November 29, 2012

Posted by Rie On 12:30 AM

Posted by Rie On 12:30 AM

Maybe it's time for a pair of new shoes.

November 28, 2012

Posted by Rie On 12:53 AM

Boo!!
Posted by Rie On 12:48 AM

.... Having fun with the photoshop.
Posted by Rie On 12:01 AM

Work from 7 am to 11:30 pm. Good thing I like coffee and energy drinks.

November 27, 2012

Posted by Rie On 11:59 PM

Yes, I sometimes like to dress up.

October 22, 2012

Posted by Rie On 2:54 PM

I just had a short day at school today - great way to start up again after a one week vacation.

Now it's time for cream cheese-banana-peacan bread and a bowl of coffee. Yum!

October 20, 2012

Posted by Rie On 5:04 PM

Spending a Saturday afternoon with the family.

October 12, 2012

Posted by Rie On 6:27 PM

He is such a gorgeous animal!!
Posted by Rie On 5:45 PM

Another picture of M's cat.
Posted by Rie On 5:44 PM

Gorgeous.
Posted by Rie On 5:43 PM

We're in Esbjerg, visiting a good friend. She has a gorgeous cat - Thor. He is a beauty!

October 10, 2012

Posted by Rie On 11:12 PM

I don't particularly like small kids. But this one is cute - and she seems to like me.

So she's a keeper ;-)
Posted by Rie On 11:11 PM

I love candles. And colors.
Posted by Rie On 3:49 PM

Our day was spent out in the forest, next door to the university. We took loads of pictures of us, trees, mushrooms, bugs.... It was actually a lot more fun than I had expected.
Posted by Rie On 3:36 PM

This is turning into a photo blog.
Posted by Rie On 3:33 PM

We found a little friend.
Posted by Rie On 3:28 PM

Another picture from the forest.
Posted by Rie On 2:29 PM

A teeny tiny mushroom and a moss covered tree.
Posted by Rie On 2:27 PM

We were in the forest today...

October 9, 2012

Posted by Rie On 9:43 AM

Another day off school. Yay me. Let myself sleep in today and that was wonderful. But now I need to get my shit together - lots of stuff to do today.

Have I mentioned that I love my phone? It's awesome!!

October 8, 2012

Posted by Rie On 10:29 PM

I just made a cream cheese banana bread with pecans. Smells so good!!

Time for a cup of coffee, warm banana bread and my studies. Gotta love a quiet Monday evening.

October 4, 2012

Posted by Rie On 12:37 PM

I locked myself out and am now waiting for my key. Stupid Rie.

October 3, 2012

Posted by Rie On 7:09 PM

We can't eat anymore...

September 30, 2012

Posted by Rie On 9:39 PM

Hey, I feel smart....
Posted by Rie On 9:37 PM

September 20, 2012

Posted by Rie On 9:41 PM
Early off school today which meant - nap time after lunch! Yay me! I ended up sleeping for 2 hours! I'm already tired again so I'm not afraid of not being able to sleep tonight.

I took a break from my studies this evening and ended up spending some time in the kitchen. I've been finding ideas on pinterest and tried some of them out tonight. Busy making salads in mason jars for lunches, soya almonds for snacking and an oatmeal granola.... that's cooling down as I type this.

The oatmeal is something new tonight - it's with oats, walnuts, bananas, soya milk, maple syrup etc. I found the recipe on pinterest and thought that I would give it a try. I'm supposed to be able to make a big batch and then divide it up into portions so all I have to do is warm it up in the microwave every morning.... smells great so I'm tempted to eat a portion right now, even though it's after 9pm. Not sure if I should put 3 portions in the freezer.... I need to check out how long it can last in the fridge.

The soya almonds are awesome. Perfect snack food for me! Love it! The mason jar salads seem to work wonderfully but I still don't know how long they can stay fresh in the fridge. I made up two salads last night and have the one left for tomorrow.... I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

I'm running again - goodnight tea and a chapter in my book, then it's bedtime. LONG day tomorrow!

September 19, 2012

Posted by Rie On 9:48 PM
It's Wednesday night here in Denmark and I'm having a nice quiet night alone. Life has been..... chaotic. Seriously. I've been tired for the past 4 weeks. Exhausted. People are starting to comment on me looking so tired and it sucks. I guess I look like shit.

I'm hoping that things will quiet down next week - although I seem to recall saying that last week. And the week before last.... Is there no end? And just imagine, I don't have kids so I can "relax" when I'm at home. Hats off to those who come home from a long day at work and have screaming brats pulling at their pant legs. (Yes, I know not all kids are screaming brats but still, it is a very likely situation for those who have kids.)

What have I been doing lately? School. Studying. Work. Cleaning. Social life. Meetings. Drama. CHAOS!

School is good. Hard but good. Some days seem like a waste of time. I mean - play soccer with an imaginary ball? Come on, seriously? Or the silly small papers on how do I feel about working in a social workplace? If I didn't like to work with people, I wouldn't be getting my degree as a pædagog. (I still haven't  figured out what it's called in English.) But other days are great. Learning lots of new things and already now, I feel like I've gotten something out of my studies. But getting up at 6.30 am is just killing me. I am and never have been a morning person.

Work is okay. Lots of shift to take and I'm probably taking too many. My Fridays are hell - I get up at 6.30 am and then school until 3 pm. Then home, eat, study, social life and shower. Work again at 11 pm until 7-8 am and then I'm totally done. I'm starting to not drive to work and take a taxi home because I'm just too tired to drive home.

I know I could say no to shifts and I'm going to have to start doing so but so far, it's been hard. I suck at saying no. Like this Friday - I wasn't supposed to work. I actually had the night off. Now I have a double shift because I couldn't say no to the girl(s) who wanted the night off. And a double shift Saturday night.

Man, I suck.

My life has changed the past couple of months and looking back, I'm pretty amazed at myself. I may be complaining about my lack of time during the day but I'm also happy. I just need to take a break now and then. I'm still working on my little home and it's starting to help. I've done some serious cleaning and rearranging so it actually looks nice. Still lots to do but it's definitely a start. I'm eating better - most days - and am also losing weight. I just did a major shopping today - MAJOR - where I stocked up on fruits and veggies and lots of good stuff. I'm going to make an oatmeal/granola tonight so I can just heat it up in the mornings - easy and super healthy. I have a new slow cooker recipe I want to try out on Friday - tomorrow is fish night. I bought mason jars so I can make salads tonight and eat them for lunch the next few days. And mason jars for fruit salads for easy, healthy snacks. (Saw the idea on pinterest) I bought running shoes so I can start exercising again. I spent way too much money but my cupboards and fridge are stocked. My meals are covered for the next week or even longer.

Social life? It's mainly Pub social life while working but I'm trying to also have a life outside of the Pub. Craft Sunday last week. Manicures/girls night last night. Birthday celebration at a friend's place with sushi and wine last Saturday. So it's not all work and study. But that's why I'm so exhausted - I'm trying to fit everything in and do it all. How long can I keep doing this?

I guess we'll find out.

September 15, 2012

Posted by Rie On 6:45 AM
It's almost 7 am and I'm on my way to bed. Finishing up a long dag - classes, movies, and work. Been up for 24 hrs.

Goodnight

September 11, 2012

Posted by Rie On 11:27 PM
Right now, I'm in bed, blogging from my phone. An iPhone 4s 64gb.... I'm feeling very high-tech and uber cool. So this is actually just a test. The blogger app on my old htc didn't work well so I'm hoping that this is better. I guess we'll see.

And cross your fingers - I'm going to try and upload a picture too... The picture didn't work. I have to log on Picasso first.... But I need some sleep so that'll have to wait.

August 13, 2012

Posted by Rie On 10:06 PM
Things are happening over here in little Vejle. Both good and bad but I'm dealing with everything and am generally happy about how things are going.

I had my last official day at the youth club - I'm taking a 1 year leave from there and am starting school on Wednesday! Crazy shit! I'm nervous, exciting, anxious and happy all at the same time. It's been years since I was in school and this time, it's even more important because it's something that I WANT to do and not something I feel forced into doing. Make any sense?

I'm starting my degree in pædagogik - child care (roughly translated) and it's one year full-time school and then 2 years with work and part-time studies. I am taking the merit class since I have so much experience which is awesome because then I keep one foot inside the work force. It helps both mentally and definitely financially.

So now, I'm busy finding books online - both used and new books and mentally preparing myself to start on Wednesday. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

Another thing I'm changing in my life is my eating habits and exercise lifestyle. I'm starting to eat healthier and I started back at the gym today. A spinning class and then a body fit class - lifting weights. I'm going to be in pain tomorrow!! Now that I have my afternoons open, I want to treat myself to some exercise. Just a few hours a week will be great and it'll help my energy level in the long run. I'm trying to tone up and lose a few pounds but I want to do it the healthy way.

I'm actually quite tired right now so I'm cutting this post short. I spent last night reading and it turned into a late night. I don't want to sleep the day away tomorrow so I'm going to hit the sack now and continue on with all my good news in a later post. Hope all is well with everyone and that you all had a great summer!!

August 1, 2012

Posted by Rie On 9:09 AM
Here I am, drinking coffee and enjoying a quiet morning. No music, no tv (I don't even own a television), lots of coffee and it's a great way to wake up.

Things are good here. Busy as usual and I seem to have forgotten how to be on vacation. During the last couple of weeks - my vacation from the youth club - I've been working either at the Pub or at a new job, with autistic young adults. Or I've been running around to different meetings, doing different favors for friends and just trying to get everything done.

I've also taken on "Project Clean" here at home which means that I have sorted through all my junk, thrown a LOT of stuff out, reorganized my living room and bedroom and just basically getting stuff done. It's starting to look good and I'm happy with the results so far. Now I need to clean out my basement room and move a bunch of things downstairs - stuff I don't want to throw out but stuff I don't need cluttering up my little apartment. I'm hoping I'll get that done today before I have to work at ES (the place with autistic young adults).

I start back up at the youth club on Monday and then after I'm there for a week, I start school on the 15th. I'm super excited!! And I just bought a little car!! How freaking cool is that?! It's a '97 Ford Fiesta and I love him. (We call him Antonio....). The freedom!!

I'm running now - I'm done my coffee and now I better get my shit together before a friend comes over to drink more coffee.

July 18, 2012

Posted by Rie On 2:50 PM
Here's a little rant....

Ever since I was a teenager, I have had issues with my skin, mainly my face. Really bad acne when I was younger was a nightmare. Cystic acne that was not only ugly and embarrassing, but also quite painful at times. Then I luckily outgrew that phase and my skin has cleared up quite nicely. I have a couple of scars from my teenager years but nothing that bothers me.

But now.... I don't suffer with pimples or acne, but with a seriously red face. My cheeks are blotchy and I often times flush up like a tomato. It looks like it could be rosacea but I don't have it confirmed by my doctor. (For those of you who don't know what rosacea is, check out this link Rosacea info)

I have the redness, the inflammation across the flushing zone - nose and cheeks and I have visibly dilated blood vessels. Plus the facial swelling at times. And blotchy dry patches.

AND IT SUCKS!

My mom is dealing with it as well and we have had long discussions on what we should do, could do and do to lessen the symptoms. And now I'm on an active rampage to find a solution that works for me. I don't wear makeup on a daily basis and I don't want to. I seriously hate the idea of having to wear makeup everyday and that is why I'm desperately trying to find a good cream or something that is easy to use on a daily basis and is good for my skin.

Any ideas?

I've been using a normal day and night cream from Clarins - anti-pollution gentle cream for sensitive skin. It's definitely helped with the blotchy dry patches and the tightness of dry skin. It's quite pricey but I'm willing to pay for good results. Especially on my face. When it's really dry, I use a skin beauty repair serum concentrate, also from Clarins. Good stuff. But it doesn't help with the redness and the flushing....

I just bought Clinique redness solutions daily protective base spf 15 yesterday. I don't usually buy Clinique products but I read about in a magazine and hell - I'm willing to give it a try. I checked out several reviews on the internet and it doesn't look bad. I'm not expecting a miracle, but just some relief. Has anyone else tried out the Clinique redness solution products?

I'm done my rant for the day.... Time to check on my laundry.



June 26, 2012

Posted by Rie On 12:09 AM

Just drinking a cup of tea before bedtime. Long day - had a night shift in daugaard and didn't sleep much. Was up at 6:30 am (which is not normal for me - hate early mornings!) and drove home at 8. Had a nap and then got ready for work again at 1 pm. Off at 10 pm and now I'm home, enjoying the peace.

Things are good here. Will be starting school again in August and I'm super excited. Camping with kids next week. Working at the pub and daugaard in July. Buying a car very soon. Exercise mania in July. Tattoo time for me soon.

Actually.... Things are going really well here.

June 11, 2012

Posted by Rie On 12:46 PM
It's been a year since I lost my Mormor. I remember that phone call from Dad as if it were yesterday. It was a Saturday, early afternoon and I was at the gym, just finishing a dancefit class with my friend when I had noticed that there was an unanswered phone call on my cell. From my Dad. I'm pretty used to quickly figuring out the time difference and knew right away that it had happened since it was very early morning his time. I quickly gathered my things and called him as soon as I had left the building. Dad quietly told me that Mormor was gone. Tears were streaming down my face as I listened to his voice, telling me that she had found peace at 3am her time. My friend didn't have to ask - she just knew what I was being told and quietly found me a kleenex and let me have a good cry while I was standing outside of the gym. I don't know how long we stood there. It could have been 5 minutes but it could have been 45 minutes. She guided me to the Pub, which is next door to the gym and even though it was closed, my boss was there so we went inside to get away from onlookers. He knew too - it was no secret that Mormor was dying. They didn't come with all sorts of advice or words of wisdom and I appreciated that. It didn't matter what they said, they knew that it wouldn't bring her back. He poured me coffee, automatically added milk. My friend handed me a smoke and I was allowed to just cry.

I had a good talk with mom a few hours afterwards. We cried. I could hear in her voice that she was tired and drained. She kept putting one foot in front of the other, dealing with all the practical stuff that comes with death. Mormor had found peace but the rest of us experienced a great loss.

I had to work that night at the Pub and my boss understood why I decided to keep that shift instead of staying at home alone. I think the rest of my co-workers found out before I got to work and let me just drown myself in my job. I felt guilty that I was standing in a bar the day my Mormor died, trying to keep up a smile to the unknowing guests. One of our regulars stopped me and asked me if I was okay. She said that I was missing the happy wrinkles on my face and that my eyes seemed empty. She could see that my smile was fake. I guess I couldn't fool everyone.

I don't remember much from that shift. Or the day after. I remember that it hit me, hit me really hard 2 days afterwards. Mormor was gone and she was never coming back. My mom was fumbling around in the darkness, trying to deal with her pain while life kept moving forward. I spent that summer with my parents. We didn't talk all too much about Mormor, it still hurt too much. The memories of her being sick, of her dying and everything that happened afterwards was too much for Mom. I could see that Mom's smile was fake. Her laughter was empty and all we could do was be there when she needed us and back off when she needed her space.

I didn't grow up with my Mormor just down the street. They lived several thousand kilometers from us so our relationship was over emails and phone calls. As I got older, I got better at writing and we communicated on a regular basis. I sent them pictures, she sent me pictures. We sang to each other on birthdays. I babbled to her about work and boys. She gave me shit for swearing too much. I think we became closer when I moved to Denmark, even though the physical distance between us was greater. I wasn't there when she died. I wasn't there the days up to her death and I wasn't there to deal with everything after her death. But I was still able to say goodbye. I kept writing and calling until she was gone. She wasn't able to read the letters herself at the end of her journey, but I know my mom and my aunt made sure my Mormor knew that I was there and that I loved her.

I sometimes catch myself thinking "I should remember to tell Mormor this...." when something stupid or funny happens. For a split second, I forget she's gone.

She'll always be there in my heart.

Mormor, I love you.


May 24, 2012

Posted by Rie On 11:50 AM
I said goodbye to my dad here a couple of days ago. I hate goodbyes. I always cry like a big baby and it sucks. And it sucked coming back to an empty home - I guess I quickly got used to having him around. It was nice. It was cool just having him a part of my Danish life - showing him what I do, who I hang out with and where I live. He came and went as he pleased but we were able to spend lots of time together and I liked that. It's really hitting me now that they are so far away and even though I love living here, I miss my parents and friends in Canada so much. But it's the choice I made when I decided to stay here.

So here's the story of his trip here. (Yes, I know I'm not even done with the Story of Canada 2011 but that'll come....) He celebrated his birthday the day after he arrived and the sun was shining. Gorgeous day to go for a long walk out here in Vejle.

Dad writing to Mom, letting her know that his trip went okay. 

Happy Birthday! A little gift basket from his sister. 

Vejle Harbor. Gorgeous day. 

Dad with his sister and her husband. Coffee and chatting. 

The weather is just wonderful right now. 20 degrees and it's not even lunch time. I have to work this afternoon and evening so I'm going to cut this post short and go outside with my book. I'll be inside all afternoon so I better take advantage of the free time I have for sunshine.

I hope you all have sunshine too and have a great day!

May 20, 2012

Posted by Rie On 1:23 AM

Saturday night and the goodbyes for dad have started. We spent the day with family today and since dad is leaving very early on Tuesday, he said quite a few goodbyes today. It's never easy...

I can't upload pictures since I'm blogging from my phone but I can promise you that we had a good day and I'll post pics soon. Probably after dad leaves because I'd rather spend the last few days with him and not in front of the computer.

I hate goodbyes.

May 6, 2012

Posted by Rie On 11:48 PM

Just installed the Blogger app....

Posted by Rie On 11:07 PM
Can you hear it? Listen really hard. Still nothing?

It's because there is nothing to hear in my little apartment other than my table creaking, me typing and the occasional car. No tv. No music. No talking.

Nothing.

And I like it.

I love music and listen to it all the time. I love my family and friends and talk to them often. I don't need a tv but it's on as background noise at times. But right now, I'm embracing the silence and I'm taking a minute or two to enjoy it. It's been a busy week and even though I had a good time either working, hanging out with dad or hanging out with friends, I feel I need a quiet night to myself. So it suits me fine that dad is out and about, doing his own thing while I'm home.

Shhhh..... Silence is not always scary. 

Having dad around is pretty cool. We haven't spent this much time together since I moved from Canada back in 1997. I like my dad. He's a fuddy duddy at times but I still love him. I like the fact that he's starting to feel comfortable enough here that he can just come and go as he pleases, do his own thing and enjoy his visit here in Denmark. I had a good talk with mom this evening, before she had to take off to the vet. She's pretty cool too.

I consider myself to be lucky. I have parents that are actually neat and fun to talk to. I can talk to my mom as a "mother/daughter" and talk to her as friends. I can hang out with dad alone here at home or I can take him out with some friends and drink a beer together. Yes, my parents are also my friends. And that's where I think I'm lucky.

Dad in the kitchen. 

Waiting for our train to Copenhagen. 

Anyways, it's Sunday and I'm soon off to bed. Maybe I'll bring a book with me to bed. I was off work Friday from the club and there I was the responsible adult. Laundry and stuff like that. I napped and then took off to work at the Pub. Quiet-ish night there but still ended up being home late. Ate breakfast with dad and then napped when he left. Did some shopping for a birthday gift and got ready to celebrate one of my best friends here in Denmark. We partied it up Saturday night and again, it was early morning before I got home. I think Dad thinks I'm crazy but that's what I do. Slept a couple of  hours Sunday and got up, feeling tired but not hungover. Did some grocery shopping and then basically just enjoyed a quiet day here at home.   The week starts over tomorrow - work, work, meetings and then more work.

I haven't blogged all that often lately but I promise that once my every day routine gets back to normal, I will try to keep up the blogging again. I like to write. I like to babble. Here are some random party pictures.

Rie and L. That's our outfit when we are working but I was off that night. 

Caught off-guard. Rie and J. 

S. and me. Love her!


Time for me to go home. And make faces at the camera. 
Goodnight.

April 11, 2012

Posted by Rie On 12:14 AM
... my Mormor's 85th birthday today. 

We miss you!

April 6, 2012

Posted by Rie On 5:34 PM
It's been a while since my last post. Dad being here in Denmark and hanging out with him has been a higher priority than blogging. But he's out for a couple of days, visiting with his sister while I'm here at home working at the Pub so here I am.

It's great having dad here. He's been here for a couple of weeks now and is finally starting to relax a bit and enjoying his trip. He hasn't been in DK for 11 years so there are many family members to visit with and things to see. We also had time to just hang out here at home, drink coffee and talk. Paint too. Dad is working on a painting and testing his artistic talents on canvas. I'm still working at the youth club and Pub so he also has some time to putter around, doing whatever he feels like. Driving around and getting to know the area again.

It's nice being able to show Dad what my life is like over here. He's meeting my good friends, seeing where I work and just seeing what my life is like on an every day routine. All my friends think he's really cool and they can see that I'm really enjoying having him around.

Dad, Ernst and Karin. Hygge!

Karin and me.

Dad and Karin, remember what it was like when they were kids. 

Happy Birthday! A gift basket from Karin and Ernst. 

Birthday walk in the sun in Vejle. 

Emails to mom. I think he misses her a lot!
I'm running again. Still quite sleepy after the Pub last night and I need to find some energy for another shift tonight. Loud music, coffee and some quick cleaning should get my energy going. Have a happy Easter to all of you!

March 23, 2012

Posted by Rie On 11:12 AM
This is BIG news!

My dad is in Denmark for the next 2 months and it's been great so far!

He came Wednesday, just before lunch. I think he had a long but good trip. As good as it gets considering he was on the "road" for almost 24 hours. We were a small group waiting for him at Billund airport - me, his 2 sisters and their husbands and an old friend with his wife. We were all really excited! It's 11 years ago since Dad was here last. I was "home" in Canada last summer but this is huge, seeing dad on "my territory".

We haven't been doing much the last couple of days. He was tired after such a long trip so we've been laying low and he's been regaining his energy. It was his birthday yesterday. We went for a long walk, the sun was shining and it was a good day. Dinner out and then a beer at the Pub. Nothing crazy. Just a good time hanging out and doing our own thing.

He's out with his friend now so I have my place to myself. Getting papers sorted out for my application to uni. I have to work today and then we'll see what happens tonight. We don't have any plans really until Monday so I have no idea what we'll end up doing this weekend. I just know that I don't have to work at the Pub.

I'm running again. Have to do an online course before I run off to work.

March 11, 2012

Posted by Rie On 12:00 AM
It's a Saturday night and instead of being out with my friends like I had originally planned, I'm here at home. Alone. MEH! So be prepared for a post of bitchiness and pity me just a bit. I promise that I'll post something a bit more cheerful tomorrow or Monday morning but for now, all you get is bitch and meh.

I've been busy. Way too busy with work and I guess I'm paying for it now. Fever, sore muscles, sore throat and a head that's almost too heavy to hold up. I was feeling fine last night while I was at work. Dancing, flirty and smiling - spreading happiness and fun vibes to everyone who was out at the Pub last night. I was rocking it last night and had a freaking blast. But when I got home after breakfast at 7am, I was exhausted. Pretty normal since I was out all night so I just went to bed... and slept. Really slept. I didn't stir until my phone rang at 2pm and I was still pretty groggy. Groggy enough that I went back to bed at 5pm and didn't wake up until the phone rang again at 7pm.

Still groggy. I feel like I've been out running a freaking marathon or something. Everything aches.

So I bailed on the party and have come to terms that, yes, I am getting sick. ARGH!!

I had so many plans for this weekend. Fun, work, fun and more work. I don't have time to be sick!

Now I'm pissed off. I have all these plans in my head - and a long list of things-to-do hanging on my fridge but I have absolutely no energy. I wanted to paint my table. I wanted to write a happy post here with pictures. I wanted to go out and be on the OTHER side of the bar. I wanted to write my application for uni. I wanted to clean and tidy up my little home. I wanted to go for a bike ride out in the almost-spring weather.

ARGH!!

(Wow - it's amazing how much I can write about not feeling well. Kind of like old ladies who can spend an entire afternoon comparing aches and pains. Well, I do feel kind of old right now....)

I'm leaving you again. Yes, I haven't forgotten about my blog - I actually miss posting so I promise to be back again very soon. With pictures. And happy thoughts. But for now, me and my feverish achy body is going back to bed.

Sickness - fuck you!

February 12, 2012

Posted by Rie On 12:47 PM
I haven't really been around the internet for the past few days - something called life has been getting in the way. Work stuff, friend stuff, more work stuff and then just a bit more friend stuff. I like to sleep too sometimes.

But it's been a good week. Visited good friends, met new people and had a good time. It was nice seeing R. again. He's moved to Horsens to live with his girlfriend and we miss him here in Vejle. But they seem to be doing well and I'm happy for them. Brunch with A. was good too. Another old friend who is soon moving away from Vejle so it was nice seeing her before the stress of moving hits. We'll be visiting another friend next week - D. gave birth to a beautiful baby boy 2 weeks ago so it'll be great seeing her again and meeting the newest addition to their family.

I've been busy but things are good. I don't want to get ahead of myself but I might be starting school soon. That would be super cool. I won't go into details until I have all the facts straight but still, keep your fingers crossed for me.

S. is sleeping as I post this. She had the coatcheck shift at the pub last night and just came over here this morning. We have a huge fancy party to go to tonight so we'll be getting ready here, along with another friend.  Dresses and high heels - on my! (I'm not the biggest dress person....)

S. and I from a couple of weekends ago. She was working - I was not.... ;-)
On that note, I'm done for now. Have to go over to L.'s place to check up on her cat, Ninja. Crazy cat!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!!

February 4, 2012

Posted by Rie On 10:51 AM
There is still snow outside. I can deal with snow. My aunt gave me a decent pair of winter boots a few years ago and they are wonderful when it's snowing. But do you realize how COLD it is outside??

Minus 19 degrees!

It's cold.

Luckily, besides the boots, I am also fully stocked up with hats, scarves and mittens so I'm pretty bundled up whenever I go outside. But with a slight wind, it feels like the cold can find all the cracks in my armor and attack me.

Yes, I'm bitching. But you know what?? I don't care. Because it's f-ing cold outside!!

Before I send myself into a downward spiral of bitchiness, I should start thinking about good things. Like my coffee. My HOT coffee. And the fact that I'm inside with plenty of heat and blankets to cuddle up with. And my friend is coming over here in a couple of hours to drink more coffee with me.

Nice thoughts...

February 3, 2012

Posted by Rie On 10:30 AM
I missed out on my Thursday's Babble here yesterday due to a meeting at the Pub. So I didn't have my normal Thursday morning to just putter around here at home. But today - Friday - I have my coffee, music and time to blog. And I'm in the mood to babble!

I only have 3 hours at work today - YAY me! And I don't have to work at the Pub tonight - YAY me! But I still have big plans for tonight. Spring cleaning - aka "The Plan". Let me share a little secret to some.... I have issues throwing things out. Clothes, kitchen stuff, bags, knickknacks, papers etc. For example, I have no room under my bed because of old clothes in bags, fabrics and shoes. I always have this idea that one day, I'll need it. But you know what - I don't need it. And it's time to do a major clean up and throw out. My dad is coming out soon and I want my place to look good for when he's here but I'm also doing it for myself - I get stressed out looking at everything and I need to clean my soul, so to speak. It's the beginning of "The Plan". Once I get my little home looking perfect, then I can start focusing on myself. (That's a whole other blog post that will come later....) I already have bags of old clothes, scarves, hats, shoes and whatever packed up and ready to go. I think I'll start dragging the stuff up to work because next door, we have containers for donating clothes for those in need.

Other than "The Plan", nothing new here. Have been pretty social this week after work - Tuesday evening I went out with some Pub friends. One of the guys made dinner - awesome food - and then we all went to the movies. The new Mission Impossible.... It was okay. Then R. came over Wednesday after work where I made him dinner and we just hung out. It was nice seeing him again. Last night, after the youth club, I met up with 3 friends at the Pub for a single beer. Nothing party crazy or anything like that. Just meeting up with them and saying hi. I have a friend coming over for coffee tomorrow and then I have to work tomorrow night at the Pub. And then it's Superbowl on Sunday - I'm not the biggest NFL fan but I'm still going to the event we have at the Pub - dinner, movies and then the game. I doubt I'll stay the entire night because I have to work Monday.

Wow, I'm pretty boring today. My babble is lacking. I don't know why that is but I'm not feeling very creative and I'm having a hard time just letting the words flow like I usually do. Maybe I'm tired. Or too anxious to get my day started. Whatever. Blogging isn't working for me today so I'll be back again tomorrow. Or the next day.

Have a great weekend!

January 29, 2012

Posted by Rie On 1:35 PM
I grew up in Canada. I remember, when living in Alberta, that it got kinda cold. We bundled up in snowsuits, heavy-duty winter boots, built snow forts in the back yard, cross-country skiing on the golf course next door, snowball fights - it was a winter wonderland when I was a child. The red faces, snot dripping from noses, icy feet - how can one forget? Snow days from school, giving us all an extra day to come outside and play.

Then I moved from Alberta to the wonderful Vancouver Island. We don't do snow over there and I quickly adjusted. No snow but massive amounts of rain. Snow caused chaos and made people crazy. People from Alberta knew how to drive in the snow - they had winter tires and snow chains stashed in the trunk. People from the island panic the minute the weather people even mentioned snow.

Now I live in Denmark. And I hate the snow!

It's absolutely gorgeous outside. I may hate it but I can definitely see the beauty of a pure white backyard - small footprints and huge snowflakes falling from the sky. So I'll rephrase my previous statement - I hate the snow, when I'm outside! I can handle one day but then it makes me grumble. I'm no longer an Albertan at heart - I'm a Victoria girl and we don't do snow!

Yes, I'm babbling. It's amazing how much I can write about the snow. It's Sunday and I'm doing what I do best on Sundays. Sleeping in, wearing my pj's all day. Ordering take-out and just relaxing. Skype with the parental units later on and quite possibly reading a good book. All I can do while admiring the snow - from inside! I 'll deal with it tomorrow when I have to find my way to work. But today, I play hermit!


My backyard from a couple of years ago. But that's what it looks like today.

I went outside. I poked around. I went back inside. 

Won't be riding my bike anytime soon....

The street outside my front door. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was.... not bad but not the greatest. Nothing to complain about but nothing to shout YAY for.

January 24, 2012

Posted by Rie On 10:11 AM
We had a meeting at the Pub last night where we talk about new ideas, meet our new co-workers and pretty much discuss everything that has to do with the Pub. Plus we award a co-worker with the title "energy of the month" and "pig of the month". Energy is pretty much self-explanatory. Pig of the month is someone who did a stupid thing where we laugh at them. (All in good fun!). Anyways, this meeting was a little special because it's our first meeting of the year and instead of monthly energy or pig - the "awards" are for all of 2011.

Guess who won energy of the year?!

ME!

Yes, I'm happy. I actually didn't win anything but just the recognition of doing a good job all last year is super cool. It was awesome! (Doing a little happy dance right now.....) And I was up again tough competition - my co-workers are super cool and I didn't expect to win. But I did and I'm thrilled.

Okay, done bragging.

I'm tired today. I'm still pretty stuffed up with snot in my head so I haven't been sleeping all that well lately. It's going to be a busy couple of days starting tomorrow so my plan for tonight is relax and catch up on some sleep. Going to bed super early and will enjoy a quiet night. I just need to survive a day at the youth club first, hopefully with happy kids.

Have a great Tuesday!

January 22, 2012

Posted by Rie On 2:08 PM
Meh.

That's how I'm feeling right now. My head is full of snot and I have a fever and all I want to do is crawl into bed and have someone pamper me. Preferable a really good looking man. Or my parents. Yes, I'm 32 years old and I miss my parents. 

Was at work last night and I had super energy at the beginning of my shift. Dancing, laughing and lots of fun. But after a few hours, the energy was just more and more forced and by the end of my shift at 530am, I was done. And now - yes I'm whining - I feel like I've been hit by a truck. Trust me, I've actually been hit by a truck when I was younger so I know what it feels like. I feel like shit. 

Meh.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I'm going to make more tea, eat some oranges and curl up on my couch and possible cry. 


January 19, 2012

Posted by Rie On 11:08 AM
My fingers smell like oranges. I guess that's okay considering it could be way worse. I should probably eat a bigger breakfast and that I will, after I ramble on and on here on my blog. But I have my coffee so I'm happy.

I'm trying to eat healthier. And drink more water. I tend to forget to drink water and stick with the coffee all day. It's not good. So I have a deal with my co-worker that we remind each other to drink more water and that helps. And I'm staying away from fatty foods, at least on the weekdays. Yesterday for dinner, I had a salad with spinach leaves, tomatoes and cucumber with bits of chicken. Sounds kinda boring but it was actually quite yummy. Today, more salad with pieces of salmon. Mmmm, fish. I love fish.

Okay, maybe I won't ramble too much today because now I'm hungry. And I have a coffee date soon with A. I really enjoy his company... he just called and will be here in 10 minutes. Yay!

I really do love Wednesdays and Thursdays - I know I've said it before but still.... I'm off early from work on Wednesdays and then I don't have to work until afternoon on Thursdays which means I can get loads of stuff done.

Gotta go, A. will soon be here.

January 18, 2012

Posted by Rie On 5:38 PM
It's been a crap day. I don't even know why but it sucked at work today. The kids drove me nuts, my co-workers drove me nuts and everything just went wrong.

Puha.

But now I'm home and I'm forcing myself to let it all go and just relax. I did some quick shopping after work so now I don't have to do anything or go anywhere..... I could just curl up on the couch and read. Drink tea. Maybe even just go to bed. Or take a really long hot shower. Or go for a walk (it's raining so probably not....) The possibilities are endless and I already feel better.

I'm doing otherwise okay. Work last weekend at the pub was lots of fun - friends, drinks and loud music. Plus a little flirting. Flirting is always fun, especially since I'm single and the guy is pretty cute. And a great dancer. If it's just flirting for fun or some serious flirting, I don't know. So I'll  just leave it at that for the time being and see what happens.

I'm out of here again - but not without some random pictures.....

Just me....

Having some fun at the youth club with afro wigs. Why not?

October Beerfest in Vejle. 

Party after a shift at the pub. Yes, I'm tied up and decorated.
I hope everyone has a great Wednesday. Mine is all of a sudden much better.