...I learned to bike when I was quite young still. It can be tricky when you try to bike in big city traffic, through the wilderness outside my hometown (rarely happened, though), but generally biking is really easy. Piece of cake, once you know how it works.
Well. Now that I live in the Netherlands, there's a whole new level of biking. Dutch people do everything on a bike, they transport everything on a bike and bike in all weather. I've seen Christmas Trees transported on the back of a bike, MaxiCosi (the babycarryingthingies) on the back of the bike, bikes that can hold a grown up and three kids...I think Dutchies even MOVE with just a bike.
So. Now that it's snowing and icy all over, it's another level, too. At least for me. I was very hesitant to bike on snow and ice, but mastered it quite well so far. Our neighbourhood seems to be the last one to be completely iced over still. Ah well, I've been biking now for two weeks on ice and snow, never fell, I must be good at it by now.
Well. I thought so until today. On my way back from town, I took a corner too fast (at approx. 2miles/hr) or too steep (leaning in ever so slightly) and BOOM! I was sitting on my ass with a busted knee. FUN!
I haven't dared looking at my knee yet. I will have all colours and my bum will look fabulously coloured, too.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Soap Opera
Since starting my work in a Soap shop, my social life has increased tremendously. It's fun to work in a team, yet also very tiring sometimes. I'm an old fart compared to most of the girls, and I'm also aware of my impact on the business. Meaning: Everyone is replaceable.
However, the soap selling soap opera queens in my shop beg to differ. They are the next best thing to sliced bread - not all of them, but 3 of the 14 love the drama. 2 left the shop now after working there for 2 years and just knowing everything you need to know to make a shop run well. Apart from the fact that, erm, the shop was a mess until 6 months ago?
We have one special drama queen in the shop that makes everybody else's life miserable. Meet the 23 year old girl that acts like a 15 year old. Including the temper tantrums, hissy fits and the odd 'I asked one boss, and she said no, so I'll just ask the other one and try to play them up against each other'. Unfortunately (for her) her actions are so transparent - you can see what she's doing while she's doing it. Trying to be manipulative when you're too dumb to do it right is just a shame.
The rest of the team is chaotic but lovely. We need to find a solution to get rid of her. Unfortunately, nobody was strict with her before, and therefore we need to do the dirty work now. That shall be fun.
However, the soap selling soap opera queens in my shop beg to differ. They are the next best thing to sliced bread - not all of them, but 3 of the 14 love the drama. 2 left the shop now after working there for 2 years and just knowing everything you need to know to make a shop run well. Apart from the fact that, erm, the shop was a mess until 6 months ago?
We have one special drama queen in the shop that makes everybody else's life miserable. Meet the 23 year old girl that acts like a 15 year old. Including the temper tantrums, hissy fits and the odd 'I asked one boss, and she said no, so I'll just ask the other one and try to play them up against each other'. Unfortunately (for her) her actions are so transparent - you can see what she's doing while she's doing it. Trying to be manipulative when you're too dumb to do it right is just a shame.
The rest of the team is chaotic but lovely. We need to find a solution to get rid of her. Unfortunately, nobody was strict with her before, and therefore we need to do the dirty work now. That shall be fun.
Happy New Year
We celebrated New Year's at the beach this year. It was amazing. Freeeezing cold, but so pretty. The Dutch love their fireworks, and even had a gigantourmos peace fire at the beach. From a distance it looked like a house was on fire.
Looking forward to next year. Including the 40 minute power walk to the beach to sober up
Looking forward to next year. Including the 40 minute power walk to the beach to sober up
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas is amazing
...we had goose for Christmas, with dumplings, a lovely stuffing with chestnuts and red cabbage. Delicious! A lovely tree, nice gifts (yet still no puppy) and a nice quiet time - apart from us trying out the Wii we gave each other for Christmas. And we had snow. *YAY*
On the 25th, we went to ze boyfriends family for the boyfriends dad's birthday. Nothing else is taken care of, but the birthday of the dad. Cause clearly, there's nothing more important than the birthday of the dad. Throughout the whole year. I went because ze boyfriend wanted me to, so... things you do for love...
The funnest bit was, as always, the grandpa. He's the coolest 89 year old gentleman on earth. However, our conversation started about my recent migraine problems. Quite innocent conversation. It then moved on to him telling me about a friend of his, who got some herbal remedy to treat the migraines but now had breast cancer. And how nowadays you hear more and more about breast cancer, not like back in the day. I then said that I was told that if you breastfeed it minimizes the chance of getting breast cancer, and a lot of women nowadays don't breastfeed anymore. Grandpa's comment: yes, they don't want to get saggy boobs!
Erm. Yes, I guess? (Mind you, this whole conversation was held in DUTCH)
Then he told me how one of his daughter's in law didn't want to breast feed either, because of the droopy tit syndrome. *AWKWARD* I'm happy I've not met this woman yet.
Then he goes on to tell me that there are actually women out there who have proper boobs but no nipples, therefore can't breastfeed.
Luckily, that was the moment when dinner was ready to be served.
On the 25th, we went to ze boyfriends family for the boyfriends dad's birthday. Nothing else is taken care of, but the birthday of the dad. Cause clearly, there's nothing more important than the birthday of the dad. Throughout the whole year. I went because ze boyfriend wanted me to, so... things you do for love...
The funnest bit was, as always, the grandpa. He's the coolest 89 year old gentleman on earth. However, our conversation started about my recent migraine problems. Quite innocent conversation. It then moved on to him telling me about a friend of his, who got some herbal remedy to treat the migraines but now had breast cancer. And how nowadays you hear more and more about breast cancer, not like back in the day. I then said that I was told that if you breastfeed it minimizes the chance of getting breast cancer, and a lot of women nowadays don't breastfeed anymore. Grandpa's comment: yes, they don't want to get saggy boobs!
Erm. Yes, I guess? (Mind you, this whole conversation was held in DUTCH)
Then he told me how one of his daughter's in law didn't want to breast feed either, because of the droopy tit syndrome. *AWKWARD* I'm happy I've not met this woman yet.
Then he goes on to tell me that there are actually women out there who have proper boobs but no nipples, therefore can't breastfeed.
Luckily, that was the moment when dinner was ready to be served.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Cookies and Christmas
A few more days until Christmas....after I decorated the house last week to look nice and homely for Christmas I decided that today was the day to up my housewifey game. I got christmas cookie recipes (from my mother), the boyfriend was busy on the balcony cleaning up the old shower bit (long story, nevermind) and I went to the local grocery store to get the last bits I needed to make the delicious cookies.
Well. Let me just say this much: the people in my neighbourhood LOVE ready mix cookies, cakes and don't really care about 'making from scratch'. Great. I raided the whole store for coconut flakes, Lebkuchengewuerz, and god knows what else was on my list.
Well. I found maybe 5 out of the 25 things I needed to make the 5 different kinds of cookies.
VERY annoying.
At least when I got home I heated up some Gluehwein, made the first cookies with almonds and marzipan and then a friend stopped by for a chat.
Happy 3rd of Advent.
4 more nights to my birthday. I love being 30, but 31 sucks a bit I think. It's a lame number, and it also shows me that I have only roughly 9 more years to figure out whether it's the right time to have babies.
still hoping for a puppy to practise, but that won't happen either I guess.
Not the right time for baby, allergies vs. puppy and no money for vacations.
Life's a bitch sometimes. But the cookies are delicious anyways.
Well. Let me just say this much: the people in my neighbourhood LOVE ready mix cookies, cakes and don't really care about 'making from scratch'. Great. I raided the whole store for coconut flakes, Lebkuchengewuerz, and god knows what else was on my list.
Well. I found maybe 5 out of the 25 things I needed to make the 5 different kinds of cookies.
VERY annoying.
At least when I got home I heated up some Gluehwein, made the first cookies with almonds and marzipan and then a friend stopped by for a chat.
Happy 3rd of Advent.
4 more nights to my birthday. I love being 30, but 31 sucks a bit I think. It's a lame number, and it also shows me that I have only roughly 9 more years to figure out whether it's the right time to have babies.
still hoping for a puppy to practise, but that won't happen either I guess.
Not the right time for baby, allergies vs. puppy and no money for vacations.
Life's a bitch sometimes. But the cookies are delicious anyways.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
2009
was not my year. I am thinking about selling the rights to make a totally unrealistic soap opera out of my life. I'm sure people will watch it, laugh, feel sad for me and my naive self and then say: But well, that CAN'T be true. Surely, nobody is this mean, narcissistic and self-centered.
Well. I have the living proof a few miles down the road.
The quest for 2010 is to figure out how much more I am willing to take before I pack my bags and go back to my lovely Berlin.
Wanting my old life back is quite sad, knowing that I didn't like all of it either. However, at least I was in the end able to decide for myself what I want to do and when I want to do it without having unwanted third parties interfere without permission.
Well. I have the living proof a few miles down the road.
The quest for 2010 is to figure out how much more I am willing to take before I pack my bags and go back to my lovely Berlin.
Wanting my old life back is quite sad, knowing that I didn't like all of it either. However, at least I was in the end able to decide for myself what I want to do and when I want to do it without having unwanted third parties interfere without permission.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Updates
So, the last weeks were a bit hectic - we flew to Portugal. The hotel was so-so (for a self-proclaimed 6 Star hotel the small details were just not right - as in plaster off the walls, chairs fixed with duct-tape and faucets that weren't installed properly, to name just a few), I was sick as a puppy (stupid cold hit the night before boarding the plane) but we enjoyed the time a lot. We had rented a car, got stopped by the police and were then let go cause we didn't speak enough Portuguese to understand his mumbled questions, and they weren't capable of speaking any language we knew...so - it was a rather funny moment when they stopped us, asked something, we gave them ALL the documents we had, they shook their heads, we looked confused, they asked again, then said: vacation? we said: SI!!!! SI!!!! and then they laughed, talked to each other, and let us go...very friendly people indeed.
The Douro Valley is very beautiful, especially now in the fall with all the leaves changing colour and the vineyards not too full of tourists. It seems anyways like the area is more of a secret getaway for Portuguese people than tourists from all over the world. I definitely want to go back, ideally without being sick like a puppy, and staying in one of the charming vineyards. Pacheca was adorable - the owners so very charming and the port tasted delicious. We got the full download of the different ways of making wine, tasting wine, old wine, young wine, very old bottled Port....Vintage port etc etc.
Anyways, the weekend was lovely. Some quality time for ze boyfriend and me. Yes, the being sick was annoying, but hey. We had an amazing view over the river, had some nice dinners (apart from the VERY smelly waitress, it was yummi) and it was almost all for free. What more can one ask for? The weater was lovely and we enjoyed the time. A lot. So, thanks again @zerotwonine.
Since then, I've been busy working, working, working, and other than that, sleeping and being generally lazy on my days off.
Tonight we're going to the Al Jareau Concert here in Den Haag- I'm excited. I saw him two years ago in Berlin and loved the concert - from beginning to end. Apart from the three totally wasted Russian mafia guys next to me who decided to play with their phones and rummage through their plastic bags, while commenting on it loudly - at some stage the husband of a woman behind us decided to slap them on the back of the head to shut them up. Fun times ;)
Let's hope they won't sit next to me again tonight.
The Douro Valley is very beautiful, especially now in the fall with all the leaves changing colour and the vineyards not too full of tourists. It seems anyways like the area is more of a secret getaway for Portuguese people than tourists from all over the world. I definitely want to go back, ideally without being sick like a puppy, and staying in one of the charming vineyards. Pacheca was adorable - the owners so very charming and the port tasted delicious. We got the full download of the different ways of making wine, tasting wine, old wine, young wine, very old bottled Port....Vintage port etc etc.
Anyways, the weekend was lovely. Some quality time for ze boyfriend and me. Yes, the being sick was annoying, but hey. We had an amazing view over the river, had some nice dinners (apart from the VERY smelly waitress, it was yummi) and it was almost all for free. What more can one ask for? The weater was lovely and we enjoyed the time. A lot. So, thanks again @zerotwonine.
Since then, I've been busy working, working, working, and other than that, sleeping and being generally lazy on my days off.
Tonight we're going to the Al Jareau Concert here in Den Haag- I'm excited. I saw him two years ago in Berlin and loved the concert - from beginning to end. Apart from the three totally wasted Russian mafia guys next to me who decided to play with their phones and rummage through their plastic bags, while commenting on it loudly - at some stage the husband of a woman behind us decided to slap them on the back of the head to shut them up. Fun times ;)
Let's hope they won't sit next to me again tonight.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Too many bad news in my world...
...it feels like this year is full of bad news and people dying. Yes yes, I know, it happens every day, every year, but somehow, this year feels just as full of deaths and sad sad news as 2000.
Last week I learned that my friend lost her baby, another friends parents are getting a divorce, this week my parents had a car accident (nothing serious happened, apart from Robert (the car) needing serious repairing) and now the potential new national keeper of Germany committed suicide. I know, the national keeper isn't part of my life, but I love football/soccer, and I find it so sad that he took his own life because he was so severely depressed.
RIP, Robert Enke, and please let this be the last bad news for a long time.
People, have babies, get married, throw parties because it's Wednesday.
Last week I learned that my friend lost her baby, another friends parents are getting a divorce, this week my parents had a car accident (nothing serious happened, apart from Robert (the car) needing serious repairing) and now the potential new national keeper of Germany committed suicide. I know, the national keeper isn't part of my life, but I love football/soccer, and I find it so sad that he took his own life because he was so severely depressed.
RIP, Robert Enke, and please let this be the last bad news for a long time.
People, have babies, get married, throw parties because it's Wednesday.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Give me a break!
That's all I asked and I actually got the break - I won a weekend away in Portugal to test a hotel. Woohooo!
www.zerotwonine.com is a tour operator website that helps you plan your trip to meet your expectations 100% has a regular lottery to win a weekend in a lovely exclusive hotel somewhere (mostly) in Europe. This time, we got lucky!!! www.aquapura.com Every room has an extralarge bathtub - so...you know where to find me most of the time!!!
(if someone wants an invitation, give me your email address and I'll send you an invitation)
www.zerotwonine.com is a tour operator website that helps you plan your trip to meet your expectations 100% has a regular lottery to win a weekend in a lovely exclusive hotel somewhere (mostly) in Europe. This time, we got lucky!!! www.aquapura.com Every room has an extralarge bathtub - so...you know where to find me most of the time!!!
(if someone wants an invitation, give me your email address and I'll send you an invitation)
20 Jahre Mauerfall
Today is the 20th anniversary of the 'Mauerfall' in Berlin. I'm happy, despite all the negativity surrounding the reunification and the consequences for both sides. I like that we're one country again. I like that there's nothing keeping us from traveling all over Europe.
So thanks, Gorbi, thanks, George H. W. and thanks Helmut - oh, and not to forget Monsieur Mitterand. Merci beaucoup!
So thanks, Gorbi, thanks, George H. W. and thanks Helmut - oh, and not to forget Monsieur Mitterand. Merci beaucoup!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sun! Sun! Sun!
It was a beautiful but soo cold day today in Den Haag. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and it was just a perfect day. I am hoping for more autumn days like that...
Friday, November 6, 2009
Humidity
I lived in a few countries. Among them was the UK. A country known for its lush (ha!) green countryside and the fact that most citizens have webbed hand and toes cause it is pissing down with rain roughly 380 days per year. At least that's what it felt like.
Now, after that I was back in Berlin. The city that is gray 9 months of the year (roughly) and then has a few sunny-crazy-hot-everybody-is-outside-and-loves-it months that definitely make up for the grayness.
The Netherlands. Another lovely country. Full of cows, sheep, green pastures (no hills though), horseys and fresh air.
This week, it rained so much I felt like I was stuck in a car wash. Since Sunday afternoon, it's been wet. Rain caused the boyfriend to be a sick puppy for two days this week (awwwww!), I woke up to the sound of rain Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday I saw the lightning and heard the thunder of the storm over the sea and couldn't bike to work yesterday cause it was PISSING down so hard that there was no way I'd shrug it off with my typical: I'm not made out of sugar, I won't melt.
Rain is unlimited in the Netherlands, I am now sure of that.
Now, after that I was back in Berlin. The city that is gray 9 months of the year (roughly) and then has a few sunny-crazy-hot-everybody-is-outside-and-loves-it months that definitely make up for the grayness.
The Netherlands. Another lovely country. Full of cows, sheep, green pastures (no hills though), horseys and fresh air.
This week, it rained so much I felt like I was stuck in a car wash. Since Sunday afternoon, it's been wet. Rain caused the boyfriend to be a sick puppy for two days this week (awwwww!), I woke up to the sound of rain Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday I saw the lightning and heard the thunder of the storm over the sea and couldn't bike to work yesterday cause it was PISSING down so hard that there was no way I'd shrug it off with my typical: I'm not made out of sugar, I won't melt.
Rain is unlimited in the Netherlands, I am now sure of that.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Chaos or just lack of organization?
I had a lovely and very interesting week at my new job last week. Three days spent in Amsterdam, one in the Headquarters of the Benelux, asking the people responsible for the whole party all kinds of questions (I love asking questions!!!) and then two days working on the shopfloors of the two shops in Amsterdam, to get an idea of what's going on and how the atmosphere is different from ours here in Den Haag.
It was fun, but very tiring: on top of the three days we had plans for three nights - Tuesday night the surprise that turned out to be a sushi clinic (we had Sushi for the rest of the week, it was really cool!), Thursday an evening at the 'affordable art fair' in Amsterdam (loads of not my kind of art plus really heavy hurting legs plus horrible wine resulted in a short visit, but nevertheless interesting), Friday evening to a graduation get-together for one of his old roomies.
Saturday morning was pretty much hell for me. I got up at 8am, was REALLY grumpy thanks to the sleep deprivation and the fact that I had a long day ahead of me including a stock take that same evening before going to a Philippino Birthday party. So, I get up, take a shower, get dressed up for Halloween (Sheriff, but I looked very much like the Rosie O'Donnell type of Lesbian - not sexy, not in the mood). Biked to work, just to be greeted by Mayane with the words: What are you doing here so early? You're not supposed to come in before 1pm.
ARGH! DAMNIT!!!
I need to be better organized. I will dig out my filo and start writing down what time I need to show up.
The rest of the day, including the birthday party, were then quite fun. After I had a major barking fit at ze boyfriend because of in-laws, lack of sleep and general exhaustion.
It was fun, but very tiring: on top of the three days we had plans for three nights - Tuesday night the surprise that turned out to be a sushi clinic (we had Sushi for the rest of the week, it was really cool!), Thursday an evening at the 'affordable art fair' in Amsterdam (loads of not my kind of art plus really heavy hurting legs plus horrible wine resulted in a short visit, but nevertheless interesting), Friday evening to a graduation get-together for one of his old roomies.
Saturday morning was pretty much hell for me. I got up at 8am, was REALLY grumpy thanks to the sleep deprivation and the fact that I had a long day ahead of me including a stock take that same evening before going to a Philippino Birthday party. So, I get up, take a shower, get dressed up for Halloween (Sheriff, but I looked very much like the Rosie O'Donnell type of Lesbian - not sexy, not in the mood). Biked to work, just to be greeted by Mayane with the words: What are you doing here so early? You're not supposed to come in before 1pm.
ARGH! DAMNIT!!!
I need to be better organized. I will dig out my filo and start writing down what time I need to show up.
The rest of the day, including the birthday party, were then quite fun. After I had a major barking fit at ze boyfriend because of in-laws, lack of sleep and general exhaustion.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Importing a car
...into the Netherlands without paying any import taxes is very painful. It turns out that the Netherlands are even more bureaucratic than Germany in some respects...
The lady at the customs had humour and understanding surgically removed at birth, including the fact that if someone speaks funky Dutch it might be nice to not throw 75 big words at them in tax and customs lingo...Ok I think I got out of her that I need to go to Rotterdam Airport to get a form that frees me from paying taxes to get Betty into the Netherlands, then I have to get the car tested (one mandatory, the other one no clue what it does), and THEN I can come back to customs but not without an APPOINTMENT.
*Sigh*
Plus, on top of that: I got stuck in the attic today. One hour without socks on the attic is not that comfy. Ze boyfriend was out getting the dining table, the phone rang three times and I stared down 2.85m wondering whether I should jump or not... *sigh*
The lady at the customs had humour and understanding surgically removed at birth, including the fact that if someone speaks funky Dutch it might be nice to not throw 75 big words at them in tax and customs lingo...Ok I think I got out of her that I need to go to Rotterdam Airport to get a form that frees me from paying taxes to get Betty into the Netherlands, then I have to get the car tested (one mandatory, the other one no clue what it does), and THEN I can come back to customs but not without an APPOINTMENT.
*Sigh*
Plus, on top of that: I got stuck in the attic today. One hour without socks on the attic is not that comfy. Ze boyfriend was out getting the dining table, the phone rang three times and I stared down 2.85m wondering whether I should jump or not... *sigh*
Sunday, October 25, 2009
My first week at my new job
Yes! I finally scored a new job. After a few months without an income (yet working my butt off at the construction site), and hardly interesting jobs out there (unless you like to to work as a call center agent, insurance sales person or internet website sales person?) plus a mild work related midlife crisis, I finally found something I cared and felt passionate about.
The few jobs I applied before this job were mild disappointments - either I didn't get a reply at all (way to go, Greenpeace) or I was overqualified - which is such a stupid thing to give as a reason. Yes, maybe my experience is too deep/wide/vast for the job, but wouldn't it be better to have someone who's interested and smart enough to connect the dots without needing a manual WITH pictures to do it? I guess not. Also a nice thing to hear: why don't you go for a senior consultant role? Your experience is great and you'd be a perfect match for that? Um..because I might want to get out of that area? Out of the working my ass off, 60-80 hours on average per week, travelling at least three times per month area?
Well, yes, I'm sure there are other consultancies out there, but somehow, I don't have the faith in it anymore. Plus, I'm tired of working for some company that doesn't really care about their customers OR employees, who wants to just make profit, profit, profit. Yes, that might have to do with my experiences at my previous employer. But - I've decided that if I can't say anything good about someone/something, I'd rather say nothing at all.
Aaanyways. So I saw this ad at Lush, they are looking for an assistant manager at their shop in Den Haag. I've been addicted to Lush, their lovely products and very friendly staff since I first set foot into their shop in Guildford, UK, about 5 years ago. I love the concept of no animal testing, their absolute gorgeous products and always said: I'd love to work for them one day.
So, I sent an email (already in June) to apply, had an interview, liked it, had a trial day, liked it again, and then was told that unfortunately, someone from within the company had applied and they had gotten the job. Understandable, to be honest - that person had been tested already and obviously done a good job - so why 'risk' taking someone from outside the ocmpany? Ok, it was in June, JUST before we started the reconstruction. Lucky for us I didn't get the job, cause otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do so much on the apartment myself.
Anyways, just when we were about to finish, there was a new job opening at Lush Den Haag, again for Assistant Manager. I applied again, spoke to their retail manager again, was invited to the interview (6 people in a group interview in total, no real competition apart from one girl), did a trial day so the new manager (who was the previous assistant manager that got my job) could see me, too, and then was offered the position. Woohoo! I started last Monday with a Christmas Products training day.
So I was sitting with all these other 'Lushies' in a studio in Amsterdam, and with every minute of the training, I was more convinced that I did the right thing for me.
It started with a short intro into what Lush is, what the policies and ethics are that the company believes in and stands for, and how they ensure that these policies and ethics are followed and lived thoroughly throughout the company.
Like no animal testing, and not buying any of the ingredients from companies that test on animals. Like spending a proportionate share of the earnings/profits with charities, and not just 1% of the overall profit and then boasting about it. I also liked the people that came over from the Uk team to introduce us to the new christmas products, and tell us about how they started their life at Lush. Very down to earth, yet slightly crazy people - the kind I could identify myself with it. Plus, they were passionate about their job and the company they work for. Isn't it nice to meet people that believe in what they are working, and that enjoy getting up for work every day, instead of rather staying in bed?
So, after I learned more about the other side of the company - so far, I've loved Lush as a customer (never had a bad experience with the shop or the products, the people that worked there were always friendly and fun) and was a bit worried what the 'other side' would look like...but, so far, it sounded all very promising. I loved the other Lushies - mostly students, a lot of crazy styles, some boring people like me, but all fun and open. Relaxed people to work with - woohoo! Oh, Lush hires a lot of activists (former or still active) that are in line with the ethics and policies Lush represents, and supports activist groups that make people aware of what's actually going on (google plane stupid and Lush, as an example).
Aaaaaanyways, at the end of the day we all got a lovely box to take home - it had all the christmas products in it. Soo exciting. Even ze boyfriend got curious and is now testing all the bits and bobs with me. He loves the fact that I found a job I can be passionate about, and a company I can identify with.
Yes, yes, of course, being an assistant manager at Lush doesn't require the skills I've developped, or the education I've had. But it is a fun job, I won't kill myself doing it, and it will enable me to slowly grow and potentially get ahead in the company. I think it's a good opportunity for me. Until the, I'll sell soap, ballistics, shower gels and manage the team of the shop. They are all very lovely girls (and a boy) and love their job. It's so nice to work with people who enjoy what they are doing!
So, we had a VIP Christmas Party this week (I was ruby red slippers, dressed in all red with sparkly Dorothy Shoes) and hit all our daily targets- and even exceeded them. It's going to be a good month for us, and hopefully we can continue that trend and kick some ass with great service and awesome products. I ordered all my christmas gifts already and also have a new favorite Shower gel - it's called The Olive Branch. Absolutely lovely!!
The first was was tiring (being on my feet all day), very fun (I learned so many new things), inspiring (met a ton of new people) and I am so looking forward to work again tomorrow.
I know, I know - we never know how long it will last, but it's a nice feeling to have found something I can relate to. I love it!
The few jobs I applied before this job were mild disappointments - either I didn't get a reply at all (way to go, Greenpeace) or I was overqualified - which is such a stupid thing to give as a reason. Yes, maybe my experience is too deep/wide/vast for the job, but wouldn't it be better to have someone who's interested and smart enough to connect the dots without needing a manual WITH pictures to do it? I guess not. Also a nice thing to hear: why don't you go for a senior consultant role? Your experience is great and you'd be a perfect match for that? Um..because I might want to get out of that area? Out of the working my ass off, 60-80 hours on average per week, travelling at least three times per month area?
Well, yes, I'm sure there are other consultancies out there, but somehow, I don't have the faith in it anymore. Plus, I'm tired of working for some company that doesn't really care about their customers OR employees, who wants to just make profit, profit, profit. Yes, that might have to do with my experiences at my previous employer. But - I've decided that if I can't say anything good about someone/something, I'd rather say nothing at all.
Aaanyways. So I saw this ad at Lush, they are looking for an assistant manager at their shop in Den Haag. I've been addicted to Lush, their lovely products and very friendly staff since I first set foot into their shop in Guildford, UK, about 5 years ago. I love the concept of no animal testing, their absolute gorgeous products and always said: I'd love to work for them one day.
So, I sent an email (already in June) to apply, had an interview, liked it, had a trial day, liked it again, and then was told that unfortunately, someone from within the company had applied and they had gotten the job. Understandable, to be honest - that person had been tested already and obviously done a good job - so why 'risk' taking someone from outside the ocmpany? Ok, it was in June, JUST before we started the reconstruction. Lucky for us I didn't get the job, cause otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do so much on the apartment myself.
Anyways, just when we were about to finish, there was a new job opening at Lush Den Haag, again for Assistant Manager. I applied again, spoke to their retail manager again, was invited to the interview (6 people in a group interview in total, no real competition apart from one girl), did a trial day so the new manager (who was the previous assistant manager that got my job) could see me, too, and then was offered the position. Woohoo! I started last Monday with a Christmas Products training day.
So I was sitting with all these other 'Lushies' in a studio in Amsterdam, and with every minute of the training, I was more convinced that I did the right thing for me.
It started with a short intro into what Lush is, what the policies and ethics are that the company believes in and stands for, and how they ensure that these policies and ethics are followed and lived thoroughly throughout the company.
Like no animal testing, and not buying any of the ingredients from companies that test on animals. Like spending a proportionate share of the earnings/profits with charities, and not just 1% of the overall profit and then boasting about it. I also liked the people that came over from the Uk team to introduce us to the new christmas products, and tell us about how they started their life at Lush. Very down to earth, yet slightly crazy people - the kind I could identify myself with it. Plus, they were passionate about their job and the company they work for. Isn't it nice to meet people that believe in what they are working, and that enjoy getting up for work every day, instead of rather staying in bed?
So, after I learned more about the other side of the company - so far, I've loved Lush as a customer (never had a bad experience with the shop or the products, the people that worked there were always friendly and fun) and was a bit worried what the 'other side' would look like...but, so far, it sounded all very promising. I loved the other Lushies - mostly students, a lot of crazy styles, some boring people like me, but all fun and open. Relaxed people to work with - woohoo! Oh, Lush hires a lot of activists (former or still active) that are in line with the ethics and policies Lush represents, and supports activist groups that make people aware of what's actually going on (google plane stupid and Lush, as an example).
Aaaaaanyways, at the end of the day we all got a lovely box to take home - it had all the christmas products in it. Soo exciting. Even ze boyfriend got curious and is now testing all the bits and bobs with me. He loves the fact that I found a job I can be passionate about, and a company I can identify with.
Yes, yes, of course, being an assistant manager at Lush doesn't require the skills I've developped, or the education I've had. But it is a fun job, I won't kill myself doing it, and it will enable me to slowly grow and potentially get ahead in the company. I think it's a good opportunity for me. Until the, I'll sell soap, ballistics, shower gels and manage the team of the shop. They are all very lovely girls (and a boy) and love their job. It's so nice to work with people who enjoy what they are doing!
So, we had a VIP Christmas Party this week (I was ruby red slippers, dressed in all red with sparkly Dorothy Shoes) and hit all our daily targets- and even exceeded them. It's going to be a good month for us, and hopefully we can continue that trend and kick some ass with great service and awesome products. I ordered all my christmas gifts already and also have a new favorite Shower gel - it's called The Olive Branch. Absolutely lovely!!
The first was was tiring (being on my feet all day), very fun (I learned so many new things), inspiring (met a ton of new people) and I am so looking forward to work again tomorrow.
I know, I know - we never know how long it will last, but it's a nice feeling to have found something I can relate to. I love it!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Berlin and other heartaches
I actually got the chance to go back, actually home, to my favorite city in the world: Berlin, last weekend. Thursday evening through Sunday morning was spent in Berlin.
Friday I went to the hairdressers and had a bit of an emotional meltdown: I walked up and down the Ku'damm (big shopping street in West Berlin and one street back was my home for the last almost 2 years), reminiscing and sat down at the Starbucks, having a cup of coffee, watching the people walk, hurry, stroll, bike, drive, honk, laugh, duck away from the rain, on the phone, enjoying their lifes more or less. In Berlin. My favorite city in the world. I sat there, with the boyfriend by my side, and realized that yes, it was the right choice to move to be with him, to be with him for love and to take that step towards being...I don't know - a grown up? A committed loving girlfriend?
I hated my old job, or rather the company I worked for, in the end. But of course I had loads of money to spent, a carefree life to that extend. I like to shop, I like to pamper myself. In the Netherlands I chose a less glamorous job, but sane working hours, less stress and just a fun and ethical company to work for. As the job is just starting now, I don't have any money in the bank yet and therefore can't shop. Yes, it's not that important after all, and I've learned that being materialistic leads to unhealthy wedding marathons and other strange things, but...it's a matter of personal freedom, it's a matter of independence. And I've given a lot of that up to move. Of course, moving was my choice, not getting a highly paid consultant job is my choice, picking love over a career was my choice...it all were the right choices - it just takes time to sink in and overrule everything else...until then...
...I miss my old life. I miss Berlin.
I miss my girls, I miss my local bar that was more of a livingroom than a bar, with my favorite local bartender, Berlin with its shit weather 60% of the year, yet my paradise on earth, I miss the Goldelse, the Brandenburg Gate, the lovely differences between all the neighbourhoods, the cheap good food, the grumpy Berlin natives, the accent, the smell of the city. I miss the bathhouses in the Turkish part of Berlin that were the oasis of warmth and coziness in the nasty wintermonths (from September to May, basically), going to the Museum Island, walking from former East to former West, inhaling history, enjoying the amazing architecture of Berlin with its absolute ugliness of communist buildings (I would have NOT been able to live there, cause I could have not remembered which chicken battery stable to lay down in), the amazing lovely old apartments with the high ceilings...the many lakes around that welcome you to hang out outside, the parks and beergardens for the neverending summer nights...the atmosphere. The city. The small things, like the wine shop across the street with the amazing lunch food deals that were home cooked, good value for money and SO yummi. All the semi-famous and famous people that one bumps into when shopping, getting groceries or just sitting in a restaurant...the laughter, the tears, the dreams.
I miss my old life so so much.
It will take a while getting used to the new set up of my life, and everytime I'll go back to Berlin it will hurt again, and I will miss it. Yet I like the Netherlands, it's fun, friendly, close to the water. It's just not Berlin, plain and simple.
I've had the chance to live in the greatest city there is, cheap and sexy, creative, inspiring - just my home. Maybe I'll get a chance to go and live home again one day...but then with the man of my life on my side.
*sigh*
Friday I went to the hairdressers and had a bit of an emotional meltdown: I walked up and down the Ku'damm (big shopping street in West Berlin and one street back was my home for the last almost 2 years), reminiscing and sat down at the Starbucks, having a cup of coffee, watching the people walk, hurry, stroll, bike, drive, honk, laugh, duck away from the rain, on the phone, enjoying their lifes more or less. In Berlin. My favorite city in the world. I sat there, with the boyfriend by my side, and realized that yes, it was the right choice to move to be with him, to be with him for love and to take that step towards being...I don't know - a grown up? A committed loving girlfriend?
I hated my old job, or rather the company I worked for, in the end. But of course I had loads of money to spent, a carefree life to that extend. I like to shop, I like to pamper myself. In the Netherlands I chose a less glamorous job, but sane working hours, less stress and just a fun and ethical company to work for. As the job is just starting now, I don't have any money in the bank yet and therefore can't shop. Yes, it's not that important after all, and I've learned that being materialistic leads to unhealthy wedding marathons and other strange things, but...it's a matter of personal freedom, it's a matter of independence. And I've given a lot of that up to move. Of course, moving was my choice, not getting a highly paid consultant job is my choice, picking love over a career was my choice...it all were the right choices - it just takes time to sink in and overrule everything else...until then...
...I miss my old life. I miss Berlin.
I miss my girls, I miss my local bar that was more of a livingroom than a bar, with my favorite local bartender, Berlin with its shit weather 60% of the year, yet my paradise on earth, I miss the Goldelse, the Brandenburg Gate, the lovely differences between all the neighbourhoods, the cheap good food, the grumpy Berlin natives, the accent, the smell of the city. I miss the bathhouses in the Turkish part of Berlin that were the oasis of warmth and coziness in the nasty wintermonths (from September to May, basically), going to the Museum Island, walking from former East to former West, inhaling history, enjoying the amazing architecture of Berlin with its absolute ugliness of communist buildings (I would have NOT been able to live there, cause I could have not remembered which chicken battery stable to lay down in), the amazing lovely old apartments with the high ceilings...the many lakes around that welcome you to hang out outside, the parks and beergardens for the neverending summer nights...the atmosphere. The city. The small things, like the wine shop across the street with the amazing lunch food deals that were home cooked, good value for money and SO yummi. All the semi-famous and famous people that one bumps into when shopping, getting groceries or just sitting in a restaurant...the laughter, the tears, the dreams.
I miss my old life so so much.
It will take a while getting used to the new set up of my life, and everytime I'll go back to Berlin it will hurt again, and I will miss it. Yet I like the Netherlands, it's fun, friendly, close to the water. It's just not Berlin, plain and simple.
I've had the chance to live in the greatest city there is, cheap and sexy, creative, inspiring - just my home. Maybe I'll get a chance to go and live home again one day...but then with the man of my life on my side.
*sigh*
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Bathroom - revisited
We have a bathroom. A 70% pretty, yet 100% functional bathroom.
The 30% fugly are thanks to the shower cabin that I can't even begin to describe. Let's just say that much: shaving your legs is not an option, as it is too tight to bend over without hitting any of the walls.
The boyfriend did a splendid job. Washbasin, Mirror, Cabinet - all up!! We can now finally use the bathroom instead of the kitchen and hallway substitutes.
No more brushing teeth and taking make up off in the kitchen, no more hair blowdrying in the hallway and applying make up in funky light. woohooo!
Here's to getting one step closer to a fully functional apartment.
Life is good!
The 30% fugly are thanks to the shower cabin that I can't even begin to describe. Let's just say that much: shaving your legs is not an option, as it is too tight to bend over without hitting any of the walls.
The boyfriend did a splendid job. Washbasin, Mirror, Cabinet - all up!! We can now finally use the bathroom instead of the kitchen and hallway substitutes.
No more brushing teeth and taking make up off in the kitchen, no more hair blowdrying in the hallway and applying make up in funky light. woohooo!
Here's to getting one step closer to a fully functional apartment.
Life is good!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Happy Bad Delft, the sequel of the sequel
So. It is Friday and our stuff is supposed to be delivered. By stuff I mean:
1 Washbasin
1 drawer combination closet for underneath the washbasin
Despite the fact that these imbeciles from HappyBad hadn't called back when they were supposed to or kept their part of ANY agreement so far, we were trying to stay positive that the stuff will get delivered. Positive thinking, you know.
So, the things were supposed to be delivered between 8 and 9 in the morning. The nice delivery truck man arrived at just before 9, delivered the bits and headed on to his next adventure further down into the south (he was from up north and spoke with a very thick accent..even I heard that)
The boyfriend had decided to work from home that day so we could have a look and potentially start hanging up the magic.
He started measuring, checking, worrying, rechecking and then finally realizing: we need a big, HUGE, drill and patience.
AND:
A different washbasin.
The amazing people at HappyBad in Delf had sent us surprisesurprise the wrong washbasin. It lacked the hole to put the faucet in. At that point, I was just laughing cause clearly, there's nothing else I could do without having my head explode in sheer disbelieve.
It was, however, the slightly mad laugh you hear in old movies about mental asylumns. I had an appointment in the afternoon, so I had to leave my poor lovey at home, dealing with it without the powers of Arnolda.
He called Villeroy&Boch to make 100% sure that there is no way to put a hole into this washbasin without breaking it.
"erm, we only do these washbasins on special order, it takes about 9 month to get one, sir"
Well, they came pretty close to the timeframe we're looking at, yet we didn't order that one.
shocker
Yes, that is totally unexpected and doesn't fit into the so far perfect customer service we've experienced.
The boyfriend called the HappyBad people, and first OF COURSE, noone answered. Finally he got Douche A (aka Jerry) on the line who said: oh, I have one of those here, let me drop it off at your house later today.
Erm. You have one of these washbasins 'standing around'? A showroom model?
No no, it's just standing here.
OK, is there any point in actually pointing out to them that as it was just 'standing around' they could have given it us WAY EARLIER?
No, there isn't, so just don't bother wasting energy and breath.
By the time I was back from town the guy was about to deliver the new washbasin - without a box. So, let's check again - which manufacturer actually delivers a washbasin without a box around it? hmmm....
Anyways. I'm still amazed at the lack of professionalism and can't wait to write the letter to trading standards and the yellow press here in the Netherlands and the Ombudsman and whoever feels like reading it.
Oh man. *sigh*
Anyways, the boyfriend hung it up today and it looks really nice. Could have looked nice for 2 months already...
1 Washbasin
1 drawer combination closet for underneath the washbasin
Despite the fact that these imbeciles from HappyBad hadn't called back when they were supposed to or kept their part of ANY agreement so far, we were trying to stay positive that the stuff will get delivered. Positive thinking, you know.
So, the things were supposed to be delivered between 8 and 9 in the morning. The nice delivery truck man arrived at just before 9, delivered the bits and headed on to his next adventure further down into the south (he was from up north and spoke with a very thick accent..even I heard that)
The boyfriend had decided to work from home that day so we could have a look and potentially start hanging up the magic.
He started measuring, checking, worrying, rechecking and then finally realizing: we need a big, HUGE, drill and patience.
AND:
A different washbasin.
The amazing people at HappyBad in Delf had sent us surprisesurprise the wrong washbasin. It lacked the hole to put the faucet in. At that point, I was just laughing cause clearly, there's nothing else I could do without having my head explode in sheer disbelieve.
It was, however, the slightly mad laugh you hear in old movies about mental asylumns. I had an appointment in the afternoon, so I had to leave my poor lovey at home, dealing with it without the powers of Arnolda.
He called Villeroy&Boch to make 100% sure that there is no way to put a hole into this washbasin without breaking it.
"erm, we only do these washbasins on special order, it takes about 9 month to get one, sir"
Well, they came pretty close to the timeframe we're looking at, yet we didn't order that one.
shocker
Yes, that is totally unexpected and doesn't fit into the so far perfect customer service we've experienced.
The boyfriend called the HappyBad people, and first OF COURSE, noone answered. Finally he got Douche A (aka Jerry) on the line who said: oh, I have one of those here, let me drop it off at your house later today.
Erm. You have one of these washbasins 'standing around'? A showroom model?
No no, it's just standing here.
OK, is there any point in actually pointing out to them that as it was just 'standing around' they could have given it us WAY EARLIER?
No, there isn't, so just don't bother wasting energy and breath.
By the time I was back from town the guy was about to deliver the new washbasin - without a box. So, let's check again - which manufacturer actually delivers a washbasin without a box around it? hmmm....
Anyways. I'm still amazed at the lack of professionalism and can't wait to write the letter to trading standards and the yellow press here in the Netherlands and the Ombudsman and whoever feels like reading it.
Oh man. *sigh*
Anyways, the boyfriend hung it up today and it looks really nice. Could have looked nice for 2 months already...
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
HappyBad Delft...
...or the neverending shower.
Alright, there's new developments. On Saturday, we went to HappyBad (my toesnails cringe when I hear, say or write that name) and I was able to bark a bit at the guy who manages the store. I was tempted to give him a written assignment:
What is successful managing and how does it relate to customer satisfaction?
But instead I just barked and he said yes yes yes it's all my fault I'm so sorry blablabla. Douche. He would contact the Headquarters and now it's only 5 weeks until the shower comes in FOR SURE and then they will install it and yes, we'll get a rebate and he'll try to make us happy and satisfied again. I couldn't help but say: I think it's a little late for that, but hey, try!
So. Today, the boyfriend gets a call from that douche (HA HA, SO FUNNY!) and he says: we will install the shower and offer you a 150Euro Rebate.
right.
RIGHT
RIGHT!!
WHAT.THE.HECK?!
We have been told initially that we'll get 300 Euros off, and potentiall free installation. However, when we asked for it in writing, the email didn't come.
Anyways, I was SO upset that I called the guy back and requested to talk to his supervisor. Surprise, surprise, he was out and tadaa! I was talking to his supervisor. His name is Christian, he sounded roughly 25. oookay. You're the supervisor. Right. ok, then, listen up, imbecile:
*insertrantaboutshittycustomerserviceandlackofknowledgeskillandcompetency*
So, he then hangs up - whoops, so sorry. Well, ok, it just HELPED with my mood. Woohoo.
So, now he tells me that they'll offer us 50 Euro credit and they'll install it. Cause installing a shower costs 350 Euro. How can that be? It's a stupid SHOWER, not ROCKET SCIENCE!!!
So I tell him to shove the installation up his bum (in nice words, of course, all friendly yet upset) and give us the 350 PLUS the 50.
No no, that doesn't work. And then I have it and tell him to give me the address to which I can send a proper complaint letter, and that I'm ready to cancel the order.
That's fine, we can do it right now. There are 50 other customers who we offered this and they are happy. Well, Christian, I'd call them all a bunch of idiots and I don't care how many customers you mess around with.
This is about MY FLIPPING BATHROOM!!
So, he gives me the address of the headquarters. And I tell him to give me a name, of the MD or the owner of the company.
He then tells me that HE IS THE OWNER OF THE COMPANY.
Are you kidding me? Dude, go back to school of basic customer service and do your homework!
So. I think I've decided to have them shove the shower up their bums and look for something else. Need to discuss it with the boyfriend, obviously. On top of that, we'll inform every consumer board in the Netherlands about it. Raise hell, idiots.
Oh, funny story on the side: I went to an interview tonight and one of the other girls getting interviewed used to work for HappyBad and quit cause she couldn't stand the lack of professionalism and competence. HA!
Alright, there's new developments. On Saturday, we went to HappyBad (my toesnails cringe when I hear, say or write that name) and I was able to bark a bit at the guy who manages the store. I was tempted to give him a written assignment:
What is successful managing and how does it relate to customer satisfaction?
But instead I just barked and he said yes yes yes it's all my fault I'm so sorry blablabla. Douche. He would contact the Headquarters and now it's only 5 weeks until the shower comes in FOR SURE and then they will install it and yes, we'll get a rebate and he'll try to make us happy and satisfied again. I couldn't help but say: I think it's a little late for that, but hey, try!
So. Today, the boyfriend gets a call from that douche (HA HA, SO FUNNY!) and he says: we will install the shower and offer you a 150Euro Rebate.
right.
RIGHT
RIGHT!!
WHAT.THE.HECK?!
We have been told initially that we'll get 300 Euros off, and potentiall free installation. However, when we asked for it in writing, the email didn't come.
Anyways, I was SO upset that I called the guy back and requested to talk to his supervisor. Surprise, surprise, he was out and tadaa! I was talking to his supervisor. His name is Christian, he sounded roughly 25. oookay. You're the supervisor. Right. ok, then, listen up, imbecile:
*insertrantaboutshittycustomerserviceandlackofknowledgeskillandcompetency*
So, he then hangs up - whoops, so sorry. Well, ok, it just HELPED with my mood. Woohoo.
So, now he tells me that they'll offer us 50 Euro credit and they'll install it. Cause installing a shower costs 350 Euro. How can that be? It's a stupid SHOWER, not ROCKET SCIENCE!!!
So I tell him to shove the installation up his bum (in nice words, of course, all friendly yet upset) and give us the 350 PLUS the 50.
No no, that doesn't work. And then I have it and tell him to give me the address to which I can send a proper complaint letter, and that I'm ready to cancel the order.
That's fine, we can do it right now. There are 50 other customers who we offered this and they are happy. Well, Christian, I'd call them all a bunch of idiots and I don't care how many customers you mess around with.
This is about MY FLIPPING BATHROOM!!
So, he gives me the address of the headquarters. And I tell him to give me a name, of the MD or the owner of the company.
He then tells me that HE IS THE OWNER OF THE COMPANY.
Are you kidding me? Dude, go back to school of basic customer service and do your homework!
So. I think I've decided to have them shove the shower up their bums and look for something else. Need to discuss it with the boyfriend, obviously. On top of that, we'll inform every consumer board in the Netherlands about it. Raise hell, idiots.
Oh, funny story on the side: I went to an interview tonight and one of the other girls getting interviewed used to work for HappyBad and quit cause she couldn't stand the lack of professionalism and competence. HA!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Some more quiet thoughts...
...comforting someone who has lost two people that were a part of his life within 6 weeks is tough.
It is tough because there's nothing I can do to ease the pain, there are no answers I can provide, and as an Atheist, I can't even hold on to the thought of an afterlife and some higher meaning of death. We're all part of a comedy, and all of us are actually pretty meaningless in this big global circus. There's noone up there or down there guiding us, telling us off if something is wrong, patting us on the back if something is right. Life isn't fair, life just is.
I wish more people considered that fact when making choices in their lifes. I wish more people decided to live every day to the fullest.
The last 12 months have been very emotionally exhausting, and I hope that the following 12 months will give us some peace and happiness to enjoy, and rest.
It is tough because there's nothing I can do to ease the pain, there are no answers I can provide, and as an Atheist, I can't even hold on to the thought of an afterlife and some higher meaning of death. We're all part of a comedy, and all of us are actually pretty meaningless in this big global circus. There's noone up there or down there guiding us, telling us off if something is wrong, patting us on the back if something is right. Life isn't fair, life just is.
I wish more people considered that fact when making choices in their lifes. I wish more people decided to live every day to the fullest.
The last 12 months have been very emotionally exhausting, and I hope that the following 12 months will give us some peace and happiness to enjoy, and rest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
