. Life eh…. George got told over the weekend that from January he will at most have a part time job with Kyro. They are downsizing their ambassador program. And you know my situation of ‘most likely not having a job in London’ when im back from maternity. So here we are, more or less without steady jobs when the baby is born. Not exactly according to plan.

So maybe we’ll move earlier. Start over in Stockholm rather than trying to find new jobs here for a short time. However, if there is a job for me (no one knows) then i have to go back to work or i need to pay for my maternity leave.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Not a headache at all. And perfect timing since there is nothing else going on in life right now.

Well, time will tell and all will work out one day and then we’ll laugh at this. But for now we are not buying expensive art works and generally trying to keep things under control. Big spender has become little spender.

On the cute side though. Sita bought these mini shoes for baby from Argentine. Be still my beating heart.

Always. Or, one day again.

George getting ready to pretend hes going to buy some art.

But first, magic. Ravi invited us to the fair. Not only is he awesome, hes also a magician (i mean, thats pretty awesome too).

I fell in love with this double painting, Imagine that is a night lamp for the baby room. Unfortunately £650 isnt in the unemployeed budget.

And this one. Too cute.

Its by an artist called Damilola Odusote and i might have fallen in love with all of his stuff. One day ill be rich.

Then we took our fancy shuttle back to the tube and the driver was probably drunk and i got sooo car sick. Could only be saved by gingerbread dough.