We've gotten quite a bit of snow in the last 8 days. I'd say its snowed at least 5 of the last 8 days at least a few hours each. Its quite the winter wonderland and its taken me out of my funk a little bit. Its still cold as shit, but strangely pleasant. I have some sort of comfort in it, although i'm still searching for the reason why. It just is.
The amount of work i've been given has really ramped up. I'd say its tripled if not quadrupled in the past few weeks. Deadlines are looming, creating arguments and proving thoughts and concepts..just another day in the life. Strangely i want more. Theres so much more to learn.
And its all coming to a head. Soon to come home and see how life has changed around me. I cant wait just to see everyone that i miss so dearly and yet still anticipating returning in the new year and beginning new.
I'm starting to find the balance here. It's still tough to do so, but Its getting better and hopefully will become second nature. I've made some friends here and they're all great people. Where will we all be in the next year?
Looking forward again, getting back on my feet.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
2 months - Still not ready
Just a few hours removed from my first two months away from home, i mean really away from home, and I stand amazed by how little i still know and how unprepared I was for this journey. But that's how we grow right? Getting thrown into the fire, and hopefully walkaway with meaningful scars.
I knew it would happen sooner or later, but I finally feel a little homesick. Maybe its the looming holiday that I'm missing. There's an air that's missing here around this time of year, and it's hit me harder than I thought it would. I honestly didnt prepare myself to miss thanksgiving. With all of the madness going on with the move, it totally slipped my mind and maybe thought that I could get through it. I'm sure i'll feel better at the end of the week and get to focus on my next 30 days or so before I go home for christmas.
That being said, I have a lot to be thankful for. Its been the most productive year of my life and surely the most life changing. I still can't believe i'm here where I am doing what i'm doing. The amount of experiences, good and bad this year really gave me a huge personal boost. Just all the support from my family and friends have been enough as well. I've also got a wonderful girlfriend, who's really been so good to me through all this too. Taking another step with reconnecting with my brother and hopefully it'll get better as the years go on. All of it bringing me back and remembering not to take any of this for granted. It can all come down so quickly, such is life. But i'm super thankful for it all hope everyone at home has a wonderful thanksgiving. I miss you all
I've been thinking about how unprepared i would be if I would buy a house for example. Its a valid thought at this stage in my life I think? I have no clue about it, and watching how people are just going through the motions with mortgages, loans, home repairs, and even something as simple as buying furniture! Its just more than I want to do, and so many other things to focus on. I do know that I want to build a wooden dummy at some point in my home life, what a silly thought right?
Surely i thought i could handle the separation in geography with Yvonne. Its so much harder than I thought. I find myself forgetting that she's 3000 miles away thinking she'll always be there when i'm ready to call or whatever and vice versa. Our time is limited already just by distance, and surely its been just a hard realization for me. Its on me to change my habits to make it work. She's been so supportive, but I've probably not been giving enough in return. Thanks for taking a look from outside for me..and I'll work harder at this.
I'm still not ready for all the craziness about to happen, all the adventures that i'll have. I'm still not ready for the many quiet nights, and silent dinners. I'm not ready for the successes and failures, trials and tribulations, fears and frustrations. Honestly, who is, and what fun would life be if i was.
I am ready to push forward, keep learning. Ready to take leaps of faith and jumps into deep water. Ready to create great things, change for the better and (at this hour...EAT.
and yes, the job is still fun even on a cold and hard monday morning.
I've built my first MOC since I moved here, check out the time lapse on my flickr account. (Ok, maybe not my first..but certainly the most independent one from my work stuff).
Happy thanksgiving again all, thanks for reading.
LeE
I knew it would happen sooner or later, but I finally feel a little homesick. Maybe its the looming holiday that I'm missing. There's an air that's missing here around this time of year, and it's hit me harder than I thought it would. I honestly didnt prepare myself to miss thanksgiving. With all of the madness going on with the move, it totally slipped my mind and maybe thought that I could get through it. I'm sure i'll feel better at the end of the week and get to focus on my next 30 days or so before I go home for christmas.
That being said, I have a lot to be thankful for. Its been the most productive year of my life and surely the most life changing. I still can't believe i'm here where I am doing what i'm doing. The amount of experiences, good and bad this year really gave me a huge personal boost. Just all the support from my family and friends have been enough as well. I've also got a wonderful girlfriend, who's really been so good to me through all this too. Taking another step with reconnecting with my brother and hopefully it'll get better as the years go on. All of it bringing me back and remembering not to take any of this for granted. It can all come down so quickly, such is life. But i'm super thankful for it all hope everyone at home has a wonderful thanksgiving. I miss you all
I've been thinking about how unprepared i would be if I would buy a house for example. Its a valid thought at this stage in my life I think? I have no clue about it, and watching how people are just going through the motions with mortgages, loans, home repairs, and even something as simple as buying furniture! Its just more than I want to do, and so many other things to focus on. I do know that I want to build a wooden dummy at some point in my home life, what a silly thought right?
Surely i thought i could handle the separation in geography with Yvonne. Its so much harder than I thought. I find myself forgetting that she's 3000 miles away thinking she'll always be there when i'm ready to call or whatever and vice versa. Our time is limited already just by distance, and surely its been just a hard realization for me. Its on me to change my habits to make it work. She's been so supportive, but I've probably not been giving enough in return. Thanks for taking a look from outside for me..and I'll work harder at this.
I'm still not ready for all the craziness about to happen, all the adventures that i'll have. I'm still not ready for the many quiet nights, and silent dinners. I'm not ready for the successes and failures, trials and tribulations, fears and frustrations. Honestly, who is, and what fun would life be if i was.
I am ready to push forward, keep learning. Ready to take leaps of faith and jumps into deep water. Ready to create great things, change for the better and (at this hour...EAT.
and yes, the job is still fun even on a cold and hard monday morning.
I've built my first MOC since I moved here, check out the time lapse on my flickr account. (Ok, maybe not my first..but certainly the most independent one from my work stuff).
Happy thanksgiving again all, thanks for reading.
LeE
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Learning New Languages
Even though everyone speaks English quite well here, there's still so much to learn!
Two weeks, just two weeks of Danish lessons have shown me just how hard the language is and how it is to really immerse myself into the culture. Its an exciting prospect, and a 'free' one. It's a journey well worth going on.
The LEGO Language is quite different as well. Parts don't have the names I'm used to. Modules instead of holes, elements instead of Bricks..really just SOP right? But there is quite a lot to learn here. The amount of Acronyms and initials for things could boggle the mind!
And the Dance, another style of salsa, its like learning to walk again. My head spins just as much as the turn patterns i'm trying to learn. But let it be just another language to learn. On top of the Danish, Spanish and Cuban salsa!
But like my favorite mediums, the universal languages of creativity, and movement - just a few more bricks to build with, and just a few more moves..
Two weeks, just two weeks of Danish lessons have shown me just how hard the language is and how it is to really immerse myself into the culture. Its an exciting prospect, and a 'free' one. It's a journey well worth going on.
The LEGO Language is quite different as well. Parts don't have the names I'm used to. Modules instead of holes, elements instead of Bricks..really just SOP right? But there is quite a lot to learn here. The amount of Acronyms and initials for things could boggle the mind!
And the Dance, another style of salsa, its like learning to walk again. My head spins just as much as the turn patterns i'm trying to learn. But let it be just another language to learn. On top of the Danish, Spanish and Cuban salsa!
But like my favorite mediums, the universal languages of creativity, and movement - just a few more bricks to build with, and just a few more moves..
Sunday, November 7, 2010
I'm coming on my 6th week, or maybe 7th..I'm starting to lose count.
Things are finally getting settled down. I've got all of the numbers I think I should have, a bank account, and a bunch of the stuff i should have for work in place.
Now its a matter of balancing work life and the personal life.
Its also balancing how to express myself properly as an employee here. You get a few more rules, and the typical work vocabulary to get used to. Interacting with AFOLS and my friends has me thinking about how I represent myself and also how I'm representing the company I work for. Don't get me wrong, I'm still an AFOL too, but being on the inside does change some things. Its just a time to be more mindful of your thoughts.
Work itself is work, more fun for me than the usual 9 to 5 i think. I am starting to get the routine a little. Its more of a structure than routine. Everyday is still different from the rest. Deadlines are still coming though and well, its fun to get it all done on time!
Life is getting pretty crazy over here, with the Grave Hill crew poker nights and apparent Wednesday night takeovers of the Highlander. Getting to know more and more people, its quite fun and it makes me feel like i'm in college again.
The long distance thing is pretty tough. Getting the time is really hard. Just spending some hours can be really tough. But i have to keep trying. Its gonna be a grand journey. Missing my baby for sure.
Things are finally getting settled down. I've got all of the numbers I think I should have, a bank account, and a bunch of the stuff i should have for work in place.
Now its a matter of balancing work life and the personal life.
Its also balancing how to express myself properly as an employee here. You get a few more rules, and the typical work vocabulary to get used to. Interacting with AFOLS and my friends has me thinking about how I represent myself and also how I'm representing the company I work for. Don't get me wrong, I'm still an AFOL too, but being on the inside does change some things. Its just a time to be more mindful of your thoughts.
Work itself is work, more fun for me than the usual 9 to 5 i think. I am starting to get the routine a little. Its more of a structure than routine. Everyday is still different from the rest. Deadlines are still coming though and well, its fun to get it all done on time!
Life is getting pretty crazy over here, with the Grave Hill crew poker nights and apparent Wednesday night takeovers of the Highlander. Getting to know more and more people, its quite fun and it makes me feel like i'm in college again.
The long distance thing is pretty tough. Getting the time is really hard. Just spending some hours can be really tough. But i have to keep trying. Its gonna be a grand journey. Missing my baby for sure.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
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
(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
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