Queensday 2013 (Abdication)

Queens day 2013. (Abdication)

 "King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has begun his reign by paying tribute to his mother Princess Beatrix who abdicated in his favour after 33 years as Queen."

A nice Queens day it was, I'm glad I went out. I left a bit earlier then planned, as always, lol!  A hour earlier then planned. Enschede was where I headed to today, I arrived nicely on time. Though a bit to early, it wasn't crowded at all, the sun was gone and the wind was cold. I wore a Autumn jacket, and that was just enough. In the centre of Enschede was a huge screen where people could watch 'live' the abdication in Amsterdam, many people were watching. They stood or they sat on long tables eating their food and drinking their drinks. The abdication took right place when I arrived, good timing!  It all gave a deep impact and I almost let a tear, lol. I wasn't the only one. Later on I saw and heared on TV that this special royal day gave to every citizen in Holland a huge impact. Impactfull, moving, touching and a powerfull day it was for us Dutch people. Queen Beatrix was getting older, she was ready for the abdication, now that her Son is taking it over it feels like a breath of fresh air is going trough the Dutch monarchy. We're ready for a new generation. 
 

Enschede in the late morning.

Everywhere in Holland there were markets, flea markets, live performances, dance performances, actually anything to celebrate this special day. Amsterdam's population has doubled with at least 800,000 visitors flooding the city with orange painted faces, orange hats, wigs, flags and banners, the official colour of the Dutch royal house. Aswell Enschede, celebrated, though, like I said it wasn't that busy. Maybe better, because when it's to crowded it ain't that fun. I didn't stay that long, I spended four hours in Enschede, it was more then enough.  Next year on Queens day I will celebrate it in Amsterdam, I regretted it a bit I wasn't in Amsterdam. On forehand I didn't know what to expect actually in Amsterdam, it could have gone way out of hand with demonstrations or fights, I don't know. I'm mostly on my hood with massive crowds. But next year there won't be a new crowning, lol. So, I'll be fine. At 1:00 pm I went home, arrived home at 1:30 pm. Nicely on time to watch live the inauguration from Willem Alexander, our new King on TV.

The huge screen in the centre of Enschede.

With sore legs and feeling tired I watched the inauguragtion, it sure was a nice watch. Just like this morning it gave again a deep impact, wow! Our whole nation is positive about our new King. Here are a few items of this special day...

 "King Willem-Alexander is the Netherlands' first king since 1890. He has promised to be a 21st century king and not a "protocol fetishist".

"Queen Maxima was born in Argentina. They have three children; their nine-year-old daughter Catharina-Amalia now becomes Princess of Orange and heir to the throne."

"The act of abdication was signed in the Royal Palace on Dam Square in central Amsterdam, which is full of orange-clad crowds, many wearing inflatable orange crowns."

"The day will culminate in a boat trip by the new king and queen around the IJ waterway."

"Royal guests from 18 countries are attending, including Charles and Camilla from Britain. Charles was also there when Beatrix became queen in 1980." (Woot!)

Anti-monarchy aswell:  "Here we have a head of state casually handing her job to her son without any mention of the dissenting voices or the legitimacy of the process. As for the abdication itself, clearly it can’t be legitimate in a modern democracy for a head of state to hand her job over to her son like this. The Dutch people should be given a choice."

"Church bells rang out across the city as the family appeared on the balcony of the royal palace and people in the square waved flags and blew horns. "I'm happy and grateful to present you your new King Willem-Alexander," Beatrix told the crowd."

"Beatrix announced her abdication in January, saying it was time for a new generation."

"You kept to a stable and pure course because you knew you were part of a long tradition," King Willem-Alexander said to his mother, Queen Beatrix. "I will continue to take on that task."

Anyway, there's so much to say from this day, I think I will be writing till the weekend if I would. But let's not, this day brought a positive vibe over Holland and I hope this will continue in the future, Long live the King! 

Queensday tomorrow. (Abdication)

Queensday tomorrow. (Abdication)

We Dutch people have been celebrating Queens day for 33 years on the 30th of April. Tomorrow starts a new decade, our Queen Beatrix  will abdicate in favour of her eldest son Willem-Alexander, the heir apparent to the throne. He will be the first king of the Netherlands in 123 years. Next year we will celebrtate this day on the 27th of April, and we will call it King's day instead of Queen's day. We will celebrate it on the 27th cause on that date it will be the King's birthday. It sure will be a celebration, reporters from almost all over the world are stranded in Amsterdam to give report to their country over the abdication. I'm positive about our new King, and I'm not the only one, almost every Dutch citizen feels a 'fresh air' going trough our monarchy.

Typical Dutch 'Queensday' celebration in Amsterdam, I don't expect anything else tomorrow.

Willem-Alexander is our King's name, on the 2nd of February 2002, he married Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti, Máxima is an Argentine woman. Together they recieved 3 gorgeous Daughters. I can write alot about our Queen and new King but let's not Our whole country will celebrate tomorrow's Queens/Kings (abdication) day, there will be festivals, music, performances, markets, fairs, etc, etc in every village and city. There are few fests and markets aswell in my city, but I planned to go just a bit further. I decided to go to Enschede, there will be markets, fests and performances aswell. The trip to Enschede will only take a little 30 minutes, I could have go to Amsterdam, but that place will be packed with people. So, yeah, Enschede it will be.

Markets and fairs in the streets of Amsterdam on Queensday.

I think I will leave just before lunch and return in the late afternoon, I still have two days off, so all good. Ofcource I will watch the whole abdication back on TV in the evening, nice and relaxing. Today was just a bit of a lazy, boring day actually. I finished painting the bathroom and did a few other things. I'm glad the painting is done, the bucket with paint was almost empty. Damn, and I managed to have make a few stains in my favorite sweater. The paint has dried and there's now way I can get it out. I will wash the sweather a few times and look at the results, sigh. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's out, I haven't been out for a while. So, that will be good, the weatherforecast is perfect aswell. Sunshine and no rain!

Sunshiny day!

Sunshiny day!

Lots of sun today, such a difference with yesterday. Sunday is a usually a 'stay inside' day with me, though I planned to go for a walk after dinner. I wanted to find out how far it was from my house to the canal where I live close by. Further this day I finished painting the bathroom door frames, my worry was if I had enough paint to finish it. Surprisingly I had more then enough, tomorrow I will finish it completely. Happy that I'm done with the bathroom, well... done? The painting is done. I dusted, vacuumed and did some cleaning.
 

One of the highest flats in the area where I live, it's a eldery's flat. The flat has some nice, awkward colors, with the sun going down it gave a nice effect.

Nearly reached the canal, this horse kept following me trough his yard, lol. This was the closest I could get, they do bite you know. 
 

Tadaaaa, the canal. Again a nice effect when the sun went down.

On my way back I saw this little pony.

Farmland while passing the main road to Almelo.

Ofcource a good nap I won't skip on a day like Sunday, I had one. I cooked a tremendous meal, Pasta with chicken breast, green beans, zucchini, green pesto and shredded  cheese. It was way to much I had on my plate but okay, it tasted so good. I had cramps in my stomach afterwards, so, shoes on, coat on, and off for a firm walk. Heading to the canal. Ofcource I took my camera with me, the sun going down was pretty.  It was quit a walk, oh, and I had to go back aswell. But it was all worth it, the weather and tempature was nice.

Another lazy day.

Another lazy day. 

Once again I had two naps, I don't mind the amount of naps from the last two days. When I need it, I need it, right? Tomorrow I will do some painting, the bathroom door frames need a lick of paint. I still had some paint left over from the hall way. I painted the hall way last year with Summer. I hope the left over is enough, I had to buy a brush and that was it. I still had some sand paper, gloves and tape. I thought about buying some more paint, but naah, I will finish the left over and see how far I come. 

Took this picture in the afternoon, our little harbor. Not that busy here, you can see the dark clouds.

Such a cold day today, the temperature went extremely down the last few days. What a difference with last Wednesday. Will we finally get some warmer weather? And will it stay warm? Nobody knows. Today I did some small groceries and had a little bike ride, I tried wraps today with dinner. The filling was good, but wrapping the wrap was a fail, lol. To much filling I guess. I left the wraps for what it is, oh well, better luck next time.

Rainy day... Wow!

Rainy day... Wow! 

It sure was colder today, and lots of rain. The hard day of work from yesterday got me today, I had two good naps today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The rain pored down and I didn't feel like riding my bicycle trough the rain, so I walked to the store, lol. It was only a little 5 km. A little bit further away then the walk to the train station. Changing a routine can give sometimes a pleasant difference, though, next time I could need someone with me to carry my bags, lol. The grocery back wasn't that full, but carrying it with me for a little 20 minutes in the poring rain is not a pleasure. 

Still haven't planned that much the coming four days off, though I might do some painting in the shower/bathroom.  The door frames could use a lick of paint, I really wish I could renovate the whole shower/bathroom. It's old fashioned, the tiles are yellow/with, and the floor, I can't even describe it, lol. Like I said old fashion. Though the shower/bathroom works, I can shower there, do other businesses, I have aswell the washing machine there. If I had enough money to replace the floor and tiles, I will be satisfied. 

Ah! Maybe in the near future, right? First other important things. My trip to Atlanta/Georgia is nearly there. Less then 86 days to go, it might seem far away, but it's getting closer. Am I ready? In mind and thoughts I'm more then ready, rather go today then on the 22th of June. I still need to prepair a few things I think, just little things. Like, what do I take with me? Or how much? Where do I have to go once I'm on the airport in Amsterdam or Atlanta? (Though, that's already settled, lol. Yeah, I did my study.) I'm not worried though, the few things I have to prepair is fun stuff. It's all good! Yay, Excited!!

Loooooooooooong weekend!

Loooooooooooong weekend! 

I should plan something, I have five days off. Next week's Thursday I start again with work. I should go out on Queens day, that's upcoming Tuesday, I hope the weather is good. I don't even have to think of going to Amsterdam, cause that place will be packed with tons of people. Why? Because on Queens day that's the place to be, Amsterdam is the capitol city of Holland. On Queens day (30th of April) our Queen Beatrix will abdicate in favour of her eldest son Willem-Alexander, the heir apparent to the throne. He will be the first king of the Netherlands in 123 years. We celebrate Queens day every year on the 30th of April, just now we have a special Queens day, cause of the abdication. If I would go to Amsterdam to see this event, I would have to be going a day before the 30th, cause the trains will be full, fully full actually. 

I think I will go to another city, a city close by. Our city has some events too, cause of the abdication. But I don't know, I rather go out somewhere else. Such a beautiful weather today, though the hay fever season has started again. Today went okay, only dry eyes bugged me today, 'don't rub them!' Love the warmth though, upcoming weekend the temperature will go down again. Oh well, it's still April and not fully Summer. The first two days I will take it easy and rest, it's been a busy day today at work. I worked on a few mats on my own, a satisfied and proud feeling afterwards. Sometimes fellow workers joke around and tell me I didn't do that much, it's kidding around and I take it as a joke. Though these jokes aren't always funny. Oh, part of the job, lol.

I knew it....

I knew it....

I knew I was forgetting something last night, forgot to write a post. There wasn't much to write, so, I thought let's wait just before I go to bed. And then I went to bed.... and forgot about the post. Now it's Wednesday afternoon, just past 2:00 pm. It's warm outside and the sun is bursting trough the windows. That makes it even warmer in my house. So yeah, about yesterday, like I said not much to report. Been working, and that was about it actually. We still have work, though it's less. In some sections a few people got to send home, cause of the less work. Putting those workers in other sections works sometimes, but not always. We have them to many workers in one section. I guess I'm in the good section where there's enough to do. About today, this morning I went to the therapist again. 

Just like I do already for several weeks.I think this morning was the fifth time, still doing the breathing exercises. Every week there's another exercise, this morning the therapist worked on my shoulders. She's trying to find a way for me to breath easier, with more space, or how do you say, lol. I breath sometimes only trough my chest, but It's better to breath trough your whole body, my whole stomach and area, or my back or shoulders. The exercises are going okay, it's only a 30 minutes session, the rest I have to do at home. I must say practicing the exercises at home goes so, so. I must admit I cheat alot, or skip them, I just don't know why. 

I have plenty of time to do them, but I always think, 'Naaah, let's do it tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow.' Shame. A few 'holiday' days are coming up next week. Monday will be a day off, Tuesday we celebrate 'Queensday,' and Wednesday another day off. Thursday working day. On Tuesday we celebrate a special Queens day,
On 28 January 2013, our Queen Beatrix announced that she will abdicate on 30 April 2013, (Queen's Day), in favour of her eldest son Willem-Alexander, the heir apparent to the throne. He will be the first king of the Netherlands in 123 years. More about this royal event in the following posts.

Slightly getting warmer...

Slightly getting warmer...

It was cold this morning, I wore the same working clothes like last week, cause were having the same weather as last week. Sunshine, sometimes a dark cloud and not that cold. I wore a shirt with long sleeves and a polo-working shirt. Usually I were thermos long underwear aswell (lol) during Winter, those I took off last week. But, like I said, I was cold this morning, I drove my bicycle towards work and I had to cover my ears a few times. I didn't wear a thick Winter coat either, just like last week. I wore a, uhm, I call it a Autumn jacket, this jacket is to warm for the Summer, and to cold for the Winter. This morning while working I was still cold, while others worked in a T-shirt, I worked with long sleeves. In the afternoon I got slightly warmer. 

Kinda awkward, lol. I saw people walking in T-shirts and shorts today, weird, cause I would freeze, lol. It's to cool and chilly for shorts and T-shirts, I guess were not all the same. Perhaps I'm getting a cold, cause my troath feels scratchy to, oh well.  Were getting warmer days, Wednesday we will have 19 degrees, today was 14. Though the weekend will be cooler, 10 degrees, ugh. Do we even get a Summer? Perhaps a short Summer. I really like Summer, Summer is my favorite season. Cause of the warm weather, easy, less clothing, it's so handy. How warmer the better, I can stand the heat better then the cold. I should visit a sauna more often, (It's been way to long) there you can teach yourself to get used to warm and cold on your body.

Roll on Monday.

Roll on Monday. 

Sunday rest day, as you know by know. Day's like these are nice, a me time. Though one day is enough for resting. Resting on a day like this include mostly hanging on the couch, plus sometimes ironing a few things and cooking. I like cooking on my day's off, I should actually cook more often. I cook on Friday's, Saturday's and Sunday's, Sunday's I cook a meal for two times. I save a half for Tuesday night, I don't feel much for cooking when I just come from work, I like to take my time for cooking. On Monday's, Wednesday's and Thursday's I have the free dinners. I'm not ashamed to visit those 'dinners,' the free dinners are for the people who are not that wealthy or don't come around with their money. 

Aswell homeless people visit the free dinners, I come around with my money, though I'm not wealthy rich, lol. I had a time that I was homeless too, and a time I didn't come around with my money. With that time I started with the free dinners, and since then till now I still visit them. It's a nice out, good food and there's a nice atmosphere, most of the people I know there. So. what's up this week? Hmm, not that much, not much is planned. Work mostly, and everyday something can or maybe will happen, I like surprises. Everyday is different, that makes it so nice.

"Picture time."

"Picture time." 

Today I decided to go to Nijverdal, my old hometown, my parents hometown. I visited my Mom and Dad's grave and walked around in the centre of the village. I ended up with buying the last part of my groceries. Such a nice weather today, though at first a strong cold wind. The sun made it all good. I felt like going today cause I have been thinking of my Dad the last two days, I thought, 'let's make this coming Saturday a special day for Dad, and ofcource Mom.' And so I did. Going back to Nijverdal gave me a relaxed and calm feeling, aswell a save feeling. First of all because I grew most of my life up here, together with Mom and Dad. So, being there gives aswell that remembrance feeling and also it gives me alot of memories, good memories but aswell bad or sad memories, ofcource. Life isn't always a party, it's ups and downs.

Nijverdal has a new train station recently, the city has been building on this station for almost four whole years. I wish you could see the old train station, it's nothing comparing to this station.  Here you see the backside entrance.

Still at the backside of the new train station, here you see one of the many bicycle stands. And as you can see, lovely weather! There is a bu station aswell.

I arrived safe and sound around 12:00 in Nijverdal, first I wanted to visit my Aunt and Uncle aswell. But when I approached the bus driver and asked him if she also stopped at  'De Blenke' she told me she didn't know. De Blenke is a elderly house somewhere in Nijverdal, my Aunt and Uncle live next to that elderly house. Surprising that a bus driver didn't knew where he or she all stopped, but anyway. I will look for some clearer bus stop information as soon as I go again. Or else I will jump on my bicycle, it ain't that far. I returned trough the train station to the centre of the village, searching for a flower and plant store. It noticed me that alot of stores were closed, (bankruptcy?) it all has to do with the Dutch crisis. Even the flower store where I had my eye on today was closed, the store was completely empty. Ofcource Nijverdal has more flower stores, though it was just surprising to see that 'that' store was closed, I always bought flowers and plants here.

I could not get enough of this new train station, here you see the upper deck. You can buy your tickets here and find travel information. The train rails are laying downstairs in a certain open tunnel. 

Here you see the two rail tracks, there are only two trains here coming together. One train goes to Zwolle, and the other train goes to Enschede. In between the trains will be stopping several times on in between stations, such as Almelo, lol.

I needed the plants for Mom and Dad's grave, just like I had planned. I went to another store and bought two plants and two wooden buckets. The plants I bought were oxeye daisy's, they looked strong and firm, perfect for cooler nights. It frozed a bit last night, so yeah. The plants and wooden buckets were a bit pricey but, it's more then worth it. I continued my trip to the cemetery, walking in the centre I had this safe feeling around me. Nijverdal is a calm and down to earth village, it seems there's never no crime here, no bad things or violent behaviour. It would be frontpage news if something bad would happen here. The people are nice and friendly, it seems everyone knows each other. I grew up here, My Dad grew up here aswell, my Mom grew up in Wierden, 5 km from Nijverdal. I lived for a while in Wierden to, but mostly I lived here in Nijverdal. 

Crazy advertisment at this travel store, this Volkswagen was packed with flyers and decorations. This travel store is actually the same store where I bought several travel tickets for my trips to Canada, very helpfull and kind people.

The centre or square point of the city Nijverdal, usually it's packed here, but I think it was still early.

I took a small break in a store and had a coffee and a warm sandwich with meat, like I mostly and recently on a Saturday afternoon, lol. Afterwards I went to the cemetery, it was quiet a walk but the weather was gorgeous. Two bags in my hand and there I went, 15 minutes later I arrived. I saw two man and a small bulldozer working on a few graves, it gave a kind of a sad feeling. It's such a awkward thing actually, dead, funeral, burried. My Mom and Dad are laying a bit in the back on the cemetery, a bit uphill and there I was. I didn't see new plants, just a few old ones what were still okay though. I placed the just bought plants on the grave and watered them. It gave a nice feeling being here, aswell a bit sad and weird feeling.like I said, awkward thing, dead, funeral, burried.

Thought about it a few times, taking a picture or not. I did and I didn't regret it. The two new plants I bought you can see in the background. (The green and white ones) Kinda weird and scary to see this picture, I feel so close to it. Reminds me of this afternoon.

Returning back to the centre of the village Nijverdal, it's been a nice afternoon. I surely will return here, there's alot of events coming up in Nijverdal. Would be nice to see them, though living here, no! I live in Almelo and I'm fine there.

I guess I have to get used to the idea that recently my Dad is burried here, it brought me back to the day that Dad has passed away, back to his passing, the funeral, the last greet. I stood at the grave and cleaned it a bit, placed the plants rightly and yeah, that's it actually. Though I didn't wanna go yet, though I went after ten minutes. And returned again, 'one more look and perhaps a greet,' I thought. It gives aswell a bit of a helpless feeling, a feeling of 'I would love to see them both once again, but I can't.' I returned to the centre of the village with that helpless feeling, feeling lonely. That feeling surprised me, I thought, 'here comes that grieving again.' Thought I was okay, but, it's a normal feeling aswell. I went here, so what could I expect, right? 

A nice afternoon, I bought my last groceries and returned to my own city Almelo, Almelo is such a difference comparing to Nijverdal though. Almelo has lots of foreigners, mostly Turkish people. They mostly never greet you when you pass them, and it looks like they always up to something, lol. There's crime here aswell, and here and there homeless people on the streets. I guess the term 'village' and 'city' does make the difference. You know, I would love to speak to foreign people in Almelo, knowing what their thoughts are or what their background is, how they like it here. I'm quit interested and curious in that. Anyway, it's been a awkward day with mixed thoughts, and it was mostly expected. 

Spring is still struggling.

Spring is still struggling.

Tonight we will get some freezing temperatures, Saturday will be warmer but just not warm enough to be Spring. This morning I went out with a thinner coat, but I could have used my Winter jacket. It was a pretty cold wind, just like yesterday. I went out this morning for a blood test and to do a part of my groceries. Blood test went fine, only when the nurse comes with the needle .......... lol! I always look away and ask myself if the needle will hurt a bit or not. I always feel it, but sometimes it just hurts a bit more then other times. This morning went okay with the needle, lol. I will get my blood results next week. Just wanted to know how it is with my thyroid. Last time my results were very good.

Today was a day I started with cleaning and organizing my villa, this week I had the feeling that it's a mess there, lol. Probably it wasn't but I guess we all have sometimes that feeling, don't we? Cleaned a few windows and organized a few rooms, it sure gives a good feeling afterwards. Tomorrow will be a nice day, the weather will be good, sun and dry. I will be off to my Dad's village, just spending a little afternoon there. I will buy some plants for my Dad's grave and afterwards will enjoy myself in Nijverdal. (Dad's village) So now and then I think of my Dad, it realizes me then that his passing went all so fast. I'm still feel relaxed and calm about my Dad's passing, looking forward to visit Dad's grave.

I was worried about the grieving and me being sad after my Dad's passing. But I must say, I feel okay and calm, it';s kinda awkward to feel this way. It makes me think, 'what's going on? Why am I not tearing apart or be extreme sad?" I'm not complaining though, it just feel sometimes awkward when I think of it. Maybe it's my Dad himself making me not grieve or feel sad, he was always asking me if I was alright and if I was able to take care of myself. Just a worried Dad worrying about his Son, nothing wrong with Dad, I feel safe, and I'm not scared. He's up there, together with Mom, guiding over me. Probably that's why I'm feeling so relaxed and calm, I love you Mom and Dad.

Another disaster...

Another disaster...
 

A massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in the small Texas town of West left at least two people dead, sent dozens more seeking medical attention and prompted a wide scale evacuation in the community of 2,600 people. Just after a small week after the marathon bombing, very tragic. The explosion made me think of the Dutch firework disaster in the city Enschede on 14 May 2000. At least 20 people had been killed back then, and about 300 injured in an explosion which destroyed a Dutch fireworks warehouse. This firework warehouse was placed right in the middle of a residential aswell, just like the fertilizer plant factory in West, Texas.Both residential's were almost blown away, my heart goes out to the people in West, Texas. 

On with today........

The last two days I haven't been feeling so well, pressure on my chest, sometimes this chest pain, a bit dizzy. Maybe it's a reminder that I have to test my blood again, (thyroid) it's been three or four months when I tested my blood. The last time the results were good, very good actually.  But just to be sure I will get a blood test, it doesn't matter when or how many times I test it. Just when I feel I have to, I will go. Just like my old Doctor told me. Working day today, work went well and we were quit busy. Working on a mat for Dubai, woot! It gives a bit of a proud feeling, lol. Plans for the weekend? Yes....... Cleaning and organizing!  (He says with a big smile!!)

Sleepy head...

Sleepy head...

I was planning to go to bed, then I realized I still had to write a post. I feel sleepy and I  am almost closing my eyes in front of my laptop, early night for me for sure. It is still early though, but that is alright. Such a warm day today, more then 20 degrees, celsius. Lovely day, with two naps, a coffee visit and a appointment with my therapist. The therapist appointment went like usual, it is easy to do the exercises I have to do when I am there, but when I am busy with other things or I have other activities to do I feel that my breathing automatically goes in my own pattern again. Meaning, that there will be a chance of highly breathing. 

My therapist told me I was making procces with my breathing, though I do not feel that. I am not that worried about it, and I knew that it would be difficult aswell. I love the appointments though, I get alot of information plus I get tips ans excersizes. That all can come in handy. I think this therapy will end in a few weeks, but I am not sure. The coffee visit was at Ina´s place, it was about time. I have not been there for a while, probably five or six weeks it has been. Ina had a busy day, I could tell she was feeling sleepy and tired. I did not stay that long. I actually have to close my eyes aswell for the night, tomorrow early up for work.

Why has the world become so cruel?

Why has the world become so cruel?

"At least three people have been killed and more than 100 injured, some seriously, in two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon."

My heart goes out to the citizens of Boston, this tragic can really happen anywhere. Sometimes I think of it when I'm at a event or just anything where there's a amount of people, 'A bomb could explode here and cost a tragic damage, just like 9/11.' What's going on world? It seems the world has become a cruel and vicious place.And why? I just don't know, I just don't know. I guess we just take it as it is, and try to make the best of it. You can't change the world in a better place all on your own. 

On with today, Tuesday. Just a nice day at work, laughed, did my work well, it was all good. I had a phone call after my dinner, guess who called! Remember my applicant from the volunteer visits? Jennifer called, she brought me a few books as a gift. She putted it in my mailbox today, I was kinda lightly shocked when Jennifer called. The gifts are nice, but I'm done with her, she shouldn't be calling and giving me gifts. It's the second time she called, Jennifer called the first time a day after I said 'no!' to visit her. 

And now after I think three weeks, she calls again, telling me she gave me some gifts. My first thought was, 'Is she going to stalk me?"  I never should have switched phone number and addresses with her, I think were not even allowed to do that. 'Never switch addresses or phone numbers with your applicant." I mailed my contact person, the woman who leads this volunteer project. I explained the situation  in a mail this evening and wait for her answer.

Monday blues!

Monday blues! 

A nice and warm day for a change, it was to warm for the time of year. Last week it was to cold for the time of year, Spring, make up your mind. I had some thinner clothes on today at work, but still I had it warm. This morning when I was on my way to work (around 7:00 am) I spotted a woman in shorts and t-shirt! Though it's a nice feeling the warmth, finally getting rid of the thick clothes.today at work there was some gossiping around between fellow workers, about the coming future of our work. I already heard from a fellow worker last week that he was looking for another job, today another fellow worker was thinking about quiting. 

What's going on? I know it's crisis in Holland, but quiting a job? Let them be glad they have a job. Were not that busy the last few months, we have something to do, but that's it. Sometimes new orders come in but not huge projects, just little mats. Workers with a permanent contract consider themselves 'steady,' meaning they are not that scared or worried to loose their job. But there is aswell also some workers with a zero hours contract, if or when it's not that busy, these people  can stay at home and come back when it's busy again. I know two of those workers in our factory.  

Even though I have a permanent contract, it worries me aswell that it's not that busy. Next to our factory we have a small building where we recently hired other workers too. These workers are disabled or have a low chance to find work or, they can build up their daily 'work rhythm.' It's a project where I worked aswell, before I got my permanent job. All fine and well, but these 'new' workers are taking our work out of our hands while it's not that busy at the moment. My concern is that if one of 'our' workers has to go, should we then blame these 'new' workers? Aren't they suppose to be leaving then? 

Anyway, let's not think to much forward... We still have something to do, our weekly orders are still their. Crossing our fingers.

 

Sun, high temperature and a serenade.

Sun, high temperature and a serenade. 

Thinking of what to write on this Sunday's post, I really didn't do much this warm day. It was like almost 19 degrees outside, though the sun had it hard to come trough. Yeah, Spring has started for sure! Think I will wait with putting away my Winter clothing, you never know it with the weather these days. This morning I heard several trumpets bringing a serenade, first I thought it was one of my neighbors, but I figured it could also be outside. I looked trough my window but didn't see anything in my street, though I heard a serenade of trumpets, lol. 

It was on the left side of the flat where a members of a marching band brought a trumpet serenade to... Yeah, to whom actually? Perhaps for someone in the flat where they stood in front for. On the picture you can see the members of the marching band, including the flat and a few elderly people. Anyway, it was a bit awkward to see and hear this on a Sunday, it's usually quiet here in this area. The 3 days of flew by again, tomorrow is Monday already. Got everything laying ready, clothes, working shoes, lunch in the fridge. Rain coat for just in case, they for spelled rain tomorrow. Bleh!

Change of plan, lol!

Change of plan, lol! 

This week I had the option to choose from two events, (yes, yes) there was the Record & Antique fair in Utrecht, and there was the re-opening from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. I never skip the Record & Antique fair, but this time I thought, "Why not go somewhere else instead?" So, yesterday I decided to go to the Rijksmuseum, but today, in the early morning something happened, Mrs. Hmph sent me a message  with saying that she didn't like it that I went, cause we made a deal that we, Mrs. Hmph and I, would go together. She wouldn't let me go alone, lol, oh no! So yeah, change of plans. Heading to Utrecht.
 

Lots of building and torturing roads apart in the city of Utrecht, Roads and lanes are open, and you really have to walk many miles to just cross a street or to actually get somewhere.

Confussing right? Yes? No? Good, lol. Okay, all jokes aside, it was a little misunderstanding  between two friends, lol. All okay and alright, I took of early this morning, I think I never went that early. There will be delays on the trains, so better to be early away. The train left at 8:30 am, so I went to close my door at 8:00 am and walked to the station. It was grey and just a bit chilly, they for spelled sun today, so, all good! I had to take another train route like I normally do, cause 'they' are working on the rails. I will pass my Dad's old village Nijverdal. 
 

First time I saw a windmill in a city, though, a nice one, right?

Here and there a bit excited about it, cause Nijverdal just opened their new train station and train tunnel. What a great station and tunnel, it's such a achievement for this village. From Nijverdal the train went further to Zwolle, in Zwolle I had to switch trains. But I jumped in the wrong train, me, train travel-expert number one gets in the wrong train, lol. I thought, oh God, no wonder it's the 13th today. While the train was riding I already made plans how to get to Utrecht, it was not that a disaster, just this trip to Utrecht will take a tiny bit much longer. I got of the train in Duivendrecht. 
 

Utrecht is a big city, though not as big as Amsterdam. So yeah, big city, lots of busy trafic, walking people everywhere and loads of bicycles and owners.

Duivendrecht is a village near Amsterdam. And is about a little 30 minutes from Utrecht, I thought, "I have to get out of the train now, so I can switch this train to another train towards Utrecht." Though, (sigh) I thought it all wrong, cause a train from Duivendrecht towards Utrecht didn't excised. At least, I couldn't figure out how. I decided to go back to where I started from, well, actually half way. From Hilversum (What's in a name) to Utrecht was my B, so there I went, from Duivendrecht to Hilversum, (a small 20 minutes)and  in Hilversum I took the train to Utrecht. 
 

I should have taken the normal coffee, but no, Mr. coffee wanted a cappuchino, to much milk as you can see. The strawberry cheese cake was good!

I arrived in Utrecht at 11:10 am, it was better then the time I guessed, so all good. I went straight to the record fair, and there was the same line up like last year. I saw many lines up with this fair, so, I kinda knew how long this line up will take, I'd say a little fifteen minutes. I was right. Entrance was 11 Euro, not bad. I didn't stay that long at the fair, cause I saw this fair a million times. Though it's always fun to be there and watch people what they are selling. I spent two hours at the fair and then I left and went into the city of Utrecht. It's really been a while since I been in the centre of Utrecht. 

The biggest church in Utrecht called 'De Dom,' you can walk underneath and walk straight to the other part of this church. I went inside and enjoyed  the atmosphere plus a choir that was singing there.

I decided to take my time today and not look on the clock, there's no one waiting for me, so enjoy mister! It was so busy though, all the people enjoyed the lovely weather. I dashed trough the streets and tried to find awkward places aswell, places I like to discover or explore. Utrecht had today aswell free entrance to all the churches, that was fun. It was after 4:00 pm when I left, before that I did a few groceries and then went to the trains. It was a nice day after all, a rough start this morning, damn and ugh! But in the end it was all worth it. I have some weird and crazy friends on FB... but I love them all, including you Mrs. Hmph! LOL! Hugs!!

Sweating and cramp at the dentist.

Sweating and cramp at the dentist. 

I thought I would be done in a little 40 minutes this morning at the dentist, but it took more then 90 minutes, ugh! My dentist started of with asking me if I needed a anesthetic injection, hmm, well, I told her no. Though, it always makes me think when a dentist ask this, lol. 'Why do they ask, is it going to hurt that much?'  Anyway, I refused the injection and the dentist went to work. I ouched a few times, oh yes, this was a tough treatment. Even the dentist had it rough, but I trusted her that she will fix things. And she did! I tell you, leaving your mouth open for a little 90 minutes is tough, the spit sucker made my mouth dry. 

After the treatment I asked for another treatment. My dentist always tells me before a treatment if she has to fix my two front teeth. I had a accident with my two front teeth when I was a teenager, I lifted my self up at a swimming pool, then I bumped my mouth/teeth on the edge of the pool. I broke both of my front teeth, my old dentist from back then fixed the teeth but now you can still see where it has broken.  My dentist can fix those two front teeth, though I was curious what this treatment will cost. Her answer was 170 Euro's, she told me that it's not really a must, it only looks better.

Well, I will think about it, and will decide this year. It's alot of money but not as much as I expected. If or when I can miss the money I will go for it. The treatment for today will cost me too, I had 3 tooth fixed, ouch! I was glad it was over. It was needed, I was glad it was done. Time for a well deserved surprise I thought, tomorrow I will be out for the whole day. I decided to go to the rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. I will be off at 8:00 am, my train will leave at 8:30 am. Early bird tomorrow, I think it will be a great day out. I surely will take my time.

Decision half made, lol!

Decision half made, lol! 

If it's not costing to much I might be going out Saturday all day, not to the record fair but to the 'Rijksmuseum' in Amsterdam. It's is a Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum has been working hard towards the opening on 13 April 2013. Saturday it will be re-opened since a long time, and free entrance until 12:30 pm! The Rijksmuseum has been a working museum for more than 125 years. After more than a century of intensive use, this huge building needed a radical makeover. In the year 2000, the government of the day gave the go-ahead. After a lengthy period of preparation, work finally started in 2004. The main building was handed over in 2012, and work began on preparing for the opening. Following its refit, this internationally renowned museum is now fully compliant with the requirements of our modern age.

Inside stories been telling that this Rembrandt painting (The night watch) costed more then a million to move it to the new location, damn!

 All fine and well, I'm not sure if I'm going though. If I'm not on time for the free entrance I will have to pay a small 14 Euro, the train will cost me a small28 Euro. I will see if I'm going or not. The weather will be rainy, though not cold at all, a nice and warm 18 degrees celcius. Working today was okay, worked well in the morning. Though anything what could go wrong went wrong in the afternoon, lol. Just one of those afternoon's I guess, I hate it though. I dislike making mistakes, it gives a annoying feeling. Yes, I learn from it but bleh! Dislike. Dentist appointment tomorrow, I'm happy it's in the early morning (around 10) It's the drill I dislike, and it will be used tomorrow, my dentist want to make more space between two tooth she spotted last week. It's needed. I'll survive!

Making plans for the weekend.

Making plans for the weekend. 

Should I go out, or should I stay close to home this weekend? There's that huge event again on Saturday, the biggest record fair in Europe in Utrecht. I been there several times, but I'm not sure if I'm going this time, probably not. Why? I don't know, it's mostly the same and I think I saw it now, been there so many times. I rather go somewhere else. This record fair has aswell a huge antique fair, I'm sure I talked about it before on here. This event is twice a year, so, I can always go later this year. I need to save up some money for more important things. Like new shoes, lol.

A month before our Summer vacation we always get 'vacation money,' a little bit of money where we can spend just a bit more money as usual. I received it last year too, my job pays out the vacation money. If I wouldn't had a job I would get vacation money from Social Services, not that much as I get from work, but it's something. I will get some nice, new shoes from that money, plus I will buy a few gifts when I go on my trip to Atalanta/Georgia US. Gifts for my Friend Jan and her kids. Just some small gifts what I'm sure they will like. Relaxed about the trip? Yeah, I'm good. 
 

A few groceries aswell today, I'm such a daredevil on a bicycle, lol That's a full bag their.

I can't almost believe it when I think about it to long. Excited feeling.  The third visit to my therapist was a success, she complimented me many times about how I describe my breathing. I know it all, 'You could be a therapist, you know it so well what's going on with your breathing,' she told me. I had my moments of 'highly breathing' for such a long time that I got used to it. By knowing every detail, it gives a relief but the highly breathing is still there so now and then. Though not that pain full anymore, I know what it is.

The therapist gave me a few new excessive to practice at home, I'll do my best! Next week a new appointment. Oh I got soaking wet when I took of to the therapist, and I even had my rain clothing on, lol. On my way back it was dry thank God. The weather is getting better though, we need the rain, that's alright. Upcoming Sunday we will get 19 degrees! Spring is struggling, but it's getting there. Yeah, it's bed time once again, tomorrow early up. I had two naps today, wow, I guess it was needed. I could easily had a third nap, but no. I had to save some sleep for this night.

98 posts to go until the 1000th post...

98 posts to go until the 1000th post...

It's not always easy to write a post everyday, specially when you have nothing to write, lol. But it would be awkward to skip a day, in my eyes. Feeling sleepy again, then I realized I still have to write a post. I could have wait until tomorrow in the early hours. But I haven't got much time either tomorrow, therapist appointment at 9:40 am.  It's been two weeks since my last appointment, I did my exercises, that went easy but they are not really helping. Maybe it's a matter of time. I had to breath softly and gentle, and at the same time focus on a body part, (my back) Feel how it stands or moves, try to reach the floor with your back while your breathing. 

I only had to do it for a little 10 or 15 minutes. If I did it good I can feel my breath is going lower towards my stomach. And it did a few times, but as soon as I stopped. I automatically went to my own (trusted) pose, lol. Like I said, it takes time I guess, keep practicing. Though I'm not in a pain or something, or struggling with my breath, heavy short breathing. None of that all. I feel just that sometimes a pressure on my chest when I 'uhm' effort? I'm used to it though, I can actually stire it, handle it. Though it's just that sometimes annoying. Recently ( a few months ago) I a stab in my chest when I sneezed, that made me made a appointment with my Doctor. 

What resulted in a therapist. I can live it, any help is always welcome. It's all good. Nice day at work today, I love it when my Boss tells me what to do in a few words, and I do the things I have to do so easily. And if I don't know something I simply ask. I learned alot here, and in other factories. It seems I only got better after Canada, pick up things easier. Alright, I'm off to bed, I have to, before I fall asleep behind the laptop.

"Mondays."

"Mondays." 

Just a regular Monday, I worked and in the evening there was the free dinner. I like Monday's, Monday's never bore me. Yep, I'm alright, lol. I'm not going insane. After being three day's off, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it's nice to start again, aswell with a new full week. I worked alone for a few hours today, the other fellow worker came a bit later. 
 

No, they don't lol!

I was quit excited to work on my own, proving always I can do it on my own is the best feeling. Although 'they' know it now, lol. A office member came towards me and asked me if I'm okay working on my own, I said, "Sure I am." The office member knew already that I would give that answer, lol. Working alone was fun, I did what I had to do, and a little extra. Nice day!