Confessions of a Party Girl

I might officially be a grown-up now. My midsummer was very nice and laid-back, instead of drunken crowds and binge drinking and late-night karaoke sessions it was all about spending lots of time in the kitchen cooking, picnics and other forms of outdoors life, and very moderate alcohol consumption. And I didn't mind at all! I suppose it's only healthy that when you start reaching 30, you find other ways of celebrating than being drunk out of your skull. (OK, some exaggeration there, but you get the point.) You also start appreciating being able to go jogging on midsummer Sunday morning, instead of crawling to the nearest shop for cola and chips.

Some years ago, I would have found this extremely sad, boring and middle-aged. Now I just find it refreshing. I've had some really great years being single and partying, and I wouldn't change it for the world. I think it's very advisable to enjoy life on your own when you're young, there'll be plenty of time for responsibilities and commitments later on in life. But it's also good to realise when it's time to move on, cause eventually, what's more sad - an ex party girl with Sunday morning workouts and lots of great memories, or a middle-aged party girl who doesn't realise the party's over?

But to get back to where I started, here's some pictures of my grown-up midsummer.

Pildammsparken in midsummer evening sun.

OK well some drunken crowds anyway...

Midsummer picnic. Strawberries and potatoes included!

Today, it was time to get back to reality - and my first radio broadcast. In my job as a news reporter, I've gotten used to short live broadcasts, and in the past I've also done some live reports. During my studies, I hosted some longer shows, but that was several years ago. (A funny detail: the last song I played on my last school radio show was the first song in today's broadcast. And our music is being chosen in Stockholm.) All in all, live broadcasts aren't exactly new to me, but I was still kinda nervous - there are all those buttons and slides and jingles and at the same time I need to sound like talking to the microphone is the only thing on my mind. But I'm happy to say that I didn't really fuck up, no wrong buttons or introducing the wrong interview or anything. And it was fun, once I got over my nerves. Can't wait to do it all again tomorrow!

After I left the office, I sat down at Gustav Adolfs torg, a marketplace in the heart of Malmö. I could suddenly see myself there, five years ago, life flashbacks in a movie. There I was, going to that café after arriving at Malmö and checking in to the hostel I spent my first night in. And there I was a couple of months later, shopping for halloween accessories at H&M with some exchange student pals. And here I was, going home after a day at work. In Malmö. Life sure has its twists and turns.

The one with the brown marquise is the one I'm talking about.

A little glimpse of Gustav Adolfs torg.

Malmö says over and out. Have a great week!

-Karoliina