The Actuator - April 10th

Hi there! While Tom is delivering a presentation for the Intelligent Cloud Summit here in Copenhagen, I've decided to get started on the Actuator for this week to free up his time for sightseeing later. My name is Suzanne--the other half of team LaRock-Larocque. The name thing is a long story. I'll save it for another time.

I'm not sure how Tom usually does things here, so bear with me. I'm sure he'll decide to scrap this whole thing anyway.

Lately, I've been really interested in sustainable architecture and design. I think it all started when I ordered a Dwell magazine subscription for a school fundraiser. Ever since, I've become more interested in the idea of building a Passivhaus of our own. And since we're in Copenhagen, it's the perfect time to learn about the building practices they're putting into effect here. Copenhagen has a goal to be the world's first carbon-neutral city by 2025. I was in NYC a couple weeks ago, and I know it's a much larger city, but it's noticeably more quiet here. Maybe it's the electric buses. Whatever they've put into place so far, it's working!

I love daydreaming about the type of house I would build. And in terms of design, my "Dream Spaces" Pinterest board is filled with all sorts of architectural styles. It's like I'm trying to channel my inner Chip and Joanna or Shea McGee. Speaking of Chip and Joanna--it's amusing how everyone who has had their home renovated by Fixer Upper just ends up putting it up on Airbnb. Apparently the "Fixer Upper effect" is alive and well in Waco, TX, and turns out to be a great investment.

Not sure about you, but our family is very excited for Avengers: Endgame. The Marvel movies came at just the right time for our kids. Watching them together as a family has been a great experience. But why is no one talking about Outlander getting picked up for its 5th and 6th seasons? I mean, let's be honest, Claire is a superhero. She travels through time, has executed more than one prison rescue, performs surgery in 18th Century conditions, and committed murder--but only when justified.

So far, I'm really enjoying Copenhagen. It's very walkable and has all the charm that a European city should. And evidence of hygge is everywhere--the blankets that are provided in outdoor café seating, the candles, and fireplaces. But more so, it's how laid back everyone seems to be here.

Tom is just about done with his talk so I'm going to wrap this up. We've got more hygge to experience! Suzanne out.

hygge.JPG

Thwack - Symbolize TM, R, and C