I recently got into watching the tv series called House M.D and I can't seem to stop. I have to say that it is fabulous. Fast-paced,compelling and thought-provoking. Definitely not for hypocondriacs that's for sure. The British actor Hugh Laurie is so believable as the sarcastic american medical genius who heads a team of diagnosticians at a teaching hospital. Each episode shows an even more bizarre case which has to be solved as well as showing us the personal lives of the characters and how they face situations. I can't wait to see seasons 3 and 4.

You have an a great life, and you consider yourself very lucky.Although you're thankful for what you have, you know you're also a bit of an underdog.You are modest, authentic, and sincere. You don't boast... if anything, you're self deprecating.You aren't formal, and people consider you to be very approachable. You remain relaxed and casual in any situation

Alphabet Quiz

A. Attached or single? Single
B. Best friend? I am blessed with great friends including my koumbara
C. Cake or pie? Definitely cake preferably chocolate
D. Day of choice? TGIF:Friday.
E. Essential item? My cell unfortunatley I am addicted
F. Favorite colour?Purple
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy bears, esp. Haribo ones :-)
H. Hometown? Athens,Greece
I. Favourite indulgence? A manicure,buying CDs. And ice-cream.
J. January or July? July because I love to sit on my ass;_0
K. Kids? Not yet.Have to find prince charming still
L. Life isn’t complete without? A good job, a good man and good friends. Have to agree with you on that one.
M. Marriage date? At some time during 2009 if you have anyone to recommend:-)
N. Number of brothers and sisters? Only child
O. Oranges or apples? Apples. Best thing about autumn
P. Phobias? Being burgled
Q. Quotes? C'est la vie
R. Reasons to smile? Listening to music while I am driving
S. Season of choice? Spring. I love it when everything blossoms and the sky seems a little bluer during that season.
T. Tag 5 people. I can only think of one person. You know who you are:-)
U. Unknown fact about me? I used to play the violin for 5 years when I was young
V. Vegetable? I love almost all of them. Yum.
W. Worst habit?Indecisiveness
X. X-ray or ultrasound? Ultrasound.
Y. Your favourite foods? Pizza, steak and all desserts especially ice-cream.
Z. Zodiac sign? Taurus through and through

High School reunion

On Saturday night I went to my High School reunion. It was held at an 80's club near Varkiza which was awesome. For weeks prior to this event, I changed my mind at least 20 times. Why you may ask? Well many things went through my head:Have I aged a lot? Will they think I'm successful enough?Will they judge me or feel sorry for me because I'm still single? I know you may think it's silly but these issues bothered me. I finally decided to go and I don't regret it. It was fantastic. I saw friends that I hadn't seen in a very long time, reconnected with people I had lost contact with and actually made friends with people with whom I never thought I'd have anything in common with. All in all, a very pleasant evening of catching up and dancing. Now I can't wait for our next one:-)

THe ultimate adventure film of the summer:WANTED

On Saturday night, some friends and I decided to go to a lovely outdoor cinema theatre and enjoy a film it the cool breeze. We went to AIGLI Tellas in Zappeio. This is a fantastic theatre surrounded by the National Gardens in downtown Athens. It's awesome because you have the opportunity to enjoy a film in a very greek way:Eating a souvlaki with a cold beer or glass of wine.
We decided to watch WANTED starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvory(cute)and the very talented Morgan Freeman. The film is about a young man named Wesley who feels like he hasn't accomplished anything in his life until he meets Fox and he is inducted into a fraternity of elite assassins of fate with superhuman abilities to kill . They can pull off Matrix-style stunts such as shoot their target as their car is flipping upside down and curve bullets so they can hit their targets with precision. The odd thing is that they get their orders from a loom. Yes you heard me correctly, Fate decides who has to die so as others can live.
This film is visually exciting and the actors are very persuasive in their roles but the plot was a bit confusing while some scenes where quite gruesome. If you are a fan of adventure and violence then you'll love it otherwise go watch Mama Mia:-)

The end of Summer

Every September is the same. It creeps up on you and you dread going back to the routine and pressure of work. That's how I feel this year. I can't believe the summer is over. I can't complain though as I had a full 6 weeks 0f holiday this year and 4 weeks of working part-time. Despite this I still avoid some of my students calls. I keep thinking to myself"Just a few days more and I'll be ready to face them again" :-) Don't get me wrong, I love my job but it can get too much at times.

Yesterday I went to a lovely cafe-bar near the seaside called Agnanti. It's absolutely lovely. There was a gorgeous breeze and I had one of those summer drinks.

It was marvellous. The one great thing about living in Greece is that you have the oppotunity to do this almost all year round.

So enjoy the last remnants of summer and recharge your batteries for a productive and satisfying winter. KALO XEIMONA everyone.

Yabanaki fun

Yabanaki is a private beach in Varkiza about 3o minutes from Dafni metro station to the south east of Athens. It is the perfect escape for people who don't have the ability to get away to an island during the summer and it is reasonably priced during the week. The entrance fee is 6 euro and the lounge chairs are free during the week but cost 9 euro durning the weekends. For those of you who don't have the chance to go to an island this year,it's perfect. You feel as if you are somewhere else. The sandy beaches and crystal clear waters(can't be sure it's clean though). Just sipping on a cold beverage like a freddo coffee while listening to music is a great way to relax after a hectic day in the office.
I really enjoy going there as I've made some friends whom I see almost daily, I get the chance to take a swim and read my book in peace. It usually gets rather crowded after 5pm but quite nice during the day especially at around 10-12. But don't forget your sunblock as the sun is usually very strong at that time and you can easily get sunburnt.
Have a great summer everyone!!!

A little personal quiz

How old are you?
Late 30's
How many musical instruments can you play?
I used to play the violin but haven't touched it in over 20 years.
How many countries have you lived in?
Just 2. Greece and Canada.
How many schools have you attended?
Seven - 2 primary, 3 secondary, 1 college & 1 university.
How many boyfriends/girlfriends have you had?
Three boyfriends and two who I would have kissed but where never my boyfriends.
How many years since you last played on a swing?
A very long time ago. I must have been 11 or 12.
How many bones have you broken?
I've broken my arm and fractured my ankle. I've had multiple cuts and bruises as well. A bit wild as a child.
How many siblings do you have?
None.
How many home's have you had?
Five.
How many people have you kisses?
At least five but I was a big kisser as a kid.
How many languages do you speak?
English,Greek some French but I can curse in Italian.
How many times have you been in love?
Twice but had my heart broken both times. Infatuation is another story. I've got a crush on two guys at the moment but neither is really interested:-(

Is Paros the new Mykonos?

One topic or conversation in Greece is:Where are you going this summer? What I fuond interesting is that most of my friends and acquiantances said Paros. I've been to this island three times and it is beautiful. Paros is situated in the Cyclades island. It is an island full of natural beauty,picturesque villages,hospitable people and fantastic nightlife. There many things to do on Paros apart from swimming. There are a few historical sites as well as a lovely Byzantine church which is built over the ruins of an ancient temple. The taverns are full of fresh and tasty food especially for those of you who enjoy fresh fish,you'll definitely love Paros. The island is full of lovely cafes and bars as well like the one below. Captain Iannis in Piso Livadi has a breath-taking view of the marina and is especially beautiful at sunset. The cafe/bar is lively and fun at night as well. The owner is a Greek-Canadian woman who is friendly and with a great sense of humour.Paros is the ideal island for those of you who want to party and for those of you who want to relax and enjoy the summer. All you have to do is find the right place for you. Hey, maybe I'll go for a weekend too.

The Greek Museum

Last week I met up with a freind visiting from Torontoand we went to the Archaeological Museum on Patision.I was happily surprised as many changes have occurred. There were new exhibits including one on Ancient Egypt. I really enjoyed it(more thatn my friend I think). I can't wait for the new Acropolis museum to open in September-October.

The artwork and artifacts from Santorini is exceptional. I'd love to visit the museum there as well to see what else they have found from the cities which had been buried in lava during the volcanic explosion.

It's a real shame that we don't promote our cultural heritage more. I mean I only found out about Delos island between Tino and Myconos a few years ago and was in awe at the magnificent artifacts taht can be seen there. It's an entire island full of artifacts from different eras and civilisations. It is definitely a "must see"for those of you who are interested in history.

Beautiful Edinburgh

The final leg of my journey was Edinburgh. It is such a magical city. If it weren't for all the tourist you'd feel as if you were in a city during the 18th century. The walk up the Royal Mile to the castle was fantastic. The streets were filled with street performers,tourist shops and men in kilts:-) From on top of the castle,you have a breath-taking view of the city. I only wish I had had more time to explore the closes while I was there. Maybe next time

The castle is amazing. You can see the dungeons were prisoners were held and the conditions in which they lived. You can see the Crowned Jewels which are exquisitely detailed. We were quite lucky because we were there to watch the firing of the canon.

We were lucky enough to meet William Wallace as well. For those of you who have seen Braveheart you'll know who I mean. This guy was very informative and sweet. He even showed us what a Scotsman has under his kilt. Oh you dirty little minds:-) Not that. He showed us his tattoo of the Scottish symbol.

Lovely London

The second leg of my trip was to London. I stayed with two of my dearest friends whom I thank very much for more than their hospitality.I had a wonderful time taking in all the sights and lifestyle of London.On the first day we went up on the London Eye which was a real treat as it was a beautiful,clear day.Plus we did a little shoppping on Oxford Street.(You've got to love the sales in London. I know all Greek people do)The next day I went to the British museum. I've been there before but it always blows my mind at what you can see there. Artifacts from all over the world under one roof. It is something that anyone living or visiting London should see. I could have spent hours walking through the exhibitions.

On the next say I went to Madame Tussaud's wax museum . I know it's a bit touristy and not authentic English but well worth it. It is amazing how lifelike some of the figures seem. I won't go it to detail what most people where doing but it wasn't very nice(Oh Brad where have you been all my life??:-)But the best experiences in London were afternoon tea and going to see Mama Mia. I just loved sitting in a posh hotel atrium sipping delicious tea and eating scumptious sandwiches and scones. Yummy.As for Mama Mia, it was amazing and unforgettable. You knows, maybe I'll get the chance to see it again soon:-)London is a wonderful city with so much to do,see,experience and taste. It is somewhere that everyone so visit at least once in their lives. Plus ther is so much renovating and construction going on for the 2012 Olympics that it will be a totally different city in a few years and worh re-vsiting.

The first leg of my trip this summer was Paris. I had always been a bir worried about visiting France as I had heard horror stories of the French being rude and obnoxious to people who didn't speak their language which was the furthest from the truth. I was happily surprised that the French are very nice and accomodating people. My French is abysmal but even a few words are appreciated. Everyone from the waiters to the shop assistants to simple people on the street were friendly and made an effort to help me out. As for the city?Well what can I say,I could easily live there for a year and not experience all that Paris has to offer. The sights were beautiful, the museums exceptional,the food delicious and the weather, as you can see, amazing. Two things I wasn't crazy about was the Metro as it was very confusing and dirty and the tiny hotel rooms.Even though everyone who has seem where we stayed has said that it was quite large for Paris standards.I will definitely be visiting Paris in the near future and hopefully other parts of France as well as I believe there is so much to experience and see as well as taste:-)

Mama Mia

I recently returned from an awesome vacation to London where I had the opportunity to do some fantastic things one of which was go to a play. Not any play mind you but Mama Mia. I have to admit I was a bit sceptical about going as the tickets were quite expensive but after watching this play I would easily give that kind of money again and then some. The actors were brilliant. Their voices clean and melodic,their performances exceptional to say the least. I can't believe they did all that running around and dancing while singing. It was an amazing experience being there. At first a few of the audience sang along(including my friend Eleni and myself)but by the end the entire audience were on their feet clapping and singing along. Great fun. If any of you are in London or anywhere else where the play is on, you should definitely not miss the chance to experience the great songs of ABBA and a wonderful performance.I even bought the CD and am driving my neighbours crazy playing it and singing along:-)

Bryan Adams-11

Yes, it's true Bryan Adams has finally come out with a new CD. It's been a while since we've heard from this Canuck but he's done it again. This CD is a combination of rock and ballad in that sexy hoarse voice. As you can see, I love his music. Not to mention that he looks better than every.

If you like Bryan's earlier work I am sure you'll love this CD. I especially like I tought I'd seen everything, we found what we were looking for, she's got a way and walk on by.

I think he is amazing. Going to check to see when he will be playing in Europe, maybe he'll come our way and if not I am sure I can catch him in London if he will be touring during the summer..

I went to the theatre last night to watch a play called "Parakalo,as meinei metaxi mas".It was quite good even though some parts were quite annoying and a bit confusing as well. It was 3 hours long and my butt got numb. It dragged in the beginning but the events totally flew in the second half which made it rather hard to follow. Here is a small extract from a critic:
υπόθεση απλή: Μια πρωταγωνίστρια μετά από σειρά αποτυχιών λόγω εμμονής σε ποιοτικό ρεπερτόριο, αποφασίζει να ανεβάσει έργο επιτυχημένου τηλεοπτικού διδύμου. Η συμφωνία κλείνεται και αποφασίζεται και μια υποτυπώδης υπόθεση του έργου που θα γράφεται παράλληλα με τις πρόβες. Η πρωταγωνίστρια ερωτεύεται τον μικρότερο της συμπρωταγωνιστή, νεαρό εμφανίσιμο αλλά ατάλαντο μέχρι που ανακαλύπτει ότι αυτός την απατά με μια νεαρή που παίζει στον ίδιο θίασο. Σε μια στιγμή απελπισίας τον απειλεί με το σκηνικό όπλο και τον σκοτώνει. Έντρομη συνειδητοποιεί ότι τελικά το όπλο δεν ήταν ψεύτικο, πανικοβάλλεται, εξαφανίζει το πτώμα με τη βοήθεια της κολλητής της και απεγνωσμένα ζητάει με πρόσχημα την πλοκή του έργου που έχει φτάσει σε αδιέξοδο μια δραματουργική λύση απ’ τους συγγραφείς που με τη σειρά τους έχουν περιέλθει σε τέλμα αφού δεν μπορούν να βρουν την ανατροπή για το φινάλε κι όλα αυτά παράλληλα με την ανεξήγητη εξαφάνιση του νεαρού πρωταγωνιστή απ’ τις πρόβες και τις έρευνες ενός αστυνομικού…
I have to say that Marinos and Balanika were great in contrast to everyone else who was mediocre to say the least.
All in all, a decent evening mainly because I was with friends and I had a drink afterwards:-)
Believe me I've seen worse:-) You know what I mean;-)

Why is it so easy(and enjoyable )to put on weight and such a struggle to lose it?I recently started dieting with the help of a dietician and it has been a bit difficult. She's given me a variety of foods but unfortunately they don't taste as good as chocolate and pizza. I have to admit though that ever since I started eating healthier, I've noticed a boost in my energy levels,I absorb information better and I'm more productive. Not to mention that I have lost 4kg in two weeks.

It's funny though that for some reason this time I am more disciplined and I follow it to the T. Even if I stray just a little I feel guilty and I don't. Let's see how it goes. Hopefully by summer I will be svelter and healthier because that is what is most important.

Keep you informed of my progress:-)

It's tue!It snowed in Athens. It was absolutely beautiful. In other areas of Greece and even Athens the snow was at least a metre high. Everything was covered in clean white snow. It looked magical. And then....

The snow started to melt slowly so people thought it would be great to walk outside. That's a great idea if you are wearing suitable shoes. Within a day 230 people had broken hands, legs and hips. The ice only melted today because the temperature went up to 14 degrees and made the roads relatively safe to drive on.

Spring is around the corner now. Oh well, it was good while it lasted:-)

I think this is so true:-)

Meme

Two names you go by… Spyridoula(don't ask) and Indie

Two things you are wearing right now… PJ bottoms and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Very sexy:-)

Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship… Laughter and understanding

Two of your favorite things to do… Watching DVDs and taking quizzes

Two things you want very badly at the moment… faster internet and something sweet

Two pets you have or have had… had a turtle and a goldfish (I think I need a pet which will vocalise its needs)

Two things that you did last night… Took nice shower and e-mailed friends

Two people you think will fill this out… Tinsie(who did) and Loops

Two things you ate today… chicken and salad and a small bar of dark chocolate

Two people you last talked to… Too many to count: Angel and Penny

Two things you’re doing tomorrow… Visit a friend in the morning and then go to work till 10:30

Two longest car rides… Once coming back from Tripolis it took me 6 hours instead of two and once coming back from university it took me 2 hours due to bus strike.

Two favorite holidays… Easter and Christmas

Two favorite beverages… Cappuccino(Caldo or Freddo) or tea(Earl Grey or Ceylan)

Two people no longer alive who you’d like to talk to… My cousin Kosta and my dad

Oh Canada

Lately I've found myself feeling homesick for Canada. I haven't lived their in more than 20 years but I still feel very connected to this place. Every so often I find myself wondering what my life would have been like if I had gone back. Would I have had a different job, got married, been happy? Don't get me wrong, I like my life here. I love my friends, enjoy my job and feel rather content but I still wonder what I would have been like there. Do you feel like that T? I know that when I went back I missed being here and when I got back, it took me nearly a year to get over not being there. As the old saying goes: Whoever has lived in two countries, can never be truly satisfied(loosely translated). I guess the only thing I can do is visit every so often and be happy with that.

Blogthings - The Three Question Personality Test

Blogthings - The Three Question Personality Test: "Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF)


You are a passionate, caring, and unique person.
You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals.

You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily.
Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings.

You seek out other empathetic people to befriend.
Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships.

In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily.

At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career.

With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone.

As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style.

On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.





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Blogthings - The Three Question Personality Test

Blogthings - The Three Question Personality Test

Armaggedon?

Have you heard that a satellite has broken down and lost control of its functions?It is believed to enter the earth's atmosphere some time between mid-February and the beginning of March. I would think that something like that would disintregate when it hit the earth's stratosphere but evidently it won't. So there is fear that it may hit a populated area plus scientists are worried about the substances that it is caring. How dangerous can these substances be?I find this very strange. Don't you?

Home for the weekend

I usually work during the weekend which is a bummer but this weekend I am sick with a stuffy nose and sore throat so I stayed home. One good thing about this is I get to veg and read. At the moment I am reading: A short history of tractors in Ukranian.I had seen it in the book shops and knew but I didn't think I'd like it until of friend gave it to me for Christmas. So far it's quite funny and easy to read. Let you know what I think once I'm done.

Blood Diamond

Have you seen this film?If not, you really should.I've had this film for a few months but I hadn't had the time to watch it until Friday. I wanted to show my students something to make them think and be able to discuss about afterwards.I can truly say that it was riveting.It is about the diamond trade in Sierra Leon and the Congo. I couldn't believe the barbaric way in which both the government and the militia treat the people of these areas. It was shocking and eye-opening. I never want to own a diamond if it means that people are treated in this way.I highly recommend this film as it action-packed as well as educational.

Matthew Perrry is a Cutie

We all know and love him as Chandler Bing in Friends which is one of the all-time best tv shows ever made. He recently played in another tv show called Studio 60 on the sunset strip which was unfortunately cancelled. I really can't understand why though.The plot was different, the dialogue witty and the story was fast moving.I believe that Matthew is an amazing actor. He could play many roles easily if given the chance.

Well if you haven't watched this tv show, I recommend that you do and you won't be disappointed.

Caffeine

Tell me,is there anything better than a piping hot cup of coffee? Or is a Cappuccino Freddo more your cup of tea? Think of all the benefits. It helps us wake up in the morning, get over a hang-over, face a hectic day at work or even be the topic of conversation on an awkward first date. I wonder if there is an international day for coffee and if there isn't, there should be.

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I have no idea what i am doing