Today was officially the hottest day in Nashville since 35 years : 107F !!!
Remember my nagging about the AC?? Forget all about that!! I looooove the AC! Wouldn't know how to survive without it at this point... Just driving to the pool, these 7 minutes in the car, are already too much - even with the ac on IN the car!
I got a good bit of tanning done today, more then I wanted, and am now the proud owner of bikini marks on my neck and shoulders and a really red nose! If it weren't summer time you could mistake me...aaaah, I know, you saw that one coming the moment you read "red nose"... oh, well, it's nice to slip Rudolph in during this heat and drought, makes me think of days to come...
Cold, cold, wet rainy days in the Netherlands...aaahhh! No, I'm not really looking forward to THAT but it will be nice to be able to walk to the mailbox without having to change your shirt!
How is the weather over there anyway? J., I read that you have booked a vacation in Egypt? You know it's HOT there?! Well, if the weather in NL is a typical Dutch summer then I guess you might want just that ;-)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
People...
As you know I spend at least a couple of hours at the pool with the boys every day. It's important for them to get out and about and even more important that they are dead-tired by the time we're done ;-)
There are many, many colourful characters at the pool and I've decided to introduce y'all to one of them: the HATMAN!!
He's a young guy, maybe about 25 years old who works at the snackbar at the pool. He has long, curly black hair and wears a wool hat every time I see him. The other day he's walking on the other side of the pool when No. says: "Hm, he's wearing a different colour today..." And sure enough, he is. As we dutyfully exchange our "howareyoudoingreatandyou's", I tell him that the boys are keeping track of the colour of his hats. "Aaaah!" he says, "The hats...I buy them at this place in Hillsborough."
And now it comes, he looks me straight in the eye and says:
"I'm a drummer you know." Ah, yes, a drummer....mh, and that does explain the wool hats in the crazy summer heat?? Apparently! I nod knowingly AS if I REALLY understand about the hats and being a drummer for different bands and working days at a pool club.
But let me ask you, just WHAT do wool hats have to do with being a drummer? Is it a "thing" for drummers to wear hats? Does it protect their ears from unwanted noises? I honestly have no idea, but what do I know about the music world?
After all, Nashville IS music city and if drummers here wear funny wool hats...
Still, I don't get it. Isn't it like me saying :"Yeah, I own many pairs of shoes, but then I WAS born in July.....!"
Now, you go and figure that one out!
There are many, many colourful characters at the pool and I've decided to introduce y'all to one of them: the HATMAN!!
He's a young guy, maybe about 25 years old who works at the snackbar at the pool. He has long, curly black hair and wears a wool hat every time I see him. The other day he's walking on the other side of the pool when No. says: "Hm, he's wearing a different colour today..." And sure enough, he is. As we dutyfully exchange our "howareyoudoingreatandyou's", I tell him that the boys are keeping track of the colour of his hats. "Aaaah!" he says, "The hats...I buy them at this place in Hillsborough."
And now it comes, he looks me straight in the eye and says:
"I'm a drummer you know." Ah, yes, a drummer....mh, and that does explain the wool hats in the crazy summer heat?? Apparently! I nod knowingly AS if I REALLY understand about the hats and being a drummer for different bands and working days at a pool club.
But let me ask you, just WHAT do wool hats have to do with being a drummer? Is it a "thing" for drummers to wear hats? Does it protect their ears from unwanted noises? I honestly have no idea, but what do I know about the music world?
After all, Nashville IS music city and if drummers here wear funny wool hats...
Still, I don't get it. Isn't it like me saying :"Yeah, I own many pairs of shoes, but then I WAS born in July.....!"
Now, you go and figure that one out!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Near accident
On Saturday I was free to do Sabrina-things until later that evening, so I drove down Westend, turned right on Edgehill and was soon passing the housing projects on my way to R.'s house. We had planned to go downtown and pay a visit to the Ryman Auditorium which was once the home of the Grand Ole Opry.
As we pull out of her driveway about to take a right, I see two faster cars coming from the opposite direction but wanting to turn into the same street. Since I hate having impatient drivers breathing down my neck I let them go first and followed. Both cars turn right almost at once to park - or so I thought...
The driver of the first car decides that parking isn't such a good idea after all and starts to try and turn his car around at full speed not noticing the big, old, brown Volvo in his way!
I step on the breaks with both my feet, noticing with a sideway glance, that cars are parked to my right, so I can't just throw the steering wheel around.
And still the guy doens't see us!!!!
He keeps turning until I'm certain we will crash... Well, we didn't, as the title of this entry reveals, but it was only the strong breaks and reflexes that prevented this. If I would have driven the other car, we would not have made it, it's breaks are not nearly as good.
So as I come to a screeching halt I scream louder then even I thought I could. I scream like a mad woman, leaning out of the open car window:
AAAAAAARRRRSCHHHHHHLOOOOOOOOCHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess instinct kicked in & I cursed and screamed in German (assh... for all non Germans, was my word of choice). The guy in the car just looks at me and does a tiny wave, which doens't do anything to calm my temper:
GLABSCHDE DESS, ARSCHLOCH!!!!!!!!! ("can you believe this assh...").
As we drive on, hearts still racing, I look at R. and suddenly I think I can hear her thoughts... "How can such a small woman make such a horrible noise..."??
Well, as they say, silent waters are deep and small women can make extremely horrible noises...
As we pull out of her driveway about to take a right, I see two faster cars coming from the opposite direction but wanting to turn into the same street. Since I hate having impatient drivers breathing down my neck I let them go first and followed. Both cars turn right almost at once to park - or so I thought...
The driver of the first car decides that parking isn't such a good idea after all and starts to try and turn his car around at full speed not noticing the big, old, brown Volvo in his way!
I step on the breaks with both my feet, noticing with a sideway glance, that cars are parked to my right, so I can't just throw the steering wheel around.
And still the guy doens't see us!!!!
He keeps turning until I'm certain we will crash... Well, we didn't, as the title of this entry reveals, but it was only the strong breaks and reflexes that prevented this. If I would have driven the other car, we would not have made it, it's breaks are not nearly as good.
So as I come to a screeching halt I scream louder then even I thought I could. I scream like a mad woman, leaning out of the open car window:
AAAAAAARRRRSCHHHHHHLOOOOOOOOCHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess instinct kicked in & I cursed and screamed in German (assh... for all non Germans, was my word of choice). The guy in the car just looks at me and does a tiny wave, which doens't do anything to calm my temper:
GLABSCHDE DESS, ARSCHLOCH!!!!!!!!! ("can you believe this assh...").
As we drive on, hearts still racing, I look at R. and suddenly I think I can hear her thoughts... "How can such a small woman make such a horrible noise..."??
Well, as they say, silent waters are deep and small women can make extremely horrible noises...
Friday, August 10, 2007
Believe it, or not...MORE presents!
Who would have thought, that so many days after my birthday, presents would still be arriving for me?? I didn't! It was therefore a great surprise when No. brought in a big envelope from the Netherlands!
Thanks J.!!!!! My American-friend-living-with-her-Dutch-husband-in-NL sent me, not just one, but 4 (!!) necklaces!
When I opened the presents with the boys many ooohhs and aaahhs could be heard. All three of them were wondering just HOW MUCH all of these necklaces cost and that my friend must have spent all her pocket money, when H. turned to me and said: "But you deserve it Sabrina" Ooooohhh!!!!! How sweet is that!
And in order to do the present justice the boys decided that I should start wearing the necklaces immediatly. So we all went into my room and I had to try them on in front of the mirror, because we couldn't just choose any necklace... it had to match my outfit for the pool (shorts & shirt...)-according to No. When we had all agreed on the necklace (brown and gold glass) No. looked at me and said: "Now you look all poolish, you know, just the right style to go to the pool !"
Well, thanks again J.! It's just lovely and I'm wearing them every day so far (even almost broke one already...)!!
They totally work with the new wardrobe I'm acquiring while I'm here - and before you even ask, yep, I'll probably ship some of my stuff home in the end...could have known...
Thanks J.!!!!! My American-friend-living-with-her-Dutch-husband-in-NL sent me, not just one, but 4 (!!) necklaces!
When I opened the presents with the boys many ooohhs and aaahhs could be heard. All three of them were wondering just HOW MUCH all of these necklaces cost and that my friend must have spent all her pocket money, when H. turned to me and said: "But you deserve it Sabrina" Ooooohhh!!!!! How sweet is that!
And in order to do the present justice the boys decided that I should start wearing the necklaces immediatly. So we all went into my room and I had to try them on in front of the mirror, because we couldn't just choose any necklace... it had to match my outfit for the pool (shorts & shirt...)-according to No. When we had all agreed on the necklace (brown and gold glass) No. looked at me and said: "Now you look all poolish, you know, just the right style to go to the pool !"
Well, thanks again J.! It's just lovely and I'm wearing them every day so far (even almost broke one already...)!!
They totally work with the new wardrobe I'm acquiring while I'm here - and before you even ask, yep, I'll probably ship some of my stuff home in the end...could have known...
Monday, August 6, 2007
Late present!
Just some days ago the mailman actually made the trip up to the front porch and didn't run away, even when the two dogs, Mona and Rosie, were barking their heads off...
AND he was holding a package for ME!!! Packages are nothing unusual at this house but none have arrived for me so far...
T. and his parents had decided that I should get a birthday present after all, even though I told them that it wouldn't be necessary... well, quite modest of me, really, but I was exceptionally happy to receive my present!
I got a lovely shell ring, purchased, no doubt, at my new-favourite jewelry store in Enschede (thanks to MJ for dragging me in there!!) and cream-coloured, naturally grown pearl earings - both things really, really great!! I wear it whenever I get the chance and when I'm NOT holding the baby, since she would pull the pearls right out of my ear... yes, learning life-lessons over here...
Well, I guess all I want to say is thanks to E., F. and T. for not listening to me... just that one time ;-)
AND he was holding a package for ME!!! Packages are nothing unusual at this house but none have arrived for me so far...
T. and his parents had decided that I should get a birthday present after all, even though I told them that it wouldn't be necessary... well, quite modest of me, really, but I was exceptionally happy to receive my present!
I got a lovely shell ring, purchased, no doubt, at my new-favourite jewelry store in Enschede (thanks to MJ for dragging me in there!!) and cream-coloured, naturally grown pearl earings - both things really, really great!! I wear it whenever I get the chance and when I'm NOT holding the baby, since she would pull the pearls right out of my ear... yes, learning life-lessons over here...
Well, I guess all I want to say is thanks to E., F. and T. for not listening to me... just that one time ;-)
Friday, August 3, 2007
I'm walking...
Well, for some good old fashioned exercise, to get to know the neighbourhood and breathe some fresh air, I've decided to go for a walk this afternoon. Oh, and of course the fact that there was no car available and I really wanted to spend some money...;-)
L. told me about this art store that has prints of one of my favourite American artist. " It's really close by, only about half a mile to walk." Half a mile? That's nothing! Come on! Half a mile! I'm used to walking EVERYWHERE, hell, I'm used to biking EVERYWHERE, yes, in ALL weather conditions - I'm making myself out to be quite the outdoorsy type, exercise loving, constantly moving, quite funny if you think of the real me...(motto: I'm in no shape to exercise and let's take the car)
So, I've not only convinced L. that half a mile is nothing for me, but I actually believe it myself. After all, I have no clue just how far half a mile really is, and for all of you who jog thousands of miles in all weather and want to tell me just how many kilometers a mile is - DON'T!!
I don't want to know, and I want my suffering to be appreciated!
So I get changed and look all cute when I set out on my adventure!
This will be fun! Out without the kids, walking in the sunshine, enjoying the warm air, smiling to myself...oops, forgot the sunglasses, man, my eyes really start hurting, it is exceptionally bright today...no longer smiling, more squinting...
Once I've reached the main road my smile is gone...
WHAT was I thinking???? WALKING!!! It's hot, the sunshine is burning my nose and shoulders, the warm breeze has turned into exhaust wind. The smile is a frown and suddenly there is no more sidewalk! I'm walking on the street, cars beeping at me (I did look rather nice, if I may say so myself...) and strange men on benches, doing god only knows what, stare at me!
On top of that it's not NL we are talking about here folks! This is serious walking! Up and down hills! Don't ever wear flip-flops on an outing like that! Never! No matter how well they match your outfit! I was actually scared at one point that my shoes would fall off because the glue might melt or they might get stuck to the road because the road melted - this has really happened to L., so it's not too unreasonable for me to think that! But you do know how these nightmare thoughts suddenly pop up and you come up with these possible and impossible scenarios. I think it also didn't help that I wasn't sure if I was walking in the right direction... Left or right at the big crossing? Gosh I wish I would have paid attention to the instructions given by L. But all I EVER remember when somebody gives me instructions are the first 2 things: at the end of the street take a right, first stop sign left and then......peeeeeeeeeeep........lost me! Usually I just stop again and ask somebody else and that's what I keep doing till I've reached my destination. Not today though! I tell myself that I will wait and see if the store is just behind that next hill...and it is!
When I finally reach the shop and spend some money on something I feel relieved...aaaaahhh...it has all been worth it!!
Some of you might recognize the symptoms...yes, I AM A SHOPAHOLIC, and not ashamed to admit it! It has been too long! This was my first buy since the Ann Taylor all-on-sale-for-almost-nothing shopping spree 3 weeks ago!! Who can blame me!
After a cold beverage from our Starbucks friends (wink, J.) and some chocolate bar for the road -purchased at a pharmacy - (the things you can buy at a pharmacy!) I make my way home...
How come walking back is always faster? Or does it just seem faster to me, because I hold a chocolate bar in one hand and a shoping bag in the other?
Life is good...walking is fun, half a mile really isn't that far... I enjoy the sunshine, the warm breeze and I smile...
L. told me about this art store that has prints of one of my favourite American artist. " It's really close by, only about half a mile to walk." Half a mile? That's nothing! Come on! Half a mile! I'm used to walking EVERYWHERE, hell, I'm used to biking EVERYWHERE, yes, in ALL weather conditions - I'm making myself out to be quite the outdoorsy type, exercise loving, constantly moving, quite funny if you think of the real me...(motto: I'm in no shape to exercise and let's take the car)
So, I've not only convinced L. that half a mile is nothing for me, but I actually believe it myself. After all, I have no clue just how far half a mile really is, and for all of you who jog thousands of miles in all weather and want to tell me just how many kilometers a mile is - DON'T!!
I don't want to know, and I want my suffering to be appreciated!
So I get changed and look all cute when I set out on my adventure!
This will be fun! Out without the kids, walking in the sunshine, enjoying the warm air, smiling to myself...oops, forgot the sunglasses, man, my eyes really start hurting, it is exceptionally bright today...no longer smiling, more squinting...
Once I've reached the main road my smile is gone...
WHAT was I thinking???? WALKING!!! It's hot, the sunshine is burning my nose and shoulders, the warm breeze has turned into exhaust wind. The smile is a frown and suddenly there is no more sidewalk! I'm walking on the street, cars beeping at me (I did look rather nice, if I may say so myself...) and strange men on benches, doing god only knows what, stare at me!
On top of that it's not NL we are talking about here folks! This is serious walking! Up and down hills! Don't ever wear flip-flops on an outing like that! Never! No matter how well they match your outfit! I was actually scared at one point that my shoes would fall off because the glue might melt or they might get stuck to the road because the road melted - this has really happened to L., so it's not too unreasonable for me to think that! But you do know how these nightmare thoughts suddenly pop up and you come up with these possible and impossible scenarios. I think it also didn't help that I wasn't sure if I was walking in the right direction... Left or right at the big crossing? Gosh I wish I would have paid attention to the instructions given by L. But all I EVER remember when somebody gives me instructions are the first 2 things: at the end of the street take a right, first stop sign left and then......peeeeeeeeeeep........lost me! Usually I just stop again and ask somebody else and that's what I keep doing till I've reached my destination. Not today though! I tell myself that I will wait and see if the store is just behind that next hill...and it is!
When I finally reach the shop and spend some money on something I feel relieved...aaaaahhh...it has all been worth it!!
Some of you might recognize the symptoms...yes, I AM A SHOPAHOLIC, and not ashamed to admit it! It has been too long! This was my first buy since the Ann Taylor all-on-sale-for-almost-nothing shopping spree 3 weeks ago!! Who can blame me!
After a cold beverage from our Starbucks friends (wink, J.) and some chocolate bar for the road -purchased at a pharmacy - (the things you can buy at a pharmacy!) I make my way home...
How come walking back is always faster? Or does it just seem faster to me, because I hold a chocolate bar in one hand and a shoping bag in the other?
Life is good...walking is fun, half a mile really isn't that far... I enjoy the sunshine, the warm breeze and I smile...
central air....brrrr
Some of you have heard me complain about, or even suffered yourself, from the temperature in my house in NL: freezing cold in the winter (thanks heating blanket! BEST buy ever!) or the sauna it becomes once temperatures go up.
But this is nothing compared to the crazyness of CENTRAL AIR! For those of you not familiar with the term, let me explain: it's just like central heating, so there are vents in the floor in every room of the house and cold air comes out of them in summer, hot air in winter. One would think that I would quite enjoy that...NO!
It's aweful! Outside it is hot, hot, hotter, you sweat just bringing in the mail, but when you enter the house... within minutes I'm off to my room to put on socks and a warm sweater! I used to sleep with 5 (!) blankets at night until I covered the vent with towels. Entering any building in your summer clothes is just foolish! You immediately notice who works there (long pants, real shoes) and who just comes for a visit (shorts, flip-flops, rubbing arms to stay warm, blue faces).
Don't even get me started on the energy wasted on central air! Why would anybody need to keep it a crisp 67F in an office building at night when there is nobody in the building??
I do like my own ac to keep my bedroom from turning into an oven, but this is too much! I prefer to keep cool the old world way: open windows early in the morning, close shades and live in darkness inside the house all summer, create a breeze by opening all windows late in the evening, drink ice-cold gin and tonic ! The only way to really enjoy summer!
But this is nothing compared to the crazyness of CENTRAL AIR! For those of you not familiar with the term, let me explain: it's just like central heating, so there are vents in the floor in every room of the house and cold air comes out of them in summer, hot air in winter. One would think that I would quite enjoy that...NO!
It's aweful! Outside it is hot, hot, hotter, you sweat just bringing in the mail, but when you enter the house... within minutes I'm off to my room to put on socks and a warm sweater! I used to sleep with 5 (!) blankets at night until I covered the vent with towels. Entering any building in your summer clothes is just foolish! You immediately notice who works there (long pants, real shoes) and who just comes for a visit (shorts, flip-flops, rubbing arms to stay warm, blue faces).
Don't even get me started on the energy wasted on central air! Why would anybody need to keep it a crisp 67F in an office building at night when there is nobody in the building??
I do like my own ac to keep my bedroom from turning into an oven, but this is too much! I prefer to keep cool the old world way: open windows early in the morning, close shades and live in darkness inside the house all summer, create a breeze by opening all windows late in the evening, drink ice-cold gin and tonic ! The only way to really enjoy summer!
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