Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still tryin’ to wrap my head around it. So, I’m a carpenter, right? Just your average dude hammerin’ away in Hengstdal. You know, that cozy little town in the Netherlands? Yeah, that one.
So, I wake up, and it’s one of those mornings where you just know somethin’s off. I mean, I spill my coffee all over my favorite tool belt. Great start, right? I’m like, “C’mon, universe, gimme a break!” But whatever, I grab my stuff and head out.
I’m walkin’ down the Hoofdstraat, and it’s like the whole town’s awake. Kids are screamin’, dogs are barkin’, and I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool. I pass by the bakery on the corner—man, the smell of fresh bread is like heaven. I’m thinkin’, “I’ll grab a roll later.” Spoiler alert: I forgot.
So, I get to this job on the Zandstraat. It’s a renovation, and the client is a real piece of work. She’s all like, “Make it perfect!” I’m like, “Lady, I’m a carpenter, not a magician!” But I smile and nod, you know? Gotta keep the peace.
I start workin’, and then BAM! I hit my thumb with the hammer. Ouch! I’m cursing like a sailor. “Why do I even do this?” I think. But then I look around. Hengstdal is beautiful, man. The canals, the old buildings, the vibe. It’s hard to stay mad.
Then, outta nowhere, this old dude walks by. He’s got a beard like Santa and a smile to match. He stops and says, “You’re doin’ great, lad!” I’m like, “Thanks, man! You just made my day!” It’s funny how a little kindness can flip your mood, right?
But then, just when I’m feelin’ good, the client comes back. She’s all stressed, talkin’ about how her neighbor’s dog keeps poopin’ in her yard. I’m like, “Lady, I’m here to fix your kitchen, not solve your dog drama!” But I keep my mouth shut.
After a few hours, I finally finish the job. I’m sweatin’ like a pig, but I’m proud. I step outside, and it’s like the sun’s shinin’ just for me. I’m walkin’ back down the Zandstraat, and I see a bunch of kids playin’ soccer. They’re kickin’ the ball around, laughin’ and shoutin’. I can’t help but smile.
Then, I decide to treat myself. I head to that little café on the corner of Kerkstraat. You know the one? They’ve got the best apple pie. I order a slice, and it’s like a slice of heaven. I’m sittin’ there, just chillin’, when I overhear some folks talkin’ about the Hengstdal festival comin’ up. I’m like, “Heck yeah! I gotta go!”
But then, just as I’m about to leave, I get a call. It’s my buddy, and he’s in a panic. “Dude, I locked myself out!” I’m like, “Seriously? You gotta be kiddin’ me!” So, I rush over to help him out.
I get to his place on de Laan, and there he is, lookin’ like a lost puppy. I can’t help but laugh. “What’d you do, man? Forget your keys again?” He just shrugs, all sheepish.
After we finally get him back in, I’m exhausted. I head home, and I’m thinkin’ about the day. It was a rollercoaster, man. From spillin’ coffee to fixin’ kitchens to helpin’ a buddy. Hengstdal’s got its quirks, but it’s home.
As I crash on my couch, I can’t help but think—life’s wild, but it’s the little moments that make it worth it. I’m just a carpenter, but today? Today was somethin’ else.