tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11759355437183556042024-03-05T08:08:53.653+01:00Pain is temporary, failure lasts foreverLean, agile living for the running mother of PeterAnna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.comBlogger455125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-72058354666762820542009-12-17T13:15:00.003+01:002009-12-17T13:32:46.098+01:00Two weeks in Khao LakI've now been home from Khao Lak for about two weeks and I'm starting to accept the snow and the chilly weather.<br /><br />This trip was to <a href="http://www.fritidsresor.se/resa/thailand/khao-lak/?season=sommar-2010">Khao Lak</a>. We went to one of our Blue Village, the <a href="http://www.fritidsresor.se/resa/thailand/khao-lak/blue-village-exotic-khao-lak-seaview/?season=vinter-09-10">Khao Lak Seaview</a>. This was the first Blue Village Exotic, and I had not previously understood the difference, even if I'm an employee of TUI Nordic. More of the entertainment and food was local and you could feel the difference.<br /><br />Here are some highlights from our vacation:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78SyqRFecl3bZz3CTCgv9nFfCrehnuSHQIiFUfG0wv-4Yp4GDoarXgnDmo4Irx5m7Wvg4yAR58nzaD_m4i2YBVbhm3s3O3neD3z8Rmwr1VVVqJa3zHhF1bgwcIpm0_j3WEAe-AWfmGSs/s720/IMG_5902.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 522px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78SyqRFecl3bZz3CTCgv9nFfCrehnuSHQIiFUfG0wv-4Yp4GDoarXgnDmo4Irx5m7Wvg4yAR58nzaD_m4i2YBVbhm3s3O3neD3z8Rmwr1VVVqJa3zHhF1bgwcIpm0_j3WEAe-AWfmGSs/s720/IMG_5902.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Private pool at our bungalow. Since we travelled with my mother inlaw, having her separate bedroom and bathroom was a hit. The private pool was wonderful in the morning for the first dip. I run in the mornings, so taking a dip before breakfast was just great.<br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JBKghWwBlmwDL0ssq4NDif6il2eUAMOglGS_HEan_n8wi0wHITUWB5c3djDgNBxYIZNv_I5KKAvNkfRW2BTQZfNQeVPIyaPTzZxTaic-a2ZTETviEEW3ntW4O4LopSn6O11H8kuzU5Q/s720/IMG_6000.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 514px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JBKghWwBlmwDL0ssq4NDif6il2eUAMOglGS_HEan_n8wi0wHITUWB5c3djDgNBxYIZNv_I5KKAvNkfRW2BTQZfNQeVPIyaPTzZxTaic-a2ZTETviEEW3ntW4O4LopSn6O11H8kuzU5Q/s720/IMG_6000.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><p>The pool area by the beach. Here we could also eat our dinners, take a drink during the day and see the entertainment.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0X3FfIBKx0-gdYvcOacj0UcJ56hIUMRIB6HBqSlH76u5IJkOIAwyRem0Zm6-d24RnIuo6we2x83o8fwRIiaksMl3jsZ-J1VOQYA8Q4-eQhZQamBGnQ3iujQc9tx0_q-hiGzF5179b3c/s720/IMG_6042.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 516px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0X3FfIBKx0-gdYvcOacj0UcJ56hIUMRIB6HBqSlH76u5IJkOIAwyRem0Zm6-d24RnIuo6we2x83o8fwRIiaksMl3jsZ-J1VOQYA8Q4-eQhZQamBGnQ3iujQc9tx0_q-hiGzF5179b3c/s720/IMG_6042.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><p>The beach by the hotel. It was wonderful to have such a nice beach just by the hotel. I love running on the beach and prefer beaches over swimming pools. But since the pool was so near the beach we didn't have to choose.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouidkFXIuW_G2Anrd5kwyFJ2ks3DMelOtGtkdXR2-jVBYpOEI8CrSE5wVobgBAfgesiPqovGLqdsVpp4NVFPLbMswVqxxndt6_7dFpmwGfvv_85ImQTr2ZSnbXMbilZlt6mqZMLouZZA/s720/IMG_6081.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 514px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouidkFXIuW_G2Anrd5kwyFJ2ks3DMelOtGtkdXR2-jVBYpOEI8CrSE5wVobgBAfgesiPqovGLqdsVpp4NVFPLbMswVqxxndt6_7dFpmwGfvv_85ImQTr2ZSnbXMbilZlt6mqZMLouZZA/s720/IMG_6081.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><p>Some of the days it was lots of fun waves for the guys!</p><p>If you're up for some really nice beaches, you have White Sand Beach quite near (15 km north of Khao Lak) and tours to Similian Islands. Here is one of the beaches:</p><p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RVVdeR4e-lDOtVF9zbvlZ-20YgMQEQhzs7Wwaz8gIPkJ41QEauPes6UGsTB4iuxvqjLkr0PH1KHrwSOxlVfBz0cBgrMS08QaJXfm-nQq1WMSpVjaVESviriE68FueZ6KBUjiaunn6LA/s720/IMG_6310.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 515px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RVVdeR4e-lDOtVF9zbvlZ-20YgMQEQhzs7Wwaz8gIPkJ41QEauPes6UGsTB4iuxvqjLkr0PH1KHrwSOxlVfBz0cBgrMS08QaJXfm-nQq1WMSpVjaVESviriE68FueZ6KBUjiaunn6LA/s720/IMG_6310.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><p>So, what is the verdict? Well, we felt that this was the perfect winter holiday for a worked out family with a child. We had quite different needs for our holiday, but we found an alternative which suited us. This summer, we'll be heading for Crete and a classic Blue Village concept. Keep you posted!<br /></p>Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-26303810306953021042009-04-05T18:01:00.003+02:002009-04-05T18:09:16.584+02:00Winter outfit into the deepest corners of the closet and into the binYesterday, I finally took all the winter running gear and placed this in the deepest corners of my closet. Out came the gear for spring and summer. I usually don't have problems discarding with clothes, but when it comes to running gear, I cannot just throw them away. Like the pants who just had to go. But I wore them both on Vätternrundan and Vasaloppet. Yes, that was in 2001 and they look their age. And the top which I wore during my first marathon. I don't have to look like a homeless runner, so why is this? Yes, there are emotions in these clothes worn during races which meant a lot. But also a false notion that I know these clothes and that they "work".<br /><br />But the truth is that so much has happened when it comes to runner's gear since 2001. The clothes are so much better. Especially compared to stuff which has been in use a couple of times every week during half the year since 2001.<br /><br />But now I've let go of those pants, and the marathon top. I hope I've got even better nerve when the autumn comes and throw away the rest of the stuff which I shouldn't use anymore. But who wants to think about autumn now?Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-26166346877075542232009-03-22T21:14:00.002+01:002009-03-22T21:21:06.106+01:00Extra christmasTomorrow, the books I ordered last week will arrive. 10 kg of new stuff I don't know where to put and which I really don't have time to read. But not all of them are for me. The husband ordered two and I've bought some scientific books for kids to the little guy. But that leaves eight new babies for me. The Dawkins'es I haven't read, some books on research about traveller's behaviour, Mythical Man Month, an Umberto Eco and a Kotter. And of course, the book I needed for my class.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-8914766864631713512009-03-22T09:39:00.002+01:002009-03-22T09:44:32.505+01:00The smell of springNow, we cannot disregard it any more. The garden needs some fixing. People living in apartments often say that it's so nice to hang around in a garden. They think so because they don't have to see all the stuff that needs to be done when you'd rather just take it slow in the sun. And then there's the smell. When you start lifting the stuff which needs moving you can smell spring. Nice. And no, having a summer home is not the same because the summer home is not what meet you every day coming home from work. You cannot forget it or ignore it because it's in your face.<br /><br />Well, these are problems I've selected myself, and really: I love being in the garden. So, today I'll do some work with the sun and then celebrate with the first garden beer for the spring.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-72577287865530523842009-03-20T19:35:00.002+01:002009-03-20T19:44:25.073+01:00Finally, spring is really hereIt's been luring me for some time. But now spring is finally here. This is the best time of the year for me as a runner. Not too cold and not to hot. Just crisp air. Not that I really mind running when it's warm, it's more that when it's warm outside people tend to be more on the streets and you have the problem passing them when you run. Because not all understand that they are the fastest ones on the street and seem to be amazed that someone can actually move faster then them. So, when you signal for them to not take up the complete width of the path, they freeze.<br /><br />This is an increasing problem during the spring season, but really, what do I care. It's just fabulous not to have to fill the backpack completely when you run to work.<br /><br />Also, spring means new shoes. Each spring, except when I'd just given birth to Pete and hadn't started running properly, I buy brand new shoes. It's a real luxury but a good one. It's really a small investment which can mean the difference between being in pain and enjoying the run. I'm not a heavy person, but the shoes get worn out. I realized this during the year when I didn't switch. The next year the shoes were really dead.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I'll finally get to saw the tomato seeds for this year. Or to be more precise, Peter is going to do it and I'm going to assist him. Also, since the snow is gone it's probably time for the first session in the garden. And not to forget one of the key pleasures of spring: the spring classics. Having switched jobs, I've found some other professional cycling fans and I have others who appreciate and enjoy spending hours watching guys on bikes. And the rest is just amazed that we actually like that stuff.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-30495230299117014572009-03-14T23:21:00.004+01:002009-03-14T23:41:08.650+01:00BooksI'm completing the final course of the spring semester, and I found that I needed to purchase a book. We have too many books in our home: you could say I'm a recovering bookoholic and I try to stay out from book stores. I tend to get out with too many books. It's not that I don't read them: I'm a fast reader and have read many of my books many times, but we don't have the space. The book shelves are packed and beyond.<br /><br />Using a e-com site takes away a little bit of the pleasure of buying books since I don't get to stroll between the shelves, feel the paper and build an interest. The problem is that you can scroll many more books on a web site. And you find books you never knew you didn't knew that they existed. There is the season for book sales in Sweden, so since I was already buying a book, I just happened to scroll all the titles in the categories which I'm interested in. And some other categories too. Yes, I am a bookoholic. Give me a break. Just reading about them does not mean that I buy them... Not all of them, anyway. But I do recommend anyone to scroll the titles under Finance and law. How about these book titles:<br /><ul><li>Private Rights in Public Resources: Equity and Property Allocation in Market-Based Environmental Policy</li><li>The International Sugar Agreements: Promise and Reality</li><li>Start Your Own Pet-Sitting Business</li><li>Behind the Veneer: The South Shoreditch Furniture Trade and Its Buildings</li><li>The Security-Development Nexus: Expressions of Sovereignty and Securitization in Southern Africa<br /></li><li>Micro-Regionalism in West Africa: Evidence from Two Case Studies<br /></li></ul>I could just go on. If I click the titles, there is not much details, but isn't it fascinating that there are all these books out there that someone found interesting enough to write and publish. And what is more interesting,, there are at least one bookoholic who was really tempted to buy one or two of these just to see what they were all about. But I controlled myself. So, besides the book for my class and two books which my husband wanted, I just picked up two Richard Dawkins, the latest Umberto Eco, a couple of technical books for little Pete and two books on e-com in the leisure travel business. So, I'm not fully recovered. But I didn't pick up the book on international suger trade.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-47452667165668505742009-03-10T20:32:00.003+01:002009-03-10T20:42:13.560+01:00What the... Snow againIt is soon the middle of March. Yes, we live in Sweden, but this morning when I looked out the window it was winter again. The afternoon run home was like running in a march. Two decimetres of snow in about 0C temperature makes is soggy and icy.<br /><br />I really long for spring and the summer. Everything is so much easier when you don't have to worry about all the clothes and stuff. But then again I have something else to complain about.<br /><br />At work, the new projects are starting up and they are really challenging and interesting. It's kind of funny because yesterday I finished an exam on my project management class. One of the question was how I selected resources. Like one get to select that. I guess most project managers don't get to see a menu.<br /><br />I hope I've finished most of the work for all but one of the classes. I have a serious problem getting into the writing mode for classes. I've spent 15 years to learn how to write short and concise and now the volume counts most. One of my teachers commented on one of my exam that I'd answered the question but that I could have written more. A responded by asking if I hadn't answered the question. Well, yes, but I could have written more. Would the answer become more right then? The idea that adding more words to an answer makes it more right does not play with me. Of course if the teacher had felt that my answer was too short to answer the question, but this is hard for me to accept.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-52770820758014627612009-03-08T17:43:00.001+01:002009-03-08T17:44:31.534+01:00Recipe for kids<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV1DZIPorLYheFNpGmJVlaObuC3gcc1dkr7KtN7kfY7OE52pQvXK6R2qeGpv1mzW1Z8E7TIY-uB4E6vGWZRaOpmLBWdjEiWcO-8qQv14hf8kDpiNZGrr8SaNHzbY9lscCL1SHf9VivoY/s1600-h/IMG_2991.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV1DZIPorLYheFNpGmJVlaObuC3gcc1dkr7KtN7kfY7OE52pQvXK6R2qeGpv1mzW1Z8E7TIY-uB4E6vGWZRaOpmLBWdjEiWcO-8qQv14hf8kDpiNZGrr8SaNHzbY9lscCL1SHf9VivoY/s400/IMG_2991.JPG" border="0" /></a> My son loves baking and preparing food. The absolute favourite is cinnamon rolls and over time he's learned more and more of the different steps. But to make him more active, I've prepared a recipe which he can follow. I've taken pictures of him completing the different steps and after printing, I'll place the pictures in a small photo album with plastic pages: Then I'll let him follow the pictures instead of me reading for him.<br /><br />It was a bit of work, since I had to take most of the pictures myself while we were working but it turned out really nice. Hope it will work when we use it in the future<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-20297355481877382342009-02-23T19:19:00.002+01:002009-02-23T19:22:29.140+01:00Getting ready to rumble...it's not that often that it happens. Actually, the last time little Peter was home sick with the flu, was about three years ago. But now, he's been puking is guts out and that pains a mother. So, I'm getting ready to rumble. Having been home alone with the guy this evening, I know what's coming. But there are worse things which I can imagine. Even if I won't think that when I'm in the middle of if.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-72031989546636805852009-02-22T21:12:00.002+01:002009-02-22T21:21:28.435+01:00Pain is temporaryWhen you've run the marathon, or given birth or almost died from gall bladder infection, you might think that you've conquered all. But then there are children. Who turns older and when they do so, they give parties. And to those parties they invite other children. And voilâ, you have the possibility to experience something really special.<br /><br />I know, my son loves the events and most parents just drop off their kids by this age but when a mother looks at me and says: you are so welcome to stay, who am I to say no? (I guess they know I'm not the type who just sits around but actually tries to control the kids.)<br /><br />So, instead of taking it easy for a couple of hours I spend the better part of a Sunday chasing my and other's boys and making sure no one dies or destroys something too valuable. 9 boys at ages 5 thorugh 7 is a little bit too much to enjoy. Combine this with suger and toys and you have hell on earth. Well, I did enjoy myself a little bit too, and the food was wonderful, but yes, hell on earth.<br /><br />But the fun thing was that when I was leaving the party, I realized that in the room where the boys had had a sound volume of an Iron Maiden concert for three hours, a little 6 months old baby was sound asleep. That is not fair! But, pain is temporary and now I have a week at work to get back on my feet again.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-39400129015604514292009-02-20T18:11:00.002+01:002009-02-20T18:23:21.372+01:00Suddenly FridayAnd so, it's finally Friday. This Friday is very welcome. It's been hectic at work and my arms need to rest from the heavy doors at work. And you don't become less tired from staying up too late to watch yesterday's Tour of California. But it's a pure joy to see Armstrong ride again. It's just a shame that in the state of Hollywood, that the TV production is so poor. It kind of interesting to know the gaps between the groups and time differences. But you can't everything and this makes me long even more for summer. But until then I'll just enjoy this weekend.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-82186720371204361482009-02-19T20:10:00.003+01:002009-02-19T20:15:28.199+01:00SoftyThe previous week has been a constant run between floors at work. And the other day I woke up with sore arms. It felt like I'd been exercising my upper body. But I hadn't and I couldn't understand what was happening. Was it the flu? Back at work I understood what was going on. The heavy doors at work. My runner's body wasn't used to the weight of them. I've not exercised my upper body since Vasaloppet in 2001. It's rather embarrassing that a person who runs almost 30k a week and gives spinning classes once a week has so poor strength. To my defence, I've been opening those doors at least 20 times a day, which is much more often than the guys who just leaves the rooms for lunch. Being agile at work is affecting meAnna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-76970210858137690922009-02-15T18:40:00.003+01:002009-02-15T18:44:37.426+01:00Jewellery for the smart girl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_155x125.57392978.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 125px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_155x125.57392978.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />(Agile stuff can be found on <a href="http://painistemporaryfailurelastsforever.blogspot.com/%28Agile%20stuff%20can%20be%20found%20on%20http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/%29">http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/</a>)<br /><br />Jewellery is a statement. A statement of religion, taste and wealth. So, if you're a smart girl, why not show it by wearing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5240135&section_id=5265740">Etsy wearable art</a> with a statement? An alternative to rocks, minerals and religious symbols.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-27310007271547609192009-02-15T15:06:00.004+01:002009-02-15T15:12:30.895+01:00Welcome back!It was almost surreal this morning when we watched the recording of yesterday night's Tour of California. Yes, the man is back again in the saddle and he didn´t disappoint me. I'm just glad that I spotted the news that Swedish Eurosport for the first time is broadcasting Tour of California. But who won, besides me who got to see the show again? Fabian Cancellara was a secure winner of the day.<br /><br />Here are some nice photos and reports from the event which will go on until February 22th.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2009/feb09/california09/?id=results/california090">http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2009/feb09/california09/?id=results/california090</a><br /><br />NB: And for you who does not have a clue of what I'm talking about: Lance Armstrong is back in the pack again. The objective is to raise even more money to cancer research and to return to Le Tour de France this summer. I hope the hotel in Rhodes has Eurosport...Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-82850610773738901052009-02-14T22:05:00.002+01:002009-02-14T22:46:19.985+01:00Absolutely tired of winter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_VB3zG_FDalJvSM-VFAai2tRQ6KglYnAA69da1vovRCx8bcbuLaX6ymATgI_h5WpINTPvi0M0iEhGTftZHE-v53McVZ2iMlZbawFTwdgmmzc1vW40_f_NHDYbcGbj3p170IoP3QABHs/s1600-h/IMAG0101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_VB3zG_FDalJvSM-VFAai2tRQ6KglYnAA69da1vovRCx8bcbuLaX6ymATgI_h5WpINTPvi0M0iEhGTftZHE-v53McVZ2iMlZbawFTwdgmmzc1vW40_f_NHDYbcGbj3p170IoP3QABHs/s320/IMAG0101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302772625179682258" border="0" /></a><br />I cannot stop being amazed by the fact that my ancestors took the trouble to walk from the warmth of the south to get here. I hate winter and snow. I guess it's tolerable for a few weeks but now I'm really fed up with bulking up with clothes when running, that it's icy out and that it's just a mess with this winter.<br /><br />So, I'm dreaming of summer. And warmth. I'm the sort of person who never turns on the air conditioning, even if I'm in Florida in the midth of summer. I guess when it's over 105F, I start to think it's annoying (even if runs are best at about 85-90F). I've just booked the summer vacation. TUI's new resort in Rhodes, our first environmentally friendly!<br /><br />It's called <a href="http://www.atlanticahotels.com/article.php?id=190">Blue Village Atlantica Aegean Park</a> and it will be interesting to see we combine a concept with All Inclusive with environmentally sustainable.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-46657187894412822052009-02-12T20:21:00.002+01:002009-02-12T20:25:18.564+01:00And of course I'm celebrating 200 years sinceCharles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln was born<br /><br /><span class="body">Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.</span><br /><span class="bodybold"> <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesdar141357.html">Charles Darwin</a> </span><br /><br /><span class="body">Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.</span><br /><span class="bodybold"> <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/abrahamlin109275.html">Abraham Lincoln</a> </span>Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-44696677096796872062009-02-10T21:57:00.004+01:002009-02-10T22:01:12.273+01:00New stuff tomorrow(Agile stuff can be found on <a href="http://painistemporaryfailurelastsforever.blogspot.com/%28Agile%20stuff%20can%20be%20found%20on%20http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/%29">http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/</a>)<br />Since not just one but two new colleagues are coming with to my spinning session during the lunch, I hastely decided to change the program completely. One of the guys is probably taking Etapé de Tour this year (riding the worst day of The Tour) and the other guy is riding the Tour of Flanders for not professional riders. Two of the most amazing cycling events for non pro's... So, I'm adding some spice to tomorrow's ride. Hope all goes well.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-51172623595217671732009-02-10T21:55:00.001+01:002009-02-10T21:56:41.648+01:00Just think about it and smile<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thisisindexed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/card2037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 754px; height: 460px;" src="http://thisisindexed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/card2037.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-51135481104562092292009-02-08T08:53:00.003+01:002009-02-08T09:01:05.226+01:00Hands free<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.ted.com/468971400_s10_klingvall_davidson_d72_6970.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 190px;" src="http://blog.ted.com/468971400_s10_klingvall_davidson_d72_6970.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>(Agile stuff can be found on <a href="http://painistemporaryfailurelastsforever.blogspot.com/%28Agile%20stuff%20can%20be%20found%20on%20http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/%29">http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/</a>)<br /><br />www.ted.com is one of my favorite web places for challenging the way I view upon the world. Swedish <a href="http://blog.ted.com/2009/02/twitter_snapsho_10.php">Lena Maria Klingwall</a> is no exception. With what we would consider 'being born with just one full limb', she has accomplished more than many born without visible handicap. Let's say its telling when she says she was born 'Hands free'.<br /><br />What is also very telling is that a person referred to as a Swedish mega star was completely unknown to me before reading about her on Ted.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-52110439538741842912009-02-07T18:33:00.003+01:002009-02-07T18:45:58.801+01:00Changing the world - Bill Gates talks about world health and teaching<object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/embed/BillGates_2009-embed_high.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/BillGates_2009.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=451"><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/embed/BillGates_2009-embed_high.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/BillGates_2009.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=451" width="446" height="326"></embed></object> <p> Bill Gates is always interesting to listen to but here he shows his skill spreading information about the need for a continued struggle for world health and education. Not through antroposofic stupidity but things that really work.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-1522729597108491172009-02-07T16:41:00.004+01:002009-02-07T16:47:19.879+01:00The morning rain(Agile stuff can be found on <a href="%28Agile%20stuff%20can%20be%20found%20on%20http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/%29">http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/</a>)<br /><br />When it's in the middle of the Swedish winter and it's snowy outside and it's around six in the morning, you expect that the stuff falling from the sky is snow. But not yesterday. The morning run was performed in a chilly rain on a icy track on the way to work. I was fortunate that I thought it was colder, so I didn't freeze, but the speed was not what I'd wanted.<br /><br />But anyway, I got going and the good thing about lousy weather and icy roads is that you have things to focus your thoughts on. I didn't even reflect on the longest upcline since I was focusing on stayin on my feet. After that, a small smile spread on my face and the rest was a piece of cake.<br /><br />Another lesson is that leaving the run for another day does not make it better. Having done all my weekly runs by Friday I could sit this Saturday and just smile at the even rainier and icier outside climate.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-37961337017549549102009-02-01T16:08:00.003+01:002009-02-01T16:17:00.830+01:00PC Suite... Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnuaFxK8f1JGYaG5OFrxV2SIupKN2Y6LdOFuMat_IgcITJ1Y9cwbs6i6Ku_sH4Ysw7ozerht7oiXYgSxeqWjlIIFnzLXQLZCAGZiY48ixMD7uw-7Nq7CNYs5tN095R_mYWm1AD3GidcA/s1600-h/2589632633_35f3b1ab37_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnuaFxK8f1JGYaG5OFrxV2SIupKN2Y6LdOFuMat_IgcITJ1Y9cwbs6i6Ku_sH4Ysw7ozerht7oiXYgSxeqWjlIIFnzLXQLZCAGZiY48ixMD7uw-7Nq7CNYs5tN095R_mYWm1AD3GidcA/s320/2589632633_35f3b1ab37_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297846484714121410" border="0" /></a><br />When it was time to select a phone for my new job, I selected th E71 from Nokia. Not that I liked it best, it's just that testing using different devices are a good thing and now I have three different devices.<br /><br />When my first reaction on the UI on the Sony Ericsson i770 was that I liked it and understood it, my reaction to the Nokia was next to horror. How was I supposed to stand this ugly, unintuitive UI? Well, I'm getting used to it.<br /><br />But now it comes to syncing with my PC and hey, they are using PC Suite. Sweet. At last someone has done some thinking and they're using the same software. You wish. Sony Ericsson uses Sony Ericsson PC Suite (currently version 4.0) and Nokia uses Nokia PC Suite (version 7.1).<br /><br />So, now I'm installing yet another instance of the software from hell. And now I have to quit. Yes, this is Windows Vista but you have to restart your computer to continue. So, to be continued. Because there is a good chance there is a second part of this story.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-56399190403445805252009-02-01T08:04:00.003+01:002009-02-01T08:34:45.999+01:00Why do you bother?(Agile stuff can be found on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%28Agile%20stuff%20can%20be%20found%20on%20http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/%29">http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/</a>)<br /><br />As I covered earlier, I'm taking classes in Informatics this spring. The schedule is tricky, I'm working full time and try to spend as much time as possible with the family and also to have some kind of social life. Studying adds a lot of complexity to this puzzle. But I guess it's self selected.<br /><br />Since I've been working with Informatics in some form for over ten years and with a previous bachelor's degree, this could probably have been a work in the park doing these basic courses. But then, I cannot help getting involved.<br /><br />Having worked with training and usability for so many years, I get pretty disappointed at courses in the area of for example usability to present sad examples of just that. The tool that is used for the online course (WebCT, Blackboard) is terrible. I don't know if Mittuniversitet is using a very old version but if this is the best of online training systems of the day, the market should be open for new actors.<br /><br />Then when it comes to the actual classes, the quality of the small things are so poor. For example, instructions in some cases has been written in one paragraph and is almost impossible to read (if the text is a decimeter in height and 1,5 decimeter in width, separating the text in different paragraphs is a good thing..) Word documents sent out to be used as templates are so poorly built that they are rather a hinderence than help. How someone in an academic environment today can fail in making heading numbers is a mystery. Either they lack basic computer and usability skills or they lack a sense of quality. What pride do you have in your work if you don't bother about these rather simple things? It's no wonder that one of the principles for lean software development is: Build quality in.<br /><br />So, what do I do? I complain and I discuss. I simply state: this is not good enough! As a customer, I require being respected and presenting poor tools, outdated theories and low usability is showing lack of respect.<br /><br />My husband wondered why I bother. And the reason is not as simple like I have to complain. I think I have a responsibility too. Yes, my primary objective of the classes was learning something new. But I also have the responsibility that with my experience try to make some changes to the classes. New students have nothing to compare with. But I have, and this is below the standard of what you can expect. And I want to say that both to the teachers and the other students.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-40386552169565663712009-01-31T19:58:00.000+01:002009-01-31T19:59:22.193+01:00Just plain cute<object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8vNxjwt2AqY&border=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8vNxjwt2AqY&border=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object>Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175935543718355604.post-28242304614461957432009-01-30T21:53:00.002+01:002009-01-30T22:01:57.269+01:00First spinn of the year(Agile stuff can be found on http://annaforss.spaces.live.com/)<br /><br />Finally, I held my first spinning session on Wednesday. It was over a month ago and the legs felt kind of soggy. A new colleague hanged along and since he knows how to ride a bike, he was really with me over the mountains and on that yellow field where we test sprinting.<br /><br />After the spinning session, I felt slightly dizzy. I guess I need more fluids than I'm drinking. I haven't thought about me needing more from screaming and speaking while having the spinning sessions. I need to get that right. Well, after some refilling with water I got back to my old self. Or at least I thought that.<br /><br />During this morning's run to work I could feel the cycling in the legs. It was quite cold (-7C) and the legs didn't feel right. For some reason I run a bit faster as well. So, it felt hard. Having meetings all day I wondered if I could stay focused the whole day. But since all the meetings were interesting and active, I soon forgot about that and had a normal day.<br /><br />This weekend, I'm really going to take it slow. Really slow.Anna Forsshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08690396274604876485noreply@blogger.com0