mmm...steak and asparagus and shrooms...
don't forget the beer...
turkey and potatoes and shrooms..
by a man who holds 3 jobs, buys dinner, then cooks it. and he's chef material too! i <3 dkf.
7.29.2010
The doctor, the dentist, the policeman and the unemployment rep walk into a bar..
Yesterday, I decided to access all of the public sector services in this town, all on the same day. What a frustrating day. Absolutely nothing was done. I would have done better just staying at home and lounging and playing my Lexulous.
I started by going to the Unemployment office, that is literally right outside our bedroom window. I've become well acquainted with the staff and facility, this being the 4th or 5th time I've been there. I grab a number, put on my iPod headphones and wait. I notice an attractive girl come in after me and grab a number then wait. It was my turn next, #5 was about to be called. The next available rep sees the attractive girl, walks up to her, asks her something in Swedish (probably "Are you next?"), she says yes then follows him to his desk. I watch him push the button that changes the number...beep...5...beep....6. I stand up and think, WTF, he didn't even check if #5 was around! So I get up and approach him and the girl at his desk and stand there looking at him, furious. He finally looks up at me and I say, "I'm #5." All he says is, "#5...oh.." The girl doesn't budge, he doesn't ask her to wait until I am served, the two of them continue on their merry business! Isn't socialism all about equality, fairness, justice, everybody gets a fair turn?What the hell is going on? I had already been waiting awhile and I wanted to get to the hospital before they closed. I was upset. It was finally my turn. He doesn't apologize. I ask for a job coach. He retrieves the rep that helped me the day before and he explains how it's best for me to start that service after I return from my holiday. He gives me some info on where I can find a language partner and some trite "How to find a job" booklet. At least it was in English.
Next, the hospital clinic. It was timely. We had just gotten our health insurance personnummers in the mail that day and I was so happy to be touting that at the clinic where they wouldn't charge me an arm and a leg for seeing a doctor because I didn't have a Swedish ID. I was almost out of one of my meds and needed to see an MD to refill it. I was dreading the cost of the meds though, as it seemed there were no generics. So I walk in and the mean lady that was there last time asks if I have an appt. I say No. She says I have to call this number to make an appt. They will then call me back to confirm an appt time. She tells me to call at 8am the next day. I ask if I can at least see a nurse today. No. She hands me the flyer (in Swedish of course) and I leave. [I have to note that I went home later and called the appt hotline to make an appt. All the automated messages were in Swedish. No English option. So I press "1," assuming that is the most popular and common choice. I finally get to a live operator who asks where I live. I tell her then she quickly transfers me to more automated messages! I redialed many times in an effort to find her again to explain my situation but to no avail. They have 1.5 hr lunch breaks and it was noon but she seemed very uncomfy with her English. So it was this vicious cycle like an episode of The Twilight Zone. I can either dial fruitlessly on this Swedish automated hotline or show up at the clinic, get denied, then referred to the hotline again!]
Next, the public dentist next door. I needed dental treatment bad. I walk in, wait for the lady to finish her phone call, then ask if I can make an appt to see a dentist. Then she says, No, the wait list is 6 mos-1 year to see a dentist here. WWWWTTTTFFFF!!!??? She reiterates that then I ask if I can be placed on the wait list and she says OK. I ask if there's a list of private dentists and she gives me that. People must have rotting teeth here. Come to think of it, the Swedes definitely look like their pearly whites are more pearly yellows and blacks. That is one huge downfall of socialism in a small town. EVERYONE goes to ONE place for ONE thing. Hence, you wait forever for your turn and you have limited options. I was starting to miss capitalism really badly.
Next, the polisen next door. I wanted a Swedish ID card so I didn't have to carry around my passport and a crumpled up piece of paper all the time. I give the receptionist my crumpled up piece of paper. She checks in her computer. She tells me, "You are not a Swedish member." I ask what does that mean because there is my personnummer right there. I ask isn't that the same thing. She explains it just means I reside in Karlshamn. She is obviously self conscious about her English and really just wanted me to leave. She keeps saying, "You are not a Swedish member." I ask how I can become one. She says I have to go to immigration in Karlskrona. Then I ask about whether they have bike auctions here (as dkf's boss had mentioned this is the best place to get cheap bikes). The lady next to her begrudgingly says that is also in Karlskrona and it's advertised in the newspaper every month.
It was turning out to be one of those days. It's a myth. Socialism doesn't take care of their people. It makes them wait in long long lines, divvies them services that are sub-par provided by people with little incentive to improve or innovate. I can see it in the workers' faces, they hate their jobs, they aren't even polite anymore, they're placated and bored. And there's also a sense of xenophobia here. I don't think I am being self-conscious or paranoid. I look different and they treat me differently. Reverse racism compared with my experience in China, although I was also treated differently because I wasn't a true Chinese, I was an American Chinese with poor Mandarin who was easily duped.
What a frustrating day. I hate it when I get absolutely nothing done and spend all day doing it. I sorta knew the utopian dream of socialism was going to turn out this way. I heard this about Canada too. Perhaps this is one way to trick people into coming here. I know it gets better when I adjust to the system and way of life here. But growing up in a capitalistic society, where you have tons of OPTIONS, things get done pretty quickly, people have incentive to do even better their competitors, things are just...better. Perhaps the US isn't so bad.
I started by going to the Unemployment office, that is literally right outside our bedroom window. I've become well acquainted with the staff and facility, this being the 4th or 5th time I've been there. I grab a number, put on my iPod headphones and wait. I notice an attractive girl come in after me and grab a number then wait. It was my turn next, #5 was about to be called. The next available rep sees the attractive girl, walks up to her, asks her something in Swedish (probably "Are you next?"), she says yes then follows him to his desk. I watch him push the button that changes the number...beep...5...beep....6. I stand up and think, WTF, he didn't even check if #5 was around! So I get up and approach him and the girl at his desk and stand there looking at him, furious. He finally looks up at me and I say, "I'm #5." All he says is, "#5...oh.." The girl doesn't budge, he doesn't ask her to wait until I am served, the two of them continue on their merry business! Isn't socialism all about equality, fairness, justice, everybody gets a fair turn?What the hell is going on? I had already been waiting awhile and I wanted to get to the hospital before they closed. I was upset. It was finally my turn. He doesn't apologize. I ask for a job coach. He retrieves the rep that helped me the day before and he explains how it's best for me to start that service after I return from my holiday. He gives me some info on where I can find a language partner and some trite "How to find a job" booklet. At least it was in English.
Next, the hospital clinic. It was timely. We had just gotten our health insurance personnummers in the mail that day and I was so happy to be touting that at the clinic where they wouldn't charge me an arm and a leg for seeing a doctor because I didn't have a Swedish ID. I was almost out of one of my meds and needed to see an MD to refill it. I was dreading the cost of the meds though, as it seemed there were no generics. So I walk in and the mean lady that was there last time asks if I have an appt. I say No. She says I have to call this number to make an appt. They will then call me back to confirm an appt time. She tells me to call at 8am the next day. I ask if I can at least see a nurse today. No. She hands me the flyer (in Swedish of course) and I leave. [I have to note that I went home later and called the appt hotline to make an appt. All the automated messages were in Swedish. No English option. So I press "1," assuming that is the most popular and common choice. I finally get to a live operator who asks where I live. I tell her then she quickly transfers me to more automated messages! I redialed many times in an effort to find her again to explain my situation but to no avail. They have 1.5 hr lunch breaks and it was noon but she seemed very uncomfy with her English. So it was this vicious cycle like an episode of The Twilight Zone. I can either dial fruitlessly on this Swedish automated hotline or show up at the clinic, get denied, then referred to the hotline again!]
Next, the public dentist next door. I needed dental treatment bad. I walk in, wait for the lady to finish her phone call, then ask if I can make an appt to see a dentist. Then she says, No, the wait list is 6 mos-1 year to see a dentist here. WWWWTTTTFFFF!!!??? She reiterates that then I ask if I can be placed on the wait list and she says OK. I ask if there's a list of private dentists and she gives me that. People must have rotting teeth here. Come to think of it, the Swedes definitely look like their pearly whites are more pearly yellows and blacks. That is one huge downfall of socialism in a small town. EVERYONE goes to ONE place for ONE thing. Hence, you wait forever for your turn and you have limited options. I was starting to miss capitalism really badly.
Next, the polisen next door. I wanted a Swedish ID card so I didn't have to carry around my passport and a crumpled up piece of paper all the time. I give the receptionist my crumpled up piece of paper. She checks in her computer. She tells me, "You are not a Swedish member." I ask what does that mean because there is my personnummer right there. I ask isn't that the same thing. She explains it just means I reside in Karlshamn. She is obviously self conscious about her English and really just wanted me to leave. She keeps saying, "You are not a Swedish member." I ask how I can become one. She says I have to go to immigration in Karlskrona. Then I ask about whether they have bike auctions here (as dkf's boss had mentioned this is the best place to get cheap bikes). The lady next to her begrudgingly says that is also in Karlskrona and it's advertised in the newspaper every month.
It was turning out to be one of those days. It's a myth. Socialism doesn't take care of their people. It makes them wait in long long lines, divvies them services that are sub-par provided by people with little incentive to improve or innovate. I can see it in the workers' faces, they hate their jobs, they aren't even polite anymore, they're placated and bored. And there's also a sense of xenophobia here. I don't think I am being self-conscious or paranoid. I look different and they treat me differently. Reverse racism compared with my experience in China, although I was also treated differently because I wasn't a true Chinese, I was an American Chinese with poor Mandarin who was easily duped.
What a frustrating day. I hate it when I get absolutely nothing done and spend all day doing it. I sorta knew the utopian dream of socialism was going to turn out this way. I heard this about Canada too. Perhaps this is one way to trick people into coming here. I know it gets better when I adjust to the system and way of life here. But growing up in a capitalistic society, where you have tons of OPTIONS, things get done pretty quickly, people have incentive to do even better their competitors, things are just...better. Perhaps the US isn't so bad.
7.22.2010
The Arbetsförmedlingen experience
I went to the Unemployment office yesterday. I thought that meant they help the unemployed find jobs just like in the States. Wrong.
I thought it would go something like this:
Me: Hej. Jag heter Lusa. I have a Swedish ID number now. Here are my qualifications. Please give me a job. Thank you.
Rep: Sure, here you go. Good luck!Instead it went something like this:
Me: Hej. Jag heter Lusa. I have a Swedish ID number now. Here are my qualifications. Please give me a job. Thank you.
Rep: Hm, let me see. (She asks her colleague a question. Her colleague prints something from the Socialstyrelsen website that I have already seen and hands it to me. I inform them both I already know about the process but would like a job in the meantime) It doesn't quite work that way. Do you live here? Have you registered online yet? (points me to her monitor with the Unemployment website and proceeds to show me how to navigate on the Swedish website). You will need someone who speaks Swedish to help you. After registering, come back within 14 days.
Me: Then you will help me find a job? (with a huge hopeful grin)
Rep: (Laughs) No, you have to find the job yourself. Please watch the video tutorial so you can understand how our system works. We have job coaches who can help you with your CV. But you apply online and find the job yourself. Sometimes employers call us too. You never know, there are so few psychologists here, there might be a market for you. One time, 5 psychologists showed up for a job posting. You should probably learn some Swedish too. Go to the Larcenter at the Piren, which is closed until August, and sign up for free Swedish classes. That should be your first step. After all, you will be working with Swedish people and you will need to speak Swedish. English is a nice language too. [this cracked me up] (Gives me directions on how to find the Larcenter, reminding me again that is the first step) Good luck and don't forget to come back within 14 days. Hejda.I also spoke to the Socialstyrelsen in Stockholm who emailed me a bunch of confusing information on how to get licensed as a psych in Sweden. Basically, you submit an application, become proficient in Swedish, your supervisor verifies your proficiency, then you sit for a clinical exam. Then you can work. Since EVERYONE is on holiday during the summer, I have to wait until August until I can correspond with the person I was referred to to ask him if indeed I need to have good Swedish to even practice as a psych. That is SO NOT GONNA HAPPEN. I spent my whole life getting fluent in English, can hardly have a convo in Chinese and now Swedish?!! Needless to say, I was pretty frustrated about the whole process. This is on top of spending an entire day navigating through the uenmployment website in Swedish, and google translating everything, completing the online CV, then submitting my CV on other job sites too. I did find one position that seems PERFECT for me. Well, it's more like I would be perfect for them, but the psych that was listed under the contact info was most likely on holiday. I have called her two days in a row now. (sigh) If I didn't mind being unemployed so much, I would be cool with this but I hate not having a job. I would even take a job unrelated to my profession at this point. This sucks given dkf has 2 jobs and is looking at a 3rd. He's awesome like that. :)
Socialism just isn't what I expected. Aren't they supposed to just hand you jobs??
7.18.2010
7.15.2010
treasures along the way...
to City Gross, my supermarket destination!
i am so happy because this was the first swedish summer day that i could lounge on the grass with a smile and no allergies. it was a good day. :)
goodbye means i get to say hello to you again someday.
i gathered some wildflowers on my way to the sea and tied them together to make a bouquet for mocha today.
i said good bye to her, wished her a peaceful and beautiful journey to doggy heaven.
the sea took care of the rest.
sleep well, my little furry friend. we will always remember you.
what color is your skin?
i love themes/skins. makes logging onto google chrome so much more fun! if only humans could change their skins like this!
the gift of giving.
it always amazes me how much fun it is to give. hope you enjoy the flowers, sis.
7.14.2010
mocha.
My little friend
How you’ve gone so soon
I remember your gentle licks
That woke me at noon.
My little friend
You had soft brown and white fur
How happy you’d be
When I petted you, you’d purr.
My little friend
So excitable were you
You loved people
And I loved you.
My little friend
How I wish you didn’t have to suffer
Summers weren’t your friend
But now you’ll be part of the next winter.
My little friend
I’m sorry for all of your pain
Your soul was so gentle
Your memory fell with the summer rain.
My little friend
You had eyes like a doll
I wish you a peaceful journey
The finest of them all.
My little friend
May you discover a beautiful haven
Hope you find everything you’ve dreamed of
Because all dogs go to heaven.
R.I.P. Mocha
I will miss you.
7.13.2010
mosaics.
1 <3 dried lung.
new zealand memories. how i miss the blue.
mosaics are so much fun. think of them as shortcuts to downloading an entire photo album!
7.10.2010
my thoughts on socialism.
Socialism is really neat. They basically teach the people to do what we teach our children, that is, the basics of being a good human being and common sense.
1. Be nice. Be kind to others and they will be kind to you. Don't be a douche, an asshole or jerk. Just be nice and a decent human being.
2. Play fair. Don't lie, cheat or steal. Be honest. Don't take what's not yours, don't assert what's not true, don't try to trick people to benefit yourself, and treat others with respect as human beings.
3. Share. What's yours can be theirs too. Be generous with what belongs to you. There's no "I" in team. We are all in this together. It's ours, not yours or mine. (I actually read on an Orientation to Sweden guide that there is no real private property here. In other words, it's OK if others want to enjoy your property. It's the right thing to share everything.)
Last night, as we were leaving the Lochness Bar, I saw a drunk, disoriented man standing outside the bar. He couldn't stand up straight and obviously had too much to drink. The security guard came outside, gave him his change, then patted him on his back, as if saying, "take care of yourself." Then he hopped into a taxi. I was really touched by the act of humanity. I have never seen this outside of any other bar anywhere I've ever been. It's moments like these that renew my faith in humanity. This is what made me realize that socialism makes people more humane, in a way, because it's about us, not you, or me.
1. Be nice. Be kind to others and they will be kind to you. Don't be a douche, an asshole or jerk. Just be nice and a decent human being.
2. Play fair. Don't lie, cheat or steal. Be honest. Don't take what's not yours, don't assert what's not true, don't try to trick people to benefit yourself, and treat others with respect as human beings.
3. Share. What's yours can be theirs too. Be generous with what belongs to you. There's no "I" in team. We are all in this together. It's ours, not yours or mine. (I actually read on an Orientation to Sweden guide that there is no real private property here. In other words, it's OK if others want to enjoy your property. It's the right thing to share everything.)
Last night, as we were leaving the Lochness Bar, I saw a drunk, disoriented man standing outside the bar. He couldn't stand up straight and obviously had too much to drink. The security guard came outside, gave him his change, then patted him on his back, as if saying, "take care of yourself." Then he hopped into a taxi. I was really touched by the act of humanity. I have never seen this outside of any other bar anywhere I've ever been. It's moments like these that renew my faith in humanity. This is what made me realize that socialism makes people more humane, in a way, because it's about us, not you, or me.
like day and night.
karlshamn at 1pm
karlshamn at 10pm
the midnight sun effect is incredible. can't wait for 24 hour daylight up north.
7.09.2010
architecture and flora, how i adore ya!
for my birthday..
i decided to treat myself to a nature tour of the town
here are some of the architecture and flora that i found!
btw that rhymes!
thank you nature and karlshamn for giving me YOU! what a great birthday gift!
it's amazing how taking pictures of beautiful things really makes you slow down and stop and notice all the small, wonderful things around you!
it's amazing how taking pictures of beautiful things really makes you slow down and stop and notice all the small, wonderful things around you!
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