FIRST DAY OF SPRING

http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinsr/3337471271/

Every year it is a special feeling if you can open all the doors and windows of your apartment and breath some fresh air. Today was for me the first day I was able to do that without getting sick of the draft, my carpet wet by the rain or my fingers freezing off by the cold. It was even possible to sit on my balcony to enjoy the sun.

Therefore today, not a post with much content or meaning: simply, enjoy the day and let good feelings enter. Today was also the second day of my newly introduced scheme to speed up looking for a new job; the latest idea is to imagine that my job is to find a new job; so I will start my day at my desk at nine and work until twelve. After a lunch break (2 hours may seem a little bit long, but hey, there is more to life than work) I return to my desk for the afternoon session from two to five.

OK; it is only my second day, but until now it worked; although I start my day with reading some motivational texts to get me, oh wonder, motivated. Let's see how it works in the long run. I have tried now every trick in the book to get going and I know every trick to sabotage myself. This might be an interesting future post, but today I won't let me ruin my day by highlighting my own inefficiency.

The Hague is slowly getting to normal again, after a first day of spring and a hectic Afghanistan conference in town. Helicopters are flying the whole day to keep an eye on the safety in the city and the police is blocking roads and crossings to get delegations to and from the conference. Maybe they have got time tonight to look for the Labrador of Hillary Clinton, which has escaped and is still missing.

ENJOY LIFE

Today I took the decision to enjoy life more. Stupid I have to take such a decision because enjoying life should come naturally. But ... this is modern life and modern life is not about enjoying; it is quick, shallow and participating in a rat race. I stepped out of the rat race a few years ago, but I am still not able to enjoy my day. Too worried what is still coming, what is happening today or even what has been in the past. Why ? Worrying does not make it easier and you do not get fantastic ideas all of a sudden - your mind turns and turns more quickly, until you get totally stressed out.

Someone said to me today that I should enjoy life more. She was right, but how to do that ? I am used to do useful things that have value and meaning (at least to me) and not necessarily are fun. OK; let's look at the things I used to like when I was a kid. First problem: already as a kid I was not really me - always doing what was expected of me and adapting to the situation. That does not help. I do not want to go back to that period, so something else has to be the reference.

Then I thought: "why not take my weblog as the reference ?" - what I write about touches my heart and are important to me. These things come easy to me and I enjoy doing them.

For example going to art exhibitions I like to do regularly - I do not like everything I see, but everytime I see something different and it tickles your imagination.

Or reading a book; often I have my best thoughts on things when I am reading a book (usually it has nothing to do with the content of the book, but pop up in a relaxed mind).

Or listening to music; as you noticed I am a fan of mellow, electronic music which is ideal for creating a relaxed mood - or classical music.

Or going to the gym, which is not difficult for me because it makes my negative thoughts go away and I feel rejuvenated after the turkish steam baths.

Or travel; I really like to travel but due to my limited finances I postpone it all the time - maybe I should simply do it and not linger any longer. I often bring back some design items from my city trips. My last real city trip dates back to April 2007 and went to Tallinn and Helsinki. Especially Finland is famous for design and it was a joy to visit the design shops with numerous ingenious items or known items in new forms or colours. I could look around for hours. On the picture my reindeer made of thin sheets of wood squeezed out of a postcard. It is standing on my TV and it is the only thing that is allowed to be up there; may be not my most beautiful thing but I grew very fond of it.

Or trying something new: this week I tried aikido and next week I'll try bikram yoga with some friends. We do not know what we are getting into, but it will be hot without a doubt.

Or going to the theatre; I enjoy going to the theatre on a regular basis - I am doing that already; next Sunday the next play.

Or going out to a restaurant, which is one of my favourite hobbies; once a week is no exception - that is also my financial limit.

Actually I am doing a lot of the things I like. I could add some new things though: may be a trip, find myself a boy-friend or write a book (one of my secret wishes). The main thing that keeps me from enjoying life is the worrying. Fear is such a horrible thing, especially when you do not know what you are afraid for. Kill the fear and half the battle is won.

TIME CAPSULE

Today I have uploaded 4 pictures of myself in my home in The Hague as a sort of time capsule of 2008. Why ? I don't know: I simply thought it was a nice idea. Why not give a tribute to myself; again a year mastered and I am doing relatively well.

TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER

This Wednesday December 17 my father will turn 71. I don't think he will like this age, because he feels and looks much younger. As I decided not to upload pictures of persons on my blog for protection of privacy I have collected some pictures that, placed together, give to me an accurate picture of who my father is and what he likes to do. As a tribute !!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!