Well, should I write a bilingual post? Something in English and something in Dutch?
Maybe, I’ll just keep it in English. I speak a lot of English during the week now. It is quite lovely.

I am knackered though. I have so many plans and I meet so many people in one day. My brain doesn’t know how to keep up. I want a house, a family, a lovely life. I feel like I already have that lovely life. That I am just so grateful.

I love my garden and I love my plants and I love living in the city centre. I enjoy the second hand shops and walking past the beautiful boats. It such a lovely scenery, especially in the dark with all the lovely lanterns. I love walking around Zwolle and enjoying the view of the old buildings. Every house that looks different and they are so tiny. It makes me feel home. Welcomed. Part of the city.

I am in awe of the city of Zwolle and riding my bike gives me a sense of freedom. I am so lucky to be a woman in the Netherlands. I am able to study and now I have become a teacher. I am living this amazing life that I am so so grateful for. Yes, it’s long hours, yes, I am losing sleep over it, yes, it is so much interaction but it is just so fascinating. I love connecting with people. I love getting to know them, I love helping them and I would love to make extra time for them. I answer all of their questions and I enjoy their company. I like having nice colleagues and getting to laugh with them.

I love my boyfriend. So much. I love him. I love spending time with him. Holding his hand in silence, throwing a ball at each other, kicking the ball, making jokes, looking at the trees together. We just enjoy our time together. We let the time pass. And it doesn’t feel like time wasted. It doesn’t always have to be so special. Just a nice walk is already just so lovely.

Other things are spooking around in my head though too. Lost loved ones and friendships that are changing. I am changing, evolving, growing older. New habits I suppose. Trying to brush my teeth more often, enjoying a lot of eggs during the week, cooking more. Staying in more. But still enjoying holidays. Life is just full of wonders I guess. And yes there are still evening where I think: what shall I do? I feel like I need more time just by myself where I am just sat at a table and I am drawing whilst listening to music. A student of mine made a drawing during class and now I am inspired to do the same. I have already made three drawings at my creative school where I teach.

I had a student who told me a story that I found really touching. I don’t know how to shake it off. I feel like it is coming very close to my own experience as a young adult and child and it fills me with fear and worry. I really like this student and I hope he will be okay. I think he will.

I am trying my best to be the best teacher for my students as I can be. Maybe I take it too seriously. I feel like I should be more fun. I wish I had more humor. At least I have a very genuine laugh.

Outside it is really windy. There is supposed to be a tropical storm coming. We’ll see.

For now, I don’t feel like having a tropical storm in my head and it is time to rest. So…

I hope you are doing well wherever you are and until next time! X