Gustav Adolfs Torg in Malmö is an interesting place just now. They still have fruits and veggies but it has become a hub for all the political parties to hand out their information. Voting occurs every 4 years and this year is it. So political parties have set up a place where you can go and get information about the different parties and there are a lot. Socialdemokraterna, miljöpartiet, centerpartiet, vänsterpartiet, and so many more. At least 10 or maybe more. There are elections for city, regional, and countrywide. There are also new parties vying for a spot. I am trying to figure out how it all works. It is very confusing to me. It seems to be more about the party than the people you vote for but you do also vote for a person within the party. It will be interesting to experience. Voting is in person but I have yet to do it. We have until September 11th to vote and there are multiple places to go. I am excited for the opportunity to vote in my homeland.

I picked up an extra class in town this week which turned out to be very fun. Learning the bus and getting places on time has been a challenge sometimes so I have bought an inexpensive car. It is a model I have looked at purchasing in the states but there were not a lot around to choose from. It is older, has some scrapes, and missing a few cosmetic things but it drives great. Has a few miles but still kicking…kind of like me. I am not perfect with some cosmetic issues, high miles, and lots of scars but I still look pretty good and still works so now I have some reliable transportation to get me to and from places. I will be more mobile and a little nervous I will just take the car and skip the bus but at times it is easier to take the bus, train or bicycle so time will tell.

I have managed to unpack and all the empty boxes or extra things I don’t need for the next few months are upstairs in the attic. It feels like home already with my things around and it is a very cozy and comfortable place. I am enjoying it very much. It makes me realize I want a place to call my own. I have started the paperwork, with Dan’s help, for a mortgage on my Arizona home to see if I can get a place here. I have decided even if I go back I will be able to rent it out easily. There is a huge demand for rentals so renting it out furnished for periods of time is a thing here. I am very grateful to those who have rented to me.

I have been on several waiting lists for an apartment to rent but as I stated previously there are people I know people who have waited for several years for a place here in town. There are a lot of different rental companies as well but it is not easy to locate a place here. Also, usually, you have to give 3 months notice, so it takes time. That is one of the political debates at the moment. Also now parking is a concern. Apartments do not always have much parking available and you have to wait for a space to open up. I am currently parking on the street outside my apartment and have to pay for every hour I park there. We will see what that adds up to. Insurance is also interesting because they see me as a new driver here because I do not have a Swedish driving license yet. Something else to work on.

I am getting a little more acquainted with the area but it has only been a week. I have enjoyed nesting and getting my apartment the way I like it. I have discovered things I enjoy and things I don’t but this place does feel more like home. The rooms are more separated as it was probably built in the 1970s. This unit has been remodeled with a new kitchen and tile in the bathroom. It has been quiet but also nice to see families around sharing life together in the city. Lots going on all the time. So many different types of people with different cultures, languages and traditions.

I like how easy it is to clean the windows here but miss window screens. They just don’t make them apparently. The windows can open at the top only or wide open from the side, easy access to clean. I also enjoy the wide windowsills where you can put plants and things. My new landlord already had quite a few plants so I have more to take care of but that is ok. Normally I would spend a lot of time cleaning to get the apartment up to my standard of clean but I haven’t had the energy so just taking it as I can. Perhaps I am just too particular but I love a clean home and it distracts me from the work I could be doing!

I received a call back about the job I had a telephone interview with. I must have impressed her as she called me personally to tell me I did not get that job but she found my resume very interesting and wanted to stay in touch with me for future jobs she may have. That was very nice to hear. I think I could bring a lot to the table for someone who is willing to take a chance on me. We will see if anything comes of it.

One thing I really enjoy about this place is there is a place for my computer and papers that is not on the kitchen table. I have a drawer I can tuck away all my papers and have things a bit neater than before. I find myself cleaning or taking care of other things before the paperwork I need to do. Eventually, I get to the things I need to do but it takes me a long time. I need to get better at scheduling things because then I get them done.

I have a new Body Bump program to learn before Tuesday evening. I have started listening to the music, looking at the choreography and looked a little at the video but I need to get my act together. There was an opportunity to team teach today but I was simply not ready. I miss my body pump friends in Washington who I trained with. I have found some colleagues but did not ask if we could train together. The ones I know of have children and work full time as well. I will find someone for the next time.

Tonight I have a housewarming crayfish party with some friends in Limhamn a little suburb of Malmö. We had planned to barbeque with some other friends but it was raining all morning and not sure I can fit it all in today, so maybe tomorrow. I was hoping for an American-style BBQ with potato salad like my mom makes, hamburgers and trimmings. That may happen tomorrow, we shall see. Hope you all have a good weekend.