spring is here

Today I had to pick up my bicycle from all across the city (in the street across from the Smalle Brug) and I loved walking through Amsterdam and watching all the locals in the little coffee cafes and all the tourists swarming all over the streets. (Tourists have no sense of direction, a danger for us cyclists haha)

It made me ponder.... About comparing cities to relationships. Loved ones.

In that case Paris was my first true love. A passionate affair that started from love at first sight. Paris wood me. Paris lured me in and showed me true beauty. Paris adored me and I adored Paris. Paris made (my) dreams come true. Nothing was too crazy. Things that never seem possible in Holland, seemed to be possible with Paris by my side.

A job as tennis reporter for Eurosport? Consider it done
To see my dream man, as illusive as he is? No problemo, in Paris he was there every time
To live in a house overlooking the twinkling Eifeltower? Sure
Friends working for Louis Vuitton? Of course!

But.... like all love affaires... it had to end. After a beautiful year we said our sad goodbyes and a big part of me, always longed to go back to that beautiful city of lights. Nothing beats Paris in autumn. The best kept secret of the city is the free museum in an old chateau mansion in Le Marais, where the garden in autumn time becomes the most wonderful sight for sore eyes anyone has ever seen.

But then there was Amsterdam. Trusted, always been there Amsterdam. A diamond in the making. I never really thought much of Amsterdam, until Amsterdam crept into my heart. Over time I started to love this city. It's not as passionate as Paris, but it is a much deeper love.

I adore Amsterdam and its canals. I love living here. Was Paris a fantastic place to dwell, the streets of Amsterdam feels like home. This love will never go away. Now that I am finally living in the city centre of Amsterdam, I never want to leave.

Amsterdam, will you marry me?

movie remember me

totally did NOT see that ending coming!!!

don't spread this around but....

I arrived late for my work this morning... and for some of you that now think: Big Whoop, I arrive late all the time, no probs.... this is in fact a big problem when your job is to meet a bunch of anxious candidates that travelled from all over the UK just to meet with you, in a conference room and they are expecting a professional company rep and not.... a girl sans make up, in jeans and a top to burst in; in a non set conference room, with no beamer/projector and no side kick. Who was also LATE.

yeah, we made GL look good, not! I just hope my enthusiasm got us through.

what a day, what a day

However, I do love London so much. I did not see too much today, hopefully tomorrow after work I will be able to run down to Primark before my flight back to The Dam :)
I cannot describe why I love London so much. Is it my 16 year old self, the one who used to envision herself living in Camden (the place I am staying) or is it all the cute pubs; the fashion consious people and the cool city vibe that just lingers here?!

If I was not so happy living in The City, I would seriously consider moving to London.
This place is too cool. Next time I go back, I will stay the weekend... after Alpha I can finally travel on Thursdays again woohoo

Even if the idea of parting with the group breaks my heart. esspecially for one person in particular... which is strange as I hardly know that person, but that person touched my heart somehow. On Friday, by chance we met during a xrds evening and shared some emo's haha.
We were supposed to be speaking about discussion topics but I feel The L. wanted us to speak to each other on a personal level. It was nice.

Anouk asked me if I want to stay with the group (the ones that want to continue) after Alpha ends. But then I have to say goodbye to Alpha as I cannot do both. Kinda sad....
I want to do both! Not leave the group and when the time comes, get another group buhu.

PS: it's raining cats and dogs in London. Lol. Always wanted to say that haha.

London Baby!

This time tomorrow I will be in London!!! :)

Had a very nice weekend... Went to the wonderful wedding on saturday (no decent pics though) and today to a Bach concert to celebrate his 325th birthday lol. It was FUN! I am not a big classical music buff, but on special occassions.....

ciao and see you after London yeah!

PS: I should have time to make it to TOPSHOP; URBAN OUTFITTERS and to PRIMARK! Those shops I looooove.
The Tuesday is pretty OK work wise, so I am making a big bee-turn to the Primark for sure.
ooooh let me check the weather forecast! no rain please.... 14 degrees with slight chance of sun and in fact the tuesday is the best DAY!

As Sj would belt out: OH YEAH! :-)

wedding day!

alas not mine :)

will try to take some pics and post later!

last night went to a discussion group and it was interesting.

Piece of CAKE

so friend AB and I had our cake and ate for two haha.

Here's the result... Skulls for AB and rosy roses for me :)

had a good weekend: party at L's house on Friday; cake decorating (not a new hobby but sometimes trying someone new teaches you something new. Like, that you don't like to decorate cakes hahaha) on saturday and spent the saturday evening with friend I and her cute kids... and on sunday went to xrds and was happy to see everyone there... lurve you all! and went to sis' house for a yum din din.

Good weekend!

sugarlicious

today it's cake decoration course day!! Friend AB and I will spend the entire day baking and trying to make little marsipan flowers or something hahaha. Am curious to see if I will be any good at it....

Do have a bit of a cold, so I won't be making it late tonight (and yesterday was again later than I wanted due to the exquise party of my dear friend L... Am happy you like your present woohoo. Every girl deserves Chanel on her birthday! ;-))

Tomorrow night back to my old home town and spend some q time with my sis, yeah!!!
But first stop now... starbucks!

PS: found a dear old friend again via Facebook and that made my week! I am so happy we are in contact again!

xoxo

more alpha pics

wanna share the fab people and weekend with you all :)

sleepy

Sometimes there is nothing more precious than a night @ home. Does that make me sound boring or what haha.

valentinesday photo

Dears, this is a fun photo from the abc party at hotel arena. niiiiiice.

Alpha course weekend

Love this photo :) Goodness me, I look like I am 12 years old! This weekend people told me that I look extremely young and that they adore my fashion sense. :)

This weekend was my Alpha course weekend. It was my first Alpha weekend as group co-leader and not as a participant... I knew what I could expect... yet as always it went above and beyond what I thought. I wish every person on the planet would do the Alpha course at least once in their lives. We had fantastic weather: sun shine all the way! Even if there was snow predicted..... And we had some cool evenings together; interesting conversations; deep moments and it was strange to not be the one crying this time, but to be the bystander, trying to help someone else. Humbling experience!

stylist van der sterren

so two of my friends told me to enter the stylist of the stars tv program and another one (whom I told about this) told me that I should go for it. I don't think I could do that. I mean, me? Yes I would love to be a stylist but to do so on a tv show? kinda weird.

Anywho, sweet of my friends to think so anyways.

ff in Nederlands hoor

ik ga even in het Nederlands bloggen over het volgende:

1. mijn scharrel van enige tijd geleden, die is weer in des lands en die is dus met een jaar verder er niet leuker op geworden haha. ZONDE :)

2. Gister ging ik leuk uit eten in DZ en wie loop ik daar tegen het lijf, op date nota bene? Artistic BOY! Die echt de grootste wolf in schaapskleren blijkt te zijn, sjonge wat heb ik me vergist in die knakker zeg. DWEIL eerste klas.

3. Werk wordt een steeds groter struikelblok... Hoe heerlijk is het voor die mensen die hun droombaan hebben en iedere dag fluitend naar werk gaan? Ik wil dat OOK, maar het wordt steeds moeilijker. Ook omdat ik steeds meer dingen leer over de mensen in het bedrijf die ik liever niet wil weten. BRRR.

Zo, dat is eruit.

Great day

some days just lift you up!

lazy saturdays

love doing nada on saturdays... aaah... went to starbucks this morning and strolled around Amsterdam and after that saw two movies:

August Rush (cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute)
Purple Violets (good)

My old mobile stopped working so now I have a new one: the Samsung DIVA white. It's very fancy hahaha.

Am looking forward to spring :)

frost bite

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valentines day party

Someone, please give me a b-slap, NOW!!!

what a day....

Yesterday should have gone like this:

My new boss arrived and I went up to greet her hello and we would have a serious, good conversation and she would be thrilled to work with me.

What happened?

My new boss arrived and I went up to greet her and.. tripped over a cabinet sticking out and fell flat on my face. OUCH and embarressing.....

Then, I of course ran into A's best friends out on the street without any make up and the worst hair day of my life (even my assistent mentioned it) and I am sure that will get back to A... WAAAH, no fair....

Ended the strange day on a good note and went to see little baby R.... She was cuddling on my chest all night and that is just so amazing. Everyone should have cute baby time!!
My friend I (the mom) looks amazing.. Heidi Klum move over, I is the real post pregnant hottie hahahaha.

Tonight I have a big Valentinesday fiesta... VEGAS style. It even has a chaple... looks like I will finally be a married woman by the end of the evening hahhahaa. jippie!

xoxo

Radio Killer VOILA

This is the song that symbolises Romania to me.

This particular song was ALWAYS on the radio, playing in the cab, when we were driving for an hour to reach the wonderful town of Pl. And on the way we would pass old run down houses; horses and stray dogs.

la-la-la-la bright lights... free of all the hate in the world.

This song, oh this SOOOONG hahaha.

it's soooo Romania.

caught a light sneeze

What a week!

Monday night @ Lies, Tuesday night @ Dieuw's, Wednesday night @ DZ with R, Thursday @ Alpha and today I am pooped. Woke up with a heavy heart and a severe cold. It was brewing.
Was pondering weather or not I should meet Artistic Boy tonight... Decided no.

Last night was too much, a big blur of emotions. PFFFFF. It's going to be a rollercoaster, i can feel it.

so as I am here at home... started watching the Vampire diaries out of total boredom.. and took some photos of my pad, for Fem & Shin to see. I cannot function today, am sore and sour on the inside.

Good news for the summer though: I want to go to Russia for three weeks and work with kids at a summer camp. COOL! With ozzies and kiwi's lol.
I have a thing with Russia, so would be an amazing adventure.

Dieuw is going to Ozzie land too. Am getting sick of losing my friends to Ozz/NZ.

BITCH: Love the chanel cupcakes and your blog. :) that totally gave me an idea for when I have my cake decorating class in March. (How do you know, you are 30? When you start loving cooking classes haha)

Lovely!

yesterday went into town with my sis and bought the most outragiously amazing ankle boots... am too tired now but will upload a piccie later.

Gave her some YSL make up goodies and the wrapping was almost nicer than the touche eclat haha.

meanwhile here I had a rather @#% day but those happen. I did end the day on a nice note, went over to lies house and cooked her dinner (she has the flu) and made cups of tea haha. Meanwhile we watched kiddie movie Peter Pan. Sometimes there is nothing better than believing in make believe.

Toodles.

In with the new

I am still in Romania and today was a bit messy. I am looking forward to a nice shower back at the hotel later this evening and some TV. I don't have a TV in Amsterdam (no point, am never home) so it is lovely to indulge in some tv here... I watched Greys Anatomy yesterday. Romania has subtitles so i am able to follow the shows haha.

Anywho, am currently waiting on SKYPE to receive work proposals from my new boss and we have a bit of a time difference (Venezuela/Romania) so I hope she will be back soon....

Alpha has started and there are usually an army of cooks present to prep the food. But this time, it was time for my LG to provide the food for 50 people... And guess what: nobody can make it except for Cien. And she cannot do it alone. So of course I decided to enlist the greatest cook I know -my mom- but did not hear back yet. Also tried to get Artistic Boy involved but that was a no go.

In the end I volunteered to help with the cooking and have to leave my work early :s and cook for 50 people.....

Funny how ppl can prove you wrong in the best way: in my Alpha group there was one girl I thought was keeping to herself and had a distance to the group. And she made faces all through the night, showing pure disdain about some of the other discussions that were happening. When I asked for her opinion, she said: 'I feel on the spot!' oops.... So I thought Deep Dark Secrets there... traumatised for sure! And now I receive an email: 'She wants to sing to show her feelings to the group'. Kay..... Sure! Unless it's death metal (which I doubt) I am sure it will be beautiful.

I do wonder if maybe I have taken too much on lately. Work is intensifying: India is on the cards (wooooooooooow, am very pleased/excited/hopeful about this trip) Spain; UK.... And then there is my life in Amsterdam which I love and want to upkeep. Sports to do. People to see! Life Group! Alpha! XRDS! Family! So little time...

Today my Romanian colleague told me that I am:
A. a very old single (thaaaaaaaaaaaaanks, that makes me feel fabulous, really)
B. my job does not allow me to have a relationship
C. I have been single for too long

Is that true? I don't know. I hope not. But I suppose at the moment with everything going on in my life there is little space for someone else. Kinda sad, when last saturday was so nice.

Cluj Napoca

Dears, am in a freezing cold Romania now, Cluj Napoca to be exact.... We flew from Bucharest to Cluj in a propellor plane, didn't even know those were still being used... lol. Considering we almost crashed into a mountain there last year with a plane we were still pretty relaxed haha. (that story I will save for another time)

Just had the most amazing typical Romanian dinner with my colleague VC and a sweet girl I hired last year Anka. It was a cabbish dish with pork (Romania loves pork, my stomach does not.) but the taste was very niiiice. Topped off with some Romanian prune liqor and some Romanian wine and I am all warm & rosy now.

Tomorrow crazy work day ahead. Yet I am lucky to be able to call the world my work place.

This weekend was.... quite eventful and full of surprises. Friday night I wanted to go out after work for a kick fun class and a drink with friend Brie. But then she wanted more dudes to come out with us, so I asked Artistic Boy to join us. And he was on skype so we started chatting that he was going to a concert (Chinese experimental music performed on typical Chinese instruments) and asked if I wanted to join. Sure! So A and I went to the concert first. Met his friends from uni (and one ended up asking me out yesterday, waaaah)

the concert itself was expressive and interesting. I love discovering new things. After that we went to Minibar (a new hot spot in Ams) and to Bitterzoet to dance. After that A joined me back home for a cuppa tea (we are into the cuppa teas at my house lol) and we ended up talking until 3.30!! He left; stood outside and I received an sms: ' looks like I have to spend the night...' ??

So I asked him if anything was wrong? and turned out he didn't have a key and it was too early/late to come back home. So I had a spare airbed and so he stayed. It was LOVELYto have him as an unexpected house guest haha. When I woke up he was the first thing I saw (mushy, sorry guys I know) and he was peeking at me haha. And he gave me the cutest little kiss on my forehead (my head was stuck between the covers and the pillow) and it made me melt on the inside, awwwwwwwwwww.

Then we had a lovely breakfast (he was so thoughtful and caring) and we laughed some more (we laugh together so much) and it was just FABULOUS. There, I said it.

Anywho, he's a sweetie. I don't know if this is going to be a "thing" or that we are destined to become friends... we will see.

Saturday I went to the Top Gear live show. I looooove Hammond, Clarkson and even BVED was acceptable haha. I love the British sense of humor and I laughed non stop. The stunts were amazing and the cars were... well, ehh, cars. (don't care too much about those)

I laughed so much this week, I was really on a happy high. (on friday at work me and ZI went crazy on a little cart. Sort of a you-had-to-be-there type of thing but still I was in stitches)
Nice, after all the bull shit of last year.
I think being in my thirties might not be so bad...... :) Even Brie said: it was going to be my year.

Hope so!

Dears, this Romanian bound girl is going to sleep now. Catch you all soon xo

zumba

this lazy ass just got off her lazy ass and joined... a GYM.

Yes. First sneakers, blonde hair and now this... People, this is a thirties crisis I know ;-)

Actually it's time I finally got in shape. And this is a cute little gym with friendly people with no high tech thingies. I will go twice a week to a group class. Friday Kick fun (this is by far my favorite class... I mean this is perfect for releasing one's frustrations. Woo-ahh!)

Meanwhile I have the craziest week ahead:

1. Alpha will finally start, yaaaaay! OMGosh who will be in my group? Am so curious!!
2. Have to say goodbye to W&P, as they will wonder off on their year long trip around the world
(lucky B-stards haha)
3. Paint my apartment... Am most excited about this project. Once I am finished I will have the coolest; smallest pad in the Dam ;)
4. Top Gear show (I looooooooove top Gear woohoo!)
5. See the parentals
6. Fly to Romania (Cluj this time. Love Cluj)

Haven't dished yet about my wonderful spontaneous day with Artistic Boy. I am not calling it a date, because I am not so sure it was, haha. But boy oh boy... what a boy!

K, so we met up on saturday @2prinsen for mint teas (he's off alcohol for a few weeks, same as me in December lol.) and we were chatting away... until a HUGE group came in and 2prinsen is really tiny, so we were forced to leave haha. He left his stuff @ mine and we went for a walk through the city... it started pouring with rain... so we went to another bar.... had another mint tea... and then he sheepishly said that we had two, no three options for dinner:
1. we go for dinner together somewhere
2. we go for dinner with his friends @ his house (lives in a mansion with many others)
3 we went our separate ways

(CUUUTE how he presented this haha)

So I told him option nr 3 was out ;) and I wanted to hang at his place... but then the peeps there were already eating!?!?!? It was barely 6 pm! Anywho, we walked to DZ (my fav restaurant/hang out) and I forgot we actually taped our movie there, where we were pretending to be on a fake date haha.

We had a lovely din-din (he prayed before dinner, which I loved) and he had me in stitches at some point when we were talking about being grandparents with tattoos. (I joked he should get the tree of life on his back) and he pretended to show the grandkids (whilst arching his shoulders back and forth) 'now you see it, now you don't, now you see it, now you don't.

On sunday I was still laughing about this hihi. :)

After the dinner we walked home (like grandma/grandpa arm in arm due to snow) and we had some tea @ mine and laughed some more. Great guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuy. And really very handsome. With wicked dress sense, now that coming from my mouth is rare.

Point is, I believe I may too bland for this guy. He's a composer. i am... a... a... cannot even bring myself to say it hahaha.

I am not in a hurry to stir things up. Whatever happens will happen or not.
Point is, this guy is one of the good guys. Wow.

THEY STILL EXIST.....

will probably see Artistic boy again at the ghetto gourmet dinner next week (underground invite dinner thing. very New York) and I am looking forward to that a lot!

:)

Kisses to all and keep shaking those zumba hips y'all

PS: I cannot get used to the blonde. Might ditch it very soon if it doesn't grow on me....

restoration

am changing my apartment and it's gonna be sooo pretty :)

30

I turned 30 today and the world did not end.
In fact, it did not hurt at all :)
I was so happy with the text messages and all the sweet cards etc.. Made me feel happy!

thanks my luvvies :)
Went to Antwerp and even got a FREEEEE glass of champagne because it was my bday! woohoo! So did my sis as her birthday is also this week :)

lol this pic of my mom made us giggle, it's too funny. Looks like she is diving into the glass....

Blonde!

Last day as a twenty something and I have decided to accept my fate.

Tomorrow I turn thirty and I will go to Antwerp with my ladies to celebrate!!

Went to the hairdresser today and tadaaa!!

Y'like it?

last saturday as a twenty something girl

next week I turn the big 3.0.

I am not handling it too well. I don't feeeeeeeel 30. I don't want to be thirty.
Nothing about me says thirty.

it's so defining.. the most defining birthday of my life.
Child no more
Teen no more
Youth no more
Stupidity no more

What's next? grey hairs? Saggy boobs? Getting fat... Old age?!!!??!

bye bye youth, I will miss you. DEARLY!!!! :(

Anyway, am spending my last day as a twenty something person rather well (always make the most of life) Went for a walk to Hilton Hotel Gym, went to a boxing class (Kicking ass is fabulous) and after that walked back home and tonight BIG party @ l's house....

Hope Artistic boy will swing by :)

Good weekend to all... !!

From A+ to D-

happy new year to all!

hope you had FUN!!

I had a blast @ my friend AB's house, oh pardon me HUGE MANSION is more like it :)
very, very nice. Her friends were cool too and we had fun! Went to Patronaat party, where we were the oldest folks there so we made a run for the exit, faster than you can say Patronaat.

Next day my darling friend L and I went to Faust for a drink & bitterbal... and decided to see a movie @ The Movies theater in the Jordaan. We liked ze film very much.
Whilst we were waiting at the Movies, we decided we wanted to throw a little rooftop party @ my house next week. Am excited! My first shindig whilst living in Amsterdam....

Anywho, we are also planning a clothes swap party; we are going to do this zumba thing on wednesday and we basically spent four days together non stop, lol. So much FUN!!

earlier I wrote more about D and A and now it just feels like bla bla bleh.
Am kinda done with all the drama.

am listening to a sweet song, I had not heard in years... acoustic version from Heaven Help by Lenny Kravitz. So beautiful... Better to end this on a sweet note than on a sour one.