Usually I listen to music while I write. Currently it is silent. My neighbourhood is quiet quite. I enjoy it. It is green and peaceful. My neighbours greet me when they see me. And it’s located in the city centre. Lucky girl.

The rent is extremely high. Not much higher than my landlord is allowed to ask but still much higher than the rent I had to pay when I was sharing a house with roommates. I do miss my roommates but I have contemplated moving back to a situation with roommates or group housing and it somehow just doesn’t seem as inviting as it was before.

So, here I am on my own in my little apartment which feels spacious and has enough room for a big table where I can invite others to come and eat and play games. Enjoy candle light, music and the view of the garden.

There are a few downsides to where I live, where I sleep it’s a bit noisy and the bathroom somehow can be a bit smelly. I tried all sorts of things but the smell sometimes comes and goes. And the rent that continues to increase. But for the rest I am content. I like that the distance to the station isn’t that far as are the many shops. I can easily buy presents for others or get candles or photographs printed. I can buy sunscreen and maybe new shoes or clothes if I need them. I can also bring clothes to a second-hand shop.

I don’t know why I just started writing about my place but I did. I enjoy living in a smaller city in Europe where I can ride my bike. My bike isn’t the best bike of all but it gets me around. I love the lanterns and the water, the boats and the parks. Who knew, this blog would be an appreciation post?

I guess life can feel lonely or unproductive in the summer but I guess I am getting the hang of it. Just when I am getting the hang of it, the school year closes in. I won’t have to go to school to follow classes anymore but I will have to teach. We’ll see how it goes. Might be nice.

I am seeing neighbours and friends and dance lessons just started again. I am seeing my boyfriend a lot and I am also seeing a lot of my family. Hmm. I did a bit of gardening yesterday and I am keeping my rooms cleaner than I usually do. I am reading more and I am enjoying time outside in nature. Yep. That’s getting the hang of it.

Some days are mwah. Those days I open Netflix and watch a drama series. I am trying not to do that anymore and I am even trying not to watch Taskmaster or something else on Youtube before bed. I just listened to Headspace yesterday and went to bed. I did wake up in the middle of the night but slept quickly again. No earplugs yesterday either.

I am also trying to eat less crisps or no crisps at all. I wanted to prove to myself that I am not addicted. On top of that yesterday I saw a video on Youtube about coping mechanisms. Habits. Well, I am trying my best to take care of myself.

I never really use Facebook and Instagram anymore. Weekly I do check whether I have any messages and occasionally scroll a little bit. I immediately regret the scrolling. I really don’t need to see other people’s lives and comparing them to mine. Or a post of a friend. I’d rather hear how my friend is doing in person.

Maybe that is why I also like this blog. It’s more personal in a way. It’s not just me boasting about my holiday or something. It’s more nuanced. Different experiences. Not just pictures. I guess mostly words. I do hear that sometimes people that I know read it. But I have no clue who actually reads it. In that sense, less personal. A bit of a one-way street. The same goes for a book. You don’t really have a conversation with the reader. But books can be inspiring. Some people find recognition in books.

Well, that was my blog for today. I hope you are well wherever you are and until next time! X