I'm a young Dutch man who has literally dived into a relationship. For this relationship I travelled from Holland to Canada, everything was good, solid and brand new! Then the break up after a small two years.Hear my story after the break up! And read with me as I rebuild and rebuilded my life!
I never ever witnessed a tornado before, it's quit spectacular when I see videos on YouTube from tornado's. The bigger the better, though tornado's aren't only spectacular, the also cost alot of damage and horrifying disaster. The tornado from yesterday in Oklahoma was huge! In the news today they told that Oklahoma is well known for their tornado's, but the people in Oklahoma and areas have never witnessed a tornado like yesterday. A giant tornado, a mile wide or more, killed at least 91 people, 20 of them children. I have seen pictures from it and red the news about this disaster, it's sad, and terrifying.What I also see on the pictures is that in such though and difficult times people are there for each other, taking care and helping out, where ever and when ever. God bless the fallen people from Oklahoma. It's been a productive day at work, I figured tomorrow I will have a day off, today I can probably give a bit more then 100%. I was looking forward going back to work, that feeling I saw back in the amount of work I did. I enjoyed it, though it was exhausting aswell. The last mat I made was a big one and was alot of work. My foreman cam to me and asked friendly me if I could finish this mat before closing time, I told him that I will do my best but can't promise it. It was all good with him, though surprising, I managed to finish it. Hard work but worth it, the mat had to be filled with carpet, the filling has to be glued. The glue has to dry for a half day. The mat is done the glue can dry, tomorrow they can finish the mat completely. Good job Sjon!
Work tomorrow, finally! I mostly look forward for short holidays, or any kind of holidays. Or just a day off, but if the holidays takes to long I get kinda bored and lazy. Lazy as tired without any reason to be tired, lol. The last two months we had several days off, there was Easter, Queens day, Ascension of Jesus, Pentecost, yeah I think that's it. All these celebrations or fests in two months time, just a bit to much, lol. Though the several days of were good when it comes to my job, there isn't much to do at work, we still need more customers, more orders, more work. I'm looking forward to work again tomorrow, it will be again a short week, but hey! There will be no more vacations until our Summer holiday. That will be a little 60 days, don't know how many weeks that is.
I had quit a nice day, I rested in the morning, though did some house holdings aswell, Whipped some floor parts, vacuumed, ironed and did some dishes. I went out for a little while aswell, for a coffee and a waffle at the nearest garden centre. A huge coffee actually, I wanted a different coffee then usual. I ordered a 'Grande' coffee, no clue what it meant when I ordered it, lol. It was a large cuppa coffee, so I guess 'Grande' means large. It was quit busy at the garden centre, I had to look for a seat to drink my coffee. Yeah, Pentecost today, everyone wants to go out. I had a nice little out, in the evening there was the free dinner, it was a nice meal. Nasi Goreng with some extras. Monday's free dinner is always good! Roll on Tuesday!
Maybe, perhaps, I might, I don't know... I maybe, perhaps, might stop writing posts, I'm not sure yet. I wrote more then 940 posts, everyday 1 post, without skipping. It's nice to write, but just that sometimes it's not that easy to write a post. Just like today I didn't do much, so there's not much to write. Well, I'm writing now, so, lol. If I stop I will stop on my 1000th post. Or perhaps after my adventurous trip to Atlanta. Georgia USA, but it's still a 'if.' Sometimes, just sometimes I look back at the written posts. It's interesting to see what I have all been trough or what I have done, it brings good and less good memories. I see aswell sometimes writing mistakes, then I have to change that mistake, lol, always!
Today we celebrate Pentecost, or as we called it 'Pinksteren.' Just like with Easter there are little fests and markets in every village and city in Holland. In the city where I live there are a few areas with stores open. It's nice to visit, though it's alot nicer with a full wallet, lol. I still haven't a idea what I will do tomorrow, I will just see what it brings. Our city Almelo, can be sometimes boring, there's just no that much to do. I got bored today aswell , I wished that I could visit someone or just go out and meet people. Why didn't I? I don't know. Sometimes I have that feeling, specially in the weekends. I could use some more social contacts, "I have to be patience, the contacts will come."
That's what the councelor told me last Wednesday. Hmm, yeah, he's right. Though, starting something to get me in the right way for social contacts is never wrong, right? Most of the time I'm good being on my own, but just that sometimes I wish that I could go somewhere where I could meet people. It's good for me, it's good to socialize, it gives a boost and a good feeling. I have been searching online for a few hours this afternoon, but just like usual, nothing! I haven't heard anything yet from the volunteer agency yet, they would call me, but, nothing. Wednesday I will surprise them with a visit, and I got a few other ideas. Nope, I'm not giving up, lol. And yes, I will be patient aswell, no rush.
"A good afternoon." I couldn't make the decision yet, with the train to Nijverdal or with my bicycle. It was dry and it would stay dry the whole day, there was even a chance of some sunshine, woot! I woke up at 7 this morning, I had a good sleep, though after breakfast I got tired again and felt like having a nap. And so I did. I had plenty before I would take off. Around 11 I took off, off to the train station. Yeah, it was close though, bicycle or train. The high smell of the flowers and trees made me decide to take the train. Hay fever, gotta love it. I wasn't disappointed to take the train, I actually was glad afterwards I did. It would have tired me out.First stop in Nijverdal (My ol' hometown) was a clothing store, it was the same clothing store as in Almelo. (same name, different store) The store is called C&A, probably also know in Europe, I'm not sure. I looked for a 'in between coat,' not a Summer or Winter coat, but a in between. I couldn't score in the store in Almelo, very nice coats but not my size, either to small or to large. But I scored in Nijverdal, so happy! Good size, yay! I have been searching into many stores for 'in between' coats, but most of the coats were Summer coats, ofcource... it's Summer. The price I had to pay was ridiculous low, that's what I said to the seller too.
The Catholic Curch from Nijverdal.
The coat was on sale, it was only 35 Euro. To celebrate I had found a coat I went the Hema, a store like Walmart, but much, much smaller. I mostly buy a coffee there, they have always a nice terrace in there. It's nice to be back in Nijverdal, I have lots of memories here. Most citizens are friendly and calm here, no craziness here. There's a nice and calming atmosphere here, though I wouldn't return here. I have seen it here, it's nice to visit this village so now and then and that's about it. I live in Almelo now, Almelo has lots of foreigners, mostly Turkish people. Nijverdal has nicer spots then Almelo, and Nijverdal has that very comfy huge forest, I kinda miss that. But like I, said I can always visit. Next stop, after the coffee, was my Mom and Dad's grave. The flowers I bought a few several weeks ago were nearly dead. I will have to buy some stronger plants. This may sound silly but, the visit to the grave feels like a kind of a visit to my Mom and Dad. There's silence and just staring and thinking, but, for me it's still a visit. I like it, I show my parents I care and love them. I cleaned the tombstone here and there and that was it, I stayed for a little 15 minutes. I returned to the centre of the village, and felt good.
The parking lot before the train station in Nijverdal.
I figured that the just bought coat was a good price, so I could probably buy a nice scarf or a long sleeve with it. Although I visited several stores, I didn't succeed. The prices were incredible high or I just didn't like the color. I like trendy causal clothing, and not "to" bright colors, lol, I'm not a kid anymore. I returned to the Hema, cause I saw a nice long sleeve there for a low price. After a few doubts I bought it, I payed it and got a free coupon for a free coffee, just my luck, lol. I was done and returned to the train station, at the back of the train station there's the bus station. I had some ideas to visit my Aunt and Uncle too, but it was already late. (No it wasn't, lol) Allthough it was late I went anyway, the sign said I had to wait 30 minutes for the next bus towards my Aunt and Uncle's village. I bought then my last groceries first and then returned to the busses. The bus driver was nice and talked alot, all was good. It was my first time with a bus towards my Aunt and Uncle, I had no clue where the bus would stop, hopefully near where my Aunt and Uncle lived, I thought . Though the bus stopped, I had to walk a little 10 minutes, oh well.
Home after a nice afternoon.
My Uncle opened the door and guided me in, it was a short visit, but a nice one. I stayed for a little hour and returned to the bus stop. My Aunt had a bunch of photos for me, photo's from mostly my Dad, and a few from my Mom, very nice pictures. The bus was nicely on time, and stopped at the train station again. I still had 5 minutes until my trian leaves. I saw a ol' friend of mine at the station, a friend from way back, he's a nice guy. Adventurous much and a little weird, lol. We talked in the train, he was traveling some elsewhere, I had to get out in Almelo ofcource. It was a nice day, with here and there some surprising surprises. Loved it!!
Bike ride or train trip tomorrow. It's not really needed but I would love to get a new coat, not a Summer coat, nor a Winter coat. A in between coat, lol. In my eyes I look like a homeless guy with the in between coat I'm wearing now. That coat is done, it's not broke or anything, but just, done. A coat like that and perhaps a few long sleeves, and I'm good for the Summer. And probably next Summer. Sometimes I buy a bunch of clothing all at once on sale, then I can do with those clothes for a few years. Hopefully it stays dry tomorrow, though they forspelled alot of rain, hmm.
I have plans to go to Nijverdal, my ol' town. Visiting Dad's grave and shopping, the last part of the groceries and maybe finally that 'in between coat.' If it stays dry I will go on my bike, and probably otherwise with the train. It's not that far from Almelo towards Nijverdal, a little 5 km's, that will take me a little 45 minutes. I will see. Sunday and Monday we celebrate Pentcost, just like Easter we have then a few events going, and a few stores open. I have no plans for Pentcost yet, let's first see what tomorrow brings.
Better late then never... I guess I spend a bit to long on YouTube, totally forgot the time. I could use some sleep, but first a blog post. I should start writing earlier, perhaps right after dinner. I like searching for old music on YouTube, 60's, 70's, 80's, actually anything, anything what intrests me and moves me. I like the searching aswell, and watchinmg documentaries is nice aswell. Time flies then. Now, back to this Thursday, as you know today was a working day.Were still not that busy at work, let's say we have something to do, though, that's it. It could have been lots worser. Hopefully new orders and more work will come again. If the work stays like this, then it's alright, but more orders brings more work, and that's a good thing. So, customers, buy a mat from us!
After work I went to the free dinner (as usual on Thursday) and it rained quit hard, and it didn't seem it would stop. The rain was pooring down, I was fully clothed in rain clothing. After the free dinner it rained even harder, I arrived soaking wet at home, put some stuff away, took of my wet clothes, dry and warm clothes on. Heater on, poored my a large cuppa coffee and sat down on my comfy couch. Best feeling! Crazy thougfh having the heater on in May, but anyway. This weather will continue for a few days, probably a week. Never the less, I will enjoy my weekend the fullest, I'm actually looking forward to it. I have no plans yet, but they will come.
Wednesday boost! My full agenda today went pretty good, two appointments spread over the day. In the early morning there was the 'breathing' therapy, the therapy goes well. Thought it's mostly the same over and over. We (my therapist and I) practice together my/our exercises it's mostly breathing exercises. Breath in and breath out, sometimes trough my stomach or sometimes trying to create more space for my breathing while I breath. Today we did the shoulders, it's actually quit interesting that when you tilt your shoulders a bit more backwards, you can create more space for the breathing. Wisest lesson today was that I have to create more space in my upper body for my breathing, stomach, shoulders, inhale properly and breath OUT! I wrote out in cap locks cause breathing out has to be huge, let it all out. Second appointment today was counseling, four
days after my Dad passed away I felt confused, sad and lost, didn't
know what to do or felt a bit anxious of what comes next. Then I went to 'counseling,' for
help, I thought, "Why not? I could use some help." Though the counselor
told me that I was way to early,they told me "Ofcource you feel sad, confused and lost, your Dad just passed away, he's not even buried yet." My grieving hasn't
even started yet back then. The counselor told me that he or another
counselor will get in contact with me in about six weeks. Those six weeks has already been passed along time, and I had that contact already six weeks ago, that contact with the counselor gave me a boost, it was a very
uplifting and positive appointment! Today was the third appointment, it was the same as the second, uplifting and positive. This counselor can give you a boost, he's very interesting when he talks, he calms you. In the end I saw myself worrying about nothing much, it's normal to worry, everyone does. I
also brought up again the part of my social life and friends, just like I did with the last appointment, I'm just not that happy with
it. I really could use some 'new' friends, new social contacts. The
counselor told me to be patient, that will come. Don't force such things, he's right. He told me again, "I
see you as a very calm person." He told me aswell
that I can enjoy so easily the little things around me, not many people do that." "Hearing you saying that your going out on your own and have
fun on your own made me decide to say that."
After the appointment he wished me a success with the trip to Atlanta, and he wants to see me once again for a appointment in August. Not for counselling though, but he was curious about how it went in Atlanta, wow, what a guy!
Preparing food for a Sunday school in my neighborhood? Sure.
Tonight I had a response on a email from a few weeks back from the volunteers agency, I haven't heared from them for almost a half year. It was hard and difficult to find a volunteers job what suited me well. This agency has a own site where you can search for volunteer jobs, mostly they are jobs to help handicap people, elderly people, or kids. Those 'jobs' weren't actually the jobs I was looking for. It's not that I'm actually looking for a job only but aswell for social contacts, actually that was the main thing, to get in contact with other people.
A few weeks ago the volunteer agency emailed me by saying that they didn't hear from me for a very long time, (correct) and they asked me if I still want to signed in as a volunteer. I responded on the mail saying, that I certainly still want to be signed in, the reason I didn't let hear from me for such a long time was that I couldn't find the right volunteer job. I asked aswell for a new appointment with them, it talks so much better then just trough a email. So, tonight I had a response from them, I can make a appointment with them by calling them on a Monday or a Thursday.
Well, I work on those days, and it's not really a good idea to call them then or to be called. At work it's almost not possible to answer a phone, (to much noise) I told them that I would like to make a appointment trough this email. The volunteer agency had a nice offer for me aswell, preparing food for a Sunday school in my neighborhood, nice! I probably have to work with some other volunteers preparing food for this Sunday school, kids from age 10 until 14. After the food preparing together we will stay at this school to guide the kids, probably. In the mail didn't stood that much information.
If or when I receive the agency appointment I will get more information. Quit excited about it, but I'm still waiting for the appointment, lol. I sent the mail let's say 30 minutes ago. I hope the response is fast. Today's work was good as Always, though tired and a few sore muscles. My foreman has sometimes his sarcastic jokes, gotta love them. They are mostly fun, but aswell sometimes annoying. You really don't know sometimes to take him serious or not, oh well. I guess I'm maybe sometimes to friendly, Man up Sjon! You have a mouth too! And yes I have. Ignore sometimes is wise too. It's all good.
Sometimes I get to excited at work, and then I work just a bit to fast or hard. I can't help it, lol. Later on the day I regret I got to excited, then I hit the brakes. Last week I only had two days of work, Monday and Tuesday. So, I figured I could give just a bit more then 100%. After Tuesday I could rest for five days, well. I needed for sure the rest, and it wasn't a pleasant feeling. Two or three naps a day, lol. I thought, I won't be doing that no more. With that in the back of my head I started the Monday. Though, I my enthusiasm went a bit to much. You know that feeling when everything goes well while working, and your floating, that feeling that your almost dancing. After work I settled down a bit for a small 15 minutes, then it was off to the free dinner. I thought I was fine with a summer jacket and a thin rain coat. But no, once on my way I was cold, and the wind didn't help that much. Gosh, this weather is nuts. Thank God I didn't get wet today, it rained pretty much this Monday. This weather will continue for a few days, Saturday probably we're getting other weather. Hopefully warmer and sunnier. My gas bill will be a bit higher I guess next year, my heater is on during the evening and early morning. It's cold, hey summer where art thou!?
I could spend each Mother's day in sorrow. Crying and wishing you were here, But instead I choose to celebrate your life.
I know you'd rather see me smile, Then stand here with tears in my eyes. So I'll do my best to honour your memory, And you'll live as long as I am alive. And that's the true, it's been almost 13 years since my Mom passed away, the mourning has gone, the missing has taken a place. Sure I miss my Mom, but to weep and be sad doesn't bring my Mom back. She rather see me be happy and be successful. Everyone passes away sometimes, everyone gets their turn. My Mom passed away young as I may say, she was 67, she was healthy and was mostly busy with being a house wife and a tremendous Mother. Mom was always there, Dad was working during the week. Weekends we mostly went out, to the market or just buying groceries.
I spent more time with my Mom then my Dad, ofcource, my Mom was always there, 24 hours a day. Like I said, Dad worked during the week. Dad was a hard working man, and need his rest afterwards. So is it a sad day for me when it's Mother's day? Not really, yes I miss her, but there's no pain inside, today I thought about her, thinking of the memories. Not a tear or sad face, just thinking. It will be otherwise when it's Father's day, Dad passed away recently. The missing and sadness is still there, though much less then let's say a month ago. Just like with my Mom, 'that' will get a place aswell. Still it's quit a awkward feeling having no parents, when I think of it it's pretty... uhm, shocking(?) It's aswell quit normal, right? I'm surely not the only one without parents! Though I guess I still have to get used to the idea. I'm good though, and it's all okay. I want to make them proud, it's like when I do something what makes me proud, I have the feeling I did it also for my parents, to make them proud. It gives me a boost!
Yesterday I planned to go out to Apeldoorn, a city just a little hour from my hometown. I knew it would be a rainy day, but I had my hopes still, lol. This morning I saw the weather forecast and it for spelled rain in the afternoon, coming from the west, Apeldoorn lays west. So, plan B, will it be Apeldoorn or Enschede? I been in Enschede several times now, last time was with Queens day. Though spending a day in Apeldoorn in the rain wasn't that fun either, Enschede it will be then. According from the weather forecast the rain will come later in the afternoon towards Enschede, Enschede lays more on the east side. When I was on my way I was quit excited to go actually, not even disappointed about not going to Apeldoorn. Clothing shopping was my idea in Enschede, and ofcource having fun and enjoy myself. I arrived at the train station and... there were no trains riding what so ever, I knew the trains were not riding towards the north and south but the east? Busses were riding instead, disappointed? Naah, not at all! A woman asked me how to get a train ticket, and she was nagging a bit about the trains not riding. Even though the complaining, I had a nice short chat with her, good feeling. Then that moment came out of nowhere, I thought, "This is going to be a great day!" Not just sitting in the train and stare outside the train window and wait until I arrive. No, busses towards my destination. Meaning, meet other people, see other sight seeings, cause the bus will stop at different places before arriving in Enschede. Plus people will ask many questions, like, 'Is this bus going here or there?' I loved it, lol.
It made me even more excited about this day, lol. And no rain so far, win!! I knew with the bus that the trip would be a bit longer, but the bus ride went pretty fast. I ated my lunch in the bus cause that's how I roll, lol. Arrived in Enschede I went out of the bus and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. My hunting for Summer clothing was with success, I bought two nice polo-shirts for 20 Euro, thanks H&M. I like H&M, cheap and trendy clothing. Though the jacket where I was searching for I couldn't find. Not even at other stores, yeah, I saw a few, but I surely not gonna spend 150 or 200 Euro on a jacket. Oh no! The jacket I have on now is done, not that it's broke but just, I don't know, it's done. I need another one. More then four years old, yep, it's done. But, like I said, I couldn't find one, Summer jackets enough...
But I have one already. I bought a coffee with a treat, then bought my last groceries. I love going to other stores, just taking my time to find things and to just look around. Specially now, I don't know but I felt great today, glorious. Greater then usual, what happened? I don't know, does it matter? Nope! Just before I left the rain came down, and it didn't seem that it would stop raining. I decided to go home, just a bit soaked I arrived at the busses, had to wait a while and then we took off towards home, Almelo. There were other busses too, but they were going to another city or town. I don't have a clue what was going on with all these train delays and trains out of order, but anyway. Very nice day either way. Sometimes you just have to set your mind to it, enjoy and explore, go out and wanderlust! And take your time, no rush.
The weather doesn't cooperate. I probably will be going out tomorrow, we received five days of from work last Tuesday. I haven't been out the last three days, so tomorrow it's time. Though, the weather is not that inviting to go out tomorrow. Today we had rain of and on and a temperature of 17 degrees, (Celsius) tomorrow will be the same, only a few degrees colder. I will see what tomorrow brings, the colder weather doesn't bother me that much, the rain does. This evening I was that close to put the heater on, it was way cooler then a few days ago. I putted a fleece jacket on, I'm not going to put a heater on in May. This weekend were celebrating Mother's day, I might go aswell tomorrow to Nijverdal to my Parents grave. I thought about my Dad today, a few thoughts flashed trough my mind. It brought me back to the day when my Dad passed away, 1 February. Gosh time is passing so fast, it's been already more then three months since then. A awkward thought today was that I asked myself how my Dad is doing, yeah, I know he passed away and that he's buried. I still remember the burying of my Dad, that... I had that weird feeling of leaving my Dad behind just like that, that was weird for me.
Dead, burying a person, a loved one. I don't know, I can't explain it. Dead isfor sure something mysterious. Ofcource it's normal, it's a part of life, but in a way it seems I can't get used to the idea. That moment when I visited my Dad nearly every week, and then all of a sudden he's gone. Buried, laying in a coffin. That might sound rough or hard, but I can't explain it otherwise. It gives me a bit of a worried feeling aswell when I so now and then think of him, like, I want to take care of him, just be there. Although he passed away, I don't know. Can't really explain it, I know my Dad is gone, but still.
Hay fever, expert level! It's bloom season, and my hay fever is making over hours, lol. Kinda funny that every year around this month it depends on the weather how the hay fever will develop, last year I still remember that my hay fever wasn't that bad. Now it's not that bad aswell, but only my eyes are burning just a bit more then usual, the sneezing is going okay. It doesn't bother me that much, only the burning eyes, ugh. I can blame myself for not wearing sunglasses. 'But hey, I didn't wear them last year neither,' yeah, but that was last year, this is now. I refuse to take medication, it's not worth it, perhaps in worst cases I will use nose spray, that really helps for me. When the 'blooming' is over my fever is over too. It then slowly fades away, sometimes I don't even notice it, lol. Today I went out for a little bit, just after lunch I grabbed my shoes and coat and took off. Off to the so called 'shopping centre,' the only shops that were open today. Like I said yesterday, today we celebrate the ascension of Jesus. Most stores are closed then, like it's a Sunday.
There was a book market with a few music band aswell in the centre of the city, but I didn't went there. The open 'shopping centre' was okay to visit, just looked around and saw a few nice things. Things I need, for example a toolbox and some items for my bicycle. Expensive stuff though, I figured I needed first other important things, Like Summer clothing. Today I didn't want to spend money, so I didn't. I returned home and it felt I had a nice out. Wraps for dinner tonight, another success. Last time I failed making them, tonight they were good and filling.
Tomorrow Ascension of Jesus remembrance. Ascension of Jesus is the Christian teaching found in the New Testament that the resurrected Jesus was taken up to heaven in his resurrected body, in the presence of eleven of his apostles, occurring 40 days after the resurrection. In the biblical narrative, an angel tells the watching disciples that Jesus' second coming will take place in the same manner as his Ascensionn.
And the rain came...
They for spelled rain today and the following days, though the rain came late today and it wasn't that much. A good rain shower and a few thunder bursts came in the late afternoon, just before I headed to the free dinner. I was on my way and when it rained to hard I hided by a store. It was way to early to go the free dinner yet, I did it on purpose cause I wanted to be dry when I arrive, lol. Though the rain came sooner then I thought. It was a calm and relaxing day off today, I went to taxes-services' first in the morning. My rent will become higher in July, (like it always does every year in July)
And a few thunder clouds aswell...
With a low income and a high rent you can get housing benefit. I have housing benefit for such a long time. I even had it a long time before I went to Canada, I asked for housing benefit when I started living on my own in 2002. Every month the 'housing benefit' will automatically shorten my monthly paying rent. Once a year when the rent gets higher, taxes, (housing benefit) will automatically change the 'shorten monthly money.' Though I had to inform them first with the new higher rent price, and so I did this morning. (Oh my English explaining, lol!) The taxes service visit was a piece of cake, as always.
What a difference with weather, this was last Sunday...
I'm liking this short holiday, I have no clue what to do tomorrow though. Tomorrow on the ascension remembrance there are several events going on in Holland. Markets, fest, concerts, shopping malls are open, I will see what I do. I have plans to go to a flea market in Zwolle, it's a city near by. I don't want to spend money that much, I like to keep an eye on my money. I think it's better to be a bit careful then just spending it all out like a maniac. One thing I will know for sure is that I will try to prepair some wraps again with dinner tomorrow, first time making wraps I failed, lol. That was a few weeks ago, I filled the wrap way to much, sigh. Tomorrow I will succeed!
200%! Yesterday at work I gave 100%! Today, idem ditto. Together I gave 200% in two days, I'm tired, but also satisfied. I feel sleepy aswell, and I still have to write this 'damn' post, lol. Naah, just kidding! This morning my foreman saw a few mistakes I made yesterday, sigh! I didn't had a clue yesterday! Yesterday I had to make several mats on the right length and wide. I done that several times, I measure them then I 'nail' them. After the 'nailing' it will be a hell of a job to make them any longer or wider. These mats were from a huge project and had to be done Wednesday. I was steadfast that I 'nailed' the right length yesterday, absolute no doubt. This morning they were all to long, huh??What happened??
I hate and dislike when I make a mistake, specially when I make them often. The measuring is quit a job, just so now and then there's a little fail. No problem, the mats can be repaired and be made shorter, though it's extra work and sometimes annoying. My foreman doesn't find it funny, he will announce it loudly. Not that he's extremely mad, but just a bit annoyed and he's a tough guy, lol. The annoyed mood will fly over with him. Though, like I said, I hate and dislike making a mistake, and how my foreman jokes with it and sometimes announce it loudly. This morning I was a bit lost, 'How on earth could I have ALL mats wrong?' I measured and nailed them yesterday without doubts, the measuring was easy. If I make mistakes day in and day out, my foreman will have to talk it over with our Boss. I know I can do better, or better? I mean, I can work without making mistakes, yes! Though it's sometimes not that easy, I get alot of information sometimes, 'pay attention to this, pay attention to that.' Sometimes you have to think of several things at the same time, plus pay attention to that other thing. I have to learn that, and I guess I'm still learning. After making a mistake I like to prove that I can do better, so I work a tiny bit harder and better. Though it bothers me, annoys me and confuses me. Why I made that 'one' mistake? Humans make mistakes, most of the humans learn from it, I do too. But still, sometimes, lol. After the mistake I did my best just a bit better, lol. I made again a few mats, from the beginning until the end. Yes, I measured them too and nailed them aswell. Though I measured them quit a few times, and then nailed them, LOL! Just to be 1000% sure. The foreman letted me work, I guess it was fine. He talked normally with me, ofcource. He even had a few jokes, though the 'bothering' of the measuring mistakes were still their. But finishing the other mats did me good aswell, plus point! I know I learned my lesson once again today, I will NEVER make a measuring mistake again, lol. It's been enough!
Monday, Monday... I loved work today, all though just before closing time I was done, lol. I guess I gave a little to much. Work was fun and I did well, I thought, 'There's one more day to go tomorrow, let's go for it." I was tired afterwards but aswell I felt satisfied, like I said, tomorrow one more day and then it's a long weekend. Tomorrow at work we have to finish a order, I like challenges though on a certain level, lol. Tomorrow's challenge is accepted, it's all good. If the weather continues likes this, I want to sign for it. Magnificent weather, sun shinning, warm and a gentle breeze. I love it, though we could use some rain aswell. Well, we are getting rain upcoming Wednesday and the following days.
Not a pretty forecast but it's needed, good for the hay fever aswell. Gosh, today a few fellow workers came up to me to and asked, "What month I was going again to Atlanta/Georgia, June or July?" I couldn't answer, lol. Was it June, or July? Blackout and lost, ofcource it was July, or? June? It's been solved now, ofcource it's July, if it would have been June, I would have been screwed. In July our Summer holiday starts, and not in June. Though I thought about, 'Omg, what if it's in June? Checked, and all good. The sun must have got me today, lol.
Just beside my house this lake, many fishers fish here, nice to watch them from a distance.
A nice little area in the middle of our centre, I like the trees.
I grabbed my bicycle and went for a short ride, the sun and the warmth made me decide to go outside. Further today I did the usual, one load of laundry, cooking dinner and prepair lunch for tomorrow's work. Yeah, work, I'm glad it's actually Monday again tomorrow. I missed work, though this week it will be a short week again. Upcoming Thursday we celebrate the ascension of Jesus, so, I will work only two days this week. Oh well, I will find something to do, though I have to save some money for the Summer holiday.I need a few Summer clothing aswell, long-sleeves and a few polo-shirts. I'm happy with my new shoes, glad I got that already. Best news I heard today was that Jan's recovering is going well. Jan is a friend who I will be visiting in June. She needs her rest, and I hope she gets her rest.
I was about to get my first ice-cream of this year, but decided in the end not to, way to expensive.3, 50 for a the ice-cream wanted, and it wasn't even a big one. I ended up with buying a large coffee and a nice waffle, what costed more then the ice-cream, lol. Next, I was about to buy me some new shoes, they were on sale so I bought them. Perfect and comfy fitting shoes. I ended up with paying 18 Euro's more then the usual sale off price, the sale off was only for the so called 'members,' so I became a 'member.' The store is called ANWB, "Royal DutchTouristAssociationANWBisaDutchtraffic,transport,andrelieforganization." Now when I have this member ship I will get allkinds ofdiscounts and benefits in the store, plus discounts when on vacation or duringaday outor just traveling trough Holland, etc, etc.
Well, okay, for 18 Euro a year, sounds good. If I don't like it I can chancel the membership anytime. Next I was about to buy me a bathroom-brush, I can't reach my bag that well while showering, lol! Though I decided not to buy it because to expensive, 3, 75 for a bathroom brush, it wasn't even steady aswell. Later on the day I ended up buying another brush in another store, what was even 2 Euro expensiver, lol. Though this one was a steady one and I though, "Oh, well." I should stop thinking that "Oh well," lol, when I plan to buy something. Yeah I guess today was just one of those 'silly spending money' days. I feel a bit of regrets now spending that money, lol. Though my groceries were a tiny bit cheaper as usual, so yeah, "Oh well," was permitted. Very nice day today, weather was great, lots of people outside in Summer clothing.
Yeah, Summer has started! Lover it, it gives me a boost, and more energy. Today on this 4th of May we Dutch have solemn ceremonies commemorating all the Dutch who have died in conflicts and war worldwide. "Remembrance Day," to honour and remember the victims of war world wide. A nationwide two-minute silence took place at 8:00 pm this evening, at the National Monument in Amsterdam. This ceremony is usually attended by members of the cabinet and the royal family, military leaders, representatives of the resistance movement and other social groups. The two minutes of silence were observed throughout the Netherlands. Public transport was stopped,
as well as all other traffic. I grew up with this ceremony, I still remember when I was little I had to be quiet when the 2 minute silence came up.
Here's the weekend again! Such a nice and relaxing day, even though I have no plans yet for the weekend, I had a nice day today. The weather was gorgeous, sunny and warm, I loved it. It's been a while since I visited my Aunt in Almelo, on my Dad's funeral (3 months ago) she came up to me and told me that I should drop by for a coffee again. I went to visit her in the early afternoon, she lives quit near by.My Aunt where I went to is my 'Godparent' or how you call it, she's my Mother's Brother's wife. My Aunt's Husband (My Uncle, my Mother's, Brother) has died in 2010. When I visited her in the afternoon we had a nice talk, my Aunt's Daughters were there too. Nice people, it was fun and it felt comfy being with them, I'm glad I went there.
Nice weather to ride my bicycle today, tomorrow probably rain. that will be good for the hay fever.
After the visit I went straight to buy some groceries, nasi is what I have planned to make this evening for dinner. I needed only a few veggies and meat. I bought carrots and leek for the nasi, plus a smoked sausage. Most important ingredient for me while cooking are always the vegetables, then comes the meat and the rice, pasta, potatoes or meat comes second, lol. I think I will skip dinner when there's no vegetables, I have carrot left over from tonight's dinner. Tomorrow I will make potatoes with carrot and mushroom, I need to find a good meat to go with that. Probably fish or chicken will go find with carrot and mushroom. I will see tomorrow. P.s: Today I saw that a friend of mine was being hospitalized today, it is the lady who I will be visiting in Atlanta/Georgia within a few months. I don't really know what has happened, all I know she's at the hospital in ICU with pain. She mentioned a few other medical terms what I had to Google, can't blame her cause she is a good educated nurse. My first thought was, 'she's working to hard, she collapsed.' I hope she gets her rest and that she will be spoiled rotten by her Family and her close by friends who live near. Just a bit concerned here, not because of my trip to Jan, (That will be fine!) but just hoping she will be fine and well. She's a good friend, and I don't like seeing friends in pain or being sad.
Early to bed! I'm sleepy and writing this post, lol. After writing it I will hop in bed, and it's only 9:48. Guess I worked a bit to hard today, or it might be the weather changing. The weather is becoming warmer, today we had 16 degrees, tomorrow we will have 17, Saturday only 14, but after Saturday we have 20 and warmer. Like I said, I worked hard, I figured, I only have to work one this week, so, I might aswell give it all. When I got home after work and the free dinner, it hitted me, heavy eyes. French fries and a cheese waffle with the free dinner, they don't serve that often, though it was a nice change.
I hope our work is getting more orders for every section, today we had 4 workers more in our section, cause 'their' section has just nothing to do. No orders, no work, that's a pity. In our section is enough to do, though it's less then let's say last year. We can't complain. Plans for the weekend? Uhm, not that much yet, gosh I need some new clothing, specially new shoes. I'm waiting for my 'extra' vacation money, today I hear a fellow worker saying that we get that 'extra' money in June. I thought in May. I need some good shoes, good healthy shoes. I might look around for a pair this weekend.
Lazy day... It was my last day off today, actually I'm glad it was. Five days off was more then enough, I'm happy to be working again tomorrow. Though it will be only one day, cause Friday I will be off again, then my weekend starts, like always. It's just that we have many holidays during March and May, I'm not complaining, these are just a few days. You know, I never took a day off since I worked at my new job. I receive 24 days off a year, other fellow workers have more cause they work a whole week. I work only three days in a week, so yeah. With those three days of work, I have two days free automatically, so it's mostly not that needed to take a day off. My working week starts early on Monday at 7:30 am, and ends on following Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 pm. Wednesday is my rest day, a needed off day. Thursday I start again at 7:30 am and I end on 4: 30 pm, then a day off on Friday, following by the weekend.
I need the day's off for rest, and the weekend? Well, everyone has weekend, so I have too, lol. Weekends are off! Unless someone works shifts or have other jobs what needs to be done in the weekend. I still sometimes think of trying to work a day more, that will be on Friday then. But to be honest, when I come home from work on Thursday's I'm knackered and tired. So, no! Today in the morning I had my therapy again, and it was just like usual. She gave me tips and together we did some exercises. I cleaned up a few closets with clothing aswell, I buried up the Winter clothing and took out the Summer clothing. We're getting higher temperatures after the weekend, and yeah, it's May already, so Summer must be near. I never heard of Snow and freezing temperatures in May, so, it's all good.
"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!
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! 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. 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! 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! 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 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.
