Adjusting to Life in the Netherlands

This is how I adjust, a nice cup of coffee and cake! I love the baked goods I can get in the store so much that I don't really bother with baking. The first time I bought this cake I thought it was an individual piece and put the entire thing on my plate. Björn raised an eyebrow at it and asked erm are you planning to eat ALL of that? I said well yes unless you want a bite. He said noo you go ahead.

Needless to say a few bites in and I knew this was not meant to be eaten by one person! Delicious and rich, a few bites is plenty.

I am having a little trouble getting used to the cold. It was really hot when I left Dallas, so the wind and rain are a change. I also forgot Emma's sweaters (along with her leash and harness) so she is not liking it either.

I also did not notice that my laptop has a grounded plug so does not work in a normal adapter, which I also forgot. Poor Björn had to drive to Zeist Saturday and search all over, he found one and when he got it home we discovered the grounded plug. That leaves me with a 13 pound paperweight.

The reason I came over so unorganized is that I waited until Friday morning to go get Emma's papers. It was really my only chance since three people are sharing my car. Over a course of nearly 4 hours the vet argued with me over what I needed, I tried to tell her what they actually ask for at customs and she tried to tell me what some woman in Austin told her. I ended up just coming with what I had as she refused to give me anything, we will see if they get me back into the US or not.

So overall things are going well and it is a bright, sunny day today!

Netherlands Meme

Doing a little blog-housecleaning and saw this. I don't know why I never posted as I obviously finished it!

Smoke: No.

Cuss: Yeah, more than I should.

Sing: not really although I can.

Favorite tourist sight in the Netherlands: I guess Palais Het Loo was one of the highlights but it may have just been the overall day. I did think Madurodam was charming. Slot Zeist in this photo is a real favorite too as I love Zeist. I like the things that are every day like shopkeepers scrubbing the front of their shops and all the flowers and how clean everything is.

Learned another language: I have learned bits and bobs of several.

First time you used a computer: probably around 1987.

Take a shower everyday: shower or a bath.

Outgoing or not: If I am comfortable I am outgoing.

Do you think you've been in love: Yes.

Favorite only Dutch TV show: I don't know the names but I like the one where they do the home redo.

Want to go to college: No, I think I have had all the college I want.

Liked high school: Loved it.

Want to get married: Not sure, it doesn't seem practical to marry B as I don't really need to be a citizen of the Nl but I would like everything that goes with it.

Favorite thing to see on the roadside in the Netherlands: there is a house in Zeist that has a moat-like thing and there are ducks in it, so charming. I like to see the small ponies with the long hair and the reindeer.

Believe in yourself: Apparantly not as much as I should.

First impression of the Netherlands: Flying in the first time it was how populated it seemed to be and the orange awnings, on the ground I thought it was quite organized and efficient.

Get motion sickness: No.

Afraid of the dark: Sometimes.

Afraid of spiders: Well sort of, terrified to be bitten as around here we have deadly brown recluse.

Afraid of heights: No.

Most unusual thing about the Netherlands: The many people on bikes.

Think you're attractive: Yes, well I can be lol.

Think you're a health freak: Only in my mind.

Politically, you are: I used to think I was liberal but a lot of liberal stuff pisses me off these days.

One thing you'd change about the Netherlands: I don't know, maybe wish for the government to continue to get their immigration issues under control while they still can.

Your profession should've been: Physician or some sort of scientist.

Get along with your parent(s): Gah.

Furthest east you've been: hmm don't know maybe Aspen?

Favorite Dutch cheese: Jong hahah I don't know, I love all the types of cheese I normally eat in Texas, my God, the Mozarella is so heavenly and the Parmesan is so salty and delicious, I can taste it right now. I really should look to see where it is made. I eat a LOT of cheese in Holland and a lot of tomatoes.

Like thunderstorms: Not when I am working and afraid to lose my connection.

One thing you'd love to learn to do: Control my diet.

Play an instrument: A few but not well.

Ever read a Dutch novel in full, without help: uh No, I can barely ready one in French.