lately léna

Welcome to Sweden!

If you had told me, one year ago, that at this time next year I’d be waking up in the Swedish countryside to this view, I’d have laughed in your face. Yet, here I am.

As with almost everything in my life, this situation is only temporary (we are going to try to eventually buy an apartment in Uppsala), but I can’t tell you how excited I am to spend spring and summer here. Swimming in the lake (or, rather, watching Conrad and Win swim since I am a cold water wimp-extraordinaire), hiking along forest trails, growing herbs and flowers outside my window, grilling with our neighbors, stargazing from our hammock, and so much more.

Of course, most of these fantasies do NOT include the foot and a half of snow that is currently surrounding us…but I can wait. After all, spring is coming!

This is not to say our living situation is perfect (ha!). Our shower has the floor space of an upright coffin, juuuust perfect for a claustrophobe like me. We are about 20 mins (by car) to central Uppsala, a vast improvement from the 1.5+ hour commute I was doing twice a day, but still not exactly ‘central’. We are very limited on space, and we have a slightly tricky, rickety staircase that I am just waiting to tumble down. But it’s home for now, and it is perfect for us. Not to mention that Winston has literally NEVER been happier in his entire life; he has miles and miles of forest to explore, numerous other dog friends/neighbors, kids who love him next door, and a lake less than 5 mins walk away.

So, for now, I am practicing daily gratitude for this wonderful life. It’s messy and imperfect and all-over-the-place, but beneath all that it is wonderful and I am very lucky.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xxLena