Dear all,
I am so bored bored bored with revision... only 2 weeks to go (and only 2,5 weeks till I am burning in the Greek sun:)!)
On Saturday I met up with Barbara, my Dutch/Scottish friend who lives in Edinburgh. We were supposed to meet for coffee, but ended up having a few pints and watching the cup final in Tennents. Celtic won, yeah! Not really that great after the disappointment of the week before, but better than losing. At 6.45 pm I went home to get ready for the Graduation Ball. Had been looking forward to that so much! unfotunately I was really miserable. I didn't want to be, but I was just a bit sad that Derek wasn't there (as the poor thing was busy revising) and I just missed him... Of course everyone else was there with their boyfriends... It was nice though to see some people I hadn't seen in a while and to say goodbye to some people I will probably not see much, if at all, again.
The next day at two Derek and his mum, dad and sister came to pick me up to come to the family get together in Barrhead. His cousin Susan is moving to New-Zealand and she was throwing a small going-away party. It was really nice to meet everyone. They are all a bit mental, but I feel that's a good thing. They seemed to like me too:). Was a bit of a sad goodbye in the end. Hope we can go visit Susan and her brother, who is already over there, sometime.
Derek has his last, last ever!!!, exam today! Must be a good feeling. Unfortunately he has some more things to finish before the end of term, but that should be ok. Will be good once he is finished and I'll be staying in Cumbernauld for a bit! He can make me cups of tea, bring me snacks, cook me dinner, give me massages:)! Hehe.
I really should get back to work now... It's just so boring!!!
Love
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday, May 23, 2005
Holiday!!!!!!!
Dear all,
Not been on for a while. Been at home doing revision. Already so bored with it... Would rather write another essay or two, or start on my dissertation...
But I also have great news! Derek and me are going to Greece for a week from the 17th of June!!! Straight after my exams (on the 13th and 15th).
See
http://www.air-scotland.com/otherinfo/accommodation_disp.asp?accomm_id=2
http://www.tourtripgreece.gr/extra_services/hotels/details.php?hid=331
Looks great, don't you think?
Derek's dad found it for us. It's so cheap! 4*hotel, half-board, for a week. Won't tell you the price, but I could (nearly;)) afford it.
So looking forward to a week of relaxing, sunbathing (not burning hopefully;)), eating, drinking.
Anyway. Don't mean to make you jealous;)!
Love
Not been on for a while. Been at home doing revision. Already so bored with it... Would rather write another essay or two, or start on my dissertation...
But I also have great news! Derek and me are going to Greece for a week from the 17th of June!!! Straight after my exams (on the 13th and 15th).
See
http://www.air-scotland.com/otherinfo/accommodation_disp.asp?accomm_id=2
http://www.tourtripgreece.gr/extra_services/hotels/details.php?hid=331
Looks great, don't you think?
Derek's dad found it for us. It's so cheap! 4*hotel, half-board, for a week. Won't tell you the price, but I could (nearly;)) afford it.
So looking forward to a week of relaxing, sunbathing (not burning hopefully;)), eating, drinking.
Anyway. Don't mean to make you jealous;)!
Love
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Networking (how posh)!
Today I finally recieved my passport! Yeah, I can travel again! I also recieved a letter from the Dutch Consulate in Edinburgh, in which the Consul and an officer in the Roayl Dutch Navy (!) invite me to a cocktail party/reception on an Estonian naval ship in Leith harbour!!! Oh YEAH! My first ever real posh cocktail party:)! So exciting. I can bring a guest, so I will bring Derek. Hope I can blag myself into a nice job at the consulate;).
I am also wearing a skirt today and sandals (conbined with a cardigan I have to admit), because the weather is glorious. People are staring at my legs (which is due to their whiteness I sus[pect rather than their sexyness...;)).
Going to hand in my essay now!
Love
I am also wearing a skirt today and sandals (conbined with a cardigan I have to admit), because the weather is glorious. People are staring at my legs (which is due to their whiteness I sus[pect rather than their sexyness...;)).
Going to hand in my essay now!
Love
Monday, May 09, 2005
Election&job
I did an online test (thank you for the link Peter:)!) to see who I should have voted for, and according to http://www.whoshouldyouvotefor.com/ I should have voted SNP, had I been able to vote. I'm not even Scottish! SSP (!!!) come in close second place, Liberals in very close third. I got so frustrated hearing so many people had not bothered to vote. I would have loved to! A few more years and I might apply for Brittish citizenship... maybe. By the way...I tried to publish the wee diagram that they gave you, but that didn't work... damn. I am so computer illiterate! I just followed the instructions (as they gave you code you could copy and paste), and it still didn't work! Sigh!
Also found a job I might apply to! See http://www.spl.org.uk/news/2005_0305.html. It's for a receptionist in the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh. Sounds good. Only 24hrs a week at £13,500 a year, but it does sound like an ideal job for me (apart from the computer literacy they expect, hehe, but could always get Derek to teach me:)). It is only a temporary post (a year). Hope it doesn't start till after summer, otherwise I don't even have to try apply! I do need to do uni work till the end of September (my dissertation deadline)! Guess I should just apply and see what happens.
Off home to finish that essay (aye, it's still not finished). Read a lot over the weekend, while Derek did work at my desk. Had nice weekend:)!
Love,
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
I love my mum&steam ahead to a FIRST!
Dear all,
My mum was over the past couple of days. Was so nice to finally show her my wee house and for her to meet Meena. Think she was quite impressed with how much of a 'lucky bastard' I am for having the flat that I have! She loved it. We didn't do all the touristy things, as my mum has already seen most of it, and just had a relaxing time. We went shopping, to the Botanics, to the McLellan Galleries and to the People's Palace. Had a really good time together. Of course she spoilt me rotten too;). Even went for afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms:). Also watched a lot of snooker in the evening. Murphy hooray!
On Saturday evening Derek and his mum came to pick us up. Mum liked the Jag, although I think she thought it less impressive than she percieved it to be from far off. Derek's dad had cooked us a fantastic meal. It was so delicious. Had quite a few drinks and we chatted all night. Think my mum likes Derek's parents, even though they are totally different than us. Glad it went well. Knew it would, but still. Think she also really likes Derek now that she got to know him a bit better (not that she didn't like him before!).
This morning mum left for the airport at 7.2oam. I went back to sleep for a bit after. Had a lecture at 12 and just met my supervisor there. I will most probably get another A for my second essay!!!! YEAH! If I keep the momentum going I might actually end up with a first! Not too sure that will happen, as I think I won't get A's for my exams, but there is a possibility, which in itself is a triumph.
Off home to finish that third essay. Let's go for another A eh?
Love,
My mum was over the past couple of days. Was so nice to finally show her my wee house and for her to meet Meena. Think she was quite impressed with how much of a 'lucky bastard' I am for having the flat that I have! She loved it. We didn't do all the touristy things, as my mum has already seen most of it, and just had a relaxing time. We went shopping, to the Botanics, to the McLellan Galleries and to the People's Palace. Had a really good time together. Of course she spoilt me rotten too;). Even went for afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms:). Also watched a lot of snooker in the evening. Murphy hooray!
On Saturday evening Derek and his mum came to pick us up. Mum liked the Jag, although I think she thought it less impressive than she percieved it to be from far off. Derek's dad had cooked us a fantastic meal. It was so delicious. Had quite a few drinks and we chatted all night. Think my mum likes Derek's parents, even though they are totally different than us. Glad it went well. Knew it would, but still. Think she also really likes Derek now that she got to know him a bit better (not that she didn't like him before!).
This morning mum left for the airport at 7.2oam. I went back to sleep for a bit after. Had a lecture at 12 and just met my supervisor there. I will most probably get another A for my second essay!!!! YEAH! If I keep the momentum going I might actually end up with a first! Not too sure that will happen, as I think I won't get A's for my exams, but there is a possibility, which in itself is a triumph.
Off home to finish that third essay. Let's go for another A eh?
Love,
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Life is hard...
Dear all,
Had a lovely lovely weekend with Derek. On Friday we went to Cumbernauld to celebrate his mum's birthday. We went to a great Chinese restaurant. Lovely food:). Thought it was so nice I got invited to such a family-thing:).
We spent Saturday in Cumbernauld and took the train to Glasgow in the evening. The next day we went to Tennents for the Old Firm! Always fun. Not so much fun for Derek though, as Celtic won 2-1! Hehe! In the afternoon we wanted to do some work in the park, but it turned out that even I am affected by the Scottish ability to totally overestimate the temperature. We were sitting in the sun with our jackets on and after about 5mins we were absolutely FREEZING! Other people were walking around in skirts and flip-flops though! Don't think I'll ever be that hardy. Sunday evening I was a bit emotional for some reason (hormones being one of them). Just suddenly felt like I'd never find a job! Bit crazy. Derek has very good shoulder to cry on though and he managed to cheer me up:). After that we went to the Uisge Beatha. Hadn't been for so long. Had such a lovely evening. Promised ourselves we'd go much more often once exams are over.
Monday was horrible! I was still slightly depressed and I was trying to write my CV, which didn't help. Then Derek suddenly walked into the library and asked me to come outside for a second. I got really worried, because it sounded really serious. He then told me that he'd had a e-mail from Agilent telling him he doesn't have the job. He was so pooped about that. The e-mail (see http://www.mrsmond.blogspot.com) said that he was their number one candidate for this one position and that they had really wanted him to work for them but that due to 'restructuring' the job got cancelled!!! How sad is that! Guess it is better than hearing you're not good enough... It's just that he was so sure he would get it, and looking back was right to be too!!!, and then this happens. Moreover his friend Andy (who has about the same qualifications) did get a job there, and so did another guy from the Glasgow Uni Computing department. Life is not fair... Only positive things about Monday were that we had an ice-cream in the sunshine and that I sent my CV to the Dutch Consulate. Quite exciting, even though I know they don't have any vacancies the now.
On Wednesday I went to the Careers Service for some advice. That was really good actually. Very helpful advice on how to make my CV even better and also found out their information centre is very useful indeed. Glad I went!
Still no essay finished (or really started, apart from the first paragraph)... Want to have at least some of it done before mum arrives (she arrives tomorrow:)!). Really looking forward to showing her my wee (or not so wee really) house and for her to meet Derek's parents on Saturday. His dad will come and pick us up in the Jaguar: my mum is all excited as she loves Jags. Let's hope she likes them too. Not too worried about it though.
I'm off to do work on the essay. Derek will be here tonight: cooking him nice (hopefully) Mediterranean couscous dish. We'll pick mum up together tomorrow.
Back soon!
Love,
Had a lovely lovely weekend with Derek. On Friday we went to Cumbernauld to celebrate his mum's birthday. We went to a great Chinese restaurant. Lovely food:). Thought it was so nice I got invited to such a family-thing:).
We spent Saturday in Cumbernauld and took the train to Glasgow in the evening. The next day we went to Tennents for the Old Firm! Always fun. Not so much fun for Derek though, as Celtic won 2-1! Hehe! In the afternoon we wanted to do some work in the park, but it turned out that even I am affected by the Scottish ability to totally overestimate the temperature. We were sitting in the sun with our jackets on and after about 5mins we were absolutely FREEZING! Other people were walking around in skirts and flip-flops though! Don't think I'll ever be that hardy. Sunday evening I was a bit emotional for some reason (hormones being one of them). Just suddenly felt like I'd never find a job! Bit crazy. Derek has very good shoulder to cry on though and he managed to cheer me up:). After that we went to the Uisge Beatha. Hadn't been for so long. Had such a lovely evening. Promised ourselves we'd go much more often once exams are over.
Monday was horrible! I was still slightly depressed and I was trying to write my CV, which didn't help. Then Derek suddenly walked into the library and asked me to come outside for a second. I got really worried, because it sounded really serious. He then told me that he'd had a e-mail from Agilent telling him he doesn't have the job. He was so pooped about that. The e-mail (see http://www.mrsmond.blogspot.com) said that he was their number one candidate for this one position and that they had really wanted him to work for them but that due to 'restructuring' the job got cancelled!!! How sad is that! Guess it is better than hearing you're not good enough... It's just that he was so sure he would get it, and looking back was right to be too!!!, and then this happens. Moreover his friend Andy (who has about the same qualifications) did get a job there, and so did another guy from the Glasgow Uni Computing department. Life is not fair... Only positive things about Monday were that we had an ice-cream in the sunshine and that I sent my CV to the Dutch Consulate. Quite exciting, even though I know they don't have any vacancies the now.
On Wednesday I went to the Careers Service for some advice. That was really good actually. Very helpful advice on how to make my CV even better and also found out their information centre is very useful indeed. Glad I went!
Still no essay finished (or really started, apart from the first paragraph)... Want to have at least some of it done before mum arrives (she arrives tomorrow:)!). Really looking forward to showing her my wee (or not so wee really) house and for her to meet Derek's parents on Saturday. His dad will come and pick us up in the Jaguar: my mum is all excited as she loves Jags. Let's hope she likes them too. Not too worried about it though.
I'm off to do work on the essay. Derek will be here tonight: cooking him nice (hopefully) Mediterranean couscous dish. We'll pick mum up together tomorrow.
Back soon!
Love,
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
New flat mate
Dear all,
Been trying to start my essay this week, but I seem to keep finding other things to do (like updating my blog)! Terrible! Got most of the material for it though, so that should be ok.
I finally wrote my CV. Sent it to mum&dad and Derek to see what they think. When it's perfect I'll send it to the Dutch Consulate in Edinburgh and I'll make an appointment with someone at the Careers Service. Am also planning to go to the Graduate Fair in June to get some more ideas and to talk to some companies.
Two days ago we got a new flat mate. She was really stressed about exams and was suffering from insomnia and then her flat mate also left for a few days. She couldn't cope too well asked if she could move in with us for a bit. Thankfully we have a spare room. It's a bit weird to share the house with two people now, but she needed our help so that is more important. Unfortunately my mum will now have to stay in my room when she's visiting next weekend, but that should be ok too.
Ok, back to work now! Should really start that bloody essay...
Love,
Been trying to start my essay this week, but I seem to keep finding other things to do (like updating my blog)! Terrible! Got most of the material for it though, so that should be ok.
I finally wrote my CV. Sent it to mum&dad and Derek to see what they think. When it's perfect I'll send it to the Dutch Consulate in Edinburgh and I'll make an appointment with someone at the Careers Service. Am also planning to go to the Graduate Fair in June to get some more ideas and to talk to some companies.
Two days ago we got a new flat mate. She was really stressed about exams and was suffering from insomnia and then her flat mate also left for a few days. She couldn't cope too well asked if she could move in with us for a bit. Thankfully we have a spare room. It's a bit weird to share the house with two people now, but she needed our help so that is more important. Unfortunately my mum will now have to stay in my room when she's visiting next weekend, but that should be ok too.
Ok, back to work now! Should really start that bloody essay...
Love,
Monday, April 11, 2005
New phone&my supervisor is great!
Dear all,
I got a new phone yesterday:)! YEAH! I am sad, I know. It's a Nokia 3200: camera, WAP and all sorts! Crazy eh? Fiddled with it for ages yesterday. Great to be able to send Derek goodnight message again, and to be able to receive them:). Still sad I lost the first ever message he sent me...:'(.
This weekend Derek stayed over as usual:). We both needed to do work though, so we only spent evenings, nights and mornings together. Nice all the same:). Because he's been so sweet about lending me money, and about buying my phone (I'll pay him back once I can get to my money of course!) I cooked him a nice meal last night. A sort of casserole with beef, vegetables and passata, with couscous. Was nice. He's been so stressed lately with assignment due today, lecture to give (yes, GIVE) on Friday and project to finish, as well as exams coming up.
Over the weekend I attempted to do work. Mostly fiddled with phone and thought, which always seems so unproductive. Did figure out what I'll do my next essay on though. Today I met my supervisor to discuss my progress. I was so nervous, because I still don't have a clear topic. He was very pleased though. He was happy with my choices and suggested some themes I might want to discuss. Very useful, and I feel so much better now!
I got a new phone yesterday:)! YEAH! I am sad, I know. It's a Nokia 3200: camera, WAP and all sorts! Crazy eh? Fiddled with it for ages yesterday. Great to be able to send Derek goodnight message again, and to be able to receive them:). Still sad I lost the first ever message he sent me...:'(.
This weekend Derek stayed over as usual:). We both needed to do work though, so we only spent evenings, nights and mornings together. Nice all the same:). Because he's been so sweet about lending me money, and about buying my phone (I'll pay him back once I can get to my money of course!) I cooked him a nice meal last night. A sort of casserole with beef, vegetables and passata, with couscous. Was nice. He's been so stressed lately with assignment due today, lecture to give (yes, GIVE) on Friday and project to finish, as well as exams coming up.
Over the weekend I attempted to do work. Mostly fiddled with phone and thought, which always seems so unproductive. Did figure out what I'll do my next essay on though. Today I met my supervisor to discuss my progress. I was so nervous, because I still don't have a clear topic. He was very pleased though. He was happy with my choices and suggested some themes I might want to discuss. Very useful, and I feel so much better now!
I also received the form for my new passport. They want me to type up a statement about the robbery. Moreover I need to hand in proof of that I live here, namely a council tax bill. Hope there are no problems...you never know with these bureaucrats. I also need Dutch size passport photos...they're bigger apparently than UK ones... Doe sit even matter? They scan them in anyway, so they could change the size! Hope the photo shop can sort it out for me tomorrow.
Hope you're all well.
Love,
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Mope
Mopy mood today.
Think it's caused by:
1. Meeting with supervisor next Monday: he's expecting a dissertation proposal AAHH
2. Lack of mobile phone waves passing through my body
3. Lack of goodnight messages
4. Lack of sweet comments after "I got ROBBED" entry ;)
How sad am I. How can you miss a mobile? Stupid. It makes me realise how addicted I am to it. I will get a new one though...but I will try to be less attached to it, honest!
Today I tried to do work, but instead I rearranged my room. The result is any designer's dream, but it does not get my dissertation proposal any nearer to getting done. Did some work, and think I know who I might write on. For those 1 in a 1,000,000 that has heard of her: Naomi Mitchison. She's written about 50 novels, poetry and lots of short stories and there is very little criticism written on her (but two dissertations alread I believe...). She fascinates me (about why maybe later).
I called the consulate in Edinburgh again. They had not heard my message! I left one though! Damn. The lady I eventually got on the phone was very sympathetic though. She will send me the forms, and I can come in next Wednesday. Let's hope no one has decided to use my stolen ID for criminal purposes in the mean time! (If you do meet anyone claiming to be me: be ware!;))
Should go home now. Starving. Do some more reading and give Derek a call.
Love,
Think it's caused by:
1. Meeting with supervisor next Monday: he's expecting a dissertation proposal AAHH
2. Lack of mobile phone waves passing through my body
3. Lack of goodnight messages
4. Lack of sweet comments after "I got ROBBED" entry ;)
How sad am I. How can you miss a mobile? Stupid. It makes me realise how addicted I am to it. I will get a new one though...but I will try to be less attached to it, honest!
Today I tried to do work, but instead I rearranged my room. The result is any designer's dream, but it does not get my dissertation proposal any nearer to getting done. Did some work, and think I know who I might write on. For those 1 in a 1,000,000 that has heard of her: Naomi Mitchison. She's written about 50 novels, poetry and lots of short stories and there is very little criticism written on her (but two dissertations alread I believe...). She fascinates me (about why maybe later).
I called the consulate in Edinburgh again. They had not heard my message! I left one though! Damn. The lady I eventually got on the phone was very sympathetic though. She will send me the forms, and I can come in next Wednesday. Let's hope no one has decided to use my stolen ID for criminal purposes in the mean time! (If you do meet anyone claiming to be me: be ware!;))
Should go home now. Starving. Do some more reading and give Derek a call.
Love,
Sunday, April 03, 2005
How Not To Get Robbed
Dear all,
I am in Liverpool at the moment, visiting my best friend Dieuwerke (Dee for non-English speakers). Great to spend some time with her. Liverpool is a nice place too. Nice shops and pubs and we went to the theatre on Friday.
On the way back from the theatre, at about 11pm, we decided to take the bus to be safe. Across the street from Dee we got off the bus. We crossed the first half of the double cariage way and then waited to cross the second half. It was very busy. We noticed some youths behind us kicking a cup of ice about. We were about to cross when one of them suddenly grabbed my bag and ran! I held on to the handle, but it snapped... I didn't even scream, I just said "They've got my bag, they've got my bag!" and then started sobbing. It was just so horrible! I realised I had absolutely everything in that bag, my keys, all my bank cards, my phone, my European ID card. I just panicked. We went into the house and went upstairs. Dee was a star: she made me a cup of tea and helped me to calm down. I immediately called my dad to ask for the numbers of my Dutch bank, to immediately block my credit card. I then just started calling all the important people. They were so helpful, and after a while I could even laugh. But then I really just wanted to talk to Derek. I had all my phone numbers in my phone, so I called 118118, only to discover his number is not listed! I just started crying again. I then called Meena, who thankfuly had his mobile number. I called him and that made me feel better. Strangely he had already switched his phone off, then decided to switch it back on, with me ringing minutes later! He must have felt it or something;). I then also called Virgin to block my phone. They will sned me a new sim with the same number though, which is great. I love to imagine what those guys thought when they realised they just got £4 and a crap, old phone! Hehe. Unfortunately it is an awful lot of hastle for me... On Saturday me and Dee went into the police station to report it. The police man was very sweet. Made me feel better too. Also sent everyone an e-mail asking for their numbers, as they were all in my phone. Also tried to contact the embassy, but they are all closed over the weekend! Crazy! Also need a birth certificate to get a new ID...
How could I have prevented this? I mean we took the bus to be safe! It is rediculous!!!!!!! Feel afraid on the street now, and I am also very suspicious of groups of black youths. I don't want to feel like that! Don't want to judge people for what they look like! Horrible.
Trying to enjoy my time here, and I am. Won't let them ruin my time with my friend. We went on a nice walk yesterday, and today we went to Chester which was really nice. Tonight we're going out dancing and I am going to try my very best not to be scared!
Love you all! And thank you for all your sweet messages!
I am in Liverpool at the moment, visiting my best friend Dieuwerke (Dee for non-English speakers). Great to spend some time with her. Liverpool is a nice place too. Nice shops and pubs and we went to the theatre on Friday.
On the way back from the theatre, at about 11pm, we decided to take the bus to be safe. Across the street from Dee we got off the bus. We crossed the first half of the double cariage way and then waited to cross the second half. It was very busy. We noticed some youths behind us kicking a cup of ice about. We were about to cross when one of them suddenly grabbed my bag and ran! I held on to the handle, but it snapped... I didn't even scream, I just said "They've got my bag, they've got my bag!" and then started sobbing. It was just so horrible! I realised I had absolutely everything in that bag, my keys, all my bank cards, my phone, my European ID card. I just panicked. We went into the house and went upstairs. Dee was a star: she made me a cup of tea and helped me to calm down. I immediately called my dad to ask for the numbers of my Dutch bank, to immediately block my credit card. I then just started calling all the important people. They were so helpful, and after a while I could even laugh. But then I really just wanted to talk to Derek. I had all my phone numbers in my phone, so I called 118118, only to discover his number is not listed! I just started crying again. I then called Meena, who thankfuly had his mobile number. I called him and that made me feel better. Strangely he had already switched his phone off, then decided to switch it back on, with me ringing minutes later! He must have felt it or something;). I then also called Virgin to block my phone. They will sned me a new sim with the same number though, which is great. I love to imagine what those guys thought when they realised they just got £4 and a crap, old phone! Hehe. Unfortunately it is an awful lot of hastle for me... On Saturday me and Dee went into the police station to report it. The police man was very sweet. Made me feel better too. Also sent everyone an e-mail asking for their numbers, as they were all in my phone. Also tried to contact the embassy, but they are all closed over the weekend! Crazy! Also need a birth certificate to get a new ID...
How could I have prevented this? I mean we took the bus to be safe! It is rediculous!!!!!!! Feel afraid on the street now, and I am also very suspicious of groups of black youths. I don't want to feel like that! Don't want to judge people for what they look like! Horrible.
Trying to enjoy my time here, and I am. Won't let them ruin my time with my friend. We went on a nice walk yesterday, and today we went to Chester which was really nice. Tonight we're going out dancing and I am going to try my very best not to be scared!
Love you all! And thank you for all your sweet messages!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
I forgot&Easter
I totally forgot to tell you the most important thing that happened when I was in the Netherlands. Ineke was ill! I never got to see her. I was so sad about that. I mean Ineke looks forward to her birhtday for months and everything is planned in advance, etc. etc. And she was looking forward to seeing me so much as well. Thankfully, a "geluk bij een ongeluk" (is there an expression for that in English?) I had forgotten her easter bunny, and Derek, the sweetheart, sent it to her so now she does have a present from me.
On Thursday I went back to Glasgow again. On the train to Zwolle I was thinking: maybe i'll run into Maaike (my best friend from secondary school). In Zwolle I got on the train to Amersfoort. Last minute I decided to get into a different carriage, and when I walked in THERE SHE WAS! That was such a coincidence! I think it was predestined:). Chatted all the way to Amersfoort. She is doing well I think: still together with Joost, she is studying in Utrecht now. So happy to finally see her again. Hope we can stay in touch this time:).
On Thursday Marjolein arrived. First she gave me and Derek a few hourse alone, whcich was sweet:). Had a chat on Thursday night and on Friday we took her on the Glasgow City Tour, whcih is terribly touristy, but really quite good. Friday evening we went for dinner at the Bothy (lovley: I recommend it highly. The men in kilts (and for the boys girls is short tartan skirts) are very yummy too). At night we went to the Counting House, where we met up with Fiona and Craig. After that we went to the Cube together. Not sure I liked that too much... On Saturday we had a very relaxing start to the day, and then we showed Marjo some buildings in the city centre and the Modern Art Gallery. And at night we went to watch Italy-Scotland ( 2-0:(!!!) in Tennents. Marjo left in Sunday and me and Derek went to his. Had a lovely big Easter dinner:). Nice to spend Easter at his!
Yesterday and today I sorted out what I will be revising for my exams and I also e-mailed lots of book shops in Glasgow. I think I'll take up a part-time job as I could really do with the money. It might also give me a chance to get a full-time job in a book shop after I finish. Would like that:). It's not the biggest of carreers,, but I would enjoy it and i can look out for whatever presents itself after that.
Derek had his interview at Agilent today! It went really well! He is on their short-list now, together with his friend Andy who also applied there. Would be so funny if they both end up working there! They should here in late April whether they get a job there. So exciting!
I should really go home now... Off to Liverpool tomorrow to visit Dee:). Look forward to seeing her:).
Back soon!
Love,
On Thursday I went back to Glasgow again. On the train to Zwolle I was thinking: maybe i'll run into Maaike (my best friend from secondary school). In Zwolle I got on the train to Amersfoort. Last minute I decided to get into a different carriage, and when I walked in THERE SHE WAS! That was such a coincidence! I think it was predestined:). Chatted all the way to Amersfoort. She is doing well I think: still together with Joost, she is studying in Utrecht now. So happy to finally see her again. Hope we can stay in touch this time:).
On Thursday Marjolein arrived. First she gave me and Derek a few hourse alone, whcich was sweet:). Had a chat on Thursday night and on Friday we took her on the Glasgow City Tour, whcih is terribly touristy, but really quite good. Friday evening we went for dinner at the Bothy (lovley: I recommend it highly. The men in kilts (and for the boys girls is short tartan skirts) are very yummy too). At night we went to the Counting House, where we met up with Fiona and Craig. After that we went to the Cube together. Not sure I liked that too much... On Saturday we had a very relaxing start to the day, and then we showed Marjo some buildings in the city centre and the Modern Art Gallery. And at night we went to watch Italy-Scotland ( 2-0:(!!!) in Tennents. Marjo left in Sunday and me and Derek went to his. Had a lovely big Easter dinner:). Nice to spend Easter at his!
Yesterday and today I sorted out what I will be revising for my exams and I also e-mailed lots of book shops in Glasgow. I think I'll take up a part-time job as I could really do with the money. It might also give me a chance to get a full-time job in a book shop after I finish. Would like that:). It's not the biggest of carreers,, but I would enjoy it and i can look out for whatever presents itself after that.
Derek had his interview at Agilent today! It went really well! He is on their short-list now, together with his friend Andy who also applied there. Would be so funny if they both end up working there! They should here in late April whether they get a job there. So exciting!
I should really go home now... Off to Liverpool tomorrow to visit Dee:). Look forward to seeing her:).
Back soon!
Love,
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Netherlands and blog-problem
Dear all,
Hello from The Netherlands! Been here for 6 days now. Actually starting to miss Glasgow, and miss Derek even more. Nice to be home though: mum's cooking, lots of treats (they spoil me;)).
Visited Susanne on Saturday, which was nice. Her house is starting to take shape now. Hope she gets to celebrate her birhtday there. Apart from that I've not done much really. Felt like a wee holiday, so not done much work either. Nice and relaxing:). Packed just there, so ready to go home tomorrow morning. Bit of a train dilemma: do I take the 7.30am train and arrive way too early at 9.41am, or do I take the 8.30am train, which arrives at 10.41, which means that if I have an hour delay (which is unlikely, but not impossible) I'll probably be at the check in too late...? Not sure yet. Think mum will tell me to take first one, but I don't fancy getting up so early...;)
I've been trying to update my profile for a while now (as Derek left Denmark in December, I wanted to change that bit). I change it, save changes etc. and then the next time I look it's still the blooody same!!!! ARGH! Any tips? Guess just try again later... Sigh.
Gonna make cuppa tea now! Have a nice EASTER !!!
Love,
Hello from The Netherlands! Been here for 6 days now. Actually starting to miss Glasgow, and miss Derek even more. Nice to be home though: mum's cooking, lots of treats (they spoil me;)).
Visited Susanne on Saturday, which was nice. Her house is starting to take shape now. Hope she gets to celebrate her birhtday there. Apart from that I've not done much really. Felt like a wee holiday, so not done much work either. Nice and relaxing:). Packed just there, so ready to go home tomorrow morning. Bit of a train dilemma: do I take the 7.30am train and arrive way too early at 9.41am, or do I take the 8.30am train, which arrives at 10.41, which means that if I have an hour delay (which is unlikely, but not impossible) I'll probably be at the check in too late...? Not sure yet. Think mum will tell me to take first one, but I don't fancy getting up so early...;)
I've been trying to update my profile for a while now (as Derek left Denmark in December, I wanted to change that bit). I change it, save changes etc. and then the next time I look it's still the blooody same!!!! ARGH! Any tips? Guess just try again later... Sigh.
Gonna make cuppa tea now! Have a nice EASTER !!!
Love,
Monday, March 14, 2005
Update attempt no.2
Dear all,
I tried to update my blog last week, but unfortunately the server went down or something and the whole post was lost in cyber space...
The highlight was:
On Tuesday the 8th of March Derek and me celebrated our 1-year anniversary:)! We went to Mimmo's (again, yes) for a nice quiet dinner. Unfortunately the dessert (sticky toffe pudding, but it was more like sticky pudding with toffee sauce) was so sweet that I felt sick for about 2hrs afte dinner... Had a lovely romantic evening and night anyway:).
This weekend I was supposed to be busy with my essay, but Derek came over for the weekend. Had a nice cosy weekend. Did manage to do quite a lot of work in fairly little time, so that the essay is actually nearly finished:)!
On Thursday I'm off to the Netherlands for a week. Visit my parents and I'll also visit Ineke, my former employer, as it's her 40th birthday on Friday. Hope to get to see Susanne's house. It's nearly finished now I think.
The post last week was really long...but not as talkative today... Ah well, I'm sure you can do without all the trivia;).
Love
I tried to update my blog last week, but unfortunately the server went down or something and the whole post was lost in cyber space...
The highlight was:
On Tuesday the 8th of March Derek and me celebrated our 1-year anniversary:)! We went to Mimmo's (again, yes) for a nice quiet dinner. Unfortunately the dessert (sticky toffe pudding, but it was more like sticky pudding with toffee sauce) was so sweet that I felt sick for about 2hrs afte dinner... Had a lovely romantic evening and night anyway:).
This weekend I was supposed to be busy with my essay, but Derek came over for the weekend. Had a nice cosy weekend. Did manage to do quite a lot of work in fairly little time, so that the essay is actually nearly finished:)!
On Thursday I'm off to the Netherlands for a week. Visit my parents and I'll also visit Ineke, my former employer, as it's her 40th birthday on Friday. Hope to get to see Susanne's house. It's nearly finished now I think.
The post last week was really long...but not as talkative today... Ah well, I'm sure you can do without all the trivia;).
Love
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Birthday&relaxing
Dear all,
On Friday it was Derek's 22nd birthday. He came round in the afternoon and I give him his prezzies. Think he was happy with them. He'd had a bit of a lousy start to his birthday so I cheered him up a bit:). We went to the Museum of Modern Art, which was nice, and went for a coffee. The went home, got changed and went to Mimmo's for an early dinner. It was great. Especially desert was to DIE for. Gorgeous. Then went to the Loft. Had a wee Drambuie and cigar;). Derek was celebrating together with Laura, Cammie and Ross, so there were lots of people. Shame we couldn't all sit at the one table, or at least in one group. After that we went to the QM. Didn't stay long though. We were surprisingly sober at the end of the night, which was good.
On Friday it was Derek's 22nd birthday. He came round in the afternoon and I give him his prezzies. Think he was happy with them. He'd had a bit of a lousy start to his birthday so I cheered him up a bit:). We went to the Museum of Modern Art, which was nice, and went for a coffee. The went home, got changed and went to Mimmo's for an early dinner. It was great. Especially desert was to DIE for. Gorgeous. Then went to the Loft. Had a wee Drambuie and cigar;). Derek was celebrating together with Laura, Cammie and Ross, so there were lots of people. Shame we couldn't all sit at the one table, or at least in one group. After that we went to the QM. Didn't stay long though. We were surprisingly sober at the end of the night, which was good.
Went into town on Saturday and met up with Katie, then went to Cumbernauld. Just had nice relaxing Saturday night. Today Derek showed me Cumbernauld; his old house, schools etc and the town centre. I now understand why people want to have the town centre knocked down! Boy, it's UGLY! Staying for dinner, then head back home, with my new PC:)! So happy about that.
Hope you're all well!
Love
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Laptop misery and drunken night with Fiona
My laptop is fucked, you already knew that, but it now turns out to cost €560 to repair (£400):(!!!!!!!! ARGH! &*(&%$^(*))*%^*$£^&£&^U& No thanks, I would say.
Yes, anyway. I paid for half of the laptop a bit more than a year ago and now that money has just gone... Thankfully I can use an old pc that Derek's got left over (it used to be his sister's). So grateful. I cannot afford to get a new one just now!
Talking about money: the IBG is late for a change! I neeeeed the money, as I'm going to Ashoka with the ESE guys tonight, and as I promissed to take Derek out to dinner on Friday. It used to come on the 21st, then on the 23d, but now sometimes even on the 25th. As long as it's not even later! Guess I'll have to take out the credit card, or just go into the red a bit more. This is one reason I am looking forward to having a job: money!
On Monday (yes I know, that is a weekday) I had Fiona for dinner. Hadn't seen her since she got engaged. Her ring is really pretty and she seems so happy:)! We had dinner and then decided to go to, surprise surprise, Tennents! Fiona insisted on celebrating hard; had a few drinks too many, but it was a good night. Of course there were the usual drunken old men talking to us. Always fun!
I was a good girl and managed to go to my 10am the next day. I'd even done the homework too!
Off home now, and I need to pop into town to get Derek a wee prezzie (have already got big prezzie, but can't tell you what it is, as he will read this! Duh).
It's also our anniversary on March 8th, so need to think of a wee thing to get him, just to let him know how much he means to me. Still can't believe we met a YEAR ago! We might go to the theatre or something to celebrate. Need to think of what to go and see... any suggestions?
Back soon!
Lots of love
Yes, anyway. I paid for half of the laptop a bit more than a year ago and now that money has just gone... Thankfully I can use an old pc that Derek's got left over (it used to be his sister's). So grateful. I cannot afford to get a new one just now!
Talking about money: the IBG is late for a change! I neeeeed the money, as I'm going to Ashoka with the ESE guys tonight, and as I promissed to take Derek out to dinner on Friday. It used to come on the 21st, then on the 23d, but now sometimes even on the 25th. As long as it's not even later! Guess I'll have to take out the credit card, or just go into the red a bit more. This is one reason I am looking forward to having a job: money!
On Monday (yes I know, that is a weekday) I had Fiona for dinner. Hadn't seen her since she got engaged. Her ring is really pretty and she seems so happy:)! We had dinner and then decided to go to, surprise surprise, Tennents! Fiona insisted on celebrating hard; had a few drinks too many, but it was a good night. Of course there were the usual drunken old men talking to us. Always fun!
I was a good girl and managed to go to my 10am the next day. I'd even done the homework too!
Off home now, and I need to pop into town to get Derek a wee prezzie (have already got big prezzie, but can't tell you what it is, as he will read this! Duh).
It's also our anniversary on March 8th, so need to think of a wee thing to get him, just to let him know how much he means to me. Still can't believe we met a YEAR ago! We might go to the theatre or something to celebrate. Need to think of what to go and see... any suggestions?
Back soon!
Lots of love
Friday, February 18, 2005
A
Dear all,
Spoke to my supervisor today and he is even more happy with my essay than he was before!!! Yeah! "Definite first-class quality". I am a genius;).
E-mailed five Scottish publishers over the past week, and already got a reply. Good, but it did say that there are no current vacancies, but that I should send my CV and they would keep me informed. Hmmm... Also e-mailed Waterstones, as I would not mind working in a bookshop for a bit. I will send my CV to the Glasgow branch.
I'm starting to think also about essays, disertation, exams. I mean it's all still far away (next essay in 3 weeks, last one in 3 months time, exams June 21-25, dissertation finished in September). Lots of time! But I am already halfway through this year... Sad really. This is/was my very last year as a student, probably EVER. Honours classes finish in a few weeks time, so after that I won't really be a student as I will have only 2 lectures a week. It's just strange if you think about it. The end of an era of my life... Snif.
Helene came for dinner yesterday. Cooked chicory in ham and cheese-sauce, with spagetti (I was gonna make lovely wee potatoes with melted butter and herbs, but Helene doesn't like potatoes!) and home made burgers with spring onions and spices. Jummy! Think she enjoyed it too:). Unfortunately she had to leave really early, because she still had to prepare for a meeting the next day at 9am. It was good to catch up though, and we'll meet again soon.
Hope to meet Fiona soon. She got engaged!!! It was quite a shock, but I am now very happy for her. Think her parents haven't quite recovered from the shock yet, but hope they can be happy for her too.
Tonight Derek's coming for dinner and then we're going to the Loft to celebrate Iain(ESE Iain)'s birthday and the fact that he is leaving for a round-the-world trip next week. Look forward to a wee bit of partying:)! Don't know what we, or me, are or am up to for the rest of the weekend. Do some work I guess, and maybe go to Superfly tomorrow? We'll see. Derek was also planning on showing me Cumbernauld (OH YEAH!), show me his old school and stuff.
Off to a Post-Grad meeting now to discuss our progress and think about exam topics etc.
Back soon!
Love
Spoke to my supervisor today and he is even more happy with my essay than he was before!!! Yeah! "Definite first-class quality". I am a genius;).
E-mailed five Scottish publishers over the past week, and already got a reply. Good, but it did say that there are no current vacancies, but that I should send my CV and they would keep me informed. Hmmm... Also e-mailed Waterstones, as I would not mind working in a bookshop for a bit. I will send my CV to the Glasgow branch.
I'm starting to think also about essays, disertation, exams. I mean it's all still far away (next essay in 3 weeks, last one in 3 months time, exams June 21-25, dissertation finished in September). Lots of time! But I am already halfway through this year... Sad really. This is/was my very last year as a student, probably EVER. Honours classes finish in a few weeks time, so after that I won't really be a student as I will have only 2 lectures a week. It's just strange if you think about it. The end of an era of my life... Snif.
Helene came for dinner yesterday. Cooked chicory in ham and cheese-sauce, with spagetti (I was gonna make lovely wee potatoes with melted butter and herbs, but Helene doesn't like potatoes!) and home made burgers with spring onions and spices. Jummy! Think she enjoyed it too:). Unfortunately she had to leave really early, because she still had to prepare for a meeting the next day at 9am. It was good to catch up though, and we'll meet again soon.
Hope to meet Fiona soon. She got engaged!!! It was quite a shock, but I am now very happy for her. Think her parents haven't quite recovered from the shock yet, but hope they can be happy for her too.
Tonight Derek's coming for dinner and then we're going to the Loft to celebrate Iain(ESE Iain)'s birthday and the fact that he is leaving for a round-the-world trip next week. Look forward to a wee bit of partying:)! Don't know what we, or me, are or am up to for the rest of the weekend. Do some work I guess, and maybe go to Superfly tomorrow? We'll see. Derek was also planning on showing me Cumbernauld (OH YEAH!), show me his old school and stuff.
Off to a Post-Grad meeting now to discuss our progress and think about exam topics etc.
Back soon!
Love
Friday, February 11, 2005
Good times
Dear all,
No news really, but just wanted to report that life is gooooooooood:)! So happy in Glasgow, with Derek, with all my friends:).
Not been up to much exciting stuff really. Changed my eating regime (more veg and less crap is the basic idea) and i go swimming a lot in an effort to lose some weight. Not that I'm fat;). Derek's diet is working very well for him, although I think the cravings are starting to get the better of him. He lost 4kilo's! (11 pounds) in 1 week! Amazing! My regime is not as effective (lost less than a kilo in 1,5 weeks...) but i'm sure it'll work in the long run. I am not really bothered anyway:).
Me an Derek are celebrating Valentine's day with a home cooked three-course meal:). Look forward to cooking it together in my lovely new kitchen. It's his birthday soon too: need to come up with a good present! Cannot believe we met nearly a year ago! Time flies.
Might be going on holiday twice this summer, but more about that later!
Hope you're all very happy too:)!
Love
No news really, but just wanted to report that life is gooooooooood:)! So happy in Glasgow, with Derek, with all my friends:).
Not been up to much exciting stuff really. Changed my eating regime (more veg and less crap is the basic idea) and i go swimming a lot in an effort to lose some weight. Not that I'm fat;). Derek's diet is working very well for him, although I think the cravings are starting to get the better of him. He lost 4kilo's! (11 pounds) in 1 week! Amazing! My regime is not as effective (lost less than a kilo in 1,5 weeks...) but i'm sure it'll work in the long run. I am not really bothered anyway:).
Me an Derek are celebrating Valentine's day with a home cooked three-course meal:). Look forward to cooking it together in my lovely new kitchen. It's his birthday soon too: need to come up with a good present! Cannot believe we met nearly a year ago! Time flies.
Might be going on holiday twice this summer, but more about that later!
Hope you're all very happy too:)!
Love
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Frustrations
Got word about my laptop a while back. According to the factory it's got DAMP in it! I am 100% sure I never came near my laptop with drinks, condensation or any other dampness, and still they can say that that's what it is and thereby demand that we pay for the bloody repairs! It is just rediculous! What do you do? They can just say anything and get out of paying! Bloody bastards!
Anyway. Hopefully better news soon!
Love
Anyway. Hopefully better news soon!
Love
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Relaxing times
Dear all,
Don't really have much news. Spent the past week at Derek's, as his parents were on holiday in Egypt. Had an amazingly (maybe too much so) relaxing time. It confirmed to me how lovely Derek is:) (sorry honey if you're blushing now;)).
Didn't do much really. Went out on Friday and Saturday though. Friday it was Kit's birthday. It was nice, but a bit difficult to talk to anyone as we were sat round a big table and the music was too loud to hear anyone not sitting next to you... Decided to go home after and not join the rest for a night in the Art School. On Saturday it was Iain's birthday. Went to Nice and Sleazy's first, which posed the same problems: music too loud to talk... Went to Barfly after, which is not really my favourite place on earth, but had a fun night anyway:).
On Sunday we both decided to do 4 (yes, 4 whole!) hours of work. I worked on my essay. I already got 69% (nearly an A, Dutch aquivalent would be an 8 or 8.5 or something), but I can rewrite it as wthe official deadline is at the end of the course! I will, most probably, get my first A! YEAH! Proud me.
On Monday I went back home. Weird how quickly you get used to being around someone all the time! Miss it, although I do feelI still have a need for my own space. Think he does too, and probably even more so. Webnt swimming together in the afternoon and will do it again on Wednesday. We'll be so fit in a few months time;)!
Talked to Dee last night. Hadn't spoken in ages. Bad how you just forget to call. Was nice to talk to her. She just sounds so happy:)! Plan to have dinner with Fi tomorrow, as haven't had proper night together in a while. Will be nice to catch up.
New kitchen is standing in the corridor and will be fitted tomorrow! YEAH! So great. It's probably ready on Thursday or Friday. Finally real cooking;).
Will be logged out v soon!
Love
Don't really have much news. Spent the past week at Derek's, as his parents were on holiday in Egypt. Had an amazingly (maybe too much so) relaxing time. It confirmed to me how lovely Derek is:) (sorry honey if you're blushing now;)).
Didn't do much really. Went out on Friday and Saturday though. Friday it was Kit's birthday. It was nice, but a bit difficult to talk to anyone as we were sat round a big table and the music was too loud to hear anyone not sitting next to you... Decided to go home after and not join the rest for a night in the Art School. On Saturday it was Iain's birthday. Went to Nice and Sleazy's first, which posed the same problems: music too loud to talk... Went to Barfly after, which is not really my favourite place on earth, but had a fun night anyway:).
On Sunday we both decided to do 4 (yes, 4 whole!) hours of work. I worked on my essay. I already got 69% (nearly an A, Dutch aquivalent would be an 8 or 8.5 or something), but I can rewrite it as wthe official deadline is at the end of the course! I will, most probably, get my first A! YEAH! Proud me.
On Monday I went back home. Weird how quickly you get used to being around someone all the time! Miss it, although I do feelI still have a need for my own space. Think he does too, and probably even more so. Webnt swimming together in the afternoon and will do it again on Wednesday. We'll be so fit in a few months time;)!
Talked to Dee last night. Hadn't spoken in ages. Bad how you just forget to call. Was nice to talk to her. She just sounds so happy:)! Plan to have dinner with Fi tomorrow, as haven't had proper night together in a while. Will be nice to catch up.
New kitchen is standing in the corridor and will be fitted tomorrow! YEAH! So great. It's probably ready on Thursday or Friday. Finally real cooking;).
Will be logged out v soon!
Love
Monday, January 24, 2005
Hectic
Dear all,
On Wednesday, or actually Thursday morning very early, Derek came over, as we had to leave very early on Thursday. The report was finished! 'Slightly' on the late side, but finished all the same. Thank God for that. That was one stressful day and night...
Anyway. Promised I'd not talk about it anymore:). On Thursday we took a cab to the airport. First we had a fry-up there, which cost a whopping £8!!!!! And was manky... Damn. Then Derek bought some presents for Sinterklaas. Bought me a very pretty bag and brooch:). We then walked to the gate, only to discover we'd lost my wallet! AAA! As if the night before had not been enough strain on our wee hearts we got another panic-drawn adrenaline rush. Thank God it turned out Derek had put it in his bag, but in the back pocket. We made it!
We got to Schiphol safe and sound, had a nice lunch there and then went to Coevorden. Finally got there at 4.45pm. We had zuurkool stamppot (a Dutch type of sauerkraut with mashed potato, banana and raisins), which was nice. Don't think Derek was too sure about it though;). The next day we went to Groningen to visit Ineke, my Grandad and pick up Jan and the cats. Must have been a bit of a weird day for Derek as neither Ineke or Grandad speak English, but think we managed ok to translate. That night we went out with an old friend of mine, Susanne, and her boyfriend Marco. Had a great time! Derek got on with them really well, and Marco's English got better and better after a few beers;). Had a few too many... But made it home safely only to find my mum still up writing Sinterklaas poems! Crazy.
The next day we still had to write our poems, so spent most of the day doing that. Was quite a struggle for Derek, but they turned out really good at the end. It's only a bit of fun anyway. Took my laptop to the computer shop (I pray it's ready in 3 weeks, so that mum can take it to Scotland!) and Derek installed some extra RAM-memory in my parents computer to make it run faster. That night we (finally, 1.5 months late) celebrated Sinterklaas. It was a lot of fun:). Nice to have Derek there as 'part of the family':).
The next morning we had to get up very early, as we needed to catch the plane at 12.40. Mum took us to Zwolle, because there are no early trains from Coevorden on Sunday. Got to Schiphol by 10.20am, so we were number 13 to check in;)! Had something nice to eat and flew back. Derek's mum was so sweet as to pick us up:). We did get stuck in the car park, but managed to get out in the end. Went home only to discover the heating had broken! It was bloody FREEZING! Couldn't get it to work, so had to make do with the gas fire in the living room and the wee electrical heater in my room: BRR!
The coming week I'll spend at Derek's:) as his parents are on holiday. Look forward to a relaxing week, and to finally have some quiet time together without reports to worry about.
Hope you're all very well!
Love
On Wednesday, or actually Thursday morning very early, Derek came over, as we had to leave very early on Thursday. The report was finished! 'Slightly' on the late side, but finished all the same. Thank God for that. That was one stressful day and night...
Anyway. Promised I'd not talk about it anymore:). On Thursday we took a cab to the airport. First we had a fry-up there, which cost a whopping £8!!!!! And was manky... Damn. Then Derek bought some presents for Sinterklaas. Bought me a very pretty bag and brooch:). We then walked to the gate, only to discover we'd lost my wallet! AAA! As if the night before had not been enough strain on our wee hearts we got another panic-drawn adrenaline rush. Thank God it turned out Derek had put it in his bag, but in the back pocket. We made it!
We got to Schiphol safe and sound, had a nice lunch there and then went to Coevorden. Finally got there at 4.45pm. We had zuurkool stamppot (a Dutch type of sauerkraut with mashed potato, banana and raisins), which was nice. Don't think Derek was too sure about it though;). The next day we went to Groningen to visit Ineke, my Grandad and pick up Jan and the cats. Must have been a bit of a weird day for Derek as neither Ineke or Grandad speak English, but think we managed ok to translate. That night we went out with an old friend of mine, Susanne, and her boyfriend Marco. Had a great time! Derek got on with them really well, and Marco's English got better and better after a few beers;). Had a few too many... But made it home safely only to find my mum still up writing Sinterklaas poems! Crazy.
The next day we still had to write our poems, so spent most of the day doing that. Was quite a struggle for Derek, but they turned out really good at the end. It's only a bit of fun anyway. Took my laptop to the computer shop (I pray it's ready in 3 weeks, so that mum can take it to Scotland!) and Derek installed some extra RAM-memory in my parents computer to make it run faster. That night we (finally, 1.5 months late) celebrated Sinterklaas. It was a lot of fun:). Nice to have Derek there as 'part of the family':).
The next morning we had to get up very early, as we needed to catch the plane at 12.40. Mum took us to Zwolle, because there are no early trains from Coevorden on Sunday. Got to Schiphol by 10.20am, so we were number 13 to check in;)! Had something nice to eat and flew back. Derek's mum was so sweet as to pick us up:). We did get stuck in the car park, but managed to get out in the end. Went home only to discover the heating had broken! It was bloody FREEZING! Couldn't get it to work, so had to make do with the gas fire in the living room and the wee electrical heater in my room: BRR!
The coming week I'll spend at Derek's:) as his parents are on holiday. Look forward to a relaxing week, and to finally have some quiet time together without reports to worry about.
Hope you're all very well!
Love
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