Today a Thank God it’s Friday with your editor Jet. How was her week, what is she going to do this weekend and what kind of music is being played? Admit it, you’ve wanted to know that from her for a very long time, haven’t you? Are you reading along?

Hey Jet, how was your week?

‘Hectic, but also fun. The deadline for my book is in sight, so that means blood, sweat, and tears. I’ve locked myself in at my parents‘ place to avoid distractions. I can’t work without feeling that deadline, so most of the work was done in the past two months and that was sometimes quite stressful.

The program SelfControl has helped me through this time. Without it, I would never have made it. It’s a program that blocks my favorite sites so that I get an error when I want to take a look at them. Amayzine, Facebook, Net-A-Porter, The Outnet, Zara, nu.nl, and Lindanieuws.nl were off-limits. People, I get distracted so quickly, you don’t want to know.

This week I finally felt that the end is in sight, that it’s really going to be a book and that I’m going to be happy with it, so I’m sitting down to the Christmas dinner with a peaceful heart.’

Wow, how cool, a book. And what about Amayzine?

‘Don’t worry, I’ll still be writing for Amayzine of course.’

It’s Christmas, do you go all out when it comes to food?

‘I won’t leave anything behind, as always, but I’m very good at “eating in moderation” and I don’t have to put in much effort for that. With drinks, that’s a different story. I can really go overboard with that. Hendrick’s Gin with fresh grapefruit and tonic I find divine. I also love bubbles and cold red Spätburgunder. There’s a good chance all of this will be present at the Christmas dinner, so I’ve counted on a pounding head.’

And knowing you, will there also be some sports or will you just, like the normal person, lounge on the couch by the fireplace?

‘Both, is that allowed?’

What kind of music is being played in the Van Nieuwkerk household?

‘My mother brought out the box with Christmas decorations and CDs this week. We decorated the whole house together. Not just with a giant Christmas tree; there are Christmas arrangements, wreaths everywhere, mistletoe hanging, and also a lot of garlands with lights. In addition, we’re playing compilation CDs with Christmas songs, but for me, Mariah Carey remains the best.’

But just a moment, Jet, do you also eat dessert and stuff?

‘Yesss, silly question, of course I eat that.’

What is your favorite city for a weekend away?

‘Paris. Always Paris.’

Okay, and what does your ideal Sunday look like?

‘You’re really going to think I’m silly, but it starts with exercising. That’s how I prefer to start my day. Then having breakfast somewhere outside, I always find that so cozy. Long breakfast. Then I see a little shop in the city and soon after I’ll sit down at a lunch table. Then one by one, my dearest friends join. That lunch lasts so long that it spills over into dinner and wine.’

Sounds delightful. What time does your alarm go off on Monday?

‘Early, very early. These are the last days before I have to submit my book, so I’m betting on sleepless nights.’