Oor Tegen Oor

There's this poster in my room with a little poem on it, titled "Oor Tegen Oor". I remember reading it the first time I lived here, and I didn't know what it said. But just now I looked up, and I understood it. This is what it says, with a translation:

"ik hoor wat je denkt (I hear what you are thinking)

denk nog even door (just keep on thinking)

blijf stil bij me zitten (stay silently sitting next to me)

oor tegen oor" (ear to ear)

It's cute, isn't it?

My host mom has given me an "opdracht", or assignment. I have to learn 5 new words a day. Here were today's words:

gieter: watering can

ruit: rhombus

strijken, strijkijzer: to iron, iron

gum: eraser

combinatie tang: pliers

I'm starting to feel better about school. I can understand the textbooks pretty well now, and the questions on tests. I'm starting to make friends now, too. Here's a list of things I'm doing with friends:

1. Yesterday I went to the mall with a friend

2. Monday I'm going to Harry Potter 7 with some girls.

3. Friday I'm going to help a friend pick out a dress for the Christmas dance, then I'm going to my neighbor's birthday party

4. Next monday I'm going to a concert with another AFS student

5. That Friday I'm going to Amsterdam with a group of AFS kids

So I actually have something similar to what might be called a social life now.

I joined a gym. Gotta stay fit, you know? My host mom and I have an exercise plan.

I have to stop writing soon, because my host dad wants to turn off the internet to fix something. But it's going to be turned off for a week, so I need to write something to keep you guys satisfied for a while...

I'll just tell you a little something about each of my family members.

Carla (the mom): It's impossible to be unhappy around her. As soon as she walks in the room you feel better again. She's always smiling and knows how to keep a conversation going like nobody else. You know that you've met an amazing woman when she carries you, 2 giant bags of groceries, and a two year old all at once on a bike in the dark.

Matthias (the dad): Says he doesn't want to be thought of as being "nice", but you know he really is deep down. He's super direct, he tells you what's up, even if you don't want to hear it, but it's always for the better. He'll help you, but he makes you fix your own problems. And he can read minds. One look at your face and he knows how your day was.

Elise (the 6-year old): She is really mature for her age. If her siblings are crying, she knows how to calm them down. She understands that I don't speak fluent Dutch and she helps me out. I'm very impressed with her.

Sebastiaan (the 4-year old): He's practically bouncing off the walls with energy, but is the sweetest little kid you will ever meet. He loves to give hugs and kisses and greets everyone with a huge smile. He also calls me "Em", so you know he's alright.

Anne Laure (the 2-year old): This girl knows what she wants and knows how to get it. She never gives up. If she wants your attention, she will get it, no matter what. Plus, she is really cute and impish - she likes to play little tricks. Pretty clever.

Well I really have to go now, I hope this is enough for now.

Tot ziens,

Emily