#last weekend before eurovision week

[theretirementstory]

Bonjour à tous, it is 16c out there and feeling fresh but for me that is much better than the heat that we have had. One good thing about the “chaleur” is that it can produce some stunning “orages” (thunderstorms), like the one Thursday into Friday it seemed to go on for such a long time, with the sky lighting up wonderfully and the thunderclaps not too frightening.

It seems to have been a long week, I was up early to go to hospital on Monday. The taxi picked me up at 7am 😳 and we had to pick up another person so our journey took us on a road I had never been on. We went through villages and lovely countryside before arriving in the village which has the local attraction “Nigloland” a theme park which some say is better than Disneyland. It’s smaller, has less crowds and still plenty to entertain all ages.

I had two transfusions, the first was fine but the second made me really cold and I began trembling uncontrollably, guess the nurses have seen it all as they were not concerned by it. Then it was sleep time as I was to wake up at 4am (yes really) get dressed, have breakfast and be in a taxi by 5am! I was being taken to Paris to have the next stage of my treatment, unfortunately due to lack of “chunky” veins in my arms I was sent back to the hospital in Troyes to have a catheter fitted in my groin and the following day was a repeat of the previous one except with the catheter they were able to extract my cells for freezing. I will add that the journey time to Paris is about 2.5 hours one way! The second day I was in an ambulance, on a stretcher, facing the wrong direction which really did mess with my head! However it’s over and done with now, just have to prepare myself for 4 weeks in hospital from 30 August 😳.

I always think of Shildon in Co. Durham as my “hometown”, known as “the cradle of the railways”, I am interested in the history of this mode of transport, architecture is another interest so as you can imagine seeing the stunning railway stations in Paris, of which the above photo of the Gare de Lyon, is one. On the return journey on Wednesday, safely ensconced on my stretcher, I saw two huge columns with figures on top. Unable to take a photo 😡 I was keen to find out what they were. They were the Throne Tollgate on the Place de I’lle de la Réunion. As we drove further away from the columns, I looked up and in the far distance, between the columns was the Eiffel Tower, how I wished I could have “snapped” that picture!

Monique celebrated her birthday on Friday but unlike last year I was unable to visit her. However, she is coming to see me on Tuesday to help me get ready for my month “away”. I have been washing, cleaning, cooking, relaxing and reading. Trying my best to keep everyone “up to date” on what is happening. I had planned to cut the grass when I got home from hospital but I hadn’t factored in the catheter and the oncologist said definitely no mowing. Monique had said she would do it but I asked my neighbour who is only too happy to help me out.

Anie, messaged yesterday, asking if I would like some vine peaches, having had some from her before I was pleased to accept, she arrived with a little posy of flowers from her garden, two small courgettes and the vine peaches. She is coming back this afternoon to have tea and cake.

So now to the favourite part of this blog for “The Daddy”, it’s my music choices, the first one this week was a Eurovision winner for Luxembourg in 1972. The title was “Apres toi” sung by Vicky Leandros. If I remember rightly after she was announced the winner she sang the song in English (don’t quote me on that) it was released as “Come What May”.

The second song is from way back in 1967, gosh can I remember that far back, yes I can and I have loved this song since I first heard it, it’s “The Letter” by The Box Tops.

It’s a Bank Holiday on Monday in the UK and my gorgeous grandchildren are spending the weekend with “The Daddy”.

“The Trainee Solicitor” has been visiting relatives, reading, relaxing as well as working at home. I hear he has two terracotta planters exactly the same as two I have here. They will look good in the garden, maybe they have the hydrangeas in already 🤔.

Now I really must pack my case, and prepare the house for my absence.

Jusqu’à la semaine prochaine.

#paris #troyes #barsuraube #photography #nigloland #railway stations #architecture #friends #60’s music #70’s music

[glittertrail]

Happy astromonday!!

For the last in the Mars asks, I have a story about the earliest picture from Mars' surface. This was taken in July 1965 by Mariner 4.

Mariner 4 was an orbiter, it didn't land on Mars, but in 1965 it sent back the first digital images from Mars. Sent over 8 hours to the NASA computers, it comprised of 240,000 numbers, bits of binary code, to make up the 40,000 patches of colour on its surface.

When the code was received back on Earth, the picture was likely to take a while to develop. But the scientists were too impatient to wait. So they printed all the numbers onto long, narrow strips of paper, stuck them to a wall in order, and coloured in each number using a paint-by-numbers method. This eventually created a piece of art you can see with today's ask, a replica of a picture taken from the surface of Mars!!

It really struck me again the love people have had for space and for Mars throughout history. This was 40,000 numbers that were coloured by hand, and how beautiful is the image!!

This week I have a question for you!! Tell me about something you've loved creating or taking part in. This can be art, writing, music, a project, or something else entirely.

I hope you've liked this little series on Mars, have a fantastic day!! 🪐

Happy astromonday guess who had to come back to the office bc she realized at home that she left her canvas bag in her chair, like a dumbass? 🤦‍♀️

I love that story so much 🥰

Things I've loved creating under the cut bc I got sentimental and it turned kind of long lol

In uni we had to make a self portrait short film talking about ourselves. I, of course, waited for the absolute last minute to film mine because I have no understanding of time management (and I was also editing a tv pilot that literally took all of the time me and my friends had back then bc that thing was worth about half of our grade) so I spent an entire weekend rolling w a suitcase through all of my favorite parts of Madrid w the help of one of my cousins and a friend, changing at various bathrooms so I could have different outfits (brought in said suitcase) so it didn't look like I filmed it all in two days, I took inspiration on one of my favorite poems (the artist creed of Aquiles Nazoa) for the monologue and in the video of Vanessa Hudgens in Lisbon for find your California for the imagery. It works both as a self portrait and a love letter to the city and the people that took that weekend to help me (either by filming me or helping with the suitcase or to make sure random passerbys didn't fuck up a take). It was Eurovision weekend and we ended filming by getting drunk at the flat of my friend watching the last few performances.

A sentimental thing but I cajoled about 15 cousins, a very shy brother, two German exchange sisters and an uncle with a 4yo into participating in a mother's day video. Decided literally two days before mother's day, i have family living currently in six countries. And absolutely no one knows how to follow instructions. But it did succeed in making all of the aunts (and my mother) happy. My grandma didn't remember the video when i asked her about it (but apparently when somebody else did when she was a little more lucid she was pretty sure it had to be the idea of one of my eldest cousins🤣) but the wife of my grandpa (who i never called my grandmother but I was closer to than my grandma) did cry bc I made a point to name her in my part of the video. I spent an entire night editing three versions (one for my dad's side of the family, one for my mother's and one in particular for my mom that was my brother, our German sisters and me).

Glitteraks and the drag race Spain reference posts. I am actually kind of shy online lol so the glitterasks were my attempt at both keeping the Sunday horrors at bay for me and the few-ish people I talked to here when i stopped being deadly afraid of talking to people and make some new friends. Mostly I am proud of being able to keep it up for a year. It was a total of about... 60 questions? If I'm not mistaken? And at it's busiest I think the list got to be 85 people. The reference posts are included there because they were very self indulgent, i can admit to that, but new episodes come on Sundays too so I spent a few Sundays nursing migraines of my own making for spending entire days staring at screens between glitteraks, episode watching and reference post making, because my mental deadline for said posts was Monday evening and I do have a job 🤣 despite what the chronically online behavior might suggest

How about you, Juno? What are some of the things you're proudest of creating or being a part of?😊

#replies #astromonday #astronomy nerd (affectionate) #junosjukebox

[thateurosite]

🇷🇸 Filip Baloš to perform at Melfest WKND 2024

🇷🇸 Before he participates at #Serbia's #Eurovision 2024 selection #PZE24 next week, it has been revealed that @FilipBalos1 will be performing at @MelfestWKND in Stockholm the week after the competition concludes. #ESC2024

With Melodifestivalen 2024 in full swing, we continue to look ahead to the final weekend of this year’s contest, where Melfest WKND will take place. Recently, the organisers announced the seventh act performing in this year’s show, and it is Filip Baloš, who performed at last year’s event, as well as being in the running to represent Serbia at this year’s contest. Melfest WKND 2024 We're very…

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#filip balos #melfest wknd

[eurovision-del]

After a very full on weekend last week, we’ve got a much less busy weekend coming up, with only San Marino actually selecting their song this Saturday (which I probably won’t be ranking in advance). However, Croatia are also selecting their entry this weekend with Dora starting tomorrow evening, finishing with the final on Sunday. The songs have been out for quite a while, so here’s my ranking of them all:

Barbara Munjas – Nepobjediva

Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim

Let 3 – Baba Roga

Damir Kedžo – Voljena ženo

Lana Mandarić – More

Noelle – Baby, Baby

Natalie Balmix – Dijamanti

Vatra – Slatke suze, gorka ljubav

Lu Dedić – Plavi leptir

Erna – How Do You Love

Alen Đuras – A Tamburitza Lullaby

James Night – Nebo plače

Stefany Žužić – Sretnih dana dat’ će Bog

Lara Demarin – Ne vjerujem ti

Pavel – Do mjeseca

Vinko – Lying Eyes

Marcela – Gasoline

Eugen – Tišine

ET – Pametnom dosta

The Splitters – Od kad te sanjam

Mario Battifiaca ft. Robert Ferlin – Vodu piti trizan biti

Boris Štok – Can We Talk

Misha – One Day

Saša Lozar – Ne plačem zbog nje

The overall quality of this selection is pretty high, it's the rare selection I might find myself throwing on the playlist of all the entries for casual listening in the future – there's nothing I really dislike, my worst criticism of any song here was 'forgettable'. That said, while I like a lot of the songs here, I actually don’t think there’s an obvious standout.

I think my favourite song here is actually Nepobjediva by Barbara Munjas – I ranked her entry last year pretty high too, there’s something about her sound that appeals to me. Nepobjediva combines electronic pop with a bit of rock influence in an interesting way. The rhythm of the guitar in the chorus is great, I vibe with it so much. The song goes through quite a few different ideas in that it feels more like a train of thought than a strictly structured song, but I like that, it feels like I’m going on a journey with it – before I was properly familiar with it I wasn’t sure where it was going to go next but every time I was excited to find out. I also really like Barbara’s voice, she’s got a proper rock vocal with the power and attitude she can sing with – I wasn’t surprised when I looked her up to find that apparently she’s fronted a couple of rock bands before.  

I much prefer when I can do all these rankings completely blind, even though I might have a guess at which songs might be fandom favourites I don’t look at any fan polls or odds until after I’ve finalised my ranking – but unfortunately with these songs being out for so long before I got round to it, I’m aware that Baby Lasagna is the clear favourite here. It’s put me in a weird position, because I feel like I should really like Rim Tim Tagi Dim, and I do like it, the general sound of it is right up my street, but I do have reservations that mean it’s not quite my favourite. I love the pace and energy of it, it hits exactly the right note to get you hyped up at the start, but if anything I want even more! It feels like it sits on one level, and while it’s a good level, I wish it shook it up a little more. In direct comparison to what I was saying about Nepobjediva it’s got a pretty standard structure – first verse, chorus, shorter second verse, chorus, instrumental break, chorus, chorus. After you’ve heard the first chorus you’ve heard pretty much the entire song – though to be fair when it sounds good that isn’t always a bad thing.  

We’ve also got a couple of artists who’ve won Dora in recent years back again. I really enjoy what’s going on in Baba Roga, Let 3 continue to tread their own path and I appreciate them for it, but I don’t want to see them back at Eurovision so soon, not when there are a couple of other songs here I prefer. On the other hand, I would actually love it if Damir finally got his chance to properly represent Croatia at Eurovision. I’m so glad he’s gone back to a ballad after not really feeling his song last year. He knows how to do passion, and I think Voljena ženo builds really nicely as a song – I love how it picks up at the end, it nails the key change. I think Voljena ženo would have real potential to do well at Eurovision, especially since we’re a little low on ballads this year, but I think Rim Tim Tagi Dim could also do well for Croatia too if staged in a way that captures and sustains the energy it has in an interesting way. I’d also be absolutely thrilled if Barbara somehow won on Sunday, but I think I might be in more of a minority in loving Nepobjediva.

#eurovision #esc2024 #nf ranking #croatia

[bystreetlight]

Apparently it's the 21st of December so I better do this!!

1. What did you do in 2023 that you hadn’t done before? Went to a therapist, went to a Grand Final at the MCG, participated in the inaguration of a Governor and the swearing-in of a Premier…

2. Did anyone close to you give birth? Not this year!

3. Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully, no.

4. Did you travel? Where did you go? Best holiday memory? Went to Mildura twice (in March and December) and had THREE actual HOLIDAYS (to Brisbane in May, King Valley in September and Adelaide in October). Best holiday memory was the amazing vibes in Brisbane, a city I've always treated with disdain but turns out it's actually quite cool and I enjoyed it thoroughly?!?!? And seeing Chromeo in Adelaide.

5. Best thing you bought? Even though we "bought" it in 2022 we only got our new car in May and that was definitely the highlight of the year 🚗

6. Where did most of your money go? Savings? Mortgage repayments? When our hot water service died and we had to replace it? Far out when did I get so fucking old 😭

7. What do you wish you had done more of? I feel like I got the balance right in a lot of areas this year so I can't really think of anything!

8. What do you wish you had done less of? Stressing about rain and bad weather THANKS PTSD!!!!

9. What kept you sane? Having a job that I enjoy and an awesome team! I had to spend a lot of time back in the office this year and that made it a lot easier!!

10. What drove you mad? When Finland got robbed at Eurovision. When the Premier resigned during Grand Final week and I had to work my tits off instead of enjoying the week. When our car kept taking longer and longer to get delivered.

11. What made you celebrate? Seeing Collingwood win a Grand Final IN PERSON! The Matildas amazing run at the Women's World Cup!

12. What made you sad? Andre Braugher dying, the genocide in Gaza, the Yes referendum failing so fucking miserably, Rafa missing the entire year through injury.

13. How was your birthday this year and how old did you turn? It was a Wednesday so I worked from home and no one in my new team knew it was my birthday and I didn't say anything so it was very uneventful! Went and saw &Juliet that weekend which was fabulous! I turned 39.

14. What political issue stirred you the most this year? Probably the referendum. Best not to think about it.

15. What was the best meal you ate in 2023? The sandwiches from Sardinas are genuinely the best sandwiches I've ever eaten in my life.

16. What would you like to have in 2024 that you didn’t have this year? I would love to leave the country but if that's the only thing I can think of it seems very self-indulgent, especially in this economy!!!

17. What date(s) from 2023 will be etched in your memory and why? 5-8 May - went to Brisbane for MAGIC ROUND and it was truly a life-changing experience.

18. What song will remind you of 2023? Dance the Night - Dua Lipa.

19. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I think so! My resolution was to look after myself after forming some bad habits during the Lockdown Years™. I got back into pilates and have been pretty good with exercising and eating well and keeping on top of all my boring health responsibilities! I also wanted to do an insta post each month and to read more books and I achieved both of those! Next year I think I'm going to make a fun resolution. I want to take more photos or do something creative on the regular.

20. Did you suffer illness or injury? I developed eustachian tube dysfunction after an ear infection, which has not gone away and FUCKING SUCKS. Otherwise I think I've kept pretty well this year. And I've managed to avoid getting c*vid again which is a miracle.

21. Compared to this time last year, are you: i. happier or sadder? A bit happier, mainly because this time last year we had no car and we'd just been robbed hahahaha. ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner, although as every year that I fill this thing in goes by I feel like it's less about being thin and more about just being fit and healthy! iii. richer or poorer? Richer? Marginally?

22. How will you be spending Christmas? I have 10 days off over Christmas/New Year, which I was "strongly recommended" to take as I have "excess leave" lol. Christmas Day at the in-laws as per usual, then maybe a day at the cricket, maybe a beach trip or two, and hopefully some sleeping past 7am?!?!

23. What was your favourite movie? PAST LIVES. My god. As someone who often drifts off into nostalgia and 'what-ifs' and thinking about people I cared about in my younger years this movie floored me.

24. What was your favourite TV program? The final season of Succession DESTROYED me. I still think about it on an almost daily basis which is probably unhealthy 😂. Also loved The Last of Us, S2 of The Bear, the final season of Reservation Dogs, The Newsreader, Alone Australia, Beef until everyone in it got cancelled…and I just started Yellowjackets (late to the party) and I'm obsessed with it!!

25. What was the best book you read? Crossing the Line by Nick McKenzie. And I'm about halfway through Still Life by Sarah Winman which I am LOVING.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery? I feel like I flogged some old favourites this year (hello Chromeo as my top artist on Spotify Wrapped hahaha), rather than getting into anyone new...

27. What did you want and get? A holiday! THANK CHRIST! And for my period to stop after having a Mirena put in late last year 🥳🥳🥳

28. What did you want and not get? To recover properly from a traumatic experience that has left me sometimes crippled with anxiety. I suppose there's always next year hahahahah.

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2023? I genuinely tried not to spend too much on clothes this year but I had to step up my work outfit game for my new job which was sort of annoying? I don't really know what my 'concept' was though…trying not to get sucked in to 90s trends that I lived through the first time that didn't warrant a second go?

30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny together on SNL, Arian Moayed until he came out as an Isr*el apologist, several NRL footballers that I'm not inclined to admit to publicly…

31. Biggest achievement this year? Not killing myself when we had to wait 7 months for our car and had to walk and get the bus everywhere and it truly sucked my will to live.

32. Biggest disappointment this year? When our amazing lawnmowing man closed his business and we had to try and find a new person and it's been a fucking nightmare!!!!

33. What is the one thing that would have made you more satisfied? If Tim and Dale had got together on The Newsreader. I'm going to say that every year until I'm dead.

34. Best new person you met this year? The kookaburras that live in the park next to work don't really count but I'm putting them anyway. And Boyd Cordner.

35. A valuable life lesson you learnt this year? They say a change is as good as a holiday but actually a holiday is the only thing as good as a holiday.

#year in review #survey thingo

[sophieebdaily]

Sophie Ellis-Bextor tells Chris Evans about her ‘kaleidoscopic, dreamlike’ new album, Hana

Ahead of her upcoming appearance at Glastonbury, Sophie Ellis-Bextor joined the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with cinch to talk about the influences behind her new album, and about what people can expect from her Christmas Kitchen Disco Tour later this year.

Regarding her seventh studio album, Hana - which is out now - Sophie told Chris: “So Hana has taken us to a sort of kaleidoscopic, dreamlike version of Japan, because I started writing this in January of 2020, went to Tokyo for the first time in February, and then by March 2020, didn't go anywhere at all for a very long time. So the trip had a sort of built-in nostalgia very, very quickly after getting back.”

She continued: “I hadn't been before, and I was blown away by the place, like the light, the palette of colours, or everything I saw, I just loved it. So, when I was writing, it was like a virtual tourist trip. I'd go back and sort of enter back into the feeling I had there and write songs, thinking about that place.”

The album was made with the artist’s long-time collaborator and friend, singer-songwriter, Ed Harcourt. It is their third in a trilogy of records, each themed around a location, following 2014’s Wanderlust (Eastern Europe) and 2016’s Familia, (Latin America). Sophie explained: “I love working with Ed. He's a friend. We have lots of fun when we're writing, but I think it kind of gave us a little boundary to this record of just pouring everything in.

“When the going’s good, sometimes I like to pull the rug out from under my feet and just say ‘Okay, new challenge.’ So it leaves things open for what happens next.”

She added: “Writing music is fun and you should have a little excitement in the morning about what you're going to write, and it keeps you on your toes, I think.”

Sophie, who is married to The Feeling’s Richard Jones, is currently enjoying festival season. Having performed at London’s Mighty Hoopla at the weekend, she has Chris’ own CarFest in August in her diary, and another massive event this month. “I'm playing the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, two weeks on Sunday!” she said. “It's with my band. So Rich will be on stage, my brother Jack is my drummer. I've got my friends who are in the band. I feel, really, like we can share it. I can't imagine what it must be like if you're, I don't know, a stand–up and you come offstage after a big night and you're on your own. I think it's very different. Or, you know, when Ed Sheeran plays on his own. But I started life as a singer in a band, so it makes sense to me to have people up there with me, and I love that feeling.”

The singer is also embarking on a Christmas Kitchen Disco Tour in November and December. “You can't beat that experience of being under one roof together,” she enthused.

“I promise that everybody that comes, I don't take it lightly that they've bought a ticket. So I want them to leave feeling that they made the right decision.

“It's really fun. We did it last year. It's just like a proper sort of disco party. I do my songs, some covers. We have fun. And this one, I thought, ‘Let's try a Christmas one. Like, try and do the proper Christmas party'.”

One thing we won’t be seeing Sophie do in the future, however, is represent the UK at Eurovision. Despite the rumours, she told Chris: “I feel like it's better for a younger, newer artist, who can really seize what the opportunity is about. You don’t want me ambling around up there!”

She did, however, add: “I wouldn't mind having to go at writing the Eurovision song though.”

Hana is out now. Tickets for her Christmas Kitchen Disco Tour are available at ticketmaster.co.uk.

Source: Virgin Radio UK

[danishmuseuminterns]

INTERN BLOG – FARMERS' MARKET, EUROVISION, AND TIVOLI FEST!

The weather is warmer (well, hot) now and I’m really enjoying it! This last month have been really busy as we are getting ready for all of the summer celebrations and events. I have been crossing a lot of things off my bucket list – The Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market, Tivoli Fest, and a visit to the Windmill.

The Farmers' Market was as great as I’ve been told. With so many vendors and so much great food, it’s surprising that I got back with only cheese and pickles. Diya, Delaney, and I went early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and even at 7 am, people were up and exploring at the market. Later that day, we picked up the new Prairie Intern (and roomie), Jaz! I’m sure you’ll get to know her much better throughout the summer!

Another important May event was Eurovision. If you are new to the European Song Contest, your first meeting with it might be confusing. It’s a song/music competition for the European countries (and Australia), that happens annually. Typically, each country has their own competition, where the winner goes on to participate in Eurovision. Since there are so many participating countries, there are two qualifiers where some countries get to move on to the “big” competition. Both a jury and the European viewers then vote for a winner! It’s camp, it’s entertaining and such a good time! Jaz, Diya, and Delaney watched the entire 4-hour show with me, and I think we were all singing “cha cha cha” for the next few days.

Tivoli Fest was an eventful weekend! Friday started at Bedstemor’s, and a lot of nice and curious people came by to take a look at the 1908 home. Then, it was time for hotdogs! As someone who describe themselves as a hotdog connoisseur (I did work at a hotdog stand and diner for three years) Elk Horn does know how to make a good hotdog! Saturday started early, with the raising of the flags and a tour of the Windmill and then breakfast at the fire station, which of course was æbleskiver and medister. For any Danes side-eyeing this combination, it is important to remember that traditions evolve and change over time, especially when taken out of the context where it was created, and that the combination of a sweet/savory breakfast meal is typical in many different cultures. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, it was very good! Next stop was the museum, where I helped man the front desk area. It was lovely to see so many people from near and far who came to celebrate Tivoli Fest and visit the museum. Some had visited the museum before and knew the story, while others stopped in and got to experience it all for the first time.

Amelia, Delaney, and I went down to see the parade and then we were off to see the folk dancers, who all did such a good job! We then went back to the Elk Horn Fire Station for our activity – water pong. Amelia and I had planned this activity of a family-friendly version of beer pong, the game where you throw ping-pong balls at cups of beer, and we had a bunch of people come play with us and we had so much fun! I also got to try deep fried Oreos for the first time – a typical fair-snack and it was as good as you can imagine! (So very good).

For the next four weeks I will be enjoying the museum and Elk Horn area as much as possible! It’s hard to believe that my time here is over soon, but there are still a lot of things happening before my time here is up! In the next intern blog from me, you’ll hopefully get to read about anniversary preparations, a special visitor and maybe even a Taylor Swift Dance Party!

Emmelie, Scan Design Foundation Intern (Communications)

#moda #museum of danish america #intern #internship #denmark #museum #danish #iowa #food #tivoli #tivolifest

[sitespeedvideo]

Lyrisc to i get on my knees

See all of the acts performing at next year's Shaky Knees Festival below and get additional festival info here.In March 2021 the group participates in the Sanremo Festival by presenting the song ” SHUT UP AND GOOD “, with which they win the festival. A few weeks later, their second album, Teatro D’ira – Vol.I, comes out . In May of the same year, by virtue of the victory in Sanremo, the group represents Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest: Rotterdam 2021 with the song “SHUT UP AND GOOD”, winning the competition 31 years after the last Italian success. There are days When I feel The best of me Is ready to begin Then theyre days When I feel Im letting go And soaring on the wind But Ive learned in laughter or in pain How to survive I get on my knees I get on my knees There I am before the love that Changes me See, I dont know how But theres power When Im on my knees I can be In a crowd, Or by myself Or almost anywhere When I feel Theres. Full and accurate LYRICS for On My Knees from Jaci Velasquez: Chorus 2, I get on my knees, I get on my knees, There I am before the love, that changes. 11) at 10AM ET via the Shaky Knees website. Single-day and three-day tickets for the event will go on sale tomorrow (Nov. Platinum Tickets include exclusive viewing areas at three stages, a Platinum viewing deck with elevated sightlines of the main stage, and access to the air-conditioned Platinum Lounge featuring a full-service open bar, complimentary bites and catered dinner, relaxed seating, premium air-conditioned restrooms, concierge services and more. It is considered Velasquezs signature song and was released as the third single from her debut album. VIP also includes two VIP Lounges that feature shady seating, premium air-conditioned restrooms, complimentary bites, full-service cash bars, along with complimentary beer and water. On My Knees is a 1996 song performed by Jaci Velasquez.

VIP Tickets include up-close, prime viewing areas at three stages, plus a viewing platform with elevated sightlines of the main stage. My Morning Jacket conclude the music weekend on Sunday (May 1), with support from Khruangbin, Death Cab for Cutie, Coin, Biffy Clyro, Pup, The Garden, Dirty Honey and more playing. Joy, Kurt Vile & the Violators, Japanese Breakfast, Gang of Youths, The Regrettes, Guided By Voices, Reignwolf, Phantom Planet and more rocking out. Nine Inch Nails bring their stage show to Atlanta to close out Saturday (April 30), while the day also has Chvrches, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Mt. Novak provides a personal and intellectual history of fellatio. William Smith Monroe (Septem September 9, 1996) was an American musician who created the style of music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the 'Blue Grass Boys,' named for Monroe's home state of Kentucky. Green Day will headline the Friday (April 29) festivities, with Billy Idol, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Spoon, Highly Suspect, Travis, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mannequin Pussy and plenty more. In Get on Your Knees, at the Cherry Lane Theater, a stand-up set that inclines toward theater, Ms.

#Lyrisc to i get on my knees

[vs-redemption]

I'm alive!

I'm okay rn. The doctors said that it might take months before my grandma dies, can even take some years.

So I decided that I should try to be more active online. (I still visit her don't worry!)

I also took some time for my mental health!

Welp what has happend in my life recently? Well Eurovision happend (big European music competition wich I love) I drunkenly cursed at Europe and danced trough most songs in my living room lmao.

I went to my first Pride (my parents didn't want to let me go before my 18th birthday, then the year I turned 18, covid happend.) It was alot of fun. I also accepted that I'm on the aro spectrum. I figured it out last year, but didn't wanna open that can of worms just yet. I did this year this and came out as a Nonbinary Pansexual Cupioromantic. I know its a alot lol. But im happy.

My favorite series on YouTube is back for season 3, and I can't wait until the episodes start popping up. I'm currently rewatching the first season from a different pov and I have died of laughter many times. 'Welcome to the cringiest corner of the server' - the roleplayers.

One of my childhood heros came out, and I have been lurking on tumblr waiting to yell at homophobes. Hopefully he does good in MCC pride. I kinda feel bad how Reddit kinda forced him out. But Apperently he was planning to come out on Saturday during MCC pride. He didn't expect his comment to blow up under a Reddit post with Queer participants in MCC Pride. So he came out on the day he posted that comment. Still fcking proud of him. Since his coming out one of his old songs has been stuck in my head, and I hate every second of it.

I'm planning my trip to see my closest friend next month, and am working on some fanfics.

I'm also planning my birthday party, can't believe I'll be 20, on July 10th. And am planning my trip to the Balkans this summer.

I'm also looking up some different jobs and colleges, because I'm quitting History. It was not for me. In the one time period I knew alot about, the professor didn't like me. Literally told me that 'knowing alot about something isn't good' when she asked something about Yugoslavia (old country) and Tito (former leader). Knowing I wanted to be an expert in Balkan history, I just quit. If I knew to much about something to her liking, then I knew it wasn't a good fit for me.

My national team won against an certain opponent for the first time ever. Wich is cool.

A band I listened to growing up will perform at a local festival. And a local cycling event happend in my region last week.

Also The 'Tour de France' Will pass trough the village I'm obsessed with in July so I'm definitely excited to watch that.

I also made some friends I Think?!

Welp this was a small update! Again sorry for not sending alot of asks!

See ya!

-Enis

Enis ♥ I'm glad to hear from you again. And sorry it took a minute to reply. I've been busy myself with the end of the school year at my school, plus I was dogsitting at my friend's aunt's house for two weeks. This weekend I had to do a bunch of yardwork for my grandma, and go to my dad's for father's day. It's been crazy!

I'm glad to hear your grandma still has some time left. Make sure you spend as much quality time with her as you can. I'm also excited to hear that you went to a pride festival and that you have a better understanding of your identity.

It sounds like a lot of other good things are happening with you right now too! It's always wonderful when series we enjoy finally release new seasons. I just saw that information about My Hero season 6 came out and that was really great for me, so I know how you must be feeling.

Also!!! That is really great that your birthday is coming up. 20's can be a wild time so I hope you really enjoy it and that things go well for you. You're still young and have the world at your fingertips :) I'm proud of you for realizing that the path you weren't on with history wasn't right for you and being brave enough to quit. You don't want to be stuck in a field that doesn't work for you. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that makes you much happier and comfortable.

You know what? I don't think I've ever watched the Tour de France. I should look into that.

thanks as always for the update! It seems like things are overall going well for you and that makes me so happy.

#enis💖 #anon squad #chat with cindy

[laltradimensione]

#it is finally time my fellow eurovision enthusiasts #last weekend before eurovision week #esc #eurovision #mm

[louisupdates]

Louis Tomlinson Cancels Russia and Ukraine Shows Amid ‘Needless War’

Tomlinson had planned stops in Kyiv on July 4 and Moscow on July 6

Louis Tomlinson will be skipping stops in Ukraine and Russia during his world tour this summer due to the Putin-led invasion of Ukraine, he announced on social media Monday.

“Due to the recent events in Ukraine, I have to sadly announce that my tour shows in Moscow and Kyiv are canceled until further notice,” the former One Direction member wrote. “The safety of my fans is my priority and my thoughts go out to the people of Ukraine and all those suffering from this needless war.”

The “Always You” singer was set to perform at Kyiv’s Stereo Plaza on July 4 and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall on July 6.

Tomlinson’s announcement comes as tensions continue to rise in Eastern Europe as Russian soldiers began an invasion in Ukraine last week. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been condemned for the invasion, which has resulted in economic sanctions against Russia from the U.S., Europe, and other countries worldwide.

The “Defenceless” singer kicked off his Louis Tomlinson World Tour on Feb. 1 and is expected to tour the U.S. through mid-March before heading to Europe in April and Latin America in the summer.

On Sunday, Green Day also canceled a scheduled show in Moscow. “We are aware that this moment is not about stadium rock shows, it’s so much bigger than that,” Green Day wrote. “But we also know that rock and roll is forever and we feel confident there will be a time and a place for us to return in the future. Refunds available at the point of purchase. Stay safe.” They were set to perform on May 29. Peter Gabriel also canceled a Ukraine show, originally scheduled for last weekend.

Russia’s national team was barred from FIFA and UEFA soccer competitions, while Russia was removed from Eurovision Song Contest due to the war.

#louis tomlinson #ltwt22: ukraine #ltwt22: russia #louis article

[bopinion]

2021 / 28

Aperçu of the Week:

"For some reason, the climate issue has suddenly become a global issue."

(Armin Laschet, current Minister President of, of all places, North Rhine-Westphalia, who apparently lacks both foresight and perspective. Yet he leads in the polls to become Germany's next chancellor).

Bad News of the Week:

Last week I wrote: "Who still doubts the man-made climate change: look out of the damn window!" And now it is really here, the climate change. Or rather its effects. On our doorstep. No more threatened islands in the South Pacific, no more melting polar ice caps far away, no more fires in North America, no more sinking groundwater in the Middle East - here, in our neighborhood, immediately, now.

It doesn't take a tsunami, a tornado, an earthquake, or a volcanic eruption. It just needs rain. Much rain. Lots of rain. Former small streams burst their banks as torrents, mountain slopes slide down, floods rush through inhabited areas, sweeping everything away. Entire towns are under water, houses collapse, cars are thrown around like tennis balls, complete infrastructures are destroyed, people drown - almost 200 so far.

In parts of Bavaria and Saxony, but especially in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, the pictures look like a war zone. Not only because military recovery vehicles are often the only vehicles that can even pass the roads full of rubble and mud. The suffering of fellow citizens who have lost a loved one or simply their entire possessions from one moment to the next seems incomprehensible. Overcoming the consequences is a joint task. Politicians are putting together aid packages, while the solidarity of individuals and the commitment of many volunteers are setting standards.

One of the hardest hit places is called "Schuld", literally "Guilt". And this brings a bizarre realization: yes, we are guilty for what is happening. Not an unexpected phenomenon that comes out of nowhere. But the concrete result of what we have done and are doing. Or rather, what we have not done or are not doing.

It is always said that a crisis is the hour of the executive. Because it can decide, take concrete measures, send help, make money available. Normally, this is done - yes, we are currently campaigning for the federal elections in September - at the expense of the opposition, which, in the absence of government responsibility, can really only show concern. In this case, the Greens, the strongest challenger to the current governing coalition of conservatives and social democrats. But they are the ones who have always warned about the consequences of ignoring nature, who have declared sustainability to be the guiding principle and who are the only ones with concrete environmental and climate protection plans in their party program. Let's see how this realistic far-sightedness and this credible commitment will carry the day when the voters have to put their crosses. Hopefully in the right place...

Good News of the Week:

At the Eurovision Song Contest, many are always surprised by the hardly known countries in Europe (okay, we'll leave out the questionable participations of Israel or Australia). This includes for example the Republica Moldova. A small country between Romania and Ukraine, (almost) on the Black Sea, one of the many former Soviet republics. It shares the same classic fate of autocratic structures, corruption, an ailing economy, isolation from the West, and dependence on big brother Russia. In Transnistria, there were already pro-Russian independence efforts supported by Moscow before there were more high-profile ones in the Ukrainian Donbas region.

But just as in Ukraine, a democratic spring is dawning. Back in the 2014 parliamentary elections, pro-EU parties won a clear majority of 55 seats to the pro-Russian 46, but then failed due to cronyism, dubious entanglements and sabotage. But then came Maia Sandu. Coming from the World Bank as a lateral entrant, she first gained a reputation as a fearless fighter against corruption as education minister in the Liberal Democratic Party before failing as prime minister due to a lack of support for her radical judicial reform. In 2020, however, as the candidate of the "Partidul Acțiune și Solidaritate" ("Action and Solidarity Party" / PAS), which she co-founded, she finally won the presidential election with 58% in the runoff against incumbent Igor Dodon.

In last week's parliamentary elections, PAS was now the clear winner, winning a clear absolute majority in parliament with 63 of 101 seats. Memories of Emanuel Macron and "En marche" are awakening. PAS and Sandu now have the power to shape the government, freed from coalition concessions or multiparty dependencies. And their objectives were unambiguously defined as democratization and turning toward Europe. Sandu: "The people here have been lied to and disappointed so many times". The election results express "the desire of our people that order be established in this country and that corruption be fought. People want law and justice."

The great challenge will be to rid the country's institutions of the felt, to clean up and reorganize the administrative apparatus. For only on this basis can an economic perspective emerge for one of the poorest countries in Europe. It is precisely this lack of prospects that has caused an exodus of those willing and able to perform: one-third of Moldova's population now lives abroad. Sandu's first priority is therefore to modernize the education system and infrastructure and to develop a healthy sector of small and medium-sized enterprises. Only then would positive outlooks for the future have been created for the population - by their own efforts and they could then seek cooperative support from the EU. That this is not a foregone conclusion can be seen by looking across the border to neighboring Romania: a member of the EU for 14 years, the country is still struggling with economic misery and fundamental structural reforms. One can only wish the Republic of Moldova all the best and Maia Sandu a lucky hand.

Personal happy moment of the week:

I don't really know...

How pleased am I that Japan will not succumb to the commercial temptation to allow the same spectator madness at the Summer Olympics starting next week as England and Hungary did at the European soccer championships?

How satisfied am I to have found a solid solution to a complex challenge in weekend work that I can present to colleagues in the office tomorrow?

How relieved am I to live neither on a riverbank nor in a valley and therefore to be exposed to flood hazards only in underground garages and underpasses?

How happy am I that my wife will be standing in the kitchen tonight while I open the red wine, listen to the spherical sounds of Tangerine Dream and comfortably read the newspaper?

In some weeks you just have to be satisfied with the little pleasures in between. All good.

I couldn't care less...

...that insurance companies fear being confronted with claims arising from the flood disaster. After all, their business model should be to provide support in the event of an emergency. And not to look for backdoors and exclusion clauses in the fine print of their cryptic contracts.

As I write this...

...I'm tasting delicious olives my daughter brought back from her graduation trip in Tuscany.

#thoughts #aperçu #bad news #good news #happy moments #news of the week #armin laschet #climate change #Rain #flood #north rhine westphalia #rhineland palatinate #guilt #the greens #federal election #campaign #moldava #russia #maia sandu #olympics #Weekend Work #tangerine dream #insurance company #olives #tuscany #romania #sowjetunion

[anotherescsite]

Let the crazy times begin. There is so much going down between now and the Head of Delegation meeting in March and I’m going to try and bring it all together in one article.

ROTTERDAM! 

WHEN: 

WHERE:

The Venue: Rotterdam Ahoy Arena

WHO:

The Hosts:  Edsilia Rombley,  Chantal Janzen, and Jan Smit

Note: Jan 28th is the date of the semi final draw.

RSVP’D NO!

Montenegro and Hungary have chosen to sit year out. Hungary is still having their A Dal song contest, but they won’t be sending that person to the Netherlands. 

Turkey, Andorra,  Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, and Slovakia have been absent for a long while and have decided not to return this year. Turkey are in dispute with the EBU over the rules about the Big 5, the others have not really made noises or movements towards involvement.

Bosnia-Herzegovina are out due to financial issues again, while three countries that are mentioned each year (Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein) are still not members of the EBU and would need to be invited to the song contest. EBU hasn’t done that this year.

WHO IS IN:

At this time, these are the first faces of Eurovision 2020; they are (left the top left) 

FRANCE - Tom Leeb ALBANIA - Arilena  Ara SPAIN - Blas Cantó AUSTRIA - Vincent Bueno THE NETHERLANDS - Jeangu Macrooy BELGIUM - Hooverphonic NORTH MACEDONIA - Vasil Garvanliev CYPRUS - Sandro Nicholas BULGARIA - Victoria. GEORGIA - Tornike Kipiani

Of these; Austria has a title for the song to be sung “Alive”, while the national final of Albania has concluded and the song Shaj won. It is expected to be reworked into English. Georgian entrant won their local Idol contest to compete this year. All the rest will be all internal selected songs.

NATIONAL FINALS

I like the national final countries because they are organised and they don’t leave you guessing with random announcements and other paraphernalia. You can pencil them into your diary/ stick them in your iPhone and your life/evenings/weekends are somewhat over

SERBIA: FEB

Serbia are one of the exceptions to the organised thing mentioned above. They have two semi final and a final all happening in February. Dates are unknown

CZECH REPUBLIC: FEB 3

The Czech Republic has announced the people taking part in their selection. The songs are due out shortly and the online vote completes by February 3 when the announcement of a winner is made.

AUSTRALIA: FEB 8

The Australian final is again out of the Gold Coast and again has 10 entrants. But one of the hosts, Myf, is currently in the South African jungle taking part in the I’m a celebrity get me out of here show. 

ITALY: FEB 8

February 8th is going to be a busy day. The San Remo Festival of Italian Music concluded on this day after semi final shows from the 4th - 7th. 

LATVIA: FEB 8

Latvia has dispensed with semi finals and is having a one show final to be held February 8. The final has 9 competitors (there is no Marcus Riva) which were announced earlier this week.

MALTA: FEB 8

The person who is representing Malta will be the winner of their local X Factor show. The song will come later on.

LITHUANIA: FEB 15

Lithuania continues it’s longer six show format which concluded on the 15th February. The first two semi finals are done and there are other shows on January 25th, February 1st, and 8th.

NORWAY: FEB 15:

Norway has followed with Lithuania’s example and gone with a six show format also. There are five semi finals (January 11th, 18th, 25th, February 1st, and 8th) with the winner of the evening going to the final. There are 5 entrants that are  pre-qualified and they are being sung at each of the five semi finals.

SLOVENIA: FEB 22

Slovenia have scheduled their final for February 22 with 12 participants; ten were named earlier while the final two were selected from a newbie round called EMA FRES.

UKRAINE: FEB 22

The Ukraine have kept their Vidbir format that has been so successful. This year each entrant has been pre-asked by Jamala if Crimea is Ukraine to avoid any embarrassing issues. The format at performers were meant to be announced by now.

POLAND: FEB 23

Poland are choosing their performer via a talent show Szansa na sukces! This is the show which has used successfully to choose the entrants for Junior ESC, and they won the contest.

CROATIA: FEB 29

Croatia is having their traditional national final Dora. Sixteen entrants have been announced and three spares in case of issues. The songs will complete in a one show final.

ESTONIA: FEB 29

Eesti Laul 2020 has two semi finals on the 13th and 15 February before their final on Feb 29. The songs and participants are know.

ICELAND: FEB 29

The song contest in Iceland has stayed the same with their two semis on February 8th and 15th with the top two going to the Feb 29 final.

BELARUS: MAR 6

All that is known is the final date; song submissions have still be open.

FINLAND: MAR 7

Finland has abandoned the internal artist - national final format for their old format of UMK national final. It is a one show format again.

DENMARK: MAR 7

Dansk MGP is again a one show final set. Artist are unknown.

PORTUGAL: MAR 7

The Portuguese Festival Da Cancao is again a two semi final plus final selection. The artists songs and composers have been presented. 

SWEDEN: MAR 7

Melodifestivalen - the King Daddy of all national finals is the last of the finals as always. Their four semi finals run from Feb 1st to 22nd, the Andra Chasen is on Feb 29th and the usual Stockholm final is Mar 7.

THE REST?

Israel is currently in the midst of the Next Star contest and the winner will be known shortly. The song will come through just beforethe deadline. 

Switzerland has advised their entrant will be announced in March. The who and the what is unknown. 

Moldova have a jury selecting songs, but there may or may not be a national final. 

Romania will be having a national final, but it has not been announced as yet. 

Germany is to announce their plans in late January.

Armenia are currently in an audition process for an upcoming national final (thanks @fujiwarap​). Dates are unknown.

Greece, San Marino and Russia are expected to go internal but it’s anyone’s guess.

This leaves us with Azerbaijan, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. From these, I’ve heard nothing. 

#Eurovision #ESC #the netherlands #rotterdam #Edsilia Rombley #Chantal Janzen #Jan Smit #rotterdam ahoy #2020

[sauerland-2001]

I should really stop deleting my blogs 😁🤦🏽‍♀️ because I’ve made this type of post twice before but I’ll do it again, because remembering these moments brings me joy ♥️

Highlights during Skamit season 2, fandom edition:

- oh look, Luca Guadagnino plays their gym teacher! 🤓

- who the hell is Luca?

- Ludo, turn the damn light on, we can’t see their faces! —Yeah, so Besse had found his aesthetic for Marti‘s season: filming pivotal scenes in total darkness, robbing us of the actors‘ facial expressions in dramatic scenes like the episode 5 fight between the boys 🤦🏽‍♀️

- after Fili‘s voice message: Marti‘s hair....is red? Is it?? — Oh my God, the discussions 😂 when people started posting testimonials about the different shades of their own red-ish hair in different light, I knew we had all collectively lost it 😂 and that was two weeks into the season 👀. Weeks later Besse slipped and let in some damn light, so in episode ten‘s first clip we finally saw Martino‘s hair in all its red glory 🤓

- late night confessionals about giraffe-shaped and related purchases 😭 (yes, yours truly owns two Skamit giraffes 🦒)

- the Bracciano weekend deserves a million posts because that shit IS legendary; I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fandom so happily lose their minds on a Friday night, only to be majorly played by Master Ludo. The bus timetables, google maps and general calculations as to when Nico might appear in Bracciano - I cried tears of laughter and frustration that night 😂

- that late Thursday night in episode 5 when some unlucky TimVision intern accidentally released the final clip a day early 🤦🏽‍♀️😂 someone on Twitter filmed the clip off their screen so we could watch it, which we did naturally, not even needing translation. And thus the legend of the intern was born 👋

- fanfic involving the gym teacher, Renato and Dr Spera; I forgot who was dating who but, you know 👀😁

- Niccotino or Rames? Ludo: MArtIniCo 🤡 fandom: nope

Two post season 2 mentions:

- every time I see the Wtfock fandom complain about the lack of Sobbe selfies I‘m over here thinking, it took the show‘s cancellation for Ludo to finally post a selfie of Marti and Nico. Think about that 👀

- while watching last year‘s Eurovision we spotted Ludo2 as a performer on stage 👀😂 who knew 👀

Anyway, enjoy your Friday night and look forward to more from where all of the above came from ♥️💙💗 Season 4; soon 😎

#skam italia #ive never laughed as much with a Skam fandom as with this one 😭💗

[hollyand-writes]

Quarantine Q&A

I was tagged by the lovely @gremlinquisitor ❤️ Sorry it took me so long to get round to doing this!

Tagging: anyone who feels up to it -- like Erin said in her own post, take care of yourself first, and if you don’t feel like you can talk about this, then please don’t try to force it. ❤️

Are you staying home from work or school?

My husband and I have both been working from home since mid-March. I was already pretty much working from home before that anyway (been doing it for about a decade), so I was used to it and therefore don’t feel my life has changed dramatically. We’re really lucky that our jobs can be done 100% from home -- March and April were really busy months for both of us work-wise, so I think that helped us both cope and feel useful. 

In a weird way, lockdown didn’t/doesn’t upset or stress me out? I think it’s because I had a head start on worrying about the pandemic back in January: I have family in China/HK/SE Asia and I was really, really worried about them for a bit. I follow a few Chinese-language social media accounts of people based in China / East Asia and what was coming out of there was really, really bad -- sometimes worse than what was being reported in Western media -- and people over there were so angry and terrified for months before anyone in the West started worrying about it, I think. 

So, by the time the pandemic hit the UK and lockdown was announced, I think I was just relieved that finally there was something I could “do” about what was going on in the world, if that made sense??? I’d been reading these first-hand anonymous accounts “on the ground” in Chinese for two months by that point, so I felt like I kind of knew what to expect physically and emotionally. (My family and family-friends out there are all fine as far as I know, btw.)

If you’re staying home, who’s with you?

My husband. 9 weeks into lockdown and we’re still very much enjoying having each other around! He misses his colleagues, but he doesn’t miss his commute. We have the odd Zoom party and catch up with his family on FaceTime (it’s weird how it took a pandemic for us to think of video-calling them instead of phoning them), but yeah, he’s been great lockdown company and I love having him home! I don’t want him to go back to work LMAO! 

We work in the same room, but tend to be very good at focusing on our work during the work day, so we don’t really distract each other and give each other space when needed (mentally rather than physically, though; we live in a tiny flat with only like 3 rooms so it’s hard to give each other physical space). We play endless games of Civ6 against the other during breaks from work.

Are you a homebody?

Before 2020? No, not at all. But after lockdown started? I’ve been discovering the delights of just chilling at home with my husband, being busy and in-demand at work, writing, reading books, teaching myself Photoshop (working through an online course LMAO) and playing Civ. 

Also I’ve been really happy about all the money I’m saving from not going out and not buying anything apart from food and books LMAO! 

I’ve not really felt very talkative this year; and after lockdown started, that even extended to many of my real-life friends -- I’ve just felt happy staying at home and not talking to anyone except my husband, for some reason. (As an aside -- sorry to all of you on Tumblr and Discord for not chatting so much -- it’s not personal, it’s just whatever phase I’m going through, both IRL and online!) I’m not depressed or anything, I don’t think -- just happy doing my own thing for a bit.

An event that you were looking forward to that got cancelled.

The one that I was most gutted about was the Euro 2020 football tournament (soccer to you Americans of course) -- I had tickets to go to the final in July. But the organisers said they’ll hold the tournament next year and tickets will be valid, so I don’t feel so bad about it now. 

I miss the gym the most, I think. Everything else has kind of sorted itself out (even cancelled events), but the gym / working-out thing hasn’t. I started doing some home workouts with resistance bands at first, but I’ve fallen out of the habit of that somewhat -- it’s just not the same as having an actual barbell in your hands.

I was also meant to go on holiday to Greece with friends (12 of us) but that’s been cancelled. Funnily enough, when lockdown was announced in the UK I was secretly relieved, because I had a lot of social events lined up and my social life had been so busy up to that point that I was starting to get rather overwhelmed with it all. Turns out I’m an extrovert with a strong introvert streak.

What movies have you watched recently? What shows are you watching?

Hmmmm.... not really so much movies, I think. Aside from Frozen 2 (again). We’re currently working our way more through the 1994 BBC TV series of the classic novel Middlemarch (because I’ve been reading it), but we tend to play Civ, or read, or bake/cook, rather than watch TV.

What music are you listening to?

Gosh, loads, haha! The Frozen 2 soundtrack. Ibiza clubland tunes (to remind me of good times, LOL). Listened to old Eurovision tracks over the weekend (to get me in the spirit, even if Eurovision 2020 was cancelled). Attended virtual concerts that my friends in music bands have been holding. Pretty much everything you can imagine, whenever the mood strikes. Today I was listening to Suede’s Singles.

What are you reading?

Right now I’m reading “Middlemarch” by George Eliot; I’ve been getting through lots of books since February, both fiction and non-fiction.

That said, I’ve not really felt like reading fanfic much -- stopped reading Dragon Age fanfiction in December or January (and completely fell out of the fandom for a while, too) so I’m really behind on every longfic I was following. I’m only just starting to catch up on it all, in May, although I don’t see myself being in fandom/online that much. I’ll get to all your fics eventually! I’m just slow 😄

What are you doing for self-care?

Lots of things, and I think they’re helping because I’ve been coping OK so far (sorry this list is so long!): 

Staying offline -- especially off Tumblr and Discord and Twitter -- more often, which has really helped me get work done (sorry I’ve not been around much, though) and finally getting around to doing all those projects I didn’t have time to do / wasn’t home often enough to do is helping, especially when I can see progress being made 

Weekly therapy sessions -- started these last year when my brother got very seriously ill; the therapy sessions have now moved online via video-call rather than face-to-face and in-person, but I’m still keeping up with them through the pandemic. I haven’t felt like I need it, tbh, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to keep having therapy just in case...

Being grateful for how lucky I am -- I’m still alive and well for now, as are my loved ones, my husband and I are still in jobs / earning money, and things could be a lot worse; for example, at least I’m still able to go for walks in the park: my brother is officially a “vulnerable category” person who has to stay completely indoors and self-isolate for 12 weeks, even though he’s in remission; he can’t even go to the shops to get food

Working -- it’s been really nice sometimes to keep busy. The nature of my work means that unfortunately I can’t completely switch off from the news, so I tend to look at less of the bad and sad news and consume more the “how does the pandemic affect my specific specialism or field” news -- I find that limiting my news consumption is helping

Husband and I go for a walk in the park in the sunshine once a day (it’s been warm and sunny in London ever since lockdown started in March) for like 45 minutes a day. We have a really lovely park and I’ve taken lots of nice nature photos, and have discovered parts of the park and our neighbourhood that we didn’t know before, which has been very exciting 😁

We’ve been cooking and baking a lot more because we’re not commuting, and we’ve got time to cook ourselves nicer / healthier meals, and experimenting with baking puddings and cakes.

Taking multivitamins and fish oil every day, with boosters for Vitamin D3 and magnesium -- I actually think the latter has helped me sleep better and helped with motivation this year, but who knows LOL

FaceTime with husband’s family -- I actually think this lockdown has improved the quality of our relationships there, and they’ve been really happy to chat to us more often than usual

Just... not pushing myself on anything: usually I’m a really chatty and sociable person, but this year I’ve been far less chatty and just not felt so sociable, and just enjoyed being away from people to read and write or whatever. My one and only goal in 2020 is to survive it -- literally, given that there’s a pandemic on, LOL. Anything else is a bonus.

#stuff about me #long post #personal

[demilitarised-zone]

50 (yes fifty!!) Things You’ve Never Been Asked…. Let’s lighten the mood & have some fun! I always enjoy reading these and seeing a quick glimpse into my friend’s lives. (Just copy this & change the answers..😁)

Got tagged by @r6sshippingdelivery. Thank you😊

1. What is the colour of your hairbrush?

White? Brownish? I need a new one..

2. Name a food you never ever eat.

Mushrooms, cause I'm deathly allergic to those. Also not fond of eggs and spinach and jelly foods.

3. Are you typically too warm or too cold? 

I have a sensation loss of temeratures, so honestly? No idea. I've been told my hands are always cold though.

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?

Barbecqueing with my family😊

5. What is your favourite candy bar? 

I don't eat candy bars, except that one Polish one sometimes... The name of which escapes me tbh😅

6. Have you ever been to a professional sports game? 

I participated in Taekwondo turnaments. Still got some trophies at home!

7. What is the last thing you said out loud? 

Listen, I have the memory span if a fly, but I think it was "are you a good boy? Yes you are!"

8. What is your favourite ice cream?

🍉 all the way baby! (I'm obsessed with anything watermelon)

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?

Nice, cold water.

10. Do you like your wallet?

Defo need a new one, but haven't gotten around to buying one yet.

11. What was the last thing you ate?

Walnut ice cream!😍

12. Did you buy any new clothes last weekend?

Nope

13. The last sporting event you watched?

Soccer, I think, cause it's always on TV and the only thing my stepdad watches.

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? 

Salty, but caramel is a close second.

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to? 

One of my best friends, who'd just found a huge stash of компот in his attic from 30 years ago - but it's still consumable

16. Ever go camping?

Not outright camping in my free time, but three days survival training in the Schwarzwald.

17. Do you take vitamins? 

Not rn, but I was thinking if starting hair vitamins for a month, just to see if it gets me anything🤔

18. Do you go to church every Sunday? 

I used to for a time, but once I could choose wether I wanted to or not I stopped lol

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza?

The day I, an Italian, will say that pizza is inferior to any other food, you may as well assume I lost my mind😂

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw?

Always, I just love drinking with straws, helps preserve my lipstick.

22. What color socks do you usually wear? 

Black or white, I prefer my clothing to be in simple colours and designs.

23. Do you ever drive above the speed limit? 

I don't drive^^

24. What terrifies you?

I got Akrophobia, so there's that. But also loneliness, zombies and uh... The allergic reaction to mushrooms, aka no air bc my whole throat swells. Big oof.

25. Look to your left, what do you see?

My bed that's so big, one side is always full of random stuff. It's a huge bed, king size, and I defo need more pillows to smother myself in when I sleep.

26. What chore do you hate most?

Mowing the lawn.... Or cleaning up my dogs puke. 😭

27. What do you think of when you hear an Australian accent?

G'DAY MATE

28. What’s your favorite soda?

I don't drink sodas.

29. Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive?

I don't eat fast food.

30. What is your favourite number?

I always liked 4 and 8 a lot. Idk why. 48 and 84 are the pinnacle of numbers?

31. Who’s the last person you talked to?

Me mum

32. Favourite cut of beef?

Uh... None, I guess?

33. Last song you listened to?

Wild Dances - Ruslana. (Eurovision Song Contest winner of... 2004. By the Ukraine)

34. Last book you read?

I... Don't read books anymore, tbh.😅

35. Favourite day of the week?

Friday, cause I travel on fridays and I love travelling.

36. Can you say the alphabet backwards?

Hell to the no, jut respect to those who can😮

37. How do you like your coffee?

I don't drink coffee, but when I do I'm 60 hours deep into my insomnia and I brewed it with vodka or Monster.

38. Favourite pair of shoes?

Sneakers! But also my high heeled boots😊

39. The time you normally get up?

5am every day. No exceptions.

40. What do you prefer, sunrise or sunsets?

Sunrise, especially watching it from hotel rooms on vacation~

41. How many blankets on your bed?

Two at any given time or season. Like I said before, temperature is never really a concern for me, so it's purely about comfort.

42. Describe your kitchen plates.

White with maroon and steel blue accents.

43. Describe your kitchen at the moment?

As tidy as always!

44. Do you have a favourite alcoholic drink?

Limoncello, Ramazotti with juice (orange or multi), Berliner Luft, Berentzen, and everything vodka. My favourite cocktail is the Bloody Mary🥴

45. Do you play cards?

Mau-Mau, Einunddreißiger, Magic the Gathering, Cards Against Humanity, Uno, Schwarzer Peter... Probably some more, though they won't come to mind.

46. What colour is your car?

I don't have a car lol

47. Can you change a tire?

Lol nope

48. Your favourite state?

I'm kinda learning the states bc I'm interested in geography, but still, I'm European asf so...🤷🏼‍♀️

49. Favourite job you’ve had?

I'm currently working my dream job😊

50. How did you get your biggest scar?

Assuming this means physical scars and not psychological ones, the ones I have are mostly from self arm, both on my arms and legs. I do have a tiny lil scar on one of my ankles from surgery too.

I'd tag some peeps, but I'm afraid they're all busy with more important stuff, so I'm not gonna bother them.

Feel free to participate if you want to, tho!

#mod talks #personal