My mind

I have adopted a true Dutch way of thinking. Not everyone will agree, but my thinking has changed so much since I have been living here.

I have learned to switch off lights as I go – my father would be proud. I remember big printed signs on the back of the garage door in our home saying “Switch the light off!”. However it never got through to me. And at the enlightening age of 30, and also after receiving an electricity bill of 650 euros, I get it.

Crime has always been an interest of mine. Which is strange, because I am such a scaredy cat, and not fond of bullet holes or blood. I had a Forensic Detectives phase, which lead to Medical Detectives, and eventually for the mass market, CSI Miami, New York and Las Vegas! I devoured it. That has since passed, but still the interest for true crime remains. When a new book came on the market here, Woensdag Gehaktdag (meaning Wednesday, Minceday) about a guy who was suspected of mincing his wife in a meat mince machine, I was on the case! I watched the interview, looked for the book online and was determined to buy it. Then social responsibility (a fairly new feeling for me) stepped in. After having lost everything to drinking and gambling and sitting many years in prison for the admitted murder of his wife (though not with a mincer), this guy has got no money. And no job. And I will literally be paying him a salary when I buy the book. (I am not even doing him a favour with a link to his name). Up to this day, my curiosity has never gotten the better of me, and I remain faithful to my new belief of not helping criminals.

The same thought-pattern followed when I saw the new O.J Simpson book on the shelf. Fondly remembering watching the trail on TV way past my bedtime with my father, I reached out for the hardcover. And retreated.

It may sound pretentious, I know, but I do find it refreshing to think about things now that has never crossed my mind.

In the same spirit, I have read this book. What is the What by Dave Eggers.

I do my washing on 30 degrees instead of 60. I try to print only when necessary at home. I am still not succeeding in that at work. I recycle. Glass with glass. Paper with paper. I take the tram and the train– partly due to not having a parking permit, but I do feel like I am earning 5 extra points in the climate debate.

I guess living so closely with each other in this miniscule country must have taught the Dutch something about tolerance and being responsible.

And I am a patient student.