Life is an adventure
Today was basically filled with lounging around the house and settling in. I really enjoy my new place.
In the afternoon I took a walk around my neighbourhood and found a gorgeous park nearby, that looks more like a forest than a park!
Afterwards I set up my sewing machines and it was like welcoming home a couple of my best friends.
Be kind. Stay safe
I had to get up early today to do another Amsterdam – Den Haag trip.
This time however, it was to give back the keys to my old apartment and close the book on that chapter.
It was fun living in Amsterdam for a year, and well, it was a year like no other! Now it it onwards and forwards to a new chapter in my own home!
Be kind. Stay safe.
It’s my last working day of this year. I was planning to work a few days next week, but to be honest I’m struggling to focus. I’m tired and I’d rather be doing some things around my new apartment.
Luckily I managed to move my appointments from next week so I could do it without any issues and I could wrap up this busy work year!
Be kind. Stay safe
Today we had 2 virtual Christmas parties at work. As sad as it may sound, it was actually quite fun.
The first was with the whole NL office. A few weeks earlier we all had to record a video of ourselves dancing to a Christmas song, with a designated Christmas background, and submit it to the office.
The facilities team put it all together into a really fun video, and a few colleagues who have formed a band recorded a customised version of the song with words that fit with the work we do.
We all watched the video together and had a bit of fun banter before starting the next virtual party.
Our business unit social committee outdid themselves and was really creative for our year end social.
We all had to send in a picture of something in our house, and some fun facts about ourselves before. Then after some introductions we divided into preassigned groups where we played guessing games about the things our group mates sent.
It was surprisingly fun and a good way to end a strange year.
Be kind. Stay safe.
It’s appraisal season at work. That time of year when we have to take a moment to consider what we have achieved and think what we would like to focus on for next year.
I wasn’t really looking forward to it, perhaps because the last few months were so busy that we measure ourselves by how we feel. However, when I take a step back to consider it all, we as a team achieved so much, and I have played my part in that team.
It made me think that it’s like that outside of work too. Sometimes our perspective is skewed by our current situation and we need to take a step back to see what we managed to achieve. Similarly, we can also take a moment to be thankful for what we have.
I am thankful that I have a job that I like, where I can grow and make a difference. I am thankful for the wonderful guy that I’ve met this year. I am super thankful for my lovely and comfortable home. I am thankful for the opportunities that I got this year.
Be kind. Stay safe.
After a busy long moving weekend, I can finally spend one day sitting all day, aka, working.
It’s hard to scrape together enthusiasm for a computer screen if there are so many other things I’d like to sort out, but I keep reminding myself that I’m going to live here for a while and there will be time for it all.
Suddenly I feel less guilty about my stash of sewing stuff, because at least I’ll have something to keep me busy on my vacation days when I can’t go anywhere and I can’t buy any more supplies!
Today we had a little end of year social for the team of work friends who started the year working full time on the same project. It was nice to catch up with them socially and to see how everyone’s life is going. My first mentor taught me that you spend more time with your colleagues than your family (except during wfh times) and in a sense these people became my other family, especially when I was new here. They even showed me how the office coffee machines work!
Be kind. Stay safe.
14 December 2020, another hard lockdown has been announced, until 19 January 2021!
Shops will be closed except for non essentials, and a lot of public spaces will be closed.
I managed to get a few of the home things I needed to get by, but I think I’ll have to make do without the blackout curtains for another few months.
Luckily this time it’s different because I have a wonderful person in my life, and even luckier that he lives just a 10 min bike ride away,no more relying on public transport!
I feel so bad for the businesses that will suffer during this time. After being closed most of the summer, I guess they were hoping to make up for the losses during the Christmas holiday period.
We can only hope that it will make a positive difference in the health and safety of people and that one day soon this will all be a memory.
Be kind. Stay safe
Thanks to some of the best friends in the world, my stuff is mostly unpacked (aside from the things that need special attention, like clothes and hobby stuff, and while things are a bit chaotic, I can still enjoy the peace of my own space.
I had to stop by the Amsterdam place to pick up the TV and computer screens, with the help of another brilliant friend, because there was simply not enough space in the van to transport it safely.
After a cup of tea she also left and I was alone in my place for the first time. I love getting used to it, to the creaks in the floor and the sounds of the neighbourhood. It’s like making a new friend.
Be kind. Stay safe.
Moving day!
Finally the day has come where all my things are packed up in boxes and ready to move to my new home. It was more than a little stressful to think about where will the movers park, how will they get my things down the crazy Amsterdam stairs and safely into my new place. Plus the added matter of what to do if the van arrives before I do. This is a real possibility, because due to Corona I can’t travel with them, and public transport, though efficient, will still take longer…
Luckily Marinus stepped in to help, by calming me down, getting us (movers included) coffee and then setting off a bit earlier to meet them on arrival.
When I arrived, the van was already parked outside and my potplants in the windowsill!
Now everything is inside and the big unpacking will start!
Be kind. Stay safe.
Today I became a home owner.
After months of house hunting and planning where I want to stay, I am finally at the end of the road and will now be the proud owner of my very own home!
I have so much to be thankful for.
Be kind. Stay safe.
mcharlottesmith 