The Start to 2016

Hello again everyone! Sorry it's been awhile, but to be totally upfront 2016 started off decidedly mild, which I believe to be a good thing. Charlie and I started off the New Year at Gerben's parents house where the whole family got together to play board games, eat "oliebollen" (typical Dutch New Years food....aka deep fried ball of dough-sometimes with raisins-drenched in powdered sugar. Yum!) and ring the tower bells at midnight. On New Years Day we all went to the coast to watch Gerben's sister do the Polar Bear Swim which was quite a sight! We ended up spending the whole weekend there just enjoying the quiet atmosphere and relaxing. So. Nice. :)

After New Years, it was officially time to get back to my thesis and "normal" life; however, Mother Nature had another plan! For 3 days, the whole city was shut down due to snow which turned into a thick ice sheet covering the whole city and extending our holiday vacation. There were people curling and iceskating everywhere in the streets and it was almost impossible to walk on the side walks! It was crazy, but oh so fun! :D After all, who doesn't love a good snow/ice day?! Charlie was less amused, but we sure enjoyed ourselves!
 

When all the ice melted and life actually returned to normal, my friend Miriam came to town for a visit which was lovely! I hadn't seen her since August so it was great to catch up and discuss what our next life step is...turns out I'm not the only one who is indecisive! Haha Thanks for coming Miri!! I hope I get to see you again soon! :)

On a sad note, Gerben and I are no longer dating and I recently moved in with a friend of mine.  :( Break-ups are hard no matter what the circumstances, but I believe we will adjust and continue the way best for both of us. Things just don't always go how you want them to sometimes, but that is just life. So there.

BUT to end on a more uplifting topic, I want to congratulate my two wonderful colleagues, whom last week passed their thesis defenses! Go Runa! Go Nele! YAHOOOOO!!! I am so proud (and jealous!) that you not only finished school, but did so with high spirits, high class and high marks! I hope I can follow in the same way! haha You're awesome!!!

Meanwhile in Idaho.... Yeah.....no words for that.....

Well, that's all for now folks!! You'll be hearing again from me soon as I have travel plans in the cooker! Until then I love and miss you all, like always! xoxo