I am obsessed with Adele. I really want to see her live and she's coming to Amsterdam in April but of course, tickets are already sold out. I will give the Dutch credit: they are really good at booking things in advance. The Rotterdam film festival was last month and I swear, tickets for everything were already sold out in November. I really think people book things a year in advance.
Sweden was tremendous amounts of fun. We stayed in a really beautiful hotel directly beside Stockholm Central Station. We arrived Friday and spent a relaxing evening at a steak house before going to the Absolut Ice Bar, which as expected was FREEZING. Well, it wasn't so bad for the first half hour or so but even with the extra jacket and gloves, I found myself shivering. I blame this on the fact that I was dressed inappropriately in heels and a spicy top. Obviously I didn't get the memo and underestimated the situation. We called it a night relatively early so we could be on top of our sightseeing game the next day. We walked all over the place and took a beautifully romantic 3 hour boat tour of the archipelagos. We dined on board and not only was the food delicious but I had the best company. We then hit up a trendy bar for some fish and chips and drinks and finished our night there.
I always hear how beautiful Swedish women are but it certainly wasn't the impression I got. I found them to be average at best and no one stood out to me. Mic says that Sweden has the highest rate of suicide in the world and there is an air of sadness and rigidity and the gothic/emo look was HUGE. It was also very expensive and we couldn't help but notice that most of their stores were high end. In fact, I only saw one tiny H&M, which is strange since there's one on every corner of the shopping streets there. But Stockholm did have an Urban Outfitters which we enjoyed and the food everywhere was phenomenal.. even the meal we ate at the airport. Thankfully, it wasn't as cold as I was expecting but I'd still love to go again in the summer, when I'm sure it's a different scene. Nonetheless, it was still a good time and given the cheapness of the flights, I'm sure we'll go again once we get to the point where we're repeating trips. When I find the time, I'll post pictures. I am absolutely horrible at posting pictures on time. I still have pictures to put up from when I went home and some of the nights we spent out in January. Maybe I'll get to it next month.
Things are going pretty well for me here, although I do have my moments. I have a huge love/hate relationship with the Netherlands. While I'm happy to be here and really enjoy it for the most part, I hate that I'm away from my family and friends and all that I'm accustomed to. I've been here for 2 1/2 years (on and off) and sometimes, I'm really just over it. I hate the rules, I hate the procedures, I hate the bureaucracy, I hate the weather, I hate biking to go out on the weekends, and sometimes I really just hate everything. But then I remind myself of all the things I do like and am grateful for: a great man in my life, wonderful friends that I consider family, being foreign and getting away with breaking all the rules, traveling conveniently, making memories I never would have been able to make at home, and living a life that I can only do at this stage in my life before I'm bogged down with heavy responsibilities and little wheezy babies. I think I can enjoy this lifestyle for a few more years but I definitely feel like I need a change of pace.
I need to find things other than my life to talk about so let's do the thing where I ask you to pick a topic again, but this time, give me serious suggestions.. I don't want to turn this into a gossip blog because I really don't care about other people that much!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
happy birthday to me!
I can't believe I'm 25 today! It feels like I was just 18 and looking forward to my freshman year at UCONN. It feels like it was last week that I was 19 and sneaking into bars with my sister's ID. It feels like just yesterday I was 21! But, simultaneously, I am also fully aware the years have gone by. As hard as it's gotten at times, I wouldn't change anything because it led me to where I am. Actually, that's a lie; I would have done lots of things differently but at the end of the day, most of the difficulties I've faced either don't matter already or will soon be a distant memory. I still want for things but I am so grateful for all I have in my life and know that with hard work and the right attitude, I'll accomplish all my goals.
I'm finally feeling better after a day of feeling rather shitty. I managed to make it to the gym and ended up being trapped there for 3 hours, even though I only worked out for about 45 minutes. I felt dizzy and light headed after doing some cardio but I thought it was because I pushed myself too hard after having not gone for so long. I thought relaxing for a bit in the sauna would help and while it did feel good, I felt a lot worse after it. I couldn't even make it up the stairs without stopping every few steps. When I finally made it into the changing room, my vision was almost completely impaired and I was tripping over my feet trying to stay standing. It was pretty scary and embarrassing that people were asking me if I was alright. I laid down for a while before taking a shower and I couldn't even do that properly since my head was spinning so badly. I had to keep laying down because I felt so sickly and like I was going to vomit. Eventually I made it home and spent most of the day in bed. It really ruined my plans, as I intended to do some shopping in the center for..... STOCKHOLM TOMORROW!
I printed out a map and marked several locations for us to visit. I'm ecstatic to try the Absolut Ice Bar where everything is obviously made of ice. Even though we'll probably already be freezing our buns of steel off, I'm sure it'll be worth it.
I'm also going to Florence for a month in March, woo hoo! Very excited about that since I've never been to that part of Italy. It coincides with the weeks that Mic will spend with a best friend in Cuba (jealous!) so I'll be happy not to spend the time on my own. Plus, I'm expecting visits!
Anyway, I'll keep it short because I haven't packed anything yet and the house is a mess. I hate coming home to a messy home and I guess I gotta clean even though it's my birthday *hint hint Mic* ;-p
Thanks for all the well wishes on Facebook, via email and text. Love you guys!! <3
I'm finally feeling better after a day of feeling rather shitty. I managed to make it to the gym and ended up being trapped there for 3 hours, even though I only worked out for about 45 minutes. I felt dizzy and light headed after doing some cardio but I thought it was because I pushed myself too hard after having not gone for so long. I thought relaxing for a bit in the sauna would help and while it did feel good, I felt a lot worse after it. I couldn't even make it up the stairs without stopping every few steps. When I finally made it into the changing room, my vision was almost completely impaired and I was tripping over my feet trying to stay standing. It was pretty scary and embarrassing that people were asking me if I was alright. I laid down for a while before taking a shower and I couldn't even do that properly since my head was spinning so badly. I had to keep laying down because I felt so sickly and like I was going to vomit. Eventually I made it home and spent most of the day in bed. It really ruined my plans, as I intended to do some shopping in the center for..... STOCKHOLM TOMORROW!
I printed out a map and marked several locations for us to visit. I'm ecstatic to try the Absolut Ice Bar where everything is obviously made of ice. Even though we'll probably already be freezing our buns of steel off, I'm sure it'll be worth it.
I'm also going to Florence for a month in March, woo hoo! Very excited about that since I've never been to that part of Italy. It coincides with the weeks that Mic will spend with a best friend in Cuba (jealous!) so I'll be happy not to spend the time on my own. Plus, I'm expecting visits!
Anyway, I'll keep it short because I haven't packed anything yet and the house is a mess. I hate coming home to a messy home and I guess I gotta clean even though it's my birthday *hint hint Mic* ;-p
Thanks for all the well wishes on Facebook, via email and text. Love you guys!! <3
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Bondye invite-m lan fet lacaye li..
God has invited me to a party at his house...
Those are lyrics from my grandmother's favorite song. She passed away last week at the ripe age of 98 and I can remember her singing this song all the time. I went home this past weekend for the funeral and it was one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life. My father seemed to be taking it all in stride but that all changed at the funeral home, when I think it actually hit him that this was all actually happening. While I viewed the weekend as a celebration of her long and happy life, watching my Dad completely break down was extremely difficult and his tears were contagious. Her sister didn't make things any easier, because they were best friends who spoke daily. It reminded me of the relationship I have with Damaly and I know it's selfish, but I hope I'm the first to go out of my immediate family. I cannot even bear to think of my life without the people I love so it's either I go first, we all die together, or we somehow become immortal.
Nonetheless, the good memories I have of my grandmother mostly overpowered my feelings of sadness. I'm named after her and I feel she always liked me best. Don't get me wrong, she used to get me in a lot of trouble when I tried to keep things from my parents. But I will never forget tickling her or pulling down her skirt until she'd laugh so hard, I thought her dentures would fall out. I remember the way she smelled and the way she used to braid her hair. I will always have the scar on my leg from when she accidentally burned me with an iron. I remember giving her manicures and seeing her undergarments drying in the bathroom. I remember how she'd always shout into the phone when I called to speak to her even though speaking normally would've been alright. I remember her huge glasses that always reflected so much light and how sweet she was to me. I remember how when I went home from the holidays, I was crying so hard as my Dad fed her. She looked so thin and different from what I remembered and something told me the next time I'd see her, it would be to say goodbye. She may no longer be with us, but hopefully I inherited all of her good traits and the "living long" gene is an Auguste/Wagnac trait.
At times like these, it's very difficult to remain optimistic about living in the Netherlands. I know my parents would love to have me home. All their friends were telling me how much they missed me and doing their best to persuade me to come home, since my parents are too stubborn and believe strongly in our personal freedom, even if they don't approve. I really miss seeing them all the time. We stayed up on Sunday night, playing board games and talking and I haven't bonded and laughed with them the way we did in too long. My father makes the funniest comments and my mother cheats so much. I love them with all my heart and it is my every intention to be back on American soil as soon as possible. Even though I have no intention or desire to move back to Connecticut.
I'm so happy the month of January is almost over. As if my grandmother's death wasn't enough, my grandfather had a stroke and is in the hospital. He has a weak heart that beats irregularly so chances are he'll have to be moved into a nursing home where they can monitor him a lot more than we'd be able to. I hope he's able to recover fully and that the madication he's on works so we can rule out a nursing home and/or a pacemaker.
I'll be 25 next Thursday and I'm ok with it. I have a lot to be thankful for at this stage in life and I'm confident that things will only get better. We'll spend next weekend in Stockholm and it'll be fantastic to have some quality time with my Michelino, even though we'll be frozen popsicles. I'm really looking forward to it.
I'll leave you all with another excerpt from Don't Sweat The Small Stuff: Write a heartfelt letter every week
With everything going on recently, I realized that I haven't always taken the time to express my feelings to the people I'm grateful for and love. This is definitiely something I want to do because I think it's important to thank people for helping me get to where I am, for being there for me, for making me smile and even for loving me. First up, my favorite piece of mozzarella: Piero Pichelino.
Those are lyrics from my grandmother's favorite song. She passed away last week at the ripe age of 98 and I can remember her singing this song all the time. I went home this past weekend for the funeral and it was one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life. My father seemed to be taking it all in stride but that all changed at the funeral home, when I think it actually hit him that this was all actually happening. While I viewed the weekend as a celebration of her long and happy life, watching my Dad completely break down was extremely difficult and his tears were contagious. Her sister didn't make things any easier, because they were best friends who spoke daily. It reminded me of the relationship I have with Damaly and I know it's selfish, but I hope I'm the first to go out of my immediate family. I cannot even bear to think of my life without the people I love so it's either I go first, we all die together, or we somehow become immortal.
Nonetheless, the good memories I have of my grandmother mostly overpowered my feelings of sadness. I'm named after her and I feel she always liked me best. Don't get me wrong, she used to get me in a lot of trouble when I tried to keep things from my parents. But I will never forget tickling her or pulling down her skirt until she'd laugh so hard, I thought her dentures would fall out. I remember the way she smelled and the way she used to braid her hair. I will always have the scar on my leg from when she accidentally burned me with an iron. I remember giving her manicures and seeing her undergarments drying in the bathroom. I remember how she'd always shout into the phone when I called to speak to her even though speaking normally would've been alright. I remember her huge glasses that always reflected so much light and how sweet she was to me. I remember how when I went home from the holidays, I was crying so hard as my Dad fed her. She looked so thin and different from what I remembered and something told me the next time I'd see her, it would be to say goodbye. She may no longer be with us, but hopefully I inherited all of her good traits and the "living long" gene is an Auguste/Wagnac trait.
At times like these, it's very difficult to remain optimistic about living in the Netherlands. I know my parents would love to have me home. All their friends were telling me how much they missed me and doing their best to persuade me to come home, since my parents are too stubborn and believe strongly in our personal freedom, even if they don't approve. I really miss seeing them all the time. We stayed up on Sunday night, playing board games and talking and I haven't bonded and laughed with them the way we did in too long. My father makes the funniest comments and my mother cheats so much. I love them with all my heart and it is my every intention to be back on American soil as soon as possible. Even though I have no intention or desire to move back to Connecticut.
I'm so happy the month of January is almost over. As if my grandmother's death wasn't enough, my grandfather had a stroke and is in the hospital. He has a weak heart that beats irregularly so chances are he'll have to be moved into a nursing home where they can monitor him a lot more than we'd be able to. I hope he's able to recover fully and that the madication he's on works so we can rule out a nursing home and/or a pacemaker.
I'll be 25 next Thursday and I'm ok with it. I have a lot to be thankful for at this stage in life and I'm confident that things will only get better. We'll spend next weekend in Stockholm and it'll be fantastic to have some quality time with my Michelino, even though we'll be frozen popsicles. I'm really looking forward to it.
I'll leave you all with another excerpt from Don't Sweat The Small Stuff: Write a heartfelt letter every week
With everything going on recently, I realized that I haven't always taken the time to express my feelings to the people I'm grateful for and love. This is definitiely something I want to do because I think it's important to thank people for helping me get to where I am, for being there for me, for making me smile and even for loving me. First up, my favorite piece of mozzarella: Piero Pichelino.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Happy New Year!! 10 days late....
So I'm back in the land of Nether and 2011 is treating me fantastically well thus far. It was stupendous to be reunited with Mic and Margo and Lizzy and the Van Weels since I missed them all terribly. After being surrounded by the massive cats at D's, Margo seemed tinier to me but it's clear to me now that she's actually grown a lot, which almost pains me because I want her to stay my beautiful kitten forever.
This is shaping up to be an exciting month for me: It's Lizzy's birthday this weekend and our good friend Mayra is coming to visit with her husband Angel! It'll be great to have this reunion with all of us and our other friends, all dressed up and possibly drunk like old times! Getting dolled up with my friends is my favorite part and thanks to a shopping spree from my honey yesterday, I'll enjoy it even more #spoiled. Then on the 19th, Lizzy and I will go see Drizzy Drake in concert, with a guest appearance from J. Cole. We've had loads of fun at the other concerts we've gone to so we're both really pumped!
A couple weeks after that, I turn the DREADED 25. But it's all good because I'll be bringing in my birthday in Stockholm, Sweden! Mic and I have never been but we'll brave the cold and keep warm, preserving our sexy nonetheless. I've never been to that part of the world so I'm super mega turbo excited!
In other news, 2011 will be a continuation of the evolution of Darline through thought and reflection. I was given the book "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" as a gift and even after wafting through the first few pages, I'm already certain that it will become a staple in my development. I'm finding it so useful to me, I've decided to post excerpts from it on here as well because I think we can all benefit from it. The one below has stood stood out the most because it has to do with modesty and draws my attention to faults in my character:
Lesson #6- Let others have the glory.. "The ego is that part of us that wants to be seen, heard, respected, considered special, often at the expense of someone else. It's the part of us that interrupts someone else's story or impatiently waits her turn to speak so she can bring the conversation and attention back to herself... The next time someone tells you a story or shares an accomplishment with you, notice your tendency to say something about yourself in response."
I've always considered myself an active listener but I must admit that I am sometimes guilty of this. I always thought it stemmed from the desire to be able to identify with whoever's talking and let them know I can understand what they're going through, but perhaps it is my damn ego! I'm not much of an attention seeker in terms of my personality or demeanor (being inebriated doesn't count!) and when it's someone's day or moment I'm most comfortable falling back and giving them their shine; in fact I promote it and have even derailed efforts by others who don't understand this concept. Nonetheless, I'm going to make a more conscious effort to let others have their moment, especially in conversation because perhaps in trying to identify with someone, I'm actually hogging their moments and taking the attention away from them. There are so many people I know/used to know that should take heed to this lesson!
That's all for now my darlings.. I'm going to enjoy my last 24 days of being 24
EW.
This is shaping up to be an exciting month for me: It's Lizzy's birthday this weekend and our good friend Mayra is coming to visit with her husband Angel! It'll be great to have this reunion with all of us and our other friends, all dressed up and possibly drunk like old times! Getting dolled up with my friends is my favorite part and thanks to a shopping spree from my honey yesterday, I'll enjoy it even more #spoiled. Then on the 19th, Lizzy and I will go see Drizzy Drake in concert, with a guest appearance from J. Cole. We've had loads of fun at the other concerts we've gone to so we're both really pumped!
A couple weeks after that, I turn the DREADED 25. But it's all good because I'll be bringing in my birthday in Stockholm, Sweden! Mic and I have never been but we'll brave the cold and keep warm, preserving our sexy nonetheless. I've never been to that part of the world so I'm super mega turbo excited!
In other news, 2011 will be a continuation of the evolution of Darline through thought and reflection. I was given the book "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" as a gift and even after wafting through the first few pages, I'm already certain that it will become a staple in my development. I'm finding it so useful to me, I've decided to post excerpts from it on here as well because I think we can all benefit from it. The one below has stood stood out the most because it has to do with modesty and draws my attention to faults in my character:
Lesson #6- Let others have the glory.. "The ego is that part of us that wants to be seen, heard, respected, considered special, often at the expense of someone else. It's the part of us that interrupts someone else's story or impatiently waits her turn to speak so she can bring the conversation and attention back to herself... The next time someone tells you a story or shares an accomplishment with you, notice your tendency to say something about yourself in response."
I've always considered myself an active listener but I must admit that I am sometimes guilty of this. I always thought it stemmed from the desire to be able to identify with whoever's talking and let them know I can understand what they're going through, but perhaps it is my damn ego! I'm not much of an attention seeker in terms of my personality or demeanor (being inebriated doesn't count!) and when it's someone's day or moment I'm most comfortable falling back and giving them their shine; in fact I promote it and have even derailed efforts by others who don't understand this concept. Nonetheless, I'm going to make a more conscious effort to let others have their moment, especially in conversation because perhaps in trying to identify with someone, I'm actually hogging their moments and taking the attention away from them. There are so many people I know/used to know that should take heed to this lesson!
That's all for now my darlings.. I'm going to enjoy my last 24 days of being 24
EW.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
first things first, I'll eat ya brains!
I just realized that I'd be in the process of changing my background and picture last time I posted on here and had I known this is what it looked like, I would've changed it a long time ago.
Anyway, it's been a while since I've gotten to update this from the US of A! I've been parked on my parents couch since Christmas, going in and out of food-induced comas and sleeping. There was a monstrous blizzard yesterday that resulted in about two feet of snow. I took one look outside, with the wind forcefully blowing snow everywhere and resolved to not leaving the house until it was absolutely necessary. Luckily, I've had all the American shows I've missed so dearly living in Holland to entertain me, as well as the shenanigans of the Auguste family.
I'm entering the last week of my holiday in the States, after having already been home for two weeks and it's been absolutely fantastic! Matt is taller than ever, surpassing me by at least 2 inches and he definitely has a few pounds on me. He got braces last week and looks so cute! It will surely help us keep in mind that he's only 12 instead of being deceived by size. It's been great hanging out with him, cracking jokes and doing impromptu karaoke. He's informing me of the all the music I've failed to update myself on and I'm loving every moment of spending time with him. My cousin Tati, is also staying with us over the holidays and she's very sweet and we've passed a lot of hours watching TV on the couch together. We're both obsessed with the show "My Fair Wedding," which I really hope is still around when I'm getting married because the man does great things.
I've really missed being home. I've missed my friends, family, food (my very first stop from the airport was my favorite Chinese food restaurant in my town and don't get me started on how much I disrespected myself during Christmas dinner), television (special shout-out to Netflix and DVR), the nightlife, SHOPPING (I had a really hard time buying Christmas gifts for everyone this year because I saw so many things I wanted/needed/couldn't live without), my town, my hood, EVERYTHING.
I really wish it was possible to combine the life I love here with the one I love in Holland. I don't hope to be there much longer than another year. As I'm getting older (ew), the time is coming where I should start thinking and formulating definite plans for my future. I'm not saying I'll bother mapping my life out step by step because obviously things don't always work out as planned. But I know that I want to settle down and start a family in the States. Of course, not for another 3-5 years of course, absolutely no rush. But my parents and family are also getting older and I want to spend more time with them doing fun things and I hate missing out on so much of Matt's upbringing. Although I'd love to live in California when I move back to the States (this blizzard has reinforced my hatred for the cold), it'd still be the same country, a cheaper flight home, and less time difference so I could keep in touch more easily. I think Mic would love living out west so no trouble there. I'm sure we'll be happy anywhere so long as we can both do what we want and *sappy statement alert*- we have each other.
The wind is still whistling outside and popcorn and a movie are calling my name. For those of you Stateside and in the tri-state area, I'd love for you to meet me and everyone for dinner in Stamford, CT Saturday, January 1st as we celebrate my last weekend, before heading into NYC to let loose! Message me for details and if I remember, I'll post something about it on here!
Anyway, it's been a while since I've gotten to update this from the US of A! I've been parked on my parents couch since Christmas, going in and out of food-induced comas and sleeping. There was a monstrous blizzard yesterday that resulted in about two feet of snow. I took one look outside, with the wind forcefully blowing snow everywhere and resolved to not leaving the house until it was absolutely necessary. Luckily, I've had all the American shows I've missed so dearly living in Holland to entertain me, as well as the shenanigans of the Auguste family.
I'm entering the last week of my holiday in the States, after having already been home for two weeks and it's been absolutely fantastic! Matt is taller than ever, surpassing me by at least 2 inches and he definitely has a few pounds on me. He got braces last week and looks so cute! It will surely help us keep in mind that he's only 12 instead of being deceived by size. It's been great hanging out with him, cracking jokes and doing impromptu karaoke. He's informing me of the all the music I've failed to update myself on and I'm loving every moment of spending time with him. My cousin Tati, is also staying with us over the holidays and she's very sweet and we've passed a lot of hours watching TV on the couch together. We're both obsessed with the show "My Fair Wedding," which I really hope is still around when I'm getting married because the man does great things.
I've really missed being home. I've missed my friends, family, food (my very first stop from the airport was my favorite Chinese food restaurant in my town and don't get me started on how much I disrespected myself during Christmas dinner), television (special shout-out to Netflix and DVR), the nightlife, SHOPPING (I had a really hard time buying Christmas gifts for everyone this year because I saw so many things I wanted/needed/couldn't live without), my town, my hood, EVERYTHING.
I really wish it was possible to combine the life I love here with the one I love in Holland. I don't hope to be there much longer than another year. As I'm getting older (ew), the time is coming where I should start thinking and formulating definite plans for my future. I'm not saying I'll bother mapping my life out step by step because obviously things don't always work out as planned. But I know that I want to settle down and start a family in the States. Of course, not for another 3-5 years of course, absolutely no rush. But my parents and family are also getting older and I want to spend more time with them doing fun things and I hate missing out on so much of Matt's upbringing. Although I'd love to live in California when I move back to the States (this blizzard has reinforced my hatred for the cold), it'd still be the same country, a cheaper flight home, and less time difference so I could keep in touch more easily. I think Mic would love living out west so no trouble there. I'm sure we'll be happy anywhere so long as we can both do what we want and *sappy statement alert*- we have each other.
The wind is still whistling outside and popcorn and a movie are calling my name. For those of you Stateside and in the tri-state area, I'd love for you to meet me and everyone for dinner in Stamford, CT Saturday, January 1st as we celebrate my last weekend, before heading into NYC to let loose! Message me for details and if I remember, I'll post something about it on here!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
never give up, it's such a wonderful life
Home TOMORROW. I still don't think it's really sunk in for me. I can't believe that by this time tomorrow I'll be flying into JFK and reuniting with my family and friends that I've missed so dearly. I'm really ecstatic to see everyone and hug them and share our life experiences in person.
It's strange but I'm actually a bit sad to leave Holland. I've met some wonderful people here that I really love and I will miss them very much while I'm home. I'll miss Mic as well and it will be fantastic to see them again when I'm back. 3 weeks sounds like a while but I'm sure it'll fly by and seem way too short come January 3rd.
Surprisingly I'm already packed and ready to go. I fly out at 2 PM tomorrow and I hope I'm not seated near children because I'm actually quite tired and planning to sleep on the flight. On the way back from Prague we sat in front of some pre-teens who spent the hour-long flight (seemed much longer) talking obnoxiously and slamming their trays into our seats before I turned around and got out of character. I've had good luck with my seats on flights to and from the States so let's keep our fingers crossed.
Well that's pretty much all I have to say for now because soon I'll be able to chat with most of you in person! Can't wait to see everyone and tear up Stamford and NYC and wherever else this holiday season takes me.. it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!!
It's strange but I'm actually a bit sad to leave Holland. I've met some wonderful people here that I really love and I will miss them very much while I'm home. I'll miss Mic as well and it will be fantastic to see them again when I'm back. 3 weeks sounds like a while but I'm sure it'll fly by and seem way too short come January 3rd.
Surprisingly I'm already packed and ready to go. I fly out at 2 PM tomorrow and I hope I'm not seated near children because I'm actually quite tired and planning to sleep on the flight. On the way back from Prague we sat in front of some pre-teens who spent the hour-long flight (seemed much longer) talking obnoxiously and slamming their trays into our seats before I turned around and got out of character. I've had good luck with my seats on flights to and from the States so let's keep our fingers crossed.
Well that's pretty much all I have to say for now because soon I'll be able to chat with most of you in person! Can't wait to see everyone and tear up Stamford and NYC and wherever else this holiday season takes me.. it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!!
Friday, December 3, 2010
if this is what we've got, then what we've got is gold
HOMEWARD BOUND DECEMBER 13TH UNTIL JANUARY 3RD!!! SHA. NAN. I. GANS.
I cannot wait to see all of my friends and family that I've missed so dearly. Also can't wait to enjoy my favorite Chinese food (shout out to Panda Garden on High Ridge!), live it up in the city and really enjoy Stamford and the holidays. I've missed it all so very much, ahhhh!! Can't friggin wait! I've been feeling a little down on myself and I think this visit will really help lift my spirits and keep me going.
It's not known to snow in Holland but apparently that's changed.. It snowed earlier this week and has been snowing for the past few hours. It's actually quite pretty and it's been really cute to see Margo react to it.. She's both terrified and intrigued. She's so big and I love her so much, even though she really knows how to make me angry in the morning by purring loudly in my ear, crawling under my hand in attempts to make me pet her and walking over my face if I don't. Krazy Kitty!
I was able to speak to two old friends today that have moved to Hollywood to follow their dreams and figure out who they are. It made my day to hear from them and I love knowing that I'm not the only one taking a huge chance. It definitely makes me reminisce about my college days. I made a fool of myself on so many occasions and Derek will never let me forget it haha! Feels good to laugh about it now and let those memories warm my heart.
I'm looking forward to this weekend even though I think we'll take it very easy. We have to catch up on Dexter and Deadwood which are our current obsessions. We're hoping to make it to the gym and we've reignited our passion for Wii so I'm sure we'll fit that in as well.
I've also gotten into the show Glee, and WOW, those kids are so talented! People like them should have record deals instead of these crap "artists" we have out nowadays. Here's a clip. Ending is in Espanol, lo siento**
I cannot wait to see all of my friends and family that I've missed so dearly. Also can't wait to enjoy my favorite Chinese food (shout out to Panda Garden on High Ridge!), live it up in the city and really enjoy Stamford and the holidays. I've missed it all so very much, ahhhh!! Can't friggin wait! I've been feeling a little down on myself and I think this visit will really help lift my spirits and keep me going.
It's not known to snow in Holland but apparently that's changed.. It snowed earlier this week and has been snowing for the past few hours. It's actually quite pretty and it's been really cute to see Margo react to it.. She's both terrified and intrigued. She's so big and I love her so much, even though she really knows how to make me angry in the morning by purring loudly in my ear, crawling under my hand in attempts to make me pet her and walking over my face if I don't. Krazy Kitty!
I was able to speak to two old friends today that have moved to Hollywood to follow their dreams and figure out who they are. It made my day to hear from them and I love knowing that I'm not the only one taking a huge chance. It definitely makes me reminisce about my college days. I made a fool of myself on so many occasions and Derek will never let me forget it haha! Feels good to laugh about it now and let those memories warm my heart.
I'm looking forward to this weekend even though I think we'll take it very easy. We have to catch up on Dexter and Deadwood which are our current obsessions. We're hoping to make it to the gym and we've reignited our passion for Wii so I'm sure we'll fit that in as well.
I've also gotten into the show Glee, and WOW, those kids are so talented! People like them should have record deals instead of these crap "artists" we have out nowadays. Here's a clip. Ending is in Espanol, lo siento**
didn't wanna be anyone's ghost
**Disclaimer: I wrote this post on November 19th and never published it**
Not only have I been neglecting my blog, but yesterday I discovered that it was my first time visiting the gym in the entire month of November! For someone who'd been abusing their class selection, pool and sauna on a daily basis, this is absurd! But these past few weeks were absolute bliss and I'm completely okay with the weight I've surely gained.
Damaly left yesterday after arriving on November 4th. Days have never flown by as fast. We kicked off her arrival with a weekend in Amsterdam with Lizzy and some of other friends, exploring and getting social. It was a great to have some girl time and have my two worlds meet. We took a day to rest before traveling to BERLIN, GERMANY! This has ranked among our top 10 list of places to visit so we were ecstatic to go and Berlin did not disappoint!
Not only were we blown away by the nightlife, but the Berlin is so rich in history and culture. It's amazing to be walking the streets where so many important figures walked and infamous events happened. Standing over Hitler's bunker (now a parking lot) and thinking about this little man that shaped so much of what we read about in our history books was really moving. Seeing parts of the Berlin Wall that divided people and their families.. it really blows your mind. Truth really is stranger than fiction.
Next stop, PRAGUE! What a beautiful and romantic city! I'm horrible with posting pictures on time but we took some great shots and it was the best feeling ever to be with two of the people I love the most in this entire universe. Bonus, we all got along really well and by the end of the weekend we were all addicted to Absinthe. What a wonderful way to get the party started. You pour a shot of Absinthe into a glass, heat up a spoonful of brown sugar with a lighter, stir it into the glass, light the drink on fire (great visual effect since Absinthe is green), put the fire out with a coaster and quickly take the shot.. FanFrigginTastic!! B52 shots are even better.. Absinthe mixed with Bailey's.. YUM.
We relaxed for a few days when we got back before ending the trip with a relatively fun dinner the night before she left. I was very sad to see her go.
But luckily I'll be home very soon to see her and all of you very soon.. LOVE YOU!!!
Not only have I been neglecting my blog, but yesterday I discovered that it was my first time visiting the gym in the entire month of November! For someone who'd been abusing their class selection, pool and sauna on a daily basis, this is absurd! But these past few weeks were absolute bliss and I'm completely okay with the weight I've surely gained.
Damaly left yesterday after arriving on November 4th. Days have never flown by as fast. We kicked off her arrival with a weekend in Amsterdam with Lizzy and some of other friends, exploring and getting social. It was a great to have some girl time and have my two worlds meet. We took a day to rest before traveling to BERLIN, GERMANY! This has ranked among our top 10 list of places to visit so we were ecstatic to go and Berlin did not disappoint!
Not only were we blown away by the nightlife, but the Berlin is so rich in history and culture. It's amazing to be walking the streets where so many important figures walked and infamous events happened. Standing over Hitler's bunker (now a parking lot) and thinking about this little man that shaped so much of what we read about in our history books was really moving. Seeing parts of the Berlin Wall that divided people and their families.. it really blows your mind. Truth really is stranger than fiction.
Next stop, PRAGUE! What a beautiful and romantic city! I'm horrible with posting pictures on time but we took some great shots and it was the best feeling ever to be with two of the people I love the most in this entire universe. Bonus, we all got along really well and by the end of the weekend we were all addicted to Absinthe. What a wonderful way to get the party started. You pour a shot of Absinthe into a glass, heat up a spoonful of brown sugar with a lighter, stir it into the glass, light the drink on fire (great visual effect since Absinthe is green), put the fire out with a coaster and quickly take the shot.. FanFrigginTastic!! B52 shots are even better.. Absinthe mixed with Bailey's.. YUM.
We relaxed for a few days when we got back before ending the trip with a relatively fun dinner the night before she left. I was very sad to see her go.
But luckily I'll be home very soon to see her and all of you very soon.. LOVE YOU!!!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
glitter is the herpes of arts and crafts
you can never get rid of it!
I'm watching Rihanna discuss her "Te Amo" single and how she really wanted to "change the sound of radio" with her latest album and how it's about her and who she is blah blah blah. Don't get me wrong, I can't help but like some of her songs but I hate when artists who are clearly keen on selling their sexuality, not that talented, and who probably wouldn't be as successful if they weren't hot- try and front like their music is so moving and deep! Just say you wanted to make an album people could dance and sing along to, that would make you more millions.
I'm in a really pessimistic mood today and if not for Damaly coming tomorrow, I'd be throwing back countless shots of tequila and contemplating arson. I think it'll make me feel better to pack a bag for Amsterdam tomorrow and go to bed, get this day over with. Let's hope my next post will be much more lighthearted. Actually, I need to suck it up and stop being so dramatic because I've got quite a lot to be happy about.. DAMALY WILL BE HERE FOR 2 WEEKS!!!!
I'll pick her up at the airport with Lizzy at noon and then we'll spend the day and night being sexy in Amsterdam and getting into all kinds of trouble. Next week, Damaly and I will spend a few days in Berlin, Germany before spending the weekend with Mic in Prague! We're all super excited and I know such good times will be had!
I'm watching Rihanna discuss her "Te Amo" single and how she really wanted to "change the sound of radio" with her latest album and how it's about her and who she is blah blah blah. Don't get me wrong, I can't help but like some of her songs but I hate when artists who are clearly keen on selling their sexuality, not that talented, and who probably wouldn't be as successful if they weren't hot- try and front like their music is so moving and deep! Just say you wanted to make an album people could dance and sing along to, that would make you more millions.
I'm in a really pessimistic mood today and if not for Damaly coming tomorrow, I'd be throwing back countless shots of tequila and contemplating arson. I think it'll make me feel better to pack a bag for Amsterdam tomorrow and go to bed, get this day over with. Let's hope my next post will be much more lighthearted. Actually, I need to suck it up and stop being so dramatic because I've got quite a lot to be happy about.. DAMALY WILL BE HERE FOR 2 WEEKS!!!!
I'll pick her up at the airport with Lizzy at noon and then we'll spend the day and night being sexy in Amsterdam and getting into all kinds of trouble. Next week, Damaly and I will spend a few days in Berlin, Germany before spending the weekend with Mic in Prague! We're all super excited and I know such good times will be had!
Friday, October 22, 2010
didn't you notice the bag was too light? & you said "you have no friends."
Get familiar with The King of Queens.
Felt fantastic today and feeling even better now that I'm enjoying a glass of wine after this hectic week! I'm so excited it's the weekend and that I'm another day closer to being reunited with DAMALY! I really cannot wait for her to get here. Haven't seen her since April so we've got lots of catching up to do and havoc to wreak.
I hate when people try to copy me. I'm not saying that I'm the most original person since Jesus Christ but I don't like when people take my ideas/sayings/thoughts and try and pass them off as theirs. I know people who suddenly have an interest in things after I mentioned/started them and it's wack. Maybe I'm being completely too full of myself and that maybe people just share my interests and goals. But I can't help but think that some people just wanna steal my shine and make themselves more appealing, when really they're dead inside or just have hidden agendas. I suppose I should be flattered that people wanna be like Wheezy. I'd wanna be like me too, I'm great.
Speaking of having great ideas that people would want to copy, a good friend of mine started his own company with a group of friends, selling electric transport bikes, designed for families with young kids. I'm sure it'll be a big hit here as one of the main modes of transportation is by bike. It's a greener way to travel and kids look unbelievably adorable sitting in them and watching the world whiz by around them. Check out his website: www.urbanarrow.com
Tomorrow I'll help Lizzy move, along with Mic and our friend Nic- then we'll take Amsterdam by storm. That's pretty much all I have to say for now but I had to post because I'm in such a good mood! I can't wait for D to get here, and I think I'll organize a big Thanksgiving dinner with all my friends out here which will make me extremely happy. Then, before I know I know, it'll be Christmas time and I'll be HOME!!!!! Love this time of year!!
Felt fantastic today and feeling even better now that I'm enjoying a glass of wine after this hectic week! I'm so excited it's the weekend and that I'm another day closer to being reunited with DAMALY! I really cannot wait for her to get here. Haven't seen her since April so we've got lots of catching up to do and havoc to wreak.
I hate when people try to copy me. I'm not saying that I'm the most original person since Jesus Christ but I don't like when people take my ideas/sayings/thoughts and try and pass them off as theirs. I know people who suddenly have an interest in things after I mentioned/started them and it's wack. Maybe I'm being completely too full of myself and that maybe people just share my interests and goals. But I can't help but think that some people just wanna steal my shine and make themselves more appealing, when really they're dead inside or just have hidden agendas. I suppose I should be flattered that people wanna be like Wheezy. I'd wanna be like me too, I'm great.
Speaking of having great ideas that people would want to copy, a good friend of mine started his own company with a group of friends, selling electric transport bikes, designed for families with young kids. I'm sure it'll be a big hit here as one of the main modes of transportation is by bike. It's a greener way to travel and kids look unbelievably adorable sitting in them and watching the world whiz by around them. Check out his website: www.urbanarrow.com
Tomorrow I'll help Lizzy move, along with Mic and our friend Nic- then we'll take Amsterdam by storm. That's pretty much all I have to say for now but I had to post because I'm in such a good mood! I can't wait for D to get here, and I think I'll organize a big Thanksgiving dinner with all my friends out here which will make me extremely happy. Then, before I know I know, it'll be Christmas time and I'll be HOME!!!!! Love this time of year!!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
yours truly, Jens Lekman
I'm really tired so this will be a short post but I've been OBSESSED with Jens Lekman's "Nights Fall Over Kortedala" album! He's a Swedish dude but I like his sound and style.. hope you all enjoy too!
I'll make this quick:
-a little over 2 weeks until Damaly's arrival!
-Amsterdam this weekend with Lizzy!
-Mic and Margo are doing great!
-I MISS YOU ALL!
I'll make this quick:
-a little over 2 weeks until Damaly's arrival!
-Amsterdam this weekend with Lizzy!
-Mic and Margo are doing great!
-I MISS YOU ALL!
Friday, October 15, 2010
I don't want clever conversation
I really am the absolute WORST with this blog thing! I always intend to update it regularly but then I get sidetracked by basically everything else going on in my daily life.
Things are going well here, although I'm not looking forward to winter here at all. It's started to get a little colder and rainier and things will only go down from here. I will surely miss the comfort of cars when I'm biking in pouring rain and freezing temperatures.
In other news, Margo has gotten so big and is naughtier than ever. She's always climbing the curtains, the walls, people, etc. and running all over the place. I can't get much done with her around (she's sitting in my lap right now, playing with her tail) because she's surprisingly attached to us. She loves to be near us when we're home, often falling asleep on us.. I even woke up once with her sleeping on my back! She's fascinated by the computer and TV and has a habit of coming to sit right in front of us, blocking our view. She loves to play and be petted and she's really the sweetest kitten in the world. Happy almost 3 months to her!
Now on to the best thing going on in my life right now: DAMALY COMES NOVEMBER 4TH!!! I'm beyond excited. I live for her visit and I'm excited for her to meet everyone. She'll be here for 2 weeks and there's so much I wanna do and show her. Last time she came to Holland, she wasn't able to stay long and it wasn't he best experience so I'll definitely make up for that. She, Mic and I will go to PRAGUE from the 12-15th which I'm sure will be super fun and exciting! I think we'll also go to BERLIN just the two of us from the 8th-11th for some sisterly bonding and serious troublemaking. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about Berlin so I'd really love to go and leave our mark on such a sexy city!
Besides being extremely happy romantically and having great friends, being able to travel is one of the best parts of living here. I have such a lengthly list of countries and cities I'd love to visit and it feels amazing to cross places off my list. Mic will have a lot of vacation time this year so we'll be able to take several long weekends and also a couple big trips. We've explored Africa together, and though there are other places we'd love to see like Egypt, Tanzania, Zimbabwe (I love saying that haha) and South Africa, we're both very much intrigued by Asia. I spent 2 weeks in China when I was 18 but Mic has never been. We'd both really love to go to Japan and maybe do a 2 week trip through Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.. maybe even throw in the Philippines. It'd also be cool to do 2 weeks going through Tibet, Nepal and India.. the possibilities are endless and it seems that everyday there are new places I want to add to my list. While I've been fortunate enough to see several places in Europe, there are still lots of places I'd still love to visit: Vienna, Poland, Istanbul, Greece, Budapest, Geneva, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Also, I still have lots to see in Italy and Sicily. I think Mic and I will explore Tuscany and Sienna sometime in the near future.
There's so much I want to do before I die besides seeing as much of this great big world as possible. I still have yet to skydive, I wanna go in a hot air balloon, climb a mountain and do a deep sea dive. I want to start an orphanage, a scholarship fund, a mentoring program and eventually become a UN ambassador. I want 2 kids of my own and houseful of foster/adopted children. There's so much wrong with this world of ours but at the time of my death, I wanna know that I did everything I could to change it even if it's one person at a time. I'm reading a collection of stories about the various ways AIDS affects people in Africa and the number of orphaned children breaks my heart. The earthquake in Haiti is still fresh in my mind and there are lots of children and adults in need of "luxuries" like food/water, clothing and shelter. I really have to find a way to help directly this year. First step, running the Rotterdam Marathon in April, with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald Children's Fund!
Things are going well here, although I'm not looking forward to winter here at all. It's started to get a little colder and rainier and things will only go down from here. I will surely miss the comfort of cars when I'm biking in pouring rain and freezing temperatures.
In other news, Margo has gotten so big and is naughtier than ever. She's always climbing the curtains, the walls, people, etc. and running all over the place. I can't get much done with her around (she's sitting in my lap right now, playing with her tail) because she's surprisingly attached to us. She loves to be near us when we're home, often falling asleep on us.. I even woke up once with her sleeping on my back! She's fascinated by the computer and TV and has a habit of coming to sit right in front of us, blocking our view. She loves to play and be petted and she's really the sweetest kitten in the world. Happy almost 3 months to her!
Now on to the best thing going on in my life right now: DAMALY COMES NOVEMBER 4TH!!! I'm beyond excited. I live for her visit and I'm excited for her to meet everyone. She'll be here for 2 weeks and there's so much I wanna do and show her. Last time she came to Holland, she wasn't able to stay long and it wasn't he best experience so I'll definitely make up for that. She, Mic and I will go to PRAGUE from the 12-15th which I'm sure will be super fun and exciting! I think we'll also go to BERLIN just the two of us from the 8th-11th for some sisterly bonding and serious troublemaking. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about Berlin so I'd really love to go and leave our mark on such a sexy city!
Besides being extremely happy romantically and having great friends, being able to travel is one of the best parts of living here. I have such a lengthly list of countries and cities I'd love to visit and it feels amazing to cross places off my list. Mic will have a lot of vacation time this year so we'll be able to take several long weekends and also a couple big trips. We've explored Africa together, and though there are other places we'd love to see like Egypt, Tanzania, Zimbabwe (I love saying that haha) and South Africa, we're both very much intrigued by Asia. I spent 2 weeks in China when I was 18 but Mic has never been. We'd both really love to go to Japan and maybe do a 2 week trip through Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.. maybe even throw in the Philippines. It'd also be cool to do 2 weeks going through Tibet, Nepal and India.. the possibilities are endless and it seems that everyday there are new places I want to add to my list. While I've been fortunate enough to see several places in Europe, there are still lots of places I'd still love to visit: Vienna, Poland, Istanbul, Greece, Budapest, Geneva, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Also, I still have lots to see in Italy and Sicily. I think Mic and I will explore Tuscany and Sienna sometime in the near future.
There's so much I want to do before I die besides seeing as much of this great big world as possible. I still have yet to skydive, I wanna go in a hot air balloon, climb a mountain and do a deep sea dive. I want to start an orphanage, a scholarship fund, a mentoring program and eventually become a UN ambassador. I want 2 kids of my own and houseful of foster/adopted children. There's so much wrong with this world of ours but at the time of my death, I wanna know that I did everything I could to change it even if it's one person at a time. I'm reading a collection of stories about the various ways AIDS affects people in Africa and the number of orphaned children breaks my heart. The earthquake in Haiti is still fresh in my mind and there are lots of children and adults in need of "luxuries" like food/water, clothing and shelter. I really have to find a way to help directly this year. First step, running the Rotterdam Marathon in April, with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald Children's Fund!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Call me, beep me if you wanna reach me!
I've always loved gmail but I love it even more because now it allows me to call your cell phones/have you call me for free! Message me your numbers because I don't have any of them and my number is:
(203) 548-0433.
It's obviously not international so you won't be charged anything.. just remember that I have to be online to get the call (I'm on all the time so that should work) and that I'm 6 hours ahead so don't expect to reach me at 9PM your time when your minutes are free! You don't have to be online or have internet, just whip out your cell phones and dial. Love you guys and special thanks to Keeks for putting me on to this!!
In other news, I've posted some pictures from Kenya on Facebook. They're all pictures from Severin Sea Lodge where we stayed so they don't depict a realistic view of life in Kenya. But I'll get into more of that next time. Margo Delilah has been sleeping on me for the past hour and I still have a lot to do. Later gators :-)
In other news, I've posted some pictures from Kenya on Facebook. They're all pictures from Severin Sea Lodge where we stayed so they don't depict a realistic view of life in Kenya. But I'll get into more of that next time. Margo Delilah has been sleeping on me for the past hour and I still have a lot to do. Later gators :-)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Margo.. POLO!
Get what I did there? It's a play on the Marco Polo game you play in the pool.. I'm so clever!
We're back from Kenya and I'm sad about it! I'm not too happy to be back in cold, cloudy Rotterdam with the neighbors above us being louder than a herd of elephants (I really know what that sounds like now!). It was the most humbling and moving experience that I've had in life so far. We did so many things, including going on safari, snorkeling, diving, holding reptiles, sailing, etc. It was such an unbelievable time and I miss being able to spend my entire day with Mic. I will elaborate on Kenya in a later post because I haven't uploaded pictures and it's something I want to do correctly and take my time.
I now have someone else to spend my day with: we got a new kitten! We're still deciding her name- I like Margo, Mic likes Delilah- but she's the cutest, naughtiest kitten in the world! She slept her entire first day and was so awake her first night. She loves to explore and at this very moment she's chasing her tail and biting it. She's obsessed with my hands and the yellow nail polish I'm wearing, as well as our computer. She wants to be near me all the time and if I leave the room and shut the door behind me she cries! It's the cutest sound. She's about 9 weeks old and extremely clever, quick and strong for such a tiny creature. I am absolutely smitten with her! She's sitting above my shoulder on the couch and earlier she fell asleep in my arms. She's a huge spaz, running all over the place, squeezing herself into various crevices and licking her privates like you wouldn't believe.
I'll try and upload Kenya pics and a post sometime this weekend! Miss and love you all!
We're back from Kenya and I'm sad about it! I'm not too happy to be back in cold, cloudy Rotterdam with the neighbors above us being louder than a herd of elephants (I really know what that sounds like now!). It was the most humbling and moving experience that I've had in life so far. We did so many things, including going on safari, snorkeling, diving, holding reptiles, sailing, etc. It was such an unbelievable time and I miss being able to spend my entire day with Mic. I will elaborate on Kenya in a later post because I haven't uploaded pictures and it's something I want to do correctly and take my time.
I now have someone else to spend my day with: we got a new kitten! We're still deciding her name- I like Margo, Mic likes Delilah- but she's the cutest, naughtiest kitten in the world! She slept her entire first day and was so awake her first night. She loves to explore and at this very moment she's chasing her tail and biting it. She's obsessed with my hands and the yellow nail polish I'm wearing, as well as our computer. She wants to be near me all the time and if I leave the room and shut the door behind me she cries! It's the cutest sound. She's about 9 weeks old and extremely clever, quick and strong for such a tiny creature. I am absolutely smitten with her! She's sitting above my shoulder on the couch and earlier she fell asleep in my arms. She's a huge spaz, running all over the place, squeezing herself into various crevices and licking her privates like you wouldn't believe.I'll try and upload Kenya pics and a post sometime this weekend! Miss and love you all!