29th September 2012 - Passed the NCT test, but ...

Yeah, I am really annoyed with it!
I drove up to Drogheda this morning to get my car checked and the NCT (National Car Test) done (this is equivalent to the German TÜV). I emptied my boot and an elderly neighbour was so nice to help me with removing the tyre caps. Happily I made my way to Drogheda, only stopping in Balbriggan to get air for the tyres and a bit more petrol as I was running low.

I got a bit lost in the Business Park where the centre is held. I show a picture of the test centre here. A colleague said that this would be normal - somebody giving you directions somewhere and for whatever reasons a pub is involved (don't remember seeing it actuallay).

Drogheda NCT Centre - can be found on their website.

Once I actually arrived, it all went very quick. I watched my princess car getting poked and pulled, while other people got their test results. My heart sunk deeper when I heard things such as "leaking exhaust" and "too high emissions". I was praying my car didn't have any problems as the test fee is €55 and a re-test, under the circumstances they find anything - costs you another €22. Well, my car got through, no problems what so ever until ...

"There are no e-marks (something to do with an EU regulation) on your tyres, I can only find Japanese scribbeling on the them. You need to get them replaced (all of them!!!) within 30 days, re-test will be free of charge ..."

NEW TIRES!!! Just because my car is an import. Heavy hearted I went to the next car tyre dealer just around the corner and yes - because there are no e-marks on them, I needed them replaced as my current ones would be considered junk and would go for recycling immediately. I was a bit in a shock, especially as the payment for the college has kicked in. It cost me €200 for a set of four!!! I almost started crying.

Well, I am home now - with my passed NCT certificate, €200 lighter. Really annoyed, especially as I don't feel a difference. But at least they will keep me a while and I had the slight feeling that either the front or rear left tyre had a puncture. There was almost no air in the rear one before I drove to Drogheda. At least I was able to go Aldi for a change and got my shopping done. Now I am enjoying a late lunch while composing this post. I also had to wait after I got the tyres replaced as the NCT centre closes from 12:45pm to 1:35pm for lunch - I just missed them by five minutes!!! I had plans to go to Trinity College and go to the library but it was too late when I came home and now it's almost 4:00pm

I enjoyed my colleague's retirement party yesterday and got home quite late, it was almost midnight as the train was delayed.

I took a picture of the cake I organised for him through our staff canteen:

Blackforest Gateau - his favourite

And we went for drinks afterwards in "The Olde Punchbowl" pub in Booterstown.

The Olde Punchbowl, Booterstown, Co. Dublin

Now, I will spend some time with VB.net. I still have to download the application from Microsoft. Hope that doesn't take too long ...

27th September 2012 - My first week in college

I survived my first week in college and so far I really enjoy it. The class is very mixed, with about 40 people. We are about 8 or 9 girls, the rest is blokes - and most seem to be married. Such a pity, some of them are really nice and good looking. And they have the right age. But, well, will keep searching :-). But at least I am meeting some new people, everyone with their own personal background. I found out that is has become easier to talk to people - at least I find it easier.

Our first lecture didn't take place. The lecturer is external and messed up on the weeks. According to another lecturer Trinity only recently changed the timetable. It used to be eight weeks before Christmas which puts the start date to the middle of October. Now we have eleven weeks before Christmas which gives us a better change to get through the curriculum.

On Wednesday we had our first lecture in Visual Basic, using Visual Studio 2010. We were asked to download the Express application from the Microsoft webpage which I still have to do. Hope to be able to do that tomorrow or sometime during the weekend. We received a lecture on the basics and went to the computer lab afterwards. I really enjoyed the lecture and was able to do some basic programming by creating a form with buttons and some basic commands. It's a pity everybody in work is telling me that it would be better if we were taught C# (Sharp) instead. I decided to ignore their words because I like VB - at the moment. I seem to be a person that thinks she can conquer the world of programming after only one lecture.

I worked up my notes after the class on my netbook while going home on the train and I loved it. Got everything done by the time I reached Skerries. This morning I converted my notes into PDF and put them on my MicroSD for my tablet. And again, I love it and it's working perfectly!

Tonight we had the first lecture on Web Design and Development. The speaker is very good and easy to listen to, despite the fact that it took him ages to get the technology working - not his fault though and he knows the IT Crowd series. He had a lot of stories to tell that somehow always had something to do with his class - either web-related or a principle demonstrated with a real life experience. I found that very good. He also handed out his keynotes which he gave as a PowerPoint presentation. Saves me the writing! He also loves our online blackboard. It gets us into using it too, I figure.
Afterwards we got a task that we needed to solve in groups, looking for "gatherer" and "hunter" groups that are not addressed by either Google or Ryanair. It really got our brains working and we ended up finishing as the last group. We have the slight feeling that we put too much thought into it, in instead of coming up with ideas.

Once I am home and have the time I need to complete a brain test which will determine the dominant side of our brain. Really curious about that now. Have no idea what I am, only assuming I have a good balance between them with the analytical side (apparently left) and my creative side (which is supposed to be the right side of the brain). I then have to submit the result to my lecturer and according to the results we will be put into a group consisting of two people - to make sure both the artistic and the analytical criteria are met for the design work. Will post the results here too.
A colleague is retiring tomorrow and we are having a celebration in the office with cake and a speech. After work, we will go out for a few drinks.

Hope to be in Skerries soon. I am exhausted. But at least my cold is almost gone. Hate being sick.

23rd September 2012 - A cushioned experience

I had a very pleasant weekend, not doing a lot but still I didn't end up being bored. On Saturday I went to the HandmAID event at Damer Hall and was happy catching up with a few people I hadn't seen in a while. I got a bit of knitting done. I also enjoyed the birthday party I went to the same evening.

I finally got my Student ID on Friday which means I can finally use the gym in Trinity. I did a session on Friday after the provost speech. Their machines are very techy for my taste. I thought that I was on a cross-trainer but it was something else instead - still haven't figured out what. Not sure at the moment, but I might rent a locker in their place so that I can lock my bags away. I was quite packed on Friday. My new bag has prooved itself to be a good choice and there is so much space in it.

I had a lazy day today which I was told I should have once in a while. Therefore, the only two things I did was put on two washes and clearing out a shelf in my bathroom. I decided that this forms some sort of therapy for me. Every Sunday of the upcoming weeks I will pick a shelf, press or cupboard and clear it out, throw things out and/or give them to charity. It makes me feel good about myself.

While clearing out, I finished the second session of "The Big Bang Theory" and started watching the third, only realising that I am still missing season five. I got a boxset of season one to four in HMV a good few months ago and had decided to start watching it again. Despite conversations I had with people, I LOVE this series and I think I know why ... they are just stupid when watching them in German. I remember seeing an episode in German and I have to agree - it's not funny! English version rules the world!!!

I also got my nightstand cleared and figured out that it's big enough to do some sewing on it. So while watching TV, I started working on my first big sewing project.

I am really proud about this. I couldn't stop hugging it while watching "Inception"* and "Ultraviolet"**.

Closer picture of the fabric. Got this in IKEA ages ago with the intention of making a cushion cover. Have enough left for second one. I would love this is a duvet cover but they don't sell the fabric with an according width.

I am really proud of putting in the zipper nicely. I did take me a while to get it tagged to the fabric - should have ironed it first and the zipper foot took a while to get used to but I would still call it a success.

Going to bed now. Feeling tired.

Foot notes:

* - After watching this again, I realised that the movie is completely illogical and only makes a good figure due to the special effects, acting and dialogues. But somehow the script just doesn't make sense. Still enjoyed it though.

** - Picked this up at Golden Discs ages ago for €3 or €4. It's not brilliant, but I like Milla Jovovich and they are actually trying to force this movie into Anime style which actually hasn't turned out that bad. Just the story is flawed cause there is not much talking and the most of the talking gets lost in mumbling.

20th September 2012 - A bit more at ease

Just returned from my induction evening at Trinity College and I have to say that I feel much more relaxed about my upcoming studies. The induction ran for 90 min. We received our time tables, all sorts of internet links and notes (incl. Student's Counselling, Buddy programme, gym) and I have to say that, despite all that information, I am now really looking forward to my classes.

The schedule has changed slightly and instead of 6:30pm to 9:30, we already start at 6:00pm which means we will be finished by 9:00pm. I will have all the time in the world to get my train and I will be home early enough to avoid getting a heard attack because I am exhausted. The downside is that my gym plans were destroyed - I had planned to use the gym after work for a good workout. I have to see how it turns out. If I leave work on time, I arrive at Trinity at around 5:25pm. I really don't want to sit in class smelling of sweat. Will use the gym tomorrow for the first time to get a better idea of it. Maybe I can work something out. They are also open on Saturdays and Sundays which is really good.

I am also looking forward to their new Buddy programme which we were encouraged to sign up for. We get a senior student from the next year assigned to us to work as our buddy and help us with other stuff before running around like headless chickens and emailing loads of people to get information. We are also assigned a personal tutor to help us with the studies.

Now, I am really getting excited. Also found out that my new email address which I received from Trinity is indeed forwarding my emails to my gmail-Account. So I get my emails on my phone as well as Outlook on my laptop without logging into their website service. It makes it so much easier and I won't miss anything.

Had a lovely lunch today with a colleague who is leaving soon to retire. Really going to miss him.

19th September 2012 - 12 hours ... and no Laurie for me ...

6:43am: Woke up this morning with "We are the Champions" from Queen in my ear. A bit disturbing I have to say. And it hasn't really stopped. Even listening to my iPod did not make it stop.
Today is big day going to Trinity for the Phil event. I hope I will get a seat. Maybe I can leave a bit earlier. Brought my new bag in, partly sponsored by my housemate and a big bundle of unused Tesco vouchers (written on the Blogger app on the phone - I turned on "Swype" on my phone and it's so much easier to text now).

Two hours later, it was "Shot in the Dark", performed by Within Temptation. Seems the iPod does work after all.

6:25pm: Well, I know that I will never work as a paparazzi. The crowd  of kids waiting and running after the car was just nuts. They actually had to stop letting people into the Exam Hall, so much for my seat - I didn't even get in to stand. There were so many people!!! I assume it's for safety reasons that they had to close the doors. I saw loads of disappointed kids there. The people who got in had  apparently waited for as long as five hours, the ones refused had been there for three - the first people started queuing at lunch time(!). Felt really sorry for them. Most got some picture though when he arrived. I pretty much just got a glimpse of Hugh when he arrived in the black Mercedes, caught up in talks with the person on the back seat. Wasn't able to catch him on the my mobile camera.

Next time I know better. Not that I fancy to skip work or classes. Apparently the queue was worse when Woopie Goldberg came. Well, will try my best for Patrick Steward. I really feel sorry for all those kids that were not let in. Keeps the disappointment low, should have know better though.

Well, at least a little memory of the evening. This was just the side entrance.

I am really looking forward to study on these grounds. Standing in front of the GMB.

Tomorrow is my induction evening at Trinity College, starting at 6:00pm. At least this time I should be able to get a seat.

16th September 2012 - Still in bed ...

What can I say - I am happy wireless internet was invented. I am sitting in my bed, laptop cushion (from IKEA, genius!) and my laptop on my ... lap - and hey, I can surf the internet.
Went to see my friend in Swords yesterday, doing a bit of knitting for a change. I have decided to embark on an adventure again by knitting myself a new dress: Louisa Hardings "Rowlee" from her Little Cake book (borrowed picture from theyarnimporium.com). I got a good bit done and I have more yarn than I need so I will add a bit more length to it. It looks more like a tunic but I would prefer it to be more of a dress. It will look lovely with jeans or leggins and boots. I have this pair of Italien boots I bought ages ago in a sale for next to nothing and I haven't worn them a lot.

I had a lovely night yesterday and a bit of a laugh.

I checked a few things on the Trinity webpage and contact one of the guys that does ceramics on various evenings near the college. Students who have signed up for courses with Trinity, get the class at half the price. I did a session on a pottery wheel back in June and I had a lot of fun doing it. So I was hoping that my college was offering something that would not inflict with my class schedule. Am I a lucky person or what?! I can either attend Friday at 6.00pm or 7:30pm. Looking forward to it. Have to text the fellow back with my email address.

Not sure what to do today. Waiting to hear back from another friend whether we go to the cinema tonight or not. Weather has changed and it rained all morning. But it looks like the clouds are moving appart. There is an actual fleck of blue sky coming through (and it's getting bigger!). It's weak but I can see it from my window. Autumn is coming.

Will have some breakfast now.

12th September 2012 - I think I am missing my parents

College is about to start and after having a serious conversation with my housemate, I think I should have gone home for a few days. I miss my family at the moment. Despite my friend being over, I didn't realise that I miss them. I am working on something called "family genogram" which is sort of a story telling version of my life and people around me such as my parents and friends. I started working on it a few weeks ago and put three pages together. Now, after a few weeks of inactivity I picked it up again from where I left it and while reading it and adding words, I realise that it would have been better to take a week off to go home. It's a long time until Christmas which I just simply didn't realise. I am trying to keep myself busy at the moment but I am failing at it.

Fresher's week in Trinity starts next week and I have decided to join The Phil. They have a few very interesting people coming over the next couple of month. Next week, Hugh Laurie is supposed to join as a speaker. So I will attend the session on Wednesday, 19th September. Hopefully I will be able to grab a seat and maybe get a nice picture of him. Sir Patrick Stewart is also announced to come during the year. I hope I don't have to skip too many lectures for that. Really want to meet him - if they give you the chance. Hells know, how many bodyguards he will bring along. Unfortunately the discussion rounds are on Wednesdays, 7:30pm to 10:00pm which means I would miss most of my lectures. Maybe it's a quiet week when he arrives. That would be great.

I finished my first book on the eReader - The Memoires of Sherlock Holmes. I have to say that I like it. I read "The Hound of Baskerville" at some stage in my live (it was in German, I think). I bought "A Study in Scarlet" on ebooks.com for a little less than €4, not realising that it is actually the first book about the famous detective; so Watson and Holmes are only about to become friends and work together on cases. I have to be careful with the webpage though, it's tempting to buy books from them. I also signed up for a Weltbild-account to purchase books in German. They have their own Android app so I have to problems reading it on the tablet.

Just one last note before updating and going to bed: Mum, dad - just to let you know - I miss you both very much at the moment. Habe euch ganz doll lieb!!!

7th September 2012 - First Sewing Experiments

Our clear-out in work went very well. It went that well that we were finished by lunch time and I decided to take the rest of day off. Again, the weather is lovely, so I am sitting in the garden at moment to enjoy the sunshine while working on this post.

Earlier on, I got the my new sewing machine out of the box and set it up on the dinner table in the livingin room.

My sewing machine, all unwrapped, set up and ready to go.

I attended a few sewing classes a good while back but I can proudly say, I haven't forgot all I've learnt. I was able to wind a bobbin without any problems. Getting it into the sewing machine the correct way, prooved itself a bit difficult. Luckely enough though, the machine came with a manual. After a few trial runs, I was able to get the bottom thread from the bobbin below thread through the machine, and the top thread from the big spool thread through the upper part of the machine .... that's a lot of "thread" in just one sentence. Sorry about that.

The results looked like that:

I tried myself on a few different stitch settings

My first button hole. Okay, I need to cut the little piece of fabric between the longer stitching to make it a real button hole - but the main thing is I was able to put the machine onto the right settings. Not the prettiest one but I am just happy that I was able to figure it out how to do it.

I tried myself on a bit of seaming ... that didn't go too bad either. I am able to do pretty straight lines on fabric. Just delighted about it.

This is how you actually cut the thread when you are done. There is a little cutter hidden behind the little cook on the machine. You wrap the two threads around it and pull.

The machine came with so many little parts and piece which means I don't have to buy anthing. On the left you can see a bobbin which has black sewing thread wound on it. The white plastic thing is a button making foot which you put underneath the sewing needle and clip it in. It has a gage to help you with the size of the button hole (red markings in my case, can't see them here). There are different sized screw drivers to exchange pieces on the machine if required. I also found a little bottle of clear sewing machine oil.

I wound another bobbin with white thread. You can see the big spool of the thread in the rear of the picture.

And sew on a name tag on a piece of fabric. How about that?!?

I decided to donate my small mini sewing machine which I had purchased in Hickey's also years ago to one of the charities in the village, as well as a dress I didn't find myself wearing a lot. So off it went.

Received a call from my housemate. Will leave soon for Balrothery to pick her up. And there is a dog constantly barking next door which makes me uneasy and my laptop almost slipped of my lap because of it. I am just simply a cat person and that's that.

Hope to start on my cushion cover soon. Still need the zips

6th September 2012 - Personal update

I have to admid, I wasn't feeling great lately - a bit sluggish, tired, annoyed, nervous.

After having a conversation with my housemate about it,  I started getting back into healthier eating. I was off fruit and vegetables, porridge for breakfast and was stuffing myself with crap such as jellies and chocolate, instead of having some proper food. I also didn't go the gym over the last two weeks. I just didn't feel like it and the weather at the moment is so nice; the only thing you want to do is go out, enjoy the sunshine - maybe have an ice cream or coffee. But I didn't feel like doing anything really. I spent some time in front of my game console, but I am making sure that I don't spend too much time with it.

Somehow I have the feeling that the idea of college is giving me the creeps. I am nervous about it (Will I be able to fit in? Will I be able to master the curriculum? Will I understand what the subjects are about?). This is the very first time I am doing a proper course where I am not just attending class to get a certificate, like I did with the MCAS 2007 course. I just did it to put it onto my CV, as proof that "yes, I know how to work with spread sheets and how to format a paragraph" - people sometimes don't believe you, if you can't proof it in writing (and some of those can't even do it themselves *lol*). Same accounts to my TEFL qualification, despite the fact I am more likely to explain English grammar to an English speaking person, even before I did the modules (well, it's the same the other way, sometimes German grammar is still a mystery to me).

This time, I am actually getting a qualification that will have a huge impact on my work life. It will open up new doors, new possibilities, a career ... and this scares me. I am looking forward to it though: meeting new people, encounter new challenges, see which area of IT is really for me. There is so much, but it's scary and at times I feel overwhelmed. Sometimes I am not even really sure whether I made the right decision. The timing feels right though and I know that I won't stay in my current job forever. I have too much potential for that.

Went to gym today now that I am back on my five-a-day, porridge with honey and almonds for breakfast and at least one proper meal a day. Burned about 400kcal in my session and yes, I hate to admit that my housemate was right, but I feel better about myself. Sport really puts you back together.

Tomorrow I have what I call a "Field Trip". I am joining a group of colleagues to look at archived boxes. The company that does it, is located somewhere where there are green fields - which is why I called it a "Field Trip". It involves grass and grass, as we all know, is usually green and in mass considered a "field". And I can drive there, yeah (which translates into "trip", = "Field Trip")! Love driving! I am so happy I decided to learn how to drive a car. It's weird having a ton or so of steel under your bum but the feeling of free movement is just unbelievable (and the time you save instead of taking the bus when you live a little remote, such as myself). I am so happy I stayed with it - there were days where I was about to give up and sell my car. Also love my car!

Looking forward to tomorrow.

5th September 2012 - Gadget Geek No. 2

Okay, I am a Gadget Geek. I cannot deny it. I love anything electronically, techy - new toys/gadgets to play with. So after the tablet/eReader it didn't take much longer for me to get something new - again. This time though, and this might come to your surprise, I bought something that kind of matches the techy description but it misses a few things:

1. No touchbad or screen, has a lamp though
2. It doesn't sync with my email account - would be a bit funny if my new toy told me that I missed an alert in my calendar or told me which car parking space I have booked in the office
3. It does not receive my emails
4. It cannot hook it up to any applications such as Whatsapp, Facebook, eBooks or any such things
5. It cannot be used for texting in any form
6. I cannot use it to make phone calls
7. It doesn't have GPS or any kind of navigation system
8. It is not able to provide me with WiFi or even pick up the WiFi signal in the house
9. In general, no access to the internet by any means incl. 3G
10. Trying to think of anything else my phone does ... ?
11. Found it - no games (I will survive)
12. And yes, no camera on board - nope!

Despite all of these things, I still consider it a gadget - just one that makes a lot of noise - an NO, I am not talking about my car.

Have a look at the picture and admire the newest addition to my family:

Well, what about that ... a sewing machine, and no, I cannot access the internet through it or check directions on GoogleMaps. Ah well, at least now I am able to fix holes in clothing and take up my housemate's new curtains which I haven't seen yet. I have never taken up curtains, but we don't have to tell her that ... that will stay my secret. So, psssst!!! I was told that it's a boring thing to do though. Just meters of meters of straight, long fabric to push through the machine. *yawn*

The plan is the following: I checked my little storage and I have two nice fabrics left: one blue-white cotton fabric with roses and and a black cotton fabric with colourful motives (later one was purchased in IKEA). I have enough to make two 45cm x 45cm cushions. Only need to get the zips. Will put instructions together and upload them here, with as many pictures as possible to show every step of the process.

I hope to get a chance to open the box on Saturday or Sunday. Keep fingers crossed.

2nd September 2012 - A reminder of summer

It's unbelievable but we are already approaching Autumn 2012. Today is the 2nd September and it sure still feels like summer.

I went for a walk around Skerries Harbour. Curiously I switched on my mobile phone's 3G to get an update on the weather. I was actually 20°C - in the shade. Walking in the sun, it must have been at least 25°C if not more. There was a soft, cooling breeze at the beach which made the walk a bit more bearable. I started sweating like hell.

It was lovely to watch all the people going for walks with their kids and dogs. People went for swims in the sea (don't want to know how cold that was - and they were not wearing wet suits like they normally do). Everyone just enjoyed the weather.

  

This is/was the colour of the sky, with only a few tiny thin clouds.

And this is the view at the harbour. The water was clear, you could almost see the bottom of the sea.

I went my way and bought a bottle of Lift. The weather made me crave something sweet and fizzy. It sat down on a bench at the beach and watched everyone passing by, while basking in the sunlight. I was so delighted I had my sunglasses with me. You would actually think you wouldn't need them in Ireland (no, it does no rain all the time) but once the sun comes out, it can get really warm.

In one of the many Charity shops we have around here, I managed to by myself a little purse - black with a a flower - something pretty. And it only cost me €2.

My successful purchase; it only needs a little clean. No funny smells coming from the inside which sometimes happen with bags when you by them in these shops. But no, it has been kept very well.

I had a look at the label inside. Was a bit surprise then:

It's atmosphere. For those of you who don't know, Atmosphere is sold by Penny's/Primark. Whoever bough it first hasn't spent much money on it - still I am very delighted that it has moved into my stash of bags - I have to admit, I am a bit of a handbag fetish. I am still looking for a new handbag for college - or a rucksack, but I say I will wait until I know which books I need to purchase. Otherwise the bag/rucksack ends up being too small.

I took another few photos such as this one (I love my phone and I can store another 6,400 pictures on it):

 

Skerries Harbour, Skerries, Co. Dublin

It started to get a bit chilly (or nippy as we say here) at around 3:30pm, so I made my way home to start writing an entry for my blog. As the weather was still nice I decided to get into the garden. My laptop charging cord is long enough to sit on one of the garden chairs while the laptop is plucked in; WiFi is also very strong out here.

I was greeted by those two creatures when I set down (had to change though while working on this post, the cushion on the chair was wet and I didn't notice it at first. So I turned the cushion around and put a towel on it to be save - no more wet bum for me!):

A yawning Snoopy - he is actually a stray and comes into the garden once in a while. We started to feed him which is something you are not supposed to do, but we don't have the heart in this house to let him starve to death. Somebody must have abondoned him at some stage - he is really cuddley and has handed in his résumé to move in (possibly winter), once there is a space in the house. Well, only time will tell ...

And Nellie, the little brat, that only comes home once every three days. She is the complete opposite of Snoopy - doesn't like cuddling unless it's on her terms, only wants her food - preferable cooked chicken breast - and then go out again to find new adventures ... or sleep in the neighbour's house as we found out a few weeks ago. Apparently she is doing that for the last three years.

Uhh, and something very exciting has happened. Since my mum got one, I had to get one, so I went to Harvey Norman's yesterday and bought this (by mistake, of course, had the intention of buying a WiFi booster but I wasn't in the mood to spend €120/€150, will buy one in Germany):
 

I bought myself an eReader (or tablet, it does a good bit more than just an eReader). It was reduced by €22 as part of their "Back to School" ad and I couldn't resist. Wanted to have one for college despite the fact that I have a netbook. This thing will cover the reading part of college, in the hope that a lot of the materials we use is in .pdf - I will convert my notes into pdf and read them on this tablet while on the go. It's much lighter that the netbook (which weights about 1 kg; the laptop about 2.7 kg). So it's ideal. I got a few free books with it so I am reading a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel - "Memoires of Sherlock Holmes". It's good so far.

Tablet runs on Androids Icecream sandwich which also runs on my phone ... and everything is syncronizing perfectly. Didn't have to set up my calendar new or download apps. Appointments were uploaded when I signed in with my Google Account. Makes it so much easier to use.

And the great thing: it already came with a softshell bag. Don't have to by one now. It's a German product, so no need to bring a plug with me to Germany when I go home for Christmas, as the German socket already came with it.

I am going to have a beer now (was just told that we are having a barbeque - just the three of us) and enjoy the rest of my weekend. Drop me a line if you feel like it.

P.S.: My colleague got me the Lidl Silvercrest sewing machine, so I can finally do some more sewing. More next time, I hope.