Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Hallmark Holiday!


I had such a laugh when I saw this, I just had to post it. Enjoy Valentine's Day, folks - whatever you do!

Personally, my favourite bit about Valentine's Day (except for the chocs hubby usually brings home) is seeing men out and about carrying huge bouquets of flowers. It makes my heart smile :-)

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Monday, February 11, 2008

My secret combination

All self-respecting Greeks have one main topic of conversation these days: the upcoming selection of a song to represent the country at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place in Belgrade, Serbia, on 24 May. Eurovision has always been popular in Greece, more so since a recent string of Top 10 successes, not to mention winning 1st prize in 2005 with Helena Paparizou's auspiciously named Number 1, so the selection of a worthy performer attracts heated debates online, in the news and amongst friends.

There are three hopefuls at the moment, and I've already made up my mind who I'd like to go through to the semi-finals. Her name's Kalomoira, she's very very sweet, has a great voice and reminds me of my best friend from high school who I had a bit of a teenage crush on. The song's not bad either - it's a catchy, upbeat tune and with the right choreography it could do well. You can check it out here:



In the meantime, Ireland, seven times Eurovision winners but of little recent success, are considering sending Dustin the Turkey to Belgrade this year. There are humans too competing at the Irish final, so we won't know for sure if it's going to be the bird until 23 February.

I wonder whether the UK (also a flop in recent years) will be sending Winnie the Pooh. That'll be one to watch.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Two things


This meme comes from Tina over the pond.

Two names you go by… Tinsie or Pie (don't ask)
Two things you are wearing right now… My nightdress (ahem)
Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship… Laughter and hugs
Two of your favorite things to do… Blog and read
Two things you want very badly at the moment… An extra hard drive or a new computer
Two pets you have or have had… I had a goldfish once, but it was a long time ago. Do my mum's two cats count?
Two things that you did last night… Read Trinny and Susanna's Survival Guide; had a glass of Chauvignon Blanc.
Two people you think will fill this out… Indie (I hope)?
Two things you ate today… Yoghurt with honey; chocolate Shreddies with semi-skimmed milk.
Two people you last talked to… My friend Loops and a random guy on the train home last night.
Two things you’re doing tomorrow… It's Chinese New Year, babe! Need I say more?
Two longest car rides… The longest car ride I've had lately was when my friend gave me a lift to the shops (about 4 mins away).
Two favorite holidays… Easter and Carnival
Two favorite beverages… Decaf coffee with Baileys or Assam tea with milk.
Two people no longer alive who you’d like to talk to… my two grandmothers.

Consider yourselves tagged :-)

Friday, February 08, 2008

Karneval in Köln


For some time I've wanted to go to Cologne in West Germany for the Karneval, and I finally managed it this year. I knew it'd be fun, but it surpassed my expectations. The atmosphere was amazing - the whole city was celebrating. What I'd not realised is that almost everyone would be dressed up, not just to go to parties, but to go about their daily business.

I mean, you know it's going to be special when you spot Santa in front of you in the queue for the ATM...


Grown men in multi-coloured wigs dancing away in the middle of the day...


A group of young men in pink bunny outfits (and another Santa)...


And a group of older ladies in full clown gear.


What can I say, other than we had a fab time and we hope to be able to go next year, too!

You can see some more of my photos on Flickr.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

It's Pancake Day...

...and what better way to celebrate than watching a pancake race :-)

It was freezing cold and very windy in London today, so the ladies and gents who bravely put on their T-shirts and tossed pancakes outside Southwark Cathedral deserved all the cheering they got!



After the race we queued (and queued and queued) at the pancake stand. These are the pancakes we ended up with half an hour later.


Oh well. At least they tasted OK. Although to be honest we were so cold and tired by the time we reached the counter, anything would have tasted good.

Note to the organisers: Don't bother with the jacket potatoes and salad. It's Shrove Tuesday and anyone who takes the time to go to a pancake race will want to eat pancakes. Duh.

Friday, February 01, 2008

The Three Question Personality Test

I've been tagged by MrsB to give five interesting things about myself and tag 5 others to do the same. Well, here's no. 1/5: I love quizzes! This one is pretty spot on, too (at least I think so - if any of you guys who know me in real life think this description is nothing like me, do say!).

Your Personality Is

Guardian (SJ)


You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented.
Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules.

You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader.
You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you.

A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do.
You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up.

In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly.

At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions.

With others, you tend to be polite and formal.

As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself.

On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!