Spring Around the Corner

Unmerciful wind has been howling through these parts for a while now. Perhaps this blustery weather is what has caused such a change in temperature this past week! First we were blessed with sunny warm delightful days, and then before I knew it there was snow on the ground once again. Thankfully for us, the snow has melted already and if it wasn’t for this frigid wind I think it would be quite pleasant outside. Spring is supposedly the nicest time of year here in Southern Sweden, there is a special white flower that comes out and carpets forest floors, but we’re still awaiting the time for when these flowers will pop out. Looking around though I have spotted a few early blooming flowers, Swedes call them “snow drops”, they are white little flowers, but they aren’t the ‘special’ ones that I’ve heard so much about. Just have to wait for that!

One thing that I’m noticing a lot more of in Sweden are tulips. I am seeing tulips in vases and large planter pots everywhere! They’re absolutely beautiful and I think it’s fun that Swedes pull these out aiding in the ‘it’s nearly springtime’ feel.

This week Mira was involved in an informational concert. She was playing her cello along with many other girls and boys who are involved with the music program that Helsingborg offers. Greta was trying to explain to me how it works here, apparently Sweden is extremely proud of their fine arts and attempts to promote this in every way possible. This concert was to educate young children from many different schools and backgrounds about all the different instruments and to inform them that if they were ever curious about them, then they could come back to the concert hall and try any instrument they wished for free. I think this is a very good deal- they are making it possible for any child, rich or poor, to learn and find talent- whether musically or artistically. 

Greta and I have been having many talks this week about my job, for instance tonight we just calculated that I am indeed, working the correct number of hours for an au pair. Being an au pair is a very different kind of job. It’s difficult for me to realize when is considered work, and when is considered my time. I’m used to having foreign exchange students stay with my family, and I like to draw from those experiences of familial bonding and such and bring them to this job, but sometimes I have to remind myself that being an au pair and an exchange student are two very different things. Although I really love this family, and I like spending time with them I have to remember that I shouldn’t feel bad if I don’t spend my time-off with them. For instance I feel funny if I spend most weekends away from here, or if during dinner I leave and go to the gym or to SFI, it’s just the way I was brought up to respect and socialize with friends. I just need to remind myself that it’s OK if I leave ‘the workplace’ during my time to do what I want. It’s a hard concept to describe but it’s a hot topic for me.

Pretty soon Greta and I are going to start running together. She thinks that if I run at her pace, I’ll be able to run at least 30 kilometers a week. I’ve never ran that much in my life, not even in track or cross country. I’ve always tried to get that in-shape but I always seem to give up. I like running fast, I’ve never been a jogger who just goes on and on forever so it’ll be interesting to see if my Swedish boss can change this. Anything is possible I guess!