In times like these it is good to have routines. But we need to be flexible and find creative solutions so we meet online today and chat from the comfort of our apartments.

If we met for coffee…
of course our topic would be the current pandemic that holds this globe alert. While I am not overly concerned about my (personal) health issues I do worry about a few people around me. Mr. ♡ and I actually have been officially quarantined for 72 hours until his test came back negative. It’s just a regular infect for now. Even more anxious makes me the economic and political aftermath that will follow though. I personally already had almost all jobs canceled due to the situation. I decided to volunteer my time to a small business helping to keep them alive with my online marketing skills I can provide from home. Also I decided to write weekly letters to my godchild to keep them (hopefully) entertained with writing me back. How are you handling the situation so far? Let me hear all your thoughts about it.

Then we decide to move on to more regular topics and try to keep life going as usual. No point in panicking.

If we met for coffee…
I’d admit about my thoughts to only own books that are blue or white and maybe some shade of pinky coral. Ok and grays to black. Is that crazy? But I am always very annoyed by the different covers, the titles being written left to right and right to left on the spine. Who does that? Not even within a series it is the same. Drives me crazy.

If we met for coffee…
I’d tell you about my recent Marie Kondo project. I finally caved in and decided to get some structure in my wardrobe. One Saturday night I threw all my tops in a big pile on my bed and started folding in this special way. While doing so I also tracked every item I owned in an excel sheet for a better overview. It is amazing how many pieces of clothes you own when you believe daily there’s nothing in your closet. Could you pinpoint the number of clothes you own?

If we met for coffee…
we would discuss the following situation. I recently hired a cleaning service before we had some guests coming over. I was happy to squeezed in a couple more hours of work while someone got the apartment in order. When she was done I saw that the bedroom was still very dusty so I asked if she didn’t have time to finish it. She said she cleaned everything. Well after she left and a closer inspection I ended up doing a recleaning for 90 min. But that wasn’t the strangest part. At night when cooking with our guests I was reaching for the avocado I bought the day prior. But I only found one in my fruit basket instead of two. I was doubting myself but I was pretty sure I put two in. My guests said that I might have left it in the store but they came in a net… Oh well, sometimes strange things happen. However the next day when we wanted to make breakfast and I reached for the “Brötchen” (breakfast rolls) one was missing. Again I started to doubt myself but remembered I kept the receipt so I double checked. The right number was right there.
Since I and the cleaning lady were the only people in the house until the guests arrived I have to assume she took them. How crazy?! I mean if you are hungry you could ask. When she arrived I did offer. I am really pissed not because of the value of the stolen things but the audacity. Tell me, am I out of line?

If we met for coffee…
I share with you my Easter egg tutorial. Since we are meeting online it is easy to do so. And now that we might have a bit more time at our hands it might be something to try. I will probably do a few more of those eggs in this wax technique. Do you have a special craft that is very unique to your area or heritage? I would really love to hear about it.

We say our good byes for now and commit to check in with each other next month for sure. Maybe a quick note in between in these times were we all need some extra kind words.

Best for now

Tobia

Who would have thought that time flies by like crazy. It feels like we are skipping the whole winter and head right into spring – at least on my part of the world. Not a single snowflake in sight but oh so many tulips, crocuses and snowdrops. While I love them all I think they could stay in their supposed season. Anyways, since the weather is nice lets get ourself a hot cup of earl grey with a dash of milk and stroll around the park. I also have some Omenakakku to snack on the way.

While sipping tea…
I’d tell you about last weekend. It was my anniversary weekend and we spend it in Oslo. I have never been to Norway before and it was a trip I was really looking forward to. Unfortunately the weather was rather sad just below freezing, paring rain and strong winds. One day we were not able to be outside at all. We still made the most of it and had a wonderful weekend. Do you plan something special on anniversaries?

While sipping tea…
I would tell you that I had to inject myself for the first time with this new migraine medication. I was a bit hesitant about it and really didn’t want to do it but than you grow with your challenges. And it was rather easy and did not hurt. Now hoping it will be more effective than everything else I had tried. Just the last two days were another struggle.

While sipping tea…
we need to chat about books. Obviously. I’ve read so many in January and then picked up “Uncle Toms Cabin” and it is so very very slow. I really want to read it as it has such a historic relevance but I already know it will only be a 3* read. How do you handle such readings?

While sipping tea…
I’m wondering if you ever feel so terribly tired. Recently I could just sleep and sleep and sleep. Many days I take a nap in the afternoon and it messes up all the things on my to-do list. I really don’t know why I am always so tired. I usually do sleep 7 hours a night too. What is your wake-up remedy?

While sipping tea…
and before going our separate ways I want to hear how life has been treating you. What have you been up to since our last chat? Are you still working on your New Years resolutions?

We have walked the entire park, I showed you my friends the grey heron and climbed the “Bunkerberg” and looked through the barren trees over Berlin. For now it’s time to head back to our to-do lists and errands. I am already looking forward meeting again next months.

Happy day

Tobia

I can not believe this first months of the year has already passed us by. It feels like so much has already happened and then at the same time motivation is a bit tough to get rolling. So I am more than happy that we sit down again for our monthly coffee date Lecy is hosting and chat a little of what has been going on.

If you and I had coffee…
first off I’d like to know how you start into the new year has been like. How have you celebrated the holidays and how did you welcome 2020? I am not a big fan of New Years Eve so as always we have holed up in the apartment and watched some movies, read, played games and I made a meat loaf for dinner. Around midnight we peeked out the window and listened to a bit of music and then I went to bed.

If you and I had coffee…
I would have to share the story of our stolen tires right before Christmas. I was almost on my way to get a tree (December 23rd) when the police rang at our door to let us know that our car was stripped of all tires. Really not what you want right before leaving for the holidays. It took us all day and Christmas Eve morning to do calls, paper work and handling tow trucks and garage services but then we had the car off the street, a rental care and were off on our way to spend the holidays with my parents. It wasn’t the relaxed start we’d hope for.

If you and I had coffee…
I wondered if you have set yourself a reading goal? I can proudly say I have done it again and I am quite motivated. It’s the highest goal I’ve ever set (53 books) but I am confident to achieve it. I also wrote another list of books I want to read in 2020.

If you and I had coffee…
I’d ask if you have a favorite actor. I don’t really have one but I really like Will Smith. So it comes as no surprise that I was actually planning on seeing Bad Boys III right when it came out. I haven’t been to the movie theater in years. It’s usually so much more comfortable just watching through Netflix but it was a date night and it was fun doing something and being out together. And the movie was good too. Did you see it?

If you and I had coffee…
want to hear if you ever went on a blind date with someone you met online. And I don’t really mean a romantic date. More like a coffee date with friends you made online? I recently have developed more courage to just reach out in conversation letting people know I’d be happy to meet up for coffee and it really is fun. Just this week I met another girl I met through Instagram and we had tea and matcha cake and we talked for almost three hours. And Hopefully next week I meet up with a Silvie again for another photo outing around the neighborhood. If you have never done anything like it I can only encourage. Maybe you might also like to check out this post about “networking” there might be some helpful tips.

If you and I had coffee…
I want to let you know that I have been able to work towards one of my 101 goals (to be precise #12). I set up an account on a platform to sell some of my photography. This might not be the best platform as I realized later on but you gotta start somewhere. So glad my word of the year is starting out promising.

Now it’s getting late and we need to wrap it up. We’ll see each other soon again as I try to keep in touch more regularly and not be so behind all the time.

Have a wonderful new week

Tobia

Fall is most definitely here. I can not only tell by cooler temperatures but also in my increase of consumed hot beverages. Double cup of coffee in the mornings followed by many cups of tea. So it’s the perfect time to meet up for coffee and have a chat.

If you and I were sipping coffee I’d…
tell you all about my recent trip to Venice. It was my birthday present for Mr. ♡ birthday and I am so glad this city has been on his travel list. It is gorgeous and I immediately fell in love. Every corner is so photogenic and I had a hard time not making this into a photo trip. I think I need to come back with more time and plans. Are you interested in me sharing a separate post?

If you and I were sipping coffee I’d…
wonder what you think of this thought my dad recently shared with me.
He believes that within the next 50 years books will be one of the great investments and take over gold and silver. Books are currently not on demand and e-books are the go to. So in a couple of years when resources are even tighter than today books are no longer a production priority and will become more expensive. This did make me think as I am currently in the habit to sell and donate all books and only keep very special ones. But I fear he might be close to the truth. What do you think?

If you and I were sipping coffee I’d…
ask if you are also cultivating the habit of keeping seasonal bucket lists. And then I would share my fall bucket list with you. I like having those three months lists. Often times I have so many plans but kinda loose track. With those lists I keep myself accountable.

If you and I were sipping coffee I’d…
share that I have recently landed a new freelance project which will be lasting until end of February. I am really excited for that opportunity and look forward starting on October 17th. It will be a great learning experience and perfect for the portfolio I am building. I’d also share that it seems like that now that I am busy again with work a lot more projects are finding the way to me which I now have to decline. Why is it always like that?

If you and I were sipping coffee I’d…
admit that it’s been almost a year last time I went to a hairdresser. But I finally managed yesterday. I always have a hard time telling them what I want because all the looks and hair colors I’d want seem never to work out because my hair is just weird. I would prefer if they had some suggestions and not be scared. I usually tell them I am flexible and open for trying stuff but most likely they will end up suggesting some blond shade and a layered cut. I wonder if they don’t believe in my offer to go crazy or if nothing else look good with my face. What are your hairdresser stories and routines? I’d really love to hear more.

If you and I were sipping coffee I’d…
seek your advice in how to improve my writing skills. I have this urge to get better and enhance the way I write. I’ve read a couple books about storytelling and writing but for some reason it didn’t really do much. Most of the tips I have heard before it’s more like how could I implement when writing and how would I know if it gotten any better?

Now that we have chatting and sipped our coffee I’d suggest we get another cup to go and walk around the park a bit. The light is always so magical this time of year when it dances in the foliage of the colorful trees. And while we stroll I would listen to all the things happening lately in your life. When we part ways we still have lots to talk about so we agree to meet next month.

Tobia

This is a monthly get-together hosted by Lecy. Go read others chats.

If you and I had coffee…
I would like to show you a wonderful little spot I am came across in the countryside when visiting at my family’s home. It’s an revived little corner shop where I used to go shopping with my grandma and the added a little coffee shop area. They serve homemade cakes and cookies and coffee in fancy china. It’s really cute. All the older village ladies stop by for a chat. It feels a bit like being a Gilmore Girl. I would get a coffee and one piece of cake – maybe two if we stay long.

If you and I had coffee…
I would like to know what you think of temporary tattoos. I recently came across those while doing content in my day job and I feel the urge to use them as accessories. I know it’s very childish but would it be weird sporting a pastel ice cream cone on your wrist? Or some cute looking alpacas? I mean I already bought a pack. But now I wonder what people would think.

If you and I had coffee…
I’d tell you about how I spent a couple days in the workshop with my dad and crossing off #61 of my 101-in-1000-days-list. I learnt a few things while working together. On the other hand I realized how different our approaches to a project are. I am much more organized and think it through while dad just starts. Both approaches have their advantages – I don’t have to run and get every tool just when I need it and he doesn’t overthink and just tries if it works out.

If you and I had coffee…
I need to tell you about the book series I discovered by Australian writer Helen Scheuerer. It’s the Oremere Chronicles and I’ve read all three books in one week. It’s been a while since something sucked me in so completely.I didn’t even open the door when the postman rang. (Meet me on Goodreads and read the reviews)
Have you read this fantasy epos?

If you and I had coffee…
I’d tell you about my ambition to learn Spanish. I started to use the duolingo app and working my way through the levels. I try to talk a bit of Spanish to Mr. ♡ and it is hilarious. But I am proud of myself for how far I’ve come already and maybe I will be able to say a few sentences to his grandparents next time I visit. The app is really good to learn a new language in my opinion. Did you try to learn a new language after leaving school?

If you and I had coffee…
I want to hear about your favorite summer moment. While I type this is raining outside and fall is sneaking up on us. I like the cooler temperatures and enjoy the sound of raindrops hitting the leaves in the trees. But I haven’t finished my summer bucket list yet. But it seems summer is coming to an end.

This is a fun little get-together organized by Lecy and I am always happy to join in our coffee dates.
Happy Sunday to you

Tobia