The first month

I celebrated my first month with a proper steak..damn it was good.

Harsh realities..and good problems to have.
Its been a tough month for sure. Readjusting to a new environment, getting integrated into society, and finally living on my own. I've faced harsh realities and found all of those things I've taken for granted at home. Maybe, maybe i've told myself that i was prepared to do this, and you can never know how it really is until you're there. I'd like to think i've been humbled by my previous experiences but maybe i've been further humbled by living on my own. My age doesnt forgive me, it thrusts me into life and pushes me to hurry up and experience things. I can't forget to enjoy it.
Its been good though. I can't say it feels like home just yet, but its getting there. There's a level of settling in and finding a balance, and it doesnt happen over one month. Everything is still in flux, at anytime i feel like i could move to a better place (and it better be a better place). I'm still figuring out what i need to spend on basic necessities and food and all that good stuff. Somethings cost more than others, and some things cheaper. I'm not worrying about commuting for the first time in 7 years. Everything is really exciting and a new experience, I cant wait for more.

A sense of purpose, a feeling of accomplishment.
How many people can feel incredibly excited to wake up Monday morning and go to work, hoping 5pm doesnt come. Ok, maybe i could stand some 5pm's ..or whatever time i HAVE to leave the office. My job asks me to be creative at a high level, on demand and to be able to withstand, on a professional level, criticisms and limitations. Its incredibly exciting! My medium has rules and regulations, and is a perfect system to allow these levels of creativity.
Its my current role, my new contribution to society and the world as a whole. I have a sense of purpose and a reason to wake up. A reason to be afraid that something might happen to me in the simple fact that I cant get to express myself if it does.
I got here by doing things I've wanted to do and forgetting about what people think, what kind of salary i had, and all that usual mumbo jumbo. Getting here was an accomplishment on its own. Having people notice the things i've done, the culmination of work over the last few years- its and added bonus.

Staying hungry.
I can't preach enough about staying hungry and pushing for more. What's the next accomplishment? What's next, what's the goal to achieve? Seeing all of Europe? Trying more Beers? Going around and giving back to the the Family and the world ?
For now, as a short term thing, I want to make it to a TED Conference. To share minds with people, and listen and get inspired. But who knows. There's still so many things to do, so much more LEGO to build. I still want to make a truly signature piece. I refuse to let my best be behind me! Stay hungry..there's always more. I've got to get back in shape for sure!

Missing my baby..
Just want to say i miss my baby. Its been tough, but I'll be home soon.

The first month. A LEGO Designer. A citizen of the world.

Under the weather

This second week has been really tough. I came down with some Danish virus, or at least my body has been just really shocked into a new diet, environment and said WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT! My lungs have been filled with some nastiness, and I've nearly used a whole roll of TP just blowing the snot out of my nose.

Otherwise work has been great, and its the easiest part of my week. At this moment, i dread the weekends. I finally got some feedback on my work and now can move forward with reckless abandon. I was reminded how creative this job can be, and how much it makes a difference to be able to come up with crazy ideas. And its starting to get more 'routine' while learning the ins and outs of the job.

This week, we had a guest at work and some of his superiors invited us to go Go Karting at Vandel Go Kart track. This really felt like a Mario kart track with a wonderful terrain. Too bad i could barely reach the pedals, but it was fun and painful. The bunch of old men were incredibly good and I was just learning the ropes. I crashed at nearly every corner i could, but it was great fun. I'd love to really get good at it, and its another thing to keep me busy here in Billund. Maybe its a good way to prepare myself for the autobahn!. The next day, i was sore, bruises galore and ready for more action.
We also had dinner at a lovely Danish home. Wonderful to bond and get to know people as well as a few more ins and outs.

So, this is a recovery weekend. Still need to do some shopping, and now really keep track of my spending. Time to get some errands done while the sun is out.
Maybe its Danish Mentality, but its not bad. Its surely different from NYC but this is the first time in my life to be truly independent - well at least until my first payment. I'm still basking in the glow and glory of it all. I refuse to be under the weather! Nothing will break my spirits. The sun is out and its time to get some things to live on.

The adventure continues.

The first 11 days...

You know, just moving continents..
(so this blog was once about my lego, and i guess it always will be, but i'd say its changed a bit and is taking a life of its own)

Has it only been about 11 days? What a weird number.
Its been quite a ride so far. With Delta and Cimber Sterling leaving one of my boxes in Dublin to renting cars and marching in and out of the office with the company bike. Emotions running amok, and life moving incredibly quickly. I still don't exist here in Billund, Denmark - not until i get those vitally important registration and tax numbers in my personal record. I'm still floating on by, trying to figure everything out.
I've been given a lot. This opportunity has me looking towards a long long term future, something i've never done before. And the only thing i can think of: what more can i do? I'm trying hard to stay hungry and keep dreaming. This process has shown me that with some determination and a drive to never be unhappy, you can really get to do what you want. It helps to work hard, play hard and all that good stuff, and even pray a little.
Can't really say that i'm homesick just yet. Dont get me wrong, I miss my girlfriend terribly and the nights here can be quite lonely. I miss the business of the city and the many options. It'll be a bit easier once the income becomes regular. The world feels incredibly small with video conferencing and a company telephone - but nothing can replace human touch. I can only look forward while learning the ins and outs of a foreign place. I look forward to calling this place home and being the crazy socialite i've taught myself to be back home. I look forward to going home to the Bronx and seeing how life has moved on without me.
And there's so much more. The little adventures that have really pushed me and thrown me into this culture and life. Shopping at Ikea, the LEGO Fan weekend, and walking around with the cool people i met at the Global introduction. Now trying to figure out what to do this weekend. Surely i'm domesticated, and think it might be good to stay home and clean up, feel fresh and get ready for the easy part of this whole experience: the work.

11 days.. counting
And many more things to come