photography

1 July, 2017

Being happy

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Time flies when you’re having fun. I am tired, but oh so happy. I’ve made some great memories in the past two months, and done things that I wouldn’t have dream of.

It feels liberating. It feels just right. I feel happy.

The best part is that more is to come, and I truly believe that this will be a memorable year for me. I’ve learned new things about me. I have become more confident and the best of them all: I am back! I’ve regained my wild self that takes chances and doesn’t back down when there is something that I want.

I used to be so servantile, wanting to please everyone around me.

Now, I just go and do the things I want without asking for permission or waiting for others to join in.

This feels like the right way to go…

~~~~~~

I have been hiking with two other friends.

I have been in Belgium (and a few other places), for training (for my current job). Tomorrow, I shall leave again for Belgium for another three weeks, for more training.

This was an experience that I will not forget any time soon. It has been wonderful on so many levels.

It was a welcome break from all the things that have made up my life, till now.

Then, in August we shall have a one week vacation to Greece (all paid for with cash up front). One week of just relaxing in the sun and enjoying the sea. To put it in perspective, it has been three years since we last went to the sea side.

My co-workers are planning a hiking trip, then team bonding and team building.

Did I mention that I beat my own personal record at wearing make-up (just because I wanted to): two full months!

I know it might not seem much, but for me it was an eye opener. We’ve been focused so much on work, and trying to make things right with everybody that we’ve put ourselves on second place.

I am not saying that things will carry on like this forever, I’m just saying that it is great to have the chance to experience so many things after a complete lock down on our social lives.

Heck, I even got the chance to fulfill one of my childhood dreams: I got a Goku tattoo! I wanted this for so long, but never dreamed that I would wake up one day and say I want it and then get it done.

Sure, it was painful and I still need another sitting to finish it. But, it is an achievement. It is one of those things on my bucket list that I never dreamed of fulfilling.

When I think about it, it is not like I am working less or being a lazy bum. No. The work is new and demanding, but it is fun and rewarding. I am going to give full credit to this to the awesome team that I am in.

I realized yesterday, that we do have things that piss us off. But, the fact that we talk openly about them and try to find solutions, by ranting and swearing, and even with logic and different opinions, it fills me up with joy.

My old team was awesome. I do miss them. But, the environment we were working was so restrictive and toxic that it made us all bitter.

I can honestly say I am currently happy. Happiness really is a state of mind. Having a balanced life, between work and home really does wonders.

Note: I also got a chance to relax and just be myself!

17 April, 2017

Monday morning

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It is a rainy Monday morning. I am happy to say that we have no plans for today. We don’t even have to go to work. Of course, I am officially unemployed and Johnny is on Easter holiday.

We’ve had a great weekend.

We did nothing out of the ordinary, but it was awesome nonetheless. We went to the park, where Pluto finally conquered his fear of water.

This was possible with the help of a fellow Labrador. We were actually amazed that they got along so well, considering they were both males and not sterilized. In fact, it was the very first time they meet each other.

We went to the country side. We ate to our hearts content, and enjoyed the sunny weather. Considering that today it is raining and gloomy outside, I think we were lucky. I also got a lot of tulips and some common lilac from my mom. Tulips and lilac are my favorite flowers. 

Basically, we enjoyed a mellow weekend. It has been a long time since we had a weekend like this one. I cannot blame John, since he always had the weekends off. It was my who was working and couldn’t take the time off. 

That shouldn’t be a problem anymore. I am free as a bird, and I do not plan on making any steps in becoming employed again till the end of the month. I have missed being free of any obligation or responsibility. I have some free time and I am going to make the most of it. Even if it feels weird right now, not having to go to work or be stressed about stuff or people.

The only stress I can get now, is from Pluto and his never ending energy. 

Even if it is a gloomy Monday morning, it is a beautiful day to stay inside. I can read, clean, play with Pluto and many other things. I am going to enjoy each day at a time. 

6 March, 2017

Book swap

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One of the things that I have accomplished at work, and which made me real proud, was the book swap. 

It might not be related to the actual work that goes around there, but having hobbies and being able to share them with others is fulfilling. And it all started with the “Red Queen” book, by Victoria Aveyard.

I am pretty certain that my book has been circulated to at least 6 people, all of them now owning a copy of their own. Not only that, but I do believe that they own all 3 books, plus the two short stories (Queen Song and Steel Scars).

Even to this day, I haven’t received my book back. I am not sure who has it, nor do I wish to have it back. I am just happy it was the book that started it all.

Of course, I have a few books in my bookshelves that are not my own. I am trying my best to read them, but I think I will go for the Kindle version and just return them to their rightful owners. After all, in a month my contract will come to an end. I only wish to keep in touch with a handful of people. The others.. well, it will be hard to remove them from my mind. I just hope they will soon become just bad memories.

There are a few people I intend on keeping up with the book swap. I just love the books they recommend. They’ve enlarged my horizon a couple of times, and I can only be grateful for that.

I only plan on making good memories from now on. 

For the first time in ages, we actually got the chance to make plans. They might not be the biggest and boldest plans, but being able to say “Yes, we will come” to a wedding or to a christening invitation is something. To be able to say for sure that we will be spending Easter together, and that we can go out during the weekends with friends feels like out of this world.

We even got the chance to go out in the park and just waste an hour or two. Pluto proved to us how long it has been since he was out in the park. After a couple of ball runs, he was exhausted.

 

When being able to do regular things seems like an achievement, you know for sure that things were not right at all. Hopefully, things will only get better this week and I will get that call confirming my hopes for the last two weeks. *fingers crossed*

25 February, 2017

Spring, is that you?

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Spring is slowly coming. We’ve had lovely weather this past week. It was sunny and warm. It really lifted my spirits. 

What really made me happy, was the fact that I got the call that I was waiting for. Next Wednesday, I will have my first face to face interview. I know it might not seem much, but for me that interview is a life line. Considering everything that went on in the last two weeks, a job interview is something to look forward to.

I know I shouldn’t count the days. But, I can’t help it. I just want to break free of that place.

With that said, I am planning on making my days count. I will try my hardest to get out of the rut that was self imposed because of work. 

~~~~~~

I do love the new book shelves that we got from Ikea. They changed the room. The fact that I couldn’t fit in all my books in them, doesn’t matter at all. I still had free space in our bedroom.

I’ve also made some decent progress at my Autumn needlepoint. In fact, if I keep it up, I should be able to finish it in a couple of months. It is a very large project that I have undertaken. But, it is worth it. 

Of course, whenever I stitch I have company. 

They might not help with the actual stitching, but they do provide a good company, even when all they do is sleep.

I missed spending time with my furry friends. I missed wasting time. I hope that soon enough, I will miss having to worry about how each day will turn out.

I should just follow the example from Pluto and Marlanu’, and just enjoy each moment as it passes. It seems to be working out great for them.

10 January, 2017

Bloody cold

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I am just stating the obvious here: It is bloody cold!

Yes, I am aware it is winter. I am also aware, that we are in January and this is the coldest month of the year. I would not have any problem, if I wouldn’t have to take the dog out or go to work. 

This is the first year that we had to get Pluto doggy footwear. It wasn’t hard to convince Johnny to buy them. It wasn’t a want, but more of an urgent need for the poor dog. Pluto seemed to love them as soon as he was outside and he was able to run around. I was hoping he wouldn’t drag me along anymore, but that hope was soon lost on me.

[videojs_video url=”https://static.pocandpoch.com/uploads/2017/01/VID_137860223_103344_608.mp4″]

Taking Pluto out for short walks is fun, and we do get some exercise in. But, we do have those moments when enough is enough. Those are the moments that we slowly go back home. The moments when something warm is all that we want.

I do love winter, just not at the moment.

Maybe I am a bit grumpy, since I didn’t get enough rest in the last 2 days. All I know is that the bed is the best place to be at the moment. It is warm and comfortable. I also love it when all four of us are cuddling (Marlanu’ and Pluto like spending time with us as well).

Marlanu’ knows best since he seems to be sleeping more. 

A visit to the in-laws might cheer me up. After all, they have the good food and a soup would go perfectly.

25 September, 2016

Just Autumn Things

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September is coming to an end, slowly but surely. The days are getting shorter, while the nights are getting longer.

Thinking about it makes me nostalgic. I keep remembering moments from years ago..

Truthfully, I don’t remember last autumn and winter. We were so busy that I don’t have any memories of what happened. I know that Christmas was cute and that we had a tree in our house; that New Years was short and spent with friends. But, my memories stop there.

I don’t remember what I did with the rest of my time? Did I have fun? Or, was I so consumed in what I was doing (work most likely) that everything else just faded away?

I feel robbed.

I am sure that things will be hectic this year as well. We have so many projects and tasks to complete, and time is just slipping away. Yet, I am able to enjoy sweet simple moments. For example, drinking tea while eating homemade strawberry jam, while reading and cuddling with Marlanu’.

Marlanu' loves to cuddle

I miss cooking as well. I don’t know why, but autumn is the best season to cook. It might be me, but the food tastes better (especially homemade food).

I have a lot of things planned out for the next few weeks. I am hoping that I won’t lose my motivation along the way. There will be homemade food. There will be moments to enjoy. I will make sure to enjoy them all as they come. Sounds like a responsibility, but it’s more like a reminder of sort.

9 September, 2016

Weekends are for fun!

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Weekends are for fun! I’ve missed going to the park to walk the dog. I think Pluto missed it as well. In fact, it’s been well over a month since we went to the park.

It was a refreshing afternoon! It was spent walking around, eating ice cream and some people (like Johnny and co) playing Pokemon Go. I guess there was something for all of us to do. Even Pluto was smiling from ear to ear.

Pluto smiling

I walked the dog and looked around in amazement how things have changed (once again). It really made me feel like I haven’t left the house in years. We didn’t have doggy company, since our friends with dogs were out of town but we managed making new friends.

Cute husky mix Pluto and a new friend

There was even a library set up in the park. They provided chairs, blankets, comfortable places to sit on and books. They had small libraries from which you could pick up books, in case you didn’t have one with you.

Cute library in the park

I also loved the fact that it wasn’t crowded. Usually, the park if full during the weekends. This time it was relatively empty. I’m guessing people are still on vacation, taking advantage of the last days of warmth.

In a way, we were taking advantage of the last days of warmth. But, I can’t wait for the cold to come. This way, we can walk Pluto without having to worry that he will overheat. We even had a few family photos taken. Some were derpy, some were cute. In fact, I can’t wait for the chance to create a new photo album.

By the way, this weekend we’re also going to the park.

22 June, 2016

Tired

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If I would rate my current state of mind and body from 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest, I would probably say tired.

Yep, tired is the best word to describe me at the moment.

The heat isn’t helping either. But, I do enjoy the landscape.

Clouds for a tired mind

I think I bit off more than I could chew when I decided to apply for a higher position. It is too much and I don’t have enough time to assimilate everything. I guess you could say I am overwhelmed. I don’t like to admit this, but its true. Now, I am not one to shy away from work. I enjoy working, but I don’t like it when it changes me.

Being tired makes me very touchy feeling. You could say that I feel that everyone and everything is working against me. Yet, that’s not true. A lot of people have helped, as much as they could, to get me through this period. I am really grateful to them.

So, I am determined to stop being a grinch and get back on track. So, I will get back to my resolution: no more complaining.

On a happy note, I would like to mention that I really like my new position. I like the fact that I get to learn new things and it puts things in perspective. I get to see things from the other side and realize that things are not always as they seem. With that, I do feel bad for the previous owners of this position.

Will, I quit? I don’t think so. Not yet, anyway. When the time comes to move on, I will know.

~~~Quick update on our life~~~

  • we went to the country side, at my parents house, just to have lunch;
  • we went to Fetesti, for a weekend! It was refreshing and it has been such a long time since we paid a visit;
  • we went to the cinema for free since Johnny won two tickets at “Now you see me 2”;
  • we went to Bookfest, where I got three lovely books about cat warriors. YES. I bought books for children.
  • made a new friend which works at a publishing company and she provides me with books! We wouldn’t have had the chance to meet her if it weren’t for Pluto. Owning a dog ROCKS!
  • had a lovely workshop (work related stuff), meet new people. Realized that our entire company is made out of crazy people.
  • got new clothes;
  • paid half of my debt. It took me 4 months to do this, and it will take another 4 to pay it in full. Overtime is my new best friend at work.
  • August is right around the corner and that means Vacation for both of us.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to good things. I might be tired, but in a way I am happy. I am tired because I work and I do things that make me happy.

And no matter how tired I am, I will always have time and patience to take photos of the moments that make my life great.

Pluto waiting for Johnny

14 May, 2016

Break from the city!

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At last, we had a much needed break from the city!

Break from the city

It’s been a hectic period for us. I still can’t believe that almost half a year is gone. Time really flies when you run around, trying to get things done. You would think that waking up early and going to bed late at night, would offer you plenty of time to do as many things as possible. Well, it doesn’t work like that.

It has been one month since I went from the night shift to the morning shift. Two weeks since I got promoted (still deciding if it was worth it or not), and a very long time since we went out, just the two of us.

We even left the dog at home.

Sure, we went out to the movies (Deadpool was the last one we saw at the cinema), we went out with friends; but it’s been a very long time since it was just the two of us.

The best part of this specific break from the city, was that Johnny decided on the location. He never decides on the location. He just lets me pick a random place and goes along with it. Today it was his pick and it was a beautiful one.

It wasn’t very far from Bucharest, just half an hour away by car. It wasn’t crowded, the food was great and I got the chance to feed two ostriches.

Feeding time IMG_20160514_162222

It was fun and relaxing. It was a breath of fresh air after all that has been going on in our lives.

24 March, 2016

Rainy days

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We’ve been having some rainy days lately. I really can’t complain since they have their charm as well. That, and I always sleep better when it rains outside.

Rainy days

The last 2 weeks have been hectic enough for us. For me, long hours at work and just a lot of running around to get things done and for John has more responsibility at work. It is tiresome. I really have no idea how others manage their time so well. For us, it seems like we’re always running. And yet, with all the running around things don’t seem to get done.

I guess the term rainy days could be used to determine our current situation, not just the weather.

I am currently trying to keep my mind busy and not think of 2 things. One, which will give us a headache for the next 6-7 months (if we’re lucky, it won’t take longer) and the other which might improve something in this whole work equation.

Long story short, I applied for a better position at work. While I am pretty happy with my overall performance, I am cannot guarantee that I will get it. I haven’t forgotten how disappointed I felt last time when I had to much confidence in myself. That and others have applied for the position. There isn’t anyone who wouldn’t deserve it. So, until next week we all have to wait for the results.

“Optimism is the foundation of courage”

Hopefully, I had enough courage to give out my best during these rainy days.

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