Well, I suppose the internet never really went anywhere, but my connection certainly did. We had a freak lightning storm last Thursday which knocked out the power for a short while. The power came back on, but our internet connection and our telephone (which goes through the cable) haven't worked since then. I've been in absolute agony. Someone ( Read more... )

Urgh, just got something in the mail reminding me that I have to set up an appointment with some official-sounding person to determine what sorts of integration courses I will need to take. The courses are designed to teach me all about Dutch language, society, culture, and all that crud... it sounds so deadly boring that I am half tempted to get ( Read more... )

We're finally back from Rock Werchter and have showered and eaten proper food again for the first time in five days. Hygiene issues aside, it was an amazing weekend and I definitely want to go back next year. :) We met up Thursday morning with two of Piet's sons and their girlfriends in Heerhugowaard and drove together to Werchter in a sort of ( Read more... )

It's been so busy around here; I feel like I need a vacation already! :) But luckily, in between all the annoying errands, the papers to be filled out, and the endless unpacking and settling in, Rick and I have really been enjoying ourselves ( Read more... )

Yesterday morning I got up at 6:00am, got dressed, and biked to the station with Rick. In the rain. Fun. He was on his way to work, and I was on my way to Amsterdam, where I was on a mission to get an "Affadavit of Civil Status" from the folks at the American Embassy or Consulate or whatever it was. Amazingly, I found the building with very little ( Read more... )

In the name of inburgeren (getting settled in, learning about Dutch culture), Rick has brought me an unbelievably hideous orange soccer jersey, which he got for free when he signed me up for a mobile phone subscription. :) Seeing as how I know nothing about soccer, he brought me the Van Nistelrooij jersey, since I *do* know who he is (he's the one ( Read more... )

[Driving along listening to the radio with Tim, Rick's younger brother, behind the wheel. Tim's favorite song comes on.]

Tim: "This song always gives me chicken pox."
Megan: [puzzled look]
Tim: "The lyrics are really powerful... listen."
Megan: [realization dawns; barely stifled laughter ( Read more... )

I've been so busy lately-- I can't wait for this upcoming weekend, when Rick and I will finally have some time together without 5,000 other people being there, too! Sunday, Rick's mom had a housewarming party and invited every single person she and Piet (her "significant other") have ever known, from second cousins twice removed to elementary ( Read more... )

Aaargh! The time difference is killing me! I feel like I am on another planet, not just another continent. I am awake from about 9:00am to midnight or so, Dutch time. That translates to about 2:00am to 5:00pm, Texas time. Everyone back home, with the exception of my two grandmothers, works until later than 5:00pm, so I can either call them at work ( Read more... )

I haven't been on LJ much these past few months, as my life has been pretty crazy. The month of May, in particular, was so stressful that I'm sure it took years off my life. :-P I finally got my thesis finished and bound, and after a series of mishaps and miscommunications straight out of a Hollywood movie, managed to turn it in just in time for me ( Read more... )