Ma Turns 70

IMG_3455, originally uploaded by Christo's POV.

I had the honor of attending Wilbert's Mother's 70th birthday party yesterday. There was more family there than I had ever seen, and it was really fun. I'm sort of jealous of Wilbert for having all his family so close by, and is often the case with someone who has that luxury, he doesn't seem to fully appreciate it. And there are some really nice people among them as well! I was especially impressed with his Uncle Piet, who even at his ripe old age is still very interested in internet, satellite TV, and all sorts of other technologies. Cool guy!

He insisted (and quite rightly so) that the immediate family get together for a photo. With Caroline living in France, they don't get to see each other that often. Was also nice to meet Perry's new girlfriend, who seemed like a really nice gal and a major improvement over the last one. :-)

In general, I feel really lucky to be able to enjoy my partner's family, since my own is so far away.

Luckiest man in the world

As is often the case, I fell asleep in bed last night while reading or playing with a new gadget or something like that, and Wilbert was still upstairs playing on his computer. But for the first time ever, I fell asleep with my socks still on (a sign that I was deeply engaged with a new gadget, because my socks usually get ripped off the first moment I walk in the door!). When he came down to go to sleep, Wilbert gently woke me in the dark and asked sweetly, "Can I take your socks off for you, honey?" and proceeded to do so. That had to be about one of the sweetest, simplest things anyone has ever done for me, and it touched me deeply. I'm really lucky to have him in my life. Ik hou van je, mijn lieve huppel puppie!

What it would look like if...

...Wilbert and I decided to have kids. This is the neighbor boy, a really happy little lad. Though we both like kids (Wilbert is more patient with them than I am), we've made a conscious decision not to have any. But we're surrounded by nephews, nieces and neighbor kids, so we get to 'borrow' them every once in a while. But this picture had us both wondering what it would be like.

Lunch with John

Had my usual Saturday lunch date with one of my several Purmerend homegirls, John. We love to get together and talk about people. Today's favorite subject was a teenage American girl sitting with a group of Dutch kids and totally dominating the conversation while talking at lightspeed. Imagine that!

Vision Update

Well, it's been a while since last updated you kind folks out therein Blogland on the current status of my recovery, so here we go...

Things are going slowly but well. I went back to the doctor last Friday and my incisions were fully healed. But my vision is still pretty blurry. I can drive during the day, but it's sort of difficult to read road signs from faraway. I've gotten pretty used to computer work again, but the lack of sharp vision frustrates me greatly. I'm told that I'm progressing normally, but I'm very impatient. If things aren't better after another week then I'm going to start stepping up my demands on my doctor. "God grant me patience, but please hurry up!" Being back at work at least keeps me busy and distracts me.

Will keep you up to date!

Don't fuck with me, biatch!

A traditional Dutch carnival game called Photo Shooting. Hit the target and win a Polaroid of yourself.

The Summer Fair in Hoorn 2

The Summer Fair in Hoorn 1

Lazy Sunday

Night on the town

After a wonderful dinner at one of our oldest favorite restaurants in Amsterdam, Swaggat on the Langeleidsedwarsstraat, we met up with Jan and Michael for a drink on the Rembrandtsplein. Was good to see them, and in general the night was really enjoyable and relaxing before heading back to work again tomorrow. Hartstikke bedankt voor een gezellige avond, heren!

Party boy

While I was at home recovering from my eye surgery, party boy Wilbert was out enjoying gay pride with some friends after a long, hard week of work. The margarita death toll was considerable, which necessitated this little cat nap on the way to Amsterdam in the train. :-) We are going our to celebrate my improving vision as well as our impending 9th anniversary later this week! Thanks for taking such good care of me this week, lieverd!

Gay Pride Amsterdam... without me. :-(

Yesterday was the famous Gay Pride parade on the canals of Amsterdam. Unfortunately, I missed it, because with my current eyesight, I wouldn't have enjoyed it very much anyway. I'm pleased to say that I'm seeing a little bit better every day, especially if I keep my eyes well moisturized with artificial tears. So I'm a bit more hopeful and less pessmistic than I've been the last few days. Being like this for so long is a bit depressing. And I was really sorry to miss the canal parade, especially when it was gorgeous weather for once!

I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow to look at my progress, and then I hope to go back to work. I might not be able to do much computer work, but there's so much work that has to be done in the next four weeks that I HAVE to get back. Plus I'm sick and tired of sitting at home along most of the time and am aching for some social contact! :-)

Kobe House restaurant Amsterdam

They were playing Christmas music in August (and had the guts to defend it!) But the food was good.

Lasek Day 5

Not c good day. Vision is not improved, and though they removed my bandage lenses this morning, my eyes have not yet fully healed. I am praying things start to look up soon because I'm starting to get really impatient. Wilbert took me out for Japanese tonight to cheer me up, which was very sweet of him. Tomorrow is a new day; fingers crossed!

Nurse Kitty loves Daddy's iPod too!

Another gratuitous cat photo from my sick bed. Recovery is going slightly slower than expected (well, hoped for) and trekked all the way into Amsterdam this morning just to find out that it was 1 day too soon to have my bandage lenses removed. So back again tomorrow. 
Little or no pain, but as predicted my vision got worse again yesterday but will slowly improve from here on out. I'm getting headaches as my eyes have difficulty focussing through my 'new' lenses, but that should clear up soon too. Pills were making me sleepy all the time so I stopped taking them. Can't wait to 'see' the end result!