I just added a new photo album- Sellingen and Zwolle with Rene- from my time in Holland.
Stay tuned for more albums in the (hopefully) near future!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Practically Famous...
You know the Edmonton Oilers Intro Video conteset? No? The videos are the intro videos that were shown on the scoreboard prior to the team skating onto the ice at Rexall Place this last season. The Oilers are looking for fan input so that they can know what fans like to see for that pre-team game excitement builder videos. They are holding a vote between three videos to find the fan favorite. So what right?
Well it turns out that Cheryl and I are in two of the three videos. Its just for a moment, same shot in each video, but we are there! Makes my day (the little things in life that count right?) and I figured I would share and tell this little tidbit. Check them out!
http://oilers.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=363876
Well it turns out that Cheryl and I are in two of the three videos. Its just for a moment, same shot in each video, but we are there! Makes my day (the little things in life that count right?) and I figured I would share and tell this little tidbit. Check them out!
http://oilers.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=363876
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Life Investment
Its amazing to me how time can fly. I am sure that I’ve said that before, but really, have you ever thought about it? How with the passing of time so much, or so little, can change. A week ago I was sitting in Murphys Law, an Irish pub in Hengelo, in eastern Netherlands, watching Ajax(Amsterdam) play Twente in the 2nd game of the home and home series. I sat, bathed in dutch and laughter from the soccer fans around me. I was, literally and figuratively, a thousand miles away. Now I am sitting in Rundle Park(ok, so when I post this I am sitting somewhere else, but thats irrelevant) at a picnic table next to a pond, bathed in sunlight and the sounds of birds chirping. I had to walk the long way around because there was a couple of Canadian Geese on the path with their gosling and they were hissing at me as I tried to pass(now they swam across the pond and sit like 30 meters from me, I’m scared to get up...). It is phenomenal to me the differences that life can bring with the simple passing of time. Time is amazing.
Anyways, yes. I am home. Made it safely, flights were uneventful, in fact they were really good, the cold that has been bothering me the last three weeks took it easy on me so I didn’t even drive the whole plane nuts with constant coughing- go team! The international flight is actually one of the easiest flights I have ever done. Each seat has its own mini screen(10inches maybe?) and various options on ways to pass the time. So I watched 4 movies as I crossed the ocean, and when we landed 9 hours or so after departing the Amsterdam airport, I looked around, shocked by how quickly we had arrived in Minneapolis. A simple four hour layover and then on to Edmonton. Never have I gone through customs to quickly in my life, and my luggage was among the first off the plane. Smooth as can be.
It is strange to be home. Obviously returning from any amount of time can be strange and the longer you are away the more things seem to have changed, or at least seem to have changed. It happened after Chile. It happened after Haiti. And now it appears to be happening again after Europe. It was expected though. I am unemployed and actually not going back to the Flying J this time. I promise. Its time. Time for something new. New experience, new field of work, new people, new company, new hours, new everything. What job you ask? I have no idea. Absolutely not even a remote clue. Truth be told I am dreading the process of having to write a resume and hit the pavement looking for work, because having absolutely no idea sure doesn’t make the process any more appealing. But it’ll work out. Somehow. Eventually. I hope...
Otherwise, I have to finish a couple of things to complete the application process for the Massage Therapist program at McEwen in the fall. Thats the plan at least. If massage therapy doesn’t work out, perhaps a different course, or there are always the many travel options that always present themselves. But who knows. I have no idea what I am doing tomorrow morning, so planning for the fall is definitely not my strong point.
Long story short? Europe was amazing. The visiting, the travelling, the experiences, the people, the history, the culture, the food, everything. I loved it. Definitely plan on going back again someday, hit up a few more of the countries and meet some more people. I will miss it. All of the things I loved I will miss. Especially the friends that are there. But it is good to be home. Weird but good. I am about to become an aunt again, then in a month or so a third time. I had the chance to help a couple friends move, to catch up with people I haven’t seen in a couple months. I have plans to see other people who I haven’t seen in longer then just while I was gone. I am ready to start a new chapter of my life(post flying J I mean) and even though I don’t even know how the chapter begins, I look forward to seeing how it unfolds. Here’s to life. To experiences. To travel and friends.
Ps. To explain the title, one of my family members in Holland told me that travelling is more then what people think it is. It is not just for the here and now because the things you do, the sights you see, the people you meet, it is all having an impact on who you are. It is impacting your life- present and future. Perhaps you don’t notice the changes, but it is nearly impossible to go home after any excursion the same person you were when you left, the change is there. Therefore, my new definition for travelling is “Investing in my Life”. Has a good ring to it don’t you think? Makes travelling seem like a responsible and crucial part of life, I like that. Can’t wait for the next Investment!
Anyways, yes. I am home. Made it safely, flights were uneventful, in fact they were really good, the cold that has been bothering me the last three weeks took it easy on me so I didn’t even drive the whole plane nuts with constant coughing- go team! The international flight is actually one of the easiest flights I have ever done. Each seat has its own mini screen(10inches maybe?) and various options on ways to pass the time. So I watched 4 movies as I crossed the ocean, and when we landed 9 hours or so after departing the Amsterdam airport, I looked around, shocked by how quickly we had arrived in Minneapolis. A simple four hour layover and then on to Edmonton. Never have I gone through customs to quickly in my life, and my luggage was among the first off the plane. Smooth as can be.
It is strange to be home. Obviously returning from any amount of time can be strange and the longer you are away the more things seem to have changed, or at least seem to have changed. It happened after Chile. It happened after Haiti. And now it appears to be happening again after Europe. It was expected though. I am unemployed and actually not going back to the Flying J this time. I promise. Its time. Time for something new. New experience, new field of work, new people, new company, new hours, new everything. What job you ask? I have no idea. Absolutely not even a remote clue. Truth be told I am dreading the process of having to write a resume and hit the pavement looking for work, because having absolutely no idea sure doesn’t make the process any more appealing. But it’ll work out. Somehow. Eventually. I hope...
Otherwise, I have to finish a couple of things to complete the application process for the Massage Therapist program at McEwen in the fall. Thats the plan at least. If massage therapy doesn’t work out, perhaps a different course, or there are always the many travel options that always present themselves. But who knows. I have no idea what I am doing tomorrow morning, so planning for the fall is definitely not my strong point.
Long story short? Europe was amazing. The visiting, the travelling, the experiences, the people, the history, the culture, the food, everything. I loved it. Definitely plan on going back again someday, hit up a few more of the countries and meet some more people. I will miss it. All of the things I loved I will miss. Especially the friends that are there. But it is good to be home. Weird but good. I am about to become an aunt again, then in a month or so a third time. I had the chance to help a couple friends move, to catch up with people I haven’t seen in a couple months. I have plans to see other people who I haven’t seen in longer then just while I was gone. I am ready to start a new chapter of my life(post flying J I mean) and even though I don’t even know how the chapter begins, I look forward to seeing how it unfolds. Here’s to life. To experiences. To travel and friends.
Ps. To explain the title, one of my family members in Holland told me that travelling is more then what people think it is. It is not just for the here and now because the things you do, the sights you see, the people you meet, it is all having an impact on who you are. It is impacting your life- present and future. Perhaps you don’t notice the changes, but it is nearly impossible to go home after any excursion the same person you were when you left, the change is there. Therefore, my new definition for travelling is “Investing in my Life”. Has a good ring to it don’t you think? Makes travelling seem like a responsible and crucial part of life, I like that. Can’t wait for the next Investment!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Going Home
Ok so I absolutely sucked at updates the last few weeks. I am sorry. It started in Ireland when I was to busy to even sit at a computer, never mind trying to find one, checking emails, and taking a moment to say hello. And since then, I've been sick so I am using the excuse that I haven't had the patience to sit and write.
As it stands right now I only have a moment. I depart Amsterdam at 330 this afternoon(730am home time) And it takes about 2 1/2 hours to get there by train so I am on my way really soon. Arrival time is 1130pm in Edmonton- via Minneapolis(730am Amsterdam time), so it looks to be a long day.
Am I ready to go home? Yes and no. For various reasons but this happens at the end of every trip. I definitely feel better about it then I did a few weeks ago, so it was unquestionably worth the trip exstension. But I will miss the relaxed life I have had, the people I have met, the beauty, history, and culture that is Europe, and of course the people I have gotten to know so much better. I loved my time here. I really did. BUt I have to go. Leaving in 15 mins and I am not quite packed... Have a great on, see you soon!
As it stands right now I only have a moment. I depart Amsterdam at 330 this afternoon(730am home time) And it takes about 2 1/2 hours to get there by train so I am on my way really soon. Arrival time is 1130pm in Edmonton- via Minneapolis(730am Amsterdam time), so it looks to be a long day.
Am I ready to go home? Yes and no. For various reasons but this happens at the end of every trip. I definitely feel better about it then I did a few weeks ago, so it was unquestionably worth the trip exstension. But I will miss the relaxed life I have had, the people I have met, the beauty, history, and culture that is Europe, and of course the people I have gotten to know so much better. I loved my time here. I really did. BUt I have to go. Leaving in 15 mins and I am not quite packed... Have a great on, see you soon!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
A little late...
Belguim. I was in Belgium...
Just one night this time, seems really short compared to Ireland, but it was pretty awesome none-the-less..
Belgium
Just one night this time, seems really short compared to Ireland, but it was pretty awesome none-the-less..
Belgium
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Friday, May 02, 2008
Berlin and Ireland
So Berlin was awesome. The city is a fascinating mix of the old and new. It is a city jam packed with history in a country of the same. Someone asked which I prefered, Venice or Berlin, and it is hoenstly impossible to compare them. Venice is charming. Its tourist area is in a concetrated area and absolutely enchanting. You go for two or three days, and you've seen it. You've relaxed, you taken pictures, you've eaten the pasta, the pizza, drank the wine. Berlin is fascinating. I think every corner you turn there is another building that has stories to tell. It is a mix of the new and modern, standing side by side and arm in arm with the old, shambled, sometimes even bombed. There is history in so many things and while perhaps it is a history the country is not proud of, it is still there. To properly see Berlin, you need more then two days.
It was awesome though. I went to Berlin by car, with Jero and Rene. Yep. The three of us. First of all it was good to see Rene again, been a couple weeks. Second of all, those two are hilarious together, and it is just so comfortable when its the three of us. We did a day of wandering, taking public transport(highly recommended if you go there. The city is amazing for public transport), checking out a couple churches(Berlina Dome is beautiful and you can actually climb right to the top, walking around outside on the balcony around the dome at the top), and finished the night with a pub crawl through New Berlin Tours. Awesome pub crawl, great hosts, tons of fun and intersting people. The second day, we checked out, threw our bags into the car, and jumped on the train to join up with the New Berlin Free Bike Tour. We spent 3 hours biking around Berlin hearing about the history, about the government, and all the little things like that from a very informed tour guide who had a great sense of humor. Highly recommend that as well.
So it was good. Definitely different from Venice, but I treasure each experience on its own.
Now what you ask? Well, I have extended my stay in Europe. I was originally supposed to be at the airport about 40mins from now to check in, but now I am not leaving until May 21. Am I am so excited about it! It was kind of a last minute switch, but in the end, the more I thought about going home, the less I felt like doing it, so I spent the money(more then I expected it to be) and changed my flight.
Can't and wont complain about doing it. Because tomorrow morning I shall pack up most of my stuff, take the bus to the train station, get on a train-by myself, make a switch or two, take a bus, and end up at the Eindhoven airport. From there, I am getting on a plane and flying to Dublin, Ireland. Yep. I. Laura Boskers. Am going. TO IRELAND! I am pretty excited about it, as for some strange and unexplicable reason I've always wanted to go, and now I am doing it. Really psyched. I am spending a couple nights just on my own(actually just booked a hostel, thought I was sol on that one), then Monday morning joining a tour group for back packers and spending 5 days on and off the bus through Shamrocker Adventures- a branch of Busabout(if anyone has heard of either of them). I am so excited!
Whats more, when I get back to Holland- landing again in Eindhoven, I now have time to visit some more family, and then I am looking at taking the EuroLine(like a greyhound) and going to Belgium and maybe even France. I have the time, I have the interest... But that is still really up in the air. We'll see!
But I have to go. Going to Den Haag today to see Maduradam(don't think thats spelled right) and I need to get ready. Have a great one!
dag!
It was awesome though. I went to Berlin by car, with Jero and Rene. Yep. The three of us. First of all it was good to see Rene again, been a couple weeks. Second of all, those two are hilarious together, and it is just so comfortable when its the three of us. We did a day of wandering, taking public transport(highly recommended if you go there. The city is amazing for public transport), checking out a couple churches(Berlina Dome is beautiful and you can actually climb right to the top, walking around outside on the balcony around the dome at the top), and finished the night with a pub crawl through New Berlin Tours. Awesome pub crawl, great hosts, tons of fun and intersting people. The second day, we checked out, threw our bags into the car, and jumped on the train to join up with the New Berlin Free Bike Tour. We spent 3 hours biking around Berlin hearing about the history, about the government, and all the little things like that from a very informed tour guide who had a great sense of humor. Highly recommend that as well.
So it was good. Definitely different from Venice, but I treasure each experience on its own.
Now what you ask? Well, I have extended my stay in Europe. I was originally supposed to be at the airport about 40mins from now to check in, but now I am not leaving until May 21. Am I am so excited about it! It was kind of a last minute switch, but in the end, the more I thought about going home, the less I felt like doing it, so I spent the money(more then I expected it to be) and changed my flight.
Can't and wont complain about doing it. Because tomorrow morning I shall pack up most of my stuff, take the bus to the train station, get on a train-by myself, make a switch or two, take a bus, and end up at the Eindhoven airport. From there, I am getting on a plane and flying to Dublin, Ireland. Yep. I. Laura Boskers. Am going. TO IRELAND! I am pretty excited about it, as for some strange and unexplicable reason I've always wanted to go, and now I am doing it. Really psyched. I am spending a couple nights just on my own(actually just booked a hostel, thought I was sol on that one), then Monday morning joining a tour group for back packers and spending 5 days on and off the bus through Shamrocker Adventures- a branch of Busabout(if anyone has heard of either of them). I am so excited!
Whats more, when I get back to Holland- landing again in Eindhoven, I now have time to visit some more family, and then I am looking at taking the EuroLine(like a greyhound) and going to Belgium and maybe even France. I have the time, I have the interest... But that is still really up in the air. We'll see!
But I have to go. Going to Den Haag today to see Maduradam(don't think thats spelled right) and I need to get ready. Have a great one!
dag!
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