Friday again. Woohoo!

Tonight I'm staying at Blixembosch for dinner. We're having kibbling - remember the little chunks of white fish I told you about before - with fries. Yummy. Otherwise, I'd be taking a cab home now.

Speaking of taxis...
Believe this one, homeys, cab rides ain't cheap! It costs 25 euros from here to Nico's front door. But believe it or not, I'll get it all back via insurance. Amazing.

So, I'm in the midst of considering my options as I must travel here three days a week for at least 6 weeks beginning 2009. Taxis are easiest and most reliable but, as I said, exorbitantly pricey. I know insurance will cover it but it just doesn't seem right.

Then there's the next most reliable, the NL bus system, which is cheaper but takes longer on the road. And who knows how much walking I would have to do once I get off the bus. Needs some investigating.

Finally, there's the affordable ride for the elderly, the handicap and those with infinite patience - the CVV TaxBus. I've been told that whatever time you ask to be picked up, they could arrive an hour earlier or later than that time. Definitely not for the spoiled rotten.

Four days and still standing
I can remember after my first hour of fitness a few weeks ago, I didn't have the energy to pick up a paint brush and so had to skip painting class to lay down for two hours. However, in my fifth week of working out, I entered the fitness room every day and never had to take one nap or lie-down afterwards.

Some mornings I wake up and think, "this is as good as it's gonna get." But then I push beyond yesterday's envelope and I find that today, I can do more than I thought possible.

Work schmerk
Even though I have tried not to worry about going back to work, it helps to know that I'm still wanted. Not only is my employer willing to extend my contract past July 15 but I found out today that they also plan to help me grow my natural potential (whatever that is).

Considering how much my career options have opened up since I started work at Philips Design, this is completely logical. I feel so much more at ease now and have confidence that my employer still sees me as a good investment.

This is another example of a moment of grace: when I put my intentions out there (like prayers to the Universe), I get what I intended. So, did I intend to have a stroke? Not exactly. But I intended to get all of the good things that I've gotten out of it.

Weekend plans... painting
Nico said he wants to get painting this weekend which means that I have had to make a decision about the couch. And it is... Kramfors in turquoise. It's a lovely design and I look forward to years of curling up on it. I may also get a nice rug to replace one I bought really cheap at least seven years ago.

I'll pick some color from the rug, probably an orange/peach tone, for the livingroom. The kitchen will be orange too, I think. The entry hall will be two colors - red and blue/gray. Nico had some red leftover, some his last girlfriend bought but never put to use. And the bedroom will be yellow ocher to match my happy sunflower quilt. Sounds like a lot of paint and I'm not at the check-out yet. So, maybe white will be more appealing on Saturday.

Anniversary shout-out
...to my mouse-loving friends, the Hills. They are also enamored with their little girl, Maggie. Enjoy your day of love. How many years ago is it that we made that schoolhouse quilt? I still have a piece of it!