It is our second trip to Stockholm already

Experiencing:

-That teaching and learning nowadays can be as fun as one wants

-That one can be extremely lucky even in the most difficult situations
-That integrity has to be the guiding principle of all relationships or they are simply not worth maintaining
-That one of the busiest metro stations in the world is Stockholm central at any time in the day
-That many Muslim women who cover dutifully their heads have no trouble wearing shorts+unflattering leggings that expose every inch of their "textured" legs, sending confusing messages about their interest in keeping such customs
-That more than 50% of the people that I have met in the streets of this city seem to have come from places of the world other than Europe
-That trust is more important and effective in dealing with others than fear and suspicion. People usually respond to trust by caring to preserve it
-That I have very little time left to read all there is to be read and do all that I have wanted to do and procrastinated about

-That mass consumption of information and mainstream thinking turn into the mass-murdering of independent ideas and creative living

-That children must be let to "live" their ways so we can also live ours, in peace, when they reach an age when we can no longer control them
-That delegation is fine -LIBERATING-, even if results are far from perfect
-That gardening is rewarding and addictive
-That flowers adorn better than jewellery
-That the smell of the most expensive perfumes stink if to compare it with the natural aroma of fresh flowers and/or clean, sun bathed laundry
-That beauty is ruined with the mask of make up
-That when one learns how to enjoy the small gifts of life half of it is already gone.

Moved to tears

A woodsign by scaredycatprimitives

I was very wrong and I just understood it. I am very grateful for this. Some hope returns and along some energy.

Developing

MAKE MISTAKES and move forward!

Geddafi/Kadafi is at home

Or so it appeared in my window to the world: NHK World, with an umbrella. Was it really rainy in Tripoli or was it another sign of Geddafi/Kadafi disctinctive style? Just the same we experienced in Lombardy, rain and much rain!
Above, the mini-mini Fiat 500 o new version of the former Topolino that we could rent to go to the lakes, A view from Bergamo and a flower I am determined to plant in my garden as soon as I can figure what it is, and irressistible olives at a huge market in Brescia on Sta.Lucia´s day.

Being European

Seems to signify that by default, a person needs to be anti American. I find the attitude difficult to understand. Public and categoric statements about detesting the American culture and people or lifestyle in TV, by journalists and politicians have to sound inappropriate to any person with a little bit of perspective and multicultural training. Pilar Boyero, for example, maybe (?) a great singer, but nothing else. In the thinking she should be no leader. I could barely assign any worth to her many many comments during a recent broadcast in the Extremadura channel on satelite TV. If I were in charge of her image, my recommendation would be to talk more intelligently -or to stick to singing copla-

Now that in NY smoking is being prohibited in the parks and beaches, most media personalities use the opportunity to expose the topical opinions, the cliches and criticism about excessive control (Excess regulation they speak from the paradigmatic region of the complicated procedures, The EU!). Can't anybody see the merit of prohibiting cigarette buds contaminating the environment, impregnated in nicotine that every toddler finds and sucks while parents sunbathe during the Summer months? I applaud the message although regret that people have to be told something so common sensical: Cigarette buds are polluting, dangerous, gross, and should be disposed of properly. In Estonia I have had evil thoughts about those who care little for their beautiful beaches as well. So many leave their 2 lt plastic bottles behind, but will we have to prohibit drinking any beverage by the sea? Interesting idea if sanctions consisted of cleaning public spaces, for free, several months in a row...Forced labor that is, but we are all forced to recycle for example. I DO SEE THE CONNECTION! :)

I was appalled by the image of downtown cafeterias and coffee bars in Madrid. Never before I went to any place where people in disregard of basic manners, threw the garbage to the floor. Any of these establishments in the capital of Spain hoarded at the time, innumerable napkins, residue of food and cigarette waste all over, except from counter and table tops.

I was the most surprised when after politely daring to ask once, Why littering was allowed? and Why not to place some bins to dispose of the trash? (the barman noticed my south American accent) the answer was: But where are you coming from? Colombia? Do not tell me that you do any better! Colombians must be much dirtier than us! What a display of talent...I was not going to try convincing this anonymous guy on that in fact this was really an authentic/indigenous Spanish habit (left from Madrid 3 years ago, maybe it all has changed). One that is difficult to get used to. However, foreigners love Spain, and I have not heard anybody claiming that they are nasty people. Why Europeans like to pick on Americans so much? Who does not have "RABO DE PAJA?"

LET'S OBJECTIFY OR AT LEAST BALANCE THAT! If there was only a bit of diversity and few anti Venezuelan, some anti Chinese, several anti North Korean. Or what about not committing so hard and definitively to anything so abstract as hating an entire culture/country? Being nice to people and working hard makes up for an empty mind. Shake off the stereotypical politic views and just live.

When things are not discussed early, clearly with the rigth people

Calligraphic art by Margaret Shepherd

Disputes take place. Disagreement is better than misunderstandings and what they may cause.
Conflict is not bad, it could be a great opportunity to review positions, relationships, attitudes, opinions. To transform, evolve, progress.
Constructive conflict management is a skill as useful as good reading. Sometimes the problems lie exclusively in the way people interpret signs.

A reason to attend one's life

Another blue house for my collection of images with blue houses :). This time by kukuxumusu. Needless to say I want to paint this house blue. DARK cobalt blue. On the outside. I think my neighbors could not cope with such decision. Lucky them I have no time to deal with it.

I was going to have visitors today. MANY. I had not even paid attention to this place around me for a couple of months. A LOT. I had to work on rebuilding a normal living space, clean, cozy and family friendly (with food, for instance) for the past 8 hours. I have not finished, but everything begins seeming normal. NOT TOO GOOD. Just OK. Dinner is ready with pluses, the air smells cake and quiche, the sanitation of the house was excellent corner by corner. I spent a bit of my cherished pine cleaner and Marsella soap for the walls and furniture. I placed candles  strategically and planned for the snacks and dips while in the meantime I received mobile messages and emails from the group. I noticed them a minute ago. They cannot come. NONE. It is snowy, cold, someone has fever, the other emotional exhaustion, a fourth remembered a previous engagement, and there are few who did not explain why. It does not matter. I could have read a book but I am glad I did not.

I have had a terrible week, of course not the worst of this horrible year. This day has been useful to get my home back. It was not a waste but I do not think I will be volunteering for the a sewing evening anytime soon.

Time to reorganize, reschedule, review and reset

We will be busy and engaged with difficult projects. There will be little time to blog. These sort of journals contain so many cherished memories, that I hope they will be up here forever. The children will read the story of their family, have an insight on everyday details, follow the images of the family life and events that otherwise fade away and nobody remembers. I look around as if I was being given the opportunity to revisit my past, like if my life was already a memory. Everything changes. Changes are supposed to be good and promote growth but my life as it is is fantastic, beautiful, harmonious and priviledged. I have a very good partner, and I want him to grow old together with me. Again, we will be busy trying to maintain this.

Nonsense

My statement today will be sweeping and simple: playlist has ruined its policies. I am moving to hypster where listening to music is NOT YET costly like it became the past year in last.fm, or restricted for unknown, misunderstood or fanatically applied copyright regulations...Playlist will be deserted soon. Could extend interminably on the issue of legitimacy of the laws and the benefits of applying common sense before executing intrusive-biased-disturbing regulations. -Do not get me wrong, I believe in the need for protection of all kinds of intellectual property but also in a balance where we all admit the importance of the fair use doctrine-. But I advanced that today my comment will remain sweeping and simple. No need to convince anyone. Annoyed at the obstacles that states impose to development...
The time for tea and cozy woolen socks has arrived. Now we are thinking on how to cellebrate Christmas with karolain and JF. We do not yet know where...

I wish I could paint this well (here):

And finish projects like this (Zara Home):

With few ideas in mind, though. Juulia is also learning handwork at school. Posts on her creations will necessarily follow!

Behind the scenes

We have been furiously laborious, devoted, industrious and productive. Experiencing the new academic year, schools, routines, bus schedules, commuting arrangements, courses to lecture, and a baby cat has occupied all of our efforts lately. Nothing of it is visible. No photos this time.
Our pledge: as much as this family might grow to love the new pet, the cat will NEVER be the focus of this blog and her pictures shall not turn into the bore of all friends and relatives. A promise easy to keep while our camera batteries continue to be empty! But really, do not animal owners realize that every pet is the cutest only to them, and probably none is so innovative and smart because in fact most do the very same tricks time and time and again?
Why to patronize pet clothes manufacturers?
Why to purchase pet insurances?
Why to designate pet heirs?
Why to bother and spend on pet beauty salons?
Why to waste time arranging for pet psychiatrists?
Why on earth to sponsor charlatans such as pet psychics?
This is not a popular post, is it? But somebody has to dissent from the massive charade that sometimes turns life into absurdity. In a world afflicted with poverty, social injustice, marginalization, security problems and environmental abuse, every unjustified allocation of resources such as purchasing a diamond necklace to a dog or for what it matters any piece of clothing, just as much as taking a trip to outerspace "just for fun" is an insult to the human kind. Are not 20 million dollars too much to pay for a spacecraft ride? Has the person who spends on it already done everything else possible with the cash? I can come up INSTANTLY with innumerable great ideas. Part of it could be put into very good use, for example, improving the inadequate satination situation in countries where children die massively in need of water and other basic resources, helping few families to pay their morgages, sponsoring medical treatment to those who cannot afford it, etc...
It seems difficult to enjoy the pet craze and compulsive attention to animals that some display. Excessive self indulgence defies good taste as well. I tend to prefer people who are good and generous to other people(and other beings) than those animal lovers ill suited to relate to anybody else...
Restatement: Pets need vaccination, care and affection. That is all. No less, no more. less is neglect; more is foolishness.

Blogging does?/does not? ruin friendships

Like this article affirms about FACEBOOK (How the title concerns the content of the text with precision? I have no idea but it is a good pitch for Facebook users to "dig" on it). As an occasional user of both channels I must admit discomfort and regret when I post too specific account of our activities or clearly irrelevant facts about life-our life. Who should care? Those who do would get to know it anyway...I understand the posture of the author very well. Sometimes I am compelled to feel the same (very, very bored, specially about the silly quizzes people compulsively take and even sillier results that strangely enough they volunteer to disclose!!!!). One should also appreciate the possibilities that this social networking offers. Mixed feelings: One can be creative, save time (no mass-emailing-impolite- but publishing-impersonal yet acceptable-), inform and get informed, have the option of a contact, etc. Anyone can also become annoying, silly, boring repetitive, a nuisance of www proportions! My limit: Never harass others to the point of urging to Twitter. MySpace is too much for certain ages and lifestyle. Who has the time to "secondlife" and "firstlife" efficiently?

By Elizabeth Bernstein in the Wall Street Journal Online:

" Notice to my friends: I love you all dearly. But I don't give a hoot that you are "having a busy Monday," your child "took 30 minutes to brush his teeth," your dog "just ate an ant trap" or you want to "save the piglets." And I really, really don't care which Addams Family member you most resemble. (I could have told you the answer before you took the quiz on Facebook.)..."

I keep this cartoon in mind

We can´t blog so often

I am knitting 2 new projects, reading a dummie´s book on crocheting, finishing "Asta´s book," preparing the house, the wardrobes and supplies for the children to begin school in one week, catering for the family of 5 full-time, and supervising the construction of our new sauna.
J. is all about the building of our back deck (terrace); back to work on Monday.
E, J.A. and J.J. are too busy enjoying their last days of Summer holidays. Tomorrow E. has a get together with the Reaalkool group that will form for newcomers to 7th grade.
I would love to visit Yvonne before the end of the season.
We missed to contact so many people this Summer, but next year we can already organize terrace parties.
Sara should come and stay few days. How nice it would be to see her after 10 years.
Not hearing anything from Josefina disconcerts me. Are you around? Last thing I heard you were moving from UAE to Algeria...I think of you and your life with 3 toddlers...I miss our life in Washington. We were so young, so happy. We are still happy, are not we?

Returning soon! Documenting also.

VERY HAPPY

I just received a call from someone I was looking forward to contact for a long time! I have not seen Laura Cordoba in 17 or 18 years approximately and still talking to this old friend made my day. She is in Norway, well, satisfied with her life and very successful. I will put my energy now that we are in touch in convincing her to come and visit me in Estonia! I hope I do not have to wait that long this time!

I am watching/liking this

Bill Maher on DVD. He is hilarious to say the least. I am buying his stuff, did I tell already that I am about to embark in a real-life adventure? I will travel from Estonia to Colombia in about 6 weeks, it will take me about 40 hours and 4 different planes to reach the final destination, not to focus on the real sad issue: cost.
The prices to go from anywhere in the world to Colombia and from there continue being outrageous. It seems cheaper to go from Patagonia into deep Russia/the Siberian steppes. No reasoning can justify this foolishness. I can imagine profits. Colombians travel a lot! Specially those that live abroad and regularly visit! To revitalize the economy facilitating travelling could be a good social policy, starting from opening a ferry line between South America and Central America, FINALLY connecting Colombia and Panama. Commerce and tourism would flourish, no need to resort to extremes to earn a living in the border towns. Think Tallinn and Helsinki linked with several boat lines per day, 7 days a week for VERY inexpensive fares. Can it be possible that I am the only one sensing that with a bit of diligence few towns could come up with plenty of legitimate options for development and we, the Colombian abroad -ex pats-, could maintain a closer relationship with our country?

I also found this illustrative example of illiteracy. I wonder if he is proud to be a concious activist? No original source available, just a random picture from an unrelated website...

I shall no longer procastinate about these posts. Behavioral ecconomics and Cultural issues by Eduard Hall.

This really seems to be a very good option:

Procrastination. An article from Psychology today. Illustrative, so you can sympathize with me.

Behavioural economics is a discipline that tries to explain why people or groups take economic decisions and how. With a scientific approach and a persuasive rate of accuracy psychological elements of human behaviour can allow for the prediction of financial trends. Together with several other key elements the theories developed under this conceptual umbrella find applicability in several aspects of our practical life, allowing room to optimize the results of human activities. Efficiency is in lato sensu, all about economy. Its main difference with the standard economic science is the importance given to the rationality -or lack of it- of decision making processes. Intuitive and unconscious selections, that more often than not occur, cannot be evaluated without the interaction of cognitive psychology and sociology.
For example, when having choices to make, we often face dilemmas that marketing experts "rescue" us from: Do we buy the imported jar of French jam, covered with quality seals, organic, deliciously looking but pricey or the supermarket brand with extra sugar, massively produced, with artificial flavouring, on a lousy container and dead cheap? To solve them, we are offered more options, easy to conform with, comfortably: In between there will be a display of yet another 10 varieties of jam with different and even incomparable characteristics that are consciously set to show us what is the right choice to make. This is not excluding a persuasive arrangement that would convince anybody that the French jam is worth every penny and as a symbol of status, care for the environment and good taste we should acquire.
In other words, for added comfort, marketing strategies would spare us the hassle of a responsible selection of items by suggestively presenting us with their choice, in what usually, but not necessarily, seems to be a good compromise between the best and the not so good option. Tiresome thoughtful analysis is not conducted on daily basis and random choices are offered to us sparing us the hassle. For example, we would choose holiday packages, retirement plans, prepaid medical insurance policies, and mortgage arrangements on the basis of how well it is made easy to us, plus the added value of having plenty of choices to freely discern about. Even in a macroeconomic level, market forces might be influenced by the way in which cognitive psychology helps to assess conducts and trends providing good chances for experts to predict and produce desirable outcomes.
Spending money with credit card is actually more "expensive" but less regrettable than using cash. Even if in the long run the financial effects could be negative, the fact that guilt is delayed and the instant satisfaction still achieved is worth the trouble, that is for most people and better yet if given a number of ways to pay the debt back. Many other phenomena could be linked to concepts developed by this field of studies, procrastination being also one of the most popularly observed. Procrastinators are commonly unproductive, less efficient and often dissatisfied in their personal lives. They are also fully aware of it, which in turn deactivates their interest in pursuing responsible actions due to the increased self blame and loss of confidence that it implies and keeps generating.

Plainly put, B.E. rationalizes, among others, the human tendency to make stupid decisions at any price and act irrationally. Why we do not write to our friends more often? Why we do not start the diet before the beginning of next week? Why not to live a healthier lifestyle before it is too late? Why do we fail to complete plans that require perseverance and patience? Why so many work jobs that make them miserable? Why do we fall into commercial traps and purchase "bargains" that are unnecessary whereas we try to practice economy on what we really need (cheap is very costly!)? Etc..

However cogent these theories may seem I still remain doubtful about the existence of standards applied to human behavior: Could irrational behaviour really be predictable? Can Heuristics be equaled to irrationality?

So the post is not too long I will continue with CULTURAL CONTEXT matters tomorrow!

To read a bit more, find in the link an old article from The Washington Post on this.

A food blog with many good links and easy recipes by a Brazillian who lives in Buenos Aires HERE. Yes, unrelated, but useful!

An even simpler one. Environmentaly friendly but not absurd advise.

-Number 8 is arguable. The reasoning is VERY streched.
-Who is that person that nowadays is not applying common sense advice number 11?
-Recommendations 14 and 22 could be combined. Why a Mexican, for example, should be consuming water that has traveled all the way around the globe from Fiji with the expenses it implies?
-Dear J: I am sorry to expose you publicly but Number 16 has been worded for you, with affection...MariaC.
-38 and 47 if only if commercial practices would allow it. In Spain this is a very remote possibility as for today.

Just few changes in our habits could help. We are a family that proudly finds 31 out of these 50 ways to save the planet already part of our routines very long ago.