When is it Time to End Your Blog?

"There are times to blog and there are times to stop blogging, especially if blogging interferes with the rest of your life. And there are times when you don’t need to stop blogging, you just need to take some time out from blogging to deal with your life. Then you can return to blogging."

"If you find yourself blockquoting everyone else and not writing anything original, stop blogging. Find your own voice and say what you want to say. You can quote others and use their words to highlight your point of view and help your commentary, but don’t just blockquote and echo what everyone else is blogging about. Let your blog be you and your voice or stop blogging."

I realized that I don't have fun nor the time in writing posts anymore, I don't have subjects to write over anymore. I think when you struggle that you 'must' write a post, then it's better to stop writing and close the blog. I really had fun writing this blog, it helped me aswell trough a rough period in my life. I saw and read aswell how I build up my life again, it's done now, I feel complete. 

By ending this blog I also confirm that my life is complete, uhm, ofcource and I'm sure there will be more things to achieve, I have more goals. Though the're all fun things. Maybe one day I will be back with writing, but it won't be in this blog. When I do come back to here, I will be reading trough it. Just to re-live the memories. It was fun and it was good, but here's the end! Au revoir! * Insert BIG smile!* 

Hello November (Part 2)

Hello November (Part 2) 

The Autumn really kicked in recently. A week or two ago it was colorful and sunshine Autumn weather, a huge Autumn storm came and destroyed the colorful images, there's not much left of the colorful leafs on the trees. City cleaners cleaned up the streets and the leafs are all gone. Or you go to a forest here, there might be a chance to find the beauty of Autumn. There has been a lot of rain recently aswell, and more rain is on it's way. Although that, I have plans to go out tomorrow, I need a few thick sweaters! 

Just the sweaters and then I'm done for this season, my favorite sweater shrunk in the was last week. I washed it on a to high temperature, sigh! I know a few good clothing stores where they have good prices, it will be good. And guess what, I'm getting a new 'buddy,' just like I had last year. Though my last years 'buddy' wasn't a success. I thought, "That, never again!" But yeah, cheers to the next buddy, it all came out of know here two weeks ago. I was in a conversation with someone while having my free dinner. Then the subject 'socializing' came up. I told my story and said that I'm still looking for a bit more socializing in my life, though it was though to find something. 

A guy who was one of the organizers from the free dinners who heared our conversation recently started a project called  'Buddy wanted,' sounds familiar, lol. After hesitation a few weeks, I said yes, and signed myself in. "What do I have to loose, right? What is a buddy?  A 'buddy' is someone who visits you once a week or once in two weeks, together we will work on my socializing events, going out or visit something, a event or whatever. A buddy can aswell help me with finding something to do during the week or weekend. He can help me to find a club or help me to join a sport, give tips or instructions, etc, etc. 

I use to do 'that' kinda thing on my own but without success. Now, I'm NOT a lonely person, and certainly NOT a unhappy person. My life made a complete tumble after I returned from Canada, I can now say (after a long time) in a good way. It's only I still need just that 'little thing' more to full fill my weekly or weekend wishes. I'm in need of a bit more socializing, more people around me, you name it. I miss still kinda that. Most of the time I'm just happy with the things I do and what I have around me, but so now and then there are moments when I think, "I need more company around me, more friends, etc, etc. 

The 'buddy' can possibly help me, if not? Well, then not, I have nothing to loose. Upcoming Wednesday I will have a appointment with one of the organizers of 'Buddy wanted,' it's all good. Further any news? No, not that much, work is going well, I still live in my villa, lol, my income is okay, (I get around, and that's all I need) though I called in some help for filling in my taxes. That will be also this upcoming Wednesday, just to be sure of things and that I'm not doing or filling in the wrong answers I called for help. It will be good... hopefully, lol! 

Hello November!

Hello November! 

Perhaps once a month writing a post is alright, it's for sure not the same as writing everyday a post. Do I miss writing daily? Yes, and no, yes, because it gives that finished feeling about a blog. Because writing a post so now and then wasn't my goal, so now I have that un-finished feeling, lol. And no, because it was a tough job to write every day, not having to write daily does give kinda a relieved feeling. What have I been upto the last few weeks or month... 

Uhm, well, I confirmed a trip to Barcelona, Spain, woot! My goal was to go by plane somewhere, but that didn't work out. A suddenly bankrupted company made it impossible to go anywhere with a plane, I could, but that would have cost me alot of money. More money then what my limit was. My goal was aswell to travel during the Christmas season, within that season it was tough to book a trip. It seemed that the whole world would be spending Christmas outdoors. So, yeah, the travel agency (store) I went to for booking a trip wasn't successful. 

I went online and went to the same travel company where I went with the last two years, they have all kinda trips, like excursion trips, single trips, theme trips, city trips, and so on and on. It's easy to book a trip with them online, the only thing I didn't like that they don't do plane trips. Every trip they have is by bus, I booked the Barcelona trip within five minutes. Traveling to Barcelona by bus is quit a distance, but okay, there wasn't another option, disappointed? No way! I'm excited to go! I will be leaving on the 22th of December and return on the 30th of December. 

Eight days in Barcelona, Spain, celebrating Christmas. In 2011 I celebrated New Years in London and Christmas at home, in 2012 I celebrated New Years in Paris and Christmas at home. But this time I celebrate Christmas in Barcelona, and New Years at home. It's easier for me aswell because of work, the last two years I had to take a few days off after New Years, cause of my returning of my trip. I wasn't alowed to have days off anymore after New Years. It's a far drive to Barcelona.

The good thing is we have a stay over somewhere in France, the stay over breaks the long trip, and that's good. As always, I will be prepared for this trip, and as always when I'm ready to leave and lock my front door and headed with my suitcase to the 'departure' point my trip begins! The trip I booked will be again a excursion trip, in my eyes the best trips. Traveling with a group is always nice, and you get to see the best places and spots while on our way. It's all very well organized. 

Though, next year I will try and succeed to book a flying trip, it's just the amazing feeling to go high up in the air to go somewhere far. To be continued.... 

October!

October! 

It's been a while since I have been writing, I think I will always start with 'that' sentence when or if I'm going to write a post. Shame on me, perhaps I shouldn't even stopped with writing daily a post. But yeah, I did, and it's alright. What's been going on recently? Hmm, not that much. Been working and been doing my daily things. I like my daily rhythm during the week. It contains, work, the three free dinners, the two days off. I like drinking a coffee in a store called Hema, I do that mostly on Wednesday and sometimes on Saturday. Hema is a store like Wal-mart, only much, much smaller. It's fun to do and it's cheap aswell, for one Euro I get a coffee and a little cake. 

Ofcource I'm still searching for more things to do, you know, socializing and creating new friends. (Read: other kind friends) I even thought of taking dancing lessons, not that I can't dance, hmm, wait, I could need some more dance moves or styles, lol. Tango, rumba, salsa. Though it's not only dancing while taking lessons, I will be dancing with a group and get a dance partner (I think) I haven't got the guts yet to sign up for the dancing lessons, or got to it. Though 'that' will come. Sometimes I have to force myself to such things, it's a bad habit of me to chancel things or say to myself, 'I will do it tomorrow or next week.' 

Wrath prepairing part 1! 

Autumn has started, and I need to make a a few plans. One plan I succeed today, my Autumn wrath is hanging. (I have been challenged by a friend, lol, and I'm glad she did. Once I was creating the wrath I started to get excited, Now it's done, and I love it! I bought the wrath and a few items to decorate it, four litte bags of fake leafs, two little cushions and some other things. Most work was adding the leafs to the wrath. They were just loose plastic leafs, with nothing where I could attach it to the wrath. I used a needle and a long thread, put the needle with the treath trough the leafs and wrapped it around the wrath. 

Tadaaa! Autumn wrath done! 

Succes! It was quite a work but I managed it. It looks great. The wrath will come in handy for Christmas aswell, only a few other Christmas items and Im done. Another plan with this season is to go round and about and take 'Autumn' pictures. Just like last year I will visit a forest and shoot some photo's, I love that. Hopefully I won't end up in the same forest as last year, there are plenty other forests in Holland. Though to find them is a tough job. And the time to get to it isn't that easy aswell, work has been busy recently. Working extra half day's on Friday has kept me home and take it easy during the weekends. But anyway, one day I will be round and about snapping pictures. 

Criticism!

Criticism!

Today was one of the day's I guess at work, or it was national complain day. I think I wrote about it before, our foreman isn't always the nicest while working. Maybe I shouldn't even blame him to give criticism, it's busy and maybe it's all stress. I work hard and I always give a 100%, sometimes even more, I dislike making mistakes, I hate it. Though making mistakes are normal, people learn from it. Though in my foreman eye's I sometimes never learn, making one mistake is in his eyes ten mistakes. He sometimes makes it a huge problem and announcing it trough almost the whole factory. 

That makes it even worse towards me, it's busy, though I love my job and then I get sometimes over excited and work harder. But I know when to put the brakes on, my body gives a signal then. Today was a day of comments, criticism and sarcastic jokes. We were busy with a huge mat which had 6 parts, this mat needed to be filled with rubber, though job! I'm pretty fast with other material, but rubber? no! With rubber I don't need timing or drilling, lol. I have to take it easy and do it my way. 

I was proud of myself how far and fast I came with this huge mat, though with my foreman not really. He commented on the last part, asking me if I really could finish it before the coffee break. I told him I could if they don't bother me. Though he wasn't convinced, two other fellow workers came aswell with some jokes. I gave up and let them do it, ugh! I could finish it and I gave it 100%, but no. The 'complain' day had officially begun. I disliked it what they did and what they said, it was all jokes, but I didn't like it. After the coffee I worked harder to get rid of my anger and let them see I can work. 

My mood was 'f*&ck it. The work I did was okay and everything went well and fast. Though my foreman spotted a little mistake I made yesterday, three other fellow workers joined. It was actually nothing, just a little mistake. Though I disliked it ofcource, but I completely ignored it and went on with the work I did. "Just one of the days," I thought. The last our of the day a fellow worker stood up for me, not that a success, but okay. My foreman had a little inside joke with me, it was all jokes and it wasn't that much. Though the fellow worker commented on it, and told him the true. 

This fellow worker always rides home with me after work, we talk then about our working day. I tell about my day and what I went trough. Also sometimes about my foreman, today the fellow worker told him that. The foreman didn't like that, he called it 'gossip behind my back.' I can't talk that much with my forman or have the time to speak what bothers me with him, it's just to busy. Now there we were, busy with work, and unkind, angry,  disappointed forman, and there's me, upset aswell and trying to find a solution for the situation. I came up with the idea towards him to have a little appointment with him. 

Me and him talking under four eyes Thursday morning 7:30 am.  He agreed and was kinda relieved though still a bit upset, I think I did the right thing. I can tell what is bothering me, I can tell my story. He has probably something to tell me too, who knows. He's a though guy, talking with him about serious stuff or something what bothers me isn't possible, he will joke around just to stay in his tough pose. Hopefully I can have a nice conversation with him upcoming Thursday. Nervous? Just a bit. He's a nice guy, he surely has his good side aswell, I have seen it many times. Though just that sometimes............. 

Here I am!

Here I am! 

I would never believe I would write this in my blog, but here it goes. It's been a while since I have been writing a post. There wasn't just much to write about, my life is going well. I mean, there's not much to tell, I'm doing well. I have a house, a job, here and there a few friends. Yeah, these friends, I wish ofcource I still I had a few more. My counselor told me aswell that I was doing well today, it was my last appointment with my counselor. I thought I needed counseling after my Dad passed away in February, though I was way to early with asking. But anyway, this counselor and I had a few appointments, in the last appointment he told me I didn't need grief counseling, I was doing well, and I agreed. 

I told in one of the appointments hat I was going on a journey aswell, (Athens, Georgia US) the counselor was all ears when I told him about my journey. "When you come back, I want to know how it went," he told me. So today I told about my adventure in the US to my counselor, and again, he was all ears, lol. Ofcource it was a adventure, a great adventure, a adventure I never wanted to miss. I told him aswell about my journey returning  home from the US, that I came back and really had difficulties with adjusting. He understood that, back to reality,back to be on my own again. I needed a few weeks to adjust, but in that time I realized that I needed more company around me. 

Just like I wished several months ago, you know, 'join a club, finding social contacts, get out more.' My first counselor advised me to be first happy with yourself being on your own, not forcing things to get social contacts, friends, if I make it a must it won't work. The counselor where I spoke with now told me quit the same, 'You can't buy or rent a friend, such things must go by itself. For example I join a club and I get in contact with other people, that's the way it goes. (I knew that) At the moment I'm quit adjusted, but AI know aswell there has to be a few changes, and there will be.. but everything on time. No rush, no force, no hasty things. It's going to be alright. 

Updating.

Updating. 

What can I write? There's not much to write recently, funny right that I haven been writing everyday for almost three years. Sometimes then aswell I didn't know what to write about, though I filled the post with words, lol. Life is going well, I slowly adjusted again after my trip to Atlanta, though this trip woke me up that there had to be done something, something with my social life. I'm working on it. I'm sure aswell that 'that' trip to Atlanta gets a second part, oh yes! The eight or nine days I was with Jan was good but there was aswell some disasters, let's do it over and better the next time, lol. 

Last weekend I rested once again, I'm saving up a few euro's for a decent day out. I waited extra for that day when I get my monthly paying, the weeks before my monthly paying I took it easy and just had a relaxed weekend. Aswell this weekend, I had my rest and did my weekly groceries. Also last weekend I went to a castle, lol. A castle? Yes, the only castle we have in our city. It was 'monumental' weekend in our city, monumental buildings were open to visit. Now we don't have much monumental building, just a few. I choosed the only castle we have in our city... 

The only castle we have in our little city, thank God the rain stopped.  

The castle is called 'Huize Almelo.' I passed perhaps a million times this castle, it's forbidden to cross the castle's gate. This time the gate was open... 

The enormous garden from 'Huize Almelo.'

The owner of the castle guided us around. Gosh, and I didn't even plan to go here today. 

A huge stable in front of the castle. 

Like I said a huge garden.. 

The garden had no flowers or other garden articles, it's a forest with lots of bushes and trees.  

Backside of the castle.  

The owner in front...  

I could live here...  

Time for a new post.

Time for a new post. 

Not feeling much to write a post, but In my head I feel I had to, lol. And why not? Right? My 'new clothing style shopping' is going well, last weekend I had a good 'buy' while shopping. Last weekend I went out to Apeldoorn, Apeldoorn is about a little 60 minutes away from my city with the train. A hour further and your in Amsterdam, lol, but anyway, Apeldoorn it was. Apeldoorn is a nice city to shop, though there is not much to see when your looking for architecture, monuments and historical sight seeings. But like I said, new clothing style shopping it was .

The first two shops were right away a success, I visited 2 huge clothing stores where the price weren't that incredible high. And most clothing were on sale! I knew what I was looking for, so that helped. I looked around first but didn't buy what I actually liked first, I might find the same items for a much better price further in the city. I really took my time to explore the city and wandered around, there was a nice park aswell. The weather was good, not to cold and here and there a cloud. After a few hours and a coffee break I made my choice and went back to the stores where I went to first.

I bought 2 pair of colored jeans for 18 Euro, a belt for 3 Euro and a pair of blue suede shoes for 60 Euro. I had doubts with the shoes first , I liked them so much but the price was so, so. I thought, if I don't buy them now, I will regret it later. After my shopping and wandering around I returned home satisfied. A nice Saturday it was. Last Friday I went to my Doctor to get a paper to check my blood at the hospital. I knew I needed my hospital card aswell while checking my blood, but that card went lost in America, lol. But that wasn't a problem, at the hospital they made right away a new card. 

I was actually surprised about that, but good that it went that way, the making of the card took only 5 minutes.. Today I picked up my blood results at the Doctor, normally I can just call for the results, but the Doctor would like to see me. The results were good! But even though they were good, I still feel not that well, a bit short breathed, tired plus I feel sometimes loney, feel like I wanna cry. Not always though, but just sometimes I have such moments. I think the impact of my trip to Jan has a part to do with that, I returned from that trip and I felt lonely and had it difficult with adjusting my life. 

It took a while to adjust, but after a few weeks the adjusting went easier and easier. I think it might have to do aswell that I lost my last parent recently, my Dad. I felt okay and moved on after a month, I thought it didn't effect me. To be honest I still think it doesn't effect me, I had the same feeling when I lost my Mom, not much effects. But even though the effect can still be there somewhere hidding. My visit to Jan felt good, perhaps it was needed When I got back from that visit it hitted me right in the spot.  Maybe I do need some more grieving, maybe I am grieving at the moment, or still grieving.  

I know grieving takes time, some need a long time and some a short time. You can't really say how long that time is, grieving is a proces. Now I'm not saying that I'm feeling lonely and sad 24 hours a day, oh no! Like I said, I have my sad moments so now and then. It's needed, and they are welcome, even though it's not fun, lol. Next week a counselor will see me, he made a appointment with me a few months ago, he wanted to know how my trip was to Atlanta, lol. While being there and telling my trip story I can aswell bring up the 'grieving' subject. He's a nice guy and he's funny. It will be good, I have been trough alot the last few years, this is just a little bump in the road like everyone has. Such is life! 

"When did you join Facebook, and why?"

"When did you join Facebook, and why?"

I joined Facebook August 7, 2007. Why? Because in that time mostly all of my friends joined it, it was hip, it was cool. I had several friends too, though they came and they went, I guess that's a normal thing on Facebook. I think nowadays I build up a good and fine group of friends from all over the world, they have been with me for such a long time. I like reading what they have been up to or what they going trough in their life. Their thoughts, their opinions, just anything. Seeing my friends’ pictures, and sharing my own is what I like most about Facebook. Facebook is a pleasant experience and I do get a lot of global news via links posted too.

Though Facebook can get a butt addictive sometimes, I can leave it easily behind when I have something else to do, even on a holiday I can surely do without. I think it's good actually to plan 'one' day in the week or in the weekend to just leave Facebook. Just to see how your life goes on without it., Hey! It's only a day, you can always go back the next day, lol. Get off the lap top or computer or I-phone and read a book or go to sleep, or do whatever. Right now I'm at that stage where I actually thought about quiting Facebook permanent, but I couldn't. Why quiting? In my eyes I spent way to much time on it, I would like to lessen that time. 

My use of Facebook isn't that funny anymore. Am I addicted? Yes and no, like I said, if or when I have something else to do I can easily let it be for a (long) while. But, I need to get out more, enjoy myself being outside, explore and wanderlust. And probably make as much friends like I have on Facebook, LOL! That would be something. And then invite them all for a coffee, lol. No seriously, I need to lessen my use of this social media, even though I love it. What about my friends? Now here's a question: "Most of my Facebook friends aren’t actually friends? They’re not enemies and... 

It’s not that I wish them ill, but for the majority of them, there’s a reason we don’t associate other than on Facebook." Yeah, they're just to far away to visit them, that can make you feel lonely at times aswell. You just can't reach them, spend time with them, etc, etc. I visited some of my friends on Facebook trough the years, that was fun, Though afterwards it's back to reality, back to the computer. My last recent visit is still flashing trough my mind, that visit gave a deep impact. Being with friends where there was right away a good click does make you feel good, better then good actually. 

When I came back from that visit I literally was thrown back to reality, I felt I was thrown in a deep black hole what I didn't expect actually. I felt kinda sad and I had to adjust again to the life I led. There was nothing wrong with "that" life before I went to Athens, Georgia. I liked the way I lived my life, happy single, going out, going on trips, having a good job. Perhaps the visit to Athens was needed, to wake me up, I don't know. I think it's  time to be surrounded by people without any long distances. Go more outside, take my time and not rush things. Lessen the time on Facebook. Facebook sucks time from my life? Just a bit.

I will not rush to get my groceries, not rush things when I enjoy a coffee somewhere. It seems life is flashing by so fast sista, you gotta enjoy while it last, right? This week I realized that I needed this, and no, I don't spend a whole day on Facebook, but just, but it's better for me to close my computer a bit more. And no, I won't leave my friends, I'll be on daily but just not so often. This week I shorted my friend list aswell, it was funny and awkward at the same time, when I went trough my friend list I saw all the profile pictures and the name's, and I realized how much I like them and how much time I spend with them on Facebook. 

Crazy isn't it? I can't just leave them like that, we have a bound, or how you call it. 

New style! But how or where to begin?

New style! But how or where to begin?

As I get older.... Oh God, what a beginning. Anyway, as I get older I want to dress older aswell, uhm? Hmm, not quit. Perhaps I need a  mix with the way I dress now and a bit more casual or more manly(?) I have been buying and wearing blue jeans (for example) for several and many years, why not something different? There's nothing wrong with blue jeans, but, after so many years why not something different. I mean I do get older, right? I don't want to be wearing jeans until I'm 80 or 90. 

I have plenty of T-shirts aswell, all with a funny or with a rare print. I like them, but now as I get older, (lol!) it looks kinda... childish? If I think of it now, I already have a few T-shirts in mind what can go. (Some T-shirts have good memories, those one I will keep) I have been growing aswell, some clothing doesn't even fit anymore. Yes, I'm ready for a new style! Fall is around the corner, so, soon the Summer clothing will be buried up again. Time then to decide what can go and what can stay. 

Today I realized that it's my Dad's birthday, did I celebrate it? Or, did I do something unusual with it? Hmm, not really. I thought about my Dad, felt here and there a bit sad and confused aswell. Feeling sad? Hmm, so so, for me my Dad is not gone, he's still with me in spirit. Always guiding me, seeing what I do and seeing what I feel, think or go trough. This counts aswell for my Mom, together there a great team supporting me. Happy Birthday Dad, hope you have a good one up there. 

Sore muscles and two long days.

Sore muscles and two long days. 

That were the results of two days of work, sore muscles and tired, lol. Monday was the longest day, though it was fun being back at work. As I walked in our cantine some were already sitting down having their coffee or tea, the two bosses were there too. Ofcource we all talked about our holidays, I heard Barcelona, France, Holland aswell, Bosnia, and ofcource Atlanta USA! I had quit a proud feeling about announcing to my two bosses that I went to Atlanta USA. The other fellow workers knew already I went, though ofcource they all wanted to know how my adventure went. I had to tell my adventure a few times trough the day, lol.

Though I told myself that whoever wants to know it, I will keep it short, though the truth. I have been trough quit alot and I could tell perhaps a whole day about it, but I'm not that good telling stories to a amount of people. I kept it short and firm, I spoke about my staying, my bankcard and my wallet, and ofcource the main thing, the meeting with the woman I visited, Jan. Ofcource I mentioned aswell the fun and excitement I had in Atlanta and Georgia, MLK, Georgia Aquarium, Centenial park, etc, etc. It's Tuesday evening now and I'm tired, tomorrow will be my day off again as usual. 

The day of is more then welcome, work was busy and exhausting. Yeah, I still love my job, lol. It's so important to have a job, and a job you like. I'm satisfied with my income, it puts me in a situation that I can/could travel two times a year. Tomorrow I will start the day of with resting, the afterwards a bit cleaning and of to the city to do some shopping. Do I miss the days still when I was in Atlanta/Georgia? Yeah, I miss it, I can't really explain why. Was it the things I did while I was there? Or was it the time I shared with Jan? or with Jan's  Family? It's  a combine of everything, and yeah, Jana, she's... she's... (lol) Let me say, I hope we will meet again one day. 

Time flies!

Time flies! 

The day are flying by so fast recently, I nearly have time to prepair myself for Monday's work. Two more days and then it's back to the mat's, ofcource they will all ask me how my trip was, lol. I don't mind, and I know what to tell. I had a awesome time in Athens, here and there a few speed bumps, but most of all a fun and exciting time. Last Tuesday I went to The Hague for a few days, 3 days and 2 nights to be precise.

It felt a bit awkward to go, that feeling that I think, "Should I really go? Is it not weird?" 
No! It isn't you silly! I'm glad I went, perhaps it was awkward cause of the fact I was on my own, and will be on my own while having this mini holiday. Since I started traveling I was mostly not on my own, I had many excursion trips, and in Athens I was with Jan and her Family, so yeah. Although alone, I had a great time.

I packed my smallest travel bag, (just a few clothing and bathroom items) and took of early that Tuesday. I love traveling, although the train trip took only a little two hours, I enjoyed it. Arrived in The Hague I was stunned whit all I saw, they have been re-building and re-storing this city majorly. And the're still building. I haven't been here since the 90's, Checking in went easy, the Hampshire Babylon hotel stood right next to the train station. 

I had to pay 50 Euro on fore hand with the checking in, I would get it back later. That was unexpected, but okay, I would get it back. The room was good, big beds small room but perfect. And again a double bed, lol, again I could choose. I haven't slept that good though, I had to get used to the airco and my neighbors were doing the 'bunga, bunga' it seemed during the entire night. Sigh, sleepless nights but awesomeness during the days.  

The Hague is a big city, comparing The Hague with Amsterdam, The hague seems even bigger. Lots of new architecture, skyscrapers and nostalgic buildings and churches. I went to the beach aswell, the beach is called Scheveningen, I had to take the tram to go there. Aswell there I haven't been for so many years. Here too they have been re-newing stuff. A longer boulevard and lot's of new shops and sight seeings aswell. Great time. 

On my way back the airco was broke in the train, sigh, always something. Now it's back to work on Monday, for the rest of the weekend I will be resting and relaxing. Back to the same ol, same ol.' It's good, I will be saving up money for the next trip in December. What I actually didn't expect to do to be honest, I thought after my trip to the US I would be broke and I already made a decision to stay home  the rest of the year, but no. 

One last week!

One last week! 

One more week vacation, next week Monday I will be working again. Gosh, these three weeks flew by. Ofcource starting of with my trip to Atlanta/Athens, then resting and getting rid of the jet lag. And now I'm here with my last week. And guess what? I'm going to have a short mini holiday in The Hague, Netherlands, yes, that's right, a holiday in my own country. 

I think it was my friend who pushed me positive to go somewhere, and I thank her for that! First I was like, "Hmm, I don't know, money, being tired." Now I'm just excited to go, I feel better aswell. It was quit a happening in Atlanta/Athens, I guess I needed my rest and come to myself. Yes, I still miss that 'someone,' but it hasn't got that 'bad or sad' feeling anymore. 

I'm blessed with a good friend, and that feels good. The weather forecast for this week isn't that good, they for spelled rain on Wednesday. And me don't like that, but oh well, my mini-travel bag is packed, and I'm ready to go. The Hague is a big city, and the beach is near. It's been a pretty long time since I have been there, it's sure gonna be a nice little mini holiday.

Venting?

Venting? 

I feel different since I got back from my trip from Atlanta/Athens, it's like I'm missing someone, or something in my life, I don't know. But I do know it hurts. What's going on with me? I realize now that being alone sucks, but wasn't I alone for a very long time? Yes! And didn't I say several times? 'I'm happy single, though when someone would crosses my path I will stand open for it.'Yes!  What has happen? Am I in love? Or is it just the fact that I realize finally that being alone really sucks. I witnessed lots of love and attention again, from a great family and a 'awesome woman.' (There I said it) I guess I always was and am a sensitive guy, and now recently even more since I got back from Canada. In Canada I was spoiled with attention and love aswell, but that suddenly stopped. 

I miss someone, miss being with her, but why? What happened? I had a visit, I visited a friend for the first time, and it turned out to be a great time. Really... while being on my way back from Atlanta I felt somewhat okay. Then I got home and "Beng!" I hated being back! I was surrounded by people who loved me, we did several things day in, and day out. Always together and never on my own. Now I'm back home, back to reality where I ones was okay with, just on my own. I perhaps realize now that maybe it's time for someone in my life, (can I choose now?) The hate full feeling being back in Holland will eventually disappear I guess, and perhaps the 'missing someone' too. Life continues, as they say. What has God planned for me? Time will tell. 

What was it what God tried to tell me while I was in the USA and now being back? It still hurts, specially in the mornings, (awkward!) perhaps it's that feeling when I wake up in the morning and realize that 'alone' feeling again what I had when I came back. As the day slowly continues I feel a bit better, and realize I have a good friend and that's ALL that matters. We all need good friends, but why do my friends live so far away? Damn ocean! I know there's no need to worry or to be sad about it, focus on life and what ever happens, will happen, right? It all will be good, I just need to continue with what I'm doing or what I did, pick up the daily things what I did before my trip. I maybe too need to learn to take control over my feelings, and not let them take control over me. I'm not worried, I'm blesses, it's all good like it always was and will be.

Living adventurous!

Living adventurous!

And he's back from his trip! I have been on trips before, but why is it so weird to be back home and why do I feel sad to be back home after this trip? Anyway, let me say it was a adventurous trip. With unexpected and unusual happenings, but I really wouldn't wanna have trade it for anything else. Meeting Jan and her Family and Friends was great, I felt comfy right away. The comfy atmosphere trough out the seven following days could not ruin anything! I witnessed that! I have seen alot, laughed alot, good food, friendly people, etc, etc. I'm home now but I miss them already.

Yeah okay, a few things happened, just a few, lol. But like I said, 'nothing could ruin the comfy atmosphere.' What happened? Well, at first I couldn't stay at Jan's place cause of her dogs. We tried the hardest, but no success. I felt so sorry for Jan, the situation dragged us both. It was a sad situation and we both had to find solutions for my staying elsewhere. Perhaps staying at Jan's friends houses? Or maybe a motel? It took us almost a whole day to figure out what to do, on top of that my bankcard didn't work, sigh! I couldn't get money in the US, although my card was recently activated for worldwide. 

And we were already at a motel to check in, but no success with a not working bankcard. I called ING a few times, but they told me everything is okay, 'there was nothing wrong with my card.' In the end ING told me there was a virus in their system, later on ING helped me out and I could get money with my card, only that took a while. End good all good? Yeah, second good news was that I could stay over at Jan's son's house. Jan and I would rather have that I stayed at her house, but that was not an option anymore. We both had a long day after solving my bankcard and finding a place to stay. 

Wow, and the many bugs and several other kinds of insects what I witnessed, I thought that was only in Africa or the rain forest. It was warm in Georgia, Georgia houses in the forest witness lots of bugs and insects, aswell other creatures, like snakes and scorpions, yikes! On Thursday I had again bad news, I couldn't stay anymore at Jan's Son's house, they were going on a holiday. Letting me stay alone in their house wasn't a option, it was back to the motel where Jan and I tried to check me in the first time. This time with success, I stayed for my last three nights in the motel. 

The motel wasn't that far from Jan's house, only you need a car to get there. The motel was nice, friendly people and a great room, though this motel was in the middle of know here. I had good sleeps there, though it wasn't always a pleasure staying in that motel. Jan picked me up in the early afternoon for go out's and other fun stuff. I choosed for the afternoons so Jan could have time for herself aswell, it was all good. What a adventure so far right? Going from here to there and then the not working bankcard. And last but not least I lost my wallet on our last day together. Sigh! 

We laughed about it in the end, cause we struggled already trough so many happenings together, we even joked about it. "What's going on with us?" I called ING once again to block my bankcard, a friendly ING guy told me that they will block the card and I will get a new card in a few days. I lost my old bankcard and a few other important (but replaceable) carts, aswell money, plus a second house key, and ofcource my wallet. I actually thought I lost it and already said goodbye to it, but! 

On the very last day, when we were on our way to the airport for my journey back, a police officer called and told that they found my wallet. Woot! A miracle! Thanks to Jan who took care of the fact that a police officer would call if they find my wallet. Though the police office was closed, and we were almost already on the airport. My wallet will be send to my address in Holland, end good all good? Yes! Sigh, all these happenings didn't effect my staying with Jan. We had great and good times aswell, I met several friends of Jan, I met her Family. We all had several fun out's. 

We visit the MLK Musea, Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic park, and visited many, many more sight seeings. My visit was way to short, that's for sure. Though I seen so many things what I wouldn't have miss for any kind of gold. Been trough alot aswell, but, it was all good in the end. I miss the people I have met, specially Jan, it wasn't easy coming back to a empty, lonely house. I thought it was easy, but no. Now it's time to adjust again, hopefully I will meet Jan again, she's just the best!! 

"Ready for take off."

"Ready for take off."

I wanted to write this post yesterday, but forgot it. Not that I was busy yesterday, but just forgot. Gosh, yesterday was dragging, yesterday's day was long, it felt like having two Sundays in one, lol. Though everything went so well the last three days, Friday I was calm and excited, Saturday I was a bit nervous, (Hence the getting closer to my trip) and Sunday was okay. Yesterday I packed my suitcase and did a few other things I planned. Just like I had a tiny schedule in my head, all good. Saturday I did my last groceries and bought a few other items, with succes. 

Bought a cap for myself and a few little gifts for Atlanta/Georgia, the gifts were already planned, though I couldn't kinda make a decision yet. I'm glad I bought them. Finally it's there, the time that I will be taking off soon, heading to Atlanta/Georgia/Athens. How do I feel? I must say, I'm calm, unexpected calm. I was expecting I would have felt like a nervous wreck and thought about buying calming pills, lol. Why? I don't know, these last 5 months were tough.Tthe 'if this,' and the 'if that's' were dragging the first two months, on top of that came the passing away from my Dad. 

Then the times changed, positive thoughts came along, probably a gift from my Dad above. I know he will be watching me from above while on my journey, and ofcource my Mom, so yeah, what on earth can possibly go wrong? right? I even slept quit good last night, that's new, lol. Usually I don't sleep that much before a trip, I had it with London, Berlin, Paris. But last night was good, I killed a mosquito too, it woke me up and got up right away. It took a while to spot the mosquito, but then I saw it, beng! Yeah, I go my methods and skills to catch such creatures. 

Now, I'm ready for my take off. First I will head off to a store, I need some singlets. There quit handy under my T-shirts 'if' it's getting cooler, better then cut of half T-shirts, lol. I came with the idea with singlets yesterday, though on Sunday's the store's are closed. I still have plenty of time, I will be heading to the train station at 10:00 am or 10:30, I don't know yet. Both times are good, I will be at Schiphol at 00:30 pm or 1:00 pm. My flight will be around 5:00 pm, I like being on time. The train can have a delay aswell, so, on time is not a crime, lol. 

I won't be writing during my vacation, I will do that afterwards. For now I will say, have a great day ya'll, and wish me luck! Excitmennnnnnnnnnnnnnnt! 

Here it is then... Numbero thousand!!

Here it is then... Numbero thousand!! 

Literally...

Should I put the flag out? Light some fireworks? Eat a cake? The last one sounds good, eat a cake. I might just do that tomorrow. Today at work there was a good but aswell a busy atmosphere, fellow workers were friendly. Though we had to rush in the last few hours, and what for? Yeah, good question. In the morning 'they' told us that it would be good and nice if we finish some kinda mats where we were working on, we needed 100. Though it wasn't bad if we didn't finish it. In the last few hours it suddenly was a must, oh well, it's well known there, lol. 

We managed to finish 100 mats, though it was busy and rough. Other fellow workers from other sections helped us out, cause they were finished on their section with cleaning and other stuff. Madness and hectic, lol. I felt good though, actually the whole day. I think I can blame the good night sleep, I slept straight for 6 hours. It was a warm day actually, again a 28 C degree day. Sweating and hot at work. A bit after 4 pm, we went to the back of the factory hall. There was a buffet for all workers, just like last year. There we sat, lol. sweating and smelling. 

The food and drinks were good, though I wasn't sure yet in the beginning what to do. Go to the free dinner which began at 5 pm, or just stay with my fellow workers. I decided to stay. I grabbed a plate of food and had a few beers. Pity about the free dinner, it would have been fun aswell there. I know alot of people there, even the staff who sit with us. It would have been the last free dinner before the Summer holiday starts, a special buffet aswell. On my way home (around 5:15) 

I still could have gone to the free dinner, but naah, it's usually dead after 5:30. I took a shower, and enjoyed my rest. I called my Uncle once again to see if he was available tomorrow afternoon, I would like ( and in my head it's a must) to visit my Aunt who's sick. But my Uncle had other ideas, he was busy with other things tomorrow, oh well. My Aunt is doing a bit better actually, yesterday she felt bad, today a bit better. Of and on as my Uncle said. I think that's a good sign. I will visit my Aunt right after my trip, and that was okay with my Uncle. 

Tomorrow I will be out though anyway, buying the last things I need, almost nothing, lol. Groceries aswell, and to Mom and Dad's grave. And yeah I will have that cake, or perhaps a ice cream cake, with a coffee, ofcource! But first a nice sleep in, hey! It's my holiday, 3 weeks off work. So that was my 100oth post. From now on I will write only in the weekends, I think it will be a nice update then from my adventures during the week plus weekends, lol. 

999th! LOL!

999th! LOL! 

I know, lol. Just getting a bit excited about the 999th post. It means aswell that I'm 999 days since my break up with Saf, do I still think of her? Yeah, but I'm not heart broken, I think sometimes of her and her kids, just like I think of other people I know. A break up is tough, specially when your not in your own country and the dumper tells you to go home without having not even have money to return. Anyway, that was then, a break up can heart, but it heals aswell, the pain fades away. Sometimes slowly, sometimes fast. I'm okay now. Though the break up has his scarves, though just little ones. 

On with this day, not much to report actually. But I'll do my best. I was tired and sleepy in the morning, rest is all I did. Took 2 naps, ,lol. After lunch I went out, bought some sunflowers and visited a friend. The flowers were for that friend, cause she recently celebrated her birthday. I was planning to buy flowers, then  I saw the sun flowers, lol. 3 Euro for 5 sunflowers. A very nice price for such flowers. She loved them. Today I called my Uncle aswell, I was kinda nerves to call, why? I don't know. My Aunt is sick and I think she won't recover. 

She has cancer in her head, my Uncle told me last Sunday. I told my Uncle that I will visit her upcoming Friday, I hope I can bare it, on Friday I will visit my Mom and Dad's grave too. I just want to finish that day, I can also decide not to go Friday and just say home, but I can't. I have it in my head and I want (read: must) to go. During the upcoming weekend I will prepair myself for the trip to Atlanta/Georgia/Athens, fun and excitement! 4 more days to go! A few busy days ahead and then relax and chill in the weekend. Probably a sleepless night on Sunday, )as usual before a trip' lol! And then Monday, off I go! Yeehaw! 

998th post!

998th post! 

2 more posts to go! Yeah, I'm still stand by my decision to write less after the 1000th post. No more writing daily, just whenever I feel to. For sure once a week or so, or once in the weekend. Writing down what I went trough during the week, and what I'm up to in the weekend. Sounds good to me. 

Actually not much to write today, again it was busy at work, some had to work over aswell. I guess were all looking forward to the 3 weeks off, I can tell, really. Our foreman has been working in another section near our section, Me and another fellow worker took over our section, and that goes well. 

The other fellow worker is a nice guy, calm but a hard worker aswell. This morning he told me he was tired, I think it was the first time he told me that. That coming from him is a surprise, cause he usually doesn't complain. In the afternoon he told me again he was tired, yeah, let the summer holiday begin. 

I'm somewhat tired aswell, thankfully the usual day of is tomorrow. It's gonna be a hot, warm day. 28 C. and a bit cloudy, I love it though, nothing better then a warm Summer day. Hey 6 days to go, I got still a few things to do, but I'm not worried about that. I'm ready, ready to fly. No fear of flying? Hmm, now when it's getting closer, hmm, Naah and a tiny bit yes, lol. Excitement more! 

Summer and sleep.

Summer and sleep.

I guess I have to try to get some sleep more during the night, five or six hours ain't enough. Last night I slept only for a little four hours, usually I sleep during the colder days, (Autumn and Winter) a bit longer. Although the lack of sleep I'm pretty good during the days, a bit sleepy but further then that good. When I have to work the next day I will be in bed between 10 and 10:30 pm, recently I go a bit earlier, between 9:30 and 10 pm. But it doesn't much matter, I'm always up early, lol. Always around 4 am in the morning I wake up, sometimes even earlier, last night I woke up at 3 am.

Once when it's 4 or 5:15 am I will get up when I wake up early, funny is I always wake up an hour before my alarm, lol. I set my alarm at 5:30 am, just in case. Maybe I perform better during the day when I sleep longer, but the longer sleep ain't happening. Later to bed and later up? I still have that short sleep then. Oh well, it's fine, I'm used to it. Perhaps I'm a morning person, during my days off I sleep in until 7 or 7:30 am, sometimes 6:30 am. Nice Sunny day today, although I had a sleepy start in the morning, later today I was fine.

Here and there a bit tired and dizzy, (blame the cold and then warm weather) but okay. We're still busy, some fellow workers will be working during our Summer holiday. They asked for it, so, no harm in that. I'm looking forward for the 3 weeks off, it's needed. After work I went home and stayed home, I didn't want to go to the 'free dinner.' I felt tired and sleepy, hehe! (Lack of sleep? Lol) It's sometimes a rush to go the 'free dinner' on Monday after work. I rest 5 minutes, then it's wash up, other clothes on and off I go again. Not this evening.

"As I get closer to....."

"As I get closer to....." 

As I get closer to the 22th of July, the exciter I get. I'm ready! If the flight was tomorrow, I would be ready too, well, I still would have to pack though then. Packing is easy, forgetting things isn't, lol. That's why I will take my time with packing, packing is fun and quit easy. Mostly I open my clothing closet and decide then what to take with me. I won't need a big suitcase for a Summer trip, it's all T-shirts and shorts. They don't take up that much space. I will pack my suitcase a day before I take off, that'll be Sunday then. I will make a list what to take with me, like I always do before a trip.

That way I will NOT forget a thing, like my passport, wallet, medication and plane tickets. Last night's phone call from my Uncle about my Aunt being sick was sad, and perhaps a little bump on my way to Atlanta. Either way I will go, I have been looking out for this trip from January till now. Last year I told myself, "In 2013 my goal will be to travel to the USA.!" I'm glad I managed my goal, I will be looking out for the 22th of July. Once I'm on my way my holiday begins, and I will enjoy every second of it. The moment I close my front door on the 22th the enjoying starts. 

One more week of work, I'm excited about the 3 weeks of. Last month has been busy, way to busy if you ask me. The 3 weeks of will be good, hopefully the weather will be good. The last week will be kinda busy aswell, I still want a few things before my flight, that is: Visit my Mom and Dad's grave, visiting my Aunt and Uncle, a few groceries and I still need some nice sandals. Wednesday or Friday are my days off, let's see what I can do then. During the upcoming weekend I will rest and enjoy my beginning of the 3 weeks of holiday. It's all good! 

"Aunt."

"Aunt."

After I wrote my last post I received a phone call from my Uncle, when I heared him I knew already half that there's something not right. Usually it's my Aunt who calls and not my Uncle. After my Uncle asked me how I was doing, he told me that my Aunt is not well, I have thinking about this already though. Cause my Aunt was already sick a little month ago, she couldn't get trough her flue. My Uncle told me that my Aunt  has been hospitalized a few weeks ago with intracranial bleeding, later on the doctor found out the she has cancer in her head.

My Aunt lays now for recovery in a elderly house near her own house, she has to heal first for another three weeks before the hospital can 'radiation  therapy' her. I wasn't prepared for that news, though  I'm quit okay about it. I hope my Aunt gets trough this and recovers, though, cancer? Hmm, it will be though for her, and for her Family. Upcoming Friday I will visit my Uncle and my Aunt in the elderly house, I will tell my Uncle then aswell that I will be soon on a holiday.

My Aunt and Uncle don't know yet that I'm going on a trip, and certainly not to the US. Why not? I didn't want to worry them, they might worry cause they might think that I will have the same adventure as in Canada, but that ain't happening. I will inform my Uncle about my trip and say that I'm not available between the 22th of July until the 29th of July, hopefully they are alright with that.

Saturday's!

Saturday's!

Weekends are shorter when I work Friday's a extra half day, lol. While I'm writing this post it's already Saturday eve' 9:21 pm. Tomorrow it's Sunday, and then it's Monday already. Monday starts the last working week before our Summer holiday. Time flies sometimes! Today flew by aswell, it was a nice and warm day, I didn't expect it would be this warm. The last few day's it was kinda chilly, a Summer jacket was needed. It should be just as chilly as yesterday and the day before, according to our weather forecast. But no, I went out with a jacket this afternoon, but damn, it was way to warm to have a jacket on.

I did my last groceries, looked for sandals too but without success. I ain't gonna pay 40 or 50 bucks for a pair of sandals, though I want quality aswell. I know a few cheaper shoe stores, but they don't sell quality. I will look again later this week in other shoe stores, or just buy the sandals I saw for 40 bucks. Just my luck that I could re-tray my swim short today, I went back to the store where I bought the short. Though they didn't had the same short in a larger size, Lucky I knew a same store as 'this' one further up in the city.

It was a bit of a ride, but okay, and whatta ya know? The swim short I wanted was there! And only one! Just my luck. I bought a sundae ice cream, (ow, full belly!) and bought my last groceries. I was done for today, this morning I had already a nap, the second nap was even better. I felt exhausted today, the busy work during the last weeks is dragging me. Specially the 'extra' half day, funny enough, during the week my tiredness is quit okay, and work goes well too. When the weekend then starts I can feel it. Tired, sleepy and a light heavy chest, naps and rest will solve that. Roll on Summer holiday, lol!

Not every disease is visable...

Not every disease is visable...

Sometimes I ignore it, sometimes it bucks me, but I guess I never get used to it. Jokes at work, or sentences what bucks me when my day of is the next day. Aswell today, I worked a 'extra' half day, it was fun and did quit alot. Though the last few hours I could tell I had enough, my energy was slowly fading away. At 12:30 we all washed our hands for lunch, the people who had the rest of the day off left, just like me. Perhaps it's all 'man talk' or 'though boy jokes,' but I don't like it. Sentences like, 'Your leaving already, wow, I wish I could switch with you, you have such a good life.' or, 'Hey, see you tomorrow at 6:00 am,' (while your heading out the door to wish them a nice weekend), Not all of them are like this, but just some. Some a bit more then others. 'Take it as a joke, (cause it is) or just simply ignore it.' though guys, tough work, oh well, you get me, lol.

I was thinking one day to comment back to one of them, by saying, 'Hey, sure you can switch with me, I bet you couldn't hold it out for a day.' But, I think it's best to ignore it, 'when' they are like that. Ofcource they aren't always like that, they can be nice and funny with you aswell, and ofcource I should just laugh about it, with them. I think everyone at work gets sometimes their portion, I saw it and heared it, and I laughed too. It's just like that, that's our team. Sounds maybe silly, I know. But we always work together as a team in the end, no matter what. Gossip aswell, I think there's always gossip on the work floor, and not only there. I'm part our team, that's for sure, I noticed already soon that I'm 100% accepted, the workers like me and everyone chats or make jokes with me. 

End of rant! 

Some of our workers will work tomorrow aswell, there's still much to do. Though I almost sure we will get it all done before our Summer holiday. I saw it, and I'm positive about it. They didn't ask me to worl 'another' half day tomorrow, ofcource not. If they would have asked me I would have say no either way, I need my rest. If I was a healty person with no disease what so ever, I probably would say yes, hmm, yeah. I really like the work I do, it's a nice atmosphere, well most of the time, lol. (Hence the 'though boy' jokes towards me) Plans for the weekend? Well, I wanted to go out but, I still have plenty of time to go out and buy the things I need. My idea is to visit my parents grave a few days before I leave for my trip, next week Friday will be good. Buying the needed sandals tomorrow.