I officially am a citizen of Sweden again. Yesterday I got word that I have been written into Sweden. Now I get to pay taxes, and it entitles me to go to the doctor and dentist. I thought it would be ceremonious but it was just a note from my handler that the errand is complete. So after almost 4 months of being here, I am official. Perhaps they make you wait just in case you leave within that time, which I have contemplated multiple times. Overall it was pretty simple. I had to provide my marriage certificate and show my naturalization paper from the US and that was it. I will still be Olsson here as my bank account is in that name and Wiggins in the US for now.

My divorce is ongoing. I did hear from my attorney the other day. She is going to give me recommendations next week. Most things have been discussed in advance but there are a couple of areas I wanted to finalize. Not sure if anything will change but I am curious about her thoughts. It does bring up feelings. Part of me wants it to be over and done with already but the other part of me wants to hang on knowing we are still connected. We will always be somewhat connected because of our business together and the kids and grandkids. I am in the process of letting go and yet I am holding a string or two yet. It makes me sad but not like it was in the beginning. It has been 7 months already since this whole process began. I do see now that I how far I have come, a little at a time. It is still a painful process and I imagine I will probably cry when the divorce is final.

This week has been quite beautiful. Lots of sun and I just love seeing people standing around facing the sun for a few moments. Spring is definitely all around. I met up with my friend Petra who lived in Washington and other parts of USA for 20 years and moved back here last year. She is getting an apartment closer to town and we went to check it out together. On Monday we will celebrate her birthday with a dance party while we clean her apartment so she can move in. She and I have so much fun together. I will be taking the vacuum cleaner on the bus. A first for me of taking interesting things but people do it all the time. It is such a cute place and I am so excited for her. Happy birthday Petra!

Today I went to Body Pump class for one hour. Usually it has been 30 to 45 minutes. I was exhausted. I also met up with my neighbors Mary and Ellinor who just live a few minutes walk away and we had such a good time. Last time Mary and I walked her dog we were talking and she said “Take my advice, I’m not using it” and I laughed so hard. Perfect saying for me! Mary is from North Carolina so she has a cute southern accent like my sister in law Kim and Ellinor is from Sweden and has a cute accent completely different from Mary. It was a fun afternoon. Needless to say I am speaking a lot of English these days. Probably need more Swedish friends. LOL

Mary and Ellinor are letting me take care of their dog Shugar which is very exciting. I will have someone to care for and can hardly wait. She and I bonded today when I gave her a couple of treats and got to walk her. So excited for the opportunity to have her with me for a few weeks. It has been so lonely and empty at home.

Thinking ahead to Spain which is coming up quickly with my friend Susanne. Got myself a bathing suit and starting to set aside clothes. Looks like we should weather in the 70s for the time we are there if the forecast is correct. We are going to have so much fun!

Today I had a zoom meeting with the Tacoma Washington chapter of the Vasa group I belong to there. Vasa is a Swedish group both in the states and in Sweden which is all about Sweden and their traditions. The Tacoma chapter is over 100 years old and was formed to keep the culture alive and continues to do that. It was really fun to see and speak to them tonight. I felt a bit like a movie star as they had me up on the big screen. They have been such a wonderful group to support me and cheer me on. It was fun to get to connect them.