gone baby, GONE!

Ok so the family left to ski in Switzerland and I must say these have been some of the best days of my life. They're good people and all but I really needed time away from them just to do my own thing. Take now for instance: I'm sitting in my underwear, drinking the liquid version of myself (hot chocolate, duh) and occasionally getting up to dance when a good song comes on. When they left, I ran through the house screaming, mostly out of joy but also just because I could. So much of the time I have to be quiet for fear of waking anyone up and it feels AMAZING just being able to do as I please and having no worries.

This week was quite fabulous. I've been looking forward to vacation so much that even despite some annoyances, I remained in the highest spirits. A few weeks ago I'd been worried about some relationships I had in the US and how they were going sour. Then I came to my senses and realized that I don't need that kind of stress in my life and that being here was the best thing for me since I am what's most important. I refuse to appease others selfish desires and wishes to hinder my own happiness. It's my parade so don't try and rain on it, thankssssssssss! The more time I spend here, the more I appreciate the true relationships I do have with people I still keep in touch with. If you ever want to test your own relationships with people, try moving to a different country for a year and see who's still got your back while you're there and when you get back.

Thursday night I had the pleasure of spending the night with Jaime, who left for London then home on Friday, and another cool ass au pair we met named Ri from London. We started out at Jaime's house, drinking bottles of wine and getting to know each other better. Then we drunkenly ventured out in Haarlem where we insisted on taking shots of tequila, and I threw back some more red wine. As usual, I feel fine when we're at the bar but my inebriation doesn't make itself apparent until the ride home. I fell off my bike at least twice and each time I had to give myself a pep-talk before I'd actually get up. As if that wasn't enough, I fell AGAIN when I got in the house! I tripped over stuff in the hallway and made so much noise that Thomas awoke, thinking it was one of the kids.

My life is so fucking stupid.

Thankfully, the family left Friday afternoon around noonish because I sincerely doubt I would've survived a normal Friday. My body was extremely sore and I really think I bruised a rib (it hurt so much, I thought it was broken) but I feel much better now. I spent much of Friday recuperating before going to Ri's house for dinner. We had an awesome time, drinking wine and exchanging stories. I then went home where Remy soon joined me and we watched a movie. Saturday, I made it to the gym (go me!) then hung out at Remy's, saying and doing the usual inappropriate things around his family.

**Sidenote: Rihanna's new song, "Rehab" is on and I will admit that I got a little hot & bothered when I saw my baby Justin, but overall the video is wack! She's half-naked throughout the entire thing but Justin is damn near dressed for winter... where are the shirtless shots?! She's wearing this cool eye veil thingy which I like but the song sucks so NEXT. Ohhhh! Now Kid Cudi's "Day and NIght" is on (the remixed version) and I love that song and video!**

I spent my first night alone in the house last night and it was actually kind of scary! I kept hearing all sorts of noises and imagining myself having to bust a cap in someone's ass if they tried to rob the place. I woke up this morning and visited Jaime's host family on my way to the gym. Tonight I plan to get my buzz on and wake up whenever I feel like it tomorrow!! I'm helping Remy's mom make Christmas dinner tomorrow and before I know it, it'll be time to leave for Paris on Saturday!!!!!!!

It's time now for me to get cleaned up.. thankfully, I will be in a car tonight and not on my bike! I know now not to drink and get behind my handle bars. Ok, dooi dooi!!!

Maar ik vind it zo lekker!

That is a classic quote from my sweet, lovable, I'm-going-to-pack-you-in-my-suitcase-and-steal-you, Tijn. I was downstairs making breakfast for them last week and he was trying to eat Paper Notes (traditional Sinterklaas cookie thingy). I told him, no, he couldn't have them for breakfast, and while my back is turned he runs with the bag into the living room (I love how kids think they're so slick). I repeat again that he can't have them and he says in the cutest voice EVER, "Maar ik vind it zo lekker" which translates into, "but I find them so tasty!" I had to stop myself from feeding him the entire bag.

Anylekker, I'm feeling better about life right now. I just had a wonderful dinner with Thomas and Eline where we laughed and chatted a lot and they're really two of the most awesome people on Earth. Today was a spectacular day. I managed to get to the gym, take a nap, and ik heb cadeautje's gemaakt. I should be cleaning my room and writing postcards right now, but I can get to that tomorrow since I'm babysitting. Here are some pictures from last weekend out with my loves!






Whenever I'm excited about something, it's all I'm able to think about. Natuurlijk, I cannot stop thinking about my trip to Paris!!! I've already made a list of things to pack and what I need to buy. I've been trying not to spend too much money but I did make some delicious purchases that I'm really excited to wear.. I still need a dress for New Years but I'm sure I'll find something in PARISSSSSS. I hope Remy has a camera because I managed to leave my camera charger somewhere back in the states! Despite me asking around, no one knows where it is so it looks like I'm screwed. I'll take it back to the 90's and use a one-time use.. maybe I'll even upgrade to digital.

Pim and Niek were sick all week but I'm happy to report that they're all better! It's getting awfully close to my bed time so I must bid you farewell.. tot ziens!