Life on the go

'Mainstreet'

2012-01-22T05:33:00.000-06:00

You know these days when you wake up with a tune in your head? For no particular reason?

Today I woke up with the melody of Bob Seger's 'Mainstreet' in my head, the guitar solo so clear. I found it on YouTube and listened to it. Again and again...

"I remember standing on the corner at midnight
Trying to get my courage up
There was this long lovely dancer in a little club downtown
I loved to watch her do her stuff...'

I don't normally pay attention to song's lyrics, for me it's all about the music. But how surprisingly matching the words were to the confident guitar solo, the soothing beat of the song...and how hard I've been trying to get my courage up lately.

I love moments like this, when a few things will line up and synchronize - mood, music, words...
It feels blissfully perfect! And it gets my courage up!

Which tune did YOU wake up to?
How do you get YOUR courage up?
Take a moment and share a story...

And to get you in the mood, here is Mainstreet...

A Real Thanksgiving - finally!

2011-12-07T15:09:00.002-06:00

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but having lived in the US for a while and being a US citizen now...I couldn't help it but learn to appreciate Thanksgiving. It comes with less stress than Christmas - no presents, no cards to mail, but it is an equally lovely holiday to get together with family and friends, and simply sit back and relax... with plenty of food on the table, of course!
After 3 years abroad (with relation to the US) and no, the turkey nuggets at the Reading Movie Theater do not count as real turkey, I was already craving a real turkey meal for Thanksgiving and that's how it all started.
Steph, my Canadian friend and a passionate cook, and I started planing a cozy Thanksgiving dinner for 6, or 8, or 10 people ... at most. But one thing led to another and before we knew it we had a list of 20+ guests...Thanks to Pete and Ginger, an American couple with special 'connections', a day trip in the countryside secured a 21.45lb turkey and half that weight chunk of ham! Way to go!
For those of you who know me...I am not a great cook...nor am I keen on waking up early, especially on the weekend...but on that choosen Saturday, in the name of Friendship and Good times, I got up at 6:30am to heat the oven and start baking the turkey!
I went back to bed with the alarm set for an hour later, but the anticipation of having a real Thanksgiving bash and friends around kept me up. The rest is history! See the photos...
The Turkey cooked perfectly! Everyone brought some food, so we had tons of side dishes and deserts! And drinks! And happy people :)
And a Real Thanksgiving - Finally!

Beer Tasting Party - Reloaded

2011-12-07T14:00:00.002-06:00

Beer Tasting Party 2010 (The Original) took place in October 2010.
Because of its success and attendees' interest the Beer Tasting Party returned! :)
But what is a Beer Tasting Party?
In a nutshell - everybody brings 3-5 beers - as exotic and rare as possible! Then we try and enjoy the variety of 'liquid gold'!
For the full story...click HERE

This year's facts:

Beers emptied : 116
Smallest beer : 250ml
Biggest beer : 2 liters
Lightest beer : 3.5%
Strongest beer : 11.3%
Attendees : 26 people and 2 toddlers (the little ones did NOT drink!)
Average beer intake : 4.46

Beer came in glass bottles, cans and one plastic bottle.
The list of names is long, but worth mentioning 'Tasty Lady' and 'Iki' :)
There was beer from Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaia, Greece, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Jamaica, The Netherlands (rather large variety!) and...of course, BELGIUM!
Special guest was Bart Van Kuik's Home Made Brew! Tasted by many and liked by all! :)

Goof up: 1) A beer from last year's party was kept in my fridge - sentimental value (Praght's Extra Stout). Well, it was not spared :) Pieter claimed it tasted well! O'right then! As long as ambulance is not needed ;-)
2) Poor Birsen traveled to Brussels for her beer contribution...only to find out she has to be in Paris on the night of fun and beer ;-)

Cheating: Quite a lot of cheating happened this year...4 bottles of wine, 1 Bacardi Black, 1 Bombay Gin...but the Liquid Gold Gods are forgiving :)

Closing line:
Dear friends, thank you all so very much for joining the party with genuine enthusiasm, specially selected beers and the perfect attitude for a good time! It was a night to remember and it will be remembered! :)

Photos: Click HERE

See you in 2012!
Cheers!

Making friends...yet again

2011-10-09T17:50:00.001-05:00

( This post is dedicated to Fleur who gently reminds me it's time for another post )

No matter the reason...you've recently moved. You've moved to a different city, state, country or continent. You've settled more or less now and as much as you enjoy your own company...you start feeling like you want to have near by friends to do fun things with, spend time with, have a drink, share a hobby.
But how do you make friends...yet again?
Where do you look for the people you would have things in common with?
How do you approach them?

I started writing this post some time ago, from an expat's point of view.
But recently my cousin changed her job and the city she lives in, staying in the same country she grew up in, and a few months later she asked me: 'I start to feel lonely in my new city. You always have so many friends. How do you find them?'
So, it's not just the expats... :)
Truth to be told, I do have many friends.
It's a dream come true, as when I was a child I was very shy and I was often avoided in school.
Now I treasure my acquaintances and friends!
They are my quintessential survival tool as an expat!
They make the world smaller and cozier.

So, here is what I can share 'dissecting' my Face Book Friend's list...and, of course, I have more friends than that :)

About 1/4 of them are former/current colleagues who have become friends of mine.
Another 1/4 are people I met through friends. Friends of friends is the easiest way! But what if you are the new kid on the block?
I hope you find this useful -
I have made 16 friends on Couch Surfing (hosting, surfing, CS events),
15 friends at MeetUp (and similar) events, 12 at Language classes, and 10 while traveling.

CouchSurfing, MeetUp and Language gatherings are best for expats and especially if you are not exactly an extrovert and outgoing person! You could surf with or host people who are similar to you, or attend local CS event to meet the city gang.
MeetUp groups could be dedicated to a hobby, particular sport, food... you name it! And if there is no group in your city, you could start one!
Language classes - not only learn the language of your choice, but meet people with interest in the same culture, or if you are already expat ... meet other expats.
Travel - this is my specialty! I like to chat up people while traveling and before you know it - you have a friend - in a pub, on the plane, in the dorm, on a boat ride...

The rest of my friends are a colorful mix of college-mates, relatives, people I met at community events, etc. The key is - get out, get exposed...you won't make friends by staying home. Unless of course you throw a party and you ask your friends to bring along someone :)
I recently saw a guy in the park - he chatted up a girl, they were both reading books, 2 meters apart...a simple conversation about the weather, origins, travel was followed by exchange of phone numbers.

Some less usual ways of meeting people and making some of my best friends - the guy who's toddler spilled milk on me waiting for my flight, the lady I rented a room from, the nurse in the dermatologist office, my realtor, a couple of on-line dates, the best friend of an ex-BF, the GF of the guy I had a crush on, and a 'one night stand' who somehow turned into a great friend for many years now :)

All it takes is an open mind, a smile and a simple 'Hello!'
At times you would have to repeat it. It takes some patience and a chance to find the people to click with. But it's worth it! I think I have been lucky many times...but then again, I am always open to a new friend and that favors the odds.

Here are some useful links:
www.MeetUp.com - global site for local gatherings
www.CouchSurfing.org - global site for travel-lovers
www.InterNations.org - global site for expats and locals networking events

If you are in the Netherlands, try:
http://www.britsoc.nl
http://www.iamexpat.nl
http://www.insego.com

Good luck! :)

Map of my FB friends

Steve Jobs, Thank you!

2011-10-06T03:50:00.002-05:00

Exactly two days ago, on 4th October, a friend and I exchanged these comments on FB:

‎Friend:'3 apples changed the world, 1st one seduced Eve, 2nd fell on Newton and the 3rd was offered to the world half bitten by Steve Jobs'
Me:'Was Steve Jobs also naked when he bit the apple?'
Friend:'good question, let me know the ph number, i'll call him to ask :P'
Me:'http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Steve_jobs_phone_number'
Friend:'steve jobs made a good point, was newton naked as well!! now i am not calling him to ask this'
Me: :)

It was fun!
But it also reminded me of Steve Job's Stanford Commencement Speech, which another friend shared with me years ago. It is a profound speech, and I have listened to it again and again when life gets rough... I thought - not only is he a technological and creative genius, but he is also a very genuine and wise man, brave to share his personal story.

Connecting the dots...
Love and Loss...
Death...

For these who don't know me, I have been having an year from hell - within a month I lost the man I love, my job, and my home. And I'm living on my own abroad, in a country who's language I don't speak. So yesterday, 5th Octover, I watched Steve's speech again to find hope, because after all ... I am alive and I am a fighter... I even wrote down his words, they are so inspirational!

In a moment of admiration I visited the Apple website, looked at his photo (the one in this post) and I thought... Thank you, Steve!

Little did I know that on that same day his life will end...
I'm shaking my head in disbelieve, yet life is like that.

I won't rant about the greatness of Apple and their products. This post is about Steve!

I will miss this great man, but I won't forget his words!

And I will live by them...
Thank you, Steve!

PS. Thank you Soham, Arzu, Alex and Erik, for many things...

One amazing weekend!

2011-06-26T18:12:00.001-05:00

I have to! I have to recap this w/end. Because it was an amazing one!
It was so colorful and diverse - in terms of weather, cities, things I did, emotions I felt, but most importantly - the people I was surrounded by, literally and virtually! And in hindsight, I loved every moment of it!
The weather - nice and warm when I left Utrecht, rather chilly Friday night in Groningen, quite rainy Saturday, and lovely sunshine on Sunday - everywhere I went.
The cities - Zwolle, Groningen, Amsterdam and Utrecht.
The events:
- Super awesome Swingin Groningen Jazz and Soul Festival - with Benny Golson, Candy Dulfer, Kraak & Smaak, Billy Cobham quartet, which lead to a MeetUp / CouchSurfing gatherings and drinks with Mannus, Muhsin, Indiana, Koos, Mike, Anna and Erik. I loooved the Benny Golson performance! Reminded me of the great times in Chicago, and further back in time - learning about jazz with my boyfriend Alex and my friend Ivo, and even further back - listening to jazz for first time as a child on a short wave radio with my Dad. Sweet! I also enjoyed the more dancing jazz and soul tunes.
- A stroll through Groningen in the rain, with Mannus - including discovering a quaint square by the University, an eclectic photo exhibit, a lovely garden, a backgammon game (I won!)
- A delicious Dim Sum brunch with Ray in Amsterdam which turned into a leisurely stroll along canals, across bridges...sneaking bravely into the Grand Hotel to check the Marriage Chamber - ignore the name, it's an amazing hidden art-deco gem!!! Also played the piano in the hallway! Yes! Popped in a great chocolate shop (you knew I love chocolate, right?), the ever so inspirational RoB shop, De Jaren for drinks...did I miss anything? Oh, I laughed a lot!
- Going away dinner with the Fantastic Four (well, Five now) - Vero, Paul, Isabel, Mette and Markus. A bit sad to see some friends moving away, but good to know one has good friends!
- Phone call with a dear friend of mine - loved to hear her laugh!
- Skype chat with my parents - poor they! Had not called them in a while! Guilty! :)
- A group Reiki energy exchange - with people from UK, Ireland, Russia, the Netheralands, US and Germany. I am so at peace now!

Excerpts of a random conversation:
'How long were you with your last boyfriend?'
'I don't measure relationships in terms of time, but in terms of intensity.'
'So how intense was it?'
'It made my every body cell alive!'

'How far do you usually travel for work?'
'These days distances are measured not in kilometers, but in hours...so 1-2 hours.'
'And how long would you travel to meet a girl?'
'As far as it would make me happy.'

Today I woke up with a sense of sweetness from life - for first time in a couple of months. I smiled and smiled and smiled! Until it hurt, and then I smiled some more!

I found My Happy Place ...again!

1 Pomodoro, 2 Pomodoros, 3 Pomodoros

2011-06-16T04:56:00.000-05:00

A few years ago I bought a simple digital alarm clock from IKEA. I managed to set it without reading the instruction booklet. So far so good. Shortly after that I started hearing beeping sounds, but as they were single beeps and not too loud, I could not figure out where there were coming from. Finally, on a weekend, after a few hours on the sofa reading a book, I had an Eureca! moment - my clock was beeping once every hour. At first it felt annoying, but soon I realized it was a good reminder of time passing by, especially when I was doing something very lazy and slowly (while actually it could have been done much faster).

Last year a friend mentioned Pomodoro to me. It is based on the same idea, but it's much better!!! Why?
Because you can set the timer to 25min, 45min...anything you like, or anything suitable to the kind of tasks you do.
Because after '1 Pomodoro' (the length of time you work), you have to take a break of a few minutes (also timed!). It is important to take the break!
Because during the Pomodoro time you are not allowed to answer the phone, have a snack, or get distracted, which maintains your focus and makes you more productive.

You may be like me at first and already think that the Pomodoro technique is too simple, or too annoying, or too...whatever, but once I tried it I was sold on it! And I wish I had started using it sooner. Because it really works and improves time management.

This blog was written in one Pomodoro of 30 minutes. Now I'll have my well deserved break. And you....go download the Pomodoro timer and let me know how it works for you :)

PS. Thanks go to E. Pragt for introducing me to Pomodoro.

Who said dreams don't come true ... literary!

2011-04-20T07:28:00.006-05:00

A few years ago, in a dream I had, I was talking to a friend, holding old black&white photos in my hand. As I placed the photos on the table to show her, something unexpected happened - every photo played the last few moments of time before the picture was taken, as if in a movie, and then it would stop and be a still shot. The most vivid one was of a woman's face turning away and towards the camera, playing coy, laughing, the wind blowing through her hair. I woke up, but the dream was so vivid, that I could not wait to tell a couple of friends about it. I even came up with the idea of exhibiting my still photos on-line and attaching a suitable music peace to each. We all agreed it was a cool dream, an interesting idea, but that's how far we got.

Imagine my reaction today to a link a friend posted on FaceBook: Jamie Beck' and Kevin Burg's animated GIFs portfolio is sooooo close to what I saw in my dream (sound still missing!). Especially the photos of the girls with wind in their hair...

Steping aside from my dream, I must say - Good job, Jamie and Kevin!!!

Some of the photos touch me in yet anoher way. Remember the last time you felt blisfully happy...when everything is nearly perfect, and you don't want this moment to go away, when you want to freeze time and stay there, for ever!...but a little movement, like a flickering candle flame, or a passing by taxi, remain in motion to remind you that you are still alive?... Jamie's photos remind me of these beautiful times...

What I wanted to say is ... dreams do come true (literary!) and the most amazing moments of our lives will be kept in our memories as long as we cherish them with our hearts. As for beauty..."Things are pretty, graceful, rich, elegant, handsome, but, until they speak to the imagination, not yet beautiful" (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

Facing big decisions

2011-03-03T10:50:00.001-06:00

"Don't worry, Mother! If the marriage doesn't work I can always get a divorce!" OK, I didn't say it quite like that, but it was close - I had just phoned my Mom to inform her of my decision to get married with my boyfriend from 4 years to which she replied "Are you sure this is the man you want to spend the rest of your life with?"

I loved him. And I loved him a lot. But I was becoming resentful at the way he didn't appreciate what we had, for not showing emotional support, for keeping some distance and not trusting me completely. It hurt me to find out that instead of talking openly with me, he called my parents and told them I don't care about him anymore. It was rather the oposite - I cared about him, but we could not see eye to eye. I was trying hard to succeed with my job (first job abroad after college), while he had just closed his business back home and was currently unemployed (for about 9 months) It was tough! I didn't know what exactly to do, but I knew I didn't like the current state of my life. Before too long, a friend asked me one day - 'So, are you guys getting a divorce?' My immediate reaction was 'Of course not!', but then I realized I'm short on breath and I felt dizzy. A second later added 'But I guess that's where we are heading...'. I hanged up as soon as possible. I had to think - was I really going to get a divorce? Was it happening to me? For real?

Some decisions in life will always be tough and painful - like breaking up with someone you love, deciding to get a divorce, or deciding to divorce second time. Some may not be easy, but won't be so emotionally taxing, like selling your first home or car. But often even positive events - moving to another city or country for that dream job, buying a house with your long term partner, having a baby - they put us to the limits of our comfort zone. Clearly a chain of events - could be short or long, is leading us to that point of making a decision, but the moment of facing the big decision...that's when I freese! And I'm sure many of you too.

I've tried diferent approaches. I'd pretend all is ok until one day I start loosing my sleep - my worries win. Or I will go wild - parties, alcohol, friends, random dates. Then I'll sit down with the legal yellow pad and counts pros and cons. Or go sit on a beach and listen to the waves until a solution emerges in my mind. And at times I will simply cry for hours. Ironically, they say that there are no signs on the most important crossroads in life. Not even your closest friends could know what's best for you.

Here is what I have learned in my life so far (and remind me to read my own blog next time I hit a speedbump!):
- Face the big decisions with respect to yourself and to others that might be involved.
- There is no need to wait for the situation to get as bas as possible before taking a step towards improving it.
- If the situation I find myself into is worse than the average level of happiness I experience in my life - something needs my attention.
- No matter how big the decision - most are reversible!
- Some decisions are scary because of how much money is involved in them - ask yourself if money is what you live your life for.
- Many times the goal behind a decision is much easier to reach than you think - be courageus, go for it! Trust yourself!
- Every decision, even the best one, is a result of your life experience up to now. Tomorrow you would have lived longer, know more and the decision might not seem as perfect, but it is still a good decision for right now.
- I could seek advice, I could listen to a shrink, but ultimately I make a decision myself, because I am the one to live with the outcome.
- At times a little patience helps to see the forest (or the trees).
- Often I have to let go of a little to gain a lot.

A few big decisions I've made over the years:
- Moving from Cleveland to Chicago - not many know this fact, but my first eight days in the States I lived in Cleveland,OH with my uncle. Don't get me wrong, I love him dearly, but it was not the life I was looking for. So with only $165 I moved to Chicago, staying with friends for while, learning the language and falling in love with the Windy City...before I got my first job and moved to Arizona.
- Divorcing my first husband while I still loved him - being civil when parting is so important. Till this day, although not often, we can still talk like grown ups and even share a joke.
- Leaving my easy job in Illinois and getting a challenging one in Madison, WI - I loved the city, I loved my friends there, I loved the job I had! Great time!
- Leaving my well paid job in UK and moving to the Netherlands for half the money, having so much fun! Even falling in love!!!

You see, in my books a life with no regrets is life well lived! And if not now...when?!! And facing big decision is part of it.
I'll leave you with something you probably have read already, but Mark Twain said it so well:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover"

PS. The image I used in this post is Roy Lichtenstein's work, but the words I photoshoped. I simply couldn't find his other painting which had the comment on divorce. Appologies! And if anyone has Roy's painting with the mother and the daugther, pls, let me know. I'll be happy to put the propper one up.

Train poetry

2011-03-02T17:03:00.001-06:00

The window of the train was dirty
The dirt stood in between
I couldn't see at all... if you were in

Standing there on the platform,
frozen with a choice to make -
turn back and depart... or wave at you

At last I raised my hand
a little insecure fingers
and waved good bye... just like before

No matter if behind the window
you waited, smiled and waved at me
or simply found a seat... and sat

Looking at it through my heart
it didn't matter what you did -
my wave said nothing's changed... for me

20.Feb.2011

Lessons learned from the IFFR at 80km/h winds

2011-02-06T15:09:00.001-06:00

IFFR stands for International Film Festival Rotterdam. This is the Dutch version of the Madison's Wisconsin Film Festival. Movies from all around the world are shown for a week in various cinemas and it's a buzz event in Rotterdam. This year, for the first time, they had additional showings in Groningen too. On Saturday I went to see a couple of movies in Rotterdam with a CouchSurfer friend of mine.

The first movie we saw was The Eighth - it was advertised as a 'Bulgarian Western'. Having lived in Bulgaria for my first 26 year, I would not call it an 'western'. It was the typical 'partisan' movie from my teen years - the 'good' guys(the communist partisans), the 'bad' guys (the fascists), one minute long love story, and a lot of shooting followed by the good guy's victory. Seeing this movie in my late thirties, after living in US, UK and now the Netherlands, made me sad - we grew up so brain-washed, with a sickening sense for guilt and drama. Who needed it? Who was it good for? Why did we believe it? Questions I don't plan to answer here... but now I know better why I am the way I am...self-criticism and drama were big in the time of totaliarinism...and they still linger in my life! Well, time to change!!!

The second movie - Le trésor des îles chiennes. A Frech production. Well...we left mid-way through the showing. Enough said! One black and white movie was enough for the day! And not another depressing pointless plot - hunger for money, people manipulation...Eeeuw! With monotonic music boring into your brain to the point you want to scream! WTF! Who would enjoy that???

Lesson 1 learned - pick carefully the movies you are about to see (AND PAY FOR!!!)

The rest of the day was luckily a lovely time! My Rotterdam host gave me a very nice walking tour, and intro into Rotterdam's story and history, incorporating my favorite Erasmusen bridge, a few interesting monuments, a great Italian restaurant and a cozy bar when we chatted for a long time.
Thanks Erwin!
The 80km/h gales of wind did not stop us, they were strong, but warm and gentle too. I actually liked them being playful, messing my hair, blowing up my (rather short) dress, and blowing far and away the disturbing thoughts the movies brought up.

Lesson 2 learned - pick carefully your company!

Finally, to tell you the truth, I had already seen a couple of IFFR movies - Never let me go, Black swan, Another year...and they were much better choices...and free!

Lesson 3 learned - stick to what you know, stick to what you like, stick to who you are!

My 2010 (a late Christmas missive)

2011-02-02T13:36:00.001-06:00

If 2009 was all about travel - any length, any destination, any means of transportation, any fashion, just so to escape the 'killing me softy' English reality, 2010 was all about being THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY. Being present, out and about, enjoying the reality I ended up in, a grand social feast for my body and soul, an abundance of new people, new friendships, new challenges, new job, new country…everything new and enticing! Every time I move, I get that kick of extra liveliness, extra curiosity, extra sturdiness, extra optimism…and this time all went well (for the most part!)

I started 2010 with a resignation letter. Three months of relocation buzz went by quickly. Between the many phone calls and wrapping up projects, in February I went to Tokyo for the Winds International Workshop - the return to Japan was such a delight. Meeting the good old faces of the winds community - awesome! Great food, great fun, unforgettable karaoke night!!! Asia always touches me in a very special way!

The last two weeks of March were an ongoing going away party - the nice speech from my boss, the attention and the presents from my colleagues, it was sweet to discover that despite my barely-there social live in UK, I had somehow managed to make a number of friends over only 18 months.

On the 26th of March, after a very special good bye dinner with my friends Maria and Tomas I hit the road , direction East, having slept very little, but energy-filled by the sense of freedom, and the enthusiasm, the happiness that I am moving to Holland, a country that had fascinated me all the way back since my time in college.
A couple of days on the road with my Toyota Aygo, crossing three borders and I get the message 'Welcome to the frog-land!' - a welcome sms from a Dutch friend :-)
Sunny lovely morning, 28th of March - I am at the door of my new home, Jan Van Der Heijdenstraat 27, Utrecht.
Let the new life begin! And it does! Full throttle!!!

With most of the moving boxes still unpacked, I am having my first visitors from US - Leslie and Judy. Two days later my Russian friend Nadia joins. We explore A'dam, Den Haag, the Hoog-Velweve and Antwerp. We also stroll and admire Utrecht for a day and celebrated Leslie's BDay. Despite the bit chilly weather, we are having a blast.

On the second w/end I went to my first MeetUp event - 'Gazing at the stars'. Stars we did not see, but I met my new friends there - Mette, Markus, Vero and Paul - the fantastic four! And some more friends…But what's most important … I met Bart. He was the tipping point of 2010! The following two and a half months were roses and honey. Party after party, going out on town, driving to the beaches, lazy afternoons in the park, exploring the country, enjoyng the city, learning to live the Dutch way, cooking, leisurely weekend brunches…yes, we dated for a while and it was a blissful time! But then we ended it, because it felt like it.

All along I did not drop off the face of the Earth for my other friends though - it was lovely to get visits from Roel, Francis, Kirsten, Liz, Stuart and Frances, Simeon, Maria and Tomas, my uncle George and Nasia, Nico, Matt… did I miss anyone? I experienced my first Queen's Day, which was a madness, but fun! I also did not stop traveling, but shorter distances - Rotterdam, Den Bosch, Amsterdam, Gouda, Cologne. In Cologne we had a tiny family reunion - my uncle and his girlfriend, my three German cousins and me - always so heartwarming!

The second half of the years came with a twist…
In the middle of a hot July night someone climbed my window attempting breaking into it…I woke up and screamed, he ran. Nevertheless, it was quite an experience - one that I was not prepared for. And it's interesting how fear kills logic, because the first person I called in that moment was my best friend Leslie … who lives in Washington, DC!!! Then my friend Bart came over, helped me deal with the police, etc., kept me company for a couple of evenings…and that's when I met Erik - Bart's best friend. It was an incredible night, perhaps the best night ever, although parts of it are still blurred in my memory. But as Shakespeare says, All's Well That Ends Well…and I believe we made the best of it…

On the next day my sister, who lives in Spain, came for a visit - and this was big! It was the first time an immediate family member is visiting me ever since I left Bulgaria back in 1999. We had a blast - old time memories were brought to life, we laughed out loud, we biked in the countryside, we let the rain get us all soaked like being little girls again…we shared stories…it was amazing! With her in town, we watched the final World Cup game in one of Utrecht's pubs. Spain won. We almost got into a fight about it…how funny!

The rest of the summer remained very social and busy. I flew to the States for a reunion with my closest friends, in a summer house, up in Minnesota…happy happy times! Another couple of days in Madison and Chicago with more friends made me feel so lucky, so blessed! Leslie and Eric, Pat, Nadia, Paul, Judy, Yeti, Rosi and Erik, Rumi and Itso, Paul and Nancy, Kate and Stephen, Steve, Chris…if words could only tell how much you mean to me! Right after the States I flew to Bulgaria to visit my parents and friends from college. It was great! Upon returning I found out my bike was stolen, but that's Holland, so that's the usual.

Back in Utrecht I had two weeks of visitors, from all over - US, Germany, Bulgaria…back to back. It was a bit hard to balance work and free time, but I managed. And in the middle of this social extravaganza, on September 1st… I turned 38.
It was by far, the most special, most intimate, most real Birthday I have ever had!!! Because I was in love, and my loved one was there with me!!! Thanks, E.! I was so happy! And my best friends were there too!

Later in September I went to Cordoba, Spain for a conference. Nice location, good presentations, fruitful networking, seeing some old colleagues and friends, 30 deg C warmth…Nice!!!
Visiting the Cordoba Cathedral was a magical experience…a place that gave me so much peace, a place where I felt so much love, where positive energy was all around… I promised to go back one day, with the man who made me feel alive this year - Erik. I also spent a very special day in Malaga with my friend Maria, I wish we had more time together.

In October I hit a bump in the road - I broke a foot. Had to spent a month at home and in bed. For an energetic person like me this was the worst of times. If it wasn't for my friends to come by and help, and keep my spirit up, every day, I would have gone nuts! Luckily it didn't happen and by mid-November I was back on track. I was having guests - Tom and Ivan, Robin, Sue, meeting with my friends - Roel and the others, making new friends - Cristiana, David, Steph, going out for a drink, taking the train to Groningen.

Even with the cast on I threw two big parties - a wine tasting and a beer tasting! In between catching up with work and my social life…Christmas season was here.

In December I ventured on a trip to London, for some Christmas shopping and to see my friends. Snow tried to rain on my parade, but I won! I'll spare you the canceled flights, delays trains and the frustration stories. Because despite of it all, I had a perfect time! It was actually many times better because of all the chaos!

My initial idea of a having a quiet Christmas spent in solitude failed. Surprised? Off I went to a few parties with new people, new experiences and new fun! But when it was time to put a proper end to a very very bubbly year, and to welcome the new 2011… I followed my heart and spent the last days of 2010 with the ones that matter the most - the man I love and the friends who were always there for me… Our plan was to have a cozy and quiet New Year's Eve dinner, with bubbles and nice conversations. But… once the fireworks started… it was a party time all over again :-) The Dutch folks love their firework!!!

To wrap it up…it was a wonderful year!!! A year to remember…with sweet times and with challenges, with real friends, with real love, with passion beyond control, with music, with discovering new worlds, trying new things, counting stars on two continents, dancing many nights away, waking up in the arms of your loved one…being yourself!

Having all these happy memories, I am facing the new 2011 and wonder…could it get any better? Of course it could :)
Happy New 2011 Year!!!

Beauty and inner tranquility

2011-02-01T19:36:00.000-06:00

I had quite a month - a flamboyant January!
Normally to me, a month is a mere representation of the time encompassed by 30 days.
But this January had a life on its own! A wild animal which I failed to tame...
Absolutely cracking New Year festivities with dear friends were followed by some so intimate and heart warming conversations with my loved one, bonding culminating with the Solar eclipse on 4th of January. I was on the top of the world!

Then I found my apartment broken into and all of my high-tech gear gone. It took a few days to shake off the terror from the invasion of my privacy. Insurance is still handling my claim.
Another stressful week followed - should I stay or should I go...NL or UK...I exhausted my brain from weighting the pros and the cons. And I stayed.

The yoga marathon I wrote about a couple of blogs ago was a lifesaver. I switched to 'an anti-social mode', to save some energy, but I was already running on 'reserve battery power'. Nevertheless, true to the 'seize the moment' attitude, I enjoyed a couple of small social events when presented with the opportunity.

Next on the list - annual performance review at work. I passed, I even got a tiny pay raise.

And every evening, checking my email one last time before I go to bed, iCal will remind me that one more day has gone...for good. And all I could say I had done was to admit that I was falling inevitably behind - with everything. At the end, I got sick. Been with a cold for more than a week now...what a way to learn that sometimes one just has to stop and rest - rest my body, my thoughts, my emotions...

After a few days of sleep, my brain finally showed signs of life...I needed beauty!

Beautiful conversations with friends, beautiful thoughts about the future, even the beauty of things....it all brings me inner tranquility. Thank you B., W. and E. for being part of today!

I can not express the beauty of a conversation or someone's presence. So, instead I will share with you the beauty of three buildings to illustrate the inner tranquility I found today.

Santiago Calatrava is one of my favorite architects.
I have seen three of his works:
- Sondica Airport, Bilbao, Spain (photo by José Miguel Hernández)

- Twisted Torso Tower, Malmo, Sweden

- Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI, USA

I think they are incredibly beautiful...and I can't wait for the Chicago Spire to join the skyline of the Windy City - my most favorite city, ever!

Does beauty bring you tranquility? :)

What do you miss most about home?

2011-01-26T07:46:00.001-06:00

When I ventured into the thrill of being an ex-pat, the one thing I was very sober of was the fact that I won't be able to speak fluently. Despite months of learning English diligently, I KNEW I will have to relearn it once I land on American land. At home I took pride with my ability to play with my language and I knew I was going to miss this fun. Aside from that I was head over heels about what my new life would be like...I was 100% curiosity.
So it came a bit as a surprise when a few months down the road new colleagues and friends asked me 'What do you miss most about home?'... Was I supposed to miss something? I almost felt guilty, but I didn't really miss much, at least not yet. Back home I had family and friends, but I also had half of my family and friends already living abroad, so...I was not really getting it...If I wanted to see someone, I could just fly and visit. If I wanted some Bulgarian food I could go to the international food shop and buy the few unique things. I really didn't feel at loss. I was actually enjoying the expanding of my world.
Many years passed by. I still find it exciting and enriching being an expat. I added a couple of countries to the list of places where I've lived...and I may easily add another one or two, if the winds change...
What do I miss most about home?
I'm not sure... but in an attempt not to sound too full of myself, I'll admit that I miss a couple of fruits we used to have in my parent's garden - quince and medlar. They are not widely popular, at least not in the States, UK and the Netherlands.
Their taste is very specific - not too juicy, not too sweet, a bit tart even. Quince and medlar are both originating from mixing apple and pear trees, but they look so different.
Quinces are large and yellow, more pear shaped. Medlars are walnut-size brown balls. Both are usually not eaten when first picked, although they are edible - the quince is too dry and tart (but I like it!) and the medlars are left to rotten - and that's when you eat them (be aware of the pits!)
Normally, they are used for jelly...the MOST flavorful and delicate jelly I could imagine! And it carries the flavor of home on a fresh authumn day, with a crispy air and generous portion of sun...and that I miss...sometimes...

(Photo from http://mudpiesandminestrone.blogspot.com)

My first trip to Japan (Part 3)

2011-01-25T16:07:00.001-06:00

Day 2, 24 March 2001, The Birthday

Early wake up. A long day is ahead of us. Diana asks me if I prefer tea or coffee. Coffee, I answer. With milk and sugar, or black, she asks. And now I have to smile. It's been more than 8 months since the last time someone asked me in the morning how I like my drink. Feels nice!
Somehow I don't feel any jet-lag. That's great, we won't be wasting time with it, so we head to the market - with the bicycles. To an American that may sound a bit odd, but to a Bulgarian that's fine. It's a good idea to take the bikes, because we can see more of Okazaki. Everything around me is so interesting - tiny houses, narrow streets, even the cars are miniature versions of what's driven in Europe and America. The tree crowns are chopped oddly, very short branches. It's so that they don't get blown by the winds and not to tear any electric wires. And all wires are above ground - because of the earthquakes.
We first go to the Grand Market, where most stores are American chains. Feels like back home, but wait...the grocery store is also a miniature version. Very small shopping cards, small packages. Coka-cola is nowhere to be found in a 2 liter bottle, the max is only 1 liter. The largest milk carton is also maxing at 1 liter - not like in America, by the gallon (3.78 liter). There is an abundance of food that looks unfamiliar and I can't stop asking about this and that, and the thing over there... Diana still has the patience to answer my questions, but very soon she will switch to a 'Well, I'm not entirely sure.' because even after a couple of years in Japan, she is still as lost as me at times.
After we added a cake and a box of birthday candles to the shopping card, we can call it success! We have everything needed and we are ready for the party!
Back at Diana's apartment and before the guests arrive we sit down to plan the following two days. We will go to Tokyo and visit the graveyard where Mikao Usui was buried after his last years of work with Reiki. And then we will head to the foothills of Fuji, where Diana's son could play in his favorite Tomas's land park, while we enjoy the snow covered mountain. In order to plan it all, since there is no internet in the apartment, we open a number of travel guides, maps, train schedule tables...and Diana starts reading, looking for connections, hotel to stay at, checking the distances...and I feel like an idiot, because I don't know a word in Japanese!!! My PhD is worth nothing, but at least it's fun to watch Diana figuring it out!
Next comes the party. But I'll save you the details ... the important thing is that Kliment managed to blow all 4 candles in 3 attempts...attaboy! and had tons of presents to unwrap!!!
And the adults had all kind of rice cookies and snacks, and some sushi too. You gotta love rice!
The company consisted of 4 Bulgarians, 1 Russian, 1 German and 1 Thailand lady. The last two compeated in a speedy-getting-drunk Tequila contest...The German lost! Still...a good show! :) The festivities ended around 2am ... quietly watching a Russian movie.

...to be continued...

Making the most of Almere - a 24 hour adventure

2011-01-23T16:36:00.001-06:00

Most times I plan my travels, weeks in advance.
Other times... I just hop in the car and drive off. That's what happened this last Friday...
I needed to escape! I needed a destination that is simple, yet not too bland; offering some quietness, yet something for my curiosity too. With the engine already on, I contemplated Rotterdam, the Delta works, Texel and finally decided to go to Almere.
Why Almere? It's not too far, it is on the IJsselmeer, a nice day-spa is in the vicinity of the city, and because it is a new city ... it's full of contemporary architecture, which I am so fond of. Enough for a day trip!
The most intriguing fact about Almere, in my opinion, is its location. Almere is on the Flevopolder which was claimed from the IJsselmeer only in 1968. IJsselmeer itself was once a part of Zuiderzee, but turned into a lake after the building of the Afsluitdijk in 1932. In a nutshell, Almere sits on a man-made island, in a man-made lake. Isn't that amazing?
I find my way to the city center easy and I pick Hotel Finn for my one night stay. After a short stroll down the street I end at the massive City Mall Almere featuring 120 shops, movie theater, restaurants, etc. Fun! But with all my respect, it looks just like any newer mall in a bigger American city. Only the people speak Dutch :)
Next stop, Thermen la Mer. Easier said than done, because my GPS failed to find it. While driving left and right, with no clear direction, I accidentally end up on the Fontanapad, a small park with excellent view of Almere's skyline. What a luck! Amazing! I snap a shot and continue.

After another thirty minutes of driving and the GPS telling me to turn where there is no road (Arg!!!!)...I call a friend for directions and finally get to the spa.
I spent four blissful hours in between a Finnish and a Meditative saunas, a Turkish bath, a swimming pool and also enjoyed delicious dinner and a drink. All my daily troubles melted away... at 90-95 dec C.
Back in the hotel a comfy bed was awaiting to offer a nearly ten hour sleep.
On the next morning I set the GPS to take me to Eilandenbuurt and Tahitistraat. There I saw some of the Gewild Wonen Expo 2001 Flexible Housing homes and also the pretty cool Exhibition Houses. To tell the truth, most of the residential areas are joy for a contemporary architecture fan like me. I snap a few shots from the car, because it feels a bit awkward taking a photo of someone's house... Imagine someone is doing it to me. Would I be thrilled? Perhaps not :-) If they only knew how excited I was to see their homes. I start wondering how they look on the inside...but I doubt I would ever find the answer to this question.

From there I took another wild shot at driving randomly and ended on the Gooimeerdijk, near by the city beach where I went for a walk. After that drove to the Muiderzand Marina - an old friend of mine. I visited the marina back in December, but the water was frozen, the boats were out of the water - they looked a bit sad on their stands, reminded me of trees without roots. Now life was back, watter glittering under the sun, wind almost pleasantly warm, boats making clinking sounds, ready to sail.

Now I take the Oostvaarderstdijk. It is not a big dike, but it's the first time I could see clearly how the land to the right is really laying lower than the water on the left. Unbelievable, but true! Windmills to the right are turning ... typical Dutch landscape.
Last stop before I head home - the Polderland Garden of Love and Fire. This place must be many times prettier when the trees are green and the sun in shining, but even now, it was very pleasant and had a very calming effect with the three canals, the minimalistic sculpture, and different trees in perfect straight rows and lines. The architect was inspired by a poem to create this project, The living flame of love, and the lines in the garden represent the connection between people in different places and times. So pretty!

With this my 24 hour adventure making the most of Almere was complete.
It was not the most exciting trip of my life, yet, it was very pleasant and relaxing. Interesting and adventurous too!

More photos? Click here :)
More info on Flevoland? Click here :)

Yoga marathon - part 2

2011-01-22T13:34:00.001-06:00

On Day 3 I decided to introduce some diversity ... I didn't go to the Yoga Club. I did some stretching at home, and I meditated. I also practiced Reiki. Reiki is an ancient Japanese healing technique working with the energy of the Universe. I needed to calm on a deeper level and Reiki is the only way to reach that ultimate calm and peace within. Then I felt the need to be silent.
How? Hit the road, Jack!
I picked a boring destination with a spa center, and for 24 hours I almost did not speak (aside from ordering food, checking into the hotel and the spa).
I did not even listen to music in the car - the monotonic sound of the car engine was enough.
On the way to the sauna I got lost - well, my GPS got me lost. There was an extra opportunity to try to detach from the turbulence of the world around me. I think I managed.
In the spa I spent two hours in the sauna, had dinner and a nice swim.
Back in the hotel I watched a movie - 'Alles is liefde'...in Dutch. And since my Dutch is extremely limited, the movie was more or less like a cartoon to me. With the effect of making my brain relax and accept its limitation. Remember Yin Yoga? Yes, something like it...
I slept really well for eight hours. Had a coffee and left the hotel. Destination - unknown, but sticking to the same area in Flevoland. After some Brownian motion driving, I ended at a marina, where I was soothed by the view of the water, the sound of the waves, the sun on my skin, and the pure bliss of doing NOTHING!!! I just enjoyed my lunch and stared out the window.
After driving for a while on two different dikes and enjoying the view of water and windmills it was time to head home.
The ultimate ending was a visit to the Polderland Garden of Love and Fire - a 'meditative labyrinth' of trees, water, grass and art. A very relaxing, yet inspirational place.
I'm home now and it's time to get on the mat again...silence and yoga are all I need tonight.
Tomorrow, I'd have to segway back to reality...
After a last yoga practice I am meeting a friend and visiting an exhibit. Exhibitions are nice...they don't require talking. Not talking is wisdom. Even while typing this I want to stop and be silent. But you would wonder why the abrupt ending... :)
Talking often means going over events that had happened in the past, or planing future activities...and right now, all I want is the presence of the presence...

My FaceBook 2010

2011-01-20T18:13:00.001-06:00

Wondered what my FaceBook wall looked like in 2010? Here it is. Enjoy!

January
@ Not sure if I am happier because 2009 is over, or because a brand new 2010 is just 20 hours away... Happy New Year and Cheers to all! :)
@ I am experiencing difficulties focussing at work today... Is it just me?
@ Snowed in car and a mojito kind of day
@ Bull's-eye ... ps: We can't be far behind Wisconsin...only the measure units are 'cm' ;-)
@ Mother Nature added an extra thrill - we woke up to no running water. And no still water in the corner shop . Since I didn't feel like washing face, etc. with bubbly water I melted some snow (Andi, don't laugh!) As if riding the car with a shovel /dust pan/ as a companion, and the 'clear your own parking spot in the snow’ drill on the ECMWF parking lot was not enough!What more Engand? Bring it on!
@ My best friend had to outdo me...now she is the proud owner of 3.3 houses (WI, VA, MD), while I only had two (WA, WI)... :)
@ I conclude with sadness that it's time to sell home No 2 ... snif, snif...
@ I am reading her first red-tape letter in Dutch...how odd!

February
@ I love this song’s new version … Everybody hurts…
@ The snow is back (although not as bad as in DC...for now) and my Toyota is amongst the 'lucky' ones to be recalled.
@ Two days of walking, 30km biking at -3C, one falling off the bike...but I found a studio in Utrecht! Hurrayyy!
@ Coincidentally, I tend to travel to Asia when on a major life crossroad. So far, Asian wisdom has done the magic. Will it this time?...Off to Tokyo...
@ Oh, life…so full of surprises…
@ Bright morning, Sunshine through the window Pours in, fills up my hearth with joy Endless cycle going Silent wisdom passing by... Grab it and enjoy!
@ If you can't quite remember a night, does it mean it's been memorable? Eagle's Tequila sunrise got us the top score of 90 in the Tokyo's Cats karaoke bar. Kampai! ...Singing classes paid off...finaly :)

March
@ Chestita Baba Marta! Veseli, zasmeni, s martenichki ukraseni! :-) ... to v Tokyo martenichki niama, no moje da se 'ukrasim' s po edno bialo i edno cherveno vino! ;-)
@ Island hopping (Great Britain-Honshu-Great Britain) is over. Heading to the Low Lands in 27 days.
@ I had an amazingly sunny w/end...and fun too :-) The news of the day: Got tickets to DJ Tiesto's show on Thursday, London O2 Arena. So cool!
@ Why do hairstylists and I never find a common language?!!!
@ I found peace within despite the very extrovert w/end! happy happy happy ! :) Happy wedding, Maria!
@ I knew it! ... that my two Kyoto yellow tea cups will find their matching blue tea-pot...when the time is right! S&F, thanks for the lovely time!
@ I find the sound of ice cubes in a glass of coke to be the perfect sound of Spring!
@ I was not granted even a second to enjoy the fact she secured the keys to her new NL flat. Thanks Andreas! The moment I was off the phone with a huge smile on my face, my cell rang: 'Er, it's the removal company, we changed the pick up date/time'. 53 minutes, and 7 phone calls later, I sorted out the issue. I truly deserve a drink tonight! Of course, after karaoke-ing ‘Tequla sunrise’ at the ECMWF party tonight ☺
@ Range, microwave, toaster, cupboards, kitchen - clean! Bathroom - 80% cleaned. Fridge/freezer - 50%. Tomorrow the windows...and a bit more packing...Two more work days writing reports. And that's it... 2 nights of going away parties and I'm done with the UK page of my life! ... sigh...
@ It's 1:10am and I wonder exactly how many people constitute an orgy…
@ I am off to a going-away party number two
@ O'right, now that the last going away party is over(and a total success!)...I can go to tomorrow's happy hour at work ... and catch a later ferry to the continent :-)
@ It's 26 March, 20:44 , I am on the move…
@ It's 28 March. I made it - 564km in total, 36 hours, one ferry ride, 10 hours of sleep, some serious amounts of coffee, 2 cocktails, 4 friends and....wait, what's that shitty smell - ah, the mover guy didn't flush his 'piece of art' (due to missing flushing handle on the toilet) Oh, well...Good morning from Utrecht ! :-)
@ Gisteren avond gingen wij naar O'Leary Pub! Leuk eerste dag in Utrecht! :) Vanavond - nog een fijne vestiging vestiging.
@ Day three - resident and work permits obtained! Getting Social-Fiscal number tomorrow...and with that I become kind of normal resident of NL...so I'll stop boring you with the daily grind details :) ...thanks for tunning in and the support!!!
@ Absolutely gorgeous sunny day in Utrecht! Beer at a terrace anyone? ;-)

April
@ Who would have thought that the 3rd thing I'd buy in NL after a bike (50 Euro) and a lock (17 Euro) would be a 5.3m (max) telescopic ladder (159 Euro)! Time for another Leffe ...
@ I was in the dark for an hour due to an incorrectly wired outlet, which blew the main fuse. In NL, the main fuse could be reset only by an electrician, for the modest amount of 67 euro. On the bright side - I met one of the neighbors, Mark, who called the electrician for me. So nice to have a friendly neighbor who speaks English :)
@ I love evenings that end after 4 am...
@ I am tired of being the one-man orchestra...Grrrr! May be a night of good sleep will calm me down...
@ I am enjoying a cup of red tea... and the pile of boxes just delivered by IKEA!
@ I know magic - 10 boxes turned into a sofa, two bookshelves, two coffee tables, TV stand, wardrobe and a dresser. However I suck at interior design - the two attempts to place things around are still not making me happy...hence, I'm going out for a drink! "With a sky full of sun, the medicine goes down..."
@ I and FB's photo-uploading tool have an unhealthy relationship. Shutterfly is still my photo-space. Recent photos from NL have just been uploaded :)
@ I am introducing Saturday's morning routine: shower, flower market, coffee... G'Morning! :)
@ Scott, it seems Saturday night routine will be: beer in bar#1, beer in bar#2, EKKO - the neighborhood's dance club which also turned out to be the city's most indie music venue, so...I think Saturday is well taken care of ;-) Agree?
@ Nothing turns me on (intellectually!) like a language course! 5 day intensive course in Dutch started. Call me kinky, but ...I LOVE IT! :)
@ I think it's time for a housewarming get-together: Friday, 23 April, 7pm, Jan Van Der Heijdenstraat 27, Utrecht, 3514XD ;-)
@ I am happy!
@ After a week of intellectual kinkiness, a lovely housewarming party and a blissful Saturday, it's time to finish some long-overdue ECMWF reports and nicely end the UK stage of life...at peace with myself.
@ I am looking forward to a fun and friends filled week ☺
@ My gypsy gene awoke - on the road tomorrow! Yeee!
@ I ran out of prepaid internet :( Too $$$ to get another prepaid SIM. Back to the mercy of the neighbour's wireless and the library's 30 min free internet allowance per work day! How is that 2010???!!! Hopefuly in 2 weeks the real thing is up and running! I'll miss you all...
@ De loonse en drunense duinen
@ Last week off work ... started a new Dutch class, Sushi dinner and cocktails, awesome road trip to De Loonse en Drunense Duinen, got my dinning table from IKEA A'dam, met with Rachel and Stela, got a ticket for my sister to visit, now ready for the Queen's day festivities to start ... I'm on cloud 9! :)
@ When it rains, it pours...literary, with thunders and lightning ... yet, so fun to meet with friends and chat the night away... :)
@ The day starts with a great news... but it's not for me to tell you what it is ;)
@ And then came the rain ... well, the drizzle... Heading out for a walk, coffee and flowers :)
@ I considered for a minute the thought of buying 1000 tulips. 130 turned out to be enough :) Quite night tonight - reminiscing the great times from the last few days...and thankful for all the good friends I have...

May
@ Learning a language with the wrong teacher is like dancing with a clumsy partner stepping on your toe...no fun at all :( ... but at least the first day at work was fun! Go TROPOMI!
@ Got my work computer today...now if I knew what to do with it...aside from FB-ing... ;-) How about some work...
@ Sushi at home with Bart
@ I bought a pair of shoes, a new SAMSUNG cell phone, checked 3 yoga places, and after trying making sushi last night, today I made 'eertesoup' soup (very Dutch!). Next on the menu is Thai food :) But tonight I settled for three beers and free concert in Transwijk park...it's a Liberation day today in NL. After only 35 day...s in NL, I manage to see a familiar face in a crowd of thousands...isn't that odd!
@ What is more powerful - the power of a lie or the power of fear?
@ When was the last time you received no e-mails in a work day...for me that's today! Note to self: bring iPod and headphones to work in order to reduced amount of coffee during work hours. And how much coffee did YOU have today?
@ A guaranteed way to entertain (or embarrass) yourself: go out on town, have a good time and then rush home to comment on as many FB posts as possible under the influence of alcohol. It makes for a good read in the morning :) Make sure you have your security setting rights, so that only your friends are exposed to your... charm (or ignorance). Have a nice w.end everyone :-)
@ Last night's movie was portraying the power of a good BJ, tonight's - the power of human's brain. I'd like to be good at both!
@ The day's highlights: crepes for breakfast, gardening, Giro Italia 2010, ice-cream, Thai for dinner
@ Enjoying first cup of Nespresso on my first work-from-home day! :)
@ OK, winter is back...I biked with gloves and hat. That much for my scanty outfit for tomorrow's outing. But perhaps it will warm up...a little... :)
@ How did it happen that my May, June and 2/3 of July's w.ends are already filled with activities?!! I need to slow down and take it easy....
@ I just acquired some serious (and classy!) ammunition - Nikon N90, Polaroid 125 and a Brownie Target SIX-20. Steve, you are way cool! Thanks so much! :)
@ Boboti
@ I stole Kings of Leon from a friend, he caught me, I blushed & smiled, he laughed. Now I listen to the album and feel a bit sad, a lot tired, and somewhat out of my element...but I know all will be ok, because that's just the way it is...Music volume on max...
@ Two minor things on my mind...it's Friday after all... 1) why on some days my FB wall looks fine, and some days the layout looks messed up? 2) if this is a wall, are we all grafity masters?
@ Gorgeous sunny day! Utrecht looks so lovely from the tour boat! May be try a canoe next time...or learn to swim first...
@ My first Polaroid photo! (the second one was a disaster...lol)
@ I am getting anxious for RockingPark
@ I am in a mood for pineapple up-side down cake!
@ Cooking Bulgarian food tonight...will it turn out o'right? The post is open for bets, the winners will get a shot of my Dad's home made Eau-de-vie'2009 :-)
@ I am is doing chores today...discovering the charm of simple things like planting geranium plants, changing the flowers in the vase, taking the garbage to the dump station, mounting a hanger on wall... :)
@ ‎...the recap of a great w/end = lovely dinner + beautiful night walk (http://www.trajectumlumen.nl/) + Saturday morning routine (remember?...flower market + coffee) + Birthday Party with friends + more friends and fun exploring Utrecht (bart, stuart, markus Bday)
@ Today's matra: Don't let the Scorpion wake up!
@ On the last day of May I did some Spring cleaning and my 142 Friends list was reduced to 36 True Friends list. After the movie tonight, I'm going to Zuses and having a drink for you! Cheers!

June
@ If I was a meal, I would probably be a sweet and sour soup!
@ Here is the dilema - I'm either single and witty, or I fall in love (always head over heels) and loose my edge ... sooo annoying ! Ag! (and by the tone of this post...guess where I stand...lol)
@ Don't you think FB is rather opinionated when it comes to its Settings...I wonder what's FB's gender :)
@ First sunbathing for the season! ... and a wonderful weekend in progress... :)
@ A friend just pointed me in the right direction : "Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for." (Bob Marley)
@ Another w/end full of life
@ I didn't bike to work today (it rained) , but if I had, I would have enjoyed yellow irises and watter lilies in the canal along the bikepath...begging for a photo...
@ OK, I biked!!!...I got TOTALLY soaked :)The rain was warm and playful...the rainbow was stunning, and sky is golden now... heading out for a beer :)
@ ‎...and when there is nothing else left, there is always music...
@ KNMI outing
@ ...Georgia...lol
@ ‎...I have to trust / when nothing else is option .../My strengths and weaknesses adjust / part of an unstoppable comotion / called life, and lust/ for it - the magic potion / I have to trust/ will take me through the motions...
@ Two days of good times in purple shades...what's the color of today, I wonder :)
@ When you wake up too early on a Sunday morning, you step into the garden for inspiration...
A lesson I learned: Rain water in your candleholders is the easiest way to clean old wax glued to the glass
A promise I made: To apologize to my Mom for humoring her fresh mint tea
@ ...Enjoy the album, while I sip some fresh mint tea… and read a couple pages from a book...have a nice Sunday... :)l
@ Today's tipping point : Invictus ... (Bart,Scott,Leslie, Nadia, and my favorite grandma ...you are such an inspiration!)
...It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul...
@ What do you think of trust?
@ ... simple pleasure (rental car)
@ Off to germany!
@ Putting continental style headlights on a UK car - 645Euros, spending a special day in Germany - Priceless! Tonight - out dancing and celebrating NL's win over Japan!
@ I'm slowly falling in love...
@ PANN party
@ Will 30 love letters help me steal the heart of the one I love?
@ I wonder what post exactly will make you ALL laughing out loud :)
@ Feeling miserable - sick with cold, cough, allergy :-( Low energy level.
Finished the bowl with candy. Should I get a beer too? It could barely get much worse...
@ Going to a Dutch spa/sauna tomorrow! Stay tuned!
@ Viva Hollandia :)
@ The spa day was awesome, but why did I have to smack my head in the car door frame, get a 1.5cm split in my eyelid, and color it blue? I"m priceless :)
@ Saturday morning routine - check! Feeling content with the state of the world - check!
Utrecht a great city to live in - check! Pocket in camera to snap a few Kodak moments while cruising the city...DOH!
@ A long w/end of delight and 'fun and tears' :-)
@ ...living in the vogelenbuurt
@ Just received my NL licence plate number in the mail. And now I have to order the license plate itself. Odd! Anyway...if you see a red 51-LTR-6 Toyota Aygo in Utrecht, that would be me :)

July
@ ..subscribed for National Geographic Traveler magazine ...in Dutch :)
@ Vuvuzelas :) What a day! Go NL! And the 30+ temperatures...I love this real summer spell!
@ I feel festive! :)
@ Happy 4t fo July, everyone! I am so happy...for so many reasons!
@ Viva Hollandia!!!!!!!!!!
@ Strange feeling, when your colleagues are discussing your project future, right in front of you, bt it goes in Dutch, so I understand only a little, yet it's so distracting and frustrating…
@ OMG! Netherlands - Spain on the final!!! With me in the NL and my sister in Spain, my parents will have some serious choices to make cheering for the right team ;-)
@ What a w.end … and it's just starting… :-)
Friday night - dinner, drinks and fun with friends, celebrating a couple of very special events!
Saturday day - sister from Spain arrived, strolled the streets of Utrecht
Saturday evening - awesome summer storm and played in the rain
...stay tuned...
Sunday day - bike ride and a picnic in the Utrecht surrounding, got soaked by the rain!
Sunday aft - dinner (Bulgarian food) and enjoying some jazz in the back yard....absolutel bliss!
Sunday evening - Spain won the World Cup - not the happiest moment, but at least I got a few support emails/texts, so now I know who cared about NL winning...
Off to bed now...but...almost perfect w.end and Holland is the best! :)
@ Today the world is quiet/and now arrived the rain/to wash away the sadness/and ease the pain/we lost the final battle/perhaps in it there's gain,/but blind we are to see it/, for now we strive in vain…
@ Now that I did the math…50% of my EasyJet flights have been canceled! I will NEVER buy a EJ ticket again!
@ Thanks SA!…and note Shakira's orange top ;-)
@ It's been a while since I've been so impatient about the w.end…
@ Have you ever realized that's equally impossible to force one to love you, but also to be your friend…
@ The joy of starting my day with a Brandmeester's coffee and the view of the Dom tower…priceless!!!
@ Dear Reading friends, did you know that Mike Oldfield was born in reading? I'm impressed. :)
@ My first Ozone sone launch! Fun! :) Next time I'm allowed to attach a poem to the sonde and see if anyone will find it and read it :)
@ I cleaned my garden really well, so proud of my green thumb! If only the little tomatoes grow bigger and turn red… :)
@ Tidying up the apartment and moving around with dance moves while listening to the soundtrack of 'Once upon in Mexico'..another one of these sweet w/ends I can't get enough of…
@ There is so much more purpose to life with two airplane tickets in my pocket :)
@ Tiesto and Ibiza anyone?
@ Caution:WET PAINT

August
@ Did I tell you that I had another great w.end?…and buying tickets fro BRMC twice…cause of memory loss…is making me laugh :)
@ Note to self: ' Live your questions… ' Rainer Maria Rilke
@ Is 1/2 bottle of wine a valid reason not to have a mojito…while fixing a fridge door?..and this is just a hypothetical question… ;)
@ I may not know how to fly a kite, but I"m trying to fly a satellite…
@ On my way to the airport…and going home! :)
@ Brainerd, bacon, best of friends…enough said :)
@ Love books and apples ;-)
@ Loved every single day of my Summer Vacation in USA and Bulgaria, thanks to my awesome friends and family! Feel happy and positive! Yet, glad to be home and yes,…it starts to feel like home when your first bike in NL gets stolen…LOL
@ I did not complete my 'To Do' list for the w.end , but enjoyed life to the fullest!
@ Rainy, rainy, rainy day! At least it's not cold yet :)
@ Day 1 of 15 days in a row with various visitors from abroad - my flat is now officially a B&B :) Any suggestions as to what to name it?
@ Poker night - I won two euros! :)
@ Day 2 of 15 - abundance of good food, a trip to Lelystad, an amazing tour of Batavia and The Seven Provinces, great time with Nasi,Dominik and Bart, and my 1st BDat present! Awesome!!!
@ Day 3 of 15 - a rainy day in A'dam and Ed Kowalczyk's concert in Utrecht.So good!
@ Day 5 - a very special dinner and drinks…

September
@ Thank you all, so very much, for the BDay wishes and presents!
@ Day 11 - Monday at work seems the perfect rest after a shopping frenzy w.end with my Bulgarian guests…and I overdid it with the perfume..sorry officemate ;-)
@ …memories within temptation..
@ I think some classic music would go well with the gloomy weather. Luckily the Conservatory season opens tonight :)
@ Iliana has a new bike…again! :-)
@ Lovely lazy stroll in Amsterdam, enjoying a sunny and warm September day! BDay party in the evening - I love it that my new friends like clubbing and dancing…till 3 am!
@ 4 cities in one w.end - thanks you NS.nl :)
@ Some days pass by so slow that you forget you exist…
@ What's better than biking? Biking and eating ice-cream :)
@ Enjoying 30deg warmth in Cordoba…and plenty of beer, wine and tappas! Ole!
@ Up at 6 am (has not happened in a while) and looking forward to a day in Malaga, with a very good friend!!!
@ Discovering after a long day with three boys that 'no matter how long you suck it, the flavor doesn't change'…
@ Sun - out! Adrenaline - high! Gas tank - full! Direction - North! hear the engine, babe?

October
@ I had enough, and I had it all!
@ It is NOT a good idea to fall off your bike when wearing high heels and putting all of your body weight on your right foot. It may result in broken foot bone, as it is in my case…Heads up: cast removal party in a about a month!
@ I am totally spoiled by my friends :-)
@ Wine tasting party for 22 at home…but what's with the anxiety attach?!
@ 40% of all statistics are made up
@ I had the perfect company to enjoy a Cosmo and a Grand Passion!
@ I traded dream for money…or perhaps quality?
@ Case to cast your vote?…Will I move yet again to another country, and this time to Australia?
@ Music…loud music…very loud music is on my mind!!! Trentemoller concert on Thursday! I will dance, I swear!
@ Can't wait for the tonight's concert…I hope it will be loud enough to not let me hear my own thoughts…at least for a while!
@ Did you know that some HP cartridges are region coded…that much for market globalization! Globe-trothing could be so frustrating at times! But I ain't stoping!!!
@ What a difference a few Sun rays could do to my mood!!! I love you, Sun!!! :)

November
@ I joined Twitter!
@ The Cast is gone! Learning to walk again…feels so good!
@ A graffiti I once saw in Bulgaria, but I bet it's true world-wide…'If elections were to change anything, they would not be allowed'…
@ Spotting an American car with Massachusetts licence plate made my day! Note: I live in the Netherlands :)
@ Brand new savings account and lack of appetite…quite unusual for me!
@ Maceo Parker and Candy Dulfer…last night, live in Den Haag…Awesome!
@ …Howard Stern
@ Great party on Saturday, aweson dinner on Sunday! Ready for the new week!
@ I just returned from Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena: Ajax-Veendam:3:0 Hurray!
@ Internet at home is down…feels like 1994 :-( C'mon KPN! Fix it!!!
@ …and interesting day is in progress…
@ Buy a banana, read the sticker 'Peel sticker and put on your forehead. Smile!', Just do it…and don't forget to eat the banana….it's good for you :)
@ Will I ever go to bed before midnight?!!!
@ Really nice time at the MeetUp sushi dinner! My life in Utrecht would have been soooo different w.out the MeetUp! To all my @MeetUp friends , a toast! :)
@ Playing a 'big girl' today - talking with banks in US about refinancing/selling my home. While decisions are difficult, hearing various American accents is heartwarming… :)
@ I feel like chewing gum and blowing bubbles!
@ Just woke up (11:55am) ! The Sun is out and it's not even cold! Church bells are ringing, bikes are singing, I'm heading out for my Saturday coffee and flowers routine! Two pumpking pies for breakfast - thanks, Patty :) What a decadence!
@ Getting ready for a Brown Cafe and Deep Thoughts evenings…where beer is the keyword :)
@ My brain is overloading with questions.Why can't I live simply and not try to think so much?…and that's only one of them…
@ I'm not the only one away from home for the holiday :-) Happy Thanksgiving!!! (NASA)
@ Food from Turkey instead of turkey dinner! And Le Guess Who festival night!!
@ Another amazing w.end…Damme, Brugge, Snow, Francis, Egyptian surrise, Feuerzangenbowlw, Andreas…Sunday yet to start…Fun!!!
@ 0 degrees in Utrecht, almost Noon, blue sky, lovely sun…Nespresso is on, orange juice is in the making, but where has my lover-boy gone… ;-)
@ Does it thrill you when people change plans on you in the last minute? Not at all? Same here! (…and if I have ever done it to you…apologies!) Heading to Utrecht Central Museum. Working with NASA has thought me to always have 'Plan B' ;-)
@ Utrecht's albedo is approaching 1. It's snowing ;-)
@ White Utrecht, white wine, white sheets are calling my name…Good night!
@ 1.Don't you think FB is turning each of us into the main character of the Truman Show? 2. Condensing dryers refuse to work at low temperatures…thus moving it from the garage into the apartment. Sigh!

December
@ 'Argentina' night on town! So good! :-)
@ At last December is here! Sing x-mas songs, deck red and green, meet best of friends, play in the snow, smile at the world, enjoy the x-mas cheer!!! :)
@ -6degC in Utrecht and -6decG in Madison…feeling home :-)
@ Weekend plan: Christmas shopping in London! Will the weather let me have my pie and eat it too?
@ First x-mas present arrived by mail…but still in the Post Office. Thanks, Leslie! :-)
@ Some relationships are never to be mended…like the one between me and UK's severe weather…after a day in a limbo I had to reschedule my flight for two weeks later. Will things work out better then?
@ Wandered through snowy Utrecht for six hours, enjoyed a drink with a friend saw Sinter Klaas and Zwarte Piet, caught a number of snowflakes with my tongue… :-) Now heading to Den Bosch for a spirited night on town with Roel :)
@ I am enjoying my Coco-themed xmas presents. Thanks, Roel!
@ Why do people tend to change their profile picture every once in a while?
@ …and some evenings just have life on their own… :-)
@ Any James Blung fans out there?
@ Am I the Goddess? Andrew Bailey, you made my day :)
@ I am practicing for my stunt career…yep, another "slip,Shit! fall and Ouch!".That would be my 6th one this year…and the year is not over yet :-)
@ What if this is as good as it gets? … Amazing weekend! Really!!!
@ X-mas spirit: check, x-mas tree (sort of):check, x-mas cookies: check, x-mas presents and cards…err, hmm, well…
@ Listening to Green Day's "American Idiot' and coding in IDL…fascinating start of the week!
@ How is it that music could trifle through all my cells - body, brain, thoughts, emotions, reaching the darkest dusty corners of my soul and purify me, get me dancing, smiling, shake off the troubles, and gently push me to go on, reminding me to be myself…Incredible!!!
@ Packed and ready to go…extended w/end in UK! Full social schedule..so full that I don'ty know how I will fit in my 'treasure hunt'…but I will!!! :)
@ Job opening: low-altitide air-traffic -control expert needed in De Built area. (I can't quite drive while ducks are flying across the road! Nevertheless, fun seeing them almost landing on my car hood! :) )
@ First 10 hours in UK proved to be…hmmm, enlightening? :)
@ …never never never will I and UK be on the same page…
@ 2.5 amazing days with friends in UK, 1/2 day strategizing how to solve the canceled flight issue, 1 day at St.Pancra, and finally home at 4:01 on Monday morning…after a friends picked us up from Brussels.To quote E.Pragt 'thanks #eurostar for bringing us home!!! I"ll forget the 172 minutes delay!' So good to be home…and BA is right next to EJ on the list of no-no airlines to use!
@ All I want for Christmas is you!!!
@ It makes me smile ... so positive! There is always room for magic!!! "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly"
Believe it or not, I am spending the entire holiday season in NL...that is not to say I will stay in Utrecht all the time...'Anywhere I roam Where I lay my head is home..'
@ Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!!!
@ 2010 was by far much better than the previous few...Still, Happy New 2011!!! May I ask for even better one? Sure I do :-) HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :-)

Yoga marathon

2011-01-19T17:28:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since the last time I nurtured my body and soul. I had fun - with friends and with parties, I had action - traveling, biking and dancing, I indulged on food and drinks, I sinned, I even had some quite time reading and sleeping. But when 2010 said good bye ... my body was out of balance.

This week I shifted gears. I sleep 8-9 hours every night. I take 15 min power nap after work. I skip coffee and I even substitute black tea with herbal one. I resumed taking vitamin supplements.

And I started a Yoga marathon - 5 days long.

Yesterday I had Slow Flow Yoga with Hilary. That's right, a slow start is good. Hilary is American and her voice is so calming. Her smile is so genuine. Her classes are always full yet cozy. Although in a slow flow, we focused on doing the postures properly and that's quite some work!

Today I discovered Yin Yoga with the Aussie Rosemary. Yin Yoga's asanas are passive - you hold each for several minutes and the focus is not on engaging your muscles, but on stretching the connective tissue. While you stay in the asanas you start feeling the limits of your body, 'comfortable' is not part of Yin. It's about accepting your limitations, and breading into them, making peace with them, releasing the tension which is often nothing more, but your ego standing in the way of harmony. It's about let go.

I added a body massage at this point...to ease my way into the next three days, when the plan is to take two yoga classes each day. I hope I find the discipline to finish the marathon!
Because Yoga feels great!
Because through Yoga I find peace!

(to be continued...)

Why it's worth checking your bank account :-)

2011-01-19T15:05:00.002-06:00

Checking your bank account balance once a month or so is a good idea not only if you are on a tight budget. But with so many things queueing for my attention lately, I had forgotten to do so in a while. It was the intent of splurging on an iPhone that lead me to checking my bank account today and here is what I found. In the Netherlands, when you transfer money to someone, you can leave a message along with the transaction instructions.
This is the note my Babe had left for me...

Ik zit hier voor het vensterraam
mij ontzettend te vervelen
Ik wou dat ik twee hondjes was
Dan konden we samen spelen

I'm sitting at the window
I am very bored
I wish I had two dogs
Then we could play together
(translated with Google)

Thank you, M.! It took me ONLY 19 days to find it :) The ball is now in my court...

And for the record, my bank account looks good. An iPhone is in my future :)

2011 already? :-)

2011-01-05T03:52:00.001-06:00

It's hard to belive that a month went by without me posting a new blog entry! Because I had a great time and there are so many stories waiting to be shared. If you'd feel better, I haven't been very up to date on FaceBook either... I just decided for once to enjoy myself w/out going on record :) But the sweetness of December still lingers, and January is starting well...so, I'll be writing soon!
Enough excuses, yet, please be understanding of my choice :)

I hope you all had a lovely holiday season and you welcomed the new year with proper festivities. And even if not...it's ok...as long as you promise to have a festive 2011 ;-)
I wish you all very very happy new year!!!

Love,
I.

Wherever I may roam

2010-12-23T05:55:00.001-06:00

Believe it or not, I am spending the entire holiday season in the Netherlands, where I currently live. That is not to say I will stay in Utrecht all the time...'Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home..'
Can I say it better? :) No. Let Metallica sing it then...

And the road becomes my bride
I have stripped of all but pride
So in her I do confide
And she keeps me satisfied
Gives me all I need

And with dust in throat I crave
Only knowledge will I save
To the game you stay a slave

Rover, wanderer
Nomad, vagabond
Call me what you will

But I'll take my time anywhere
Free to speak my mind anywhere
And I'll redefine anywhere

Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home

And the earth becomes my throne
I adapt to the unknown
Under wandering stars I've grown
By myself but not alone
I ask no one

And my ties are severed clean
Less I have the more I gain
Off the beaten path I reign

Rover, wanderer
Nomad, vagabond
Call me what you will
Yeah, you will

But I'll take my time anywhere
I'm free to speak my mind anywhere
and I'll take my time anywhere

Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home

A promise to keep

2010-11-30T19:10:00.007-06:00

What do you see on the photo? Shattered glass and spilled oranges? Correct!
Now try to see just the oranges, but on the ground, in this orange courtyard, fallen from ripeness...

I spent some time in this courtyard in Cordoba, back in September, and I felt the magic of life, love and passion returning to my life! I promised to return in the season when the oranges are ripe ... but with the man who made me feel alive again. The sound of the fruit bowl smashing into the floor reminded me to keep my promise...and so I will!

Argentina kind of night

2010-11-30T17:45:00.006-06:00

There are many things to appreciate in life, but good friends and good food are amongst my favorites. Put the two together and..a cold November night becomes a virtual trip to Argentina...and so enjoyable!
We chose to indulge our senses in Gauchos - a classy restaurant on the Oudegracht, specializing in Argentinian steaks.
But first some Malbec wine...full-bodied, but soft, it's the perfect conversation catalyst! Before we know it, we are laughing out loud (probably terrorizing a bit the couple on the next table).
A foreplay might be important for a sexual intercourse, but when it comes to steak, I am going straight for it, no need to dull my taste buds. For the sake of variety we order Bife De Chorizo and Bife De Lomo, with corn, fries, and house sauce.
Let me give you a piece of advice...once you taste a bite of Bife De Lomo, nothing else on the menu compares in tenderness, juiciness and flavor! I am not a big meat
eater in general, but I could definitely tell the difference. So...don't sweat the 5 euro extra...just order the best!
The knife literary cuts through as if it's butter...Yum!
We take Ice-cream and mini-fondue for desert. Not sure that's very Argentinian...but it's on the menu, so...
To wrap-up the night in style, we stop by Zussen . Every Tuesday, they hold a Tango night...we pick our drinks and enjoy the dancing couples...conversation and laughter ongoing...completely forgetting the cold, the snow, and reality...it's an Argentina kind of night... :)

Both shoes on - a short and sweet update

2010-11-16T18:44:00.003-06:00

On October 3rd, I broke a bone in my foot - the fifth metatarsal (sounds like a movie title, no?)
A month later (but it felt like ages!), my cast was off, and I started walking again...slowly but progressing steadily.
I didn't know how much muscle mass one can lose in such a short time - 30-40%!
A coupe of days later the physiotherapist examined my foot and said all looks ok, and all I need to do is keep on walking every day. Easier said than done, but I followed the advice.
The most amazing thing about healing is the magic of the night hours...I could never say I was getting better during the day, in fact, I was worried that I was tampering with the healing process because at the end of each day I felt exhausted and the pain was returning in small dozes. But every morning I would wake up with more and more strength and confidence in my walking ability...until Saturday - two weeks cast free and I managed to step into a hole in the pavement in Amsterdam, my foot in the same twisted position as when I broke it! Before I even felt the strong pain, I was so angry with myself for letting it happen!
I made it home ok, limping, with pulsing pain in the exact same spots as in the night of the accident.
Oh, well, I thought, no matter how long it would take to heal I am NOT getting a cast again!
And then on Sunday I proceeded (pretending that nothing happened) with yet another trip to Amsterdam. It was a misty and rainy day, but warm, so I opted for walking across town, with frequent breaks for coffee or food. The walk made me go to bed early, and I slept for almost 11 hours. Same thing last night - another 11 hours of sleep...
And guess what?!!! This morning I woke up , got up, and walked!!! Like I have always done - with confidence, no limping, good balance. I felt solid standing on one foot, and albeit I can still feel where the pain was...I could also feel the itching of a healing wound! So great! So happy time! Both shoes are on! :-)

Christmas is near

2010-11-15T18:03:00.007-06:00

To think about Christmas in July is probably a bit too early, but once September is over...there comes this time, and it is different every year, there is this special moment when I know it with all my senses that Christmas is near. It could be a song on the radio, it could be someone on the street wrapped in a soft scarf, it could be a cup of hot chocolate, or the scent of freshly baked cookies... something very clearly will draw my attention and it will make me smile...cause Christmas is around the corner! And Christmas is the time when everything is wonderful!
This year it happened on October 22, in the attic apartment of a special friend of mine.
I went for an overnight visit, we walked a bit through town, got some groceries, cooked dinner, ate, chatted, laughed, browsed the Internet together, listened to some music and went to bed.
The morning came seemingly like any other morning...shower, light breakfast, quickly going over out daily plans, sipping Tazo tea...and that's when it hit me...the feeling of Christmas - while the rain was getting stronger outside, and some wind was picking up too...inside the four walls of this apartment, I felt the overwhelming comfort of a daily routine, the joy of simply being myself with a close friend, the warm air coming from the radiators felt like a fluffy soft blanket I wanted to hide into, it felt so cozy, so peaceful...I didn't want this moment to end! It was magical, it felt like Christmas!

The smile is still lingering on my face...I'm making Christmas plans, I'm looking for Christmas cards, and a few presents too!
I am looking forward to a very happy holiday season, and sharing it with some of you!

babies - Part 2

2010-11-15T12:07:00.003-06:00

Baby-girl Luisa (NL) arrived on 12 November 2010. Congratulations to Nathalie and Wilco!!!

Baby-girl Natasha (UK) was born on 9 September 2010. Congratulations to Carole and Robin!!!

Chicago - underrated destination

2010-11-15T07:41:00.001-06:00

Have a glance at Chicago's charm... CLICK HERE

In my humble opinion, Chicago is one of few quite underrated American destinations. Travelers go to New York, San Francisco, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles...the National parks...and very often miss the gem of the mid-west ... The Windy City.

I've been in love with Chicago ever since I first set foot there on 25th December 1999. Well, the story started much earlier, when I was 6 y.o. and my teacher was telling us about this amazing city far across the ocean, where the buildings are so tall that if you look up to the top, your hat will fall...

I take my hat off to you, Chicago!

My first trip to Japan (Part 2)

2010-11-14T15:37:00.001-06:00

Day 1, 22 March 2001, The Departure

The night before my early morning flight, I didn't go to bed. It's my way of fighting jet-lag. A colleague took me to the Tucson airport before the first signs of dawn. To depart when everybody is still sleeping, and the Sun is still below the horizon, is a magical experience. I'm calm and I smile...the morning is full of hope! I feel like a tiger who lies low right before attacking the prey. I feel strong!
I'm changing flights in Los Angeles and Portland before I head to Nagoya. Portland makes me homesick...it's been a year of daily encounters with palm trees and cacti, I am missing having normal trees around me. I'm missing the birches I planted with my Dad in front of our home in Bulgaria, the walnut threes on the street, the maples in the park... But I'm in good spirits! Flight was smooth and uneventful. What more can you ask for! Next to me was a 15-16 y.o. girl on her way to visit her sister in Osaka. That was the first flight abroad, ever, and she was obviously nervous...if not terrified. I tried to calm her a bit and felt good about myself. After a couple of trans-Atlantic flights under my belt, crossing the Pacific didn't seem to impress me.
At last, we are landing. I'm going through passport control in no time. The customs officer decides to inspect my rather large suitcase and finds the 'rain prayer stick' - a Native American souvenir. He was obviously not please to see it...after all, in Japan people use dehumidifiers, thus how is a 'rain prayer stick' a good thing...
In the last minute of packing, I threw my underwear on top of everything else in the suitcase, and that turned out to be a good thing (for me)...because out of embarrassment at the sight of my lace undies and bras, the officer didn't dig deep enough to find the tin with Bulgarian feta cheese - purchased in the US and brought as a 'special' gift to my friend who has not had any Bulgarian food in over two years.
At the end I am through and ... here is Diana, smiling in disbelieve that I'm in front of her, after 4 years of separation, a Bulgarian friend arriving from America. Nevertheless, she is holding a camera and ready to photo-document my first steps on Japanese land. Moving! She has also brought me a box of candies, a traditional Japanese 'Welcome!' present. The box is tiny, dark blue color, with two white and light blue roses on top. So pretty!
The unbelievable is now a fact - I am in Japan!!!
And then the action starts - is that the right bus to Okazaki? did we buy the right ticket from the vending machine? are we waiting at the right platform?...the Japanese writing is so...confusing!!! And there is barely any English signs at the bus station. Luckily, we made it ok to Okazaki, the small provincial town where Diana has lived in the last couple of years, and which I had heard so much about...and not much flattering things. From the main bus station we are taking a smaller bus to get to Diana's apartment. The bus is very narrow, but the streets seem even narrower - a bus and a car can not just pass each other like that...one has to pull over! And then continue on. Despite the need of the described maneuver, each road has two lanes and they are well marked with blue reflectors on the road.
Finally we arrive at the small apartment where Diana's husband Rado, and Kliment - her son, are patiently waiting! Sigh!
First thing first, we all have green tea - full of antioxidants (trying to live forever? ha!).Then it's time to unpack the suitcase. An abundance of presents is putting smiles on everyone's face. Rado is overwhelmed to get the book on airplanes he so much wanted to have, but didn't dare buy because it was ridiculously overpriced in Japan. Kliment is happy with the toys and the candy! Diana doesn't even want to look at hers, I am her present for today, the others will be unwrapped tomorrow. OK, fine!
Before we know it, it's time to sleep.
So it is true - we all would be sleeping on the floor. We unfold and place the thin sleeping mats on top of the 'tatami' - traditional rice straw flooring providing some extra softness. At the morning the mats will be folded again and tucked in the closet...and so on every day! The legless chairs and 30cm tall table are moved into the corner to free some space for the mats. Everything is so tiny...like an Asian Lego world...incredible! I start feeling like a giant!
We soon doze off...we need the rest...tomorrow is Kliment's Birthday and there is gonna be a party! My first party in Japan!

...to be continued...

Ajax:Veendam 3:0

2010-11-11T15:27:00.005-06:00

The first time I went to a live soccer game (excuse my American way of addressing football!) must have been back in the late '70s - early '80 when Dad took me to a game of Trakia, my home town's team. It was at about the same time Dad took me fishing with him for the first time... He must have been really disappointed that his second child (me!) was again a girl if he was trying so hard to instill in me some manly hobbies...anyway!
I remember I was bored, very bored, especially after I finished the two packs of sunflower seeds. I fell asleep. Then I was awaken by the crowd's shouts and screaming...we won! And then I was happy to go home.

Thirty-something years later I went again to a live soccer game - tonight!, free ticket! (Thanks Carlos!), Biljna Arena Amsterdam!, watched Ajax : Veendam!
The weather could have definitely been more merciful! We didn't really need the thunders and lightnings, and pouring rain, and gusty winds flipping umbrellas left and right...but, hey, at least I wasn't freezing cold :-)

Observations and random thoughts:
1) The stadium seemed smaller than when seen on TV.
2) The lights were nice and bright!
3) Ajax was definitely the better team!
4) The players seemed younger than I expected...perhaps because I'm used to watching Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit, when I was a teenager... Trivia of the day: Did you know that Ruud Gullit and I have the same Birthday?...only I am 10 years younger? ;-)
5) The hotdog and the beer were good! I just wished it was a bit warmer so I can have another beer...
6) I should have bought an Ajax scraf...at the least!

Long story short - it was great fun!
I've been passing by the Arena many times now, on the train, and every time I think 'I should take a photo for my Dad'...Now I think, perhaps I should get him a ticket to see Ajax...live! Hoping he would enjoy the game more than me...thirty-something years ago... :)

My first trip to Japan (Part 1)

2010-11-08T11:19:00.001-06:00

A multitude of reasons sent me on my first trip to Japan. Many people and events intertwined making it impossible to pinpoint what actually started it all. Was it out of curiosity what I would see? Was I hoping to gain some wisdom along the way? Or was I just tired...and seeking an escape from reality? Regardless of the tipping point...my story goes like that...

A few years earlier I became a Reiki practitioner - a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Mikao Usui, a japanese buddhist started it, and I wanted to go to his land, to submerge in his culture, the culture of Asia - so much spoken of, yet, perceived differently by each of us.
Shiatsu is another Japanese alternative medicine approach I'm very fond of - one that treats the reasons for an illness, not the subsequences...How wise!
My love for nature and beauty lead me to Ikebana- the Japanese art of flower arrangements...
Further on, Origami - the Japanese art of paper folding, which is as much fun as creating beauty...

The people involved in this trip are a few...
Diana - best of friend without which my first months in Tucson, AZ would have been unbearable, but with some kindness and a few jokes, she made it all much easier.
Keita - my Japanese boyfriend at the time, who taught me to accept our cultural differences and to love him despite not always understanding him.
Saori - a quite Japanese girl, who was always willing to hear my problems, yet never shared hers. And I'm sure she had some too.

With an on-going divorce at the time too, I went to the beginning of the day, to the land of the Rising Sun, hoping I'll find what was missing... tiny pebbles to fill the mosaic of my days, in a more harmonious way, with more light and hope in the future...

...to be continued...

Globe-Twitter

2010-11-05T08:17:00.001-05:00

It must be totally random who and how ends up reading my blogs... outside of my circle of friends, that is.
But it is always such a great feeling to find out that someone you don't know - next door or perhaps across thousands for miles, has read a story you wrote and enjoyed it! Because I like to share the good times...

In an attempt to reach more travel lovers and share amazing travel experiences ... I joined Twitter.
So now I'm not only a Globe-Trotter, but a Globe-Twitter too :)
www.twitter.com/OliveTravel

Photo: Bataviawerf Twitter, 28 September 2010 (www.bataviawerf.nl)

ps. Roel, thanks for spotting the typo! :)

I Love Travel

2010-11-02T12:39:00.001-05:00

There are many things that I find fun to do and intriguing to learn about.

However, the one thing that I have grand passion for is travel.

To me, travel could be as multifaceted and vibrant as you would want it to be.

I truly enjoy traveling in any of its many variations.

This blog is about sharing my passion...

Enjoy!

Beer tasting party

2010-10-31T10:45:00.007-05:00

The Facts:

55 beers were emptied
24 beers are still in my fridge
15 attendees (13 tasting-experts, 1 pregnant lady, 1 dog)
4.2 bottles average beer intake
2 severe hangovers

The Story:

It was back in July, warm summer evening, I went for dinner and drinks with Bart and Erik. One thing led to another and I learned that it was not only my Dad experimenting with home made spirits. Erik and his Dad were trying to brew their own beer. Attaboys! Of course, I had to twist Erik's arm to promise that when the beer is ready we will try it.
Fast forward a couple of months...Erik reported that the beer is ready, it was time to taste it! So we threw a beer tasting party!
(But not before I secretly tasted the home-brewed-liquid gold...and gave it two thumbs up ;-) ... )

To be honest, I did not expect who knows what from the party. I recently hosted a Wine tasting party too and I was wondering if people won't just think of me as an AA...lol May be I am not far off on that last statement, but I was wrong on my expectation...
I was so happy to see with how much enthusiasm everybody embraced the idea. Each of us was supposed to bring 5 unusual beers. Most of the beer came from Belgium (God Bless Belgium!), but we also had beer from Japan, Tanzania, Mexico, The Netherlands - including some local Utrecht beer!, Switzerland, USA, Scotland, Australia...and the most unusual one was the Coconut beer from Germany/Gana!!! Aside from Coconut and hop, we also tasted berry, cherry and banana beers. Strength-wise, we went from 4.6% (Corona) to 10% (Maredsous). Bottle sizes varied from 330ml to 750ml. Amazing variety, any way you slice it!!!
The Pragt's beer was a total success too...judging by the fact that even my hidden reserve bottle of it was open and gone... :-)
Good job, Erik!

To wrap it up, I'll simply say...I had an awesome time! With friends like that life is festive, fun, fabulous!!! With or w.out the beer... :-) Thank you for coming and I hope you enjoyed it too!

The Photos:

The evening in photos...CLICK HERE

babies

2010-10-26T15:01:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since the last time a friend had a baby. But this year 5 friends are buying dippers, strollers, pacifiers and all that jazz. One in US, one in UK, one in Spain, and two in the Netherlands! Amazing!

Today I was very happy to hear that my friends Diana and Don had their Joshua on the 16th of October! Congratulations! :)
Diana is my best friend from the time we started playing with science. We've had so much fun times in Sofia, Japan, Alaska, Vegas and Washington...Andi, shall we go again to Thomas' land? :-)

I'm looking forward to adding four more photos to this blog ... :-)

let's play

2010-10-17T17:00:00.004-05:00

I promise to explain this post soon, but for right now...let's play :-)
Would you spear just a moment of your time and particilate in the pole to the right -

Will I move yet again to another country, and this time...to Australia?

Thanks for your vote!
:)

For whom the sirens go off

2010-10-14T08:55:00.003-05:00

The other day a friend twitted: 'De sirenes van de ambulance zijn geweldig om te horen, zelfs 's nachts. Elke keer denk ik: weer potentieel een leven gered!' / 'The sirens of the ambulance are great to hear, even at night. Every time I think, again potentially a life is saved!'
The moment I read it I experienced an overwhelming realization and a flashback...
A realization why exactly I've always liked the sound of ambulance sirens, and a flashback from my childhood.
I must have been 5-6 years old, we were in the city with my Mom, and an ambulance with the siren on drove by.
I'd never seen ambulance before, so my Mom explained that ambulances take sick people or pregnant women who are about to deliver to the hospital. Perhaps in my childish mind, 'sick' was already scary word, so I said 'I hope this ambulance was taking a lady to the hospital to have a baby'. And then I clung to my Mom's arm.
And only the other night I realized that every time I hear an ambulance, I hear hope...
Thanks Erik, for putting it so simple, yet so moving...

Fun fact - Did you know that the ambulance siren sound in UK and US is different from the one in continental Europe? :-)
For the US/UK click here and for Europe click here.

Autumn morning

2010-10-11T02:59:00.005-05:00

I love today's October morning.
Spotless blue sky, Sun is out, air is cool and fresh, but not yet chilly.
I have wrapped myself in a blanket of calmness, and I sit in the the garden with my morning coffee, and a cookie.
My face is one big smile, my eyes are smiling too...my hearth beat is steady and strong.
The street is quite, but from the distance comes the ocean-like sound of the cars on the highway. Life out there continues.
I hear the doorbell, my ride to Diakonessenhuis is here.
...
Two hours later I'm back home - the heavy white 'knee-to-toe' cast is left behind in the hospital. Pfew!
What a relief!!!
I have a new cast now - but much smaller one, as small as I could negotiate with the cast-maker. Good job, Iliana!
It's blue and it almost looks stylish compared to the big chunky old one.
And I can actually walk on my own - short distances, but still, a BIG step forward!!! For longer distances I'll still need the crutches.
I am not allowed to drive, but I am allowed to bike. OK, I won't try it right away, because the foot muscles need to warm up for a day or two, but I'm on the way to healing...3 more weeks!
But let me tell you how GREAT it feels that I can walk again, I am not prisoned at home anymore, I can go on the street and see people, I can slowly go to the park and look at the beautiful Autumn colors...I can even go to work (but tomorrow!)...
Ah, the sweetness of freedom! The promise of the Autumn morning...

choices

2010-10-10T12:28:00.004-05:00

It's been 7 days with crutches. All along my friend Mette is telling me it's time for me to learn to enjoy just sitting on the sofa and do nothing. But can I? While I started to get used to the fact that I will be slow physically in the next three weeks...I could not slow down my mind, so I thought of the choices we make and how they shape us...because if I had not chosen to wear high heels for my date on Sunday, I would have (probably) not broken my feet and so on...
So, here are the choices I thought of...feel free to add yours...

Go on a date with the guy YOU LIKE, or with the guy who LIKES YOU
On a sunny day, sit on the COUCH with your cast, or sit in the GARDEN with your cast
On a rainy day, sit on the couch and munch on CHIPS, or sit on the couch and eat an APPLE
Have a COFFEE, or have a TEA
Wait for your friend to COOK FOR YOU, or JOIN YOUR FRIEND in the cooking process (as much as you could)
Read a BOOK, or watch TV
Expect your friends to CALL YOU, or CALL A FRIEND far away who would be happy to hear you on the phone
Have your friends ASK YOU how your feet is feeling, or ASK YOUR FRIENDS how their days go
Have SEX, or MAKE LOVE
See a DRAMA movie, or see a COMEDY movie
TRUST your friend to drive your odd car and take you to a party, or STAY HOME in the safe zone
BE DISAPPOINTED with the people who didn't check on you, or RESPECT THEIR CHOICE not to call you every single day
ASK questions, or ASSUME answers
Focus on the POSITIVE, or let the NEGATIVE take over

Choices, choices, choices... :)
This week I learned to ask for help, I learned to accept to be helped, I learned to be patient (somewhat!)...
What I also learned is...I have chosen the best friends! Again! :-)

ps. I even chose to keep my Saturday flowers promise! Thanks, P.!

life with crutches - Part 2

2010-10-07T05:50:00.004-05:00

Day 4. Cabin fever is taking over. I must escape! Determined to keep my dental cleaning appointment I call a cab to take me to the dentist office...which by foot is merely 650m away, but the one way streets and the park in between makes for a fun 2km ride.
Before I know it my teeth are clean and I can go home. The light fog, the mellow weather, the smell of the Autumn captivate me and I decide to go home by foot, and by crutches. I mean, c'mon, it's only 650 meters, I can see the park from the office's front door, and my house is just on the other side of the park...It can't be that difficult!
Well, surprisingly...it can! It took me about ten stops to rest, and 30 minutes to get home. My face dripping with sweat, my t-shit soaked too!

On the positive side - I saw a couple of picture perfect spider webs (and their habitants), sprinkled with morning dew; a few golden leaves danced for me before landing on the wet green grass; I filled my lungs with fresh Autumn air. I love Autumn!

Curious observation - five people offered sympathy to my slow motion movements. All five of them were 60 and above years old. I guess, they are the ones that can relate, they know we are not invincible, their life is more in sync with the pace of my walking...
Harmony at its best! :-)

life with crutches

2010-10-06T17:12:00.004-05:00

Have you ever wondered what it is to be in a wheel chair? Or to have a mobility disability?
I have! And these days I am getting some answers...
On Sunday, after a wonderful afternoon in Amsterdam, I picked my bike from Utrecht Central Station and...fell off of it, ending with a broken foot bone and a cast. That last sentence actually summarizes a few hours of running to the doctor, radiology, first-aid, etc. etc....and the same friend who recently saved my broken spirit (see blog I had it) now helped with my broken foot. Will I ever manage to say a proper thank you? :)
Anyway, aside from a very sincere thank you to all my friends who are helping me these days with the grocery, with the food, and entertaining me, driving me to places, being 'there for me' in person, of via the internet...I also want to share - life with a cast and crutches is a pain in the neck! (not only in the foot!)
Every simple chore you do on a daily basis becomes a big effort, many extra muscles get involved, your healthy leg get exhausted from taking all the weight, showering is tricky, you can't even bring a glass with water to you table...because you have to hop...and before you know it, the water is spilled on the floor...Just try it and you'll see...
But, nothing I can do about it, 3 1/2 more weeks in the cast...and all the fun that comes with it! :-)
I can't wait to be back on my feet - literary! And appreciating it in a very new way!

i want to know his story

2010-10-06T12:32:00.005-05:00

Do you know this man? I want to know his story...

His shoe polishing stand is on the South exit of the Amsterdam Central Station and one could easily not notice him amongst the crowds of people getting in and out. I actually never seen him with clients, but he is there every time I go to Amsterdam...
The first time I spotted him, a few months ago, he seemed to have just arrived. I would guess he came from Turkey.
He was wearing a simple suit and a light shirt, buttoned up to the neck. He was standing by his shoe stand, tall and proud, hands together on the front, patiently waiting for clients. He looked clean, close shaved, well combed hair, nicely trimmed mustache. He was observing with curiosity, but also with modesty the passing by people, which made me believe he is new to town.
In the following months, he seemed more and more relaxed, and at ease, and finally, this last weekend, he was sitting on a stool and rolling a cigarette. Routine must have settled. Yet, he kept his professional look - looking clean and well groomed, the shoe stand well organized, ready for the next client...
What caught my eye the first and every other time though, was this man's face and presence - I saw confidence, self-respect, and determination. I saw a strong personality. I saw a professional shoe-polisher - proud of his line of work. I was captivated by someone at peace. And I want to know his story...

The picture below is from Istanbul - a few shoe-polish stands by the Spice Market. They had more business than the man in Amsterdam. But I wonder, would any of them dare to go on their own, step outside of the comfort zone and try to make it in a new world? Would they have the strength? Would they have a story?

today I had it

2010-10-01T10:00:00.004-05:00

It's not the first time in my life I've felt weak, but today I had it. I normally deal bravely with living in a new country, using a new language on a daily basis, money shortage, emotional turbulence, work boredom, but these last couple of days mixed a strong cocktail of all listed ingredient and escalated the pressure in to the point of waking up this morning ... short on breath, heart beat as if I've ran for dear life, and a paralyzing terror - can I handle it all?!
After a shower, coffee and a grapefruit juice, fully awake, I realized that the terrifying feeling that I'm losing grip is still with me.
So it wasn't just a result of a nightmare. I was really on the verge of losing it...

I needed a solid stone to step on, a safe place where to catch my breath, a trusted friend to look me in the eyes and without words to reassure me that I will be o'right. Given the day and time, almost everybody was not available. Expect for one, who coincidentally was coming back from a business meeting, and on his way to take his 8 month pregnant girlfriend to the doctor.
It took 5 minutes altogether, to sit with a cup of espresso, to look me in the eyes and smile. I took his hand for just a moment, and a wave of peace came over me. The power of the human touch! No words necessary. And then I smiled too, pressure was gone, I gained clarity...

I needed a tiny alignment to gain strength, and I've found it...a mental switch from a very bitter 'today I had it', to a blissful 'today I had it all!'

A promise to myself

2010-09-29T17:02:00.005-05:00

Do you like my Saturday flowers blogs? Yes, they only consist of a single photo ;-)
Because that's what they are all about... and here is why...
Once upon a time, I lived miserably in the UK. And I desperately wanted to return to the United States - my home. However Life threw a wrench in the works, and I had to look for a new job elsewhere. I applied for a job in the Netherlands, and I made a promise to myself - if I get the job I want, I will buy fresh flowers every Saturday! No matter what!
Well, in the Netherlands such promise is easy to keep, it doesn't even cost a lot...
But what's more important is to keep the promise, and I am! It's great to wake up on Saturday morning, have your morning coffee in town, and then pick some fresh flowers to brighten your days during the week to come! If I have visitors, I let them choose the flowers for me. It's lovely to have the flowers remind you of your friends after they leave. Even the rainy days are not so gloomy with some bright colored flowers!
I think I'm lucky with my decision to come to the Netherlands, and I'm happy to keep my promise!

ps. At the time of writing this blog I have cast on my leg, so...I will have to ask a friend to get the flowers for me this Saturday, but the promise must be kept! ;-)

old poetry

2010-09-29T08:01:00.006-05:00

WHERE WE STAND

We crossed the line too many times
Both, with kindness and with selfishness
It isn’t clear where we stand
I need to redefines my boundaries
You want me as a trusted friend
I want you as a friend and lover
And while I’m keen on ‘open-end’
Doubt in your heart is hovering
Not the we are any perfect
Match selected by the stars
But I felt our hearts were pumping
stronger closely, than apart...
(June 2010)

REALIZATION

...I have to trust
when nothing else is option ...
My strengths and weaknesses adjust -
part of an unstoppable comotion
called life, and lust
for it - the magic potion,
,I have to trust,
will take me through the motions...
(June 2010)

'AS IS'

I felt an urge to tell you all -
answer the questions I ignored
As time is passing, my shield gets torn -
I trust you with my soul

You say I’m deep and fun, at once -
could I be otherwise? I wonder…
Like butterfly performing dance
around a flame, without burning…I’m syncing our sins
(May 2010)

UNSPOKEN

...the food is always so delicious,
the wine is smooth, the bread is fresh,
pretend we not to be judicious,
and easily succumb to flesh...

you see by now two tangled bodies,
refuse I firmly such decoy
you feel like God, i feel like Goddess,
let's take it slow and just enjoy...
(April 2010)

CONTRADICTIONS

We live through UPs and DOWNs...
What is an UP, what is a DOWN?
Is it 'Give UP' the right direction?
Is it 'Calm DOWN' a wrong sugestoin?
My happiness might make one sad...
My sunrise is someone's sunset...
My only choice is ... move along,
I have to be and I am STRONG!
(July 2001)

REINCARNATION

Again...
I put all the pieces together
and glue them into a whole Me -
laughing, loving, happy...whatever
I've been always meant to be...
(June 2001)

World Beach Project

2010-09-29T04:07:00.006-05:00

Summer days are over!
But one memory is here to stay - a memory of a summer weekend, when Bart and I went to the beach. The plan was to stretch on the warm sandy beach and forget about the world...instead we became part of the world...entering the World Beach Project .
We did try to sunbath for a bit, but the wind made the sand feel like sandpaper against your skin, so instead we played with the rocks.
You could see our modest art piece on the map (it loads slow!) - choose Europe, then zoom in on the Netherlands and you will see one of the markers is 'Hoek van Holland'
That's us :)

Hope you like it, and if you ever go to a rocky beach...play and join the project! It's fun! :-)

Saturday flowers: The Remake

2010-09-18T11:47:00.003-05:00

Why Intelligent People Fail - Part 2

2010-08-27T09:11:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago a friend told me he'd found my blog and in his opinion my own entries are more interesting than the ones I quote from other sources. Could I get any better compliment? ;) Of course, the point was that my blog should carry my own thoughts...or else you will simpy buy a newspaper. Thus, I felt like I owe you my personal view on the article 'Why Intelligent People Fail'... so here it goes...my confession.
First, I think the list of reasons well applies to both personal and professional side of life. And interestingly, both my personal and professional 'hick ups' could be attributed to the same weaknesess. At least I'm consistent!
Lack of impulse control, spreading myself too thin and inability to delay gratification are my Achilles' heel. The common thread?...Lack of patience, hence the need for more and new activities to loose myself in...and I do!
Too much adrenaline in my blood, I guess! But at the end of the day I often feel exhausted :(
Now that I identified the problem (they say that's the first step towards resolving it), would I be able to do something about it? Let's see...and may be Part 3 of this post will follow. Until then, I'm open to hear your comments!

Saturday flowers

2010-08-01T16:32:00.003-05:00

Why Intelligent People Fail

2010-07-29T04:33:00.003-05:00

Content from Sternberg, R. (1994). In search of the human mind. New York: Harcourt Brace.

1. Lack of motivation. A talent is irrelevant if a person is not motivated to use it. Motivation may be external (for example, social approval) or internal (satisfaction from a job well-done, for instance). External sources tend to be transient, while internal sources tend to produce more consistent performance.

2. Lack of impulse control. Habitual impulsiveness gets in the way of optimal performance. Some people do not bring their full intellectual resources to bear on a problem but go with the first solution that pops into their heads.

3. Lack of perserverance and perseveration. Some people give up too easily, while others are unable to stop even when the quest will clearly be fruitless.

4. Using the wrong abilities. People may not be using the right abilities for the tasks in which they are engaged.

5. Inability to translate thought into action. Some people seem buried in thought. They have good ideas but rarely seem able to do anything about them.

6. Lack of product orientation. Some people seem more concerned about the process than the result of activity.

7. Inability to complete tasks. For some people nothing ever draws to a close. Perhaps it’s fear of what they would do next or fear of becoming hopelessly enmeshed in detail.

8. Failure to initiate. Still others are unwilling or unable to initiate a project. It may be indecision or fear of commitment.

9. Fear of failure. People may not reach peak performance because they avoid the really important challenges in life.

10. Procrastination. Some people are unable to act without pressure. They may also look for little things to do in order to put off the big ones.

11. Misattribution of blame. Some people always blame themselves for even the slightest mishap. Some always blame others.

12. Excessive self-pity. Some people spend more time feeling sorry for themselves than expending the effort necessary to overcome the problem.

13. Excessive dependency. Some people expect others to do for them what they ought to be doing themselves.

14. Wallowing in personal difficulties. Some people let their personal difficulties interfere grossly with their work. During the course of life, one can expect some real joys and some real sorrows. Maintaining a proper perspective is often difficult.

15. Distractibility and lack of concentration. Even some very intelligent people have very short attention spans.

16. Spreading oneself too think or too thick. Undertaking too many activities may result in none being completed on time. Undertaking too few can also result in missed opportunities and reduced levels of accomplishment.

17. Inability to delay gratification. Some people reward themselves and are rewarded by others for finishing small tasks, while avoiding bigger tasks that would earn them larger rewards.

18. Inability to see the forest for the trees. Some people become obsessed with details and are either unwilling or unable to see or deal with the larger picture in the projects they undertake.

19. Lack of balance between critical, analytical thinking and creative, synthetic thinking. It is important for people to learn what kind of thinking is expected of them in each situation.

20. Too little or too much self-confidence. Lack of self-confidence can gnaw away at a person’s ability to get things done and become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Conversely, individuals with too much self-confidence may not know when to admit they are wrong or in need of self-improvement.

PS: I found this article interesting... And you?

St.Ilia's Day

2010-07-20T08:40:00.004-05:00

On July 20, Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates St. Ilia Day. According to the Christian religion St. Ilia is a Judaic prophet, a follower of Jehovah. In the Old Testament St. Ilia is known as an ascetic wanderer. In Bulgaria he is honored as sky patron. Ilinden is celebrated to prevent hail and thunderstorms. Whenever St. Ilia gets angry he either locks the rains into his cave or causes hailstorms. It is believed that St. Ilia crosses the sky in a golden chariot trying to kill the dragon that feeds on the wheat. When he shoots the dragon with arrows, on the sky appear thunder and lightening. St. Ilia's Day is celebrated by leather workers, fur dressers, tile makers and bakers. It is also a name day for everyone called Ilia, Ilian or Iliana.

ps: I did not write this blog entry, I found it in the webcashe of a non-exising page, so I don't even know who to thank about it, but I'm sharing it.

down memory lane with the roar of a military airplane

2010-07-20T07:41:00.003-05:00

Hot summer day, middle of July...
In the outskirts of Utrecht, my office has no air-conditioning, so the open window and door provide the life maintaining air draft in the near 30 deg C temperatures...
I'm working quitely, and the humming of the cars on the nearby highway is substituting for the sound of the crickets I used to listen to during the summers back in Bulgaria...many years ago...
And then, out of the blue, the roaring sound of a military airplane! Splitting the air in two and shattering the sky in pieces...
Not so usual to hear these days! I feel a tasty adrenalin rush!
I don't know where the plane came from and went to, but by the sound of it...it surely can't be too far, and it wasn't too high...the hair on my skin rises...for no other reason, but because this sound took me instantly down memory lane...and brought back sweet memories.
Having grown up in a communist time Bulgaria, airforce was always alert and flying regularly in preparation for who knows what, or just to pretend we are ready to fight. The village I lived in was near by two military bases, and it was part of the summer fun with my Dad to listen to and watch the overflying MIGs or TUs airplanes and guess which way they are going, sometimes we'd see them, sometimes we would only hear the roar above the clouds, but we knew what the direction is, we also knew if they just took off of have been circling around. Ocasionally we would see formations of two or three planes, and being oblivious to the potential damaging power they had I would only see beauty in it. How easy it was to be a child...

Ashtanga Yoga

2010-07-09T07:36:00.002-05:00

The first time I heard of Yoga was back in school when I was a 12 years old teenager, frustrated with not being able to perform a split in my Physical Education class. My Dad told me that Yoga practitioners are the most flexible people, so perhaps I can learn from them. Luckily, my uncle had a book on Yoga, so I dived in it , but all I found was photos of what seemed to be impossible postures, description of breathing techniques which I failed at, and cleansing exercises. It was not too exciting at first, but I tried some simpler postures and with time I discovered that I was gaining flexibility, to the point that I could do a right split after some serious warm up. Success!
Back then I didn’t care that Yoga means ‘to unite’ and that just the stretching is not the real thing. What’s more, I was probably not even doing the postures quite properly, but nevertheless I kept practicing through the years and I’ve noticed that after a Yoga practice I feel calmer.
Years later, having just moved to the States, stress level in my life was getting unbearable. I tried some meditation techniques I was taught , but it was hard to apply them – my brain was like a busy beehive. So I thought of trying yoga, but this time in a more consistent manner. Every Saturday morning, Sunday evening, and once during the week, I would go to various Yoga centrrs in Tucson, Arizona, and that is how I found Ashtanga Yoga.
It was just what I needed – series of strength and stamina demanding postures, a lot of flexing and balancing, synchronized breathing, and as a result - a light and strong body, and a calm mind. In only a couple of months I had (at last!) discovered the true meaning of Yoga – to unite the body and the mind, and to put them in harmonious peace. It felt so uplifting! Daily life became more positive and energetic, yet more relaxed.
Years came and went, yoga being part of them, sometimes more regularly practiced, sometimes not so. I lived in many cities, but I never found as good teachers as the ones I had in Arizona (with exception to one, but I had to relocate). Also I could not find the Ashtanga style I was looking for.
This Monday I went to my first yoga class in Utrecht – Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga!
Bingo! Perfect click with the place, with the teacher, with the style, with the class pace! My old Yoga skills kicked in after just a couple of Sun Salutations! I felt so hungry for more that I went again on Tuesday! I realized that while going through my daily ToDo lists, going to work, settling in my new place, paying the bills, etc. etc …some of the balance between mind and body was lost, there was a bit of a disconnect. And just a couple of classes brought back the feeling of being United. You go into a posture with an open mind and determination to do it at the best you can, you breath in, the whole world disappears, you are into the posture, you let go off everything on your mind, and you feel the balance, the posture become easier, you enjoy it, you exhale…sublime!

Ashtanga teacher Anne Nuotio says: “It is close to an experience of beauty. As you balance you are not thinking, the feeling is so totalizing. It’s like experiencing a beautiful sight in nature. Those are the rare moments in yoga when you are in ecstasy. I don’t know how it looks, but feels divine.”

Not all asanas come always easy to me – then the teacher would have to come and straighten me out. And often, only a slight alignment, just a millimeter in the right direction and ‘click’ , it gets much easier to hold the pose.
I wonder … is it the same in life … is it a minute alignment that could make everything easier and so much more enjoyable…with the right teacher…? And while I’m waiting for the answer of this and many other questions…I will diligently practice Ashtanga.

Namaste!

the aftermath of a 4th of July

2010-07-06T04:22:00.004-05:00

I have not been American Citizen for long, yet 4th of July is a very special day for me, captivating the spirit of independency, the uniting of a nation, and the warm friendliness the festivities come with. Friends and families gather to fire a BBQ and have some good time, crowds fill the stadiums for rock concerts including inevitably a 'The Star-Spangled Banner' performance, fireworks light the evening sky for a glorious ending of Independence Day.
I had a very different 4th of July this year...partly because I chose so, and partly because it happened so...and like always, life's surprises push my mind to wander and discover...
I live in the Netherlands now, 3 months already. I like it a lot! Well, I like it so far... ;) Moving to a new country engages all these forgotten survival skills, that go lethargic after you've lived long enough in the same place. It forces you to look at life from a new perspective, to open up for new experiences. That makes me feel young in spirit, alive! I was lucky to meet quite a lot of people in the very first weeks, and make a few good friends right away. So, when 4th of July approached it was a no-brainer that a party was in order! Let the fun begin!
I've always been social and when flamboyant mood strikes me, a party for 20 or more is not unusual, I like to bring people together, I like to mix various personalities, with the one goal - let's have a good time and enjoy life! Space has never been a problem, spending money on drinks and food either, so...you get the idea.
Very surprisingly, this year I felt strongly that a big party is not going to work well... Something had changed. Somehow a shift has happened, and for the first time I didn't need to invite many, I didn't crave the crowd. There was the urge to change the scale of events. I wanted only the people I care about, only the people I have meaningful relationships with. I realized I was exhausted from spreading thin in terms of people. It's funny! As a child I always wanted to have many many friends...and now I do, but I don't have the time for them...Life always finds a way to frustrate us 
The party was small - six people in total. But not short of anything - mai-tai drinks with real orchid flowers, chicken, steak and fish on the BBQ, corn and potatoes, fresh guacamole and chips, plenty of wine, music, dancing, singing ... we even had a Birthday Boy, what else could you ask for! I thought of Terry Pratchet's book 'The Carpet people' - 'All you need to be happy is soft toilet paper, warm soup, and a few kind words'. Well...I think we had it all. I loved the simplicity of the evening, the sincerity and the intimacy. It felt like never before, and it made me feel complete...

The Netherlands:Brazil 2:0

2010-07-04T07:30:00.009-05:00

Being an expat during a World Cup Championship is tricky. Which country to cheer for, what if your favorite team is playing the team of your friends, but it is a fun time nevertheless. I can't tell you what moves me most - is it that something as simple as a game with a ball is uniting nations? is it to see the glowing happy faces of the winning team? is it the ocasional player breaking in tears after a loss? It is a strongly emotional time - determinatin to win, years of hard work on the line, pride, determination, loyalty...Football is like no other sport! Watching the World Cup in the Netherlands is an experience like never I seen before. Streets all in orange, and the national flag, everybody wearing orange on a game day...the atmosphere is fantastic! I watched Netherlands wining over Slovakia in a pub with a colleague. The place was packed, and with one common want in mind, it was great to be part of the crowd. Screams, shouts, cheers, the vibe was unbelievable! I thought I had seen it - the Dutch way of enjoing a game! But then a week later, another great game and the Netherlands won over Brazil! The the oranje madness hit the city! It was like Queen's day is happening again...an orange sea was flooding the center of Utrecht and everyone was so excited, so deliriously happy, drunk from the pleasure of winning! And I was in the middle of it...unbelievably easy to forget about all else, and celebrate, and be happy to be in the right place at the right time! Go Holland!!!

Cabaret

2010-07-02T05:23:00.004-05:00

In the Netherlands 'Cabaret' is something that we in the States would call a stand-up comedy show, plus some more music. But the devil is in the details, so let's move on past the definition... :)
After only three months of exposure to Dutch language and culture, I bravely went to my first cabaret show - we watched the Olaf and Jasper's Meuk . With the help of a couple of beers, and Bart translating a couple of words for me (oplossing
= solution, being the key one!), I managed to grasp about half of the jokes, and laughed out loud. Not bad! Despite the akwardness of being the only one at times that has no idea what has been said, and why the audience is explauding with laughter, I had a lot of fun!
It turned out that after 12 years, this was one of Olaf and Jasper's last shows. Jammer! By the time I speak Dutch they will be off the waggon...oh, well!
It was moving to see someone from the crowd offering presents to the cabaret-performers at the end of the show. They also received (from what I understood!) life-long pass to come and have a drink in this perticular Utrecht's venue - the Schiller Theater 'Place Royale'. Althought small in size, the Schiller Theater is a lovely place. Dating back to 1906, the building has always been a stage for performing arts.
Impressive!

Well, for those of you that speak Dutch, here is something from Olaf and Jasper!
And for those you don't - you would have to trust me - it WAS fun!
Laghing out loud is one of my most favorite things to do :)

summer bliss

2010-06-30T07:11:00.004-05:00

Munching pretzels, sipping ice-cold coke and listening to music.
Wearing a simple dress, loose flip-flops...and letting the air tickle my skin.
Soon I'll hop on the bike and let the wind mess my hair.
All awhile the air smells so sweetly of linden tree blossoms.
Summer is here...and I love it :)

how

2010-06-29T09:49:00.002-05:00

how do I remember pain?
how do I foresee it's coming,
so I avoid it...

how do I remember lie?
how do I detect the patterns,
so that I break them...

how do I remember loss?
how do I predict the outcome,
so I advance...

how do I remember hope?
how do I backtrack the path to it,
so I don't lose it...

how do I remember strenth?
how do I prepare myself,
so I move on...

how do I remember smile?
how do I engaged the muscles,
so I can laugh again...

how do I remember love?
how do I foreknow it's happening,
so I submit to it...

two random men in my life

2010-06-28T08:12:00.005-05:00

Have you ever known someone who you would get into an argument with, and tension will escalate to the point of no return, and not only that, but you'd never want to speak to that person again, never ever, even years later....never...Have you?
I think I have.
We met on the internet, then in person, then we had it great for about 8 months, love was in the air, and then in just 2 days together it all collapsed in the ugliest way. According to him I was a very negative person, pretentious, self-centered, looking down on people, rude and emotionless. He wondered how I could possibly have friends.
Well, I know I am not perfect, and I probably did a few things wrong during these two days. Nevertheless, to hear such judgment is harsh. But they say everyone is entitled to their opinion, so I faced the fact that I have no place in this man's life and moved on.
After a while I overcame the pain, but I could not stop wondering...how was it possible - we got along so well for eight months, and then in just two days something so radically off the charts took place?!
I let time do its healing magic for about two years, and then I decided to call this man again, for the good time's sake...to try to bridge the gap filled with questions, hoping I could learn something about people in general, or something about me, or just out of curiosity for human kind.
Well, within the first minute of our phone call I realized some gaps can't be bridged, some gaps will never be closed, and perhaps...they should stay that way. Let them be the lessons from which we learn and grow...and move on!
And so I did, deleting his name and number from my phone.

On the other hand, another man...a random man I see every Saturday on the flower market. He sells flowers. His flowers are just as good as everyone else's are, his prices are just as good as everyone else's are, but he always have less buyers around. And I don't feel the urge to buy from him either...not sure why.
Last Saturday I just stood at the market and watched...he would stand behind his flowers and shout 'Fresh flowers! 3 bunches for 5, 3 bunches for 5!' But as soon as a client gets closer, he would stop shouting, and just stand there still. Not saying a word, not encouraging the people to buy, not offering a suggestion, or just the casual small talk...it felt like he didn't have the communication bit going.
I decided to buy from him that day, I tried my handicapped-Dutch, I smiled a lot, I looked into his eyes, I tried to make a connection - a simple connection with another human being. And it worked! At least it seemed to me that his face got a bit brighter , even for that short time, he smiled and it felt good.
I don't think I will always buy my flowers from him, but on that day I decided to do it, for the sake of approching the ones that are probably most troubled and distant from the crowd. And as my Dutch gets better, I will try to chat him up and hear his story...

On that day I bought red peonies - I once read that according to Feng Shui, peony flowers bring love to one's life...and I hope they do, because once loved, we then easily spread love around...and everything falls into place.

Sounds and scents in Utrecht

2010-06-24T08:46:00.002-05:00

If memory still serves me right, I have moved 28 times in my almost 38 year long life. At times with more excitement, at times just because I had to. Moving a floor or two higher, or thousand of miles away, a move is a move.
As soon as all my boxes are in the new abode, I intuitively tune in to the sounds and the scents it comes with. For some reason (very probably a basic animalistic instinct!) getting familiar with them is my way to bond with the place and start feeling safe, at home. It doesn't matter if it is the humming noise of the fridge, or the smell of a new laminate floor...they simply add some coziness and give the place a unique character.
The sounds of Utrecht are magical!
I don't even know where to begin...
I wake up to the sound of bycicles rushing in the morning, high heels walking the pavement, kids chattering lively on the way to school...or if later in the morning on the weekend - church bells and chimes. I simply loooove the sounds of church bells! Occasionally, I'll hear a rooster...have no idea who has it and where they keep it, but there you go - there are roosters in Utrecht. Even the noisy garbage truck on Friday morning sounds friendly. And if you happen to be in the garden around 7pm, dinner time in the Netherlands, you will hear the familiar sound of silverware and plates through the open windows of the neighbor's apartment above...so cozy!
I moved to Utrecht at the end of March, and they say it's best to move to a new place in Spring time, so you see it at its best. I think I did it right! Spring was in the air - fresh and crispy, filled with the gentle scent of green grass, blooming trees and first flowers, so full of optimism! Then for a week it was the season of white, blue and purple acacia flowers climbing up outside walls and fences. Their light sweet smell is the perfect companion for a late night walk. A week later - lilac bushes were in their prime! Intoxicating scent that makes me close my eye every time I smell a lilac bloom. Haven't you?
Another week of warm weather, and the Queen of all flowers took over the stage. Roses were everywhere and their scent filled the air, much lighter than the lilacs, but so much more refined, as if asking for special attention, as if holding back and playing a game...ok, a rose is a rose! :)
And this week...another magic happens - the Linden trees ("Tilia cordata",http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilia) started blooming! They really fill the air with such calming sweet scent, so familiar from my childhood, that I can't help it but to smile every time I inhale it. One can also make a delicious tea from the linden tree flowers...but that goes beyond sounds and scents :)
At work, I enjoy listening to the wind going through the crowns of the birch, maple and oak trees under my window. And the occasional ambulance in the distance...:)
At home, I love the company of the birds' songs...not for nothing I live in the Vogelenbuurt ('The Birds' neighborhood')
1. And when for a walk in Griftpark, the most sublime pleasure is to hear the clock tower bells, inhale deeply the cool afternoon air filled with the wisdom of the day, and while looking at the grand Dom tower silhouette, to let the last Sun rays for the day kiss my face with warmth...

Simple pleasures

2010-06-18T04:25:00.001-05:00

If wanting to have a British car on the Continent, one inevitably has to change the headlights - it's the law! After numerous phone calls to Toyota, three drives there and five times getting lost in the highway spider web in midst of which Utrecht is placed...I managed to leave my car in the shop, hoping that I did communicate clearly what needs to be done.
And then came the reward for all that hassle - one day rental Toyota Prius!

You know I love my "grand cherry" Toyota Aygo, but ... once you push the start button of the Prius, you know we are talking a whole different game!!!
I had almost forgotten how a real automatic gearbox feels, how fast the acceleration is, how smooth the ride...It's such a feeling!
Very, VERY tempting to take the day off and just drive around the NL highways, and indulge the speed! Who cares that I just attended an OMI Science Meeting talking about air pollution, climate change and such...
The masculine power, the full control, the pleasure of driving a good car...So simple, yet so fun! Even for a day!
And tomorrow ... I'll hop again on the bicycle and pretend to be Dutch :)

my relationship with music

2010-06-17T07:48:00.009-05:00

Words are extremely powerful...
and a picture might be worth a thousand words...
but a melody...
it takes you places only you (secretly in your mind) know about...
it brings up feelings (you keep only to yourself) to the surface...
it heals your spirit (that no one knew was broken) like magic...
makes you dream again...
brings life in your veins...
it let you JUST BE...
:)

so what

2010-05-25T01:57:00.004-05:00

...the coat hanger is still laying on top of the shoe cabinet, the lader is still serving as a coat hager - now in the common entry it could well annoy my neghbour...the clock, the 'short cirquit', my portrait are still waiting to be hung on the walls, patio chairs missing, wind constantly blowing away the cherry pattern table cloth, a pile of cables remain unmanaged in the corner...and a few other things not yet tended to ... so what, this chaos is only begging for time.
in my head though, things are amazingly calm - no big plans, no promisses, no stress...things are just going well and I love it...when a smile is the first thing I see when I wake up, and a kiss is next...I feel on top of the world...

excerpt

2010-04-10T03:51:00.004-05:00

These last few days I let myself wake up whenever my body feels like it...the time or the day matter only so much...I'm in the middle of my month off between jobs, between countries, between lives...
My brain is awake, my body rested, eyes half open... blue sky...from the comfort zone of my Hastens bed I am so positive :)
It's Saturday - Flower Market Day. But before heading out and taking my Dunlop bike for a ride, I'll set the routine for Saturday mornings...
Opened the window for some fresh air, 'Sex and the City' DVD in the player,
coffee maker on, while I'm squeezing two oranges into a glass, cube of ice to cool it, and a glass of water - because it's good for me :)
Quick and simple breakfast - piece of baguette with a couple of slices young Gouda cheese.
The Sun is peeking in already, a few rays reflect in the glass of orange juice as if trying to steal it...I smile.
A second later, in an armchair, I am enjoying a perfect weekend morning in Utrecht ...Good morning, everyone! :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!

2009-12-23T18:23:00.006-06:00

Another amazing and memorable year is close to its end. In a nutshell, 2009 was all about challenges, perseverance, travel and friends.

With most of my personal life happening over the phone, Skype, email, or overseas...I'd like to thank T-Mobile, British Telecom, FaceBook, and a number of airlines for being where I am - physically and mentally :) Of course, the humongous dose of thanks goes to my friends - the bestest in the world! And all over the world!

Now, if the weather could get just a bit better, so I can fly to Madrid tomorrow, and spend Christmas with family...that would be perfect :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love, iliana

Pictures, pictures, pictures...

2009-10-25T19:25:00.003-05:00

Hello! I just posted photos from about all my travel adventures this year...so far ;-)
There are may be a couple of more albums to come, hopefully next week.
Going through the albums I not only reminded myself of where I've been and what I've done, but more importantly ... I appreciated yet again having had unforgettable times with greatest friends! Life could be so wonderful!
I would like to add commentary to some albums, but let's see how much free time I'd find after Yoga, Dutch, Swimming...and good'o'DVD watching ;)
As for photos from year 2008 ... patience! :)
Enjoy!

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...Happy 4th of July!!!

2009-07-04T19:13:00.005-05:00

It was the morning of Christmas day, December 25th 1999.
The first day I stepped on American land - Chicago, Illinois.
The fatigue from my first transatlantic flight, an almost sleepless Christmas night at Frankfurt's airport, all the worried thoughts about what I left behind and what was ahead...it all vanished into the crispy air of a glorious sunny day - my first day in America!
'Like everyone who travels towards a new life in a land they've never seen, I wondered how much of me would survive the crossing, how translatable I would be.
...
Every migration is an opportunity and a kind of death. The new world may be rich and strange, but you're somehow weightless in it.
...
The freedom to be weightless here gave us all, I felt, en masse, a paradoxal solidity.' ... I can't agree more with Rob Nixon (Dreambirds).
Nine and a half years later...I am celebrating my first Independence Day as a citizen of the United States of America! And I feel very happy about it!
Happy 4th of July!

Oranjegekte...or... Happy Koninginnedag!

2009-04-29T18:43:00.007-05:00

Having learned Dutch for already about 5 months, in the eve of Koninginnedag, here are some of my favorite Dutch words. Bear in mind I don't know many yet ;)
Graag
Gezellig
Fiets
Winkel
Magnetron
Bioscope
Mijn naam is haas

Groetjes! :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-04T21:35:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year!
:)

Red Scream

2008-03-25T20:10:00.005-05:00

Today I want to scream...
Loud scream, reaching the corners of the Universe...
High pitch scream, so you can't ingore it...
Sincere scream, venting the frustration of the caged soul I had become lately...
a soul that is nothing but a scream for freedom...
OK now, that feels better...I am calm and I can smile :)
The color of this year is RED .
Because red is the color of blood, fire and passion...
Because blood, fire and passion are proxies for life...
And because I am alive!
:)
ps.Sincere thank you to all of you friends, aquantances or random people and events who helped me go through the motions and find my color again!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...Arg!

2008-02-06T22:22:00.001-06:00

I had enough of it already!
After a month of snow, shoveling for an hour each day becomes "the usual", but when you have to shovel 9 inches of fresh wet snow twice a day, and your car get stuck again!...it's a bit too much!
Luckily, with Nadia and Huyjin around, all could be turned into fun, so....
Here is me shoveling stoically -

And here is Nadia -

Huyjin said she would rather stay inside and see the videos on YouTube.
Smart girl!

:)

Happy New Year!!!

2007-12-31T11:12:00.001-06:00

I hope you had a nice Christmas... or a nice Holiday Season!
My apologies go to all who expected a Christmas card from me - I was away from home and not able to send cards this year, but in the Christmas eve, after the party lights went down, in the silence of a warm starry night I thought of all of you and wished you well!

I found this picture of Lake Oulujärvi (by Timo Rossi), to be an appropriate way to say good bye to 2007! The tiny silhouette on the horizon is the island of Uupunu. It means exhausted in English. Why this picture?
Between the beginning of the year in Paris and celebrating Christmas in Madrid, I had an interesting, but so intense year that on the 365th day of it I am a bit exhausted and ready to exhale. There were good times and bad times, a lot was learned through new, amazing and unexpected experiences, made some new friends, strengtened the bonds with some of you, some old ties broke for better or worse, spent some sleepless nights at work in hope for Eureka! , witnessed a lot of airplane exhaust over the Atlantic...life on the go!
But as long as I am in peace with myself, capable of loving unconditionally, and have my friends...everything will be ok. So my New Year resolution is simple - I am asking for peace and...Love!

I didn't have the time to write a 2007 Roundup letter, but I may post soon details on some of my travel - the passion of my life! At least, you will get a chance to see another few hundreds of photos :)

Until then, have an enjoyable New Year's eve and a splendid
HAPPY NEW 2008!!!
Cheers!

11 minutes

2007-11-30T17:53:00.001-06:00

Paulo Coelho gained popularity with a number of books in the recent years, but one book has a special place in my heart - 11 minutes.
Somehow it feels it is the right time to offer his story of why he wrote this book.
Relax, you don't have to read it...just take 11 minutes or less and read the story.
Hope you enjoy it!
* * *
Ever since literature began, writers around the world have written about sex; from Egypt to Greece to Japan, sex remains one of our main preoccupations. Yet despite the thousands of books published on the subject, we still understand nothing about it, and I'm not sure that Eleven Minutes will necessarily make much difference either, because when it comes to sexuality, the only real victory would be to drive out the lie that inhabits our imagination, and this will only happen once we find the courage to try, and possibly fail, to tell the truth about what we feel. We men lack the courage to say to a woman: teach me about your body. And women, likewise, never say to us: learn about me and my body. We are stuck with the primitive survival instinct of the species, with the fake freedom of being able to speak openly about the subject at any restaurant table, only to discover, within the four walls of a room, that we are frightened, insecure, fragile animals. What should be a magic moment becomes an act of self-blame, a sense that we have fallen short of the other person's expectations. We forget that this is one of the few situations in our lives from which the word 'expectation' should be banned.

During my own lifetime, I have experienced sex in many different and contradictory ways. I was born into a conservative age, when virginity was the defining characteristic of any decent young woman. I witnessed the emergence of the contraceptive pill and of antibiotics, both indispensable for the sexual revolution that would follow. I plunged enthusiastically into the hippy era, when we went to the other extreme, with free love being practised at rock concerts. I now find myself in an age which is half-conservative, half-liberal, an age haunted by a new disease resistant to all antibiotics, a time when no one knows quite where they are going.

We live in a world of standardised behaviour: there are standards for beauty, for quality, for intelligence and efficiency. We believe there is a model for everything and that, by following this model, we will be safe, which is why there is a sexual standard too, one made up, in fact, of a series of lies: vaginal orgasm, virility above all else, that it's better to pretend than to disappoint, etc. As a direct consequence of this attitude, thousands of people have been left feeling frustrated, unhappy and guilty.

It is part of a writer's role to reflect on his or her own life, and writing a book about sexuality came to be a priority with me. At first, I thought I could deal directly with it by describing an ideal relationship between two people; I tried various approaches, but all failed. It was only when I met the prostitute who would provide the connecting thread for this novel that I realised why I couldn't write the story: in order to write about sublime sex, I had to start where we all start - with the fear that everything will go wrong.

Eleven Minutes does not set out to be a manual or a treatise about a man and a woman confronted by the unknown world of sexual relationships. It is an analysis of my own trajectory, although without, in any way, passing judgement on my own experiences. It took me a long time to learn that the coming together of two bodies is more than just a response to certain physical stimuli or to the survival instinct of the species. The truth is that it carries within it all the cultural baggage of mankind and humanity.

Sex is one of the areas of our lives in which it is considered normal to lie. We lie in order to give pleasure to the other person, not realising that this lie can - and will - infect all the other important things in life. We forget that sex is a manifestation of a spiritual energy called love.

It is very difficult to put this realisation into practice, but we must try. The first thing to understand is that during the sexual act there are two opposing states working alongside each other: relaxation and tension.

How can we reconcile these two states? Very simple - stop being afraid of making mistakes. If we embark on the search for pleasure wholeheartedly, sincerely, we gradually feel the body becoming tense as the string of an archer's bow, while the mind relaxes like the arrow preparing itself to be released. The brain is no longer in control of the process, which is guided instead by the heart. And the heart uses all five senses to reveal itself to the other person: touch, smell, sight, hearing, taste are all involved, just as they are in experiences of religious ecstasy. It is strange that, in most sexual encounters, people use only touch and sight, and by doing so diminish that sense of plenitude.

If you give yourself entirely, you will break through any mental block your partner may have, however impenetrable, because the act of giving yourself means: 'I trust you.' At that moment, real sexual energy comes into play, and that energy exists not only in those areas we term the erogenous zones. It spreads throughout the whole body, into every hair and every pore. Every millimetre is now emanating a different light, one that is recognised and absorbed by the other body.

When this happens, we are drawn into a kind of ancient ritual that offers us the opportunity to be transformed. Any ritual, of whatever sort, requires from the participant a readiness to be led towards a new perception of the world. And it is this willingness that gives the ritual meaning.

This may all seem overly complex, but it is far less so than treating sex as it is treated today, as a mere mechanical act, which creates tension during sex and a feeling of emptiness afterwards. We must become aware that, when two bodies meet, they are walking together into unknown territory. To make this into an utterly banal experience is to lose all the wonder of the adventure.

But none of this can be learned from a book, which can only share with the reader the author's own experiences or views. Sex means, above all, having the courage to experience your own paradoxes, your own individuality, your willingness to surrender yourself. That is why I wrote Eleven Minutes, in order to find out if, at this stage of my life, at 55 years of age, I had the courage to learn everything that life has tried to teach me on the subject.

*Copyright 2003 by Paulo Coelho
All Rights Reserved

* * *

Beautiful Karlsruhe

2007-11-30T17:15:00.001-06:00

Beautiful Karlsruhe ... if only I had a chance to see it! :)
AMMA was a great conference, but when the bus picks you up every day at 7:30am and drops you at the hotel between 8pm and 1am...sorry for the sarcasm :)
My feeling is that the city is nice, but will have to confirm and get back to you on that one. For sure it has a couple of nice breweries, a few decent bars and a live Chrismat market in Decemnber :) Oh, and don't forget the zoo, which for some reason takes a central place in the city layout.
But again, truth to be said, Karlsruhe has its charm!
Tonight was the first and only night to get to glipmse at the city, and to have my second gluehwein for the season. Prost!
Lesson of the night: the more one sips from the cup, the more handsome the men seem, the easier German language gets, the warmer the weather becomes ...from the inside out :)
Well, Karlsruhe offered a few more memorabilia events, but ... what happens at AMMA stays within AMMA, so... ;)
Viva La Ciencia!!!

Beaware of the data ports

2007-11-28T10:48:00.002-06:00

In the nowadays high-tech society, comunication via the internet is 'the usual'.
E-mails, Instant Messages, Text Messages...I was in fact pleasanty surprised that pen-pal societies (meaning paper letters) still exist.
Today though I want to share the experience of how the high-tech and the good'o' tet-a-tet chit-chat could work out well together. As I was surfing the net during the conference coffee break a colleague asked to share the power outlet I used and also the wireless data port 'juicing up' our browsers.
One thing led to another and before you know it I made a friend.
A friend full of zest for life, energy, charming smile, wit, sincerety beyound limits and awesome sense of hummor. What more!
'Count your blessings!' he said to me and I think I'll count him as one.
Have a safe ride home!

"What is a friend? I will tell you...it is someone with whom
you dare to be yourself." - Frank Crane

Tis the Weihnachtsmarkt season

2007-11-26T15:51:00.001-06:00

Arriving in Germany on November 25th is a briliant idea!
This is the day when the Christmas markets are all set up and ready to open the next day and welcome the crowds of local and tourists that have patiently waited a year to come again and have a cup (or more) Glühwein, mingle with people, enjoy a conversation and revive the Chrismas spirit! I love it! So I do it...already a second year in a row :)
First stop again is Frankfurt. Sauli and I agreed that the Glühwein taste is an accumulative function proportional to the number of wine sips one has, i.e.
the more you drink, the better it tastes. Prost!
Soon to be hit... Karlsrhue, Darmstadt, Heidelberg, Koln, Strasburg, Saarbruken...and Madrid. Wait, that is not in Germany...well, yes, so? :)

Pictures, pictures....TONS of pictures :)

2007-11-18T01:25:00.001-06:00

In a week I am heading to Europe again...
And before the year is over, I think it is only fare to let you see the photos from the last 12 or so months. I am using a new host now - Shutterfly
http://IGBG.Shutterfly.com

Albums do not appear in crohonological order, but once I figure out all the features Shutterfly has to offer, I'll set some order...or may be not :)

Appologies for the tons of pictures, but I hope each of you find something to enjoy!

A sunset in flamingo colors...

2007-09-24T21:51:00.001-05:00

...and one day, your sunsert is colored in flamingo colors.
Yes!
The pink flamingos are lesurely trading the watter and the sky is the same gentle color. The world around you is as fragile as a hand blown glass, and you think that what you want is a stretch away...literary...but it's not! It's painfully close and so far away...outside of reach...but yet so tempting and so making you feel the butterflies...In times like that the Flowers and the Litz do help...they totally distract you from reallity...and that's ok , we are in Amsterdam...vodka speaks lowder than anythingh...and the sky is in flanmingo colors...ostrige soft plums are wrapping my naked body and I am in a bliss with the sky....and the rest seems surreal...50 years old dream is in front of my eyes...and I don't even get jelous...the night is quite, but tension of unknown kind is tearing the skies in lightnings....
I'm destined to my life, just as is...no pause, no break, no credit...Flamingos are pretty....

Purple story

2007-04-11T22:46:00.000-05:00

This story is about the color purple...
Remember? A few blogs ago I announced purple to be the color of this Spring.
Seems like I made the right choice...
My South African friend Nadia wears at least one piece of clothes in that color at any given time,
makes her olive green eyes even more poetic.
One night Nadia was sitting comfortably in her armchair, legs crossed into lotus, knitting a sweater in yet another shade of purple. I had to ask...why purple?...
There was once a math teacher in a school - a small tiny man, a gay, a drama queen, blow drying his hair every day into a perfect bob. He would intimidate the poor students about the color of the paper they have used to cover their textbooks with. And when it was time for purple... he would proudly, with that memorable flick of his eyebrow state that...purple is the color of sexual frustration!

About a year ago, I spent a night with a guy who owned a purple shower bag. I believe he was not sexually frustrated. But the oddest question popped in my head then. If I fall madly in love with a man, and the price to be with him would be to live in a place without any other colors but shades of purple, would I choose to be with this man, or would I surrender to the colors which I love - blue, green, brown...

And as life has its strange ways of conveying a message ... my life is becoming purple. I will be enjoying a Deep Purple show in May...and until then, you got it right... sexual frustration rules...;-)

No matter what ...

2007-04-11T10:33:00.001-05:00

April 11, 2007
Madison, Wisconsin
I dedicate this post to Jason Klimowicz, who is always the first one to blame me for the weather...

No Matter What (adaptation of Boyzone's hit)

No matter what the season
No matter what the month
Again it’s real winter
In our lovely town

I can't deny what I observe
I can't be what I'm not
I know cold’s not forever
I know no matter what

If only tears were laughter
If only night was day
If only prayers were answered
Spring would be back today…

Cheers,
Iliana

Dream poetry

2007-03-30T16:13:00.001-05:00

Bright morning,
Sunshine through the window
Pours in, fills up my hearth with joy
Endless cycle going
Silent wisdom passing by...
Grab it and enjoy!

January 18, 2002

Dove philosophical messages

2007-03-30T15:57:00.001-05:00

Laugh uncontrollably... it clears the mind.

Be mischievous. It feels good.

Temptation is fun...giving in is even better.

Flirting is mandatory.

Spring? ...LOL...It's -25°C in Madison!!!

2007-02-09T16:14:00.001-06:00

It ain't over until it's over! :)

I was granted a new life experience ... -25°C !!!

Leslie, Jerome and I went for a walk on the frozen lake - Mendota.

After no longer than 15 minutes of bravery I ran to the car, because as one learn quickly...

stretchy jeans don't really keep you warm, and one is about to get frost bite!

Good bye my dream of going to the South Pole...

Good bye my dream of dancing with the Penguins...

Good bye my dream of being at the bottom of the world...

LOL... :)

Spring is in the air

2007-02-01T23:33:00.001-06:00

I love all seasons. For different reasons. I love spring for the hope it brings. The hope that we will wake up one more time for life. The hope that beauty will return. The hope that colors will prevail. This spring's color is purple. Like the crocuses that poke through the snow, like the candle holder a dear friend gifted me, like the lavender smell that reminds me of the comfort of my parent's home ... I wish web-pages were able to carry scents as well...
Spring is in the air... I spring for all I hope for!

Stonehenge

2007-01-30T18:24:00.001-06:00

According to Wikipedia...

Stonehenge is a Neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic monument located near Amesbury, about 8 miles north of Salisbury. It is composed of earthworks surrounding a circular setting of large standing stones and is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. Archeologist think that the standing stones were erected between 2500 BC and 2000 BC although the surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC. The site and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1986. Stonehenge itself is owned and managed by English Heritage while the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust.

According to a satellite meteorology scientist (a.k.a myself)...

Stonehenge is at 51°10'44''N , 1°49'35''W

And according to my friend Jason's children...

...what Stonehendge???

Sahara dust discusssion - A NON-SCIENCE BLOG

2007-01-23T11:39:00.001-06:00

The year started well!

An interesting discussion took pace over the work e-mail network. My Boss sent out to everybody the photo above - it is from the cockpit of an AF plane flying through a Saharan dust storm. We study the effect of Saharan dust on hurricane genesis.

The photo triggered an "interesting social experiment". Almost everyone that got back to my Boss had the same response: this has to be touched up, or "Photoshop!", etc. Below is part of the e-mail tread that followed.

Boss:
"Are we getting to the point (or have we already passed it) that nothing out of the ordinary is for real anymore? Or believable? The wonderful Internet and media communications of today brings us more and more "things" to see and absorb, but technology has also brought us more ways to "manipulate" those things to the point we are not sure if these are real. Given this trend, are we doomed to a future of virtual reality, where the real and the manipulated world we see are blurred, in many cases intentionally? Will "seeing is believing" be a phrase of the past? Seems at least on the Internet, it already is. "

Coworker1:
"I can't speak to this specific case (I haven't even viewed it yet!), but I do know that EVERY time a friend or relative has forwarded a "cool" or "amazing" photo "that a co-worker personally took", I was ALWAYS able to find a reference online (e.g., on snopes.com) to that exact image either being a hoax or else being egregiously mislabeled (e.g., a supercell in Australia being labeled "Hurricane Rita as it makes landfall"). As a result, I automatically assume that any cool images forwarded to me (no matter by whom) are hoaxes unless proven otherwise. Alas, proving a negative often takes more effort that I'm willing to invest. "

Boss:
"...this is exactly my point. It has become "guilty" until proven "innocent". In my opinion, a sad turn for our younger generations attempting to discover their world, and for communication in general"

Coworker2:

"On the other hand, I believe an important part of education is learning how to be a skeptic..."

My personal insight:
It's easy to be a sceptic in 2007! What's much harder is to be a believer!
I consider myself lucky to be working for my Boss!
Because despite the occasional disagreement on the color scheme of a poster,
we seem to agree on the bigger picture...and that's what actually matters!!!

To Claudia and Joana

2006-12-06T01:54:00.001-06:00

First is a quick thank you to Joana - she helped me set the blog in a new way so that I can add photos!

And here is us together - me and my Portugese friends - with a few other suspects...lol
Claudia, Joana, Sofia, Nicolas and I !
We are having fun! It was a great year (2005) living with you in Urbana, IL!
Miss you!!!

Seeing the world with new eyes

2006-12-06T01:23:00.001-06:00

Do you happen to own a copy of Paulo Coelho's 'The Pilgrimage'?
Yes, just like the one shown on the left!
Have you ever paid attention to the side of the book?
No? I haven't either until tonight, when it just so happened that under the sadness of the moment I had lost my life direction and said...WHATEVER!!!
I always believed that one have to embrace his or her life 'as is' in order to find the strength to move on...well, right when I had nothing to hope for and I let myself to just be...I noticed the typo ... :-)

Yes, look at your copy of the book and I'm sure some of you will find 'The Pilrimage', instead of 'The Pil[G]rimage'!!!
Quite a coincidence may be, but yes, one has to alsmot give up on everything one believes or expects to see in order to see the world with new eyes!

Webpage update

2006-11-13T00:16:00.001-06:00

Hey! If you haven't been on my webpage lately, here is the news -
I am moving my 'Life on the go' notes to this blog, it's easier to update, and hopefully you'd hear from me more often. The blog is offering a link to my webpage too because it will be updated as well, but only when my art muse visits :)
Links to all available photo albums will be listed on My Webpage. I appreciate it every time you leave a comment, so please do so. Of course, you are welcome to leave comments here too :)
Have fun reading & picture browsing!
Cheers!

August 2, 2006

2006-11-12T22:41:00.001-06:00

It is hard to believe that it's been almost a year since the last time I had updated this site.
Well, I can tell you that much, I have not been wandering around with spare time on my hands.
Here are some of the the highlight from between now and then...

December - heavy on travel. I first visited my spanish friends Maria and Almudena in Virginia. We spend a weekend exploring Norfolk, Jamestown, Williamsburg and the area. Very relaxing!!! Most embarrassing moment - it turned out Pocahontas was a woman...what was I thinking!?!?! Next, I flew to Seattle to spend Christmas with family and friends. It felt nice, but it was way too short visit! And finally, the New Year 2006 found me in the French Embassy in Washington, DC - party time!!! The first hours of the new year were spent driving around the city, enjoying the night charm of the Washington Monument, The White House, The Capitol and Potomac river. The first day - a getaway to Annapolis, MD. Weather was glorious! We walked the waterfront and winded down in a coffee shop, with cake and a game of backgammon. Dorothy won! :) Oh, well...

The new year asked for a new job too. I was awarded a NRC Fellowship with NOAA-NESDIS, and so I moved to Wisconsin! It was a fast paced move, but I made it - in two days I was packed and out of my apartment in Urbana, drove to Madison, and next day moved in into my studio. Tiny place, but cute, with European looking bathroom, a city view, and only a couple blocks away from such important hallmarks as the Capitol, State Street, Monona Lake, etc. etc. Also, only a mile away from work, so I can walk, bike, take the bus, or drive (on a very lazy day!)... :)
Working at CIMSS is the best! My head might be in the clouds, but I really like my new job!!! Cool people, fun projects, ...what else could one ask for! Living in Madison adds to the good deal! I'm happy with my life here!

Shortly after I moved to Madison, I had the incredible chance to go to a conference in China! Lifelong dream come true! May be not the perfect timing for a trip to Asia, but life is like that! When you had just moved to a new city, started a new job, barely settled in a new place, the last thing you feel like is the extra 'life stir' of going to a country where you won't be able to say nor understand a word! Well, but the spice is not in the jar, it's in the attitude! So I took another deep breath, stretched a brand new smile on my face, and let life show me its next surprise. And that is the beauty of having no expectations - then things start happening on their own and out of sudden you realize you have it better than if you'd have planned it! All I have to say about this trip is...it was a trip of a lifetime! And just like a few years ago, Japan did that to me, China too applied its "asian magic" and made me see the world in a new refreshing way - I was caught again unaware of the desire for life in my genes, so that one emerged and everything become colorful again.

The months after China seem a bit uneventful, but that's what Summer is for, to relax and unwind. Bike rides, gathering at the Terrace, fine dining, photo shoots, going to the Farmer's Market on Saturday, reading book, BBQs - these are the colors of my first summer in Madison. I have posted some pictures on my webpage to give you an idea of how my life has been passing by...

Well, there was one more week this summer that was very special - the week of the AMS meeting in Madison. Many former colleagues showed up in town, friends I have met at other conferences years ago were here too...it was amazing! And also of interest are the "Almu adventures" :):):) Almu arrived from Spain on the weekend and first we went to Chicago! The week to follow was needless to say "sleep deprived", but who cares when the fun is rolling :)

And just so that you don't get totally jealous of my cool life I should admit that it had some gray shades too. But what doesn't brake you make you stronger, so let's say I'm stronger now and I'm moving on... :)
Hope you all are having a great summer!

Time

2006-10-30T12:12:00.001-06:00

This last weekend we gave up one more time on the Daylight Saving Time and reverted to Standart Time. For an hour we were in no one's time...Curious what I did in this extra time?
For a little bit I thought of the silliness of the concept to have time, as in hours, minutes, seconds... Who started the madness of having to live in a grided space?
A day late with a payment and you get charged extra for your bills, an hour late for work and you get called into your boss's office, a minute late and you miss your flight... 'Time management' is the new skill we are 'lacking' if we decide to go with the flow and ignore the clock. And the sad fact is that Google will return 6,130,000 entries for 'stress management' versus 15,900,000 for 'time management'...
I chose to put my bets on 'stress management' , and for the rest of the 'gifted hour' I enjoyed my rabit story reading 'Watership down'.
:)