Sunday Jitters

Last night I experienced my first sleepless night in a long time: hours of worrying, clammy hands, and butterflies in my stomach like I used to have the day before my birthday. Just a few days to go until the premiere of Female Rappers this Sunday. And although the rehearsals are going well, we have a record shortage of time to fix all the technical issues, and that's a lot, I can tell you. Even though we scream every performance that the next one really needs to involve a lot less technology, it seems to only be increasing. Three full music videos, dozens of visuals, five self-written songs (including a real gospel), and four dance acts: man oh man, the sweat is on my fingers as I type this. Staying calm is always the key, so I'm doing my best. It helps enormously if you all come out in large numbers to support us this Sunday! For more info check this the site.

It's going to be a busy schedule this coming Sunday, because in the morning you can enjoy the Expression of Art Award 2018 at the Conservatorium Hotel. Since this beautiful location used to function as a real conservatory, The Set Hotels established this award to support music students in their musical careers. The winner receives €5000, and the winner of 2016 has already proven that such an amount can be a fantastic support in your career: Gideon Tazelaar was able to study at the famous Julliard School in New York because of it. I'm bummed that I have to perform myself, because this morning promises to be a musical highlight. Check conservatoriumhotel.com for more info.

Otis seems to have grown a little bit every morning when I get him out of bed. At first, Jon was very sweet in the mornings so I could sleep in for that one extra hour after all the nighttime feedings, but now that Mr. has been sleeping soundly from seven to seven (yes, lucky bastards!), I have zero excuses to stay in bed longer than my husband. And I must honestly admit: once you get used to a ‘baby alarm’ around 6:30 AM, it's lovely to start your day so early. Especially when you encounter such a little one who only smiles and is immediately ready for his playtime. Believe me: I could stare at this scene for hours.

All fun and games, but I never dare to proclaim spring when I feel the first bright rays of sunshine... Because not even half a day after my post last week, our country was smack dab hit by a Siberian cold front. Fully bundled up, I attempted to ride my bike, but after about five minutes I was crying with a literal brain freeze at a red traffic light. And so I gave myself the biggest gift of the year: an electric bike. This wish had been in my mind for a while, so that I could glide over all those canal bumps with Otis instead of pedaling myself to exhaustion. But I made that wish come true a bit faster, so my travel time is halved (and so is the length of my brain freeze). This summer, that bike with nicer temperatures is ideal for long bike rides with the family. Bring on the heat!