Fourty and in a Twist

I just returned from fulfilling one of my birthday resolutions. I joined a gym, did a yoga/pilates-esque class, sweat, and smiled at my 40 year old body. Not bad, I said to myself (seen worse, definitely). Yes, it was a good way to celebrate my birthday. I resolved to enjoy my new home and become part of it.

Decade birthdays in Sweden are different. Having grown up in a family that did not make a big deal of birthdays, I think I notice it even more. It started with a little bio and picture of me in the Regional newspaper two days before I turned 40. Neighbors and our kid's teachers we congratulating me. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about that. This morning I woke to two smiling kids and fresh coffee being delivered by my wonderful husband (that much I expected). Followed by being rushed out of bed, thrown into my robe to go answer the door? There stood eight wonderful girlfriends singing happy birthday (the Swedish version), bearing breakfast and cake. Wow, now that was a surprise and a wonderful experience.

I feel blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. They never cease to amaze me. So I will stretch, twist, view the other side and enjoy the perspective while I am here (in the yogic sense and more).

A little bit of Happiness

With the stress levels peaking all around me, I feel the need to share my favorite Summer song with everyone, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Enjoy!!!

Moved and Moving

So much for setting up and family blog. I clearly haven't been updating this one. Summer went by without a blink. We moved into our new home in Västra Hamnen in May, then proceeded to keep up our frenetic life pace. I went to Asia to speak at several conferences for three weeks and Björn held down the fort. Then he headed of the US before I left to Scotland for a week. The kids finished school, and visitors came...

We headed over the Ocean to settle into our usual Summer routine on Naushon. Björn and I worked away in the office with a beautiful harbour view and delightful company during breaks aways from the computer. In five weeks, I think my feet hit sand maybe five times. But I felt more grounded that I have in the last year with my comfort zone surrounding me. The kids melted into one big family with the combined Bigham-Öste contingent. It is such a treat to see the kids so purely happy. It was worth every minute.

We arrived back in Sweden the day before the kids started in their respective schools. Hanna-Maria started with the first kindergarden (Förskolan)class ever in Västra Hamnen. Not much more than a trailer, but the teachers are great and she is happy as a clam. Oskar is back at Västra Skolan in Ettan (first grade) and learning to read (finally! Yeah!). They both have been getting a huge kick out of the Captain Underpants series we brought from the US. Nothing like a little potty humour before bedtime to finish the day with a smile.

Björn and I are back to work, busy as ever. After nearly three years, 2BalanceU finally went live. We are still tweaking the launch packets, so no major traffic anticipated yet. But it is sure nice to see it finally taking form. Björn is busy selling Oatly far and wide (mostly wide). The US launch is within sight, and hopefully more exciting news to come shortly. The usual challenge of a dual entrepreneur family is finding time to see each other. Good thing we love each other so much. We each feel such pride in the other and that helps a great deal in understanding.

Oh yes, and I must publicly say that my big sister has certainly gotten the last laugh on me. (Thanks Suki) My 5 year old daughter seems to think that it is quite funny to sing the "I like big butts but I cannot lie" song that Suki taught her, everytime she sees one (big butt, I mean). Thank goodness we don't live in America. Usch, where is that etiquette filter when you need it?

Hedetoft is Brilliant

We're Moving

We're moving house, not far
So close we don't need the car

There's plenty of work to do
If we seem scrambled, well, it's true

The land of IKEA ,so much to build,
Levelers, spares, drills and holes filled

Little ones curiosity leads
To discovering lost treasures
Parents deceptive disposal
Sometimes takes drastic measures.

So wish us good luck
We will will emerge smiling
Once the leaks are all fixed
And the boxes stop piling

Another Shitty Day in the Office

Thank you Olivier for guiding us through a lovely day in Paradise. The sun was shining on Mont Blanc and our smiling faces. The Entrepreneurs' Therapy was a success. Despite the blisters that remain on my heels, I am feeling rejuvenated and ready to hit the ground running. It was sad to close up the chalet and say goodbye to Winter, but there is work to be done back home. It makes it all the more gratifying to see that this is what we earn when we work hard. So thank you to each of you for joining us on this adventure and we look forward to many more. Björn is off to spread his oats (Oatly that is) and I continue to build bridges for balance this time to Asia.