Finishline

The End

The end of 2013 is near, which means my challenge has come to its end.
2013 has brought me a lot of food, a lot of moments where I peed my pants, and a wonderful challenge and therefore a lot of opportunities. Some days it was really hard to write something, because although it seems my year was all rays of sunshine, there were days I cried my eyeballs out. But those days where the days I needed this challenge the most! I was obligated to search for something that cheered me up and often that was food, our kitty or TV. My boyfriend, friends and family also contributed in making this year awesome!
I can't say I'm cured from my negativity YET, but I'm on my way to become a positivist!

Sequel?

I will certainly continue with my writing, but not on such a regular base. Sometimes it was more a burden than something that would help me.

• My boyfriend sometimes had to wake me up in the middle of the night, because I forgot about it.
• In Thailand I got uptight because internet didn't work properly and I couldn't post. I got over this and just wrote updates of our day when I had the time and posted these when we got internet connection.
• Sometimes my day was sooo boring, I just had nothing to write about. But this is also good, because nothing isn't something bad either!

Top 2013

When I look back I sure am glad that I did this. I got to know myself a bit better and I had a lot of fun.
Here's a list of my favourite L. Exploring Life 2013 events and while looking at this (very long) list I realized I had a f*cking great year!

Challenges

• A sad day: the day my grandpartents house was sold
• The day I overcame my fear of hights on our weekend trip with work
• I got sporty in 2013 by starting spinning class

'Fieldtrips'

• Our trip to Thailand
• Our Wallonie Trip with 'De Stevige Stappers'
• My day-out to Maastricht with my grandmother
• Oyster fishing in Yrseke
• Moving my boyfriend's sister's stuff was kind of a field trip where I peed my pants

Food

• Every time I ate sushi
• Every other time I ate or cooked something good. Food is my life!

Stuff

• My best sale buys ever: Wouters & Hendrix Jewelry
• The day I won my Noiselles 

Other

• My first time on a race bike. This will become my new passion (my boyfriend hopes it too, because than he can buy a new bike with me)
• The shawl collar victory
• Grumpy Cat made me laugh every time!
• Wedfest: Best party of the year!
• I saved a few road kills this year from being smashed apart.
• Playing dress-up with our dog
• My white tights
• The Condom Prank
• Thanksgiving
• I remember that time our kitty cat had to take a poo

New year, new challenge?

2014 will not be a major challenge, at least not in the way of writing a blog. I think my challenge hasn't ended on becoming positive. I will still have to work on that, but I'm on my way. 
My new challenge of 2014 will definitely be my new job. I'm starting on the 6th of January and I'm going to kick ass!


Have a Happy New Year everyone and thanks for sticking with me!

A Compliment a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

I got a compliment from a customer today. She visited our shop together with her husband, because he needed some pants, a shirt and a sweater. 
Like always, I was trying my best to satisfy their needs and out of the blue, she complimented me. She said I was a very nice person and that I was very good at my job. She said that it was very hard to find people with patience and enthusiasm for the customer.
I turned red.

Cat Survival Pack

Banana, one of my best friends celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago, but we were not able to get together with everyone until today.

Banana loves cats as much as I do, so what's a better present than a 'Cat Survival Pack'.

We got her:

• Cat oven gloves
• A kitty washcloth
• Kitty socks
• A cat shopper

For every kitty present I got her a home made toilet roll kitty, so she could choose which present she wanted first.

This was a fun present and she was very happy :-)

The Perks of Living at Home

Handy to live in the backyard of your parents...

• I can do my own laundry, but I can use my mom's washing machine and dryer. 

• When we don't have the time to make our own food, we can just grab a chair and join the dinner table at my parents'. 

• We can walk the dog anytime we want. 

• My mom calls me on my cell before she drops by (thanks for that!).

• When I don't feel like being alone when my boyfriend's not home, I can just walk over to the other side of the garden and I'm surrounded by my family.

Men are Easy

Men are sooooo easy to dress. They come in, say what they want and won't leave without it, because they HATE shopping. I love them, they make my day!

Back in Business

People would call me crazy for this, but during my holiday from my full time job I'm helping out at the shop I worked for when I was a student. 
Portobello is a clothing store for men and I always loved working here! Suits, shirts, sweaters, you name it! I will sell it to you!
After 2,5 years, I'm back! I worked my first day and it feels like I just went on a looong vacation. I have truly missed this! I'm so happy right now, although my feet hurt from a long day of running around for customers.

Merry Christmas!

After a long walk and turkey dinner we had to leave. My boyfriend and I need to go to work tomorrow, so we want to be home at a reasonable hour.
I wish I could have stayed a few days longer, because it's awesome to walk the dog here. Behind the house there's a river and although it reminds me of The Killing somehow, it's soothing in a way. 

Before we left I tried to finish a 1000 piece puzzle from my mom. We have been working on it with four people, but couldn't finish it before we had to leave :-(. Never thought puzzling could be so addictive!
I had a very nice holiday weekend! Thanks mom & dad!

Christmas Eve: Present Time

Present Time!! 
I know Christmas is about family and it is, but it's still fun to give presents and of course receive some. 

I got:

• A sweater from Ted Baker
  (fell in love with this brand, or should I say 'branch' -haha- With all the trees, get it?!)

• A Japanese tea ceremony (still have to pin the date, I'm so excited about this!)
  You should have seen the look on my face when I read the card my boyfriend wrote. I didn't get it... I was confused, because I thought we were going to Japan (the next travel destination on my list!).

• Socks

• And the best thing EVER: a clothing hair remover thingie in the shape of a black cat... Absolutely adorable!
  

Birthday Sissie

Because my boyfriend had to work today, we left for La Wallonie when he got back. We had to arrive in time, because it's my sister's birthday today. I got her a beautiful red scarf from Thailand.
We'll be staying here for two nights, so we're leaving in the evening on Christmas day because we have to work the day after.

Movie/Hangover Day

Boyfriend had a headache. I did some ironing.
After that, we have laid in bed all day and watched three movies. Lazy hangover people.

X-Mass Akoestik

Every year the youth club at my boyfriend's hometown organizes an evening with acoustic performances the last weekend before Christmas. It's called "X-Mass Akoestik".
Like every year there's a competition with strong beers: "Den Tocht van 't Straffe Vocht". Literally translated to English: "The Journey of Strong Fluids".
And like every year my boyfriend is a liiiitle bit too enthusiastic. He gets awfully drunk, falls asleep somewhere and I end up dragging him home. 
This year we went there by bike, because I wanted to drink some cherry beers too, so getting there by car wasn't really an option.
Our night went exactly like any other year, only I could get him home pretty easy. No moaning about staying 5 minutes longer, he just went along with me. 
It was a fun night and I was quite surprised I could drive my bike that good after all the beers I drank. We got home safe and sound. 

Ready for a Wallonie Christmas

My parents planned a Christmas trip to La Wallonie. I needed to prepare myself, so I bought a pair of walking shoes and a fleece. We leave on Monday.
I'm ready!!

X-Mass / Going Away Party

My last day ended with a great X-Mass Party. The perfect occasion to make it my going away party, because most of my colleagues attended this event.
I got flowers :-)...
I'm going to miss everyone very much and I had a very nice time here, but it's time for a new chapter. New year, new start, new challenge.
GO GO GO!

New Challenge 2014

Since I got back from Thailand I had thrilling news, but I just couldn't tell anyone yet! 

Not many people knew this, but I decided to look for a new job a few weeks before our trip. I wasn't able to react on invites for an interview in Thailand, so I only did one job interview. One week before we had to go back home I got an email telling me they wanted me aboard and that they would send me an offer. I was sooo happy, but couldn't tell anyone! 

But now it's all official and the word is out, so now I can finally express my happiness!
My new challenge of 2014: Marketing Assistant and Dealer Coordinator.
Although I'm going to miss my colleagues, this is really the best choice for me right now. At this company I will get the chance to learn a lot and develop my skills.
Tomorrow is my last day, because I already had some days off work planned. The company I'm currently working for is throwing a Christmas party... The perfect occasion to say goodbye to everyone and to explain why I'm leaving.
The dress I was working on last week is finished and I will be wearing it tomorrow :-)...

Grandparents Tour

It was 'visiting grandparents day'.
We dropped by my boyfriend's first and afterwards we drove to my grandmother.
I think it's very important to visit regularly, but I have to admit we haven't made enough time lately. In a few weeks our pictures from our trip will be ready for public. We'll bring some cake along and tell them our stories. They will like that!

Good Spaghetti and Catching Up

For the first time in my life I can say I enjoyed a plate of Spaghetti Bolognese. My boyfriend is totally addicted to the stuff and everytime he needs to take care of diner, spaghetti is on the menu. As I told you before, cooking with fresh ingredients isn't his strongest side, but today he made fresh sauce and I have to admit is was quite good! But it's still not an excuse to eat it EVERY week!
We had one of my friends for diner. Her boyfriend is a spaghetti addict too. It's been ages since I've seen her last, so it was good to catch up! I had a very nice evening! 

Early Christmas Present

I'm going to confess something I shouldn't, because it's not being positive...
Christmas shopping, two weeks before the holidays, is something I truly hate. Too many people in one place, wanting the same thing. It's like sample sales after office hours, but lasting the whole damn day!
What I do like about giving presents is to search for original things or something useful and giving it in a special or original way. Last year we gave our parents a weekend trip. We had five different pictures that were meant to be hints. We wrapped them as presents. I had so much fun doing this and it was so funny seeing the look on their faces, not understanding what their presents meant.
So that's what I like about Christmas shopping, but this year I'm having troubles finding inspiration. I was wandering around 'De Bijenkorf' at Maastricht today and bumped into a beautiful pair of pumps from Marco O'Polo. They fit perfectly and were 30% off. Because of a liiiittle imperfection I got 10% extra. Because I was still doubting if I would buy shoes I didn't really need, my sister said she would contribute for Christmas. Sounded like a good deal to me! I totally love them!
Miraculously, I got some ideas for a few presents too... Inspirational (and crowded) day!

 

Winter Rumble

Today was a better day than yesterday! I finally got to sit behind my beloved sewing machine. I'm nearly finished with the dress. I just have to finish the seams! It's going to be fabulous!

In the evening, we got together with some friends at the Retro Winter Rumble. We drank some beers and I gave J. a retro mustache with some retro mustache wax. I should seriously consider a career in grooming...

Friday the 13th

I had a day off work today. Apparently that's challenging Friday the 13th's power...

What my plan was: SEWING




What I did:

• Waking up very early because of a bad dream
• Going to the doctor's with my boyfriend. He got sick on his day off work...
• When I was ready to start on a new dress, I realized my sewing machine was still at my boyfriend's parent's house. I needed to jump into my car and get it.
• When my sewing machine was installed and ready for use, our sink fell through the countertop while my boyfriend was doing the dishes. We ended up cleaning our kitchen.
• I got a nervous breakdown

• We watched New Girl. Totally cheered me up. Winston and his cat Ferguson are the best!

Grown-Up Walrus Fun

I had a night out with a very old friend, Walrus. I hadn't seen her in months, so now I'm back at my hometown there's nothing holding us back from getting together more often.

We first went to a fashion sale from some friends. They cleaned out their closet and had the idea to sell their old clothes. I found a retro styled button-up black dress that's practically never worn. It fit perfectly and I paid 18 euros. My first second hand buy!

After the sale we went for something to drink and chatted a bit. We had lots to talk about. I had fun and it was great to see each other again.
And I'm so happy with my dress!

Coat: Cold Proof

Last week I forgot I had to put my filling (I don't know what it's called in English). Now it's two more lessons until my coat is finished. But that's something I will be finishing after the holidays.
Next week is our last class and I want to make a dress for the holidays first.

Pompon Night

I made the best mushroom soup in the whole world and after that I started on a little project for my sister's salon.

Square pompons! Super cute!

One Month Ago

One month ago, we were visiting Wat Doi Suthep and the Saturday evening market.
I remember the little girls in their garments. We treated a girl with some candy we bought at the market. She was super happy!
I want to go back!

Laundry Girl

I'm having a hard day today.
I had a fight with my mom, our apartment is a mess and I have a really bad headache. 
The light of my day was doing our laundry. For the first time in years I have full control over my own clothes. How they are washed, how they are dried, which soap I use... Liberating!
I really love doing laundry! Weird huh!?

Fabric Madness

I had to get filling for my coat to make it warmer.
I couldn't control myself and bought two more fabrics. One for a dress and one for a sweater.
The black fabric for the sweater is magnificent! The other side of the fabric is super soft! I hope I can find some time during the holidays to start on this one. I'm not sure which pattern to choose yet.
The green one is for a dress. It has copper glitter details, so beautiful! I have an easy pattern ready for this, but I need to make my dress for the holidays first.

Happy 25 Party!

A friend from school threw a birthday party. A few friends gathered at his house for a drink and some snacks.
We hadn't seen each other since summer so it was fun to get some updates on everyone.
S. even made cupcakes for everyone. Sooo jummy!

St. Nicholas

Like every year, St. Nicholas paid me a visit. But this year he was a day early. I came home and found our stairs and our bed covered in candy. He even cleaned the house!
He's the best :-)!
I'm having a sugar rush right now!

Coat: Shaped

Yaay. If everything goes well I will finish my coat in two weeks!
Productive day!

Only One Month Left?!

I forgot my blog for a moment... Just when I was ready to fall asleep I remembered.
Only one month left... It will be weird not to be obliged to post everyday!

Condom Prank

Goodmorning!

I'm always sleepy in the morning, but this morning a colleague woke me up pretty early.

One of my colleagues entered my office this morning yelling their was a condom sticking to my car. I thought he was kidding at first. I went looking outside my window and thought it was some kind of plastic that they put over your windshield wipers when you go to the carwash. When I rubbed my eyes it became clear it was indeed a condom. Some kids probably put it over my wipers as a prank.

Another colleague asked me if it was 'full'. I couldn't see from that distance but I was hooooping it wasn't!

I went to the bathroom and took a tree of toilet paper with me to my car.

It looked real funny and I was so relieved the condom wasn't 'used'. I managed to get it off easily without touching it with my hands.

I ran to a garbage container and I accidentally threw it in the one from the company next door. 

I had to sit for a few minutes to calm down. I couldn't stop laughing!

What a morning!

Autumn Walk

We went for a long walk with the dog today. 
The weather was magnificent! The perfect autumn walk.
I really enjoyed being out. We have been sitting inside all week, unpacking.