Jane's Thotful Spot

Pickled

Vienna has been getting more and more investigative

Face it

When they say "instant credit," don't they actually mean "instant debt"?

Yugh

This is just not my year for the Christmas holidays. First, this new string of the flu virus just about kills me, and once I'm over that, I'm floored by the stomach flu. Yugh!

Look (watch?) what Santa put under the tree!

What's a nice home-dvd without the means to play it - and every other digital format (except laser disc). And I even like the colour - *g*

Welcome back

to the digital age! Finally, we can get cracking on editing all those photos and videos. Hee, cool, we can even digitise our analogue holiday stuff.

Vote count?

Sometimes a majority only means that all the fools are on the same side.

Just shoot me

I'm shot up on the maximum dose of painkillers already, and my back is still killing me. Sombody please put me out of my misery! Or it would probably work (better) if you could just put (take) my misery out of me.

Mommy it hurts!

Christmas through your eyes

I figured that at age seven it was inevitable for my son to begin having doubts about Santa Claus. Sure enough, one day he said, "Mom, I know something about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy."

Taking a deep breath, I asked him, "What is that?"

He replied, "They're all nocturnal."

Live and learn. Errr....

A Recently Spotted Bumper Sticker:

"It's okay. I didn't believe in reincarnation last time either."

"May I take your order?" the waiter asked.

"Yes, how do you prepare your chickens?"

"Nothing special, sir," he replied.

"We just tell them straight out that they're going to die."

Fair Trial
A judge enters the courtroom, strikes the gavel and says,

"Before I begin this trial, I have an announcement to make. The lawyer for the defense has paid me $15,000 to swing the case his way. The lawyer for the plaintiff has paid me $10,000 to swing the case her way. In order to make this a fair trial, I am returning $5,000 to the defense."

How 'bout a cuppa?

A man comes into a restaurant at 6 o'clock in the evening.

"I want to have a coffee please." The waiter brings him the coffee, the man drinks it and afterwards, he orders another, then another, then another. Finally, at 7:30, the man has drunk 5 coffees.

Said the waiter to the man, when he took care of his bill, "When I drink so much coffee in the evening, I cannot sleep half of the night."

"No problem, said the man, I count until three - and then I sleep."

"And that works everytime?" asks the waiter.

"No, sometimes, I count until half past three."

Self Awareness, Confidence

90% of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at.

How to be good

If you're a good person, but you're bad in one area, are you still a good person?

For a minute there

I lost myself, I lost myself, I lost myse-e-e-e-e-e-elf :D

Last night's Radiohead was brilliant. We'll just forget the bit with the football results.

Hmmm, Tom York.

Oh, Alan Rickman. You might not have noticed from his performance as Snape (greasy hair), but (love) actually, he's rather sexy.

Is this me?

JUNE:
Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having lots of ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Abiding. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

Okay, there's a few more things which are dubious. But I'm definitely not talkative and don't like dressing up, because they make me stand out too much. And I'm clueless when it comes to making friends. Well, maybe not entirely clueless, I just never put any clues into action.

Calendar Challenged

Which calendar to get? Book Lovers again? Feng Shui? Cats? Jokes? Brain puzzles? Origami? Maybe I should get none, or start collecting them (at $12 a piece?).

Could someone please tell me

why nobody bothered to tell me that my class, my entire course for this semester in fact, was cancelled? Crap, it's still cold.

Baby it's cold outside

Definitely should have bothered to get a warm hat and gloves before I left the house this morning. Only I didn't, brrrrr.

Why? Why bother?

I'm just sick and tired of explaining myself all the time. Even though sometimes it may seem I can't get enough of it.

Maybe I'm just plain sick and tired.

Oy, enough already. I could do with a little patience, because the quick fixes aren't working. Ouch.

Waaaahhhh!

If I would start taking yoga seriously, would my back stop killing me?

If I would start taking life less seriously, would my back stop killing me?

If I would start showing some back bone, would my back stop killing me?

Just in case you hadn't noticed, my back is killing me. It's been doing that for months. Sometimes it's not so bad. Right now is not sometime. Right now is "please, god, stop the pain already!" Nothing serious, though. Nothing the last bunch of specialists I've seen have been able to do anything about, anyway, and nothing in need of surgery.

Would crying reduce the pain? It might produce some unknown endorfines, you know. Something stronger/better than painkillers, 'cause they don't do a thing for me.

Issues

Some people are control freaks. Some people are insecure wrecks.

Music in my head: Paul Simon, Something so right

When something goes wrong
I'm the first to admit it
I'm the first to admit it
And the last one to know

when something goes right
Well it's likely to lose me, mm
It's apt to confuse me
It's such an unusual sight
Oh, I can't, I can't get used to something so right
Something so right

Owie

The stitches on one side are hurting, and there's more blood than on the other side, too. Mommy?

.oops, I did it again!

Well, what was I expecting? When you go down a few sizes, you go down a few sizes. While some of that may please me, some of it didn't. Combine that with the fact that I can't replace my entire wardrobe overnight to accomodate my new size, and add that they were available, and you'll understand I ate a few truffel pepernoten last night. So I drank maybe a bit too much herbal tea, which is giving me minor cramps today. G** d***it!

Still, it's sooo nice to wear a size 4. Mmmm, going dancing tonight. Yeah!

Music in my head: a medley of Diana Krall "Best thing for you", Elton John "Still standing", John Lennon "All you need", and somebody singing "the way you wear your head". Beautiful.

Watch out:

this is a non-smoking train

Wahoo! Dutch Railway seems to have finally got it. Yeah! A whole train and not one puff of smoke allowed inside, yee-ha! That'll show'em!

Don't worry, I've got nothing against smokers, I'm just dead-set against smoke.

Food for thought

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
-----Aristotle

Are you still using food to solve emotional issues? Is that what you repeatedly do?

When you set goals, you are shaping the process of success. That means deciding what characteristics, like commitment and dedication, you need in order to reach your targets.

......"Alot of people forget that, above all, the body is only the house of their spirit; the body will do what the mind tells it to do."
-----Toni Hassler

"Fortune favors the prepared mind."
----Louis Pasteur

What strategies do you have in place to counteract the old habits of turning to food each time you get stressed or want to emotionally overeat? Because, let's face it, you are going to have more stress in your life and more opportunities to emotionally overeat. Might as well plan NOW for how you can handle the next situation more successfully!

Remember, there is NO NEW FOOD! How many binges does it take to solve work, financial and family stress?

Party!

I gotta dance!

No, seriously, doctor's orders. Latin, rock'n'roll, ballet, whatever takes my fancy and allows my joints to do what they want: move!

I like a doctor who a. knows what he's talking about and b. knows what's good for my body (I know, I know, b is apparantly implied by a, but you'd be surprised by the number of health professionals I've seen who seem to know what they're talking about and are still completely clueless as to what would do my body good - the most annoying being when they themselves are unaware of the fact they're clueless).

Storage story with happy end

This weekend, we finished building the new wardrobe. Well, it's still missing one door and 2 shelves, but it's got its other 3 doors, 4 drawers, rods, wire baskets, and 4 lights. *doing happy dance*

Finally, I can store all my clothes!

Hey

Did I mention I want a cat?

Think think think

I'm always thinking of things to blog, and then when I find some time/a computer, I forget!

Aha!

Finally! I have found the perfect bag for my purposes. I can now comfortably carry my lunch, a thermos, my mobile, various organisors and other reading material, all in one bag. So, I'd still need an extra bag for gym wear. Huh, since I've been banned from the office gym, that's not really a problem anymore, is it?

Mmmmm

Coffee :D

Royal rabbit

Oh, what a little princess, my new niece. Of course, first time I get to see her, the battery on my camera's dead. grumble.

Her room is a vast ball room decorated with rabbits, well, nijntje:

Vroom, VROOOOM!

Ha! Picked up the new car today. It's big, black, and beautiful, and it drives like a dream. Of course, it's got plenty of gadgets: from cup holders to middle arm rest to AC to ... navigation software! Just imagine, never getting lost, ever, again :-)

Cheese!

Actually, every dentist I've had before would scale every time. Dunno what they used, just that it tasted foul and made my gums hurt like h***. And the sound/feeling (definitely combined sensation) of the little picking thing they use! *shudder*

I changed dentists a couple of years ago because I moved. First visit, he did scale my teeth, and told me to floss. Next visit (and every visit since) he beams at me and says: you've been flossing, haven't you? Then he prints the bill and makes a new appointment. I just don't have the heart to tell him I haven't been flossing. Maybe there's less calcium in the water or something. Maybe it's that I started filtering my water after I moved. Who knows. Who cares?

The message

Remember! No one loves a martyr! Not even the martyr!

Mourning

Short or long

My memory is toast, anyway you look at it.

1. When was the last time you laughed?
Tricky. Last time I chuckled was this morning, reading something funny. Last time I laughed heart felt and out loud? Not that long ago, surely, but when, when?

2. Who was the last person you had an argument with?
I'm not an argumentative person, so I save my arguments for that special someone.

3. Who was the last person you emailed?
A co-worker. She asked me to give her a mini-training in some program, and I just confirmed the new day and time with her.

4. When was the last time you bathed?
Naughty! Last week.

5. What was the last thing you ate?
An orange. hey, man, smell my finger!

Drat

We had it all: I was there, my friend was there, we had the cd with snapshots, and even a computer with cd-rom player. All the elements were there, except Photoshop Elements, or similar.

See, I ought to get my own laptop (paid for by my employer, naturally, but with some liberties as to what programs to be installed).

Jane to the rescue!

I'm a right ol' hero, I am.

Today I got the second call within a week to perform my magic, show of my medical prowess, apply some first aid. Last week I responded to a cardiac scare, today I helped a girl with a broken wrist.

I love my job!

I don't mind

spiders...

Normally. Not keen on the football sized specimens suddenly appearing on my wall as I'm heading into the kitchen to get some breakfast, though [shudder]

Mmmm, castles

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need
not be lost, that is where they should be. Now put
foundations under them.”
--Henry David Thoreau

Positive thinkers have dreams, set goals, make
plans, follow through on plans, and get results.
Action is the magic word. The more we believe in
ourselves, the more we are able to accomplish.

One way to start getting positive results in our lives
is to watch how others succeed. If we stick with the
winners and learn from their attitudes, we can do
just about anything we make up our minds to do.
------Our Best Days by Sally Coleman, Nancy Hull-Mast

Dish it up baby and don't be stingy with the jalepenos!

Luvly Tawni

Some of us have gone through life unconsciously expecting others to bring us happiness, to make our dreams come true, and to make us feel good about
ourselves. When nothing seems to be going well for us, we blame it on the lack of external support--we’re not in a serious relationship, we don’t like our job, we don’t have the money to venture into our own business.

When we change our perspective--when we know and trust that we are responsible for our happiness, our dreams, and our feelings--we become
empowered. No longer is the burden on someone or something that is either unreliable or nonexistent. We’d been giving this power to others; now it’s
time to take it back, to make and be responsible for our own choices, to value our opinions, and to respect our intellect.

It's amazing how life changing this concept was for me when I truly "got" that I was responsible for my OWN choices. There's such power in knowing that I can change my attitude on the cards that life deals me. I no longer have to wear the big V on my chest declaring POOR ME, POOR ME I'm a VICTIM. Years and
years wasted on that way of thinking!

Yes life is unfair at times. Oh well. Let's get busy! We've got lives to lead!

Dish it up baby and don't be stingy with the jalepenos!

Comfort

Some people have the need to touch base every now and then. Is this my base? I always seem to come back to the same place. Back to square one. Have I really achieved anything since my last stay? Have I learned anything new? I can't see that I have, really.
It's so familiar, it's comfortable. Rock bottom. Sure, I get bruised, but mostly after I've tried to lift myself up, and then fall down again.

There's nobody here, and that suits me just fine. Just let me wallow for a bit. There's usually light at the end of the tunnel, there probably will be this time, even if I can't see it right now.

Music in my head: the theme tune to Men behaving badly.

Voice in my head: Prince, singing "I love to see you happy, I hate to see you sad", only he is getting the lyrics mixed up half the time or more ( ... I love to see you sad).

Brilliant quote

[snip] isn't anywhere near perfect but every day it's 15 minutes closer.

Tuesdays Thots

He who cannot rest, cannot work;
He who cannot let go, cannot hold on;
He who cannot find footing, cannot go forward.
-----Harry Emerson Fosdick

There is a part of the human psyche that wants to get right along to the last step, to wrap things up.
Sometimes before we barely get started, we want to jump to the conclusion. Happy endings are our favorite part of any project.

Yet behind every successful conclusion is a productive plan. Conclusions are consequences, and all consequences are caused--they’re the result of something that went before. We are wise when we take the time to see and understand what it takes to make a happy ending really happen.

There can be no productive work without rest, no holding on without letting go, no going forward without firm footing--even if finding that footing costs us some time and a few tumbles. Every step of the way is made possible by the step that preceded it. Satisfying conclusions come to be when we take all of the steps, one at a time, and stop sabotaging the project with shortcuts.

Self-esteem thrives on the satisfaction of a job well done."
-----Believing in Myself by Earnie Larsen and Carol Hegarty

Buzzed

...usually when the owner is away...
Some people haven't grasped the concept of the mobile phone yet, dispite the fact that they've been around for quite a few years (both the people and the phones).

Much better than polyphonic ringtones is the option to make your phone vibrate (instead of ring), but please, don't leave it lying on your desk - I jump every time a phone goes off, due to the desk happily vibrating WITH the phone, and that sort of defeats the purpose: phones vibrate when you set them to silent mode, and vibrating on a desk is NOT silent.

Gaaahhhh!

I don't believe it! My period! Again! (sob)

Duh!

Tarzan!


What movie Do you Belong in?(many different outcomes!)
brought to you by Quizilla

Me Jane. (what a lovely heartbeat, heh)

Mehh!

You come from an Ancient Civilization. Egypt, China, Rome... a piece of all the greatest civilizations of their time can be found in you.


Where Did Your Soul Originate?
brought to you by Quizilla

You may worship us from afar.

Perfect bite

My dentist is in love with my teeth. I can't remember the last time he scaled them, while my last dentist would scale them every time! Not that I mind, mind, as scaling is painful. My teeth are pretty perfect, if I may so so: never had a cavity in my life (knock on wood).
So what if maybe I could have done with those braces a bit longer - it's just me.

Bring back... quote of the day

"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
-- Nelson Mandela

I wanna be NM when I grow up!

Men are stupid!

Grrrrr. I've lost at least three (potential) good friends, because the idiots went and fell in love with me. Now I can't blame them for being charmed with my personality and my looks, I mean, hey, but to let that get in the way of a good friendship! Idiots! Blubbering, pathetic, idiots!

I think I better open a window here, I've got smoke coming out of my ears.

On my mind

Tawni must have been reading my mind lately...

"The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice."
-----Geroge Eliot

When you decide to apply your energy toward losing weight and
exercising, you have made a choice to live healthfully. But there
are many other choices remaining: What will you eat? How much
will you exercise? And how much energy will you apply toward
changing your lifestyle? Use this power of choice wisely. Making
well-informed decisions gives you self confidence and serves as
a reminder that you are responsible for reaching your goals.
Having the freedom of choice means you are the one in charge
of your success. Making smart choices isn't always easy though.
For example, if you are at a buffet or an all-you-can-eat restaurant,
it will take some inner resolve and planning to stick to your choices.
Planning is the key. If you travel or have family visiting, again,
you have choices. Planning for your success will save you lots
of time and heartache.
It can be hard to choose to exercise when you are tired or the weather
is too hot. But successfully dealing with situations like these will
make you grow and give you the knowledge that you can succeed.
Whenever you make tough choices, your self confidence soars!

Congratulate yourself every time you do something that will help
you reach your goals. Remember, the more you choose to live a
healthy lifestyle, the more empowered and self-confident you will be.e been

The ugliest thing

Well, at least the ugliest train I've ever seen. And the sad part is, the railways probably did that to the train in an effort to make it more attractive, more interesting. Polka dots on the balcony, sickeningly sweet colours on the seets, the toilet all in brushed mirrors, the ugliest of ugly paintings on the inner walls of the compartments... (shudder)
Maybe if I'd been on this train on a fun trip, and not spent so much time on trains for my commute, I might have been better able to appreciate this display of "art". As it was, I was even more pleased with myself for having a book I couldn't take my eyes off.

Newton

!harruH!

Reading the paper backwards, as I always do, I first mistook a view of an email message from Alex and Max for some hoky virus warning. Duh, it was an announcement from prince Willem Alexander and princess Maxima, that they're pregnant and into the second trimester. Another Royal Birthday in January! Hurrah!

Crisis cleaning

Tonight I got to do some crisis cleaning. Not in the usual sense of the word (last-minute, highly stressed cleaning), but cleaning in a crisis. I was abking some muffins for my birthday, and while the first batch was happily sitting in the oven, I washed my hands in the kitchen sink...
Errr, the water isn't supposed to sound like that gurgling through the drain. I opened the cupboard underneath the sink, and yup, the pipes had come loose again (last time was the morning of my bachelorette party). Thank goodness I had plenty of towels at hand, so I just emptied the cupboard, cleared up all the water (and wiped the inside of the cupboard with some soap, for good measure) and put everything back again. Huzzay!

Shit!

... or not. No nr. 2 in 2 days.

Denial

Music in my head: I'm dreaming of a white Christmas/I would die for you.

Other than yesterday, I've got about half these songs playing in my head. Still, Chirstmas? It's near 30C out, and so humid that even if you weren't sweating like mad you'd arrive anywhere dripping wet. Yugh. And where did Prince come from? Hmmm, maybe that's because my own prince charming isn't here, or maybe it's just that it has been playing on the radio a lot - which is weird enough in itself.

Tic toc hazard

Music in my head:
You tic toc you don't stop/I'm a hazard to myself, don't wanna be my friend no more, wanna be somebody else.

It's been playing in my head all day, and it's driving me bananas. Not in the least because those are the only lines I know from those songs. And I really really don't like the first one. The second I like occasionally, just not all day.

Ogres are like onions

And so are supergirls. And Elven Princesses and Heroic Bibliophiles.

LAYER ONE:
name: Jane
birthdate: 20 June 1976
birthplace: E, Netherlands
current location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
eye color: hasel
hair color: medium brown
height: 163 cm or therabouts
righty or lefty: both!
zodiac sign: Gemini
Chinese sign: dragon :D

LAYER TWO:
your heritage: two southern parents. when my father lets his hair and beard grow long, he looks like he's from India. My mother looks almost Keltic (red, red, red). I've been told I look like I'm from any southern European country that takes the fancy of the person telling me.
the shoes you wore today: Nike Pegasus running shoes
your fears: inadequacy
your perfect pizza: lots of veggies and cheese, bit'o'tuna
goal you'd like to achieve: peace, happiness and inner harmony... Though right now I'd settle for the current project being delivered on time

LAYER THREE:
your most overused phrase in an online messenger: *right*
your thoughts first waking up: "What day is it? Must be Tuesday" (completely independant of the actual day, that goes without saying)
your best physical feature: I'm perfect, all of me
your bedtime: whenever I get around to it, the night before a weekday I try for "before 9:30" and normally end up with "around 11"
your most missed memory: happiness

LAYER FOUR:
pepsi or coke: pepsi. has to be max.
mcdonald's or burger king: Burger King. Flame grilled just tastes better. Although McD has more variety in salads.
single or group dates: never been on a "group date", whatever that is
adidas or nike: both
lipton ice tea or nestea: I make my own ice tea, thank you very much. bubbles and artificial flavourings give me headaches
chocolate or vanilla: both, duh! alright, chocolate
cappuccino or coffee: Morning Glow (bit of strong espresso, lots of warm milk, some honey)

LAYER FIVE:
smoke: no
cuss: bitch!
sing: preferably when I'm alone (out of compassion with the rest of the world)
take a shower everyday: definitely
have a crush(es): bah
do you think you've been in love: yes
want to go to college: been there, done that (and graduated, phew)
liked high school: uhuh!
want to get married: already am
believe in yourself: some of the time
get motion sickness: rarely
think you're attractive: on good days
think you're a health freak: again, on good days. no wait, that's on bad days when I still manage to eat healthy.
get along with your parent(s): sort of
like thunderstorms: Oh, yes!
play an instrument: used to

LAYER SIX:

in the past month...

drank alcohol: yes
smoked: no
done a drug: no!
gone to the mall: yes, we've got a lovely new mall in town
eaten an entire box of oreos: not oreos
eaten sushi: no
been on stage: no
been dumped: no
gone skating: no
made homemade cookies: not in the past month
gone skinny dipping: not in the past month (do you have any idea how cold the water is in Norway this early in the summer?)
dyed your hair: not in the past month
stolen anything: no

LAYER SEVEN:

ever...

played a game that required removal of clothing: no
been trashed or extremely intoxicated: yes
been caught "doing something": doing what? I don't think so.
been called a tease: yes
gotten beaten up: no
changed who you were to fit in: no. I never fit in, and most of the time I'm cool with that. That's not true of course (I mean, I do fit in, but that's another layer, really)

LAYER EIGHT:

age you hope to be married: before I'm thirty. check!
numbers and names of children: either zero or two. Do you think my mother calls me Jane?
describe your dream wedding: big smashing red bus, lovely castle, pancakes, lots of flowers, light flavours, close friends and relatives. oh, right, that WAS my wedding! nah-nah-nananah! (smug married, me?)
how do you want to die: with dignity
where (did) you want to go to college: Rotterdam
what do you want to be when you grow up: I'm still trying to figure that one out
what country would you most like to visit: all of them

LAYER NINE:

in a boy...

best eye color: grey
best hair color: dark
short or long hair: short!
height: taller than me, but not too tall (being 'petite' myself)
best weight: slender, and muscly enough to carry the groceries, though not so muscly that it looks like he's got no brains. brains are really the most sexy part of a mans anatomy. well, either that, or heart, or smile.
best articles of clothing: his Dockers
best first date location: somewhere it's possible to talk

LAYER TEN:

number of drugs taken illegally: one (grass)
number of people you could trust with my life: few
number of cds that you own: lots
number of piercings: two (one in each ear)
number of tattoos: none
number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper: big zero
number of scars on my body: not counting the stretch marks: 2
number of things in my past that I regret: one (not having money for a taxi that night). all the other stuff has brought me where I am today. okay, maybe one other thing (chickening out of med-school before applying).

Supergirls do cry

The doctor had some good news and some bad news re my knees for me today.
The good news is, there's nothing seriously wrong with my knees.
The bad news is, there's nothing seriously wrong with my knees.

The deeper meaning of the good news is, there's no need for surgery or whatnot.
The deeper meaning of the bad news is, there's seriously nothing that can be done to speed up recovery in any way. Yeah, continue with the fysio therapy to infinity and beyond. I've already used up all the ft my employer provides, and my insurance only covers 18 treatments. Hopefully, that's per year. Just to prove my luck, it's probably per injury. Sigh.

Voices in my head

Bono: No more! ... No more! ... Wipe these tears away!

intersperced with

Mick Jagger: (na na na - can't make out the words) ... I'm out of tears!

Hm.

Well, it beats the bitch, bitch bitch bitch (melody of Inspector Gadget, varied over the course of the day with other totally irrelevant melodies) we had yesterday.

Mmmm, tea

Often times we're like tea bags, we don't know how strong we are till we get in Hot Water.

Tawni's Thought for Today:

"Courage is Grace Under Pressure"
---------Ernest Hemingway

Often times we're like tea bags, we don't know how strong we are till we get in Hot Water.

Continue to take your baby steps toward your goals.
That's how we are all successful, one baby step at a time.

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT! I find it really helps me when I get in a rut. I'll drive a different way to run my errands, take a route I haven't taken before.

Buy different foods at the grocery store. Anything to create some variety in my life. I think we all are guilty from time to time and we get bored with our routine.

So, SHAKE it up a little!

Friday Love

1. How many times have you truly been in love?
That I thought at the time: dozens. Well, at least three. That I still think now: one. Ask me again in fifty years, and who knows.

2. What was/is so great about the person you love(d) the most?
Humor, passion, strength, playful, vulnerable, and compatible.

3. What qualities should a significant other have?
See 2.

4. Have you ever broken someone's heart?
Sure. Though no one's jumped of a bridge over me, yet. As far as I know.

5. If there was one thing you could teach people about love, what would it be?
It's a lot easier than the pessimists think, and a lot harder than the optimists think. And it's the greatest thing.

Claustrophobic

Can you keep perfectly still for half an hour, lying in a big, noisy tube?

I can!
My reward: I get to wait another 10 days for the results of the scan. What oh what did they find? That my bones move around independant of my muscles when you point a strong magnet at them? Cause that's what it felt like.

Good grief!

Very philosophical, this week.

1. What do you most want to be remembered for?
My loving heart. And my cleverness. My sense of humour. Just that I'm really a goddess, you see?

2. What quotation best fits your outlook on life?
If it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger.

3. What single achievement are you most proud of in the past year?
Landing a project at work, at performing well with it, while doing it my way.

4. What about the past ten years?
Graduating university.

5. If you were asked to give a child a single piece of advice to guide them through life, what would you say?
Don't try to run before you can walk, just take babysteps.

Whoo-ha!

Man, I'm good!

Summer?

The Netherlands are heading towards a sub-tropical climate, me thinks. I was out and about today with no coat on at 7am, and last night we were sitting in the garden chatting and having fun until 11pm, while all I was wearing was this thin sleeveless dress.

Mimble wimble

Quote from tech support: Give the girl a typewriter.

Yes, that was about me having some small (cough! choke!) problems with systems and passwords.

Crawling back into my corner now, muttering to myself while chewing the corner of my towel and plucking lint off the shoulder of my imaginary friend.
Oh God, it would be funny if it wasn't happening to me!

I love

my shirt. It's easy: no ironing, no buttons. It's cool: stripes. And it's businesslike enough to wear at work. Yee-ha!
Not to mention it's hot, oh yeah!

Steps

A big step for man, small step for mankind

That's right. Yesterday K gave birth to K2. Mother and child are doing well.

Serious

In other news, the hotel and catering industry are concerned that an overall ban on smoking in the workplace will cost 25% of employment in their branche, based on similar experiments in other countries.

Those boys and girls haven't been doing their homework properly. Yes, (chain) smokers may go out less. But, as evident from real life US of A (California, e.g.): there are plenty of people who are able to go out and have a good time without smoking in the restaurant/bar/whatever. Including those people who now are staying home because they can't stand the smoke.

You'd almost think the people shouting about job losses have a (financial) interest in the tobacco industry.

W-w-w-w

Why oh why do we wear strings? Why would anyone choose to walk around with a wedgy all day long?

Oh yeah, it makes your legs look longer. Well, wouldn't one have to see my legs then (long skirt not helping there).

New toys

I've got a Nikon camera
Wanna take your photograph
Mama don't you take my Kodachrome away...

Music in my head: Paul Simon (who else)

Miao! Ahem, I mean prrrr, er, grrrr.

You're Hobbes. First of all, the makers of this quiz would like to congratulate you. You have our seal of approval. You are kind, intelligent, loving, and good-humoredly practical. You're proud of who you are. At the same time, you're tolerant of those who lack your clearsightedness. You're always playful, but never annoying. For these traits, you are well-loved, and with good cause.


Which famous feline are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Purrrrr!

You are a goddess!


Which Ultimate Beautiful Woman are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Freitag

I saw somebody carrying a bag which said Freitag. Would he carry one that says Donnerstag on Thursday etc. I wonder? Today seems to be all about brands and images.

1. What brand of toothpaste do you use?
Paradontax. Other toothpastes make me puke. No, really, they do.

2. What brand of toilet paper do you prefer?
Anything soft and strong. Page and Lotus, usually.

3. What brand(s) of shoes do you wear?
Shoes come in brands? Normal shoes, not just sports shoes? I have Nike Pegasus running shoes, Asics indoor sports shoes, Elesse hiking shoes, but my office shoes? No idea. Don't know don't care, how'bout that.

4. What brand of soda do you drink?
Pepsi Max, or, em. Tea. I drink tea. Celestial Seasonings, or PG, or Pickwick, or Zonnatura. Depending heavily on flavour and where I am.

5. What brand of gum do you chew?
Anything 'white'. As in whitening. Or minty. No fruity flavours.

Toys

This year's holiday might turn out more expensive than we thought.

Meanwhile, I'm playing with my next toy in my head. No, not the book, the subject, silly. Still very reassuring that the book starts with telling me I'm not a dummy. I've also been thinking of bigger, more useful toys.

TTFD

(Tawni's Thought for the day)

"You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence is not an event - it is a habit."
-------Aristotle

New (for me) game

We're on a painful mission

1. This seems to be the year for movie sequels (Terminator 3, Matrix Reloaded, 2 Fast 2 Furious, LOTR: The Return of the King, etc.). Is there a movie you would like to see Hollywood make a sequel to?

Only the ones we've been promised already: LOTR, HP, SW.

2. What movie sequel do you think should never have been made?

The Never Ending Story. Then again, they never should have made the original.

3. Are there any books (comic, novel, etc.) that you would like to see made into a movie? Who should star in it?

No. Although there are definitely movies based on books which I enjoy, I much prefer the book. Then again, they shouldn't dare NOT releasing The Return of the King, and I'm looking forward to X-men 2, although I'm definitely waiting for the dvd release. There's only so many movies worth the noise and the price and the general inconvenience of not being able to control showing time.

4. When was the last time the you got a shot at the Doctor's office? Do you prefer them in the arm or your backside? Or would you rather just take a
prescription?

My shots for China, in 2001. Backside? I've never had shots in my backside. The China shots were in my arm, the year before that I opted for legs, since I still needed the use of my arms for finishing my final thesis.

5. Do you make friends easier in "Real Life" or online or is it about the same? Do you have closer friendships in "Real Life" or online? Why do you think that is? Are you ok with that or would you like to make a change?

Easier online, closer in real life. Interesting enough, I first met one of my closest friends online, though she didn't become my closest friend until we met in real life. ;-)

6. When you first got your drivers license how did you feel ? Did you get it on the first try, second, third, more than that ? Do you have a license ? If
no, do you plan to get one ? Why or why not ?
-byRebecca

Third try, not counting the two times I tried when still in university (overhere you can't start learning before you're 18, and lessons don't come cheap neither). And YES, I like having the license. It makes me more independant, and more in control. Now if only I had a car, I'd truely be independant and in control.

7. Have you ever had your tonsils removed? Did you ever come close? Tell me about that.

No, no, no.

BONUS: Who's that girl?

She can break her own heart. Not the answer you're looking for, just a line from a song which was written especially for me. Having songs written especially for you makes you feel really special, trust me.

Today's comment question: How do you prefer to have your Ice Cream served? Cone (sugar, cake, waffle), cup, or something else?

Waffle cone. Or cup. Depends very much on the ice cream, really. Australian has very nice ice cream in very nice cones, Ben & Jerry's has very nice ice cream in pints :-P

Bwahahaha!

Ooh, yeah! I'm a genius, too! Not as genius as Robin, but still, HA!

What you think about

you bring about

"Appetite, with an opinion of attaining, is called hope; the same, without such opinion, despair."
-----Thomas Hobbes

Hopeful people have an appetite for success. Their motivation and control come from within, so they believe they can succeed at whatever they attempt, including weight loss. They have a positive outlook about their future and can visualize their goals. They are optimists.
Pessimists lack faith in themselves. They don't usually see themselves in successful situations and find it difficult to visualize changes.
They may overeat to allay anxieties or fears. They set rigid eating standards, then abandon their weight-loss plans because they see any falter as the inevitable failure of their efforts.
Optimists turn to friends for advice. They retain hope that things will improve even when conditions look bleak. They tackle large tasks by breaking them into small steps. Optimists believe they can succeed, so they allow flexibility in how they attain their goals.
Optimists who go off their weight loss plans rebound successfully.
Because they see the relapse as an isolated episode, they are able to devise a new strategy to avoid the same situation in the future.
If you're not optimistic by nature, you can still learn the skills.
Anticipate problems and have alternative solutions prepared.
To shore up your resolve, give yourself time to relax and unwind.
Surround yourself with other upbeat people. If you develop an optimistic outlook, you'll be well on your way to achieving all of your goals!

Remember, whatever you think about, you bring about, so think about GREAT THINGS!

Perfect

Could I possibly carry around more bags? Sheesh!
I guess I'm still looking for the perfect bag. I thought I had found it: this nifty shoulder bag which can also be used as a back pack, and is big enough to carry H2G2 or The Hobbit, plus my organiser, phone, wallet, and a small water bottle. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? But perfect, no. It does not accomodate for sporting goods, fruit snacks, magazines, or bigger books, like The Fellowship.
So, what I'm looking for is a bag which will allow me to bring all those things along, grant me easy access to them, and doesn't look huge or weigh a ton when carrying slightly less (or more) than the things mentioned above. Some room for a camera would come in handy, too, although I might not be carrying the camera and the books and all of the above on the same trip. Then again, I might. Does such a bag exist, I wonder? Special reward for the one who can provide me such a bag.

Gulp

Fight cellulite, drink less coffee. Yikes. Also: drink more water, eat more pine apple, less fat, and move more. That, I can do. Less coffee? Well, if it'll help me optain the perfect thighs (cough)...

Feeding time already?

1. What drinking water do you prefer -- tap, bottle, purifier, etc.?
Tap, if it's drinkable, but only for convenience. I prefer Evian.

2. What are your favourite flavor of chips?
Black pepper.

3. Of all the things you can cook, what dish do you like the most?
Pies, cakes, that sort of thing. Real food? Lasagna, definitely.

4. How do you have your eggs?
In the cake batter, so raw, duh! Or in pancake batter, although I wouldn't eat that until after the pancakes are done, while with cake, well, you have to test it to know if it wants more sugar or cocoa powder or whatever the flavour of the day is, don't you? Ahem. I like eggs most ways, as long as they're warm when I eat them. Cold eggs taste like plastic.

5. Who was the last person who cooked you a meal? How did it turn out?
K. The meal was fine, really, just lacking vegetables, a bit. Hardly anybody prepares the amounts of vegetables I like to see, so I tend to have to watch myself not to eat all the vegetables for the whole company. Come on! Meals, especially dinner, consist of a big plate of vegetables for each, topped with some pasta and meat. Most people get that the wrong way around. Pfffft.

Learning

I learned a new word last night: conjagulated. And bile. As in: a crust of bile, with a sauce of conjagulated blood, rotting cheese, and a topping of red worms, fish eyes, or both. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's the pizza with a difference, it's the Fear Factor pizza. Maybe I should learn not to watch the second round of FF. Ewwwww.

Huh?

You should be a Leo, Outgoing, warm, friendly,
generous, loyal, likable, entertaining, likes
attention, confident, cherrful, creative,
strong-willed, charismatic, proud, extrovert,
but can be demanding, dogmatic, controlling,
afraid of rejection


~*What is your TRUE Zodica sign?*~
brought to you by Quizilla

Life isn't fair

It was never meant to be. So deal with it!
Rise to the occasion that is life itself, overcome obstacles, and all that that implies.

(just to remind myself of Tawni's Thought for the Day)
SURRENDER TO THE FACT THAT LIFE ISN'T FAIR
"A friend of mine, in response to a conversation we were having about the injustices of life, asked me the question, "Who said life was going to be fair, or that it was even meant to be fair?" Her question was a good one. It reminded me of something I was taught as a youngster: Life isn't fair. It's a bummer, but it's absolutely true. Ironically, recognizing this sobering fact can be a very liberating insight.
One of the mistakes many of us make is that we feel sorry for ourselves, or for others, thinking that life "should" be fair, or that someday it will be. it's not and it won't. When we make this mistake we tend to spend a lot of time wallowing and/or complaining about what's wrong with life. We commiserate with others, discussing the injustices of life. "It's not fair," we complain, not realizing that,
perhaps, it was never intended to be.
One of the nice things about surrendering to the fact that life isn't fair is that it keeps us from feeling sorry for ourselves by encouraging us to do the very best we can with what we have. We know it's not "life's job" to make everything perfect, it's our own challenge.
Surrendering to this fact also keeps us from feeling sorry for others because we are reminded that everyone is dealt a different hand, and everyone has unique strengths and challenges.
The fact that life isn't fair doesn't mean we shouldn't do everything in our power to improve our own lives or the world as a whole. To the contrary, it suggests that we should. When we don't recognize or admit that life isn't fair, we tend to feel pity for others and for ourselves. Pity, or course, is a self defeating emotion
that does nothing for anyone, except to make everyone feel worse than they already do. When we DO recognize that life isn't fair, however, we feel compassion for others and for ourselves. And compassion is a heartfelt emotion that delivers loving-kindness to everyone it touches. The next time you find yourself thinking about the injustices of the world, try reminding yourself of this very basic fact. You may be surprised that it can nudge you out of self pity and into helpful action."
----Richard Carlson, PH.D.

Organised Friday

1. Would you consider yourself an organized person? Why or why not?
Hell no. I try to be, oh how I try. The thing is, my brain is like this totally organised library, only it continually suffers from earth quakes. I work on building and maintaining routines to keep my days running more or less smoothly. Some routines are easier to uphold than others. And I'm totally guilty of bringing all sorts of reading material along, carrying it around for days, and not look at it once. I'm working on that, too.

2. Do you keep some type of planner, organizer, calendar, etc. with you, and do you use it regularly?
Oh yes. I do. I have a paper agenda which I carry with me almost always, and that's fairly up to date. Of course, in order to remember to keep the appointments or carry out the errands in there, I have to look in it regularly. Which I tend to forget. Thing is, I don't have enough appointments to look in it every day, I mean, when you look in it a couple of days in a row only to find blank pages, you drop the habit. At least I do. All the time. Then there's the electronic calendar at work, which I have set up to remind me of all appointments I have at work, well in advance. Of course, I have to be at my desk to get the reminder. Then there are also to do lists in that one, which, obviously, I check so sporadically that by the time I do check it, I don't understand the task description any more. Occasionally, I will be sufficiantly aware of the risk of not being at my desk when the reminder comes, and the given fact that I will forget to check my paper calendar at the crucial time (where was I going with this?), anyhoot, on those occasions that I'm sufficiantly aware of these risks, I will program the appointment in my mobile phone. Fot this to work, I just have to make sure the phone is charged and I have it with me at all times. Oh, and not set to silent profile, that sort of defeats the purpose, unless I'm carrying it real close, in which case I get that nice buzz.

3. Would you say that your desk is organized right now?
Almost. I can still parts of it, and the outgoing and incoming mail are not in the same pile. That's as far as I'll go, though.

4. Do you alphabetize CDs, books, and DVDs, or does it not matter?
Yes and no. CDs, DVDs, definitely, and I even have a few categories for those. Books, depends on where they are, and what kind of books. Errr, actually, they're just sorted (more or less) according to category and size.

5. What's the hardest thing you've ever had to organize?
My sock drawer. It's a continuing project.

Bag of bones

It's just depressing, that's what it is.

Music in my head: I still believe/My all - Mariah Carey, mixed with I want to thank you for the best day of my live, by whatserface. That's probably not the title either. So what.

Crap

You see, the problem is, I get all these great ideas for entries in this blog, only there's never a computer arround (or even a notepad; yes, the paper ones) when that happens, so it's all waisted. My brain is extremely Swiss cheezy.

Hmm, I wonder when they'll start showing reruns of Quantum Leap. Or even better, sell it in a box set for a decent price.

Hip break

You are the Low-Fidelity All-Star. You were born
with your cool, and it's totally natural. You
run the gamut from Hipster Supreme (only they
can ingest as much coffee as you) to the geeky
hipster (Mario Kart, anyone?).


What Kind of Hipster Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Yeah, right. I guess this could be right, except for the part where I smoke and drink less than Sandra Dee, and fret more about my look than is good for me. very natural, yeah.

Light bulb

This is my chance to rise to the occasion. Finally. Now quit whining and show some back bone! Show some spirit!

Issue

The problem isn't the getting up so early, it's the getting to bed too late for getting up so early.

You might also say:
The problem isn't the getting to bed so late, it's the getting up too early for getting to bed so late.

And I don't go to bed that late, either. Many people would even say it's rather early. Maybe it is. It's not when you're getting up at the time I do. Sigh. When will my employer wise up and install some power-nap-sofas in my building?

WW.

Weight Watchers it is, then. Too many comments about how I could do with losing a bit of weight outnumbering the comments about the contrary.

No wonder I wasn't losing any weight before: last Monday and Tuesday I ate about 50% more points than I'm supposed to. Oops.

Hakuna Matata

Ok sing it! Live!

...

That's all right, just keep trying.

Last Friday

1. What was the last TV show you watched?
Sabrina. No, Coupling.

2. What was the last thing you complained about?
The amount of complaints from someone.

3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say?
Him. I told him "that" was just what I needed.

4. What was the last thing you threw away?
A piece of candy. One of the children had had it and decided not to eat it. I decided not to eat it because I wasn't entirely sure what had happened to it in the mean time.

5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited?
Honey B. Fly. Shoot, the only available tour dates are in the US and Canada. Figures.

Yuch

Everything - food and non-food alike - is turning orange. Oh, excuse me: Orange. Must be nearly 30 April, because I can't think of any major international sports events going on (not counting cricket).

Test Drive

Remember this:

I have to return the Mini after the test drive
I have to return the Mini after the test drive
I have to return the Mini after the test drive
I have to return the Mini after the test drive
I have to return the Mini after the test drive
I have to return the Mini after the test drive
I have to return the Mini after the test drive
I have to return the Mini after the test drive
I have to return the Mini after the test drive

(giggle)

What Is...

1. Yummier: Chocolate ice cream or strawberry cheesecake?
Both (together). Ehm, right. Does Halfbaked count as chocolate?

2. Better to watch on TV: Movies or sports?
Is this even worth answering? Well, for those who really don't know me: movies.

3. A better web browser: MSIE or Netscape (or tell us your own favorite!)
Eh? I haven't had the pleasure of free choice in browsers for nearly a decade, so how should I know?

4. A better way to travel: Automobile or bus/train?
Automobile with someone else at the wheel! Saves all the akward changing, waiting for nothing in horrible weather, loud noises you don't control... it could be quicker, too. And as long as you're not the one driving, you get to read and/or play with the stereo.

5. Your preferred camera: Digital or film?
This may sound familiar: both/depends on occasion. I'm more used to film, and theoretically you get better quality, but then with digital, it's easier to show to those living slightly further than just down the road, and after the initial investment of the camera, it's easier to dismiss the (total) failures.

6. A Cooler Vehicle: Motorcycle or sports car?
Neither. Offroad or mini, now that's a choice.

7. More fun: Video games or board games?
Board games.

8. Sexier: A perfect body or an intelligent mind?
Both! All right, if I have to chose: an intelligent mind.

9. A stinkier smell: Skunk or gasoline (petrol)?
Never smelled skunk.

10. Thought-provoking question of the week: What is more important to you: making a ton of money and being at the top of your field, or finding your soulmate and living a comfortable but not wealthy life?
Easy: soulmate and comfort over money and 'success'.

The line must be drawn

... here!

Have I run out of patience? Maybe. If so, what can be done? V.G. question. Meaning, of course: I haven't the sligtest.

Music in my head: Out of reach - Gabrielle

Home sick?

I'm not sure that's the right word for it. Last day of my holiday, I woke up with a bad, bad, headache. Headache, not hangover, mind you, despite appearances. Believe me, I can tell the difference.
After applying various painkilling techiniques (pills, more pills, water, throwing up, holding cold bottle to head, attempts at more sleep, food, plainly ignoring it, watching Ready Steady Cook) it went away, and we went for a walk.
If we hadn't been so tired anyway we would have cut our walk short to get back in time for my flight. So far, so good (even finished BJD).

Cue to 18:25. Airport. Hugs goodbye. Kisses goodbye. Don't let go!
Right, which gate is my plain, and have they started boarding yet?
Of course they haven't! The plane has been delayed by half an hour. I feel like crying. I hold the tears back until I'm well in my seat. Could I have another hug, please?

I don't like traveling. No, that's not true. I don't like waiting. Alone. Delays. Why did I feel this infinite sadness? Because I missed Robin? Because my trip was over? Going home? Couldn't get home fast enough? Just tired?

Stupid airport announced the wrong arrivals gate on the screen, so there was no one there when I walked out of the gate. There was someone at the airport to pick me up, and they were very glad to see me, and had even bought flowers. Awwwwww

Typically, I woke up with the same excruciating headache this morning. Almost, but not quite, severe enough to stay home from work.

You don't know HOW I suffer - Mrs Bennet

Show me the money!

1. File taxes as early as possible, or wait until the last possible minute?
Contrary to what you might expect: as early as possible.

2. File electronically, or mail paper forms?
Electronically, duh!

3. Prepare your own taxes, or have someone do it for you?
My own. Yes, the disk does most of the calculations, and reminds me which data I'm missing, but I have to hunt and enter the data myself.

4. Are you a saver or a spender?
Spender. In the end, aren't we all?

5. Do you prefer to carry cash, or pay with plastic (credit/debit cards), or by check?
None of the above. I'm trying desperately to cut back on (immediate) spending. When I am spending, cash is both easier to keep track of and easier to spend. My personal method is to drive my bank nuts with the amount of accounts I have and the number of transactions between them. Gotta keep them on their feet!

6. You're broke and desperately need a job, but the only places that are hiring are retail or fast food places. Which would you pick?
Retail. Can't stand the smell of ffp's, even for just a short visit.

7. Keeping track of your money: are you more meticulous or careless about it?
Depends on the day of the week.

8. What do you do if you find yourself with a lot of change weighing down your purse/pocket/wallet? Do you try to spend it to *get rid of it*, or do you put it in a jar or a piggy bank?
I put it in a piggy bank (well, froggy bank, technically), until my purse/main spending account gets so light the wind might take it, then I let the money flow back into my purse.

9. Which form of fake money do you like better...Monopoly money or those chocolate coins covered with gold foil?
Monopoly. It's better for counting, and the chocolate coins aren't made of the best chocolate.

10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You find a wallet containing $5,000 in cash, as well as several credit cards and the owner's drivers' license. Your rent is due tomorrow and you're short $200. Do you take the money (some or all of it) and mail back the wallet anonymously...or do you return the wallet with all contents intact?
Return it intact. Had there been no id (cards, license) in it, I might have deducted a finder's fee before handing it in with the police.

The other side

When I was living in Rotterdam, I would hate marathon day, because it completely clogged up all the main roads and public transport. Two years ago I left the city, and last year I was one of the runners on marathon day. I loved it!

When I go to work every day, I have to change trains at the airport, and both the trains to and from the airport are regularly clogged with passengers with far too much luggage, which can be really annoying. Today, I was on the train myself, with 2 suitcases and 2 back packs. Too much luggage, why? To make it especially enjoyable for my fellow travellers, there was a problem with the railway and twice the normal amount of people had to squeeze into a half of normal size train. Go figure.

All I want to do

Is curl up into a ball and SLEEP!
It's the cold, I swear. It's making me want to hybernate, like all the other hedgehogs...

Finally

(no pun intended)
LifeGem available down here.

NOOOOO!

Not fair, not fair, not fair. Definitely something lurking in the water. Going home now, for support. NOT FAIR!

Trains, planes, and...

When a plane crashes, you die, end of story. When the plane doesn't crash, you might contract SARS, and die anyway, end of story.
Either way, you have more change of dieing in a car crash.

Introducing a new contender: trains. Apparantly, the doors on trains can be opened while the train is going along at 100 miles an hour. That doesn't sound very safe, does it? It doesn't make trains sound any more safe knowing that couplings can also fail at those speeds. Oops, we lost the last couple of wagons!

That probably means that statistically, I will die in a train accident, right? That being the form of transportation I use most of all.

Please God

Don't let me fall ill now! Surely you can see this would be a very, very bad time: I'm busy at work, the concert is this Sunday, and I'm flying North this Monday! So what's with all the sneezing and the pain in the diodes all down my left side?

Party harty

Great party, really froody, and not just because I was showered in compliments (thanks, uncle T and aunt M!).

Hm, too bad it takes seven positives to undo one negative. I've still got a balance to get settled, don't I. See my predicament?

Muh?

TGIF. Would I feel the same on Thursdays if I were to make Friday my regular day off, I wonder. Feel how? Doggone tired, that's how. More sugar, less sugar, sugar ain't so bad, it's the worst poison in the world. Coffee? Why thank you, m'dear. Z-z-z-zonk!

Say what?!

So, you're inviting me to a nice family gathering tonight. Great.
And we'll be watching slides and home videos? Ehm, okay, cool.
What time did you say you're expecting me? 10pm?

Right, let me explain what's wrong with this picture.
It's Friday. I've worked hard and slept little all week. Turning the lights down low (to watch the slides or whatever) is likely to put me to sleep under any circumstances, what do you think will happen tonight? Plus, we'll be seeing everybody at the big party tomorrow and again at the dinner thing Sunday. You still want me to show up tonight?

Music in my head: Dead man in my bed - Nick Cave

Homely

1. How many houses/apartments have you lived in throughout your life?
Nine. Oh my goodness! I blame university. Not quite as many as Robin just yet.

2. Which was your favorite and why?
The house I've got now. It's big, it's got a garden, I chose everything in it (kitchen, bathroom, flooring, etc.), only drawback is it's too far from any decent shops and too far from where I work. Actually you get to the shops in 15 minutes by car, I just work too far from home.

3. Do you find moving house more exciting or stressful? Why?
Exciting! The only reason last time was a bit [cough] stressful is we didn't want to arrive to a slab of bare concrete, and we had little time to sort everything out.

4. What's more important, location or price?
Location, up to the price I'm willing (and able) to pay for it, that is.

5. What features does your dream house have (pool, spa bath, big yard, etc.)?
Spa bath, huge garden (with conservatory), big kitchen, my own library, lots of natural light, plenty of natural scenery (sea, woods, hills) in very near proximity, and half a private petting zoo. My own fruit trees!

Stone soup, err, coffee

Ever heard the story about the man who gets a rich soup from a greedy cook?

Maybe this story is more familiar:
Rabbit: Would you like milk or hunny with your bread?
Pooh: Both! (adding, so as not to sound greedy) but never mind the bread.

Hmmm, since porridge was completely out of the question, I got me a lovely cup of cappucino with hunny, without coffee. And I paid no more for it than the soup.

Bad water

I feel at a loss for words at their loss.

Walking funny

Drat. I lost the heel of one of my shoes. I knew I should have had them repaired, oh, months ago, or at the least weeks, but you know me: procrastination is my middle name. Plus, handing them in to be repaired would mean not having black work shoes for a couple of days, which is hardly an option I like to follow. Looks like I will have to, now, though. Drat.

Coincidence?

Yesterday I wanted to leave during the break of choir practice, so that I could, if not catch up on lost sleep, at least get a good night sleep so as not to increase the deficit. I told some people, and they were surprised: you can't leave early this close to the concert!
Lo and behold, come breaktime the conductor informed us that after the break he would only work with the solists, and the choir could leave or choose to watch.

Music in my head: Shall I crucify your king? - Olivet to Calvery, I forget the composer. Yes, that's the piece we're performing with the choir.

Reflection

Looking back, it's the things we didn't do we regret rather than the things we did do.
Well, personally, I have done a few things I regret doing, but then again, maybe I just regret not doing the opposite of those?

Can you spell sleep deprived?!?

Cold science

Cold and wetness don't bring about illness as such, says a scientist who survived a concentration camp.
So it's my own personality/perspective/choice that I would rather have staid in bed with plenty of tea and books today. Oh, that doesn't necessarily mean I'm feeling ill. Just happens that currently I'm suffering from severe lack of sleep, and I can feel the cold in my bones, joints, knees.

Fools?

Today being Tuesday and April 1st, it's getting silly.

1. The Bogey-Man or Henry Kissinger?
Who's Kissinger?

2. Whips 'n chains or soft ropes with furbound cuffs?
Soft ropes and furbound cuffs. Despite my high tolerance level for pain, I can't stand it, not even inflicting it on others, well, most of the time, any way.

3. Fish sticks or Amazon.com?
You mean .co.uk

4. Whitewall tires or color TV?
Huh? Colour TV, I guess.

5. Leather or lace?
Neither.

6. Abraham Lincoln or leftover turkey?
Depends on what you do with them. I s'pose both would be good to help me get to sleep, though.

7. Movable Type or Star Trek?
Both!

8. Happy Happy Joy Joy or Bounce Bounce Bounce like Tigger?
Bounce!

9. The Michelin Man or the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man?
Marshmallow Man from Ghost Busters or just MM?

10. Thought-Provoking Question of the Week: If you HAD to marry one of the talking M&M's in the TV commercials, would it be the red one or the yellow one? Why?
The red one - he still believes/d in Santa Claus!

Dailight saving time?

Saving what? I feel like I have jet-lag, and it's completely dark outside when I leave for work, while last week it was perfectly light - even if it was freezingling cold. Now it's still freezing (the grass was white), and dark.

Music in my head: Human Again (from Beauty and the Beast - new edition). Brought on by: 2 cups of coffee - ahhh!

Maybe...

... I ought to tell some people that I moved my blog? You think?

Oh, my

Australian Ice Cream. Speculaas flavour. Need I say more?

Friday already?

1. What was your most memorable moment from the last week?
Discovering that I had come to that part of the book before, after all.

2. What one person touched your life this week?
My doctor.

3. How have you helped someone this week?
By turning my thought patterns into drawings.

4. What one thing do you need to get done by this time next week?
Just the one? There's so many things I have to get done, and well before this time next week, too, I won't even start. I guess scheduling a dozen appointments with various people would be one.

5. What one thing will you do over the next seven days to make your world a better place?
Make those appointments. No, seriously? Babysteps and routines. Seriously.

Tuesday Ten?

1. Poetry or prose?
Prose, although I couldn't live without poetry.

2. Funky modern art or the older, "classic" variety?
Classic, I guess.

3. Sculptures or paintings?
Paintings. Sculptures. Both?

4. Theatre: exuberant musical or serious drama?
Serious drama, definitely. If I want to see a musical, I'll wait for the special dvd edition.

5. Ballet or modern dance?
Ballet. Both classic and the more modern, although I guess I prefer the classics, really.

6. Movies: major studio or indie?
They're both responsible for productions not to be sneezed at, and productions to run away from, trying not to trip in your own vomit.

7. Authors: Shakespeare or Dr. Seuss?
Shakespeare.

8. TV: PBS or A&E?
What? I mean: pardon?

9. Music: Beethoven or Beatles?
Both! Definitely.

10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You are a contributing member of your favorite art museum, and visit on a regular basis. They announce a new, temporary special exhibit by an artist surrounded by controversy...this person's work and/or political views offend you. Do you stop supporting the museum, or just stay away during the time the exhibit is there?
Just the exhibit.

Insight

Revelation nr. 1:
If that meant the end of the world, the world would have ended by now.

Revelation nr. 2:
If food could fix my problems or my pain, I wouldn't have any, ever.

Boggled

Conversation at work today:

J: I'm sorry, I just can't see the forest for the trees anymore.
R4: Don't worry, I can.
J: Great, can I borrow your glasses?
(R4 reaching up to remove her glasses - only kidding!)

Really, though, if I have to think about product lists from one more angle, I'm gonna run out of the building screaming, knees hurting or not. I'm telling ya, I'll be lucky if I don't have nightmares about this tonight...

Aaarrrrrgggghhhhh!

The results are not in yet. They should have been in last Friday. That's already 2 days late - make that 3; by the time they get them through fax or mail or magic - I don't care - more time will have passed, more pain will have been suffered before even a hint of a solution is even on the brink of the horizon.
Now I'm really beating myself up for forgetting to place the crucial phone call yesterday, even though that doesn't make any sense, the one day delay of me forgetting is not altered in lenght by another day delay because the hospital FUCKED UP!

Ow ow ow... ouch

Ok, so it seemed like a good idea at the time. Rather than blowing the good weather by sitting inside behind closed blinds and work, and rather than blowing off work and just taking the day/afternoon of, I decided to combine the two by taking this incredibly complicated document I wanted to scan through and just park myself outside in the sun.
So far, so good. Lovely weather. Nice and warm, so I take my jacket of. No disturbances, so I'm making good progress with the document.
After a while, I've absorbed all I can without further explanation by the author, so I head back inside. To discover my arms and face are redder than a cooked lobster.

Lesson learned: bring some sun lotion to work!

Blues

All I wanted, was a friend.

Would I have more friends if I were ugly and had a less congenial personality? Would it be worth it?

To top things off, I can't even run away from my pain, because of the pain. I could really do with a - friendly - hug right now. Anyone?

If today is Friday

It could be time for Friday Five

1. If you had the chance to meet someone you've never met, from the past or present, who would it be?

Douglas Adams

2. If you had to live in a different century, past or future, which would it be?

Second half of the 18th century, in Vienna, please. Imagine seeing the real premiere of all of Mozart's work... So I would like to be well off enough to actually go to the theatre on a regular basis, too, obviously.

3. If you had to move anywhere else on Earth, where would it be?

Any big island or peninsula in Northen Europe would do.

4. If you had to be a fictional character, who would it be?

Joanie. Lizzy. Hermione? Kate!

5. If you had to live with having someone else's face as your own for the rest of your life, whose would it be?

If keeping my own is not an option, I'd go with Mariah Carey's. And if I get her face, could I have her legs, too, please?

It's all Greek to me

You know how they always make Greeks in films explain how all words originally come from a Greek word? Well, they do. The Greeks. And the words.
Last night some Greeks explained to me that ok is the abreviation for the Greek word with the same meaning. Which totally confused me, since someone once taught me the Greek word for ok, and that sounded a lot like t-ah-xi.
No, the Greeks explained, taxi means all right.
Same difference, I thought, it's all Greek to me!

Keeping my FACE

Phew! Just one more day until the new month starts. And I actually have spending money left for it (the next month) - after planned trips and money borrowed this month, and paying for lunches. How did that happen?
Never mind, I'm just very, very glad to finally have a grip on this part of my life.
Financial Awareness Continually Empowers, is what flylady says. It's all about financially loving yourself, heh.

Lucky Canadian

This would be my preference. Forget boxes and vases - put me in a watch!

Mambo Nr.

Hurray, it's Friday!

1. What was the last song you heard?
Marco Borsato - De Waarheid

2. What were the last two movies you saw?
Chicago
Les uns et les autres

3. What were the last three things you purchased?
Dumbbells
Shoulderbag/backpak
Toaster

4. What four things do you need to do this weekend?
Laundry
Groceries
Use steam cooker for the first time
Visit in-laws

5. Who are the last five people you talked to?
a colleague
physical therapist
fitness trainer
my boss
a project consultant

Is this true or what?!?

many days, sometimes stretching into months, go by and my
shifting diagnosis is no more my identity than what brand of toilet
paper I use.

True!
I struggle. Life is not the way I want it.
But that doesn't mean I should roll over and just let life wash over me.

I'm not powerless! I AM NOT my illness!
Even with all my problems, I AM WORTH LOVING!
I am saying these things not to try to convince myself, but with a
confidence and awareness that has been absent for way too long!

Disaster master

From another Flybaby:

Then disaster struck. I started feeling like I was the only one doing
anything in my home. And I felt put upon and angry that no one
recognized my work. THAT'S when I saw (and can I say I saw it the
very same day I exploded and felt the ugly feelings melt away) your
email on not being a martyr. On having a positive attitude, on being
a CEO of your own company. Taking pride in your home, not expecting
people to recognise you but doing the things you need to do because
you love to do it. Because it makes YOU feel good.

I'm being buried in my own martyrdom, my own perfectionism, my attitude of waiting for someone else to approve of what I'm doing. I can feel the wait of these enormous rocks pressing down on me. And now that I have read this testimonial from this lovely person, I can see the rocks, and I can see the sky above, I can see the sun shine, and I know I will free myself. Flywash the rocks away!

Thank you Thank you Thank you I love you Flylady for saving my home, making it safer and cleaner for my 11 month old baby, my husband and myself. And for giving me back something that I'd lost. My own self worth. My own self pride, not of being perfect- because I hate that word too, but for being the best
that I can be at the time and place that I'm at. For doing my utter best and for feeling good about it and when I'm ready to do more...I'll do more. Thank you for everything. I hope someday I can meet you in person and let you know just how much you have helped me. My mother is probably in tears looking down at my house from her cloud in heaven going FINALLY you figured it all out....

Yeah. I'm not there yet, obviously. One step at a time, I will get there.

Recurring topic

Recurring topic

Zzzzzz-thud!

I need more than 6 hours of sleep per night, apparantly. Weird. And quite a challenge, actually.

Well, this isn't rocket science, how hard can it be? Let's start with the basics:

The amount of sleep one gets in one night depends on
- what time you turn of the light
- what time you get up in the morning
- how well you manage to fall asleep and stay asleep within that time period.

What time you get up
I like to get to work no later than 8:30.
This means leaving my house no later than 6:40.
This means getting up no later than 5:30.
Sheesh.

What time you turn of the light
Well, if the time I get up is given, then ideally, I would turn of my light between 9:30pm and 10:30pm, allowing me between 7 and 8 hours of sleep, if I drop off immediately and don't have a disturbed night.

Not gonna happen. 10:30pm might be feasible, 9:30pm is out of the question.

Still, 7 hours is more than 6 hours, right?

Zzzzzzzz - ow. Coffee!