Trip to the South (29 & 30 March)

On Tuesday, 16.30 hr. we left a cold and rainy El Sobrante. Via the 580 we came on the freeway 5 to the south. Lenore had planned a stay-over at Bakersfield, where we arrived at 20.45.
Next day we left Bakersfield at 08.45 hr. via the 58 and in Barstow we took the freeway 40. The landscaping was beautiful and changed continuously. Suddenly on the horizon we saw on the top of hills hundreds and hundreds of windmills. After a few stops and passing the Arizona border we arrived at 16.00 hr. in Williams. The Best Western Hotel was surrounded by snow. We had dinner in a restaurant, while it was snowing outside. Lucky we, the air-conditioning unit in the rooms produces also warm air.

On Thursday morning, prepared to resist the cold, we left warm dressed Williams to go to see the Grand Canyon. At the airport, that we reached over the 64 and 180, it was clear that our preparation for the cold was done for nothing. Most of the warm clothes were put back in the car, when we saw the pilot in short sleeves. With Lenore and Bep sitting besides the pilot in the front, we did a 50 minutes helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon. We were very lucky because the weather was excellent and the sky clear. The view was amazing and very impressive.
In the afternoon we took road 180 to Flagstaff and visited there the Northern Arizona Museum. Flagstaff is a nice and very busy city. We had a coffee break in a coffee-shop called “ Late for the Train”. During our short visit we saw a number of trains with more than 50 wagons loaded with double stocked containers. We left Flagstaff at 18.00 hr. for the second night stay in Williams.

Problems at St. George Warehouse Oakland

Oeps, I forgot write on the blog for a few weeks. Lenore and I had a very nice time with Rick and Pat. It was also the first time for me to visit a Zoo when it’s snowing. This weekend I spend my Saturday night to visit the Fillmore Grill in San Francisco. James saw in the newspaper that the San Francisco Formula 1 Group organizes nights like this. We both went a got a big welcome from Julie and Peter. Around 11p.m. the race started in Malaysia and the restaurant was filled up with 90 people.
Monday morning, Lenore and I went first to customs to declare my stuff what was shipped in the Netherlands. But again we had big problem at the St. George Warehouse on 7210 Edgewater Drive, Oakland. This is the Warehouse where DHL send my stuff and after the U$ 50, - they want again U$ 85, - for lifting the box. Of course we refuse to pay this and now it’s DHL his turn, they told us that there where no more cost after paying him and the U$ 50,- from St George Warehouse. On their business card is standing Service – Technology – Experience, well I think they have a lot of experience to hit somebody in the pocket when I here that other where houses ask only U$ 25,-. I'm sure that we never comeback to this arrogant company with their gum chewing lady behind her desk.
A nice thing is that my parents are visiting us for three weeks; we thought they come on Wednesday but oeps again. I saw that the flight has a delay from 30 minutes so I have all the time.

A short note.

It’s time to visit my dentist again, see how it goes here today.
I think it must make a huge different how they do it, starting with cleaning my set of teeth two weeks ago. In the afternoon it’s time to travel to Portland, we take our time so that we arrived tomorrow evening. Nice that Lenore change her schedule so that we have a whole week together.

Screwed her schedule

It’s Thursday morning, 6.30am I came out of my bed for a strange dream. So I thought get out of your bed and take a nice cup of coffee. Lenore is doing the carpool for the school kids and I can surf a little. Oeps there is someone else standing in front of the door for carpool. I went outside and told them that she left already, 3 minutes later Rain from Children’s staffing office called. Strange, after a few minutes Lenore came back. She screwed her whole schedule; she should be at work today and went directly to Oakland.
Yesterday morning I had could feel my first earthquake, around 11.24am Zacky (the cat) made just before the shaking some noise. It was only 1 or 2 seconds and 3.4 strong on the scale.
On the Dutch news pages I see that my favorite beer brand Grolsch had problems with selling their lovely juice in the Netherlands last year. Positive news is that they have a new distribution partner in the US named Anheuser-Busch who’s famous with the brand Budweiser. Anyway our fridge foresees already the green bottles from Enschede.

Shit happens

Starting the day is very easy, first a cup of coffee and then looking through my emails.
Next is the laundry and take a shower. Today I went to the sport centre in town for a tour and to look for the prices, Lenore and I talk already several weeks it. Very nice location with good facilities like a swimming pool, sauna, racket ball and more. The thing what I didn’t like was the contract with an initiation fee from at least U$ 300, - a couple. The Assistant General Manager told me that in April special initiation fee from U$ 90, - a couple, when I try it for three months. That sounds much better so till that time I hick in Tilden.
Next stop Berkeley; I arrange some flowers for Lenore’s parents, they coming back from vacation. Her mom wants to see the Northern Lights on the Hudson Bay. So I open the door from the house I hear the sound of the alarm system, damn Lenore didn’t gave me the number. I close the door directly but it was already done. The sirens went of for at least 15 minutes; the gardener at the neighbors got already crazy and went to the other side of the house.
Finally I went in to the house after Lenore called me and put the flowers on the table with a card from Leo (her mom’s cat).
Ok, everything alright so I went for a hick to Tilden Park, it was so wet from the last few days that I problems to walk over the trail. After 25 minutes I found a way up and took the tarmac road back to inspiration point where I parked. At my way home I stopped at the store for a lottery ticket, I saw on the web log from Mark that the jackpot went up to 256 million dollar. Thanks Mark for the reminder.

skiing

Saturday it was a nice day for skiing around Lake Tahoe. A few days before I was already busy to get my own boots, the skies I rent and hope for a good deal later on March. Boreal was the place for the day and directly on the I-80. James went down the piste on his snowboard while Lenore and I stay on our normal skies. Fifteen years ago was my last time in Sauerland district in Germany, but after 20 minutes I had my rhythm back.

Monday was a nice to clean the house, outside it was purring rain. And then food tasting at a Mexican restaurant in Berkeley, the 25th of March there is a party and we ask them to make a price for catering. The food was really delicious and I can't wait to give the party.







Today I got also the good news that John’s wife delivered a daughter named Amy. Mom and daughter are in a good condition and going home soon. What a perfect day.

Dentist appointment

Yep, today it was my time to show up at the Dentist for cleaning. Lucky that I know Barry from December 2004 at that time it was my first visit. Daniela cleaned my teeth will Barry came to talk with me about my North European set of teeth. I know that I need a crown so I was not surprise that he give me a new date to come. Then just before 6 pm Erika called me if I can come to here school for the Costa Rica trip next Friday, her mom was still working so why not. Of course it was things like what clothes you bring to the tropics and what spray for the sand flies and mosquitoes. At the time we came back from that meeting Lenore came out of the Hospital and stopped at the Chinese for food. Now it’s time for more Olympics stuff on TV.

Inconvenience

Tuesday afternoon and the weather is perfect in the Bay Area. This morning I had my friend Paul on the phone and ask me questions if I still like it here on the other side of the world without his friends. Sure I miss my friends, Marloes en Vincent but Lenore knows how to balance this with me. We talk a lot a do thinks like yesterday, a hike in Tilden Park. The have a few trails and a great view, and how can you enjoy this better then with a real beer. Beer?? Yes I always take my small backpack with some candy and drinks.
Then the story about my one cubic meter box what I send from Enschede to here. This morning I got a phone call from the company who should get this today. “Mister Nijssen your stuff is in New York, the customer’s service didn’t trust the container so they will scan. They scan it today or tomorrow, afterwards it goes directly on a truck what takes 9 till 10 days. Sorry for the inconvenience but there is something else in the container what they don’t trust. I call you back if I know more”. Well maybe I must start with my own bestseller; I know that my last name is not easy to spell but easier then Japanese I think.

End of soccer tournament

Last evening it was time to take the car to Walnut Creek and visit the field of Los Lomas.
These time no National Anthem and no presentation of the teams. It was a tuff game and both teams had problem with the wetter. Los Lomas had more luck then the ladies from Saint Mary’s they won with 3-0. At least I had fun to watch the games the last weeks and I’m sure they getting better next year with Jim as coach.
Then the speed skating event in Torino, I saw the reportage from NBC around 11pm. Of course they enounce first 40 minutes before that the USA won the Gold and Silver medals. Finally the sport gets more time on the television when you talk about the men. Strange thing is that Shani Davis was not happy with his interview from The NBC TV-channel. I can imagine the channel is talking the whole day about Chad Hedrick and his five Gold Medals he’s winning. Maybe that’s the reason that he didn’t want to skate with the US group. Davis is the US favorite from the Dutch people and I think because he has a normal behavior. Other thing, it’s strange that the US skaters has Dutch Sponsors. In the picture you can see that he’s a normal guy and respect other people.

I’m just hearing live the speed skating 1000mtr. from the ladies. Yes we have a Dutch winner named Marriane Timmer with 1.16.05 just before Cindy Klassen en Anni Friesinger. Nice revenge after disqualification on the 500mtr.
One compliment I must gave NBC, the site is up to date but please do next time live stream.

Speedskating

Its Saturday morning, I came early out of my bed so I could bring Lenore to her work.
She starts at 7am and afterwards I can drive around, I promised Margaret (Lenore’s friend) to help her with prepare the walls before she start to paint. It’s not my favorite hobby but I want to do something. Margaret called already if I can come 2 hours later, no problem. Till that time I can follow the 1000mtr speed skating live on the radio. Nice to hear that Shani Davis won this race, second is Joey Cheek and third Erben Wennemars. I’m sure that the NBC shows only three races and four commercials so it’s better to spend my time better tonight. There is another tournament soccer game tonight, the ladies from Saint Mary’s start at 7pm and I hope that we don’t get rain. We prepare for cold but not for rain.

Soccer tournament

As we know there was Valentine’s Day (Hallmark Day) on Tuesday. Lenore and I enjoy already our life so we said to each other ”No presents”. Lenore’s daughter Erika was traveling to her dad this weekend from Arizona and should be back today. I promise her to be there on the airport, she didn’t know that we contact her boyfriend Jon and ask him to join me and take her out for dinner on our costs. Nice to see her face when she walked in the Arrival Hall, while her Jon was standing there with flowers. The surprise was bigger when I went of the freeway, she was telling me from the back seat that I took the wrong way. “A dinner for two should be nice, isn’t it” was my answer. Fine to make them happy, plan succeeded.

The ladies soccer team from Saint Mary’s College High School were second in the league last week so this results in a tournament. It’s Wednesday 7pm in Lafayette, the national anthem sounds and the grandstand is packed with supporters. The play is against Acalanes Dons who has a really good team, the results on the end of 2 times 40 minutes is 2 – 2. At that time everybody was freezing their butts off. Five minutes later the game starts again with 2 times 10 minutes to decide which team is going further but after 20 minutes it was still tied. The keeper from Acalanes Dons was good but not good enough to stop all the penalties, and the St Mary’s Panthers won by one goal on the shoot-out. The players and the supporters from Saint Mary’s went crazy, nice thing is that Saturday we have another game. Of course, now the weather has changed and its FREEZING and it is supposed to rain on Saturday, so I really hope they win, and make watching the game worth it.

Bank account

Last summer Lenore and I went to a Dutch bank to open joint-account. Of course we didn’t have a problem and before she went back to the US Lenore had the atm card. So our plan was to open yesterday a joint-account again but then here in the US. We went to a bank with the most atm’s in this area the Washington Mutual, the one Solano in Berkeley. First it took them 20 minutes before someone came to open an account. The lady was new in this process and every time she went back to her supervisor to get our questions answered. Simple questions like what do you guys charge me when I send money from my Dutch account to here;’ I think probably nothing’. ‘Are you sure or ….’ Again she went back to her supervisor, ‘Sir it cost U$ 10,-. Next problem, I don’t have a security number yet because the process is so slow. Now the supervisor came and told me that I can’t joint the account, the excuse they have; ‘sorry since nine eleven’ RIGHT.
I’m getting sick about this excuse, is the whole US use this as an excuse. I think this is paranoia.
Luckily Lenore’s own bank is willing to put me on her account till the time I get my own number.
It’s time to think positive in this still beautiful country.

Wildcat Canyon and Tilden Park

Well that’s nice to hear, playing Spider Solitaire on the computer.
Yesterday I took the challenge to cross Wildcat Canyon and Tilden Park with the bike.
It took me three and half hour to get in Berkeley, but the view was beautiful with the weather of these days.

Today Lenore and I walked into Kennedy Grove Park, different view then yesterday but still pretty. There is also time for the garden, putting more bulbs in the ground so that we can enjoy it later on. In the evening its time to visit Lenore parents and go out for dinner, mmmmmmm.

The last week

The last week I was more active then right on this moment. I went with James to the other side of the Bay. I want to see some more from San Francisco, so the Fisherman Wharf, the Cable Car, Lombard Street and walking through China town. Funny to see, a lot of lunchrooms / restaurants have free wireless internet. I saw on the news that they want a free wireless connection in the big cities of the Bay. In the Netherlands this is still big business for the phone companies, but ok it's a tiny little country. On Friday Lenore and I went to the movies during the day, we want to see Broke Back Mountain. I can tell you it’s a really good movie. Saturday there was the Crab dinner at Saint Mary’s school, Lenore is crazy about the food but I prefer more the salad. Before the dinner there was an auction with different stuff, damn I mist the Basketball tickets just in the last minute. Still I can complain we have scored four bottles of wine from Francis Coppola and one night in the Marriot hotel.
During the weekend we took a hick here in the hills of El Sobrante, really beautiful even if we had problems. The mud on the trail was terrible so I hope to do it again soon or take the mountain bike.

What’s up?

Monday afternoon 3.30pm, Erika had a soccer game in Berkeley with her team.
She’s still has problem with her feet and the coach was so smart to give
her more time to recover. Wednesday afternoon it’s time to visit another team in Walnut Creek, James and I’m going with them to support the team from Saint Mary’s.
Its Tuesday, it was time to make some bread without the bread machine. I got last night the recipe from my mom in Belize. I can tell you perfect bread and it taste good; now its waiting for the lady’s what they say. During the time I had time to buy some plants and an axe.
The garden seems already better with some colorful plants. Another job was hacking the wood in smaller sticks. We had yesterday a little problem with the hearth in the dining-room but it seems that it goes well on this moment. I put the chicken in the rotisserie and now I’m waiting for the lady’s.

Lazy Sunday

Today I had a lazy Sunday; I make some correction on my new Belize website.
The site is finishing in the Dutch language and I hope to do something about the English version.
In the afternoon we (Erika and I) picked up Lenore for the St. Mary’s Football dinner.
Erika is the first female player ever since St. Mary’s school exists, and the best kicker of the team.
It was fun to see how everything goes and how the teambuilding is. This is really something else then a school in the Netherlands.
Well people as my normal day here, I try to listening a few hours to the Dutch radio Veronica on the internet. That’s nice about technology,

My favorite hobby

It’s 10 days ago that I in California arrived.
Of course is a change, first the Netherlands, a month Belize and now the United States.
I’m glad that Lenore and I had hours conversations on the phone, some people are talking so fast that it seems they have peppers in their … or hyper everyday. I can roll my eyes when the waitress in the restaurant does this. The last few days I’m busy in the back yard, planting flower bulbs and cutting the grass with a new toy, the land lawn. First we had a discussion about one on gas or electric. I didn’t saw the challenge to walk with a wire over the grass.
Last night we went to Berkeley for a standup comedian show, it was kept in a small room from a restaurant. There where five people with an act and around 25 people who enjoyed the show.
Afterwards we went to Zackary’s and eat a small pizza; the only thing I could complain was there beer. The beer was very good, only the measuring sucks. On the menu they tell that you get a pint, I’m maybe blond but a pint is around 0.45 liter and not 0.3 liter.

Happy New Year

Lenore is sitting in her house and sees how the rain is coming down while I’m sweating in Belize.
Don’t know where my last paper is but it’s on his way to Belize. We had a small party last night on my parent’s friend’s balcony. Typical Dutch food with rum/cola, isn’t it a nice combination?
Tomorrow day still have a day off in Belize, but the first thing I going to do on Tuesday is paying my stay at the immigration office. Of course I hope that the Embassy is calling me but I don’t expect that before Wednesday. Other thing is that Lenore is busy this week with working so that she can have time later of. Murphy’s Law is still around us but I hope to get there next week, yes people try to be positive. Till that time I hope to see something more from Belize, I didn’t see the South for a long time. Fact is that there are fewer tourists then on the Cayes.

What the hell is going on

Monday I had my first trip with my parents and some friends of them.
We went to Pook’s Hil Lodge where we hiked on the trails and did tubing on the river through the rainforest. The other days I was busy to fix my Dutch new website about Belize and talked a lot with Lenore on the phone. Thursday morning, it’s time to visit Chaa Creek Resort in Cayo. Friends of my parents are working there ask us to come by. It was also the morning that I had an upset lover on the phone. She didn’t sleep well and called Amsterdam again, they send my Police Record already on December 23 to the Embassy in Belize. With email, fax and DHL.
When you call them her they said yes we got an email but the papers are not there you must wait till next week. Lenore was so pissed off that she called the General Consul in Belize and she was agreeing with her statement. Hopefully we know more tomorrow even if they don’t do the Visa stuff.
One thing is for sure about this situation, IT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!

Rib eye

Friday afternoon, I had still problems to walk on my right foot, but things going better.
I helped my mom wrapping presents for some kids (26), she always give them something on Christmas. I didn’t help her with all the cakes she made for friends; damn it’s a bakery here.
At 3pm I have an appointment with doctor Craig (not Greg) for a biopsy on my foot. Since March I have spots from insect, normally they go away in one Month but no these are still there. He did the job very professional so I went home again. My mom and I had a good idea; we go out for dinner at the Sibun Bite Restaurant what is next to The Old Belize Museum. My parents like the restaurant very much but we never tried the import Rib eye. The beef from Belize cows are terrible. My mom was so smart to order her Smoke Pork Chops plate. First the meat was not really warm, but ok this is Belize, they don’t know what steamers are. My steak was burned on the top and was done instead of medium. My father couldn’t eat the steak normal, the meat was stringy.
The poor guy who serve our food for this night, we where not nice to him but ok the food sucks.
Then the cook came, this is not import beef, yes sir you are right. But why is this standing on the menu. Tony’s food was not on the bill and mine was half priced. Conclusion of the day, never eat beef in Belize before you make sure it’s import.
On our way home we stopped at the Italian restaurant just one block before their home, they have delicious Ice-cream.
Of course we finish the night with Rum, mmm.
Saturday morning, I waked up at 6.30am, some idiot start to cut the grass at the neighbors. I put the pillow over my ears and sleep further till Lenore called. Till that time I think to start the day good, clean the floor of my room. Shower with a plastic bag around my foot and next what I should do is call Lenore.
In the afternoon its time to help my mom with backing bread, I bought one for them as a Christmas present. Only thing is that I didn’t have enough wrapping paper, so they got it already.

Christmas is coming soon

A short word from me on the Blog, till now there is no Police Record yet. Conclusion I can not be with Lenore and her family for Christmas and/or New Year Day. The frustration is on the highest level, code red. Since our marriage in March it seams that Murphy’s Law is still hanging around. I mean what is a Police Record, normally the police can see in one handling what you did wrong in your live. The process at the Dutch Government start already in the first week of December, sorry but I the system sucks!!!
Well I hope that my Christmas gifts, which I send on the last moment, are there on time.

Love you much darling.

Things can change in hours

Yesterday I ask Bep;” What do you think when we go to Cayo tomorrow and visit Chaa Creek Resort”. Would be nice she told me. Well just one hour later I stretched myself on the cough and stand up. Damn I twisted my right ankle. We put a cold-pack on my feet and sit there the whole evening while we played the game Colonisten van Katan. After the Daily Show / Colbert Report it was time to try to sleep, it didn’t work. First I want to call Lenore but I know she had another twelve hours shifted so I decide not to do it. When I finally try to wake her up with my call she answered the phone as somebody who didn’t sleep much. The only thing she could see to me is; “Can you call me back in 30 minutes, thanks”.

Well on thing was for sure, I couldn’t walk with my right feet, No Chaa Creek today, the Resort is in the jungle and you need to walk if you want to see some.
I wasn’t happy so Bep en I went to Universal Health Service today. Well I can tell you after the parties I know the docs better then before. So when I came in they told me that I danced to much this weekend. I went to doctor Hidalgo, he send me directly to the X-ray. Afterwards I told me to see doctor Sosha because he’s better with bones structure. The guy is a really busy man so we told him to come later back. He told me not be worried but take a rest and start in a few days walking for 40 minutes a day. No problem, there is enough to see here. In September I had also already contact with Doctor Greg, who is a dermatologist. I have since March spots from I think sand-flies, I got some creams what didn’t help so now he want to take a sample on Friday afternoon.

I though to do something else then rest but ok, that’s live.

Party time

It was Sunday afternoon, friends of my parents ask Tony to come over for his birthday party to celebrate it there. He knows that he get dinner with some people from the Dutch group, but never new what my mother arranged.
She and a colleague of my father where busy for weeks to organize the party, invitations, food, drinks, chairs, tables, tent, DJ. We where suspect to come around 2pm, Tony was very surprised that there where +/- 100 people. Even the old prime minister came for the party, well Tony I know you have a lot of friends but I didn’t expect this. Tony with all the lady's

My parents Dutch friends ask the people to give him money and told Tony;” Get your ass to Cuba”. He promised my mom already a few years to visit the Island. The excuse he had; no money. Well there is no excuse anymore after this party so “Get you ass to Cuba”

Friday afternoon

After a few days is time to write something. My Dutch friends are already spoiled because I send them already an email.

My parents house

Yesterday Constance came over to my parent’s house; the lady is around 82 years and stayed overnight. Her daughter Ginny came from the States to visit her mom with Christmas. Constance is living in Cayo a two hour drive while my parents life 20 minutes from the international airport in Belize.

Playground with Carribean Sea in the background

We chat a lot and start later the game Kolonisten from Catan. Other thing was that I moved to a smaller room for the night, so no internet connection. It’s not bad for a few days; I must enjoy my time and want to visit Ingrid next week in Hopkins. I don’t expect a phone call from the Embassy and other wise I can always drive or fly back quickly.
I know that Croc (a good friend from Ingrid) wants to visit Tobacco Caye next week, I have some information on my website but I never bin there.

The last few days I start always with a Dutch radio program named Somertijd, I like the program very much and try always to listening.
In the afternoon its time to help my mom to get the drinks for the weekend, my father has his 70th birthday and he expect a few friends from the Dutch group over here.

That is love (including update)

Crack of dawn in the poring rain only to told to come back later.

Nice start to begin with but here is the whole story.
Yesterday My mom was so kind to drive with me around, so I have my medical record complete.
After dinner time and a nap it was time to fill in the paperwork, well I can tell you that this can mine profession later on. I don’t count anymore but for one thing it’s good, my memory. Questions like; where did you live and work the last 10 years. Don’t forget my educations.
Still it take three hours but ok, I was just finished for The Daily Show with John Stewart. For the people in the Netherlands, this is a talk show during the week and I like it very much. Lenore tried to get tickets last August when we visit New York, to see the show live.

This morning I was standing in line for the Embassy around 6.45am will the office get open at 8am. There where 9 people in front of me and later there where some people with an appointment. The Belizeans who came exactly for a Visitor Visa should thought what that white guy is doing here so early. I refuse the umbrella from my mom but oeps it starts to rain, I have a light jacket with me so that was easy. In front of me there was a lady who had an umbrella, so I stand close to her. The Security check opens and I got closer where the sign was, Visitors Visa between 8-10am and Immigration Visa between 1-3.30pm. Damn I’m too early, it was my time to get in the small building and talk to the friendly guys. The best time to get back is around 12.
I called my mom while is walking, along the boulevard where all the busses where waiting for the tourists what should come from the two cruise ships. I can’t complain, walking in the Carribean with a little rain while the sun tries to get through the clouds.

Here is the update, all the papers where alright, the only thing what we missing is the Police Record. I think this must be Murphy’s Law.
The ladies from the Embassy were at least friendly, and ask her colleague in the Netherlands if she send it already. Mmm I try to call the same lady tomorrow and see what happens. Or must I call my government if they can do it quicker. Please can I see with Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phone call

This morning at 8am sharp the Embassy called me, if I can pickup the papers.
My mom and I drove downtown, I went inside while she was waiting. There where a lot of people waiting but lucky me that I had the name from the nice woman. Next stop for pass photo’s, with a small digital camera he make the right shot for the 2 by 2 inches photo. At the time I get out there was a police man writing a parking ticket for the car who was parking behind us. Damn, my mom told me to drive so I have that ticket. Cost BZ$ 25,-

After paying the bill at the office we went to Doctor Mendez; she was on the list from the Embassy. She gives me the note for the blood test and the X-ray. The blood test was done in a few minutes and I can pickup the results in an hour. Next stop X-ray, there where a lot of people waiting. I get an appointment for 12.30pm.
Between the hectic, my mom and I have time to stop at Neal’s house. He’s an old drive from my dad who had a big car crash 9 years ago. He’s still not the same but I visit him every time when I’m in Belize.

Arriving Belize

After a long trip I arrived in Belize.
I had a great birthday party, after two hours of sleep it was time to travel to Düsseldorf in Germany. It was also the first time in my life that I flied first class; well it was my birthday why not.
Don’t get use to it, they spoiled me on the trip to Cancun. After a taxi ride to Playa Del Carmen it was time to travel by bus during the night. I slept almost the whole time so that was perfect.
I arrived in Chetumal on the border of Mexico/Belize and get contact with a German guy named Michael. Very nice person and we decide to travel together, our destination Belize City where I drop him on the bus later. Our language was a mix between Dutch, German and English.
Arriving at Park Avenue was really easy, the bus stopped almost in front of the street where my mom was waiting with her dogs Spot and Slimpy. After a couple of Heinekens and Red wine it was time for me to take a quick nap. My mom and Michael went around Belize City and later on it was time to drop him on the bus to Dangriga where he want to stay a few days.
In the evening, after finishing my email to my Dutch friends it was time for dinner at the Old Belize Restaurant. My dads favorite place; good food and not far away. I was so tired afterwards that I went directly to bed and just get up at 8am the next morning. In the morning it was time to talk with Lenore and take a shower. I went with my dad to Universal Health Service where I met his colleagues again.

Busy week

Thinks are going quicker then I thought.
Monday morning, Gertie came to help me with the boxes what I should send to Oakland; we took them to the transport station and went for lunch. Gertie went home while I visit some wholesalers, and took a toilet seat with me for Danny and Isabel. I had also an appointment with Eveline who cut my hair; now I’m looking the same as at the pictures. In the evening it was time to drive first to the supermarket and later to Danny. Cheese fondue was on the menu before we start playing Kolonisten and of course I install the toilet seat.
Today it was hurry up, first to Merten. It’s a company who makes switches and domotica (intelligent switching). I get a course about the domitica; he tuned the program on my computer and showed me what I can do. In the afternoon it was time to visit the Electra Expo, talked with a lot of manufacturers. Then a birthday party from Monique, I was so tired that I went home in 40 minutes.
Now it’s time to jump in my bed.

Last Sunday here

Sound a little strange but
Friday was the last day on the office,
Saturday was the last day that I was working in Gerco and Judith’s house,
Saturday was also the last Sinterklaas party in the Netherlands with my friends,
Sunday is the first day of the week (last week) in this house.

We have a few problems with my papers, the consulate in Amsterdam need some papers even if we posted it already a few times before to the State of California / Federal Government. Other thing is that I have my ticket to Mexico next Saturday so I can travel to Belize by bus where I accely must go to the Embassy.

Anyway, I don’t want to think about this and had yesterday a perfect Sinterklaas evening with some of my friends. Everybody took a name few months ago, problem for me was that I got Yannick´s wife Hester. I know that she’s a very nice lady; she’s creative and likes Rosé. I ask Karin what to buy because I didn’t have any idea. So Wednesday night I went downtown for shopping, before I could buy anything for her I saw an apple store. Oeps I have buy some connection wires for my I-pod. But finally I found a store with nice candles and a bowl, me and another guy where standing next to each other for 20 minutes to get the best results. Pfff the present is ok but now the difficult things, make a surprise and a poem. Well lucky me that I went to Gerco and Judith so they came up with some more idea and make both on Saturday afternoon before I went to party.

Sam

I was a really good party; first the two kids start to pack out their presents. Luka and Sam where busy with it. After 15 minutes to go around with the presents and the surprise.

Karin draw me and had a really good poem about me, you good see that she is one of the people who’s following the Blog every day. The nice thing I got was a towel and some work gloves for my hot tub. Karin got a really good poem about her trip to Kenya but of course every poem and present where top.

It’s time to take a shower and pick up Marloes and Vincent; I think this is the hard part of the week or better from the several years. Say your kid’s goodbye and hoping that they visit us soon in the US. Marloes traveled already a few times with the plane but Vincent did it only one time when he was a baby. They can come on the direct flight with KLM.
I want to make a nice day from them and buy some presents today and stop at the Greek restaurant for dinner.
I hope I get the time this week to see them more and hopefully also on my party on Friday night.

Oeps, I'm think that I was dreaming. Yannick was the person behind my surprise.
Thanks Karin that you nothis.

Waking up with ...

It’s always nice to wake up with the voice from Lenore, with her incredible news of the day.
The government send my papers to the Embassy in Amsterdam instead of Belize City, then you think well go to Amsterdam.Wrong I can’t do it, the people in Amsterdam must send it to Belize City. Well I’m glad that I didn’t buy a ticket to Oakland yet.

Short message

During my Kolonisten evening at Mando´s and Karin’s house we where talking about the flights.
Karin is LTU minded and old me that the service is very good, she was also so friendly to show me the page with the cost from the flight. It was cheaper then Martinair and ArkeFly; they heave also one way tickets with normal prices. Danny and Isabel told me to go even if they must clean there house on there own.
After I came home, I talked to my mom and chat with my brother Wilbert. He is so kind to bring me to the airport in Düsseldorf, even after my party and also on my birthday. I looked again online and there where only a few seats left so I bought the ticket. Now it’s real, my parents are picking me up on the border so the travel thing is perfect.
Tomorrow I call the people who send me the estimate about the shipping so that my stuff is there around the second week of January 2006.

Lazy Sunday

I didn’t sleep well last night, I think it’s the flight to Mexico is turning in my head.
Should I take an earlier flight or not, Arke fly has a nice last minute on my birthday.
Problem is three things; I have my own party on Friday and on Saturday night a 10 years anniversary from the Climbing hall. The third is time from that last minute flight, Saturday morning around 11am. I don’t want to think about and wait one week more before I decide what to do.
Nice thing was last night that Lenore just finished her work and talked a little with my lover.
This morning I start the day a little earlier, I want to pick up the kids on the normal time. On my way back Marloes and Vincent stepped a few times out of the car to push me through the snow.
After several games of Kolonisten Vincent ask me to make a snow pop, we went in the garden and make a nice one. After I brought the kids back it was time for me to check the boxes what I want to send to Lenore. Everything is finish now so I can’t wait till the people with the estimate call me.

Snow, snow and snow,

This morning I wake up from Mando´s call, there is no party tonight
The streets are still dirty or the snow is packed on the side so that you can’t park.
First thing I did was looking on my street and yes it was white, people try to push the car. But there was too much ice on the street. The big streets are almost clean but the busses are not driving. In a town further they still don’t have power and there where no traffic jams after 6am this morning. First to the shopping mall with my backpack, I came back and found out that there was more tolerance on the street; we all have the same problem. I cleaned with my neighbors our parking space and warmed up the glùhwein. With my neighbors I had a good afternoon and after drinking the second bottle it was time to go home and cook. The news is almost starting and sees how terrible it still is.

Let it snow

What a terrible way to be on the road to day, since last night it was snowing on the east side of the Netherlands. I was lucky that I could get out of the traffic jam; I took a small road next to the highway. With a little luck I came in Groenlo where I drove my normal road over the farm land to Germany. I know that they don’t clean this way but ok, I want to drive home. Normal time 40 minutes now it took almost 3 hours. Still I’m lucky when I hear that people are blocked on the highway since the morning. The problem to park my car in the street was the next problem; I cleaned the parking place before I could get him in the right way. Tomorrow is the next problem, how can I drive away.

What a day

Last night we went for dinner in Restaurant “de tropen”, Karin recommends this place. This is something else then my normal restaurants, but Yes it was great.
This morning the alarm clock went of at 5.30am, 40 minutes later Lenore and I start the car to drive to Schiphol airport. Normally it takes 2 hours, with a little traffic jams it can be 2 1/2hours but today it was 3 ½ hours. We where lucky that Lenore did the check-in online otherwise it could be a problem. After a cappuccino, a big hug and kisses it was time to say goodbye, but not for long.
I take the car to IJsselstein what it’s closed to Utrecht, with a tourist route and a lot of nature landscape I stopped at a Shell service station. I closed my eyes for one hour and drive further to IJsselstein where I have a course about a light calculation program. At 7.10pm I was finish from where I try to get home quick as possible. I promised Lenore to call the US Embassy in Belize about my immigration; I ask them if I can make an appointment with my Visa, I told the lady that I have all the papers etc. Well sir you filled in the wrong paper etc. you can call back at Tuesday and Thursday between 9-11am. Well people I get crazy about this whole thing.

I just tracking the flight of lenore, in one hour Lenore she is back home.
damn I miss her already!!!!!

It’s always something

Well everybody knows that since Lenore came there is a busy schedule.
Saturday morning we drove to Aalten where e visits Erwin and Monique. Erwin is my colleague and I promise him already a year to come bye. In the afternoon it was time to drive bye Paul, Erna and Maud to see Jesse. He is really cute baby.
Saturday evening we should go to the Greek restaurant but some friends called who we didn’t saw yet. Of course we went to Venancio and Veronique to see the other friends and drink something with them but they where already gone. In the night we had an appointment with Jacqueline who remodels the house totally and also here we had a lot of fun.

Sunday and yes it´s time to play with Vincent and Marloes, also the first time for Lenore to play kolonisten before Monday evening. But Lenore was first so kind to take us out for brunch, Sam Sam was the place. In the afternoon John, Aynur and Calvin came visit us. In the evening it was tapa night at Anja and Edwin’s house, mmm lovely food with a lot of chatting and music. So loud that the neighbor starts to complain just before 1am. Today we had time to get see what stuff I have where I want to get throw away. In the afternoon there where Gertie and Martine to visit us before we go to Isabel and Danny for dinner. Mando and Karin came to because afterwards it’s kolonisten time. Oeps, on my way back I saw that Sander called me 3 hours ago. Did I have an appointment at the beauty Salon?

Mmmm, she´s back

Well I saw that Lenore was putting something on the Blog while I make my way to the laundry.I want to clean the stuff before we go to the south, so it have an enough time to dry when we are gone. I make already a reservation in a hotel downtown Heerlen but forgot the flowers for my uncle. Somebody from our family must go to the funeral, my parents are to far away and my brother had the same complains as me but anyway. I can say goodbye to the most of the family before I move to the other side of the world. I’m glad that I see my wife back since six weeks, and spend time to her. Now we hope that I still can come to her with Christmas and stay forever.

Sunday evening

Three day’s to go before I see Lenore again, not bad. She arranged al the paper work from our attorney so that I can take this with me to Belize in December.
Yesterday it was time to visit Jesse; he is now 2 weeks home and Paul ask me when I finally visit them. I told him that I visit him with Lenore next week but he was a little disappointing.
It’s a really cute baby to see and of course I had some presents with me.
Last night I had a guy’s beer party in the bar from Roy. He has a small bar in his garage and loves to give a party like this. I called Wilbert if he had time to bring me, so before I no this we where already singing and drinking. And after a night like this I have always troubles to get out of my bed. Lenore was so kind to call me on time so that I pick up the kids without any delay.
The first thing what Vincent did when he came in the living, right he put the board game (kolonisten) on the table. After the came Marloes went behind the computer for a chat with her friend, Vincent and I start the other computer for a Risk game.
We went to the Greek restaurant for dinner; I didn’t have enough food in my house.
In 10 minutes I drive for an hour to Dirk and Monique to make the wire for their internet connection upstairs and then the day is over.

No sense

Well I’m coming back from the Squash centre and thought I can write something, but NO.
Fucking ducking @home is out of service again, or must I say they don’t have service.
After playing one game with Mando and Danny I was finish, I think Danny wants to kick my as after losing the Kolonisten games last night. I walked directly to the Sauna and join Yannick.
Afterwards we stopped at the bar had some drinks and went home.

It’s almost lunch time and sees if my connection is working, finally.

I want to say something

Yes I want to say that I’m damn lucky with a wife like Lenore and the countdown is start. Next Wednesday she’s here so I can warm up her feet. We have one week together and try to get some time for our friends. Last night she was a little sad about the poll from Arnold’s special election, but with my wake up call and the results she was smiling again. The San Francisco chronicle had nice headlines about this election.
This evening is quiet; Monday evening I had the change to drive with Mando, Robin and Merel to Düsseldorf International Airport. Karin came back from Kenya after nine weeks working in an orphanage. Isabel and Karlijn took also their time to give her a warm welcome. Mando (with flowers) was standing behind a red carpet what he put on the ground. On the end there where standing three bottles of Grolsch beer, herring and banner. The German people where looking to us while only one took the time to make a short conversation. We where very proud on her and it was a big welcome with us. After a few German beers it was time to drive back because family and friends where waiting for her. After a drink it was time for me to go home but heard the next day that the last people went home around 1am. Yesterday it was Squash time with a small dinner, toasty and meatball. My play is getting progress and I hope to win on Friday.
Today it was a day since weeks, cooking on my own, watch the television and sitting behind the computer. It’s also the day that my brother makes the decision to stay in the Netherlands instead building his new life in Belize. I think it’s a good choice and I wish him wisdom, happiness and health.

Sunday evening

I’m back with my next story, some time it takes days and sometimes you get it twice.
As I told before I promised Marloes and Vincent to do something. I had an agreement with Vincent to visit Madame Taussauds, I told him that I was not feeling well so I didn’t want to stand in the open air, even the sky is blue. We drove to Diemen ( suburb) where we took train to Central Station Amsterdam. A few minutes later we where standing in line and went upstairs with the elevator. Marloes asked for the camera but this blond guy though that the battery had enough energy. Sorry now pictures from our trip except the picture what was taken by the crew. We saw a lot of famous people; nice thing was the 70-80th with Aretha Franklin. I know that J-Lo is a small lady but Madonna too??
We where getting hungry so afterwards we walked to the other side of the Dam and had lunch at Majesty. We finish our trip to Amsterdam to walk in the Fame record store, of course Marloes had a great time and choose a cd from Jamie Cullum, and I found some old cd´s from Nena and Men at Work.
After I brought the kids back it was time to make a short visit to Gertie and Martine, it was already a few months ago. It was nice to talk to them again and we make an appointment about our next sauna trip.
Have a nice day.

Sunday morning early

It’s now a few days ago that I wrote. I didn’t have the energy for it and spend next more time in bed then being on the office. Next to my Supradyn I have now Vitamin B complex and eat extra fruit but anything’s helps. The positive news from the weekend is that my immigration papers (the second one) are almost through. So my flight around the 10th of December has directly an extra dimension and hope to spend my time with Lenore, Erika and her family with Christmas. Other thing is that I now get the change to let Marloes and Vincent comes. I know that their mom is not exacting about this must fly alone, but they can fly no/stop with KLM to San Francisco and they have perfect crew what can help.

I cancelled the appointment with Dirk and Monique from last night. Four months ago we put 5th of November on our calendar for a dance night in Germany. They rent a taxi/bus for a whole group what is really nice but I was sure that I was feeling myself inconvenience after a couple of hours.

The other thing is that I went spend time with Marloes and Vincent for the last few Sundays I have. I promise them last weekend to do something, Marloes wants to visit Madame Tussauds while Vincent wants to see Madurodam (Netherlands in miniature). In an hour we here because the last one is outside, brrrrrrrrr.

Already Wednesday

I’m damn tired today so what can you aspect from me today?
Today I had a lot of progress in my estimates but at 4pm my battery was empty.
I decide to take the car home with a stop at the pharmacy and Jan’s house.
He needed still the wiring for heather in the bad room, so after some Chinese food we did the job, watched the news and went home. I’m sitting here with a cup of thee to check my email box so I thought it’s time to put something on.

Sunday evening

It has been a long time since I wrote something on the Blog so here I’m.
Friday was a lazy day on work; I send off all the information for the manufacturers and took a half day off. On my way home I stopped at the travel-agent, got my cup of coffee and went home where I took a nap. After dinner it was time for my Squash evening, after a few games I got the opportunity to visit the sauna with Mando and Yannick. I had a very relax night so I was sitting behind my computer early. I’m busy to move and upgrade my site at the new provider, first in Dutch and later in English. In the afternoon it was time to pick up Marloes and Vincent, I promised them to see The Legend of Zorro who’s here right now in the Movie’s. We stopped at the Mc Donald for a snack where they saw their mom at the Mc drive. They switch from cars, so that I had more time to change my clothes. At 8pm I had an appointment with Gert, first to Café Het Bolwerk and after that to Café Stonewall. The last one is a gay bar, and I make fun with Lenore that I put 3 pair off underwear over each other. No really, the people are very friendly.
When I came back home around 2.30am it was time to change my clocks. Summertime is over brrrrr. Of course I had Marloes and Vincent today; we played some games, walked in the park etc. After a 20 minute phone call with my parents I thought it’s time for the Blog but my friend Dirk came so no time. My lover/wife is at the soccer tournament with Erika and after every game I get the scores, they won every game till now, so I hope that they win the last game so they can get ready for the final.

Wednesday

I finish the project just on time, this happen after a few days with an early start.
So I went home with a smile on my face, Yes I did it again. After a stop at the supermarket and in my kitchen it was dinner time. After some phone calls and the skype.com line with my parents and brother it’s time to write something and watching the benefit television program for Pakistan.
Nice thing about this program that the hockey players from Pakistan and India are playing together against the Dutch team. A nice sign to the rest of the world I think.

Tuesday

Tuesday night and yes I’m ready to jump in my bed.
I had a very busy schedule between work, fun and sport.
Starting on the office around 6.30am to finish an estimate,
While in the evening it’s time for playing Kolonisten van Catan, talking to Lenore and of course the Squash.

Merel and Mando yesterday with the Kolonisten game.

In 21 days I see Lenore again, she’s coming to the Netherlands to see how if her hubby is doing fine. Well one thing is for sure; I’m counting the days till I see her again and counting till my job is done. Friday December 2e 2005 is my last day at work, it’s a strange feeling. I can’t go to the US because my Visa is taking longer then we thought but at least I can fly to Belize where I spend my birthday and Christmas with my parents, brother and nephew.
Anyway my lover/wave can visit me often when I live closer to her and that is the most important thing.

Now it´s my turn

Friday evening its time to visit the Squash centre, after a couple of games we start the last round, the bar. We had fun so before I no this young men had too much beer, to drive and I was not the only one. I order a cab with to drivers, so that one of the drivers can bring my car home. Mando came also with me; after they parked my car in front of my house it was time to drive us downtown. It was 2 or 3am when I jumped in my bed; the only problem was in the morning to get out. I knew that Dirk should visit me around 12pm so I had 15minutes to take a shower. Pfff I was so damn tired but still I want to clean the car and stop at the supermarket before I drive to Mando again. Well I drove the car through the carwash, but didn’t clean inside. The evening was time to play Triviant and Kolonisten van Catan. I have since a few days my own Kolonisten game with two extension packs, so I can bring them to Belize and play with my mom. Anyway it was the first time we played with one of the packs. It’s much nicer and we had a lot of fun.
It’s after 1am so time to close my eyes.

During the week,

Monday evening, it’s time to play kolonisten van katan, we where busy with the game that we forgot the time. Mando and I walked out at 1am. I was surprised that I didn’t have problems to get jump out the bed. I was telling myself to go early to bed tonight but after a few games Squash I couldn’t resist the social talks at the bar. The results, I drove away at 11pm.
It’s Wednesday and promise Paul and Erna to help with a wall in the evening, this thing is directly under the roof and so nothing is straight. After a few creative hours I told them to come back tomorrow. I want to make sure that the wall is finished before Jesse get out of the hospital.
Well I make my lunch already for tomorrow, so its time to jump in my bed.

The last few days

Its Sunday afternoon and write something on the Blog. The last few days I had enough to do starting with Thursday. I went with Ben on a fieldtrip to Vainen, what we didn’t know that the city was build around the year 1450. A good thing was travel with the two of us; the city hall is a really old building so we both have now the project our head.

We had a nice lunch on our way home/office, and I dropped Ben at his house again. In the evening I went to the Makro (wholesaler’s) to buy a game, well I couldn’t find it so next week I go a toy store. Friday a normal day on the office, I had an appointment to clean my mouth so I came early home and decide to go for a run, the sun goes down around 6.30pm and now I had the chance to run in nice sunny weather. I had some problems with my shinbone but finished my 6km with some breaks between. After a shower and some Chinese food and chatting with Tony it was time to visit the Squash centre. I played with Mando and Yannick who came after a several weeks. This was the best play till now, more survey and better strokes. After the third round on the bar it was time to drive home.
Saturday morning, starting with my electrical work at Gerco’s and Judith’s house. Around 1m it was time for a shower, and visiting a pancakes restaurant. We where very hungry and thought that the program later on the day with our company didn’t had enough food for us.

A few hours later we arrived at the Radstake where the party was given. But we had dinner in the restaurant, later with thousands of people in a big tent. Dancing the Radstake started with Grolsch brewery 10 years ago with October festival, smaller then München (Germany). It was a really nice program but it sucks when you can’t drink because I was driving the car. Most of the people / colleague where drinking and dancing on the German music. Lucky for me that I had a birthday party from Chantal, I drove home, called a taxi and got in the climbing hall in no time. Now I can enjoy the taste of Grolsch beer.

It was a nice party and jumped in my bed around 1.30am. In the morning it was time to pick up Marloes and Vincent, funny thing is that I got beer from them. Her mom told me that they didn’t drink it so enjoy, that was really nice but my fridge has still beer what I didn’t drink. Tomorrow it’s game evening so I think I take it with me. . Today it’s a sunny day but the kids don’t want to go somewhere, they want to stay inside. Vincent is playing Rollercoaster 2 while Marloes was playing with her Internet and tries to get a nice design for my refreshing site. I have already a domain name on the Internet but didn’t use it till now.
In the evening we want to go visiting the Greek restaurant again so maybe till later.

After a nice day on the office it was time run again, with the songs from Bob Marley and the Wailers. This time I did the running non-stop and it was not so bad. After a warm shower it was time to get some food, yes it salad time. It was also time to get a new light for the living, so I went to the hardware store. At the time came back it was time to check my mail and to chat a little with my mom.
Tomorrow I have a field trip with Ben, to make sure that we are on time and before the traffic jam we decide to go one hour earlier then normal. I must start my car at 6.10am. Drive to Doetinchem to pick up Ben and then to the City Hall of Vianen. It’s an historical City Hall what they want to change, so new lights, data network etc.

This morning there was a bit, I finished the estimate about the hospital project but damn we misted it. A life as calculator is not popular, a lot of my colleague prefer to do be the project manager or his assistant. Funny thing is that I still like it, and I hope I can still do it on the other side of the world. Its Tuesday evening so Squash, the only problem is the dinner, after some candy on my way and a tosti at the Squash Centre. Perfect dinner for one’s a week.
At the time I came home there was still some Laundry to do, will the machine was running I took the time to look at news. Now it’s time to set my alarm clock and take the time I need.

second hepatitis B shot

Pff just starting, after a 40 minutes drive I’m arrived on the office.
Last night it was fun, we (Danny, Isabel and I) had dinner at Mando’s place and start to play the board game Kolonisten of Katan. In the break I had time to visit the Travel health Clinic for a second hepatitis B shot ( 1 to go), and before I know I was back in the game.
At the time I got home I start the laundry and chat with Tony, strange thing is that this morning the laundry was still washing. I think the clock don’t work well.Positive thing is that I have super clean clothes, isn’t it. So it’s time to start my work.

Sunday evening

I had a great time with my kids today; Marloes was so kinds to put Word on the computer will Vincent was busy with his rollercoaster 2 game. In the afternoon it was time for dinner, I didn’t had something home so we went to Atrium downtown Enschede. I know that both of them prefer the Greek restaurant but I was there already last week with Vincent. Our belly was full after two hours so it was time to bring them home.
Still have a little problems with the keyboard, I know it something simple but I can find the key to change by keyboard function. It’s better to take it with me to the office tomorrow; there are some computer freaks who must know this.

What’s happen

Friday afternoon I was busy to leave the office on time, I order a laptop at a computer store in Enschede. So what did I do almost the half evening, install stuff on my computer, there was almost no time to eat something. So I decide to visit the Squash Centre to eat a tosti (toasted ham and cheese sandwich) and drink some beers with the guys.

Saturday morning, Lenore was so kind to give me a wake up call. I make a cup of coffee and went to the car; it was several months ago that I helped Gerco and Judith with the electricity. The house was painted so it was time to start with the finishing touch, his neighbour Willem (also an electrician) assist me to see what hi-tech stuff we put in. The switches are remote control; the electronic stuff in the power supply switch the lights.
In the afternoon I drove back and stopped at Gertie and Martine, I didn’t saw them for months. They got my old computer so I want to take my pictures and music of. It took me four hours to get finished. I got Friday an USB memory stick and switch from computers, of course there was also stuff on the computer what I didn’t want. Stupid thing is that I forgot the Dutch National Soccer team playing against Czech Republic. They won the game with 2-0, really important because now they go to the World Soccer Cup in Germany next year.

Edwin van der Sar stopped a penalty. (www.telegraaf .nl)

Sunday morning, I had a really good sleep with a break at 5am, Lenore called me, she just want to talk for a few minutes about the second visa papers. But I keep her 30 minutes on the phone. The last few days we had only short conversations, at 2.15pm it’s my time for her wake up call so that we have still few minutes even if somebody must go to work.

Then a short word to my friends, I know the weather, the short days and more things can make you depressed. Try to think positive; you have each other so follow your heart.

Now it’s time to pick up Marloes and Vincent, have a nice day.

Frustration

The countdown is start but the frustration is there, I didn’t hear anything about my papers. We thought 180 days are 180 days. We try to cheer up each other, when we talk on the phone but it’s more appearance. It really s..ks that I can’t visit her in this period, damn rules. Ok I’m lucky that Lenore find the time to fly to the Netherlands but still. After the first weekend of December it’s getting better, flying to Central America where she can visit me often. It’s getting a whole family reunion; my brother and nephew are going with me. Till that time I have enough to do. Saturday I’m going to Gerco and Judith to finish the electricity. Paul and Erna ask me to help with a partition. And of course I must make time to visit more friends, I didn’t saw Gertie and Martine since my vacation.
Mmm, maybe this give me a break. Take the plane to Dubai enjoying the sun and indoor skiïng.

Sunday

This morning, breakfast with my Ant, nephew, and his wife and kid before I drive home.
It was easy driving over the German autobahn, with a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
Sorry my car can’t drive faster, but in 40 minutes I was standing for Vincent’s door.
Marloes isn’t going, she had a birthday party at her friend house and stayed overnight.
We played Canasta (card game) and we watch soccer on TV. While he’s a watching cartoon I take my time to write something on the Blog. I looked on the website from Cinestar and Alhambra but there was no nice movie to see. So I must find something what we can do.

The Belize planning,
For the friends who read this Blog for the first time, my plan is to life closer to my wife.
I called Wilbert this morning. He came yesterday back from Belize, he told me that he wants to go back on the first of December. I don’t know yet what date I’m going exactly. My planning is around the 10th December, but I want to wait till the last moment with buying a ticket. I hope that Tony knows how he wants to build the house, my mom told me yesterday that their friend from Pooks Hill Resort had a bricklayer from the area we want to build.
That can be a good choice when Wilbert and do the rest in the house.
I hope of course that my paperwork for the immigration is going quicker then I think it’s really frustrating that I cannot life with Lenore directly.
We are now six months married and we saw each other five weeks in total since then.

Now some fun, while I was surfing I found this surfing Pinquin, it was taken at the Falklands Island.

Have a nice day,

Paul

Weekend in Emmen

My Godmother/Ant ask me one month ago if I want to go with them to Emmen instead of a normal birthday party. The plan is to visit the Zoo and spend the time in a hotel of Van der Valk concern. Yesterday I stopped one hour earlier with work to get there for 6pm. The router planner told me to drive 2,5 hours through the Netherlands, crazy. So I put a small village named Lünten (Germany) in to the planner, it’s a village what I passed every day. Bingo, now it’s 1,5 hour drive with a little speed on the German Autobahn. They (Ant, nephew, his wife and daughter) where already waiting for me in the lobby, I put my luggage in the room and 20 minutes later we where on the dinning table.
After a few calls with my wife/lover it was time to fill the Jacuzzi and to relax. While I enjoy myself there came a SMS (short message service), my brother who was waiting for his flight from Mexico City.
After watching TV it was time to close my eyes.

Saturday morning 9am, it was time to visit my Godmother/Ant for her birthday and give her the present. After breakfast it was time to take the car to the Zoo.
It’s a shame that my nephew’s wife has a splitting headache, she was the one who organist everything and now this. We walked several hours through the Zoo and saw a lot of animals; the headache didn’t go away so we decide to go back. She went to bed and got her personal room service while we where sitting in the restaurant.
I checked the flight arrival from my brother on the Teletext (TV information channel) and called him if he had a good flight. Later this evening I try to put the laptop on the Internet, there is wireless connection in the lobby.

Just writing in my lunchtime

I have a little time to write something, normally we go for a walk but it’s raining so no thanks.
Other thing is that the system manager blocked the sites like web mail and Internet banking accounts. So people I can’t see my mail anymore.
Last night I had the wedding party from Anja and Edwin, I met some old colleague’s and had a good time.
Today it’s time to drive to Emmen, after my work I take a shortcut through Germany. It saves me at least one hour.

Today it was a busy day; I count everything for the project. Tomorrow I try to get everything into the computer and Volá. Today I remember Martin that I have 9 weeks to go; he was shocked and asks me if I have already my ticket. Of course not, I buy my ticket in the last week. This evening it was time for jogging, I tried to do jog in Belize but with the fever it didn’t work. After my dinner it was time to visit Jan, I showed him how you can call a regular phone with Skype but we had problem to login on his computer.
There is no update for the next few days; tomorrow I have a wedding from Anja and Erwin. And Friday till Sunday I’m going to Emmen with my ant, nephew, his wife and daughter.
Saturday the first of October, my Ant birthday. She knows that I’m always coming so she invited me to spend the weekend with them.Lenore is busy with her friends; on Friday she fly’s to LA where they take a cruise to Mexico and back.

This morning I try to getup at the same time as normal.
I drove to the family doctor, the supermarket and the busstop before I took the train.
It’s terrible when you drive to the exhibition in Utrecht while the train stop in front of it.
Ben (my old collegua) was already waiting for me, after a cup of coffee it was time to walk to the building. There was not realy new stuff but I think it’s important to talk with you contacts during the exhibition.
On the end of ower day it was time to go downtown for a small dinner. We found a nice café where they had small plates, it was delicious.On my way back I was sitting with some people from the wholesaler’s, funny because I just buy a book for the way home. Well at least I had conversations enough till the last stop. At the time I came home the soccer game Ajax – Arsenal almost started. Of course I had Lenore on the phone, talking about the progress of our papers. We start a different process to and see what is the fast one.

Falling a sleep in a beauty salon?

Last night, still problems with the time difference. I went early to bed but waked up at 2am. I took the book what I got from Beppie’s bookcase, still 80 pages to go but finished before 4.30am. The alarm clock rings at 6.30am together with Lenore’s call. Time to take a shower and get out at 7am. There was a lot to do before I have a day of again, I finish two small estimates and looked at the hospital, it’s my next project. It’s 5pm and time to drive to Enschede again, first to the supermarket for some fresh vegetables, cooking and then to the beauty salon. Sander and I take every eight weeks time to get our faces done, lovely.
I was so tired that I fall in sleep; Sander couldn’t wait to make a picture from me and to send it to Lenore. Of course I take my time to call Lenore now she has a day of.Tomorrow is time to bring my Belize Hospital results to my family doctor and to take the train to Utrecht. One’s in the two years there is an exhibition for the electrical installers, always interesting to see what new things the manufacturers has.

A1 Grand Prix

Last night I had contact with Tony about the Dutch Soccer League, Talpa TV sends Saturday around 11pm and Sunday around 7pm on the television but also on live stream Internet.Hope he can enjoy it now.

picture from the official website

Since this Sunday there is a new Race Challenge, the A1 Grand Prix of Nations,
The idea came from His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of the Ruling Family of Dubai. 25 Nations are driving with the same car as anyone else; Brands Hatch is the first circuit. Nelson Piquet Junior won in a perfect race.

It’s Sunday and then it’s time to spend time with Marloes and Vincent, Marloes is my smart daughter when you talk about Internet and Vincent is the one who likes to play games.
Marloes change the look from the web log while Vincent kicked my ass with Chess.

Was I yesterday busy with things for the Medical Group who should come in November, now I hear that they come in January or February? Positive thing is that Lenore wants to come for a whole week, YES!!!!!

Back in Enschede

I had a good flight to Amsterdam; I was sitting next to the exit door, and had only hand luggage with me. In 15 minutes I was already driving from P3 (Long Parking) to Enschede.
Normally it takes two hours but it was Friday afternoon, a lot of traffic jams. After some phone calls I stopped the car at the Chinese place to get some food. I was tired and didn’t want to cook, after my dinner, nap and the last news it was time to do some squash. I picked up Mando and went to the squash centre, after 20 minutes I looked already forwards to take a shower. After a few Rivella-lights I went home a slept till 2.15pm next day, I promised Lenore to wake her up and time to get some food.
In an hour I was back, made my salad and start to make some coffee. Also time to start my laptop and see what’s on the World Wide Web. Lenore is visit Amsterdam in November with her Medical Group on her way back from Nigeria and ask me if I can help her with some tourist stuff. At least it’s not longer then six week when I see her again. We both get crazy, till now we didn’t her anything from the State of California. Seems that the papers are on somebody’s desk that didn’t comeback for months.

Waiting in Mexico City

Just another short message on the Blog.
Raoul was so nice to bring me to the Chentumal airport. I was two hours in front and the lady was so nice to give me space at row11 at the emergency exit. The flight was very comfortable and spend my time with closing my eyes. Now I´m waiting in Mexico City till the Klm desk gonna open. The international terminal is new, very nice but I can wait to sit in the plane to the Netherlands. Have a nice day my friends, family and lover.

Mmm just back for a few minutes, I got the chance to sit in the lounge so that is great. I spend my time watching CNN, eat something and drink something. They give you also the change to sit behind a computer so why not. I saw that my flight is on time, watch the dutch newspapers online and more.
No Tony there is no spell check on this computer so don't complain.

Again have a wonderful day, evening or night.

Paul

Ready 2 go

After a few days of rest and spending my time in the hammock it’s time to go back to the Netherlands. In the morning I’m driving to Chetumal where I take the plane to Mexico City. I have five hours time before my next flight goes; I took a nice book with me so what can happen. No I don’t want to think what today happened with Jet Blue flight 292, only thing what I can say the pilot did a good job.

Short word about my stay,

This morning I try to jog for 10 minutes, but after 5 minutes I could walk only.
Some Ibuprofen keeps me up except the water what is dripping out of my nose and eye.
I promised Lenore to look for some with her, and Wilbert and Dustin where so kind to drive with us. What we saw was already sold so that’s a pity. I took Lenore to the airport and on her way we stopped at Brodies to get some medicine for me. I had a small lunch gave are a Big Hug and went home. Before the plane left, this guy was already sleeping in his bed. Well I have other thoughts about short breaks but sometimes life really sucks!!

Bep Surprise Party

The last few days happens a lot, first time we (Lenore and I) had a small lie on the Blog.
We know that Bep is looking every day and we didn’t want that she find out that we are on our way to Belize for her Birthday party. So I called her Thursday morning before I was leaving the house to pick up Wilbert and Dustin, and take the car to Schiphol Airport. Because my immigration papers are not ready we found a way to skip the US, fly to Mexico City with KLM and then the next day with Aviacsa to Chetumal. Both flights where very smooth and relaxing, and our hotel (Camilo Real) was directly across from the airport.
One of Tony’s workers Armando was waiting for us at Chetumal Airport and brought us over the Belize border. We had lunch together before he put us on a small aircraft to San Pedro, very popular with American Tourists. By the time we got there, Lenore had checked in already, she took the plane during the night and just came in one hour earlier.
Tony arrange Coconuts Beach Hotel because they had a swimming pool, but the pool was empty. They had a lot of excuses of course, and we told them that we came from 6000 miles away and expected a swimming pool with water inside.
At the time people sitting next on the terrace were busy with chemical stuff, which of course blew on the terrace. No discount, nothing, well they can have my recommend on the Belize forum and my Belize webpage.
In the night we went to a Mexican Restaurant Caramba, delicious. After that we went to our rooms where Wilbert called my mom to say happy birthday. I did it in the morning before it was time to take the plane to Belize City. Anyway Betty (friend of my mom) picked us up and drove to the house where the surprise party was. A lot off my moms friends where there and we gave them the change to say surprise while we were waiting upstairs. After 5 minutes Rob came upstairs to let Wilbert and Dustin down, few minutes later it was Lenore’s and my turn. Tears run down, not only from my mom but also from Wilbert and me. It was a good party what starts early and ended late.
Next day I was feeling horrible, I think Tony’s flu got me. I came down stairs but before I know I went to bed and came out for dinner, Lenore was so friendly to sit next to me so she could spend a few hours more with me while she was reading her book.
Today I went to Universal Health Clinic, I was still feeling bad and I got a whole checkup. First talking to the doctor, then a blood test, X-ray and Ultrasound. After that we went to the dermatologist for the spots I have on my leg for already six months.
After some Ibuprofen it’s going better with me, I lost around 7 kilo’s and that’s the only positive thing. This is also the last day with my wife before she takes the plane back home. Damn.

A normal day

Today it was a day as usual, wake up call from my wife, drive to my work, walking during lunchtime and Squash at 6pm. I had enough after an hour playing and went home.
Tonight is Champions League (Soccer) on TV so I can lie down on the cough, with a glass of Crystal Clear. I miss Lenore very much and hopefully she can score a ticket for November. I know it’s crazy but it’s better then nothing. After a half-year of marriage we still not together, thanks to ……

salad with olives

Today I kick my as again, first I cook some turkey filet and put in to the salad with olives. Changes my clothes turn on my I-pod again and go for it. This afternoon I jogged a little further then yesterday, and I take me 45 minutes before I was back. Put the clothes in the wash machine, and jumped under the shower. Mmm like yesterday I don’t feel hungry and I have more energy, still I eat something because I’m afraid that I get hungry later. Now it’s time to talk to my wife who I miss so much and putting more music on the I-pod. Tomorrow is a different evening; it’s Squash evening with Mando. Wednesday is time to jog again and hopefully this time with my friend Paul who has still a difficult time with his son Jesse. The boy is now three weeks and his situation goes up and down, he is getting heavier but has still a little problem with breathing like most babies in this phase.
Other thing on Wednesday evening is visiting Luca who’s has her birthday party just two blocks away.
What about my work, always busy so it’s working till Friday evening and then weekend, pfff I can’t wait.

Small Sunday talk on the Blog

Yesterday I had a rest day, only the laundry and shopping was on my agenda.
I need new jogging shoes - and short, but new underwear is also important.
Jan invited me for dinner instead going to the restaurant; he has his kids this week.
After a whole day of salad and water I could use some Chinese food, yes of course with water.
Sunday morning, it’s time to enjoy my day with my kids. After playing games, looking TV and playing behind the computer it was time to visit the bowling centre. Mmm I was lucky, most of the games where strikes and spares.
After I brought them home I kick my own as, it was time to jog before I make some salad.
This is the first time that I walk alone so start the I-pod a run, after 35 minutes I came back and it feels if I have more energy. At 8pm Wilbert called me if I was home of course I home for my brother and his son. Wilbert had dinner yet so I make some salad for the both of us, it’s still difficult for them that his girlfriend went out but on the other hand it’s better I think.
Hope that his dreams come true, going to Belize and life there with his son. Well first he must sell his house and as I know that can take months. Till that time I wish him the best and luck.It’s time to jump in my Ikea bed.

Tuesday afternoon, I went downtown to pick up my new passport, and get a video card for Vincent’s birthday. I was hungry so step in at Restaurant Atrium for dinner before I visit Vincent, as always I can tell you it was delicious. Vincent was home so I can give him the card, but he asks me to put in the computer. Damn the computer is old and don’t have an agp-port. We both back to the shop where they tell us that; they don’t fabricate it anymore.
Is a pity so he gets now money so he can buy something what is coming later up in his mind?

Today it was Squash evening; it feels great after an hour sport. A shame, I can’t drink a beer afterwards but that’s life.Tomorrow evening I go out for dinner with Jan, so that’s for later.

Soccer evening

Tuesday morning 7am is a nice time to start. It’s not busy on the road and I can do some work before we make the final price for the tender. At lunchtime I drive back to Enschede where I have an appointment with the specialist. I had an intake conversation with the co-assistant and later on with the doctor. He is not worry about my stomach but my liver, like my family doctor he said; ”Don’t drink alcohol for 3 months and lose weight”. My body has problems to burn my fat. I’m lucky that I’m not an alcoholic but I like a glass of wine in the weekend. Well health is more important then something else, so now I’m drinking Crystal Clear with 1 Calorie.
After the visit I went to Mando for Chinese dinner with water and we both take the car to the Squash Centre. I’m getting better but still I can see every corner from the field.
In the evening we played together with Robin the game Kolonisten (my first time) before I went home.
Today Erwin arranged that our old colleague Ben is coming back for a project so we both get the space. I want to take more time for the estimates then before so we can’t forget something.
This evening is one of the last qualification games for the World Cup Soccer next year in Germany. Andorra is easy opponent and in 45 minutes it’s already 3-0.Mmm my lover called me just from the nursery, lovely. Can’t wait to see her, hopefully earlier then December.

Pfff Monday

Damn it’s Monday morning and I don’t want to think about work, especially after the conversation with Martin last Friday. Erwin was agreeing with me that I don’t make overtime before I get my overtime paid. This morning there came new project in what we didn’t take. At 2.30pm Martin and Steven took me apart, after a heavy conversation they where agree. I get my 28.5hours paid, if I start to make overtime. So I stayed already an hour longer today and tomorrow morning I start earlier because I have an appointment with a specialist about my stomach.
Of course I had contact with Wilbert, he’s my only brother, and I want to give him the feeling that he’s welcome if he need me. Specially my nephew Dustin, it’s difficult to understand that his mom went to somebody else.
Tomorrow evening is time to Squash with Mando, he has now time enough now Karin is on the plane to Mombassa (Kenya). She’s gonna work in an orphanage for three months what is a from a Dutch organisation. If people want to follow her story then look at http://www.karininkenya.waarbenjij.nu/ , sorry it’s only in Dutch language.

Sunday evening

What’s happen since Tuesday?
Jesse the son from Paul and Erna has still problems in the hospital; I hope his health getting better.
I had my lazy evening behind the TV, and see how it goes in New Orleans, terrible.
My work is going well till Friday morning, seams that they don’t want to pay my overtime from the last few months. This really SUCKS and I had already a whole discussion with Martin. The Financial director Laurens is behind this, and he can expect big kiss on his mouth. If he wants to fuck with me then please with a kiss.
I only make my normal hours and nothing more then that, and I know that they get a problem.
Erwin my next colleague is changing temporary till Paul is coming back, so all the estimates coming in at my desk.
Friday evening it was time for Squash, and yes they showed me every corner, except from the bar. I was not in the mood, other thing was that I promise my nephew Albért (Appie) to help him with isolate the attic. Appie is living in the south of the Netherlands and Wilbert told me a few days earlier to go with me.
This was since years that I went with him somewhere and we never worked together.
I can tell you that we where a good team, but Appie and his wife Ferja did also a good job.
Mmm, Wilbert and I make already jokes to visit our Mom in Belize to finish her house.
Well after the phone call from tonight we can think about, it came out that his girlfriend has a new boyfriend from the Inline dance.
Mom we are coming soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!