Cancels..

Cancels...

It's been a nice though cold day, I rested out in the morning and did my duties in the afternoon. I had a good sleep even though it was minus 15 last night, no extra blankets and no heater on. Socks? Yes, socks, I had them on, lol. In the afternoon I finally I succeeded with buying a flannel sheet plus a flannel mattress cover, the cover was on sale, the sheet was expensive, even though I bought it on the market. But oh well, if the sheet is comfy, I will buy another one next week. You can't buy them anywhere in a store those flannel sheets, I was lucky to find a seller on the market. 

The winter boots are on again!

While being out in the afternoon I forgot my gloves, it was freezing cold and busy in the city. A nice Winter day, lots of people buying groceries and Christmas items. I bought a few Christmas ornaments aswell, not much but it's a start. The grocery store was packed with people, I grabbed the things I needed and took of again. I had beets, chicken and potatoes for dinner tonight, tomorrow I will have rice again, with this time, leek, green pepper, tauge and a sauce. I never prepared leek before, never even tried it. I'm sure it's gonna be good.

The City Christmas tree is standing. Just like last year, and the other years before..

The leek was so cheap, 29 Euro cents. With a few bags on my bicycle I headed home for a nap. Cause it might have been that I would have been out tonight, but no. I invited 'Janine' this week to come with me to the 'Moonlight shopping' event at the garden centre near my house. She would love that she told me, but as always she wasn't sure yet. I do understand that, she's a busy woman with two busy kids. I invited her several times, or she invited me a few times but there's always on the end the canceling. 

It's a huge tree, so, alot of work to decorate it.

Mostly from her side, I almost getting used to it. Though this time I thought the 'moonlight shopping 'is going trough, but no. Janine wasn't in the mood, she had troubles with her parents and she excused me. Her cancels are fair, so fair that I understand it, fair as that they can happen. Though there's mostly the disappointment from my side, 'again a canceling.' Janine hasn't got it easy, so that's why as a friend I would like to take her out sometimes, her kids are welcome too, I don't mind. It will do her good, and for me it's a nice out too. 

My favorite path.... it's so nice to take pictures here.

Always being out on my own is fun too, but sometimes going out with a bunch of people is sometimes just a bit nicer, right? The 'out' tonight would have been nice, but resting and staying inside was just as good. I felt tired after dinner, so I was actually glad that there was the canceling. It's been a rough week last week at work, so, rest will do me good. I had a nice day, tomorrow is a resting day aswell. Resting for another week at work, lol. I'm getting old, hahaha!

Short weekend, with rest and naps.

Short weekend, with rest and naps. 

Johan from the 'buddy wanted project' cancelled his appointment with me this morning, he shows up every Friday morning at 10:00 for his appointment with me. It's the second time he cancelled a appointment already, it's alright. The cancel came in handy aswell, I could go earlier to my work. I had to work a half day extra today, though I started at 11:00, earlier! I couldn't resist, I was excited, lol. The snow came with amounts down when I went to work, the wind blew hard aswell. I was half way and I thought, "What am I doing?" My excitement turned in to a exhaustment, lol. The five and a half hours of extra work went okay, though I have to keep an eye on my health a bit more.

Last night I was tired aswell from a hard day's work, I knew that it would be fine to work a half day extra the next day, if I rested enough in the morning. And so I did, I even had a nap, that helped. But still, I will have to take it more easier. Take my time to rest too, and don't get to overwhelmed or over excited while working. This week has been rough, so now and then I feel a little pressure on my chest. That's a sign for me that I have to take it easy, though I have sometimes that feeling too that I feel great while working. I mean, I feel tired then too but it feels like I'm in a gym doing my work out. Hard to describe that feeling, adrenaline? Positive energy? Satisfied?

Anyway, work went well. I told my fore worker aswell what I thought of his 'faces' sometimes, and the jokes he sometimes makes. I told it with a smile, and on a right time. He understood it, he informed me that it's all jokes, and that it's very normal that I come with alot of questions when I have to do something new at work. It was a nice afternoon, tired afterwards, but satisfied. This upcoming weekend I won't do that much, I don't have any plans. I'm actually looking forward to be resting and chilling. Maybe going out for a little bit with 'Janine,' it will be then our first out. She's good in cancelling things, lol. A garden centre in my neighborhood is open until 10:00pm tomorrow, should be fun to go to.

Enough is enough?

Enough is enough? 

It has been a rough busy week at work, a week like not a usual week. Like you constantly have things to do, sometimes in a hurry and sometimes not, but no stopping, accept for lunch or coffee breaks. Today has been the same at work, I nearly was fed up aswell. Doing the best you can, and then get sometimes comments. I know it's mostly a joke but enough is enough, right? My fore worker is good at 'that.' He's the guy who has to teach me, and he does. But mostly he comments me when I make a mistake or I ask him something with a joke or laughing face. For example, "Oh Sjon, pay attention please." Or, Hey, hurry up, your still not done?" <--- He says that with a laughing face.

It's fun sometimes, but not always. When I go to him for a question, he puts sometimes a face like he wants to say, "Oh no, what now?" He's been doing it alot when I work with him, not always though. He's a very nice guy, and no one can work like him, he's fast, no one can beat him. I tried to copy him sometimes but I gave up on that. I tell him, "Nah, there's no use to copy you, no one can." I get alot of serious compliments from him too, he told me several times that he rather works with me then other workers. I love my job and I like the work I do, that shows while I work, I show alot of enthusiasm. Today has been rough, I had to do something else in my own section. 

Finish the mats what are nearly done, clean them (glue spots), measuring them, pack them and write them down. That's really quit a job, cause some mats are huge. It was actually my first time (I think) I did this, finish them completely. And some mats had to be done in a rush, cause customers were waiting. My fore worker worked on another section but he could see me work, and yes he did sometimes pull a 'Hey, hurry up, your still not done?' face, lol. Or when I went to him for questions, the 'Oh, what now?' face. Not always though, but in the end of the day I was a bit fed up with the jokes. Been busy, managed alot, and then the faces and comments, that no fun!

I ignored him and did my own thing, it was nearly closing time aswell, so yeah, I cleaned up. Tomorrow I will work aswell, though it's only a half day. It's busy! Tomorrow my fore worker will help me out on our own section, I think I need to man up a bit more, not always be the nice guy, if you know what I mean. Speak up! And that is what I will do from now on, on a honest and polite way. A fair way. What does it matter that I come up with 100's of questions when I have to do something new! I need to learn aswell, right? When my fore worker gives me those faces again, I will look at him for a second and turn around and continue what I do. Ignorance is best I think, just doing my best and pay attention is good.

A December to remember please.

A December to remember please. 

What a nice rest full day off I had, I rested well in the morning, and the afternoon was fabulous with a great gift. Today we celebrate Sinterklaas, just like we do every year on the 5th of December.Your all probably wondering who or what Sinterklaas means...

Sinterklaas or more formally Sint Nicolaas or Sint Nikolaas; Saint Nicolas in French is a traditional winter holiday figure still celebrated today in the low Countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium. He is also well known in territories of the former Dutch Empire, including Aruba, Suriname, Curaçao, Bonaire, and Indonesia. He is one of the sources of the holiday figure of Santa Claus in North America. Sinterklaas is an elderly, stately and serious man with white hair and a long, full beard. 

He wears a long red cape or chasuble over a traditional white bishop's alb and sometimes red stola, dons a red mitre, and holds a gold-coloured crosier, a long ceremonial shepherd's staff with a fancy curled top and also has a ruby ring. He carries the big book of Saint Nicolas that tells whether each individual child has been good or naughty in the past year. He traditionally rides a white gray horse. A Zwarte Piet (Black Pete, plural Zwarte Pieten) is a servant of Sinterklaas, usually an adolescent in blackface with black curly hair, dressed up like a 17-th century page in a colourful dress.

Often with a lace collar, and donning a feathered cap. Sinterklaas and his Black Pete usually carry a bag which contains candy for nice children and a roe, a chimney sweep's broom made of willow branches, used to spank naughty children. Some of the older Sinterklaas songs make mention of naughty children being put in the bag and being taken back to Spain. The Zwarte Pieten toss candy around, a tradition supposedly originating in Sint Nicolaas' story of saving three young girls from prostitution by tossing golden coins through their window at night to pay their father's debts.

Enough about Sinterklaas, back to me,lol. Like I said I had a wonderfull rest in the morning, just before lunch I putted op my Christmas tree. That was a piece of cake, a foot, the fake tree and a plug, that was it. It's a fake blossom Christmas tree, it can be put outside aswell. But it stays nicely here in the living room, it still needs some more decorations and then it's done. I will have a look around in the weekend. After my lunch I rested a bit more and then it was time to do a few groceries and buying Christmas cards. Yeah I will be sending some cards this year. 

The Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

It needs more decoration but everything on time, right?

Around 3:00 I took of to my job, not for work but a little celebration. A nice sit together with every fellow workers and office workers, just because we celebrate the 5th of December. It was actually my day off but most workers were already asking me yesterday if I'm gonna show up today for the celebration. I was excited to go so I surely went, and it was great. When I entered the factory I got a nice welcome and cheering, lol. Some were still cleaning or working, but at 3:15 it was off to the cantine. The cantine was fully packed, I counted 29 people. There were drinks and warm snacks, and joyfull conversations. 

Just a suitcase I thought, and that was already a nice gift...

.....And then I opened the suitcase. Woot!

Under in the suitcase I found a box with this inside it.

The Boss closed the little celebration with a wonderfull speech, and in the end we all got a surprise. Now I knew we were getting a surprise but I surely didn't expect a nice suitcase. Wow! At 4:30 I cycled towards home, with the suitcase on my steering wheel, this suitcase wasn't empty I thought, cause it was heavy. But what's in it? When I got home I opened the suitcase and it was full with food and drink items, my goodness this suitcase was loaded full. Wow! I'm so blessded and happy with my work, remember the casino night? 

The 80 Euro, and now this, and it isn't even Christmas yet. I meant what I said, I truly love my job, not only for the gifts and for the outs together. The work is great, I like the fellow workers, I'm blessed. I thank God on my knees for the permanent contract. I said it a few times when I cycled home after the fest, "I'm happy!" But not to hard, I wispered it. Cause when I say it out loud, the next day the oppisite might or will happen. I found that out a few times, or it were just my thoughts.

00,00 % Energy left.

00,00 % Energy left. 

Pffeeww, I gave a little bit to much these last two days at work. I was exhausted to the bone while I rided my cycle towards home from work, I was even bothered to ride fast and steady as I usually do. Why fast and steady? Oh, just the way I usually cycle, lol. Now I took my time. I worked on my own section these last two days, together with another fellow worker. Together we had to work on differently orders, and these orders were in a hurry. The handling's the other fellow worker couldn't do or wasn't use to do, I did. So I had double the work, plus I had to keep the other worker at work. Was I in charge then? Hmm, it felt like it, but no, we worked as a team. Just as the other worker told me, I agreed.

Though it was quit a bit of a work, I think I completed a few orders all by myself. From stage one to 'done!' And that's quit a work. My mind goes 'go, go, go' sometimes while I work, though I have it quietly in hand. It's also a must, cause I really have to pay attention what I'm doing. Otherwise I will forget things, and then a order will be sent back. I dislike making mistakes, it annoyes me and bothers me. But with a few little mistakes, (like we all sometimes do at work) I managed it. Am I happy with it? Uhm, yes and no, no, cause of the few mistakes, and yes, cause I managed to do alot and nicely.

Now I'm tired and my body and mind needs rest, and that's just what I will do tonight, and tomorrow. Tomorrow there are a few things I need or want to do though. Setting up the little Christmas tree, getting Christmas cards and stamps, and there is a little party going on at work at 3:15 pm. At 3:15 pm the workers will stop the work and gather around in the cantine for a Sinterklaas celebration. Will tell you more about Sinterklaas tomorrow. In the cantine there will be little snacks and a few drinks, I heard every worker gets a little surprise aswell. It's actually my day off tomorrow, but a few workers asked me to come, even my Boss asked me. How can I refuse right?

Full day, pfffeeww!

Full day, pfffeeww! 

Monday morning at work we first get our schedules in the cantine, on the schedules you can see your name and on what section you are the coming week. I will be on my own section this week the schedule said, together with another fellow worker, yay! I love my own section. Though, working together with another worker can give sometimes a little struggle. I always want to give it a 100% of what I'm able off, and doing what I'm good at, aswell I like to learn things. I know what I have to do, I know what has to be done and how. I'm quit handy aswell, and I love the work. Though sometimes working with someone you have to give in aswell, work as a team. If you I think that 'that's' the best way to work, then the other worker might think the opposite, so, negotiations has to be done, and a little giving in. 

Sometimes it's not that easy to please everyone,  it's sometimes double work, lol. Anyway, it's been a busy day but we both finished alot of orders. I loved it! Tomorrow I will do the last finishing and then it's done. Though there is more work, but first things first. I will be working on a Friday aswell, though it's a half day. They wanted me first for a whole day, but they didn't talk to me about it, and that we agreed in the contract. If there has to be worked a extra day they will talk to me about it. I went to the office with the schedule this morning, to skip the whole day of extra work into a half day. That was alright. I'm quit excited about tomorrow, I'm blessed with my job.

December 2012!

December 2012!

I wonder if this month is gonna be a good festive month for me or not, ofcource it's all in my hands, I know. It's all up to me to make it a month that I never will forget. On New Years eve I'm good, I will be in Paris then. Excited? Uhm, yes, just as excited as I went on my trip to Berlin, I really don't know what to expect. Last year with New Years I went to London, I was pretty excited about that, cause I knew it would be a great trip, but Paris? Yeah, it's gonna be good. And with Christmas? With Christmas I will be out aswell, I will spend time with a few 'friends' from Humanitas. "If!" it's going trough, cause these friends have been promising things and invited me many times the last two months, but in the end it mostly ended up being cancelled.I almost got used to it. 

I should search for alternative things to do with Christmas, last year I didn't do a thing, and I was fine with that. So why am I excited and kinda worried about it now? Cause there are plans with other people, and I hope that 'that's' going trough. I should relax about it, and just let it go as it goes. If it's not going trough, well? Then not. I noticed that I more worried about things then let's say last year, just little things. I should stop that and just relax about those things. Easier said then done, I know. It's gonna be a great festive month, so there! I will be sure to make it festive. Will try to be not festive on my own, but with others. Though on your own should be fine too. I need to learn that more, being on your own and having that 'It's okay' feeling about it.

Saturday, snowy day.

Saturday, snowy day. 

Visited a few friends in the evening, the rain and a bit of snow poored down as you can see.

They talked about snow today but it wasn't much, it rained in the late afternoon and trough the rain I noticed some snowflakes. And that was it. The 1st of December today, damn, time flies by so fast. Today was visit Dad day, he sure was happy when I entered his room, "Hey Sjonnie-boy," He yelled. I bought him two new jogging pants, he needs them cause they are very handy to wear for him. Though when I wanted to put them away I saw a little note on his desk with under the note a pair of pants. On the note it said that these pants were to small, the to small pants were a L-size. Weird, cause I usually bought him L-sizes and no complains. The new just bought pants I bought were a L-size too, sigh. In other words, to small. I will have to trade them.

I spoke to Dad's nurse and she told me the same, trade them is the best option. I told the nurse that I will trade them for a XXL-size when I will be on my way back home, I will pass the store then where I bought the new pants. I will keep the traded pants with me, and will bring them with me with a new visit. It's been a bit of a hectic day today, there should have been suppose a sort of little fest in the evening with a few friends, but that didn't went trough. The one friend where were going to held this fest went sick this morning, that can happen. Though is seems there's always something when I make appointments or set a date with these friends....

It becomes almost normal. Oh well, I shouldn't even get mad about it, or feel dissapointed. I told promised myself today that I will go to someone else then for a short visit, and so I did.I went to a couple who I also knew from Humanitas, they should have come to the litte fest aswell this evening, but that was cancelled. It was a okay visit. Like I mentioned yesterday, I need more friends or reletives. I can't point out more that it's so important to have people around you. I'm working on it, not everyday but just bit by bit, and bit by bit I will achive.

Looking for....

Looking for....

I'm looking again for 'new friends,' to achieve that I will have to start with finding perhaps volunteers work, join a club or sport, you name it. I have been writing about this probably more then twenty times I know. It's like every week I notice that it's really to get started with finding new friends. I have a few 'friends,' but I don't want to stuck myself on only those friends. These friends I have are not that trust worthy to say the least, plus you can't really count on them. And yet, it seems I can't do without them, I dislike that feeling, I want to get rid of that feeling.

The few friends I have are from Humanitas, I see them quit often during the free dinners in the week, and sometimes we have a coffee together. Sometimes aswell we make appointments, or we talk about going out. But mostly it just stays with the 'talking about it,' or with the making appointments. I think the first appointment still has to happen. Uhm, well, we had a few coffee moments together, but that was it. Tomorrow night there should be a 'visit' aswell at a friends house, but I almost bet that 'that' will be cancelled too, leaving me with a disappointed feeling.

I should not even be disappointed, but I am. I would love to have more opportunities, more friends to go out with or who I can visit. Ofcource they can visit me aswell, lol. This Friday has been okay, just did my things I had to do. Groceries and did my first load of laundry, tomorrow the last load. Tomorrow I will visit my Dad aswell, he needs new pants, so, that I will buy him tomorrow. Hopefully the coffee visit tomorrow in the evening will go trough, if not, well, then not. Disapointed then? 

Yeah, but, I think I will have to learn myself more that it's really okay to be on my own sometimes too, or go ourt on my own. Though it seems or it feels that I'm to much alone, but that's not true. My 'Buddy project' counselor wants to learn me that, I think that's a good thing. Ofcource I'm perfectly fine when I'm on my own sometimes, I love it, Even when I go out on my own I'm good, but just that sometimes going out with a group of people or going on a visit, feels pretty good too. I noticed that. I need more of that, then I'm complete, happier, lol.

Hunting for warm sheets and perhaps warmer blankets tomorrow.

Hunting for warm sheets and perhaps warmer blankets tomorrow.

Just like last night and the night before I had it cold in bed, even with more then enough blankets. The thing is I don't like to get spoiled already with the warmth while laying in bed, I mean, last night it was minus one, and I was already covered with three thick blankets, what will happen when it will be minus 10 or minus 15? I asked today for advice at work, and yesterday on Facebook. 

Would like to know what kinda sheets or blankets to get, to get warm enough while sleeping. I don't have to swet during the night and I don't want to be covered with several blankets that it will become to heavy. Oh, I wish one blanket will do, imagine, one light blanket that's just warm enough, even with minus 15 or worser. Tomorrow I will search for some sheets and ask for advice for blankets. 

I know already a few stores where I can find some nice sheets in my city, actually looking forward to it. I think I will start of with buying flannel sheets, if I can find them. Today's work was fine, busy it was, but I managed as usual. Again I worked on another section. I missed a bit my own section, but oh well, perhaps next week. Tomorrow's a off day, not extra work, I'm happy with that.

Christmas blues?

Christmas blues?

Yeah I had them tonight, just that little sad or lonely feeling, I really hope my Christmas will be good. I hope the invites I had from my few Humanitas friends will go trough, they invited me to come dining with the first day of Christmas, perhaps the second day aswell. These friends want to go out before Christmas aswell, visiting a Christmas market or something like that. There is enough to do. I would be disappointed if the invites and suggestions are being cancelled, sure there can come reasons that they have to cancel it, but I hope it is a fair reason then. Yeah, those are my friends from Humanitas, you never know it with them. Oh well? Yeah, oh well. Today was actually a fun day, I rested in the morning, and in the afternoon I had plans to get me a Christmas tree and a few groceries, and then of to the free dinner. 

At the garden centre with Ina, she was the one who took the picture. Yeah it is a garden centre but as you can see they have a lot more. Love this store.

Though, right after my nap and lunch Ina messaged me, she wanted to drop by for a visit.That was okay, she lives near and yes, she is a old resident from Humanitas aswell. Ah, you know her. Always nice and fun to spend time with her, I told her what my plans were for this afternoon, she asked me if she could join me. Yes, sure, love it. Together we drove our bikes to the nearest garden centre, always handy when your almost neighbors with a garden centre. Now, I got me a nice tree, it is a fake one and the tree is not green, yeah I let you guess. Next week I will put up a picture or two, cause then I will put my fake brown tree up. I had fun with Ina at the garden centre, we grabbed a coffee with cake aswell, and talked alot. Good fun. More of such friends please, lots more.

Christmas tree tomorrow.

Christmas tree tomorrow. 

Yes, I'm getting a tree tomorrow, though I won't put it up yet. It's way to early for that. Two reasons I got for getting a Christmas tree already tomorrow, one, I'm buying one cause otherwise they might be sold out, and two, I'm just excited about getting one. I saw a nice one last week, it's a nice little one, it's white and has red lights. It's a fake tree, so once bought, I don't have to buy one the coming ten years or longer.

Nice day at work, it was the second day that I worked on a different section. It's okay though, I have been on this section already many times, it's not such heavy work as my own section. Though I missed my own section a bit today, but oh well, I had fun. They talked about extra works aswell, extra work on Friday again. It's fine with me, though only a half day, otherwise I will break in two, lol.

Could you believe it's almost December? Time flies by so fast, within three weeks we already celebrate Christmas. I haven't got any settled plans yet, but there are plans to visit some friends I know from Humanitas. I can spend a whole day there they said. I will just see what comes, these friends have been inviting me lots of times, but then they cancel it again. So yeah, let's see what happens this time. I hope it goes trough, being alone with Christmas is never nice.

"Permanent contract."

"Permanent contract."

What a great day at work, in the early afternoon my Boss took me to her office, she smiled. Once a year every worker at our job get a little 'over hearing,' You get to hear what the 'staff' think of you, you can aswell say something, for example if you have any complains or what you like to see on the work floor, just anything what concerns work. It was my first over hearing, and I wasn't even worried, well, maybe a tiny bit then. I like such over hearings, It's nice that the workers and staff negotiate with each other sometimes.

I sat down in my Boss's office and we went trough a piece of papers together, it was actually a 'permanent contract' paper, what I didn't know off. She told me later, she told me that 'they' were very happy with me as a worker. I can work well together in a team, (that's new for me to hear) I'm motivated and I'm very willing to work, (that's new for me aswell to hear) what's going on with me. My Boss offered me a permanent contract, starting 1 January 2013!

I didn't know what to say, I really didn't expect this, honest! I was more thinking of another half year contract or a zero hour contract, that's a contract where 'they' can send you home when there's not much to do, and call you up again when it's busy again. But, no! A permanent contract, in your face, lol. Wow, what's going on? I changed so much in the last one and a half year. I wasn't like this before I went to Canada, work? Hmm, naah, I'm fine like this, those were my thoughts back then.

I love this job, I love the work I do, and it shows. It shows when I work, I work steady, firm, handy, and willing to learn alot. This permanent contract is such a relief, I was worried for a long time that I would be fired, just unsure how long this half year contract would last. And that's not a nice feeling, not a nice thought aswell. Though I want to learn more, but everything in time, hasting things is not working for me. That's what my Boss told me aswell, they want me to explore myself, try more difficult things, learn things. Yay!

"Christmas mood."

"Christmas mood."

Not yet, but soon I will get in a Christmas mood. After the 5th of December I will put my tree up, I think I will buy one this week. I saw a nice one in the garden centre here in the city, the garden centre is near my home, not even a five minute bike ride. It's a white, kinda small tree with red lights in it. I think I will get it this week cause otherwise they will be sold out. Yeah, I want a awkward tree, cause I don't like a standard tree like everyone else is buying. Sometimes I like to be different, lol.

It's gonna be a busy week at work I think, there will be a huge order from 300 little mats. It is possible to make them in one week, but as usual the material is not done one time to make the mats, or a machine has a disturbing, or other orders have to go first. I feel a working a day extra is coming in the end of the week, I don't mind though. I haven't planned anything this up coming weekend. Though a visit to my Dad is needed, he needs new pants.

Last week I didn't had time, I excused myself to my Dad's nurse, and she told me that it's alright and that the pants can wait. Such a nice agreement with Dad's nurse and me, just like I want it. It's the total opposite with my Aunt. Yeah, my Aunt, I haven't heard from her since she tried to call two weeks ago. She mailed me a "silly" letter and I answered it firm and blocked her afterwards. Such a good feeling, it's been enough, I'm proud of myself.

Picture time!

Picture time! 

A very nice day today at the collectors fair, it was grey, misty and later on rainy today, but inside the fair it was cozy, warm and nice. Perfect! I left early this morning, earlier then I planned. I'm glad I did cause the train was already packed with people, all headed out to the fair? Yes and no, most of them, yes. I arrived nicely on time in Utrecht, that's the city where I had to be. Utrecht is only a little 30 minutes away from Amsterdam. 

The fair was nice and interesting, usually I only visit the hal what is filled with cd's, lp's singles, dvd's and merchandising, but I decided to watch the other halls too. Antique, retro, collectors items, you name it, it was there. I bought a few cd's and one mug, yep a mug again, lol. Confession today: I felt happy and satisfied the whole day, and that's a nice feeling

A misty morning when I was on my way to the train station. Nice vieuw though.

Arrived at the biggest collectors fair in Europe, as they say. It was quit busy, I stood in line for a little 30 minutes.

A little rebuild car, it was actually rebuild into a juxebox.

Just look at it, they did such a good job. 

Beatles merchandising ofcource! 

A Marilyn Monroe doll on top of a stand. 

A huge wall made of only lp's, this wall was huge, on the otherside of the wall the same amount of lp's.

 The only books I would like to read, music books.

Just one of the thousands stands on this fair, crats full of lp's and singles. 

I saw this guy listening to his just bought music, he has a little record player with him to listen to it. 

The amount of toys on this table was crazy, it couldn't even fit in the picture.

As everytime on this fair, there's a special Star Wars section, and ofcource there are Star Wars figures. 

Nice right? 

I like the girl in the brown outfit, I know, I'm not a fan, cause I don't even know the 'brown' caracter's name. 

 The whole Star Wars figures crew. 

 Time to leave the music hall, time for antique and retro.

I loved watching these itmes... some brought also memories back. Memories of my youth, cause I saw alot of itmes my Mom or Dad use to use. Or what we had as a decoration in our house.

Vroom, vroom! Look at the price of this beauty. 

 Collectors items! 

One of my favorite stand was this African stand, this is all self made, by a African couple. I could tell they were proud. 

African self made masks, wow! 

African statues, aswell self made. 

Kinda creepy aswell, voodoo?! 

Cuteness 100%! Don't know why I like this, do I become a old fart? lol! 

I saw this potrait on a stand, and a guy came towards me and told me that the owner of this stand painted this potrait. I looked and I saw a young girl sitting there, I think she was not even 20 years old, wow! She does other potraits aswell. 

Dutch humor on the fair, dog with a cap. 

After the fair I decided to walk a bit trough the city of Utrecht, but not long cause it was rainy and grey, yuck! 

On my way to the train station I saw this tunnel for bicycles.

I could not resist, here's another Beatles cup!




















On my way back to Almelo I grabbed a donner kebab sandwich at the trainstation, just like I already had planned this morning. The sandwich filled my stomach, I wanted two at first but decided to take just one instead. I had a nice day, and it was aswell nice being back in my own place and villa.

"Grey day."

"Grey day."

No sunshine today, it was a grey day. The rain started just before lunch time, it was alright. While I write this I just woke up from a good nap, best naps are when you wake up and fall back to sleep again, and then wake up again and again fall asleep. I guess I was tired and needed a nap. Today was okay, in the morning I did my laundry and in the afternoon I did groceries. I walked towards the groceries shop, it's not even a 10 minute walk from my house. Today is prepair day for tomorrow's day out, I will be heading out tomorrow to the collectors fair, there's also a part that's filled with music items, such as cd's, singles, lp's and merchandising. 

The hall filled with music!

It's now still empty but have a look tomorrow, oh my!

This giant wall full with records will be hanged up high on to the ceiling.

First I wasn't that excited to go but today it's started. Even this morning I was thinking, "Shall I go or not?" Me being weird, lol. You know what, I like music and love to watch and listen to it. But recently I don't listen to the radio, my cd collection has been growing but I actually almost never put a cd on. Don't know why.When I'm cooking I turn on the radio mostly, but otherwise never. I think that has got to change, why do I own a radio for then? Why did I buy it? Silly goose, turn on your radio!  I need a new cable/antenne for my radio, so I can listen to more radiostations. That will bring a change to my 'I don't listen to the radio' feeling. Yeah!

Finally...

Finally...

Finally my trip to France is booked and payed. When I got back from work and the free dinner I checked right away my emails, and yes. I received the email I was waiting for, it was a friendly email, I even get back a 209 Euro back cause the trip to France is cheaper then the trip to Copenhagen. The trip to Copenhagen has been cancelled, I booked another trip to Paris in France. Though to be really, really sure I will call the agency once more tomorrow, as the way I am, lol. I was kinda worried today, though the amount of work took my thoughts away. It was here and there busy, but I managed to get the orders done for today.

I'm actually excited to go to Paris, I never been there, so let's see what it is. I have been to Berlin, London, and now Paris, sounds nice. I'm still reaching for my goal to fly next year, I want to fly again next year, that's my goal. I miss it, I miss it terribly, lol. Plans for the weekend? I'm almost sure that I will go to Utrecht, there's a huge record fair event, actually it's a collectors fair, the record fair is a part of the collectors fair. Tomorrow will be a rest day, getting things done aswell, groceries, laundry and naps. I think a few naps tomorrow will do me good.

Going to Paris..... But not yet!

Going to Paris..... But not yet!

My trip to Copenhagen was cancelled last night, so I had the option to get my money back or book another trip on the same month and date, I wasn't that worried cause this happened to me before. Last Summer my trip to Prague was cancelled too, aswell then I had the option to get my money back or book another trip, I booked another trip to Berlin. The booking wasn't a problem, it took a phone call and a few emails if I remember.

This time the booking for another trip is going so, so. I wish it was done and settled, so I don't have to sit in worries. What happened? It took a while that I received the email with the 'other trips,' I waited a whole morning. Then I decided to email them, within thirty minutes I got a email back with the 'other trips.' These 'other trips' were all New Years Eve trips, London, Paris, Prague and Berlin. 

I didn't choose Berlin, cause I been there last Summer, also not London cause I was there last year with New Years, Prague? Nope, afraid that it will be cancelled, lol, just like last Summer. So, Paris it was. I went to the site and booked the trip. The booking was simple, I did many times already. After the booking I received the confirming mail, as usual I will get another mail with the final confirming and the paying options. 

I sent a email to the agency to tell them that I booked an 'other trip, and asked them aswell how it will go with the paying now. Will I first get my money back from the cancelled trip from Copenhagen? Or will 'they' put that money in the trip to Paris, if that's so then I will get money back, cause the trip to Paris is cheaper then the trip to Copenhagen. Fair questions, right?

Though it took to long that I got an answer back from the agency, I decided to call them. A friendly man answered the phone, it took a while when he understood what we both were talking about. The friendly man saw in the computer that I had a phone call about the cancelled Copenhagen trip last night, he saw aswell that I booked an 'other' trip to Paris today. But 'that' trip has been taken out of the system, why? I don't know, the friendly guy didn't know either. 

Because he wasn't working on this item, the woman on the phone last night was working on this item, she aswell answered my email this morning, probably she wasn't done yet. The friendly guy told me that Alinna (the woman's name) will call or email me tomorrow with answers, Well, alright, sigh! I dislike it that it all goes so slow, why didn't she gave me right away clear answers? I would like to know what to do right away...

But it seems this takes time, me dislike, me want it settled right away after a phone call or an email. So far I didn't pay anything, but I have still payed for the cancelled Copenhagen trip, what's gonna happen with my money? That I want a answer on, plus I want my trip to Paris confirmed, that's all. Thank you.

Again!?

Again!? 

I got home after work, I putted my comfy clothes on and grabbed my food out of the fridge to cool it down a bit. I grabbed my laptop, sat down and turned it on, then my phone went off. Always before I grab it I'm always guessing who it might be, my Aunt? Dad's nurse? Work? I checked the number and it wasn't my Aunt, pffeeww, I was save and I answered it. It was the travel agency, and I started already guessing what they would say, trip cancelled perhaps? And yes, my trip to Copenhagen on the 28th December was cancelled. Why did I guessed this? Well, the cancelling happened to me before, remember Berlin last Summer? I booked a excursion trip to Prague and ended up in Berlin, the trip to Prague was cancelled too. 

The agency where I'm traveling with cancels excursion trips when there's not enough people for that trip, the amount of people have to be atleast more then 50 people, otherwise there will be a cancell. While the agency called me I already was thinking ahead what to say next and what to do, I want to know what to do to book a new trip, 

cause I will not stay home once I have it planned to go on a trip on a certain date. The lady helped me well and told me the options, she can send me a mail with new 'New Years' excursion trips, plus tips of what to do, how to book, etc, etc.  on other option was to just get my money back, but no, I didn't want that.

What bothers me most is that I want this 'little problem' settled as soon as possible, just to get it over with. I dislike that I have to call them over and over again, or mail them a ten times, just to get it done. I was happy with my settled trip to Copenhagen, glad it was done, it's been booked and payed. Now I have to start all over, pick a trip, look if the trip is not to expensive or to long, cause I have to be back on the 3th of January, my work starts then. I didn't receive the email yet from the travel agency, I will probably get it tomorrow. Hopefully. My goal is that I want it done by the end of the week, sounds good to me.

Laughs at work!

Laughs at work! 

I worked on another section today at work, I have worked there before so it was not strange. The fore man on that section is quit younger then me, and he's funny, I had many laughs with him. It was aloud today because our two Bosses our on a business trip to England. We looked for a good music channel on the radio and started working, oldies, pop, rock it was. The work on that section isn't that heavy, though we make mats aswell. We sang, made fun, and worked hard at the same time. I was exhausted afterwards, but I didn't know where from, from the laughs or from the work, or a bit of both.

The free dinner in the late afternoon was fun aswell, a nice bunch of people together. One of Janine's children celebrated his birthday today, (Janine is a friend of mine, I know her from other friends, who come from Humanitas) Last Saturday I bought Janine's Son a little gift, (as I do) though it was so difficult to get a nice present for him, what on earth do you buy a 11 year old? I bought a nice funny card with some candy. He was happy with it, and thanked me, aaaww, did me good! Beside it was Monday, it was a fun day!

Full week ahead!

Full week ahead! 

I hope work this week will be gentle on me this coming week, cause Saturday I will (probably) be heading of to the record fair in Utrecht. Utrecht is a city near Amsterdam, Amsterdam is the capitol of Holland, Utrecht lays just beside it. I said record fair but it's aswell a huge collectors fair, anything what you can collect you can find it there. Old toys, old stamps, coins, collectors items, movies, antique and ofcource a huge extra hall full with cd's, lp's, singles, merchandise,  you name it. Though I'm not that excited to go as I use to was when I went there, I have been there several times. It's fun, exciting and nice, but if I have to skip it cause of work or something else, it will be fine too. I don't mind.

I don't know what work brings me this week, will it be busy or not busy? If I go to the collectors fair, I will need the Friday off, and not work a day extra. I need my rest before the fair, cause it's going to be a full day of traveling, walking, and looking around. I need to go to my Dad aswell this week or probably in the weekend, my plan is to go Wednesday. Dad needs more of the trousers I recently bought him, they are comfy and handy to put on. He has two of them now, Dad's nurse asked me if I could buy a few more. I told her yes, but it will be probably next week. Well this week is the 'next week.'

I could have gone this weekend, but this weekend I already spent quit some money. And those comfy trousers what my Dad needs aren't for free. The expensive month December is coming up to, Christmas, New Years, and the end of the year bills, (electricity, water, gas.) Although I'm having a job, that doesn't mean I'm filthy rich now, I come around and I like to keep some money behind for emergencies. So yeah, I think Wednesday will be the day I visit Dad, if possible. And Saturday probably the collectors fair, if possible. I will just see what happens this week, one thing for sure is that I won't be bored, lol.

"A tree or not a tree, that's the question."

"A tree or not a tree, that's the question." 

Last year I didn't feel to put up Christmas decorations with Christmas, this year I might. Last year I wasn't in the mood to do it, it was totally different being on your own with no Family members celebrating Christmas then celebrating Christmas with friends and Family in Canada. In Canada with Saf and her kids celebrated Christmas huge, buying each other gifts, decorating the house and putting up the tree, it made me think and feel like a ol' fashion good Christmas celebration. The ones we had while I was still a kid, I loved it. Last year I was alone, though I didn't mind it that much. I just didn't feel like putting a tree up or decorate the house while just being on my own. 

Yes, I had a few Christmas dinners and I had my gifts from my both jobs, that was all okay. Plus the excitement I had that I would celebrate New Years eve in London. It was all good, though it was not yippee, yippee, yeah it's Christmas in my house. Plus add a bit that 'lonely' feeling what I had during Christmas, you know what I mean. This year I will probably put up a tree I think, just a little one, and perhaps a few decorations. They have to be funny, they have to be crazy and make a smile on my face or another, lol. I'm planning a Christmas out aswell, perhaps a Christmas market with a few friends or alone. We have also plans to have dinner on the first days of Christmas, 'we' are a few 'friends' of Humanitas.

Plans can always change, I know, specially with the 'friends' I have, I'm actually keeping a eye on that, just getting no TO excited about it. I will be in Copenhagen celebrating New Years, no one is going to take that from me, it's booked, I'm only waiting for the original travel documents. That will be send to me a week before the take off, gosh, why not earlier? Today was a okay day, just being on my own and do the things what had to be done. My last little groceries, and I bought new hair clippers. The old one was not cutting my hair properly short, lol. I will go balder with the new one, time for a new look, yay!

TGIF?

TGIF? 

Yes and no, three days off is quit alot. But the rest is needed after a week of working and other bussy-ness. I'm actually a bit bored while I'm writing this, I think it's time to start again with looking for volunteers work or any other activities what I can pick up during the weekends, just to be around people and have something to do. The 'Buddy project' guy has been again today, (Johan) it was his third visit today at my house. And I must say, so far it has not been a success yet. Yeah, he's a very nice guy and wise aswell, he's a counselor aswell.Though,to be honest, I thought he would come with more ideas or give me 'things to do' what actually gets me started with activities or volunteers work, but no. Maybe I'm just being to un patience, I don't know.

 It's me actually who has to come up with activities, I will have to search them and look out for them. And Johan will support me with that, give me tips or guide me. In the first months I lived here in this house I did alot of searching for activities or volunteers work, week in and week out I searched, and even tried out things, (remember the radio work?) Though the last 5 or 6 months the searching took slowly  off, I think I was to busy with other things, like with my work for instance. I aswell gave it up I guess, I have been so busy with the searching that in the end I found out that there's not much to do in this city. Maybe I have to be lucky aswell, being on the right spot on the right time. 

Today I did my weekly grocerie shopping aswell, full bag this time, I don't mind. I will cycle anyway, even if it was two bags, lol.

As of today I will do my 'searching' again, looking for activities and volunteers work, just to get in touch with people, being around people. Maybe in the end I can make a few friends out of that, though that's not my goal, (hmm) no wait, that should not be my goal. The goal should be that I want to be happy with what I have, and what I do, or what I want. A house, work, money to come around with, a few friends (or alot, lol) and being social active during the week and weekends. Though it should be okay when I'm out on my own aswell, time for myself a 'me' time. Today has been okay, in the afternoon I went for a coffee visit to Janine, she's a 'friend.' A so called 'Humanitas' friend.

Yeah I have friends but there not actually the friends I want, or, I don't know. It's fun being around them, but it's aswell the only friends or relatives I have, maybe that's why it's fun to be around them. Cause I don't have anyone else, yeah, fellow workers perhaps, but, I don't know that either, lol. That's why the searching again, though it's fun being on my own aswell sometimes, like it should be. I noticed that it gives me a boost when I'm around people who I see weekly or daily. Let the search begin!