I’m finally going to have a magnetic scan of my knee tomorrow which I can hardly wait. I actually can’t believe that one whole month has passed since my injury and only now the insurance company has agreed to pay for the scan. What ever needs to happen after that has to be again decided separately. I think it’s unbelievable. They called me just before the Christmas holidays and I couldn’t get an appointment for the scan but still – so slow and inefficient. They also have kind of let me understand that it’s not that clear what they cover and what not… Anyway, tomorrow I’ll know better about the condition of my knee. But it’s been really annoying not to be able to exercise properly. Frustrating!

My daughter got new skates for Christmas and yesterday we went ice-skating. I obviously couldn’t skate but it was fun and she did very well. It wasn’t that freezing but it was a bit windy so it felt quite brisk on the face. Other than that I’ve tried to relax and read, sleep and read… I’ve read three books and I’m especially proud of finally finishing Zadie Smith’s On Beauty. I was reading that book for months, never having time to concentrate on it properly, feeling too exhausted or just struggling with it. But I couldn’t leave it without finishing it. So I finished that first and felt really relieved as that book has haunted me for months. I still don’t understand why some people call it a master piece! It didn’t do anything for me. Actually, I tried to read it probably already last year, but had to give up then… Anyway, I have a pile of books waiting next to my bed as we borrowed a ton of books from the library before Christmas and also some dvd’s. It was nice to see Filth & Wisdom – some very good music on the film! Now I’m reading Erlend Loe’s Facts about Finland and I have some Hanif Kureishi also waiting…

I always cook the traditional Christmas casseroles from swedes, carrots, beetroots and potatoes. I’m delighted to see that my children eat them but it’s really not the case with everyone. We’ve had quite a crowded house for some days and I find it a bit disturbing when young people are so fussy about food. It’s almost rude. And sometimes I think it’s ignorance. I know I shouldn’t care too much but I’m a bit hysterical about good food…

 I’ve admired the woolen socks that Aila has knitted and wondered if I should take out my needles. But maybe that it too ambitious as I have so much unfinished work I should get back to. I’ll have to think about it!

Johanna