Its come to an end..

Well, today is officially the last day i will be with the family. Well i say that, but what i actually mean is its my last day as there aupair.

Ineke, Robbert and the children are all going to Denmark or Tuesday morning for just over 2 weeks, then when they return Melissa will be here to take over my role. So really i dont feeli like i am leaving them.

But even so! To mark the begining of a new era i will be starting a new blog, i am not sure on the address yet but when i know i will be sure to post a link!

p.s. Me, Ineke and Robbert went out for such a lovely meal last night but you shall have to wait as it will be the opening post to my new blog!

Holidays!!

OK, sorry about the huge blogging delay! Time just seems to have flown by!!

Because of this i will have to post a few blogs to update you on my shananigans!

Firstly : School Holidays

The kids started there holidays last week, Monday and Tuesday i had all three of them and Thursday and Friday just the boys (Caroline was locked in the basement)*.

OK - So Monday i cant for the life of me remember what we did, and suggestions?!

Tuesday we went to the Bal-lorig. We have been there before in the last holidays - its awesome. The kids love it, they run off, get up to mischief and play for rounghly 51/2 hours then return, exhausted and ready to go home!

I then speedied off to work, compeleted my shift and enjoyed my Wednesday off.

Thurday i took the boys to the cinema to see Shrek 3. It was fantastic. Now, im not a fan of the old Shrek films but this was a gooden.

Friday - stressful. Enough said. Me and Jack took the boys to the Ondekhoek. It was packed. The staff were useless and we stayed close to 5 hours. The day turned out well but it didnt look like a good start!

This week the kids have pony camp, galloping, trotting, skipping, jumping, you name it - they can do it.

*She was actually at her Grandma's house - you didnt actually think we would do that did you?!

I'm on contract!

Well, not entirely.

I went to my boss a while back to ask for a contract at O'sheas as i need one to rent an apartment.

Ill see what i can do , he said.

Saturday, i went into O'sheas equipted with my Sofi nummer and passport. A few minutesa fter handing it over Jonny (my boss) comes back to our table and asks for a chat with me.

Its blimin marvoulous isnt it. Some 'I've got nothing better to do with my time' customer felt the need to complain about me. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.

If that isnt enough the conversation then went as follows.

'well, Rachel, we have a few new people on trials this week and if they prove to be really good then we will have to re-assess the situation and see who stays and who goes'

So basically, my job is on the line for no reason clear to me. Fabulous.

I've been biten. Again.

Have you ever counted 32 mosquito bites on your body at any one time? No? Well stop telling me not to scratch them then.

I am so loving..

Jimmy Carr.

He is just too funny.

If you go to the youtube website and search for Jimmy Carr you will see what i mean (unless your English - then imm pretty sure you know who he is..)

However, do so at your own risk - if your easily offended.. please re think your decision. Quite a few times.

Its about time..

... i posted again.

This week, ive been sick. Not really really sick, just a little under the weather. Well, apart from yesterday when i woke up early in the morning, sweating like a pig in a blanket, shaking like a mad woman and feeling like the exploisive in my head was in 10 seconds to count down mode. And yet, i still had to work last night. Not to worry though, i lived to tell the tale.

Take Off

I went to watch the children i teach english too in there school musical Monday. Funny. I arrived at 7.25, show started at 7.30. Never mind worrying about sitting next to noisy children, worry more about the imature adult who insists on laughing, making funny noises and tickling his kids the whole way through. To be honest, im not really one to talk. I spent most of my time pulling faces at the kids on stage and laughing at the struggle to keep shtum. Take Off (the name of the musical - unless you were wondering) lasted only 1hr. There was then an interval for 15 minutes and the second half of the show began. Talent. Or lack of.. the first 2 girls on stage sang a song which was pretty good i guess.. then there was an accordian. Yes - you heard correctly. People actually play that thing. After that a lad went on stage to conduct a game hosted on de lamas. Basically, 4 people have to leave the room, the audience picks a person, a weapon and a crime scene. One by one the people come back in, each having to guess who commited the crime etc.. WELL, the person - Pamela Anderson. the weapon - Her boobies. the crime scene - McDonalds. You can imagine the cherades going on throughout this game. Hosted by 10 year old kids.

Mortens Birthday

Monday was Mortens birthday, you can read more about it on Inekes blog (sorry - link is on my side bar) We had such a nice morning with presents and stuff - and lots of delicious home made apple tart. At least i got the important bits in there!

Ok, well thats all for now chaps!

My Weekend..

Kralingsebos

On Saturday me and Jacky boy went off to Kralingsebos. For those of you who don't know, Kralingsebos is a lake. One huge lake.

Around the lake there are three restaraunts (well.. two and a pancake house..) Anyway.. two were on the right hand side of the lake.. and the other on the left.

The left looked closer.

So we headed left. The restaraunt was closed. But of course by this time we had to just keep walking to the next. This is Jack taking a little rest.

After about an hour we reached the restaraunt, which to be honest looked far nicer than the first one we saw.. sat down.. had lunch and went on our merry way.

Saturday evening i stayed at Jacks, of course, calling for chinese and settling down to watch 'Crocodile'

Wahoo!! I found my old template!

I promise i will find something more interesting to blog about soon!!

p.s. Im sorry for the lack of titles on my blog.. the mouse wont click on the title box.. any suggestions?!

So!! I've been tagged!

The Rules: "Each person posts the rules before their list, then they list 8 things about themselves. At the end of the post, that person tags and links to 8 other people and then visits those peoples' sites and comments letting them know that they have been tagged, and to come read the post, so they know what they have to do."

8 things is pretty tough when i have already posted 50 useless facts about me but ill give it a go..

1. This is my first ever tag. See.. that wasn't so hard.

2. I wrote a post a while back about 'Dave' from O'sheas. He read it. Nobody told me there is a link on the O'sheas website to my blog.

3. I dont have 8 people on my link list to tag. Going to have to find some randoms.

4. I would really love to design a fantastic template for my blog but really have no idea how.

5. I am a complete chocoholic. And proud.

6. I don't like it when people say 'wow! youve lost weight! You look so much better for it!' What they reall mean is.. 'Frig me! shes no longer the fat lump of lard she used to be'

7. (i'm starting to struggle now..) Oh! I am the tastiest bit of flesh you will ever have tried. The mosquitoes told me. I have counted 34 bites withing the last 2 1/2 days.

8. I love horror movies, roller coasters and anything that gets my adrenilin pumping. Whilst on the plane to America a few years back i was sat next to some huge guy putting in his contact lenses. To be honest i blame it on him. He should have known i was watching a horror movie.. the cusion in front of my eyes was the clue.. it really wasnt my fault when i jumped, knocked his elbow which consiquentially knocked his hand which poked his finger in his eye and sent his contact lence flying across the plane.

OK.. so thats the eight complete.. oh p.s. I never really was a huge fat lump of lard.. just a bit porky round the edges..

Now i guess i have to tag 8 other people.. slight problem.. i dont have 8 people to tag so im just gonna tage the one.. Ineke.. this should be good..

Temp.

This is just a temp template until i get a better one sorted.. i seem to have lost the old!

New Direction..

I have decided to take my blog in a new direction.. i havent quite decided what direction that will be yet but watch this space.

My template will be changing again shortly.

You see, i am leaving the family i work for in 4 weeks time. Another new begining. Well, not a new beginning as that would indicate a fresh start and i really dont feel like i need another fresh start as my old start was nothing but fabulous hahaha.. However, i will be working full time at O'sheas (fingers crossed..) I have a whole bunch of new friends, there just seems to be a few changes going on in my life at the moment, therefore i am going to change my blog to suit them!

Dont hold your breath though.. it could take a while!

Watch this space!

Another little rant..

OK, so i know ive been ranting a lot recently.. but i really have to say this.

I called an anti-kraak organisation this morning. To begin with i was put through to 4 or 5 differnet people. When i finally got to speak to somebody, this is what i was faced with.

'Hi, my names Rachel Cornford, i wondered if you could talk me through your anti-squat accomidations'

'PardON?' (Yes - ON is in capitals to put the emphasis where she did.'

I repeat the above line.. my names Rachel.. etc..

'Ik spreek nederlands' (said in a who the frig do you think you are to call this number sort of way.)

'OK, well could i speak to somebody that speaks English please?'

'Well, you didnt explain that you were English did you? you just went right ahead and spoke it'

So what may i ask was her little outburst all about?!?!


So now i am starting to get a little pissed at the way she is talking to me

'So you do speak English?'

'Yes i speak English'

'OK, well could you tell me about the anti squat accomidation you have please?'

'i have no idea what you are talking about - i think you have the wrong number'

At this point - if it was possible, i would have dived down the phone and put a stake through her heart. (OK, so maybe thats a little over dramatic..)

'No, i definatly have the right number, i was refered to you by a friend, i want information about the anti squat accomidation you have'

'We dont have anti squat accomidation, we get you to fill in the forms and put you on a waiting list'

Sorry - correct me if im wrong but has she not just completely contradicted what she said?

'Ok, well could you tell me how to go about it then please, where i get the forms etc..'

'Everything is on the internet - goodbye'

Everything may well be on the internet.

The internet is Dutch.

Seriously, some people are so rude.

Babys!

Jack has recently found out that his step mum is having another baby in June.. blimy.. if our families get any bigger we could fill a school..

I'm one of six and he will be one of four.. that nakes ten of us to those of you who are not quite sure.. not to mention his mother alone is one of ten children!!! yes you read correctly!!

Anti-Kraak

Anti-Kraak AKA Anti-Squat is an organisation that hires people to live in homes that will be demolished in a year or so. The idea of this programme is to preven squatters from taking over unused property.

Me and Jack are looking into being a part of this. There are several advantages, extremely low rent (100 euros a month!!) can be huge houses which would normally be 900+ a month etc etc..

The disadvantages are you could be kicked at with as little as 2 weeks notice. However, doesn't this make everything just a tad more exciting!!

Please let me know if you or anyone you know has experience with this sort of accomidation, it would really help us make our minds up!!

9 things that really niggle me.. (because i cant think of 10)

In no particular order..

1. People who don't blog in English.. ENGLISH IS THE INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE OF THE WORLD PEOPLE!!! however.. what annoys me more is people who dont blog in words at all.. just those stoopid little square things.. whats up with that?!?!
2. People who walk along the bike path.. The name gives it away guys.. BIKE path.
3. Remote controls with no batteries. How annoying to have to get out of bed every time you want to turn the channel.
4. Arrogance. Enough said.
5. People who dont practice what they preach, why tell someone to do something if your not willing to do it yourself.
6. My tongue. However, it is nearly ok now.
7. Rain. Have you noticed how the sun always shines when your inside and the rain always pours when your out?
8. Having to pay 3 months rent up front when renting a house/flat/apartment. Why exactly am i paying 750 euros to this woman for showing me around a house which i found on the internet?
9. Drivers who speak on there phones whilst driving, the law is there for a reason. I wouldnt mind so much if you were just risking your own life, but your risking the lives of others too.

Superiority

This is one thing that really gets on my wick.

As you well know i have been working at O'sheas for the last couple of weeks now, everything going pretty well - even if i do say so myself.

However, last night was my first all nighter there.

The evening started off a little crap really, i was feeling really tired, hungry and fed up with my piercing, matters not being helped by a rather arrogant member of staff, more about him later!

Anyway, so as the evening went on (very slowly to begin with i may just add) i started to cheer up a bit.

I love working there, i really do, but i cannot cope with being spoke down to. By anyone. It is rude, arrogant and unnecessary.

Lets call him Dave. For arguements sake.

Dave* is a guy who i work with. Same level. Same pay. Same authority.

Dave has an issue with superiority.

Well, of course, i told him this.

I personally see nothing wrong or offensive in what i said, i merely stated that i do not appreciate being spoken to the way in which he speaks to me. To which he replied (i quote) 'if i am not a bitch, you will never learn' well, this pushed me over. I cannot believe that he was consciously treating me the way he was, i at least half expected him to be oblivious to his rudeness, apologise and get on with his life. But oh no, Dave here actually knows that he is a bitch, takes pleasure from it and gets an authorities thrill from it!!

I just cant take it. I find it so hard to understand these people that make there way through life believing that they are more important than others. I can accept being given advise, or even critasism from someone who knows better than me, which of course he does, being there a longer period of time, but to purposly talk to me like something he has just stepped in, patronise me and make me feel smaller than a pint glass is really frustrating.

Anyway, he also added that he treats me no differently to any other member of staff here. I replied that my issue is not with how i think he singles me out but with the way in which he treats others around him. I then closed the case and left. I have to work with this arrogant plonker again tonight. Should be fun.

*name changed to protect person or persons involved.

Little bit of everything.. all roled into one.

• O'Sheas is going really well. I love the pub, the people and the atmosphere. I have met so many great people, both behind and at the bar. My hours vary depending on the week. This week i have to work Friday and Saturday nights, from 9PM until 6AM!! tough ha! considering i have to be up with the children at 7.45 in the morning!!! need a bit of thought on that one please!
• Jack got fired yesterday. Well, not exactly. Basically, everyone had an individual meeting with the manager yesterday. Jacks was going really well, starting of by congratulate him on how well he is doing. Leading to there next point of Jack not getting his promised pay rise untill September (Jack is earing a lower wage that every other person working there) Then continuing to say they are docking 40 euros from his pay packet as he forgot to put a spare rib (yes - a spare rib) in the fridge.. leading to Jack letting lose of a few 'rather rude' words and walking out. So, there you have it. House hunt on hold.
• I got my tongue pierced yesterday, (sorry Mum..), Anyone who says it doesnt hurt is a liar. I have seriously never been in so much pain and the piercing seemed to take forever!! I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon at 1 o clock and probably wont be able to for another day or so as i cant fit anything in my mouth besides my tongue!! Anyway, less about that, im sure i will love it when the healing process is over.. if it ever is.

Did you know....

OK.. so i have completely copied this idea from Ineke but i am pretty sure she wont hunt me down and eat me for breakfast.




So.. Did you know...

• Me and Jack went to a party in Utrecht last friday evening. It was soo good, there was about 60 people there, therefore very busy but it was nice to do something a bit different to what we usually do, plus i met a few new people which is always a bonus!!


• My Dad thought Utrecht was the name of a nightclub.


• I got the job at O'Sheas.. Wahoo.


• The electric went at Inekes a couple nights ago.. only in my room and her room. Convinient seen as they were the only two rooms that electric was actually needed.


• I found the upload disc for my MP3 player this morning.. allowing me to actually charge the bloody thing. Seriously, how much hassle has this little white cube cost me!!!


• Me and Jack are still in the process of looking for a flat. On Monday we should have 400 euros in our savings. We need 2100. Donations welcome.


• Mortens English is surprisingly brilliant. After our little translation session with Timo and Caroline, i think he felt rather proud of himself, boasting on the fact his English was better than theirs.


• My Dutch lessons are going well.. simple, but well..


• My Dutch teacher is trying to set me up on a TEFL course (i think thats right) to enable me to teach British English abroad.


• I have had so much to blog about over the last few weeks but havent had the enthusiasm to write anything worth writing. Hence the bullet points.

And last but not least....

• It is Inekes birthday on sunday.. she is going to be 41.. I think we are going to Hotel New York for breakfast on Sunday morning (However, i am not so sure i am still invited!!!)

OK.. so i haven't been blogging to much lately, i have got loads of exciting stuff going on in my life at the moment.. i just don't have the inspiration to write about it..

I had my job interview at O'sheas.. i have my trial tomorrow.

Me and Jack are still flat hunting.. not going to good.. we have found loads, but they are all available immediately.

We are going to a party tonight in Utrecht, should be good.

Think that's about it.. see.. i really am struggling to elaborate on my life!!

P.s....

Sorry about the lack of link list, i really have no idea how to add one to this new template.. here is Inekes blog link.

http://itaintmuchifitaintdutch.blogspot.com

Its worth reading. She can be rather amusing.

O'Sheas

Well, as you may well know, the time has almost come for me to leave Ineke, Robbert and the Children, rest assured i will be visiting on a regular basis (as Ineke so nicely put it 'at the end of the month when our wages have run low and the fridge is empty) Although this may well happen, i am pretty sure i will pop by more often!!

In exactly 8 weeks time me and Jack need to have at least found a flat, and possibly even move in.

However, to do this we need money, to have money we need a job. Bringing me to my title, O'Sheas. I have an interview at the Irish pub in Rotterdam on wednesday.

Wish me luck!

OK..

OK.. So i've managed to load this cute little template thing but i cant seem to edit the stuff on the side bar.. make sense?

Any suggestions?

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!

Please bare with me...

The Post Office

I opened a Dutch bank account 2.5 weeks ago.

Oh how i wish i never bothered.

After queing in the 'pick a number line and wait your turn' for half an hour i was told i needed to queue at the information desk. So after another half an hour i opened my account and was told a letter would arrive with 2 weeks for me to collect my bank card. Super.

So, one week and 6 days later i am in town. I therefore decide to pop into the post office on the off chance that my card will be waiting for me. So i queue again for half an hour at the information desk. I give the lovely gentleman my information.

'Yes madam, your card was made yesterday'

'oh great, can i have it then?'

'no'

'erm.. ok.. why?'

'You need to have recieved the letter to tell you your bank card has arrived'

'well.. i know my bank card has arrived.. you just told me it has..'

And so on.. the conversation continued.. ok.. so i go home. Sure enough the letter is waiting for me on the door step.

So.. i go back the next day, i queue for yet another half hour, speak to the same man, only to find out this is the wrong letter. This letter gives me information about my bank card, and sure enough i need the letter to explain to me that my bank card has arrived at the bank, just incase i dont already know.

Yes, you guessed it, i get home and the letter is waiting for me on the door step.. yes,, the right letter this time.

So i go back the next day. The bloke that served me before isnt working today, so after another long wait i speak to the other guy who informs me i have just queued for a rediculously long time at the wrong counter and could i please pick a number and wait in line.

(Why, may i ask did the other bloke not think to say, 'Oh by the way miss, when you finally do come to get your bank card, with the correct letter, you need to pick a number.' Would that have been so hard?!)

So i pick a number.. i wait in line.. I'm told i'm at the wrong bank.

End of story.

So much to say!

Well, since I blogged last, my mother has been to stay; It was so lovely to see her and spend some proper time just the two of us.

Mum's flight arrived Thursday afternoon (after a few minor problems about her trip to Rotterdam) she arrived safe and well.

We started her stay with a walk along the River/Canal/Pond like thing and went into town to visit Jack.

On the Friday me and Mum went for the 'nicest coffee you have ever tasted' coffee shop (of course a slice of cake was thrown in there for good measure), did a spot of shopping (mum bought me a lovely purple and white wrap around dress) and met Jack for lunch.

We went to the habour at Blaak for lunch (the same place we went for mine a Jack 1 yearer)

The Cube houses at Blaak, believe it or not they are actually flat inside..

On Saturday our plan was a three hour boat tour to see the windmills in Rotterdam, however, it was fully booked (that reminds me.. i must tell you about the post office system.. ill save that one for a post all of its own..) As it was a sold out tour we decided to hit the shops. Not that i am complaining of course! The Boat trip would have been really lovely as it is something i wouldnt normally do, however, i was in desperate need of some clothes. No longer!! I now have 2 new pairs of summer trousers and 4 new tops.

Sunday me, mum, Ineke and the children all went to the Dunya festival, you can read more about it on Inekes blog (sorry about the lack of link, not really sure how to do them, however her address is on my link list).

Dunya festival

Mum went home yesterday but her flight wasn't until later in the afternoon so we thought we would make the most of it and spend the day in Amsterdam. It rained. Well not all day. When we first arrived we went on an hours boat tour of the canals. I never realised Amsterdam was Venice II.

Me and Mum on the boat

After getting off the boat we decided to head towards the Anne Frank house and stop for food on the way. Well, lets say we got as far as food. And. It. Poured. Anyway, we sat to eat in a nice little pizzaria. It was dissapointing that the weather couldn't hold out for us but still, no point in mopping around. After some serious umberella buying we headed in the direction of Anne Frank (well, her house anyway) but changed our minds half way there because of the rain. Anyway, we ended up in a shopping mall, surprise, surprise. However, only a few minutes were spent here before realising the time and heading back to the station.

Mum cried. I cried. We said our goodbyes and the train left. Although it went very quickly, we still had a lovely time.

Now before mum left she gave me and Jack some money to do something nice with, so me and Jack headed for Madame Tusaudes. The pictures say it all.

Jack playing bongo's with the one and only Bob Marley

He just couldn't resist a grope..

And yet again.. he couldn't contain himself..

Soooo Daaan!!!

On this day, one year ago, the man of my dreams walked into my life.

OK, really, it wasnt that dramatic. But, yes, me and Jack have been together one year today.

To celebrate we are going out to an Italian restaraunt for lunch. Yum.

Shall maybe post some pictures later.

Bal-lorig anyone?

Last week the kids were on their school holidays, not that it affected me much as i was in England most of the week, but i did have them all to myself on Thursday and Friday.

Thursday we all went to the Ballorig, was sooo much fun.. as you can see from the pictures, a good round of Dungeons adn Dragons then took place!!

On Friday we went to the Cinema to watch Cinderella, well the Dutch one anyway.. and of course, our day couldn't end without a good helping hot Chocomel!!

These have to be my favourite pictures ever.......

..... do you see why!!

England!!

OK, so its been a while!! Since i have been back from England life has been a little hectic!! Arrived home wednesday evening, had the kids all day thursday and friday and have been at Jacks for the weekend. On top of that i am trying to find a college to register for in September, along with accomadation and money!!

Anyway, the point of this post is to show you some pictures from my trip to england. So here goes.

We arrived into Bristol on Wednesday morning, was picked up from the airport by Sophie and drove down to Devon. Of course, the first meal we had had to be typically English, Jack having an English fry up and me Bangers and Mash. Good ol' Weatherspoons.

Wednesday evening we went to eat with Jacks Dad and Stepmum (Have you noticed our holiday has been mainly focused around food so far?)

Jack with his younger brother, Gabriel

Thursday lunchtime I met up with Joanna, a good friend of mine in England for a girly lunch and gossip (this was before i bought my camera so have no piccis im afraid) I had a lovely peking duck wrap and smoothie (still.. food..). Thursday afternoon Jack visited his Dad whilst i spent some time with my Mum.

In the evening Mum and Val made me and Jack the most delicious BBQ along with pasta salad, marinaded onion and home made BBQ sauce.. hmm..

Friday AKA my Birthday. Friday morning we went to Carlinos, a newly opened cafe/restauraunt in town for a coffee. After this i went to buy my rather lushus camera. I would show youa picture, but kinda hard to take a picture of a camera, have you ever tried? ANYWAY. Friday evening me and Jack went for a meal at the Hare and Hounds, where we used to work and met some friends for a drink afterwards.

Me and Jack before we went out

Us in The Hare and Hounds

Jess and Gemma, friends of ours

Jack with his Dad and Uncle

A friend of mine, Wendy and myself

On the Saturday afternoon me and Jack were taken to the train station by my Mum and Val, to catch out train to Reading.

Jack, Me and Mum

Mum, Me and Val

The day after we arrived in Reading my Auntie Lesley came to visit with my cousin Emma. As i havent seen her for over a year this was a lovely surprise!!!

Jack and Emma

We then continued our holiday in bedford with my Dad, Jodi and Brothers and Sisters. Heres a couple of pics of our last few days.

My Father

Me and My Sister, Connie


My Brother, Patrick


The End of our Holiday

Just a quickie!!

Just to let you all know that i am still alive and well, am visiting England at the moment so will update you when you when i return!!!

My Dutch Birthday!!

Well, my day began with a spot of present opening!! I really wasn't expecting this as we already had a wonderful day planned to celebrate my birthday but still! whos complaining!! Ineke, Robbert and the children bought me some amazingly comfortable and lushus flip flop, my hunt for them failed so Ineke helped me out!! Along with a box of Celebrations and of course.. after eights!! Ineke either forgot, or liked the idea that they make me incredibly hyper!! Anyway! who needs alcohol!! I was then handed a light silver bag. Incase i hadn't already recieved enough i then opened a gift voucher to get my hair done and a salon in the centre!! I'm thinking of maybe going blond.. Like Golden, not Bleach.

Ineke and I then began our City Safari. In the mail you recieve a list of three destinations and times in which to be there.

Our first was to visit a Morrocan Lady who served us a lunch of bean soup and filled pittas. Whilst eating we sat in a special room lined with special sofas with a special table in the middle with special pictures on the walls. It was a religious room. Thats the word.

Our second stop was visit a lady who would reveal our inner most secrets. And thats exactly what she did.

Last but not least we visited a modernised Mosque!! After thinking we would be shown around by some tall guy with a beard and hat we were surprised to see a young beardless guy in trackies!! He showed us everything, from the prayer room to the toilets! Although this bit was hard for me to understand as the Dutch spoken was on a topic i was not familiar with, the translated information was very interesting!!

After having such a lovely day Ineke and Robbert took me to Hotel New York for a meal with the children. After starting the evening with a glass of champaign next to the river I ate a mushroom ravioli with a truffle sauce accompanied by a baguette and crouton salad whilst Ineke and Robbert shared a mixed fish platter with everything from prawns to snails, lobster to oyesters and many many more paculiar species. Yes people. It has to be said. I ate a snail. Well half. And i more of swallowed it like a tablet than physically ate it.

I really did have such a wonderful birthday, it couldn't have been better.

CHEERS!!

Full Stop.

Click Link.

Sign Petition.

Live happily ever after


Online petition - KEEP NEIGHBOURS ON THE BBC

Compliment?

One of my English students told me I sound like Lilly Allen.


As much as I like her music I am quite happy to sound nothing like her when I speak.

Guess this takes us back to the whole am I posh? Post.

Actually, i really dont care, and you shouldnt either.

The way we speak is part of who we are. If you would like to think me posh, go ahead. Likewise, if you would like to think of me as some common english bird, you are more than welcome to do so.. buyt I may put up a fight on that one..

Just a little slide show..

Things that really nark me..

People walking along the bike lane... Can you not see theres a path right next to it? If it wasn't for the huge possibility of falling off my bike i would bash there ankels.

Leering men... Sleeze balls.

Running out of shampoo... Remind me check next time before I soak my hair.

Having no change for the strippen card machine... Seriously now.. make a note slot please.

Watching half a film... To find the other half has been scratched.

People who wear sandles with there toes hanging over the end... Your gross.. either buy bigger shoes or tell your feet to stop growing.

To be continued..

My Reading list since February

Man and Boy by Tony Parsons

The Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Wid Swans by Jung Chang


The Shining by Stephen King

Wives and Lovers by Jane Elizabeth Varley

Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult

Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult

P.s. i wrote this post purely out of boredom

The drama of the MP3

OK, so I have finally ordered, recieved and managed to work my MP3 player.

Let me explain.

Last night me and Ineke sat down to order my beloved MP3 player, super duper fantastic. The order has gone through.. or so we thought. Ineke then rang the help desk who informed us that the supposedly next day delivery wont actually happen therefore i have the option of collecting it from the shop or waiting for its delivery. What he failed to mention was that actually i couldnt collect it from the shop as my delivery will come from a different location. However, after the 40 minute journey to the shop the bloke said he was able to cancel mny order, refund the money to the card and start again. So, i did come home with the MP3, after paying twice.

Aftre arriving home, me and Robbert successfully uploaded the required software, plugged in the usb cable to find it didnt work. I tried everything. I called the help desk 3 times, reset the player, downloaded some other stuff from the website and tried again. Failed and went back to the shop.

After the bloke behind the counter had finished uploading the software to his computer he enlightened me that actually it is working for him therefore it is my computer not the player..

I then went home, tried everything i could think of, to finbd the installation disk had been left at the shop.. Fan bloody tastic.

Back to the shop i go..

Arrived home safely and have managed to get my mp3 player to work on Inekes laptop.

MP3 is now charged. Songs are on other computer. Lovely.

MP3 Player. No music.

Bit of a Bummer!

Please excuse the punned title!

Let me set the scene for you..

It is a beautiful day in the Heart of Rotterdam.

A young lady, feeling rather summery dressed in a 3/4 length white skirt, top and white jacket mounts her bike to share lunch with her boyfriend.

Whilst on her journey she encounters a problem.

After trying to pull her skirt up at the back she realises her butt is exposed to the world. Yes. The zip has infact broken. Still clipped at the top but leaving a rather revealing naked strip down the middle of her arse.

In this poor girls state of shock she cycles in to the curb, almost toppling over, gains her balance (butt cheeks still on full display) stands up and immediatly backs against the nearest wall. After a few seconds of bright red cheeks (HaHa, which cheeks?) and intence laughter a 50 something gentleman asks me (sorry.. the young lady involved..) what is wrong and if there is anything he can do to help. The situation is then explained followed by the 'do you happen to have a safety pin' question. After this kind gentlemans rummage through his van he continues his search in the long row of offices she has backed up against.

After a long wait the gentleman re-appears with a paper clip. A paper clip I tell you!! What the frig was she suppose to do with a paper clip!!

Anyway, so the lovely young lady tries out this over sized paper clip, only to get it caught in her underwear at which point the kind man offers to help her untangle it!!!! Well!!!

After disconnecting the paper clip from her underwear she continues on her journey to meet her boyfriend (who may i add found the whole situation rather ammusing.)

They then went to his place of work to sort the problem. Unsuccessfully.

After much diliberation the young lady decides to just tie her jacket around her waste and have a look around the town.

Just when she thought it was over, her flip flop broke.

Leaving this poor individual to walk around exposing not only her butt to the world but also her bare feet..

The agonising, bare-footed walk back to her boyfriends work was topped by the wedge of glass dug deep into the heel of her foot. Once removed she continued her journey (cycling home bare-footed, needless to say) to arrive safely at her place of rest.

Yes, incase you were wondering, I am the young lady in the story.

These things can only happen to me.

Window Cleaners

Just a thought..

I wonder how many people they have caught in the act?

Easter

In Holland we have two easter days. Strange I know. As expected Jack had to work both of them. On the bright side this meant he had Saturday off, first time for everything.

Our weekend started with a trip into Ridderkerk on the back of a bike. Well, me on the back and Jack riding it. After a hunt for some super-stylish but also bug-like sunglasses we stopped for lunch. For those of you who know me, especially my mother and Jack know i have a tendancy to strop about things that aren't important. Such as the stoopid woman in the new Bread&Butter cafe in town who gave me crappy bread with my lunch.

Now, what annoyed me about this was as i was reading the menu i asked Jack if you can chose which bread you would like, he said he was not sure but he would ask, went up to the counter, ordered our food and came back. So, why may i ask did he order a fantastic crusty roll with his and i got some funny little fluffy thing???? Was not ammused. Got quite stroppy. We had a little lovers tiff. Then realised we were having quite an intence arguement about a bread roll. Laughed. And ate.

So that was that.

We then went to the new Ice Cream parlour next door, three scoops each please, white chocolate, tiramasu and cookie dough for me please and cherry, pineapple and some other flavour that i fail to recall for Jack. Super.

Straight after this (OK so maybe not the most magnificent idea) we went to the funfair. Couple of topsy turvy rides a complaint of slight sickness for Jack and a bike ride home.

Saturday night Jack went out for a poker evening with his friends leaving me engrosed with the film Twister and The Mummy Returns.

Bringing us to Sunday.

Waking up bright an early me and Jack left for Rotterdam, him to work and me to Ineke's.

Ineke's family came over, her sister with her husband and 4 children, her mother, two aunties and cousin, along with me, ineke, Robbert and the 3 children bringing it to a grand total of 16. Thankfully the weather was beautiful so we ate delicious pizza curtousy of Robbert, sat in the garden and tanned ourselves.

Sunday evening i went to Coconuts to meet Jack. Now, Jacks mother gave me a lovely dress, black and white, long sleeves, short skirt. I would say it is a classy dress, not slutty. Unless you wear it to ride a bike. Which, of course i did. I have to say, I am pleased Ineke wasnt about to snap a pic of this one!!!

Altogether i had a really lovely easter weekend.

Monday Monday..

OK, so although i am still not 100% sure why Mondays where invented, mine seem to be getting better. I woke up around 7.30, was a huge struggle but the thought of being able to make it back to my bed within the hour was satisfying enough to get me up in the first place. Went downstairs, sorted lunches and breakfast and off i went back up to bed. Infact, i slept until 12.30. A very welcomed sleep.

After getting up, making myself look at least half presentable, doing a wash load and conquering a few shirts that needed to be ironed i left the house to get the kids from school.

Now, as i have told you before, Mondays are Judo days. So after the usual routine of getting home from the school, going through the whole 'mag ik televisie kijken' 'nee! het weer is heel leuk! buiten spele!!' (ok so my Dutch isnt all that good, i am pretty sure i am going to be corrected on that one..) eventually giving in and letting them watch tele for a few minutes whilst i get the bikes out of the shed.. only to find Timo's is missing.. bugger its still at the school from Friday.. OK, its only 3.20, we have five minutes before we have to leave..

'schoenen en jas aan alsjeblieft!!' so we ran over to the school, Caroline trapsing behind, grab the bike, run back, load the buggy to the back of my bike and off we go to Judo.

So that was that, how fantastic.

Anyway, Monday evening i went over to the office to do some cleaning, to break up the evening i had a visitor, 5 infact. 5 14 year old boys. One of which had dropped a top off the balcony upstairs and wanted it back from the office garden (the cat has just done a really smelly poo in the litter behind me.. blimey it stinks!) anyway, once these kids find out i am English, they obviously want to stay and chat,

'can we come and watch you work'

'No'

'do you fancy my friend? he wants you to be his girlfriend'

'sorry, i think you may be a little young'

'i may be young but my **** is mature for my age..'

'at which point i say my goodbyes and close the door'

Bought a little amusement to my evening anyway!!

Once the office was all spangly clean i went to Coconuts, yes, at about half past 8, jack didnt finish until 11.30, leaving me in the company of jerome, nermin and the security guy. Was a very funny evening, and they laughed at my blimin hilarious joke that nobody else found funny. i would enlighten you on it but its in Dutch and doesnt make sence if translated to English, sorry guys.

So, that was my monday, fantabulostic.

Lets spice things up

So, i thought i would spice my blog up a little with a few photies.

Lets start with this one.. Haven't a clue what possesed Caroline to pull this face, shall try and convince her not to do it again!! Wonder who she gets it from.. Ineke or Robbert?

Morten and Timo getting kitted out for a a rather intense Roller blading lesson..

..and Robbert giving it his all!!

Morten trying to mimic Dad and Timo looking on with a somewhat disgruntled face..

After a hard day on the road Caroline settled down for a fair portion of Kiwi, beautifully modelling the hat I slogged away to make her.

Just realxing after a dinner, here you see Morten fabulous crown also!