DoinItDutch

Breakin it down

2010-05-30T03:22:00.002+02:00

I'm having a minor breakdown. Calming down now, I think.

Several things just crashed down to my realization. It was/is not fun. Not fun at all.

Is it time to go? That's the question I need to answer. Go means a lot of things.

In regards to our Kili climb, I'd again appreciate you making a pledge on our blog to do a little bit of good with our climb.

It is a slight adjustment and only takes a minute to make the post on our blog. It's a good thing, I hope you join.

Much love. Miguel

Homeward browned

2010-05-24T21:34:00.002+02:00

I'm here. Back at mi casa for the first time in almost 2 weeks. My cleaning lady didn't come. Not mad... more disappointed. It was good to be back in the US and in the office back there. Though things were insane, they were productive and it was great to be back with everyone and all the energy. We've got a long way to go, but those things can help keep the energy up. I guess you could say it was needed.

It was also fantastic to see my family and my beautiful niece. She is awesome, so precious. The crabs were really good too.

Decision time!

As you know I'm climbing mount kilimanjaro this summer and have now started a small project with some guys trying to do some good with the climb. No, we don't want money. If you're into creatively doing things that are positive and open to your own creativeness and interpretation, please checkout our blog page, pledgeforkili.blogspot.com. If you can pledge your commitment to a small change, you can make a big difference. Please be creative and please comment on the pages. Keep in mind the site is just beginning and is interactive. There's not much on there yet, but it will change in the coming days/weeks. Thanks for the support.

my chill's are multiplying

2010-05-08T11:36:00.002+02:00

If you're a superfast jellyfish, you'll always be a friend.

This morning you've got time for a hot home cooked breakfast. So go out there and cook it.

It comes with a toy, I like that.

Rap meets rock.

All hail king Neptune and his water breathers.

Superfast, superfast, I come in last.

I wish summer started in AMsterdam before July. That would be nice. ALuminum, crucial fun.

Are you making plans for Nigel? We're only making plans for Nigel. I'm not waiting on a lady, I'm just waiting on a friend man.

Watching girls passing by, it ain't the latest thing. I'm just standing in a door way, I'm just trying to make some sense. All of these girls are passing by, the tales they tell of men. i'm not waiting on a lady, I'm just waiting on a friend.

Dutch people love white Asparagus. Americans love green Asparagus. Do you think we'll ever get past our differences and just agree that Asparagus, whatever color, is good?

Giro d'Italia leg today in Amsterdam. Should be fun to watch a bike race. I guess. It comes right by my house so all I have to do is look out the window.

I'm considering taking up smoking. Should I? Ok, not really, but it always gives you something to do. I like that about it. I dislike the actual smoking part and the cancer part, but hey, I see all the smokers always have something to go and do. They always take multiple breaks from the office to go have a smoke. It adds several breaks to your day and life. you can always step away from whatever and have a nice, comfortable smoke. Ok, I'm sold. I'm going to go buy a pack and cough my way through it. yeah, not really, but maybe.

Let's go get stoned. now wait a minute. You know my baby. She wont let me in. I've got a feel it is, I'm going to go buy myself a bottle of gin. Then I'm going to go call my buddy, on the telephone and tell him, let's go get stoned.
You know I work so hard. All day long. Everything I try to do, seems to always turn out wrong. That's why I want to stop by on my way home and say, let's go get stoned. Ain't no harm in having a little taste, but don't lose you cool and start messing up the mans place. Ain't no harm taking a little nip, but don't you fall down and bust your lip. Oh, oh, let's go get stoned.
I think everyone ought to come and go with me. let's go get stoned.

You think Ray Charles had a drug problem? He did write a song about getting stoned.

It was a good day guys. You know I love Ice Cube.

Well I left Kentucky back in 49 and went to Detroit working on an assembly line. That's a good message, do it one piece at a time.

I want to live beneath the dirt

2010-05-08T11:19:00.003+02:00

A tiny place to move and breathe is all that I would ever need.

I guess I'll spend plenty of time under the dirt, so I should enjoy being above for a while.

It's a lazy, cool Saturday here in the Netherlands. I talked to my mom at 4AM this morning, on my way back from the bar. I've never been one to hold back from mom, so I guess this is just further confirmation that a mothers love is undying. Speaking to her drunk son is probably not the highlight of her evening, but she still muscled through it. That's love.

Cat in a drain ditch, dog on a limb.

I'm going to steal your face right off your head.

I'm supposed to meet my boss and a few others today at 5PM out at a bar. I'm pretty sure they're on a mission to get hammered. Not sure I'm up to the challenge after last nights festivities.

And I know that we can be so amazing.

A lot has happened since my last posts on the old blog. But I'm not really in the mood to recap. Things have been crazy, quite serious, and just strange recently. Our office is in a really strange place right now.

I'm headed back to the US for sales meeting on Tuesday. I'll be there for about 10 days or so. It will be good to be back in Baltimore for a few days. Best of all, I'll get to hang with Julie and the rest of the family. Julie is awesome. And, she likes get back on the train. Just like her daddy. Funny.

I've been looking for songs to sing to her.
Hey Julie- Fountains of Wayne is the winner

Working all day for a mean little man with a clip on tie and a rub on tan, he's got me running around the office like a dog around a track, but when I get back home you're always there to rub my back. Hey Julie, look what they're doing to me, trying to trip me up, trying to wear me down. Julie I swear it's so hard to bear it and i'd never make it through without you around, though I'd never make it through without you around.
Hours on the phone making pointless calls, I got a desk full of paper that means nothing at all. Sometimes I catch myself staring into space, counting down the hours til I get to see your face. Hey Julie, look what they're doing to me, trying to trip me up trying to wear me down, Julie I swear it's so hard to bear it and I'd never make it through without your around.

You get the point.

Brandy, you're a fine girl and all, but you're not Julie.

indecisive bad decisions

2010-04-19T20:13:00.003+02:00

So I ran on Sat and tweaked my left knee. Therefore, I figured I should probably not run for a few days. Instead of running I walked a golf course yesterday. It would be weird to run a golf course. Despite that, my knee was feeling about 60% better. I'm used to the knee game as throughout life I've had some issues and regular pain. I said I wasn't going to run today to let it heal, but it was such a nice evening that I decided to go. I went for about 40 minutes with is around 4.5 miles for me, a little bit more probably. As I hit about 30 mins, I felt that knee pain. I'm stubborn and kept running, though I slowed down and ran about 42 mins as the pain kept coming. Now I get to limp for a couple days. Fun. I have 1 day to take it easy. Wed I have my trainer and afterwards playing golf. This could be a gimpy week.

In other news, airports may be opening up again and Western Europe may return to the 21st century shortly there after. It's been tough being away.

I'm going to go for some curry now, not Indian, Thai. Have a lovely evening.

One last high note before I go, I can once again sign off with my favorite ghetto street name...

-the pimp with the limp

get your hands out of your pockets and get your face adjusted

2010-04-17T11:16:00.004+02:00

Back from my second really long drive down to Germany this week. Took about 7 hrs to get back from Frankfurt. Nice way to spend your Fri afternoon/evening, especially after doing what we had to do down there. We are "restructuring" certain markets and I had the pleasure of going down and breaking the news. Those conversations suck.

I did manage to blow off some steam however afterwards by heading out and getting completely sloshed. Minibar, Bo Cinq, Jazz place, Paolo's, Burger King, bed.

Good evening.

My enemies, enemy is a friend?

Beautiful day here in Holland. finally a little warm and not just sunny. I was punched in the chest last night by a girl. She walked up to me, asked if my nipple was hard, then rubbed my chest. She then reached around and grabbed my ass, two handed squeeze. So what's your buddy MG do? I slapped her bottom. She then proceeded to punch me in the chest. Not sure why its ok to ask if my nipple is hard, then rub my chest and grab my ass. She said that rubbing and slapping are two different things. She then asked me for a swig of the glass of champagne I had in my hand. I said neither of us could have it and proceeded to pour it on the floor. I think that was a bit of a surprise to both of us. I don't question the move today, I still think it was hilarious, though wasteful of some good champagne and someone else's money. Waste. I'm going to add 5 euros to my shit tax total because of it. Gladly.

Deez Amsterdam nights... they drive me cra-zay.

I need to go to India.

I need to go to a lot of places.

Need or want?

I can't stay much longer Malinda, the sun is getting high. I can't help you with your trouble, if you won't help with mine. I gotta get down to the mines. You keep me up just one more night, I can't sleep here no more. I gotta get down or I can't work there no more. Gotta get down to the Cumberland mines. Make good money, 5 dollars a day.

Screen door slams, Mary's dress waves. Like a vision she dances across the porch as the radio plays.... don't run back inside darlin, you know just what I'm here for..... you ain't a beauty but hey, you're alright.... well now, I'm no hero, that's understood.... hey, what else can we do now.... except roll down the window and let the wind roll back your hair.... oh, oh, come take my hand... oh, oh, oh, thunder road.... well I've got this guitar and I learned how to make it talk.... tonight we'll be free of all the promises we've broken.

There's a moon in my food again.

Go on and give it a chance.

Have an enjoyable day.

S4 the bahn

2010-04-13T22:58:00.002+02:00

Despite just getting home at 11PM after leaving at 7 this AM, today had a special highlight. I drove to Dortmund to meet with the BvB, then to Cologne for another meeting, then back.

Driving in Holland sucked. There was a lot of traffic and it took a really long time. Holland is also home, so it loses some of its edge for driving, despite only driving about once a month here.

The great part was is Germany. The autobahn is just so much fun. I mean how often do you get to drive an Audi S4 (which is our MD's/company car) over 200 KPH totally legally and pretty safely as well. Good times. That's a fun car. Tight suspension, great pickup at any speed, and just all around quick.

Unfortunately, it's hard to slow down once you're back in the NL.

There is always traffic in Holland, no matter where I go. I wonder how it ranks globally? Probably not that high. Driving between Amsterdam and Utrecht, don't even get me started. I'm going to eat some pork now from the greek place. Ciao.

Today's Dutch Headlines:

2010-04-12T21:44:00.003+02:00

Dutchman stages mugging to win back ex.

-guy hires his friend to mug his girlfriend then runs up and saves her from him. Report it to cops, they check cameras and see the two men walking down the street together seconds before.

Starving horses used in Dutch snacks.

- it's not an issue to eat horse, it's that the horses imported from Latin America are emaciated and mistreated. Lot's of Dutch snacks are made with horse meat. Who would have thunk it? Not me.

A local Dutch reporter gets in trouble for airing video of a serial killer in the act.

- interesting... the title says it all.

The US isn't the only place with some strange folk.

my aim is true

2010-04-10T13:43:00.002+02:00

Well I see you've got a husband now.

Tragedy has struck. Everyday, somewhere there is a tragedy. The world is just too big, too complex and too f-ed up for there not to be continuous disaster. It's unfortunate. Have we passed the point of no return? I'm not sure, but I'm leaning towards... us being f-ed.

You want to make it harder, don't you? Some other time, I'd be understanding, you were supposed to be, a friend that I needed when I was down and out. You want to make it harder. Baby, if I tried, I could turn the other cheek. Maybe, but how big do I have to be?

Flying saucers, levitation. Yo, I can do that. Get ready, for heavy duty, go on give it a chance. Give it a chance, give it a chance, I saw your hair start to curl. So get up, write it down, you better wait for a while.

So get your hands out of your pockets, get your face adjusted. I heard it, somebody lied. I'm starting out the window, gonna let this thing continue, in it's natural time. Round heads, square heads, get settled in. You can hear my belly rumble, there's a voice that starts to mumble. Woo, it's starting to sing. Protons, neutrons, I ate a rock from the moon!

There's a moon in my food.

Passing through the corridor I came upon an aging night, who leaned against the wall in the armor. He was on his way to see the king... Wilson.

All hail WILSON!

I want to go sailing.

We come on the sloop john b. My grandfather and me. Around Nassau town, we do wrong. Drinking all night. Got into a fight. I feel so broke up, I want to go home. So hoist up the john b sail, see how the main sail sets.

How does the main sail set? May your sails by full and telltales fly straight.

I've got a feeling, tonight's gonna be a good night. That brings me back to Thailand. That song was blasting while I was there. What a great time that place is. Despite not being a huge fan of the song, it holds a special place in my Thai heart.

BAAAAAAA, bada bop bop bop. Tear drops on the city.

You are the sunshine of my life. That's why I'll always be around.

You are the apple of my eye. Forever you'll stay in my heart.

I feel like this is the beginning. Though I've loved you for a million years.

And if I thought our love was ending. I'd find myself, drowning in my own tears.

You are the sunshine of my life. That's why I'll always stay around.

You are the apple of my eye. Forever you stay in this heart.

You must have known that I was lonely. Because you came to my rescue.

And I know that this must be heaven. How could so much love be inside of you?

Such a naive melody, ey?

So the orioles are off to a bad start. Mike Gonzalez, you've got to go brother. Two blown saves and almost a third in 4 games is not worth 5 million dollars a year. Feet on the ground, head in the sky, not a closer.

I dislike Brady Quinn. Not happy about the Broncos trading for him. What's that all about. Draft a QB or something. Obviously Cutler wasn't it, but Quinn and Orton aren't it either.

It's a lovely day in the Nederlands.

Did I find you or did you find me?

There was a time before we were born, when someone asked if this is where I'd be. Did they know?

Out of all those kinds of people, you've got a face with a view.

We got married in a fever. Hotter than a pepper sprout.

What's your favorite 80's song? King of wishful thinking? That's not mine.

I like the way your sparkling earrings lay, against your skin so brown. And I want to sleep with you in the desert tonight. With a billion stars all around.

A billion is a lot.

I've got a rash man. No, really I do. On my neck, not sure from what. It's getting bigger. Prob have to go see another doctor. Fantastic.

Did a spider bite me? Did I get some poison ivy? Am I dying? The proverbial answer to that last proverbial question would be.... cliff's notes version... yes.

I get this feeling that i may know you? As a lover and a friend? Or just one of those? Not sure.

Of the 22 or so people who visit my blog each day and 100 or so total who come by, I'm really surprised about the low turnout of poll voters. Interesting. Maybe the questions aren't provocative enough? Nah... not the right word. Or is it? I don't know. Mind blowing. I thought the refreshed layout would keep it, well.... fresh.

I can hear her heart beat, from a thousand miles. Yeah, the heavens open, every time she smiles.

Like Michael said, I just haven't met you yet.

Bill Withers is the man. My friends, feel it's their appointed duty, they keep trying to tell me, all you want to do is use me. My answer, to all that use me stuff, I want to spread the news, that if it feels this good being used... you just keep on using me, until you use me up.

Barca laid the smack down on Arsenal, 4-1. Whop a bop.

I realize the best part of love is the thinnest slice and you don't care for much. But I'm not letting go, I believe this too much to leave it. so lift your eyes if you feel you can, reach for a star and I'll show you a plan. What I realized is that I needed someone to show me.

You know you can't fool me, I've been loving you to long. It started so easy, you wanted me to carry on.

A little Air Supply? Yes ma'am.

My niece rocks! Julie is a princess and the most beautiful baby in the world. If you disagree, bite me and my whole family. We'll hurt you.

I had 2 very vivid dreams. One that I was an accomplice to a murder. I didn't kill anyone, but I was with the guy when he faxed the ransom note from the fax machine. He was caught on camera in a government building, but killed the person in a back alley in Barcelona. The ransom note shouldn't have been faxed from somewhere there was a camera and is totally traceable. What an idiot that guy was. It took them 8 days to catch us and the guy was charged with 1st degree murder. He admitted that I had nothing to do with it, but I was still getting charged with a lesser crime. I woke up before I found out exactly what. The second dream was a perplexing situation where no matter how much water I drank, I was unable to quench my insatiable thirst.

Have a great day, punk.

To be or not?

2010-03-25T22:24:00.001+01:00

Sometimes in negotiation there is someone who wants something and someone who has what the other wants. You can be the asshole taking advantage of someone or you can be the asshole who gets taking advantage of. In either situation, the goal is the same. Don’t be the asshole.

I think that lesson applies to a lot of things in life. Don’t you?

There’s a moon in my food.

Ready

2010-03-24T18:24:00.004+01:00

What a rush the last weeks have been. I've reconfirmed my desire and need to simplify my life. Visited a couple doctors and hospitals. Been to about 20 different cities. Loved, hated and everything in between.

As I sit here and listen to Crazy Love by Van Morrison I'm realizing once again, just to slow it down and don't take everything too seriously. With the exception of your health, do the right thing there.... and quickly!

Still no crazy love of my own, but that's ok, I'm not really made for that kind of thing and if I am, it's got to be right. My time will come and so will yours. Maybe our times will come simultaneously and we can congratulate each other with champagne and party horns. Unlikely.

One week until I meet the lovely Julie. Pretty stoked for that. Looking forward to my bed this weekend, working out again (go away back pain), and heading to France on Monday.

I just received some bad news at work regarding a sponsorship and our in-ability to fulfill our end of the bargain. Embarrassing. Sure, I could freak out and drop kick my computer, but not today. Things are rolling off me and I will find a solution... I hope. No problems. Van Morrison is chilling me out. Good job man.

Hark now hear the sailors cry, smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly... into the mystic.

My Brazilian cleaning lady has suddenly resurfaced. Her "friend" is no longer cleaning my house, which is sad, the "friend" did a better job.

I am going to have some salmon and vegetables for dinner. Not sure what kind of veggies, I have a selection and we'll just have to see.

Made the deposit yesterday on the trip up Kilimanjaro. Got to book the flights now. My friends inability to dial international numbers and hectic travel schedules have made the second part tougher.

I counseled a friend while in Dubai. He's got some things to straighten out. I am here for you whenever you need me bro. Not sure if you read this or not. I owe a few other friends some phone calls. Maybe tonight.

In 2003/2004 at one point I was living in a tent in a friends back yard in San Diego. I had full use of the bathroom inside and it was only for about a month. I used to hate sleeping in my truck. I could never get a good nights sleep any way I tried and believe me, I was creative. Sleep in truck stops, parking lots, wherever I could, what an adventure. Heading down to Mexico, sleeping on the beach. Sleeping on sailboats at different places in the Caribbean. The Thai huts. The big fluffy beds in China. Camping. I love it. January camping in the Sierra Nevada's when I drove over a big ass rock while bragging about the "sick" ground clearance of my truck with Sleazy Steve and Jason S. Good times. We thought it would be warm, not sure why, it was so cold that nights. I still have that truck and it still makes a rattling sound from where I hit the rock. Don't drive around "do not enter, closed for the winter" signs. Getting out at all the random little historic/nature sights along the way. Sometimes being amazed, sometimes disappointed. The road is so straight and flat sometimes. Driving across Nebraska towards Colorado. So flat. Texas and the open highways. Getting 4 flat tires with Gary when we went off-road at 3AM in Texas because I had to go to the bathroom badly. Lighting off fire works in our hands, drunk, talking about how great we were going to make sure our lives were. Fighting with my brother. Celebrating with my brother. Phish shows with Chris. Phish shows and getting in the accident with Gary. Frostburg, Maryland. Essence festival in New Orleans, I got food poisoning from the crab at the casino. Watching UA make its debut on pro sports teams in Europe. Meeting with Iranians and Sheikhs. Toasting wine in with my cousin and parting at Sky bar in Lebanon. Breaking down on the highway with Andrea, thanks Osama, you not sure where you found the flower watering can full of gas, but you saved our asses. Dedications. Beer council. C2. CNC. High school games. Free hot dogs. The announcers booth. Bailing out. Not knowing what's ahead, just knowing what's behind isn't right. Walking around naked on the boat closing hatches with clientele not impressed. Full Moon Eddie. Realizations and simplifications. Inventions and concoctions. Sitting in a Barcelona police station at 5AM with Chris. Watching the sun rise so many times. Watching the sun set so many times. Islands and countries with friends, islands and countries with ex-girlfriends. Trips with John. Fishing instead of working (not at UA!). Trains across Europe. Planes. taking off, landing. Losing bags, being asked not to board. Almost getting hit by a car on my bike. Getting hit by a car on my bike. Falling asleep behind the wheel and luckily being able to write this. Run ins with the police. Hiring people, firing people. Commending people, yelling at people. Family. Friends. Mom raising us. Mom always being there. Delivery Fridays. Sports. Dinner. Homework. Milk. Me spilling the milk. The night before Christmas. Thanksgiving. Taking off my jersey and leaving it at the field. Pizza boxes in the basement. Taco kits, fried chicken, spaghetti, ritalin. Puking from the ritalin. First times. Second times. Coke bottles. Kent cigarettes. Reservoir bass fishing. Punching out a window and denying it with a cut up hand. Leaving GP and heading to the party with Gary. Ha ha, so funny. Fighting on the hill by my house. Jetta getting crushed. Disney world. Arizona. Grand Canyon. Niagara falls. 40 some countries 47 states. Easter baskets and artificial trees. Shoes Williams. Death. Football in the street. Playing transformer and having a fake band. Dirt bikes and boats. Ryan's pool. Whispering Woods. The woods. Taking a chance. Asking, because you never know. Grandparents. Thousands of miles to think about life. Driving 15 hrs on your own. Falling down rapids. Hurting yourself in general. Almost cutting your thumb in half. Knocking yourself out on the top a door frame. Catching your dinner. Trumpets, Violins, Recorders, Drums, Guitars, Bongos, oh the bongos. Not caring. Regaining balance through having vision. Idaho. Mom telling off the kid at KFC. Mom mom and pop. Grammie and pop. Uncle walter stories. Mr and Mrs Stitt. Car wash. Doing things I shouldn't and not doing things I should. Mountain bikes. Helicopters. Boat shows. Sailing. Drinking, way too much drinking. Winning bets and losing bets. Terp championships. Terps blowing it. The good, the bad, the ugly. Dewey. Ft. Lauderdale. Weddings. Behind the dorms. The waterfalls. You. So, so many more things. Holy shit has life been good. I love my family and I love my friends, thanks to all.

Peace.

Julie Elizabeth

2010-03-17T17:50:00.004+01:00

Listen up punks.... the coolest girl in the world is now amongst us. On Friday, Julie Elizabeth was brought into this world after only 19 minutes of labor, post arriving at the hospital.

She is beautiful and healthy and our family is so lucky for that. Congratulations to Chris and Nicole and the rest of the family. We've been looking forward to this for quite some time and I am so excited to go home 2 weeks from today and meet her. She's an angel and without ever even meeting her, I totally love her. Can't wait to see her, hold her and give her an Uncle Mike noogie. She's got enough hair to make it worth its while.

As soon as that baby was born on Friday, this overseas assignment became a lot more difficult. I wish on Friday I got on a plane to meet her, instead I jumped on a plane and flew further East. Further away from the family, further away from what's most important in life. More soul-searching coming over the next few days, but like the other times, hope everything will work itself out.

"Simplify, simplify."

H.D. Thoreau

"One "simplify" would have sufficed."

R.W. Emerson in Response.

I just arrived home from Dubai. The last few weeks have been wild. Just seems like it keeps going without a break. I'm on a plane again Friday morning... when does it stop? Not for a while, that's when.

Dubai is crazy. It's like an Arab Vegas, that also looks a bit like Manhattan. Except, a lot of those building are only half way completed right now. The Dubai financial situation will be a good one to follow. The most interesting thing to me was the clash of cultures with the conservative locals and the tolerance to the expats/visitors. It's a strange mish-mosh. What's the future of that place, is it sustainable?

There's been so much lately I've wanted to share on the blog, but haven't had time. It's not an excuse, I need to find the time. This is a good thing I think.

Talk to you soon.

local conveniences

2010-03-02T17:41:00.002+01:00

Hello world.
Tomorrow night I am simultaneously attending a Dave Matthews concert and USA vs NL friendly soccer game. Can you be in two places at once? Dave is playing at the Heineken music hall which happens to be literally right next to the ArenA where the friendly is taking place. I'll be somehow spending time at both.
Poor Dave didn't even sell out in Amsterdam. What's the world coming to.

I've discovered a new funny hobby. If you can get over the dicks that occasionally pop up, it could be fun for you as well. This site called Chat Roulette. Basically, it randomly connects you with other people who are chatting and it just pops up with a new person every couple seconds, unless you want to chat for a while. I've been playing loud dance music and rocking out dancing to it. So it skips around and you get me dancing on screen to some song you probably don't know. good times. A lot of times people jump up and start dancing with you. For my type of personality/humor, it is perfect. If you see me on there, let me know. Though, be warned... I'm serious about the dicks. There are some people who go on there and masturbate into their camera. You just click next and it goes away, but you need to be warned. If you can't get over that part, don't go.

I also have more news in my personal life, but I'm going to let it play out a few weeks before I tell you.

See ya.

Drowned... in cold water

2010-02-19T09:50:00.003+01:00

Let the tide in and set me free!
I am going to classify this week as a "week from hell." It's almost over and I'm looking forward to sleeping late and getting some good couch time in. This is my first free weekend in a long time and I plan on taking advantage of it. I will still probably pop up in bed at 7 in the morning anyway and not actually get that much sleep, but the couch time will happen!
I might venture out into the dreaded outskirts of Amsterdam this weekend. I need a new toilet seat in my downstairs bathroom. Someone much smaller than myself broke it, which makes you wonder. Well, it makes me wonder. I'm not going to tell you exactly what I wonder, but wondering, I am.
I hope to be in contact with you over the weekend. In the meantime, have a great Friday.

Tractors aren't as sexy as you thought.

2010-02-15T17:23:00.003+01:00

Today, the big news on the Dutch news source I go to (because it's in English) is about how the Netherlands has banned animal sex. Horses, donkeys, chickens, cows, sheep, and the like are now protected from being raped by humans. The story talks about a man who was caught having sex with a horse. The horse was just standing there eating when the man's wife walked in and saw him dropped trow, going horsey style on the poor pony. It also cited the Netherlands as being the worlds number one animal porn production nation. Impressive.
I love this country.
They love their animals.
I also love animals, but in a different, not more than friends kind of way.

I am beat down. I just returned yesterday from another loooooong weekend, this time in Cardiff for work. What a game on Saturday. Wales pulled their head out of their asses and came from behind with 3 mins left to win. It was a great game, maybe you watched it?

I have horrible heartburn right now. Getting old sucks.

Have a nice day

cope with deez

2010-02-08T15:29:00.001+01:00

Deez Hollywood nights, they drive me crazy.
Doze Copenhagen nights also drive me crazy.

What a great time Copenhagen is. If you haven’t been, it’s time to go.
I’m pretty sure I just love all Nordic big-cities. Nice, clean, easy to get around… almost perfect. Beautiful women, friendly people, I ask, what’s not to love? Christiana was a interesting little neighborhood, but I like random/sketchy places like that. Probably wouldn’t tell my mother to go there. The highlight of the trip had to be Saturday evenings dance party. John and I met two guys who had travelled down from Stockholm for the evening, they were cool, but a really weird pair.
Subject number 1: 35 year old guy from Mexico City
Subject number 2: 21 year old guy from Siberia
That’s right. They said they were roommates at a university, getting graduate degrees. Not sure how they found each other, but I’m pretty sure they’re destined to be friends forever. The Siberian guy pulled the dirtiest Elvis impersonation dance moves I’ve ever seen. He ripped it. He danced that way to every song, no matter the beat. He also have a very Elvis-esque haircut. I think he’s possibly an Elvis impersonator, though wouldn’t admit it despite my continuous questions about the topic, which turned into career suggestions. Why get a PHD when you’ve got the gift of the hip swing?
After getting all of 5 hours of sleep in 2 nights in Cope, I made the mistake of staying up for the super bowl. I didn’t make it through the whole thing, but still being up until almost 3 was not a good decision. I obviously didn’t have work this morning on my mind.
Where is my mind? Certainly not in Amsterdam.
I also had the pleasure of an interesting experience regarding my passport. I lost it in the airport, but the cops found it and returned it thankfully. So I could leave yesterday. Don’t think the boss man would have been too happy if I had to inadvertently extend my trip and miss a day of work. Thanks Copenhagen police and the good employee that turned it in when they found it. It was the first time I had ever voluntarily walked into a police station, the first time I walked out of the same door I came in and had free use of my hands.
Maybe I am growing up after all? SING NOW!
From standing on the corners boppin, to drivin some of the hottest cars New York has ever seen. For dropping some of the hottest verses rap has ever heard.
And if you’re with me momma, rub your hips…. And what not.
Go ahead Hov.
Damn that television. What about picture.
Don’t get upset. It’s not a major disaster.
There’s nothing on tonight, he said. I don’t know what’s the matter.
Nothing’s ever wrong she said.
So, I don’t know why you bother.
We’ve heard this scene. We’ve heard it many times
They’re fighting over little things and wasting precious time
The might be better off I think, the way it seems to me.
Picking out their own shows, which may be better than tv
Judy’s in the bedroom, inventing situations.
Go ahead TH.

HOME, is where I want to be, pick me up and turn me round.

I need sleep.

Good day.Mike

Malcontent or just bad content

2010-02-05T10:44:00.004+01:00

So my blog has been super lame recently. I haven't been writing much and when I have, it is pretty boring and every day stuff. I am working on a blog re-birth, taking place in the coming days. Nothing will change, I just need to re-think why I write here and for what. I have about 70 readers who come and go and about 20 who check every other day or so. Pretty good in my opinion, for some guy who just writes a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. Maybe it's interesting to read? Or is it something else? It hasn't been interesting lately, which is probably attributed to me being constantly on the move and not having moments or being close enough to a computer when it's time to drop my weirdness. I did try to post via my blackberry once, but it didn't work.

I've got 3 trips on my mind right now. Copenhagen, which I board a plane in t-minus 10 hours and counting, Wales next Thurs-Sun and Dubai. Yesterday it was pretty much confirmed that I'll be headed out to the Emirates in March. I'm pretty excited about that trip, though it will be busy as all get out. I am building in a few days on my own however to go and explore.

I'm pretty excited about this year from a work perspective. It should also be a good year personally. I've got some great stuff lined up and I just want to keep it moving. Keep progressing, keep getting better, and keep enjoying my time on my expat adventure.

I've also got some other stuff on my mind, but nothing I'd like to share here. If you can't share it on your own blog, where can you share it? Should have kept it anonymous. Oh well. No, it's nothing bad, it's all good actually, I just don't want you to know. At least not right now.

Have a nice weekend folks. Copenhagen, here I come.

The pipe

2010-02-04T17:48:00.003+01:00

I live in the museum quarter of Amsterdam, next to de Pijp.

I am about to leave work and go home.

I eat Thai food at least once a week.

We feel like life expectancy is long these days. Many, many, many years from now when it's much higher, will we feel like we missed out? It won't matter, we'll be dead. What will the "I can't believe they used to do this" thing be about us. Probably a lot of things.

My shit tax is up to about 80USD.

I am not very flexible and wouldn't make a good gymnast.

Though I've been told I'm really good at keeping things organized, I am extremely unorganized.

I enjoyed some Mexican food last night.

I am wearing a red plaid shirt.

I am not a very good speller.

I am not very good at grammar either.

I eat food off the ground.

I don't like the thought that there are mice living in my walls.

I wonder what it's like to be other places.

I have been to 47 of 50 US states and about 40 countries.

I am going to Dubai next month and I am excited.

I am going to stop writing this pointless stuff and go away now.

nothing really to say

2010-02-03T16:43:00.002+01:00

I was just told my someone who works for me, that they don't like it when I get mad. I told them to stop making me mad and do things well and I won't get mad. Is that too much to ask?

I obvioulsy don't think so.

The life and times of Mike Gable ya'll, volume 2.

I need to start writing songs. They wouldn't be good songs of course, but I should write them. If you haven't noticed I plagarize the shit out of lyrics in this blog. Not to act as if they're my own, they're just songs that influenced me at that moment, so I think they're worth writing out.

Don't wish it away, don't look at it, like it's forever. Between you and me, I can honestly say, that things can only get better. And while I'm away, just got demons inside and it won't be long, before you and me run to the place in our hearts where we hide. And I guess that's why they call it the blues. Not sure though.

My trip back to the US last week was great. I got a lot of work done as well as caught up with some friends in the office I haven't seen in a long time. Now I'm back in the Dam and I'm way off on time zone. Can't sleep, can't concentrate, good for getting the large amount of work I need to get done, done. And the worst part is that this weekend I'm in Denmark and next weekend I'm working all weekend in Cardiff. I haven't had a free weekend in Amsterdam since before 2 weeks before Christmas and I still won't have one for 3 more weeks. That sucks.

It's a good song, playing on the radio, it's a fine, fine day. I'll tell you cause I think it's so. It's a good life, that comes upon you now and then and I'll tell ya, tell ya, tell ya cause I think it's so.
I was walking down the hill beside the town in which I live, this evening. Alcoholic lemonade in ice fill glasses, giving way to the evening heat.

Back to work now.
bye

3687 miles away

2010-01-24T12:30:00.003+01:00

At this point in writing this blog. I am not sure what I am going to title it.

Well, I'm back in the good ole USA again. I flew in yesterday for about 8 days, for work. Spending the weekend with the family, then heading up to B-more Monday morning. It is currently 630 in the morning EST, which means I am up way too early on a Sunday. I've been up since about 515. Damn you time zones. I can't deal with this shit. I will be fading at 18:00 now. Oh well.

Yesterday was definitely the worst flight I've had in a couple years. We have had some guests from our US office over for a couple weeks and due to my heavy travel/work schedule, I haven't been able to hang out with one guy who is also a friend, not just a co-worker. So finally, Friday night, we were both free and could hang out. I went out with the caveat that I had to catch a flight in the morning, so I was going to make it an early one.

Guess who has no self-control? That's right, me.

Fast forwarding through several tequila shots and what seemed like about 30 beers, I found us having a dance party at 5 AM in my house with a few people I don't know. Good times. I got exactly 2 hours of sleep and was off to catch the flight.

Here's the problem. I had not packed yet. So I found myself completely intoxicated throwing clothes into a bag for a work trip. Wonder what I'll be looking like at work this week. I have no clue what I packed. I dove in to get my tooth brush, at least I remembered that, but the rest is a mystery. I guess I'll take a look today and see if I have to go out and buy some clothes to wear to the office.

The other thing that greeted me in the AM was my downstairs sink being full of puke. Thanks Ryan, it was good to scoop that out, loads of fun.

The best part of all had to be my airport security experience. Since that guy on Christmas tried to take down the plane coming into the US from Amsterdam, security as been significantly tightened. Everyone goes through the normal measures, but is also questioned/scrutinized and then goes through a pat-down search. As I approached the questioning part (which is normal on United flights back to the US, though not to the degree they're now doing it) the gentleman smelled the distinct scent of alcohol on my breathe. I was obviously still intoxicated going through the line and he sensed it. After going through the normal banter about who packed my bags, he started. What time did you arrive at the airport today sir? Somehow through the fog and fuzz of my brain, I instantly realized what was happening. I answered, he looked at me puzzled as it was only about 20 minutes earlier that I had arrived. Did you visit a restaurant or bar in Schiphol sir? Yes, I just had a beer, I instantly blurted out. How many beers did you have at home before coming to the airport sir? None, I quickly replied. Just one drink sir? That's all you've had? Yup I said, then through a little Dutch at him for good measure. I guess he didn't think I was telling the whole truth. He went over and grabbed his supervisor, who then pulled me off to the side to go through the same banter.

Needless to say, I got on the flight.

But, I paid for it. It was 8 hours of suffering. I already have huge motion sickness issues, just ask those that have flown, driven in a car, or gone sailing with me. It was an awful flight, no sleep, just misery.

I'm getting too old for this shit. I promised myself I wouldn't put myself through this anymore last time it happened. I guess I didn't learn my lesson.

One day.... one day.

Have a great Sunday folks.

Later.

11

2010-01-18T19:57:00.000+01:00

.... the number of Perogies I consumed in Warsaw. Only one Polish sausage. Cut it with the jokes, actual sausage, made from pigs.

Back in Amsterdam after the quick weekend to Warsaw. Truly a great city, Warsaw is. A lot of fun, nice people, but really grey. Definitely has the look and feel of a town rebuilt by the Russians post WWII. The most interesting was the Tower of Culture. A 33 story high rise building that was built right after the war as a "we'll take care of you" gesture. Interesting.

Unfortunately the two 5AM nights along with minus 15 degree temps has taken it's toll and I now have a cold. I've been kicking back the coldeeze and airborne which will hopefully limit the duration. I'm in the US next week for work and a nagging cold just isn't something I'd like to bring with me.

Evidently it warmed up a bit this weekend in the Dam which made quick work of the snow. Unfortunately for folks this morning, they didn't realize that the cold would return and cover some of the streets with ice. On my ride into the office I saw two bikes go down. One was an older guy who banged his knee pretty hard. The other was a mother with two kids on the bike. She had a kinderfiets (I'm not sure the real name of them) so a bike with a big basket for kids. They all went down and hit pretty hard. And wouldn't you know it. The 12 or so bikes that rode past them in front of me before I got to them, didn't even slow down. They just pedaled around them. The mom couldn't get out from under the bike, both kids were uncontrollably crying and everyone just ignores it. I couldn't believe it. I picked the bike up off of her, helped her up helped get it so she could just worry about her crying kids. I can't believe folks around here and their lack of care for others. Surely everyone here isn't that way, but most are and it sucks.

That's one area where I wont be DoinItDutch.

See ya

Viva Polska

2010-01-15T11:53:00.000+01:00

What a week. It's been full of ups and downs and busy as all get out. I spent the first half of the week in London and then back to Amsterdam for Strat planning, personal performance review and all the other fun things I do on a daily basis.
Good times. I'm glad the week is almost over.
Tonight my buddy John and I are heading to Warsaw, Poland. I've told a couple people and the reactions I get are pretty hilarious. Basically here is the reaction: "What? Why?"
I guess Warsaw isn't at the top of too many peoples list of places to visit. Especially in the winter. That's not how I feel I guess. I've never been to Poland, it's only a 2hr flight, and it's easy to do from Friday night to Sunday night. I'll probably drink some Vodka, walk around and stare at people. Not sure how much else we'll do, but I'm going into Warsaw with a clean slate. I don't really have any perceptions, so let's see what it has to offer.
Have you been to Warsaw? I wanted to go to Krakow, but there were no direct flights and taking 5 hours to get somewhere for 2 nights, wasn't so appealing.
I also have an old, old friend from home that is living in Lodz (Wooge), so he's going to come meet up. I don't know him real well, but it will be good to run into an Annapolis guy in Poland. Stranger things have happened, right?
If you see him, please remind him, unhappy boyfriend, the Genie is so low.
James Brown, James Brown. James Brown, James Brown.
What'cha gonna do when you get out of jail? I'm gonna have some fun. What do you consider fun? Fun, nasty, fun.
Boop a doop.
A little Tom Tom club for Friday afternoon. Oh yeah.
I'm leaving now, going to finish some stuff before my Polska adventure. Take'er easy

One more thing:
Girl I've known you very well. Seen you growing every day, I never really looked before but now you take my breathe away. Suddenly you're in my life, part of everything I do, you've got me working day and night, just trying to keep a hold of you. Here in your arms I found my paradise. My only chance for happiness. And if I lose you now, I think I would die. Say you'll always be my baby, we can make it shine, we can take forever just a minute at a time. More than a woman. More than a woman to me.

Bee a Gee.

whoa oh domino

2010-01-09T19:11:00.000+01:00

When finished shopping at Albert Cuyp today, I walked back to my bike and began the process of unlocking it and getting my shopping bounty evenly balanced for the short ride home. I stepped back and nudged the bike next to mine. It was at that moment everything went into slow motion. As I turned around it was wobbling on the kick stand, it could have gone either way, fallen or gone back to its resting place. It chose the former and then began the slow motion domino effect. It was hilarious as it took out the one next to it, which took out the next, and the next, and the next, I began to laugh. It was so funny watching about 12 bikes fall. I should have taken a picture, but I didn't, so moot point and ignore this post. Thanks

If I can't have you, I don't want nobody baby

2010-01-08T10:12:00.000+01:00

You got it, you got it.

I have always been one to jump around with my music selection. A band, album or sometimes even song will stick in my head for a week or two and I move on. The Talking Heads, while they've always been one of the favorites, has been reigning in the top spot for months. It just doesn't get old. They f-ing rock.

I have the greatest pic of my mom ever on my desk. I have no idea how out she is, but I will guess 7, but she's got this cute little dress and she's roller skating down the streets of Baltimore. I will try and post it to the Blog. Life is short and too often we dismiss our parents as being there 100% for our sake. How often do we remember the little girl and little boy in our mom's and dad's. I remember all the time. That little girl will soon be a grandma, which surely she's excited about, but don't doubt the little girl that still exists. The one whose mother was looked at as the same things I look at my mother for. Comfort, reassurance, safety, love, strength. I think I've written about this in the blog before, but I don't care.

Notebooks! What good are notebooks?

One of the highlights of my 2 weeks at home with my mom was her jogging in place for 5 minutes in the kitchen with me while we reenacted "Life During Wartime" from Stop Making Sense. I think that version of my mom was part little girl, part mom. It was fun.

Why go to college? Why go to night school?

Ain't got no speakers, ain't got no headphones.

My quest to stop using plastic drinking bottles in 2010 has started off well. I've used one, which I bought for the plane ride back from the US. I didn't need to do it, but I had a moment of weakness and a dry mouth. That brought the first 50 cents to the shit tax. But I'm debating a new pair of shoes, though I have plenty, and a wine rack. The shit tax will start to explode pretty soon. I also threw away some lettuce the other day, it cost a 1.49Euro, so I am up to .75 cents for the food shit tax. Grand total 1.25. If you're saying to yourself, it's not much, well you're right, but give it time, we're only a week into 2010. If you're wondering how in the hell I came up with the Shit Tax, I'll have to point you over to my friend Will. He originally brought up the idea during one of our "way of the future" sessions. I did mold it more appropriately to my consumption issues, but the initial idea was not my own.

I've decided to go down to Tanzania and Kenya this summer. Going to do a quick safari and then climb Mount Kilimanjaro. If anyone wants to come, beware, it's expensive, let me know. We've got around 4 people currently.

Make it hot. The world is filled with pimps and ho's, we'll just talk about those, I knows. The world is mine, can't you see, I'm just trying to be all I can be. First come the cash, then comes the ass.

The first week back in Holland has been good. Busy catching up at work and trying to get back on the time zone, but I have to say I've been enjoying riding my bike through the snow and ice each morning and evening. Holland is experiencing an unusual cold spell. It has been very cold and snowing almost every day. There is actually a big problem because they're out of salt. They don't keep very much as they don't get much snow, but it's been snowing like crazy. And in some places, melting and refreezing as ice each night. It's pretty slick out there and it's not like they have snow plows for the bike lanes, so it's made it interesting. But actually, I'm really enjoying it. I like it. I've fallen twice, but got back up and kept on riding. I can't wait to be living in the next place, wherever it may be, and ride my bike in the snow and get all the weird looks. It's fun, dangerous, but fun. It would probably be easier if I had a mountain bike instead of a old, traditional, one speed cruiser with tiny, tread-less tires. But easy typically is not fun and does not make for good stories. Or good blog entries.

Hello, I'm Mike.

I hope when I go to bed tonight, I can say "today was good day." Just waking up in the morning, got to thank god. I don't know, but today seems kind of odd. No barking from the dog, no smog and momma cooked a breakfast with no hog. I got my grub on, but didn't pig out, finally got a call from a girl I want to dig out. Hooked it up for later as I hit the door, thinking will I live, for another 24.

Living for another 24 isn't a guarantee. Just ask my childhood friend Dan Shriner who unexpectedly passed away on Dec 31, 2009 of a heart attack. Supposedly he was training for a marathon and running on treadmill. He had a heart attack and died. He was 30. Recently married, an Iraq veteran, and a great guy. We weren't very close over the last many years, but we grew up as good friends, went to school together, summer camps, birthday party sleepovers, all that jazz. RIP Dan, you were a great guy.

2 in the morning, got the fat burger.

Today I didn't even have to use my AK, I've got to say, it was a good day.

Overall, it's been a great start to the new year. Many of the changes I wanted to make are coming along nicely and I have a great feeling about 2010.

Boat drinks. Something to keep them all warm. This morning, I shot 6 holes in my freeze, I think I got cabin fever, somebody sound the alarm.

I'm going to go work on my 2009 performance review now. Don't worry, I'll give myself ridiculously high marks, only to be brought back to reality by my boss at review time. But I guess I'll have to do the same to my direct reports. It's the way the world works.

Good to be back on the Blog, I'm going to try to be here more often in 2010 and make sure I have quality content. If I ever die unexpectedly, maybe there is something fun you could do with my blog entries. I also want everyone to sing a song together at my funeral. Make it fun and happy, not sad. Hopefully that day is a long way off.

Have a great Friday and a great weekend all.

Holland bound, almost

2009-12-30T16:51:00.001+01:00

On this second to last day of 2009, I feel it a necessity to enter a written agreement with my blog. I have been home for about 11 days and extending until the 1st was a great decision. I will be ready to get back and go to work, but I have really enjoyed just kickin it with family and friends. Today I'm taking my grandmother out to lunch then meeting up with my main man Gary. Yesterday I spent a ton of time with my Mom, which is of course great and always long overdue. I kissed a baby, hugged some friends, and managed to have a little fun. The whole trip has really been lovely.

This trip has had some other achievements as well:
-Finally locking in a partner and approximate time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
-2010 planned implementation of a tweaked version of Willy Phillips' Shit Tax.
-Reflection time and more clarity into my thoughts and future.

I hope I can bring the good vibes and concentrated energy back to the Dam. I am looking forward to 2010 being productive, evolving, and all types of other big and small words that describe positive things. I hope everyone has enjoyed some down time and is looking forward to charging into the new year. Good luck lovies.

I also hope to reinvigorate the blog in 2010. I've got a lot of ideas but just can't get them clear enough to explain them all. Hopefully that changes.

Now get out there and punch somebody!

who the hell is this guy

2009-12-24T07:45:00.000+01:00

It's me!
Surprise!

Ok, so I have made many, many mistakes in my life. Today, I realized, though I'm a jackass, I'm not the biggest jack ass in the world.

Zone blitz.

I'm not waiting on a lady...

2009-12-19T19:19:00.000+01:00

I'm just waiting on a friend.

I'm out of Holland for the next 10 days to spend some quality time with the family over Christmas. Flew home yesterday, which was uneventful other than staying up way too late the night before and being pretty hungover for the flight. Nausea and flying are not friends, enemies in fact.

So now I'm home and it's a damn good thing I flew home yesterday and not today. The Maryland area is being slammed with snow. 35 CM or so is expected, so about 2 ft. I wish I was kidding. At my folks house there is about 18 inches right now. Maybe more now as I haven't checked in a couple hours. Normally I'd be freaking out, trapped in a house, but being that I spend almost no time with my family, physically, I have no problem with it. It's good to be here. And my mom's chocolate chip cookies are keeping me nice and warm.

Unfortunately, the Christmas party my mom had planned for tonight is in jeopardy. 2ft of snow keeps people away and rightfully so, though the plow just came through and cleared her street. Hopefully at least some of our family will show up. I really don't want to miss a great opportunity to see everyone. I guess it's uncontrollable, so no sense in worrying about it.

I don't care if you never come home, I don't mind if you just, keep on rolling away on a distant sea, cause I don't love you and you don't love me. Cause a commotion when you come to town, give 'em a smile and they melt. And the lovers and friends are all good and fine, but I don't like yours and you don't like mine. La la, la la la la la. a lot more la's.
I don't care what you do at night oh, I don't care how you get your delights. I'm going to leave you alone, I'll just let it be, I don't love you and you don't love me. I got a problem, can you relate? I've got a woman, calling love hate. We made a vow, we'd always be friends, how could we know that promises end?
A lot more la's.
I tried to love you for years upon years, but you refuse to take me for real. It's time that you saw what I want you to see, that'd I'd still love you if you'd just love me. I've got a problem, can you relate? I've got a woman, calling love hate. We made a vow, we'd always be friends, how could we know that promises end?
A lot of la's.

Happy holidays, talk soon.

Asian persuasion

2009-12-15T22:58:00.000+01:00

I went to a chinese restaurant. Not today or recently, but I have gone to chinese restaurants before. Inside and outside of China. I ordered a meal and I ate it. I also had something to drink.

I have gone to concerts before. I listen to music and dance at most of them. I do not recycle as much as I should. That is going to change.

I'll be back in the US in 3 days, that's exciting.

Some opinion and some fact.

The earth is getting warmer.

And I am going to bed.

Holiday realizations (that's right British people, a Z not a S)

2009-12-12T13:44:00.000+01:00

I just realized that reading other peoples blogs is good for getting ideas for my own blog. Mind blowing.

Yesterday was the Under Armour EMEA holiday partay. I am extremely hung over. I am getting old. We went curling before heading out to dinner and drinks. The bar tender kept feeding me shots. He knew I was paying the bill and wanted to get me as drunk as possible. Mission accomplished, dear fellow. Curling was a lot of fun, who knew it. Our team won which makes us the best curlers in UA. When you work for a sports brand with a bunch of ex-athletes, everything is super competitive. It's good to be in first, even if it is curling.

My biggest frustration here is the lack of sarcasm. It just gets old saying things that are obviously hilarious and witty and people not getting it. (I'm not dismissing the chance that I'm just not funny, but for my own poor self-confidence reasons, I'm blaming it on the language, deal with it, thanks) English is most peoples second language and we for the most part don't share common backgrounds and what we consider to be relative common knowledge. Just like I don't get Dutch, German, French or Spanish sarcasm. Many times I use what I consider to be common sayings, based on my upbringing (nurture not nature), and I have to explain what it means. That eliminates the usefulness of this type of phrases, so you begin to not use them anymore. Why use a saying, which is meant to shorten conversations by referring to commonality, that just extends your conversation even longer? Sometimes I even wonder if people even know what the hell I'm saying. A lot of times I don't know what the hell they're saying. A lot is relative. So you really don't know what that means for me. You assume I mean what a lot means to you. Maybe I do, but maybe I don't.

Confusing.

I'm going to go think about it.

I'm a Lebowski, you're a Lebowski.

What's your point?

What's the point?

Is there one?

Ok. Tot Ziens

The other king

2009-12-10T23:02:00.000+01:00

While Europe is full of commercial chain restaurants, I think some cities are making some big mistakes.
Amsterdam for example: First off, Burger King rules the roost when it comes to Fast Food. Mc Donald's is up there too.
Very few Starbucks. I think there are only something like 4 in Holland. And one of them I believe is the number 1 grossing Starbucks in Europe, located in Schiphol airport (that may not be accurate, but I believe it is). You'll see Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Kentucky Fried Chicken, the list goes on. But where in the hell do they get off not bringing Taco Bell to this rain soaked nation. No Wendy's either. BS.

Mexican food in general is overlooked here in Amsterdam. There are a few places and some of them are actually good, they're just different. A lot of the US Mexican food isn't authentic either, but you just won't find the high quality stuff here in Amsterdam. Neither will you find the delicious yet sorry expression of Mexican that Taco Bell offers. Eat food. You can get some descent margaritas though. Drink drink.

The inventor of clue (Milton Bradley?(the company not the baseball player)) was a genius. Did the game or the movie come first?

Tomorrow is our work Holiday party. We're going curling. That's right, curling. It will be fun. Very fun, because we'll be drinking whilst curling.

Bye

After these messages....

2009-12-09T19:49:00.000+01:00

We'll be right back!

This blog is a special call-out blog today.

One, I got my first follower. Thank you sir. Though I do not know you, we share similar experiences I do believe.
Two, I got a request from my friends Danielle and Lea to write more. Here you go Danielle and Lea. Though I'm not writing interesting things, I am writing. I hope you enjoy.

A few questions:
What is the average Blog (not including blogs for work) posts/week?

How many times does your average social networker go to their page to check what happens with their "friends" in one day?

What is the world record for bench press?

How many Pickled Herring are consumed every year by the Dutch?

Why is it that no matter where in the world I travel, I always meet Dutch people?

Is the Dutch trade of New Amsterdam (New York City) for Suriname in 1674 a better or worse trade than the Orioles trade to get Glen Davis by giving up Schilling, Harnische, and Finley ? It was certainly a horrible trade for the Orioles. What would the US be like if that never happened (not the Orioles (though America would have been better off with more World Series wins by the O's))?

One thing I've learned about my blog is, I can't force it. If the thoughts aren't coming to me, I can't publish. While I risk alienation of my readers due to lack of content for certain spells, to think that I'd write more and have sub-par material is.... well.... unthinkable.

I'm obviously a little lost in the whirlwind right now and not focused on the WIG's. Any of you Franklin Covey fans out there will know what I'm talking about.

I have to go for a run, clean my house, and eat dinner now. So I'll be going now.
Less than 2 weeks until I'm home for 10 days! can't wait. See you soon.

Baked not fried saturday

2009-12-05T13:47:00.000+01:00

With the exception of my family and friends, I miss food the most living in Ams. Today I am specifically missing the delicious, salty, baked not fried deliciousness of pepperidge farm cheddar goldfish crackers. I wish I could have a handful right now, but I cannot, so I will not dwell. If I'm lucky, one day I will once again have some snackfish crackers.

I've managed to accumulate 2 small packs of soy sauce from sushi deliveries. It's a good start. They're getting off their game and over estimating my consumption needs. I guess it's better to have a little bit more, than not enough.

Time for some kip. later

2009-12-04T20:03:00.000+01:00

Happy Friday friends.

Today I loaded a truck. I liked it.

It's been a rainy week here and it is getting slightly annoying. I've got to head out to meet some folks and it's not going to be a fun bike ride.

I'm off to London on Monday and didn't really think through the trip and what I needed to bring, so I guess I'll be paying a visit to the office this weekend, at which point I will also be hoping that it is no longer raining.

I am going to go and enjoy some beers. I hope you get to do the same.

BR,

P with the L

The name of this blog is DoinItDutch

2009-12-01T23:55:00.000+01:00

It's my 50th blog entry. I thought about just going back and adding the rantific display below to the 49th, where I first mention Sinterklaas, but I thought it deserved it's own, plus I had already thought up a killer title for my 50th.

So here goes....

In the Netherlands Sinterklaas is helped out by Zwarte Piet. Zwarte Piet "Black Pete" is Sinterklaas' helper whom helps to get the presents to the young children. He is depicted throughout Holland as a little black boy or a little Moorish (to be exact) boy who follows Sinterklaas around. There are many stories behind him, some about Moorish boys rescued by Sinterklaas after being sentenced to death for a crime they didn't commit, others them being chimney sweeps and of course one says he is the devil enslaved by Sinterklaas (always depicted as a big white man).

The Dutch mostly pass along the story that Black Pete works for Sinterklaas voluntarily and they all live down in Spain.

If I were Santa and I could pick the North Pole or Spain, I'd take Spain. Do you think Santa is related to Sinterklaas? Maybe.

I've laid out the art for connect the dots on the whack ass things and history that Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet represent, but I'm not going to connect them for you.

I think it's strange and I think it raises some questions on tradition and history and to what point are they linked with negatives/positives and things that have been changed and/or edited over time.

Where does it begin and more importantly, where does it end? The Dutch have an interesting history and present politics are no exception...... finish thought here.

That's a good thing to think about for the next several hours/days. Let me know your thoughts.

Safe at night

2009-12-01T23:39:00.000+01:00

It's ok, I know nothing's wrong.

Doo doot do doot doot.

I have adjusted my fung shuey at the office. I am expecting an increase in the overall Chi flow around me while at work. Out of all those kinds of people, you've got a face with a view.

And you're standing here beside me.

Watch out for Sinterklaas this weekend. He's been hanging out in the coffee shops since he came up from Spain on the boat and is now gearing up to roll through Holland on Saturday. Sneaky little bastard. I am going to set a trap for him.

I've extended my time overseas as an expat. Do'inItDutch lives on.

Never for money, always for Love,

Mike

Thankful for...

2009-11-29T20:12:00.001+01:00

Being back in Amsterdam after 8 days down in Marbella, Spain. It was nice to be in some warm weather for a few days, but man did I put my body through some abuse. Long days combined with long nights.

It's good to be home.

Missing Thanksgiving back home with the family sucked. It's my favorite holiday. Of course there are worse places to be than Marbella, but you can't replace time with your family, especially when you never see them.

In just a couple weeks I'll be home for Christmas though, and I've got 10 days. I can't wait. I've got a lot to accomplish at work to round out the year and we're in a travel freeze, so lots of time in Amsterdam. I've got one trip to London that's mandatory, so that's the only one before heading back on the 18th.

It's Sushi time here in Amsterdam. It's never great, but it gets me through the cravings. Can't wait for some fresh fish in the USA, so much better. So much more creative too.

I want to run with the bulls and go to Oktoberfest. If anyone is interested in either of those things in 2010, let me know. Sailing somewhere exotic is in there too, let me know.

I've got nothing funny to say. Nothing interesting either. My mind is fried. I just wanted to stop in as it's been a while since I posted. See you later

The Don

2009-11-18T17:36:00.000+01:00

The Godfather, The Don, Mr. Leonard, call him what you will.

This blog entry is a quick tribute to my High School History teacher, Mr. Don Leonard. Mr. Leonard is one of the life changing teachers that each student inevitably meets along their educational journey. No, he didn't inspire me to do my best or never give up.

Mr. Leonard did much more. He introduced me to the greatest lingo of all time. Since then, many people I have met along the way have helped to spread Mr. Leonard's senseless lingo, though I know to him, they were much more.

Lines such as:

Easy
Hold the pickles
Sorry son

All Leonard-isms.

Here's a big thank you to you, Mr. Leonard. Though you likely were not a very effective teacher when it came to fact passing, what you taught in life lessons and lingo more than made up for it.

Some of my favorite one liners and conversations:

Mr. Leonard: Gable, no homework today?
MG: No, Mr. Leonard.
Mr. Leonard: Well it looks like you get an F for the day, put your head down.
MG: Easy Mr. Leonard, you and I both know you won't give me an F.
Mr. Leonard: Hold the pickles, you just wait and see. I don't want your mother calling because you won't stop crying because Mr. Leonard gave you an F. I don't want to hear it. Easy, head down.

MG: Mr. Leonard, I've got an idea for our class
Mr. Leonard: Oh, yeah? That's great. It's probably not a good idea, son, so let's just say you leave the teaching to me and your ideas to yourself.
MG: But, Mr. Leonard, you don't even want to hear it?
Mr. Leonard: Sorry son, Mr. Leonard doesn't care, leave the ideas to me, is there an echo in here?

Easy kids, Mr. Leonard's got a headache today, no talking.

Sorry kids, no class today.... dog died.

A huge thank you to Don Leonard, the greatest teacher ever.

The clash

2009-11-17T18:41:00.001+01:00

I do not understand fashion. I do understand the concept of wanting to look good, nice colors, etc. But, I do not understand fashion. Why do women think pants that make it look like they crapped themselves are fashionable?

If you were a transvestite in waiting, wear diapers, or should wear diapers because you regularly go potty in your pants, then I can see wearing those pants. If you want to hide the shape of your hips and everything else, I understand, wear the pants.

Comfortable, ok. Fashionable, really? As I don’t understand it (therefore being an ignoramus on the subject), I won’t comment on it any more.

There is a guy circling the stadium with one of those collapsible wet floor signs. He keeps setting it up in front of things and taking pictures. I also obviously don’t understand art, but I do think it’s weird and it is well documented that I understand and appreciate weirdness. So I appreciate his weirdness at the same time being confused about what exactly constitutes art. Is it in the eye of the beholder? You can not like or appreciate Van Gogh, but his paintings are still art, so I’m not sure that’s the case.
Chalk another one up to my ignorance, I guess. Though I believe you can become completely non-ignorant to something, but still not understand it. No? You don’t have to agree or necessarily understand to not be ignorant, right? I guess understanding and ignorance are kind of opposites? Now I’m confused.

Why do rich people diet? It goes against everything that time has taught us.

To live longer? Let modern medicine genetically alter you, after all… you’re rich!

Rich people have done crazy ass things throughout time. Whitening themselves with lead to look as if they spend no time outside in the sun working, because they’re rich and don’t need to. In fact they were just killing themselves.
Getting fat to say, hey, look at me, I eat everything because I’m rich and can afford it. I don’t starve, neither does my family!

A bunch of super pale, white, fat, rich people doing shit to kill themselves.
I guess for once the rich have overcome the test of time and with the miracles of modern science, a healthy checkbook and a lot of visits to the gym, they’ve evolved. They work out to live longer and healthier. Is that evolution? They finally learned that doing stupid shit doesn’t help?
How do you explain plastic surgery? They do that because they can afford it. Vain like what’s her name called James Taylor.

I bet you think this blog is about you, don’t you? Don’t you?

The scary, crazy, weird part; maybe it is.
Bye.

Hey Mr. Tree

2009-11-13T15:37:00.000+01:00

The world changed.
Do you think Dogs think they're people?
Do you think they ever look back at you and wonder what the hell is wrong with you?
They rarely see humans poop on carpets.

I just wanted to make a quick entry while at work to let you know that I was thinking about you.

This year while you enjoy turkey on your thanksgiving table, keep in mind that modern turkey farming has absolutely nothing in common with the values associated with thanksgiving. In fact, trukey's may be the antithesis of thanksgiving, yet they sit front and center on your table.
Food for thought.

You got distracted

2009-11-11T23:58:00.001+01:00

Didn't you?

Concentration and I at times do not get along.

bah, bah-bah, bah, bah, you know this much is true.

When people start to make fun of you in writing and have completely awful spelling, when is it ok to rip them for making fun of you without proper spelling and grammar? Not that I'm always, if ever a very good speller or writer, but when people spell something so badly that it's actually another word, I really want to rip on them. The problem is that they then think that you can't take a joke. I can, I love to be made fun of, to make fun of myself and even the occasional jab at others. Ok, lots of jabs at others, but also a lot at myself.

I'm quite aware that I can be a bit of a douche bag. I think it's one of my best qualities.

The lovely dutch winter is approaching very quickly. It's already dark when I wake up and dark when I come back home from work. I'd appreciate just a bit of daylight. It's much harder to be a happy morning person when it's dark and rainy on your bike ride to work. Makes me miss the old Chevy pick-up.

I smile when the situation warrants it. I also almost always have my mouth open. I look ridiculous, but again, I like it.

Different is good. Different is weird. Weird is really good.

I really wish they sold the taco kits my mom used to make as a kid, here. That would make this place so much better.

I am currently in a state of over-worked-ness. It is starting to get to me and I don't like that. Stress and I don't get along, which is why I keep it out of my life. Lately, stress has come to visit and dropped it's bags off in my house. Get the hell out.

I wish I had roller blades. But I would never use them other than cruising around my house.

Do you think I could be a dancer? I do.

Why did earth wind and fire not include water in their name?

Is the pimp with a limp a viable nickname for someone who is neither a pimp nor has a permanent limp?

So many questions. I need to not be stressed so I can think of all the random crap I like to think about.

My cleaning lady left me a note to call her. WHat do you think she wants to talk about?

I'm glad I'm sleeping in my own bed tonight. Though I still need dinner, but I just got home from work and have no food.

Damn it.

Later chin-chin

Johnny come lately

2009-11-10T21:16:00.000+01:00

There's no new kid in town.

I just stopped by to say hello. I don't have much to say really.

Today I spent the day in Maastricht, packing sales meeting crap.

There is a whole lot to do and it all starts in a warehouse in the south of Holland. I really don't mind doing it. I don't enjoy the 2+ hour drive sitting in a cramped car and the train really isn't a great option either.

However, I drove on the way back and enjoyed it. It got a little rainy, but in the S4, everything was tight. I probably got at least 7 tickets with the Dutch speeding ticket cameras. I hate those. And it makes lazy cops, lazier. And it costs me a lot more money, therefore being successful.

I actually really like going down there and going through our stuff. Gets me out of the office, but still in Holland and not away from my bed at night. I like to lift and move boxes too.

Long day, but not bad. Tomorrow I am headed to Rotterdam for a meeting in the morning. It's good to get around Holland a little bit. I've also got some afternoon meetings with some more Dutch people.

I am starting to figure out how to get Dutch people to pretend to like me. I'm still pretty sure I annoy the crap out of them with my US trained business techniques. Annoying, demanding, yet effective. Then the speaking English part comes in, which actually works to their advantage, but I follow much more than they know, which works to my advantage. Never actually speak Dutch. That way they'll speak it in front of you openly and not hide it in slang/code.

It is starting to work out OK and I'm learning enough about Holland to know about some current events and where towns are, sports team, allegiances, etc to make me interesting enough to talk to for at least 30 seconds of small talk before getting down to it.

That was a long and poorly written sentence.

I better go, you gotta eat.

Hear in your ear.

-the pimp with the limp

Change your tone

2009-11-04T19:50:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow.... Cardiff.

At least it's been good to be in my bed for 2 nights, I'm still a bit off on time-zone (I don't like to call it jet-lag and I don't know why I don't, I just don't, I don't like it's tone).

I finally have the meeting scheduled to discuss my extension here in Amsterdam. We'll see in a couple weeks the fate of DID. I think even if this one dies, I will just mold it into a new blog. Though I go through phases with my dedication to posting, I do enjoy the blog, assuming I have something to write about. That's not really the problem, it's converting the thoughts into written word.

I was outside a couple times at work today and it kind of drizzled on and off all day, but wouldn't you know it as soon as I decide to leave work, the sky opens. I forgot what it feels like to ride home in cold rain without a raincoat. Enjoyable.

It rains a lot here, did I mention that?

Anyway, nothing to get worked up about.

Today at work I booted soccer balls at signage to test its durability. Sometimes my job can be quite interesting and/or entertaining. That was certainly entertaining.

I just ordered some sushi, I've been craving it since I arrived in Thailand, but couldn't find the right spot. I did have a 120 Euro steak. That's not weird, maybe unusual, and definitely delicious, but not weird. Extravagant? Unnecessary? Maybe.

Good bye friends

The pimp with the limp

2009-11-03T18:40:00.000+01:00

If I was a pimp and walked with a limp, I would want that to be nick-name.
that's all.

Byrned in paradise

2009-11-02T07:25:00.000+01:00

As I sit here on the beautiful island of Kho Tao I continue to non-stop think about my life. Decisions I've made, decisions I make, decisions I'm currently faced with. No I didn't sleep with a lady boy or something. I just don't know. I wonder about so many things.
I am truly in one of the worlds paradises and I can't get worry, work, and life out of my head. I know it will all get figured out, I just don't know when. I'm tired of thinking. My mind is my best friend and worst enemy.
Do you think that there is only so much in life? Meaning you look at everything and have 100 points. You can only have 100. If you're a happier person than me and that takes 20 of your points, does that mean you don't have as much left for things like intelligence? Is the brain only so capable of being certain things. Everything has trade offs, it once again goes back to the opportunity cost debate.
There are always consequences or costs or trade offs or whatever you want to call it.
Are we only capable of so much when you look at the total picture and what makes us, us?
I'm not sure.
Just a few moments ago I was listening to a David Byrne album while reading a David Byrne book. My good friend Jimmy gave me the book. It was really nice of him and Amanda. Thanks guys. Simple gesture, but meant a lot because there was actual thought involved. They saw it and thought of me. They know how much I love the Talking Heads and David Byrne in general and when they saw it, the picked it up. Nice.
John is skipping stones across the water. He's obviously got some things on his mind, I hope he gets them figured out.
Thailand is amazing, I hope to come back to these islands sometime. But for longer than 10 days. Maybe if I ever get married. It would be a great place to come for a 1 month honeymoon with someone you love.
Better yet, some time between jobs or something like that.
I'm going to go have a drink served in a coconut (ok I'm going to have a beer, but sounds cool) and enjoy the last night before heading up to Bangkok.
Hope you're having a great day.
Bye

spicey back rub

2009-10-22T22:04:00.000+02:00

Dudes,

I'm going to try to find an opportunity over the next 11 days to contribute to the ole-blog, but please bare with me. I am headed to Thailand to turn dirty 30 and internet access may be limited, or even if it's not, I may make it limited.

Just relax, I'll be back, but hopefully I'll talk to you along the way.

Merry Christmas,

Mike

c'est a choo choo

2009-10-21T17:48:00.000+02:00

No, I didn't sneeze, though I do find sneezing to be a pleasurable experience. I don't know why, but I get a sense of satisfaction after a good sneeze. Assuming I don't have projectiles from said sneeze on my shirt, hand or still dangling from one of the extremities on my face.

I'm on the train back to Amsterdam from Paris. I had a good 2 nights, with some valuable time spent in strategic work-shops and meeting with new potential partners to help our business in France.
I always thought France (aka the French) was a tough place for our brand, but in fact I just think we had the wrong people in charge. It is a satisfying feeling to walk out of meetings feeling like someone actually knows what the hell they're talking about. Enough about work.
The Thalys train is about a 4 hour train from Amsterdam Central Station (or Schiphol) to Paris Noord. It's not a bad trip, especially since they now have wireless onboard. That is quite a nice feature.
I'm actually sitting here on the train booking flights. That's not necessarily weird, but it is interesting and amazingly convenient. I wish Thalys had a loyalty program like the airlines. I'd be a super gold extra special plus member. Same with the Deutsch-Bahn, I'd be someone special with all the time I spend moving about. But the DB doesn't have wireless, so if I was on it right now, this blog entry wouldn't exist. Doubtful this blog entry would change anyones life, but it once again comes down to simple decisions or influences at certain times that can entirely change the course of someones life.
I'm not sure if I believe in fate. Is it random or is it fate? I don't know. I think there are too many unhappy people on this earth for fate to exist. Or God is just really cruel. That's a topic for another day.
I am sure that I believe in Abba, just like the rest of the Dutch. They love their Abba, despite them not being Dutch, which normally isn't the case. I'm not sure the Dutch have too many non-dutch things they admit they love. They love to complain about something, whilst secretly loving it. I will list some examples another time. Oh, they're their, I'm just too lazy and I have too much work to do to keep writing.
C'est la vie.
Tot ziens

Half way.... to becoming....

2009-10-19T13:56:00.000+02:00

Well. I did it. 13.1 miles in 2:22:31.
8 days before I disembark from my twenties and embark on the next decade of uncertainty, I went for a what seemed like a really long jog.
Lots of folks say races are boring, I didn't find it boring at all. I just kept the feet moving at 8,9 km's/huur and a couple hours later I was sitting on my couch fighting away the urge to puke.
Puke I did not. Finish I did. And it felt great.
I went in thinking I could never finish and to be honest, it wasn't that bad. I'm definitely struggling today, but I'm not nearly as sore as I expected to be.
Because this blog is about my Dutch experiences, I want to recall my favorite "Dutch" experiences of the run.

1. There were a ton of spectators out along the course. Most of the time spectators at marathons cheer you on, help you run. While some certainly did this, most spectators at this marathon just stare at you strangely. They don't clap, they don't actually even really want you to finish, I don't think. I'm pretty sure they come out to try and catch a glimpse of someone falling or to make fun of the people struggling in the end. I think it's kind of an "I don't know you, why would I want to cheer for you" type thing. That is the dutch way, nothing is free, nothing is granted (including respect and encouragement), it's earned. They didn't know me, they didn't care.
I'd like to find the little kid who was enjoying throwing plastic bottles of water on the course, trying to get someone to step on one and fall, that was nice. And the group of kids who were making fun of everyone, pointing and throwing little bits of black licorice at people, I'm sure they really appreciated that, thanks a lot for not targeting me.
One caveat here, that I mentioned above, is that some people actually did cheer us on. I'd like to thank the group about 1k away from the finish who were completely bombed, but cheered me on as loud as possible. Most other wasted people along the way were just yelling or trying to fool you by handing you beer whilst running, not this group. The yelled and cheered for everyone and at that point, I really appreciated it.

2. Just because someone is hired by the race organizers to work the marathon and help keep runners safe and undisturbed, doesn't mean they will actually do their job. Twice I ran into workers crossing the road, not paying attention. Ok, I'm working my ass off, stay the F out of my way. You're paid to help and any contact with me after I've run 12 miles has the potential to knock me down and take fat boy out. I didn't appreciate it. Especially because they were hired to help us.

3. Dutch people (the spectators I'm referencing) also don't respect your efforts when crossing the course. I get it, you need to get over to the other side to get to the store, coffee shop, whatever it is, but I shouldn't have to stop and wait for you to get your bike through the barrier and the police standing there, shouldn't let you cross. Stay the F out the way.

4. Huge wind up music boxes are not motivating.

5. Bands are only effective when you're actually playing. I appreciate the thumbs up, but would rather actually here you bang on those drums.

6. I'm a huge whiner. I complain about everything. Oh my God................

Am I becoming DUTCH?

blinded by science

2009-10-17T13:21:00.000+02:00

I just saw something about a guy who was blinded by a freak chemical explosion. He really was blinded by science. Sci-science!

She blinded me... with science.

What a weird song.

It's poetry in motion, when she turned her eyes to me. As deep as any ocean, as sweet as any harmony. She blinded me with science.

When I'm dancing close to her.

SCIENCE!

I managed to lose my blackberry battery last night. Not the phone, just the battery. How weird is that? As weird as the song? Or weirder?

I went downtown, I said I went downtown

I saw miss brown, I said I saw miss brown

She had brown sugar, had brown sugar

All over her bubba wubba, all over her bugga wugga wugga

I think I might join the fun, think I might join the fun

But I had to hit and run, had to hit and run

See I just can't settle down, just can't settle down

In the kinky part of town

Right on

Don't you know I've got to right on

Right on

See I just can't settle down

Right on

I'm a leaving town

Kinky Reggae

All I've got to say

Kinky Reggae

Take it or leave it

Kinky Reggae

Deceive it

God Bless Bob Marley

Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2009-10-15T19:22:00.001+02:00

It looks like it's getting cold back in B-more, good to see. Cold weather helps business, plane (or plain) and simple.

My theory regarding my untrained, out of shape self running the half marathon on Sunday: I turn 30 October 26th and have never run a half marathon, why the hell not give it a shot.

Several months ago I embarked on a training plan which ended (or disembarked) with me running 13.1 miles at the annual ING Amsterdam Marathon.

The training plan got off to a very strong start. I lost some weight and was adding miles with no problem. Then came the pushed-too-hard/bad form/I'm a baby injuries. Those injuries turned into nagging long lasting ones, which molded with laziness and the discovery of some new workouts, into one big leg hurting excuse.

Bottom line, I haven't trained for 2 months, haven't much less gone for a run but once in the last 3 weeks (though I have worked out a few times in those weeks). I'm out of shape and not made to be a runner.

I signed up with good intentions and unfortunate injuries (and laziness) have kept me from being even close to adequately prepared. (Another but) But, I have absolutely nothing to lose by going out and giving it a shot on Sunday.

I will likely hurt myself and I almost definitely wont finish. There won't be a good ending to this blog if I don't at least try. I've got a plan, I'll try and finish, we'll see what happens.

If you're a marathon runner or a someone who is gifted with the abilities to run, you are lucky. This entry makes no sense to you and you think I'm a wuss. Well screw you. Running is hard for a lot of people and whether you think it or not, 13.1 miles is really far. Bite me. But have a good day.

Pixelated images of confusion

2009-10-14T19:52:00.000+02:00

Hello world.

There is a song that we're singing, but it's probably not about coming on and getting happy. My song isn't at least. It's not the opposite, it's close, just different. I'm not going to tell you, you didn't ask.

Went to see the Pixies last night at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, next to the Amsterdam ArenA (where Ajax plays).

I've been to that venue a couple times and I think this show goes towards the top of the list.

I wasn't expecting a ton, which I think contributed to it not being an over-hyped disappointment. I do know some of their songs, but wouldn't consider myself a fanatic, just a fan.

When you think of the words fan and fanatic, don't they technically have the same meaning since one comes from the other? I think you can be a fan without being a fanatic, therefore different meanings. But maybe you see it differently. We should discuss it some time, but not today.

I just had a moment of confusion, not like the land of confusion (no Reagan puppets, even less Genesis), just a moment in between here and there. It's good to be back.

But the beer in the coconut and throw the can of beer.

Is it weird that at 29, conversations with my friends about poop still make me laugh?

Alan Jackson

2009-10-09T18:02:00.000+02:00

He was right. It is 5 o'clock somewhere. That place is currently the UK, Portugal, etc.
The great part about living in Holland is that the weekend comes before it does in the US.
The bad part about living in Holland is that the week comes before it does in the US.
Good and bad, just like everything. Maybe it brings us back to opportunity cost?
Although the weeks and weekends are the same amount of "time" regardless.
Because I earn more money in Holland, does that make my opportunity costs higher here for equal actions in the US vs Holland?
Hmmmmmmmmmmm..................
It is also 6 o'clock somewhere. That place is Holland. I've got a couple things to finish up and I'm off to enjoy my weekend of peace.
Enjoy your weekend. Say something nice to someone or do something nice you wouldn't normally do. Let's brighten the world this weekend. I'll cover Holland, you cover the US. Cool?

expense report

2009-10-06T20:14:00.000+02:00

Holland is known as having a comparatively lenient justice system. I read an article today about a thief who stole 3000Euro. There was no jail time involved, but the thief had to refund the money stolen. But here's the weirdness, any items purchased by the thief exclusively for carrying out this crime, were deductible from the total amount he stole. He only had to pay back about 2K. Wow. That's weird. that is actually my weird Dutch fact of the day, week, month or year. Maybe I'll post more weird facts about the Dutch on a regular to not-regular basis. We'll see. Bye

Oh.... the water

2009-10-06T18:09:00.000+02:00

Can I buy you a drink? .... or would you rather just have the money?
You'd probably take the money.

This week has been a week of organization. Well, today has been a day of organization. Ok, the last hour has been an hour of organization. I cleared, cleaned and organized my messy desk. I was fed-up with the dirty look and wanted to try something new.

I'm off to London tomorrow for a meeting on a project I'm actually pretty excited about.

Today we had our new partners in from Bite Tech. They put togther a nice presentation to our office, despite the two of them, Craig and myself being out until 230AM on a Monday night.
I was definitely feeling a little funny at 630 when I got up. I fell out of bed a matter of fact. I then stepped on something sharp on my door frame and while hopping up and down on one foot, stubbed my toe on the toilet. I then put a fresh bar of soap on the shower shampoo and soap holder-thing and it fell down, splashing shampoo all over the place. Whilst attempting to clean it up, I slipped on some and landed on my ass. Which also then knocked my head back into the wall. As I fell I tried to grab the shower curtain, ripping it and the pole holding it down. That hit the sink and knocked my clippers onto the floor, getting them soaked in the water (therefore no longer working) and shampoo I had spilled all over the floor. Now my ass hurts. So does my head. I think I'm going to live. The bright side is that I laughed hysterically while it all happened. I think I was still a bit loaded and definitely out of it. I need shampoo and a new shower curtain now. I did wipe enough off the floor to wash my head today, maybe some dried for tomorrow that I can scrape off and re-hydrate? Nah, i'll just buy some more.

I guess I'll see you next lifetime? Wynonna's got herself a big brown beaver, keep your distance. Had to pull out a fishing rod, with the tackle on our backs. Oh the water. Oh the water.
mike

lyrical reference

2009-10-04T15:35:00.000+02:00

Happy Sunday.

Broncos finally play a good team. That's a little worrisome. The game is on ESPN America, so I actually get to watch it at my house on normal cable. That's a big deal.

I've got to go to the grocery store and for some reason am dreading it. I think it's the whole meal planning for the next few days that I don't feel like doing. I picked some things up at the market, so that adds a whole new element of complication. The list gets smaller, but more strategic. I want to be quick and planned out. In and out.

I am going to go ahead and throw out a go Ravens as well. Why not. Got to root for the hometown team. That will bring in good karma for the Broncos at 10. So excited I can watch at home.

I cut my finger. Now its bloody sunday. later

The Homeland

2009-09-29T03:56:00.001+02:00

Home... is where I want to be. Mr. Byrne was wise when he wrote that line.

As I sit here on the couch with my Mom, Step-dad and Dog all napping, all I can think of is how short this trip home is. It is great to be here. The days have been full and crazy, but I've managed to do a lot and see a lot of people. I'm not ready to head back to the NL, but I guess I have to go.

I am once again in the middle of the little guys on my shoulders advising me what to do. It's like the little angel and devil in cartoons fighting to decide the fate of the roadrunner. Drop the 2000lb Acme brand anvil or let him live? Just a little bird seed to lure him to the X. To move back to the US or to stay in Europe for another year or so. The grass is always greener.

Did you notice that either way, the roadrunner survives? So does the coyote, though not without some serious injury. Is that the point? Either way you survive? Two different ways to get to the same place, but you'll always be fine (once you recovered from being blown up from your own TNT at least)?

But it is tough when it's been a while and you come back and see everyone. My brother/sis-in-law being pregnant also makes it really tough. I want to be here for all of that, but I also have a good situation in Holland for myself. To be selfish or not to be? Maybe staying isn't an option, then I don't need to worry about it.

Decisions, decisions.... maybe.

What would you do? It's a lot easier to have an opinion when you don't actually have to physically live with the decision.

It is great to be back in my Homeland, see you over Christmas.

Starvin Marvin

2009-09-20T11:24:00.000+02:00

Surely you're sitting by your computer waiting to hear if I went out day drinking yesterday.

The short answer is, no, I didn't. The long answer involves a few angry turkey's, evening drinks, and a Columbian. Way too long to tell, if you want to hear about it, drop me a line. I'll only remember for the next 2 days or so, so if you're interested, make sure you get your request in to my publicist before Tuesday.

Appetizer. What you eat, before you eat, to make you more hungry.

NFL Sunday. Yeah baby. Let's go Broncos

foot traffic

2009-09-19T15:30:00.000+02:00

I'm working on the first of what probably will not be many renditions of Walking in Memphis, but catered to different cities throughout the world. I'm going to start with Walking in Amsterdam. You know what would be a good idea, is if you did it for the city you live in. Then we could compare.

I don't believe that there is actually yogurt surrounding the raisin in snacks entitled yogurt covered raisins.

What started as a nice morning has turned into a cloudy day here in Hamsterdam.

If something funny happens to me today, I'm going to let you know. Perhaps some day drinking?

Until then,

Mike

probability

2009-09-18T11:24:00.001+02:00

Did anyone ever tell you a story that you actually liked? Did it start with once upon a time or dude, I was so drunk last night....

Are all people 1-uppers? When someone tells you a story, how often are you actually listening? Are you hearing them out and thinking about the story or are you just waiting for your opportunity to tell your own story back, that is similar, though involving you, and certainly much cooler.

Ever happened to you?

Probably.

How often do you make decisions prematurely? Do you actually listen to other people? Or are you sticking to your guns no matter what? Not on purpose, but you just don't listen. Do most people actually hear each other out open minds during arguments?

Probably not.

The most dreaded point in the argument is when you realize you're wrong. You've fought so hard for so long to be right, only to completely realize they're right. Do you just admit it and end the battle? Probably not.

Did you have to actually listen to the other person to realize you were wrong? I don't know.

Looking forward to some time back in Maryland end of next week. I miss the US and I'm excited to come back for a couple nights.

If everybody's working for the weekend, what are the people working on the weekends working for? The week?
Probably not.

Humility

2009-09-15T15:27:00.000+02:00

Really good things happen and really bad things happen.

When really bad things happen you realize things that you should realize more often when really good or just ok things happen. How short, fragile, and incredible the opportunity is to live. It is taken for granted all too often and truly is an amazing experience. When someone's ends prematurely, it is a tragedy with no equivalent on this earth. The last few days I've heard incredible news about life and horrible news about death. I have friends and family dealing with both. I wish all of you the best and my thoughts are with you.

Taking the good with the bad

2009-09-14T20:42:00.000+02:00

So my blog isn't always "good." the content fluctuates like I do.

Be careful or I might steal your face right off your head. You can lose your head. You can also lose face. Now you have to worry about it being stolen as well.

There's a girl in New York city, she calls herself the Human Trampoline. That's weird.

The mississippi delta and all that.

Does anyone else think (Nothing But) Flowers was a song before its time? It would be a good song to come out with now. Listen to the words. You might interpret them differently, but if you think the same, I think you'll agree.

Here we stand. Like and Adam and Eve. Waterfalls. Garden of Eden. Two fools in love. So beautiful and strong. Birds in the trees. Us smiling upon them. From the age in the dinosaurs cause we run on gasoline. Where. Where have they gone. Now, it's nothing but flowers. There was a factory, now there are mountains and rivers. You got it. You got it. We caught a rattle snake, now we got something for dinner. You got it, you got it. There was a shopping mall, now it's all covered in flowers. If this is paradise, I wish I had a lawn mower. You got it, you got it. Years ago, I was an angry young man. Now I pretend that I was a billboard. Standing tall, by the side of the road. I fell in love, with a beautiful highway. This used to be real estate, now it's only fields and trees. Where. Where is the town. Now it's nothing but flowers. The highways and cars were sacrificed for angry culture. I thought that we'd start over, but I guess I was wrong. Once there were parking lots. Now it's a peaceful oasis. you got it, you got it. This was a pizza hut, now it's all covered with daisy's. you got it, you got it. I miss the honky tonks, dairy queens and 7-11's. You got it, you got it. And as it fell apart, no one paid much attention. You got it, you got it.

I dream of cherry pies, candy bars and chocolate chip cookies. You got it, you got it. We used to microwave, now we just eat nuts and berries. You got it, you got it. THis was a discount store, now it's turned into a corn field. You got it, you got it. DOn't leave me standing here, I can't get used to this lifestyle.

What a song.

Like I said, the blog's not always good. Maybe not even worth reading? But that's in your hands. Not for me to decide.

Love you.

Waste

2009-09-14T19:44:00.001+02:00

Waste is everywhere in life. Waste in life, can be in so many forms. My favorite type of waste would have to be wasted time.
Time has value. Time's value is a very personal thing. What you see as wasting time, I might see as valuable time.
Life is short and time is valuable. Am I wasting time writing my thoughts in this blog?
A blog that is intended to document past experiences, is that wasting time? Spending even more time on an experience that happened in the past, to document it. I probably could have filled the time it takes to document with new experiences.
I believe that is called opportunity cost. Actually, I don't just believe that, it IS called opportunity cost.
Opportunity, and it's cost, is a really confusing thing. I hope I'm not wasting my time or causing too great of a cost to the opportunity I have with time, by writing in this blog. But it's only relative to my value of time.
Values in general change over time. Look at yourself as a child, in college, and now and tell me your values haven't changed. I will disagree with you.
So if your values change over time, therefore changing the value of the opportunity cost associated with certain activites or concentrations of your time, what does that mean for past and future waste of time. Waste would then be relative to your current values. Those values determine the opportunity cost of time, but only in it's current form. If they change, so does the value of your past.
My personal valuation of my time on this earth only goes up.
I hope yours does too.
Best to you all.

Meatballs

2009-09-14T18:37:00.001+02:00

Hello fans of my blog.
All 2 of you. Or is it up to 3 now?
I spent an amazing weekend in Stockholm with my buddy John.
Yes, the meatballs were good.
What a city. I can't wait to go back.... as long as it's in the summer.
I'll keep you fresher than the next chick.... no need... for you to ever sweat the next chick... with speed.... I make the best chick see the exit... in deed.... you got to know that you respected.... by me.
Know that you're respected. Respected by me.
Stockholm has many great things. Meatballs were impressive, but not the most impressive. That has to go to the women. They were beautiful. Even the ugly ones. Just thought I'd throw that out there. I've been told women find Swedish men really attractive as well so I don't feel bad calling out the ladies.
We tore up the town, both nights out way past our bed time and wake up time for that matter. Met some cool people, walked as much of the city as we could, all around a great trip.
I think my tally is not to 35 or so countries.... all before 30. Crazy.
I'm more impressed with my 47 of 50 states though to be honest. One 5 week cross country road trip with my friend and taking that year off, i really covered a lot of ground.
Now hopping around the globe on works (and my own) dime... can't beat it.
But don't forget about the sacrifice. All my friends sitting at home hugging their wives/girlfriends, petting their children, and raising their dogs.... it's a trade off. We chose different paths, hopefully we all die happy.
I have so much I want to say to this blog. I want to go back and retrace my travels and document them. I want to talk about work (won't do that though). I want to discuss the whacky ass thoughts and feelings that constantly go through my head.
I don't know why I don't. I just don't. It takes time, which is valuable, not meaning that in a monetary way, it takes effort, and lots of thinking/remembering.
I read a couple posts on another guys blog a couple days ago. It had its moments, don't get me wrong, but it was a work/personal blog. Guy is a partner in a company, wants to be quirky and funny, but his blog is still business serving. I'm not saying that's wrong, I just think it's weird. I get it, it's an electronic, modern, socially networked society, but say what it is.
What is my blog? Still not sure, I mean, I talk about work too. Try not to, too much, but i do write about it.
Anyway, we'll get it figured out. You and I. Just the 2 of us.

Draft Day

2009-09-05T12:42:00.000+02:00

With the 12th pick in the 2009 free agent draft, Mike Gable selects....

Who's it going to be?

My first draft is today and it's a keeper league, so typically the big boys are held on to, well at least 20 of the big boys. I'm keeping Larry Fitzgerald and Brian Westbrook. BW may be falling off, but he's been a staple of my fantasy team for the last 5 years. I've kept him every year and it's paid off. I even won the league last year.

It's kind of sad that I know NOTHING about what has gone on in the NFL this last year, outside of Denver that is (I know we're a freaking mess so no need to remind me). I wonder what will happen. I find myself getting less and less excited about fantasy every year, hopefully once the season starts I'll be charged up again. Maybe I should retire on top? John Elway style?

It's a lonely world

2009-09-05T12:10:00.000+02:00

And I love it!

I am a loner. I like being by myself. I don't have to worry about anyone else. I just have to worry about surviving myself, which is quite a task in itself. What selfish things to say.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy time with friends and family and do need a good bit of that in my life to stay sane. I love my friends and family and sometimes I even wish I had more people to hang out with or wish I had something to do with some people. As an expat living in Holland with a limited group of friends, that's to be expected. But I really enjoy being alone and prefer it most of the time. It's strange and I realize it more and more every day.

I've had so many visitors lately that my loner lifestyle has been violently shaken up.

I DO love having people come to visit, it's just hard when you wake up, there are people there. Go to work, more people. Come home from work, people again. Take them out to dinner, show them the town, go to bed... they're there! It just puts me out of whack and I don't get the personal battery charge time. I guess I'll have lots of it when I'm dead though. Same thing I say about sleep. However, if you don't get enough sleep, you can stress your body and actually take life off your life. Years that first life is. Weird how that works, isn't it.

I love sleep, but I tend to not do it that much. I'm always afraid I'm missing something and there is always something going on to see or do.

I don't know. I'm going to go be alone and like it.

Best,

Mike

Cowboy's mamma's

2009-09-05T11:49:00.000+02:00

Cowboy's ain't easy to love and they're harder to hold. They'd rather give you a song, then diamonds or gold. Lone star belt buckles and old faded levi's and each night begins a new day. If you don't understand him, he don't die young, he'll probably just ride away. Mamma's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboy's. Don't let'em pick guitars and drive them old trucks, let them be doctors, lawyers and such.

Well, I'm neither a doctor/lawyer or a cowboy. But if you wonder which one I'm more disappointed about, it would certainly be not being a cowboy. I wish I was a cowboy.

The idea of the cowboy lifestyle is a state of living that I aspire to reach. Cowboy's are the ultimate loner. Work the land, tame wild beasts, wear a cowboy hat. Big belt buckles, great boots (with spurs of course). Denim and flannel is always acceptable attire. Smoking unfiltered, hand-rolled cigs.

It would be great to run your ranch, sleep under the stars and live off the land in gods country. Patrol your land on horse back. Sweet. Drive an old beat up truck. Sweet.

Maybe it's a cattle ranch. Maybe you rope on the weekends. Maybe you barrel race.

My cousins used to rope when we were kids. They didn't live the cowboy lifestyle, but they did have a taste of it in their lives. Living on a farm with cows and horses. It must have been so annoying when I wanted to saddle up and ride the horses every time I came to visit.

A lot of great memories there though. Thanks Aunt Kathy, Uncle Kurt, Keir and Kjeld.

Mamma's let your babies grow up to be cowboy's. I still might get my chance... one day.

Guess what?

It's raining in Amsterdam!

whoa is me

2009-09-05T11:14:00.000+02:00

I'm a little fuzzy this morning kids. had a bit too much to drink last night. Dutch TV continues to surprise me. Who's the Boss reruns? Mona gets after it.

so sleepy

2009-08-11T21:19:00.000+02:00

it is hard to believe that it's been a month since I last posted in my blog. A whole lot has happened. I went to Lebanon to hang with my cousin, Venice and Florence with my folks when they visited, Ireland last weekend with my man Gary, and next week I head to Croatia for a week to sail around the islands.

Also in that time I've had two business trips and booked a 12 day trip to Thailand for my 30th in October. I haven't had any down time since it all began and needless to say, not time or energy to keep the blog going.

I'm calling myself out and saying that is really a lame excuse and if I want to accomplish the mission I set out when I started the blog, I need to get better.

I'm not sure how much I'll be able to catch up at this point, but I'm hoping for a fresh start of what's going on from today forward.

I've got a bit of a cold and knees that are hurting. Over the last few weeks the training hasn't been going great for the half marathon, but I have been trying to still hit the gym and eat relatively healthy. I've still lost some weight so hopefully the joints will recover enough to run the half marathon. I'm a fat boy, just not meant to run.

Ireland was a blast, it's good to have a few days downtime with no one in the house. I have to say I've missed that.

It was great to see my parents, great to see Gary, Dublin was amazing and Italy was incredible. It's been a great couple weeks, but the mini-break of 4 days before Jimmy and crew arrive is a welcome arrival.

There are lots of highlights of the last trips. I have to drop the girl fight involving one smashing a glass over the other's head was disturbing, yet quite entertaining. Irish girls. Wow.

I'm enjoying some cauliflower, broccoli and salmon right now. It's nice and hopefully helps boost the immune system to fight off the cold that has arrived. Too much non-stop, the body couldn't keep up.

I've now got a new computer and a new ipod. One just stopped working, one I left in a hotel room, you figure it out.

Tomorrow we're headed to England vs. Netherlands at Amsterdam Arena. Should be a good time. Hup Holland Hup.

I'm going to get some sleep now and look forward to talking to myself more in the near future.

ah... ah... ah... ah...

2009-07-22T23:02:00.000+02:00

CHOOOOOO!

I sneezed twice today.

The Farm

2009-07-07T17:06:00.000+02:00

It has long been a dream of mine to own enough land to build a house and have my own small produce/farm operation. I am now certain that in addition to somewhat organic vegetables and limited fruits, I'd also like to grow grapes. Ideally 2 varities, some for eating, some for wine making. But there are a lot of barriers to actually turning the grapes into wine. Many, many barriers. Too many in fact to list, so I'll stop there

Letters that headbang to the right

2009-06-29T20:59:00.000+02:00

When I first moved out here I began to think about communication with my family and friends back home. Of course I could email them, call them, text them, fax them, yadda, yadda, yadda. What about when you used to write someone? What about when writing letters was the only mode of communication over distance? Pony express and shit? What about when our grandfathers went off to war and had to communicate back home to our grandmothers and great grandmothers that they were ok... or not.
I told my dad that when I moved I wanted to limit our correspondence to writing only. Of course not to be mean, to see if we could make writing only a viable way to communicate on a somewhat regular basis. I would probably write more than I call, as sad as that is.

Some points about writing someone:

Significantly more personal
Extremely customizable
More time consuming
Less urgent
Isn't real time
Has long delivery times in comparison
More expensive?

Do you have any more to add to my list?

It is crazy to think about how you look to the future and sometimes cannot fathom what could possibly get better or more convenient or cheaper. I wonder if they looked at the letter like that? How much the world changed so fast. We certainly don't know what the future holds, but things will keep evolving and developing, so will we. It's going to be nuts. Do something special this week and write someone a letter. Just make sure you put it in the mail and stay away from the crab people.

Topic 2:
Whilst at the AC/DC concert last week I began to notice that my mild headbanging was always in a consistent direction. It was strange, I always went the same way. I had a comfortable motion that when deviated upon, hurt or at least wasn't natural or smooth. But once I adjusted back to the comfort position, I was fine.
That got me thinking.... Do we all have a specific headbanging motion that is comfortable? Does whether we're "left-brained" or "right-brained" determine which direction we headbang therefore which side of the brain we're willing to sacrifice cells? Do people who headbang on a more regular basis than me not experience this? They're more conditioned and used to different motions.
So many more questions. Drives me crazy thinking about this stuff all the time.
Wait, what?

Moosic

2009-06-25T18:00:00.000+02:00

Mooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
There are a lot of cows in Holland. There are more sheep than people in Wales.

Tonight I'm headed out to see Ben Harper. Tuesday night it was AC/DC. That's two opposite ends of the quality band spectrum. The only thing that would hold me back from seeing Ben is the possibility of human error. Chris, the guy who bought the tickets, currently cannot find them.

Uh oh.

Uh oh again, AC/DC f-ing rocked. They were amazing. When the started playing back in black with the third song, it was incredible. I started dancing, jumping around, physically assaulting my friends. Sah-weet.

I'm going to go home and have some green beans, chicken and broccoli for dinner. Mmmmmm, not really, I'd rather have a pizza. But you see.... I'm too fat.

Good bye.

Elvis Lives

2009-06-21T11:36:00.000+02:00

Is there really anything wrong with living off of road-kill as a primary protein source? As long as you cook it thoroughly, burn the fur off and skin it, is there anything wrong? It's free meat, free sustenance. If it's out in the country and has been living a "natural" lifestyle and not eating garbage and feces, it's probably even healthy. What if it died from disease? Is it an issue to eat?
I think you'd be fairly strange going around picking up all the dead animals from the roads. Another question, how many days can it sit there before it's been too long to eat? Do you do research to find out or do you just figure it out with experimentation. Potentially getting really sick. For those who say meat is murder, I'd think this would be an acceptable way for them to consume meat products. Just a thought.
I heard some old Elvis today. Elvis was the man. What a way to make a living. The hip gyration. I think it would have been amazing to have experienced him and musicians like him in a time when mass media didn't make it possible to spread music and make it readily accessible to anyone at any time. No going onto i-tunes and buying the song. What if Elvis had the tools available now, the internet, tv and radio stations dedicated to music only. Would it make him a bigger star than he was or would he be a smaller star? He didn't have to deal with Piracy and illegal downloads. Enough about Elvis.

Bike number 3

2009-06-20T12:01:00.000+02:00

As Amsterdam's favorite and most convenient mode of transportation, a bike is a necessity. A capable, quality steed is a must when you rely on it to get everywhere. What naturally goes along with the big business of new and used bike sales/service, is an equally as healthy black-market bike trade. A couple weeks ago I experienced what I would expect any true resident of this small, canal strewn city does at some point over their years here; I had my bike stolen. My Gazelle. My trusty steed that helped me navigate the twists and turns of this lovely city, gone.
I bought it as an old, used bike, but a classic dutch brand and the original low-rider. It was an ugly green and was scratched and rusted, but solid and well made. It had to be to take my fat-ass around.
Here's to you bike. You were great. I hope that the shady character that stole you got a lot of money when he auctioned you off to the highest bidder. You were worth all 180 Euro I paid for you and it turns my stomach when I think that the sick, sick person who stole you peddled you for a cheap, insulting 30Euro or so. It's not a reflection of your value and I hope you don't take it as such.

That was bike 1.

But you see.... I actually owned 2 bikes. The second was bought when my girlfriend at the time came out to visit. It was a cheaper, but new, bike that would be great for visitors. That way they wouldn't have to rent one and if good'ole bike number 1 went down, I'd be prepared with a back-up. Not that Bike number 1 would ever go down, she was so strong and in great shape (worked out 5 times a week) before she was viciously stolen from my possesion under the dark of night.
Bike (fiets in Dutch) number 2's demise came in a totally different form.
One weekend some people from the Hague came in to town. They were crashing with me, so they came to my house for some beers before we went out. After some champagne, beers and shots of whiskey, we embarked on the 5 minute bike journey to the bar where we were meeting up with John and some of his friends. Well, not even 30 seconds into the journey I heard a shriek from the bike rider behind me. I started laughing and had assumed that the bike and bike-rider had fallen over. As I turned around and started riding back, I didn't see them laying in the bike path, nursing their wounds. They were nowhere to be found! They had literally disappeared.
Or had they.... as I jumped off my bike and looked around in amazement, I began to wonder if I was dreaming or had been slipped a hit of acid or something. They weren't there so I decided to peer over the edge of the canal and noticed 8 fingers clasping on to the side of a boat. Yup that's right, bike number two and the driver had not just fallen on the concrete, but had fallen into the canal.
Bike number 2.... gone.
And that's all I have to say about that

Goth lives and don't pee in sinks

2009-06-17T12:22:00.000+02:00

Spent yesterday in Frankfurt, met with Nintendo, did some retail visits, yada, yada, yada. Unfortunately when I checked prices for flying vs train, flying was about 5 times the cost. So we trained it.... which means 4 hours on a train in the morning and 4 hours on a train in the evening, surrounded by meetings. For the record, that sucks. It sucks big-time.

Today I'm in the UK. In Manchester meeting with a new account about potential marketing partnerships. Hopefully something good comes out of it! And it's just a 1 hour flight each way. No 4 hour trains.
Ok, I'm done bitching, thanks for listening.

When you look at different groups, styles, mantras, cliques youth can belong to, Goth is one on all lists, in all countries. But nowhere in the world does Goth live like it does in Germany. It is scary. Stay away from the Hbf's, they're everywhere!

Ok. So I had one of the funniest experiences of my life just now. I'm in the Manchester airport and I have to pee. So naturally, I go and find a bathroom. Simultaneously, I'm reading an email on my blackberry. I walk through the door and notice to the left hand side, some "urinals." I pull my business out and start peeing. About 15 seconds go by and I look up from my BB and there is a big miror on the wall. Nice, checked myself out (I looked great) made sure no boogies in the nose, and back to peeing and reading the email. About 7 seconds later a gentleman comes up to the "urinal" next to me and begins washing his hands. I start my eye-roll and look over at him, only to notice he's looking at me with an even more strange look...
Turns out; I was peeing in the sink in Manchester airport. I calmly finished and explained to the gentelman that I was not peeing in the sink on purpose, appologized and went to the sink to my left to wash my hands. Didn't want to wash in the same sink I just peed in. Lesson learned, pay attention when peeing in public places. Oh yeah... and don't eat yellow snow.

Epic Metaphor

2009-06-13T17:40:00.000+02:00

An epic battle. I just watched the video for Tina Turner's What's Love got to do with it. I believe that 1984 video was the first to incorporate dance-fighting. Ballet with some kung-fu moves. I'm not sure credit is given where credit is due in this instance. Since no one else has, I'll say it.... thanks Tina.
I turned my TV on and that video was playing.
Had I come into the house 2 minutes later and turned the TV on, I never would have seen the video. I mean, how many times, without major prompting, do you think of that song. So that made me think about the dance-fighting and then writing in the blog. What if I was 2 minutes later. I wouldn't be sitting here writing in this blog and I never would have spent the last 5 minutes on Tina Turner song related thoughts.
It's amazing how completely random timing can affect your life. It goes along with what I wrote before about the Croatia trip, job interviews and how simple choices lead to life altering occurrences.
I think your path in life is one big coincidence. So does fate maybe = coincidence? I know those two words are kind of opposite, but it makes you think... At least it makes me think. Another demonstration of a little thing in life that you notice and start analyzing and the next thing you know a bunch of time has passed, you've thought through some things but at the same time completely confused yourself.
I have to say plans for the summer are starting to come together nicely. There is one trip/thing I've wanted to do that I can't seem to figure out, but the rest is coming together nicely. What's that one thing I can't figure out? I'll never tell, which doesn't really matter if you're not curious to find out.
I've got several trips either booked or in the works. These include a few days in Beirut, a trip to Italy with the folks, a trip to Dublin, a trip to Stockholm, a week sailing in Croatia then in October the 30th B-day trip to India or Africa potentially. Not to mention anything last minute I squeeze in over a weekend.
It's shaping up to be a good summer. Amsterdam weather is improving, canal boats are in full force, and I'm ready for a beer outside.
So I will once again say goodbye for a briefly long time. All the best and happy trails.

fat boy

2009-06-07T19:00:00.001+02:00

I've always liked Jeep Wranglers. I have never owned one because of the social class it puts you in. You're then required to wave to other Jeep owners when you pass them. Attending the local Jeep rally starts to engulf your weekends. You then buy a sticker saying "it's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand." Jeeps are cool and actually mean something to own one. I think that's why I'm scared to have one. You can't just own a Jeep and not be part of the culture.
Big tires, lifts, different tops, etc. It's easily customizable. It has accessories and is the most personified in my opinion of cars. Sports cars, etc also garner crazy social groups, but because Jeeps are so widely owned and spread throughout the US, they hold the proverbial title.
Unless of course you own the Jeep and don't wave and don't attend the rallies and don't have the sticker. Then your vehicle is still in the club, but you as the owner are not. Then you just own a Jeep. That's all.

The Hiatus

2009-06-06T15:32:00.000+02:00

Like all great bands, writers, artists... I needed to take a short hiatus. That may not make sense one week into a Blog, but if you ask me, it makes perfect sense.
Amsterdam is pretty chilly again, but at least it's not raining. I'm off to a end of season fantasy football (soccer) league party. I don't actually play in this league, but I know a few of the guys and I went to it last year, it was nuts, people falling down everywhere. Literally, it was like dominoes falling all over the place; one would go and take 3 or 4 down with them.
I have embraced the fantasy sports of Europe however. In addition to my 2 fantasy American football leagues, I played in a fantasy soccer league with some guys at work. All in all I would consider it to be a very strong year for Mike Gable and fantasy sports. I won the superbowl in both of my American f-ball leagues and finished in the top 5 of 13 in my Soccer fantasy league. For a 1st time and having to go through the abuse of talking any bit of footy to Brit's and other people from Europe, I'd consider it a very successful season.
Back to my Saturday... after that party, it's off to my first Dutch wedding. A former co-worker has invited 400+ people to his wedding. Should be a good opportunity to actually mingle with the Dutch. Outside of a few people in my office and a few I know outside of work, most of my friends/co-workers are expats. Not many are American but a lot from the UK, Germany, and other European countries.
Just bought some fresh tuna and am sitting here eating it raw in slices. Seems so strange, Sushi/raw fish at home, though potentially more fresh than getting it at a restaurant, just doesn't seem the same. Nurture is currently winning the war of perception over nature.
The evolution of a can of whip cream and it's uses over time.
As a kid one likes to take a can of whip cream and fill their cheeks with the delicious gelatin-cream.
As a teen one likes to take a can of whip cream and suck the N2O out of it to catch a buzz.
As an adult you use whip cream for it's conventional purpose as a topping on assorted pies, cakes and other delectable deserts.
I think the next step is maybe if you're a parent, trying to avoid letting your off-spring discover the first 2 uses and go straight to the 3rd, conventional use.
Well, I'm going to go now, but it was nice talking to you. Tune in next week or tomorrow or whenever I decide to come back. Or don't, because I have no idea if anyone actually reads this.
Cheers big ears.

2009-06-01T18:10:00.000+02:00

It's monday around 18:10 right now and we had the day off for a Dutch public Holiday. Something to do with a second Easter. Calvanist?
Amsterdam has some current good vibes with all the warm days in a row. It's been beautiful and the Dutch are out in full force. Packed canal boats and parks. This city is such a different place with warmth and lack of precipitation. I'm convinced if we had better weather, Amsterdam would be amongst the greatest European cities. Some say it already is, but that's the one big thing its missing.
I'm getting ready to prepare myself a feast for dinner. Fish, shrimp, corn and asaparagus.
The great two things about this blog are that 1. I can write anything I want. It really doesn't matter, it can be about me or anything else, and if no one is interested, no one reads it. Done. and 2. It satisfy's my urge to record my life a little bit better. Maybe one day when I produce a bad film about my experiences and personality, it will really come in handy.
My neighbor is officially crazy. I came downstairs yesterday to him standing in my living room. He wanted me to turn the music down. I understand respecting your neighbors, but it was Saturday at 15:00. Mid-day and I was rocking out. He's just a prick and drives me crazy.
I went for a long bike ride through the city and almost took a pretty nasty plunge. For some reason I was zoning out on the bike and ran into a curb. I was going relatively fast for Amsterdam streets on a cruiser. Could have been ugly. I've wrecked a few times, but nothing too major yet. Mostly accidents after an evening of sipping on some beers.
I finally got my third bike last week. It's a Gazelle, clasic quality Dutch brand. My 3 rd since I've been here. Bike 1 was stolen. Bike 2 was launched into a canal carrying a drunk girl who borrowed it. I had to pull her out of the canal. It was so funny and a story I'll tell for many years. Next time I see you, I'll tell you about it.
Cheers for now.

Sunday

2009-06-01T00:33:00.000+02:00

Hey kids!
Just got back to the house from dinner. Had a little sushi.
I played golf today for the first time in Holland. Nice course, two dutch guys, who actually weren't that bad. Since our tee-time was before 8AM, there is no one at the course to start you or make you pay. That would never happen in the US. If you wanted a cart, you just take one, keys were in them, no one at the tee box, pro-shop wasn't even open. It was crazy.
I don't have much time right now, so I'll try and jump on later and say-hey.

Talkin bout last night

2009-05-30T13:37:00.000+02:00

Do you know the George Harrison song? Talking bout last night... She was there at the bar, she heard my guitar. She was dark and discreet, she was light on her feet. I asked her to marry me, she smiled and pulled out a knife.
Those lines are not in order, but are my 3 favorite of the song.
So last night I didn't make it out until pretty late. It was about 12:00 and we ended up going to the Sports Cafe where I always get handed a mic when I show up. They actually have now invested in a karaoke machine because I always sing. One night they handed me the mic and I did what any self-respecting 29 yr old single guy would have done. I rapped 2 snoop songs, some beat box, some free styling, then finished it off with 11 minutes of Rappers Delight. It started a trend and now I can't go in and just have a beer. The manager always hands me a mic and if I refuse, he starts feeding me shots of Jaeger to get me in the mood.
We were out with about 15 people from work for Isabelle's leaving party and I refused. About 15 minutes and 4 shots later, I was belting out cracklin rosie by neil diamond. Weird song to choose, but that's what my groupies asked for. What can I say... I'm a giver.
So today when I woke up from my harsh hangover I put on a little Rosalita by the boss. I'm currently sitting on my couch, all the doors and windows open because it's such a beautiful day in Ams, belting out "Rosalita jump a little higher!"
The prostitutes across the street must have a special going or something, there are literally hundreds of guys out there all negotiating for which guy gets which girl and in which order. So before I go any further let me explain that I live across a canal from one of Amsterdam's few Red Light Districts. They're not just prostitutes on the corner or something. It's a legitimate, taxable business.
"I know a pretty little place in southern California down San Diego way (I used to live there), There's a little cafe, where they play guitars all night and all day. You can hear them in the back room strumming, so hold on tight cause don't you know daddy's cooooooming."
I'm so glad I started doing this blog. About once a week I would sit down and write a musing and try to keep all my thoughts recorded. But I realized I need a more regular forum and a blog is a great way to do it. Even if the only person who reads it is my Mom! Love you mom, don't get offended or upset if I ever write anything bad on here. I can't filter it, it wouldn't be my thoughts and experiences if I did. I pretty much tell you everything anyway, including choking a police office, punching the guy who robbed me and my evening in Spanish jail with Chris. I just want this to be as honest and unfiltered as possible. Though not many people read it, it's important to me. I wonder if I'll keep on posting entries?
Next song on the random i-pod is a little Stevie. You are the sunshine of my life. I remember when Claire from the Cosby Show sung a song with Stevie on one of the episodes. Since I love music, I loved that episode.
I think my blog has gotten off to a good start. I am trying to convey the lessons I've learned through life in easy to understand, clear ways. The biggest thing I've learned in life is happiness is the greatest feeling in the world. If you're not happy, you need to make changes immediately. It may sound selfish because a lot of times your decisions affect your loved ones, but without happiness, you're lost. I've spend times of my life searching for happiness. While on my search, I realized that happiness is not where you are or what you're doing exactly. It's about a mental state of acceptance and realization that if you surround yourself with good people, conquer your fears, accept that ther are challenges, negatives/things you can't do anything about, and celebrate the positives, you're happy.
I try to challenge myself and put myself in really uncomfortable situations to see how I cope. To see if I back down or if I rise to the challenge. Is that weird? I want to know what I'm made of. One day I'm going to need to react and it may affect the rest of my life (kind of like going on a job interview, if you go or don't go, it totally affects the rest of your life and it seems like such a simple choice at the time, but really you're changing your path in life each time you change your situation). The other day in the airport a woman in front of me started swaying. I was looking at her like, wow she's a little weird, but I respect that. Then she fell into my arms and I realized she wasn't weird, she was passing out. I caught her luckily and slid her down to the floor. All the Dutch people around me just looked at her and offered no help. I asked someone to please go find some help and she didnt budge. No one would help. I slid my backpack under her head and ran to find someone. The line kept moving and people just stepped around her. When help came and I returned to my place in the really long security line, the people behind me didn't want to let me in. They said I was cutting in line. I couldn't believe it.
Without further delay... I'm going outside to enjoy the day.
Peace in the middle east.
Oh... speaking of the middle east, I'm going to see my cousin in Lebanon in one month. That's right, I'll be celebrating our Nation's independence on July 4th in Beirut or maybe Syria. Working on that visa so I can go in for a day. As Homer Simpson said "let's celebrate our nations independence by blowing up a small piece of it." Hell yes! Jack Johnson "Broken" is next. I'm out.

2009-05-29T17:27:00.000+02:00

Just unloaded a truck full of samples from our sales meeting in Spain. Man that was incredibly fun.
The good news is it's Friday afternoon around 17:30 and Holland has a Holiday on Monday... so 3 day weekend.
I just booked my sailing trip to Croatia for August and I have to say I'm completely stoked. I can't wait to be back on the water in an area that from all accounts, is absolutely amazing.
Funny how much work changes and molds your life. The Croatia trip is a perfect example. Had I not quit my job and moved out west, I never would have found the Sunsail job. Also without the Sunsail job I'd have very minimal sailing abilities, no sense of a vacation that involves island hopping on an expensive yacht, and never would have gotten the skills that eventually landed me an interview at UA. Had I not had the interview, I wouldn't have gotten the job which eventually moved me out to the Netherlands. Had I never moved to the Netherlands and never had the experience and knowledge of sailing holidays/connection to Sunsail, I never would be going sailing for a week in Croatia in August.
Strange how that works. So thanks to my first job where I was completely unhappy, which made me quit and go travel around for about a year, and come back and get another job I hated, only to quit for a job (sunsail) that I loved, that led me into another job that I love and get to experience the world with.
Who would have thought in the midst of that dreaded construction management job that I would have said in 6 years I'll be living in Europe.
Hopefully 6 years from now I don't sit back and say to myself; What the hell were you thinking leaving your friends and family and moving abroad?
Check back in 6.
Holla

2009-05-28T16:10:00.000+02:00

I took my trash out this morning. Good start to the day, dump the things in your life you don't need. I think I should start every day that way, too bad the trash p/u is only twice a week.
I'm still recovering from Spain, where I worked for 7 days then took 4 off to play golf and just relax. Relaxation turned late, late nights and very little sleep.
Tomorrow Matt Wieters debut's for the O's, proud day to be a fan. Holla!

Numero Uno

2009-05-27T20:18:00.000+02:00

Brand names mean something. Blue Magic, Nike, Pepsi... all brands that mean more than just Heroin, Clothes and Soda.
Do'inItDutch is my blog brand. My thoughts over the internet, a way for me to express my awkwardness, strange moments and experiences to any viewing public who may be interested.
The Skinny:
29 (almost 30) yr old native Maryland-er (that's in the US), male, on a multi-year Expat assignment in the Netherlands, which began when I moved to Amsterdam on April 30th, 2008. After a little over a year I've finally decided to share my experiences with the outside world.
I work in the sports business for a US brand, trying to successfully penetrate the Euorpean market. I'm a Marketing Manager and am responsible for our Grassroots Marketing team (Concentrating on Tech Training, Consumer Insight, Sports Marketing, Brand Awarenes, Activation), Promotions and Events covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
So as a marketer, I realize the importance of differentiation and standing out from the rest. That's where my blog brand comes in.
I promise to be exactly the same as every other blog and completely different (which is the competitive advantage my blog brand offers against the competition) at the same time. I'll keep it as brutally honest and occasionally comical or as honest as I can be with potentially people I know reading this.
More to come suckas