Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Crown Pokies NDB – So gelingt die Konto‑Verifizierung Schritt für Schritt

August 7, 2026 by Laurel

Crown Pokies NDB – Dein praktischer Leitfaden

Willkommen bei unserem umfassenden Überblick zu Crown Pokies NDB. Dieser Beitrag richtet sich an alle, die in Deutschland nach einer sicheren und unterhaltsamen Online‑Casino‑Erfahrung suchen. Wir gehen Schritt für Schritt durch Registrierung, Bonusbedingungen, Zahlungsmöglichkeiten und vieles mehr – alles in klarer, leicht verständlicher Sprache.

Was ist Crown Pokies NDB?

Crown Pokies NDB ist das deutsche Angebot der internationalen Crown‑Casino‑Marke, das speziell für Spieler aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum konzipiert wurde. Der Begriff „NDB“ steht für “No Deposit Bonus”, also ein Bonus, den du ohne vorherige Einzahlung erhalten kannst. Neben klassischen Slots bietet die Plattform Live‑Casino‑Tische, Sportwetten und einen eigenen Mobil‑Client.

Das Besondere an Crown Pokies NDB ist die Kombination aus einer großzügigen Willkommensaktion und einer Lizenz, die von einer anerkannten europäischen Behörde ausgestellt wurde. Dadurch bekommst du nicht nur ein attraktives Startpaket, sondern auch ein hohes Maß an Spielerschutz und Transparenz.

Registrierung und Verifizierung – Schritt für Schritt

Der Anmeldeprozess bei Crown Pokies NDB ist bewusst einfach gehalten. Du brauchst nur deine E‑Mail‑Adresse, ein sicheres Passwort und ein paar persönliche Angaben, um das Konto zu eröffnen. Nachdem du das Formular abgeschickt hast, bekommst du eine Bestätigungs‑Mail mit einem Aktivierungslink.

Die Verifizierung folgt, sobald du eine Einzahlung tätigen möchtest. Hierbei musst du einen Lichtbildausweis und einen Adressnachweis hochladen. Dieser KYC‑Prozess schützt dich vor Betrug und sorgt dafür, dass Auszahlungen reibungslos abgewickelt werden. Sobald alles geprüft ist, kannst du dich über crownpokies au einloggen und losspielen.

Willkommen‑Bonus und weitere Aktionen

Der Willkommens‑Bonus bei Crown Pokies NDB ist einer der Hauptgründe, warum viele deutsche Spieler hier starten. Du erhältst zunächst einen No‑Deposit‑Bonus, gefolgt von einem Match‑Bonus auf deine erste Einzahlung. Die genauen Bedingungen unterscheiden sich leicht je nach Aktion, deshalb lohnt sich ein genauer Blick in die Bonus‑Tabelle.

Bonustyp Prozent Max. Bonus Umsatzbedingungen
No‑Deposit‑Bonus 100 % 5 € 30× Bonusbetrag
Erste Einzahlung 150 % 200 € 35× Bonus + Einzahlung
Freispiele – 20 Spins 20× Gewinn aus Freispielen

Beachte, dass die Umsatzbedingungen bei den Freispielen oft niedriger sind, weil sie sich nur auf die Gewinne aus den Spins beziehen. Wenn du planst, größere Beträge zu setzen, kann es sinnvoll sein, die Bonusbedingungen mit deinem Spielstil abzugleichen.

Einzahlungsmethoden und Sicherheit

Bei Crown Pokies NDB stehen dir zahlreiche Einzahlungsmethoden zur Verfügung, die sowohl schnell als auch sicher sind. Alle Transaktionen werden über verschlüsselte SSL‑Verbindungen abgewickelt, sodass deine Daten geschützt bleiben.

  • Kredit‑ und Debitkarten (Visa, MasterCard)
  • E‑Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz)
  • Banküberweisung (SEPA)
  • Prepaid‑Optionen (Paysafecard)

Die Mindesteinzahlung liegt bei 10 €, was für Gelegenheitsspieler gut erreichbar ist. Die meisten Methoden sind sofort verfügbar, sodass du praktisch ohne Wartezeit mit dem Spielen beginnen kannst.

Auszahlungen – Geschwindigkeit und Limits

Die Auszahlungsgeschwindigkeit ist ein entscheidender Faktor für viele Spieler. Crown Pokies NDB bietet in der Regel eine Bearbeitungszeit von 24 bis 48 Stunden für E‑Wallets und 3 bis 5 Werktage für Banküberweisungen.

  • Mindestauszahlungsbetrag: 20 €
  • Maximales Tageslimit: 5.000 €
  • Verifizierte Konten erhalten schnellere Auszahlungen

Wichtig ist, dass du dieselbe Zahlungsmethode wie bei der Einzahlung verwenden solltest, um Rückfragen zu vermeiden. Sobald deine Identität bestätigt ist, kannst du die Auszahlung per Klick im Kassen‑Bereich anstoßen.

Mobile Nutzung und App – Spielen unterwegs

Crown Pokies NDB hat sowohl eine responsive Web‑Oberfläche als auch native Apps für iOS und Android. Die App lässt sich ohne zusätzliche Registrierung verwenden – du meldest dich einfach mit deinen bestehenden Kontodaten an.

Die mobile Version unterstützt sämtliche Hauptfunktionen: Ein- und Auszahlungen, Bonusverwaltung, Live‑Casino‑Streams und sogar Sportwetten. Dank der optimierten Grafik laufen die Slots flüssig, selbst auf älteren Smartphones.

Live‑Casino und Sportwetten bei Crown Pokies

Live‑Casino

Im Live‑Casino kannst du gegen echte Dealer an Tischen wie Blackjack, Roulette und Baccarat antreten. Die Streaming‑Qualität ist hochauflösend, und du hast die Möglichkeit, per Chat mit dem Dealer zu kommunizieren – ein echtes Casino‑Gefühl von zu Hause aus.

Sportwetten

Für Sportbegeisterte bietet Crown Pokies NDB ein umfangreiches Wettangebot: Fußball, Basketball, Tennis und viele weitere Events. Die Quoten sind konkurrenzfähig, und du kannst Kombiwetten oder Einzelwetten bequem über das Dashboard platzieren.

Kundenservice und verantwortungsvolles Spielen

Der Kundenservice ist rund um die Uhr per Live‑Chat und E‑Mail erreichbar. Die meisten Anfragen werden innerhalb weniger Minuten beantwortet, wobei das Team sowohl Deutsch als auch Englisch spricht.

Verantwortungsvolles Spielen wird bei Crown Pokies NDB großgeschrieben. Du kannst Selbstausschlüsse festlegen, Einzahlungslimits setzen und jederzeit auf Hilfeseiten zu Spielsuchtprävention zugreifen. Diese Tools helfen dir, das Spielen im gesunden Rahmen zu halten.

Fazit & Entscheidungshilfe

Zusammengefasst bietet Crown Pokies NDB ein gut abgerundetes Paket für deutsche Spieler: ein attraktiver No‑Deposit‑Bonus, zahlreiche sichere Zahlungsmethoden, schnelle Auszahlungen und eine moderne Mobile‑App. Die Lizenzierung und die transparenten Bonusbedingungen schaffen Vertrauen, während das Live‑Casino und die Sportwetten das Angebot vielseitig machen.

Wenn du nach einem Casino suchst, das sowohl Einsteigern als auch erfahrenen Spielern etwas zu bieten hat, ist Crown Pokies NDB definitiv einen Blick wert. Prüfe die Bonusbedingungen, setze verantwortungsbewusste Limits und genieße das Spiel – das ist der sicherste Weg zu langfristigem Spielspaß.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Staycasino codes for existing players – overview and options for Australian gamblers

August 7, 2026 by Laurel

Staycasino Codes for Existing Players – How to Unlock Ongoing Bonuses in Australia

What Are Staycasino Codes for Existing Players?

Staycasino codes for existing players are special alphanumeric strings that loyal members can enter to claim extra perks after their initial sign‑up. Unlike the welcome bonus that disappears after the first deposit, these codes keep the value flowing – free spins, reload cashbacks and even weekly match bonuses can be triggered whenever you meet the criteria.

Australian players appreciate them because they sit on top of the regular promotions without resetting the wagering requirements. In practice, the code is entered in the “My Promotions” section of the casino dashboard, and the reward appears instantly, ready for play.

How to Redeem Your Code – Step‑by‑Step Guide

  1. Log in to your existing staycasino account.
  2. Navigate to the “Promotions” tab – usually found in the top navigation or side menu.
  3. Select “Enter Promo Code” and type the exact staycasino code for existing players you have.
  4. Confirm the entry – the system will validate the code and display the bonus details.
  5. Read the attached terms, especially the wagering requirements and eligible games, then click “Claim”.
  6. The bonus credits or free spins appear in your balance within seconds. You can start playing right away.

Bonus Types You Can Claim with Existing‑Player Codes

Not every code offers the same reward. Below is a snapshot of the most common bonus categories you’ll encounter as a returning member.

Bonus Type Wagering Requirement Max Win from Bonus Eligible Games
Reload Cash‑Back 10% 5x AU$500 All slots & table games
Free Spins (25) 30x (spin value) AU$200 Selected slots only
Weekly Match Bonus 50% up to AU$100 10x AU$100 All casino games

Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed When Using Codes

Using staycasino codes for existing players does not change the range of deposit and withdrawal options available to you. The casino supports most Australian favourite methods, including POLi, credit cards, and e‑wallets like Neteller and PayPal.

Withdrawals are processed according to the standard schedule of each method. For example, e‑wallets typically clear within 24 hours, while bank transfers may take 3‑5 business days. The bonus itself does not add extra processing time, but you must meet the wagering terms before the funds become eligible for withdrawal.

  • Instant deposits via POLi and credit cards.
  • Fast e‑wallet payouts – usually same‑day.
  • Bank transfers – 3‑5 business days.
  • All withdrawals are subject to KYC verification.

Registration, Verification and KYC – Do You Need to Re‑Register?

No, you do not have to open a new account to use staycasino codes for existing players. The same login credentials apply, and the verification stage remains unchanged. If you have already submitted your proof of identity – a driver’s licence or passport – the casino stores it securely for future bonus claims.

Occasionally, the casino may request a quick re‑verification if you trigger a high‑value bonus. This is a standard security measure to protect against fraud and to comply with Australian gambling regulations.

Mobile App and Live Casino Access with Existing Codes

Australian users love the flexibility of playing on the go. The staycasino mobile app mirrors the desktop experience, allowing you to paste your existing‑player code directly from the promotions screen.

Live dealer games, such as roulette and blackjack, also accept the same bonuses, provided the terms list “live casino” as eligible. Here’s a quick checklist for mobile players:

  • Download the official staycasino app from the App Store or Google Play.
  • Log in with your existing credentials.
  • Navigate to “Promotions” and enter your code.
  • Enjoy instant credit on both slots and live dealer tables.

Responsible Gambling – Managing Ongoing Promotions Safely

Continuous bonus codes can be tempting, especially when they promise free spins or cash‑back on a weekly basis. It’s crucial to set personal limits and stick to them. The casino provides tools such as deposit caps, loss limits and session timers – use them to keep your play within comfortable boundaries.

If you ever feel that the promotions are affecting your bankroll or behaviour, reach out to the support team for self‑exclusion options. Remember, the goal of the bonus is to enhance enjoyment, not to create pressure.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned players can slip up with staycasino codes for existing players. The most frequent errors are:

  • Entering the code in the wrong field (e.g., the registration box instead of the promotions tab).
  • Overlooking game restrictions – playing a non‑eligible slot will void the bonus.
  • Missing the wagering deadline – most codes must be cleared within 30 days.

To sidestep these issues, always double‑check the terms after claiming a bonus, and keep a record of the expiry dates. For a full list of current staycasino codes for existing players, visit the official stay casino site.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

7 Gear Promo Codes Security Guide for UK Players

August 7, 2026 by Laurel

7 Gear Promo Codes – Practical Guide for UK Players

What are 7 Gear Promo Codes and Why They Matter

In the crowded world of online gambling, a promo code is the shortcut that turns a regular sign‑up into a value‑packed experience. 7 gear promo codes are short alphanumeric strings that you enter during registration or the cash‑in stage, unlocking extra free spins, deposit matches or exclusive cash‑back offers. For UK players, the right code can boost the initial bankroll by up to £200, giving you more room to explore the live casino tables, the sportsbook and the slot library.

Most of the time the code is hidden behind a banner on the home page or sent via a promotional email. It’s not a hidden cheat – it’s simply a marketing tool that rewards you for choosing 7Gear over a rival site. The key is to make sure the code is still valid, as many offers expire after a short window or after a specific number of new registrations.

Step‑by‑Step: Redeeming Your 7 Gear Promo Codes

Getting the bonus is easier than you might think. Follow the short checklist below, and you’ll be ready to place your first bet within minutes.

  • Visit the 7Gear UK landing page and locate the active promo banner.
  • Copy the 7 gear promo code displayed – it usually looks like “WELCOME2024”.
  • Click “Register”, fill in your personal details and paste the code into the dedicated field.
  • Complete the first deposit using a supported payment method (see the payments section).
  • The bonus credit appears instantly in your account, ready for wagering.

If the code does not register, double‑check that you have entered it exactly as shown, including any capital letters or numbers. Some codes are limited to a single use per household, so if a friend has already claimed it, you may need to wait for the next promotion cycle.

Welcome Bonus Breakdown – What You Actually Get

The welcome package at 7Gear is split into two parts: a deposit match and a batch of free spins. Understanding the numbers helps you decide whether the offer fits your playing style.

Feature Details
Deposit Match 100% up to £100 on your first deposit
Free Spins 30 spins on “Starburst” (or similar) with a £0.10 max win per spin
Wagering Requirement 30x bonus + deposit (excluding free spin winnings)
Validity Bonus must be used within 14 days; free spins within 7 days

When you claim the welcome bonus, the bonus amount is added as “bonus funds”. You can only withdraw any winnings after you have satisfied the 30× wagering requirement, which means betting the bonus amount thirty times before cash‑out. Free spin winnings are usually subject to a lower 20× requirement, but they must be claimed quickly.

Wagering Requirements – How to Clear the Bonus Efficiently

Wagering requirements are the most common stumbling block for new players. At 7Gear, the 30× rule is fairly standard for UK licensed casinos. Here’s a practical way to meet it without exhausting your bankroll.

  1. Choose low‑to‑medium volatility slots with an RTP of 96% or higher – they give frequent small wins while keeping the game enjoyable.
  2. Bet 10% of your bonus each spin or round; this stretches the bonus life and reduces the risk of hitting a losing streak.
  3. Keep an eye on the “Stake” limit – some operators cap the maximum bet that counts towards wagering. Stay below that limit to ensure every bet contributes.

Alternatively, if you prefer table games, the 5‑card draw or roulette can also help you meet the requirement, but the contribution percentage is usually lower (e.g., 10‑20%). Plan your session so you finish the requirement before the 14‑day expiry, otherwise the bonus will be forfeited.

Payments, Deposits and Withdrawal Speed

Choosing the right payment method can make a noticeable difference to your overall experience. 7Gear supports the most common UK options, and most of them process instantly.

  • Debit/Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard) – instant deposits, withdrawals usually within 24‑48 hours.
  • eWallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller) – instant on both sides; highly popular among UK players.
  • Bank Transfer – deposits can take up to 2 business days, withdrawals 3‑5 business days.
  • Prepaid Vouchers (Paysafecard) – instant deposit, but cannot be used for withdrawals.

Withdrawal speed is crucial if you’re chasing a big win. 7Gear advertises “instant payouts” for eWallet withdrawals, meaning the money appears in your eWallet within a few minutes after approval. Always check the verification status of your account, as pending KYC can delay the process.

Registration, Verification and KYC

Signing up at 7Gear is straightforward, but you will need to complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) check before any withdrawal is processed. This is a legal requirement for all UK‑licensed operators and helps keep the platform safe.

Typical documents requested are a photo ID (passport or driver’s licence), a recent utility bill showing your address, and a proof of payment method (e.g., a screenshot of a recent deposit). Upload them via the “Verification” centre in your account dashboard, and most approvals happen within an hour. If there’s a delay, the support team will usually request a clearer file.

Mobile App, Live Casino and Sportsbook Experience

For players who enjoy gaming on the go, 7Gear offers a native mobile app for both iOS and Android. The app mirrors the desktop layout, includes the same bonus terms and lets you claim 7 gear promo codes directly from the “Promotions” tab.

The live casino section hosts popular tables such as Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat, streamed in high definition. Sports betting is also integrated, with a full sportsbook covering football, cricket, horse racing and more. You can switch between casino and sportsbook without leaving the app, making it a convenient all‑in‑one platform for British punters.

Customer Support, Security and Responsible Gambling

Good support can be the difference between a smooth experience and a frustrating one. 7Gear provides 24/7 live chat, email support and a comprehensive FAQ. Most queries are answered within a few minutes, especially during peak betting times.

Security is handled through SSL encryption and regular audits by the UK Gambling Commission. The site also offers responsible gambling tools – deposit limits, session timers and self‑exclusion options – accessible from the “Account Settings” menu. If you ever feel the need to take a break, the self‑exclusion request is processed instantly.

Is 7Gear Right for You? A Quick Comparison

Below is a snapshot of how 7Gear stacks up against two other popular UK‑licensed operators. Use it to decide whether the 7 gear promo codes give you an edge worth pursuing.

Operator Welcome Bonus Wagering Requirement Withdrawal Speed (eWallet) Mobile App Rating
7Gear 100% up to £100 + 30 free spins 30x (bonus + deposit) Instant 4.5/5
BetVictor £150 risk‑free bet N/A (risk‑free) 1‑2 hours 4.2/5
LeoVegas 100% up to £200 + 20 free spins 35x (bonus only) Instant 4.7/5

Overall, 7Gear offers a balanced package: a decent welcome bonus, manageable wagering, and truly instant payouts for eWallet users. If you prioritise fast withdrawals and a solid mobile experience, the 7 gear promo codes are worth claiming.

For a deeper dive into the site’s strengths and any hidden catches, check out our 7gear review – it covers everything from game variety to the fine print on bonuses.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

7gear casino no deposit bonus – wat je moet weten

August 7, 2026 by Laurel

7gear casino no deposit bonus – Praktische gids voor Nederlandse spelers

Hoe werkt de 7gear casino no deposit bonus?

De no‑deposit bonus van 7gear casino is een klein bedrag of gratis spins dat je ontvangt zonder eerst een storting te doen. Het idee is simpel: je meldt je aan, bevestigt je account en de bonus wordt direct bij je speeltegoed gezet. Hierdoor kun je meteen een aantal spellen uitproberen zonder eigen geld te riskeren.

Voor Nederlandse spelers is het vooral aantrekkelijk omdat er geen directe financiële verplichting is. In de praktijk zie je vaak €10 gratis credits of 20 gratis spins op populaire slots. Let op: de bonus is wel gekoppeld aan specifieke spellen en er gelden inzetlimieten voordat je een eventuele winst kunt opnemen.

Stappen om de bonus te claimen

  1. Bezoek de 7gear casino website en klik op “Registreren”.
  2. Vul je persoonsgegevens in en kies een veilige wachtwoord.
  3. Bevestig je e‑mailadres via de ontvangen link.
  4. De no‑deposit bonus verschijnt automatisch in je account; soms moet je een promotiecode invoeren die je op de homepage vindt.

Belangrijkste voorwaarden – wagering requirements en inzetlimieten

Elke no‑deposit bonus heeft een zogenaamd wagering‑requirement, meestal tussen de 20x en 30x het bonusbedrag. Dat betekent dat je het ontvangen bedrag zoveel keer moet inzetten voordat je een uitbetaling kunt aanvragen. Deze eisen zijn bedoeld om misbruik te voorkomen, maar ze kunnen de winst snel opeten als je op de verkeerde spellen inzet.

Daarnaast hanteren veel casino’s een maximale winlimiet voor no‑deposit bonussen; bijvoorbeeld een maximale uitbetaling van €50. Als je meer wint, moet je eerst eigen geld storten om het resterende bedrag te kunnen opnemen. Het is daarom verstandig om de bonus te gebruiken op spellen met een lage volatiliteit, zodat je langer aan je inzetvolumen kunt voldoen.

Kenmerk Details
Bonusbedrag €10 gratis credits of 20 gratis spins
Wagering requirement 30x (bij gratis credits) / 20x (bij gratis spins)
Maximale uitbetaling €50 per speler
Geldig op Geselecteerde slots en tafelspellen
Vervaldatum 30 dagen na activatie

Registratie en verificatie bij 7gear casino

Het registratieproces bij 7gear is redelijk kort, maar de verificatie kan een extra stap vergen. Na het bevestigen van je e‑mailadres vraagt het casino om een kopie van een geldig identiteitsbewijs (paspoort of rijbewijs) en een recent bankafschrift. Deze documenten dienen ter preventie van fraude en om te voldoen aan de Nederlandse KYC‑wetgeving.

Voor beginners is het handig om alvast een scan of foto van de documenten bij de hand te hebben. Zodra je documenten zijn geaccepteerd, worden de limieten voor stortingen en opname verhoogd. Bij problemen kun je via de live‑chat of e‑mail contact opnemen met de support‑afdeling; ze reageren meestal binnen enkele minuten.

Betalingsmethoden en opname snelheid

7gear casino ondersteunt een reeks populaire Nederlandse betaalmethoden, waaronder iDEAL, Bancontact, creditcards (Visa, Mastercard) en e‑wallets als Skrill en Neteller. Stortingen via iDEAL zijn direct, wat betekent dat je meteen kunt gaan spelen en de no‑deposit bonus kunt claimen.

Opnames worden over het algemeen binnen 24 uur verwerkt, mits je account volledig geverifieerd is. De snelste methode is meestal iDEAL, gevolgd door e‑wallets die bijna automatisch bij je digitale portemonnee terechtkomen. Creditcardopnames kunnen één tot drie werkdagen duren, afhankelijk van de kaartuitgever.

  • iDEAL – directe stortingen, opname binnen 24 uur
  • Skrill – snelle e‑wallet opname, 1 werkdag
  • Visa/Mastercard – veilige kaarttransacties, 2‑3 werkdagen
  • Bancontact – vergelijkbaar met iDEAL, voor Belgische spelers

Mobile ervaring en live casino

Voor spelers die graag onderweg spelen, biedt 7gear een responsieve mobiele website die werkt op zowel Android als iOS. Geen aparte app is nodig; je logt simpelweg in via je mobiele browser en krijgt toegang tot dezelfde spellen, inclusief de live casino‑sectie.

De live casino‑omgeving bevat echte dealers voor roulette, blackjack en baccarat, en de kwaliteit van de video‑stream is goed genoeg om zonder haperingen te spelen. De no‑deposit bonus kan meestal alleen op slots worden gebruikt, maar de live spellen zijn perfect om later met eigen geld verder te verkennen.

Veiligheid, licentie en verantwoord gokken

7gear casino opereert onder een licentie van de Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) en voldoet aan de strenge Europese normen voor consumentenbescherming. Alle gegevens worden versleuteld met SSL‑certificaten, waardoor je persoonlijke informatie en betaalgegevens beveiligd zijn tegen derden.

Verantwoord gokken staat hoog op de agenda; er is een self‑exclusion‑optie, limieten voor stortingen en een 24‑uur “cool‑down” functie. Mocht je merken dat je speelgedrag problematisch wordt, kun je via de “Responsible Gaming” sectie direct contact opnemen met een hulpverleningsdienst.

Veelgestelde vragen over de no‑deposit bonus

Kan ik de no‑deposit bonus gebruiken op sportweddenschappen? Meestal geldt de bonus alleen voor casinospellen; sportweddenschappen vereisen een aparte promotie.

Hoe vaak kan ik de no‑deposit bonus claimen? Eénmalig per nieuw account. Sommige spelers proberen meerdere accounts aan te maken, maar dat wordt door het KYC‑systeem snel gedetecteerd.

Wat gebeurt er als ik de wagering requirement niet haal? De bonus en eventuele winsten worden automatisch geannuleerd zodra de tijdslimiet verstrijkt.

Voor een volledige beoordeling van 7gear casino kun je onze 7 gear casino review lezen, waarin we naast de bonus ook de algemene spelervaring en service onder de loep nemen.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

October 2015

October 11, 2015 by Laurel

photo LDw-0833-Edit.jpg
Beautiful photo by Steele Photography

I know, I have some explaining to do! After our midnight eloping in Las Vegas 5 years ago, we finally got to have the wedding of our dreams and it was SO much more than I ever could have hoped for. Nearly 2 months later, here I am, still dreaming about the day.

I’d like to blog again. And I understand your skepticism after my multiple absences. But I’ll tell you all that life is good. Dan moved back to the US in late March and we got a house near both our work. We have our 2 darling cats and 2 darling room mates. We went to NY for my 30th birthday in June, and celebrated 4th of July how I’d dreamt of for years- a lazy bbq with good friends in the backyard. August brought our wedding complete with the most incredible bachelorette party for me. And September, I took Dan on his first ever camping trip to beautiful Lake Quinault.

I’m still working at my local gym, and still nannying part time, though this year I’m with a new family! I have some races on my docket I’m currently training for- Rock n Roll Vancouver 10k and half marathon, and then 2 half marathons in one day- the Avengers half marathon at Disneyland, after which we’ll drive to Vegas and run the Rock and Roll Las Vegas half marathon.

Life is just really great lately.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment »

The Day(s) He Left

March 7, 2015 by Laurel

Oh Dan. You are my world.
photo 554916_10100616597800058_1791046182_n.jpg
The first time he took me skiing in Niigata, Japan, January 2013

I don’t even know what to say. Dan is in the process of moving back to the US, and we’ll live together again. Words can’t express my joy. We haven’t lived together since December 2013, and we haven’t lived together in the States since July 2010. It seems like another world, to think back to those times.
photo 17457_408657620326_3193247_n.jpg
Christmas 2009, our first xmas together, at our awesome house in Redmond with our beloved roomies Kelsey, Stephen and Amber. Good times happened in that house!

Next week Dan and I will celebrate 6 years since we started dating. It’s crazy to think what all has happened in those 6 years- ups, downs, moves, international moves, best days of our lives, worst days of our lives, vacations, deaths, jobs, disagreements, love.
photo 1910320_614337959838_7972811_n.jpg
July 2009- the first time he took me to Japan. I had no idea a year and a half later I’d call Tokyo home

Dan and I have spent a lot of time apart in our relationship- actually the majority of our relationship- but the 2 days that hurt the most were the day he moved to Japan in September 2010 and when I moved back to the States January 2014.

When Dan moved to Japan, life was so chaotic. I had just lost my job as an event coordinator for an HVAC company, and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Nothing was making sense. Throwing in my boyfriend’s international move sent me into basically a quarter life crisis. I moved to Portland to be with my mother during treatment, missing my last two months with Dan before his big move. I call this the end of Living Together 1.0. I think we were thinking about breaking up; we had only been dating about a year and a half at this point and he had no return date in mind. So naturally we ran away to Vegas and eloped.
photo 44639_700766181988_5800393_n.jpg
His last weekend in Seattle, I was with him til he left for the airport. As I watched him pack up his life, I felt like I was losing air. We had absolutely no plan of staying together, when we’d see each other again, when we’d live together again. It was all a big scary unknown. I tried to stay up all night- something Dan is way better at than I am- but around 5:30am I conked out on the couch with Penny. I woke up to his kiss good bye. And he was gone. And I was so sad. And it was a dark time where I wanted to be strong for my mother and all the scary things she was going through, and I wanted to be her support system, but I was scared for her too and I was now constantly calculating time zones in my head as to when I can catch Dan for a chat. The long distance life (dubbed Long Distance 1.0) had a rough start.
photo 33858_710753357608_3678525_n.jpg
I didn’t know I could be so excited to Skype with someone

So as I’ve mentioned, Dan moving to Japan created a great unknown. But in time the unknown developed into a plan to live together again, as soon as possible. The only way that would happen would be if I moved to Tokyo. So I did in March 2011, thus launching Living Together 2.0!
photo 156139_730014558008_5610747_n.jpg
Reunited at the airport

We lived together in Japan for about 3 years, but Japan was always Dan’s dream, not mine. I enjoyed my time there but decided that I miss my family, my friends and wanted to work and speak English 😉 The day I left Japan didn’t feel like a very big deal- Dan was coming with me because we were running the Disney World marathon together, so it just felt like another vacation.
photo 1545060_10100973462704928_1425019472_n_1.jpg
The day I left Tokyo. Little did I know I was going to get miserably sick over the next 24 hours.

Oh yes, Dan and I had 2 weeks of vacation together before going back to being a long-distance couple again. And I was miserably sick the whole time. We were at Disney World and I didn’t want to go to the parks. We were with friends we never get to see and I couldn’t bring myself to get out of the hotel bed. We were in California and I couldn’t eat In-N-Out! I was so sad I was sick and ruining our final moments together.

The day he left I probably wasn’t as sad as when he moved to Japan in 2010, but I was still pretty devastated. We went all out for our California trip and were staying at the Grand Californian. He had a flight to catch back to Japan, and my mother who was living locally at the time was coming to pick me up. I pulled my sick body out of bed and we hugged and kissed good bye. We knew we wouldn’t be apart for more than a year or two, but again, I had that feeling like i was losing air, that big chance was uncontrollably happening and uncertainty was clouding everything. He gathered his luggage, one last kiss, and was gone. I sat on the hotel bed and cried. I didn’t know why we did this. I didn’t like being apart from him. I gathered up my numerous suitcases and duffels, dried my tears and met my mother out front of the lobby. Long distance 2.0 had just kicked off.

That day I spent time with my mom and got a car that I’d drive back up to Seattle. I couldn’t believe Dan was out of my life again (physically). But life goes on. Dan is a huge part of my life, but he isn’t my life. So, I picked up and kept moving forward. The beginning, as usual, was hard. There’s no one to come home to. There’s no one to share my day with. No one to bitch to about Kevin in Accounting (ok, there’s no Kevin, but you get my point). The other battle was the fact that I’d become so incredibly dependent on him. Getting my life up and running again was a struggle, frustrating and I made a lot of mistakes. The things that seemed like everyone did were so confusing to me- car registration, change of address, job hunting, I was in the process of changing my name as well, and that made things even more difficult. But as usual I got into a new groove- I was nannying, taking care of business, running again and enjoying living with Kelsey. But I still spent a lot of time missing him so much. We adapted to the distance but never got used to it. Even in just his few years in Japan, technology improved, giving us the ability to Facetime and talk almost any time. But still. He wasn’t here. And I missed him.
photo 1901778_10101004089743098_2097234071_n.jpg
The last photo we took together before Long Distance 2.0

Life took shape more and more for me, and I found myself waiting for him less and living more. I got a job at a gym and started nannying more. I reached out to friends more. Having a life definitely helped the time pass but still, it was a long 4 month stretch before I got to see him next. When I did, it was nothing but fireworks. I felt complete again.
photo 10646932_10101272013157428_7419838745194262706_n.jpg

There’ve been a couple more visits since then. But it’s now 2015, and almost 4 and a half years ago was when we started this crazy long distance adventure. When we eloped we promised to never stand in the way of each other’s dreams, and always be there for each other. I’m so glad I was there for him during his Japan adventure. And I’m so excited to say he will be moving back to Seattle in the next month or two. And let’s be real, excited doesn’t even cover it! He’ll be here tomorrow for a brief 4 day trip to interview for new positions at his company and we will hopefully secure a house for us. It all feels so unreal. I can’t believe the time has come.

As I’m working graveyard, I don’t have much to do, so I calculated how much time we’ve spent together and apart. It pretty much looks like this:
Time together living in Seattle- 1 year 3 months
Time together living in Japan, minus my visits back home- 2 years 2 months
Time living/ being apart- 2 years 6 months

Wow. It’s just all been such an adventure. I can’t wait for the next chapter- Living together 3.0.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

2014 Wrap Up

February 13, 2015 by Laurel

Well, I’ve officially had my longest blogging hiatus of 3 months. Whoops! I’d like to get back to blogging regularly. For most of the fall I was working 7 days/ week and felt like I had no free time. The few hours I had at home before bed were just to shower and get ready for the next day. My free time on weekends were to get errands done and volunteer. After a visit back to Tokyo to see Dan I realized i just wasn’t loving life. So I told my boss at the gym I needed a weekend day off, and I told the lady I nanny for I can’t work past 8-9pm anymore. And with a heavy heart, I recently quit volunteering at the cat shelter 🙁 But I also moved much closer to work (more on that later), cutting my commute from an hour and 10 minutes to 10 minutes. It’s closer to nannying too, and I can definitely tell I have more free time thanks to the new location. Anyways! Before I start blogging present day, let’s close the door on 2014 in a blur of photos:
My belovedest bestie Kelsey and I took E, the girl I nanny (Kelsey also used to be her nanny!) for a weekend in Portland to go shopping and see a Sam Smith concert.
photo IMG_3621.jpg
My coworkers, Tyler and Allie, and I decided we needed to do a weekly brunch. This lasted for precisely one week.
photo IMG_3704.jpg
I went back to Tokyo and was reunited with Dan and Penny <3 photo 10678580_10152395098652218_7707835707753384836_n.jpg
I also hosted a wildly successful twerkshop and you will be seeing/ hearing more about this in the near future
photo IMG_3752.jpg
Did I mention I got to snuggle Penny again?
photo IMG_3735.jpg
Came back from Japan and got on track with Goofy Challenge training
photo IMG_4295.jpg
But… I’ve kinda started cheating on my love of running with weight lifting. It’s what I spent most my personal training time doing and have started working out with coworkers, which is sometimes a lot more fun than running. In the cold. And sometimes rain. Alone. You know how it goes. Shawn and I got our lift on one day.
photo IMG_4584.jpg
We adopted another cat! This will also get an entry of its own at some point. Meet Guinness, whom I’ve blogged about in the past as Kaboodles the shelter cat
photo IMG_3885.jpg
I worked a ton of graveyard shifts in October and November
photo IMG_4456.jpg
Kelsey and I hit the pumpkin patch
photo IMG_3945.jpg
Took a trip to Portland to see my sister, her family, and my mom. Love picking Melissa and Vanessa up from school, reminds me of the old days!
photo IMG_4137.jpg
And of course sweet Nate <3 photo IMG_4210.jpg
As usual I ate sushi as often as possible
photo IMG_4300.jpg
Bonded with baby London, my friends Stephen and Emily’s son
photo IMG_4825.jpg
Kelsey finished her last fall term of college ever!
photo IMG_4698.jpg
I started boxing weekly
photo IMG_4397.jpg
Spent Christmas with this cutie!
photo IMG_5011.jpg
More niecey-nephew goodness
photo IMG_4169.jpg
Got my ho ho ho on with coworkers
photo IMG_4862.jpg
Kelsey and I got matching pajamas because we’re awesome
photo IMG_5137.jpg
I was put in charge of breakfast for the house one morning, so naturally I told everyone to go wash up and get ready… then ran out to Top Pot Donuts
photo IMG_5148.jpg
Dan and I finally got wedding bands after 4 years of marriage
photo IMG_5056.jpg
Speaking of Dan, his product released and that was exciting to see at Microsoft stores
photo IMG_5126.jpg
Allie and I rang in the new year in sequins. I unfortunately had to work the next day 🙁
photo IMG_5118.jpg
New obsession- squats.
photo IMG_5052.jpg

Hope everyone’s 2015 is off to a fabulous start! You haven’t seen the last of me. Promise.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Legend of the Big Zucchini

November 2, 2014 by Laurel

Once upon a time, Dan’s Aunt Brenda gardened some zucchini and went out of town for a few weeks. When she returned, they were absolutely HUGE.
photo IMG_3320.jpg
At Dan’s family reunion, Aunt Brenda gifted us a zucchini.
photo IMG_3332.jpg
As I was on crutches at the time, Dan’s father carried it to the car for me.
photo IMG_3335.jpg
I brought the zucchini home to Seattle where Kelsey laid eyes on it and loved it immediately.
photo IMG_3347.jpg
A few days went by, then Kelsey and I knew we needed to act soon to preserve or use it before it went bad.

To the food processor!
photo IMG_3478.jpg
It was so big we had to core it. Have you ever cored a zucchini?
photo IMG_3483.jpg

Shredding, shredding, shredding away
photo IMG_3481.jpg
Since it was too wide, we had to cut it into smaller chunks for the food processor
photo IMG_3479.jpg
We bagged 3 cups at a time
photo IMG_3482.jpg
I believe our zucchini yielded about 24 cups
photo IMG_3484.jpg
And Kelsey made delicious zucchini bread
photo IMG_3573.jpg

The end!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Beat the Blerch 10k

November 2, 2014 by Laurel

On Saturday, September 20th, Kelsey and I ran the Beat the Blerch 10k in Carnation, Washington. It was an inaugural race put on by Matt Inman, recreational runner and creator of the web comic The Oatmeal. This was a race we signed up for back in May, and it was really exciting because it was Kelsey’s first 10k! We’ve run a few 5ks before but I was really excited for her because she trained all summer.

My training, of course, was halted in late August after a bad fall, and I wasn’t planning on doing this 10k. Like all the other races I had to sit out, it was pretty disappointing. As we got closer and closer to race day, I was questioning if i could potentially participate. I had been in my boot for about a month. I had recently visited an orthopedic surgeon and he said I could slowly resume activities. I’m sure he didn’t mean wake up and run a 10k, but surely I could walk it?

All it really took was Kelsey bringing our swag bags with our bibs and participant shirts home for me to decide I was in. I know, I’m ridiculous. But it’s a really nice quarter-zip pullover!

Kelsey and I, along with her boyfriend Jim, arrived to the race site bright and early. I was planning on walking the 10k. This was going to be a silly fun run- the race was billed as having water stops, cake stops, Nutella stops, and couches for a rest. Also guys in giant blown up suits that chase you. Fun!
Saying bye to Jim before we’re off!
photo IMG_3507-1.jpg

Kelsey was a few corrals ahead of me, as she was hoping to run the whole thing and even if I was running, is a lot faster than I am. I think she was in the 8 minute mile corrals? I stayed back and on the right hand side so people could easily pass me.

Of course, once that starting gun went off for my corral, I got caught up in the moment and ran a bit. I felt weak and shaky in my ankle. But it felt good to run! I alternated running and walking. In hindsight I should have walked more, but I did ok.
It was a beautiful trail run!
photo 10384896_10101304270219018_8903676298424892986_n.jpg

At some point Kelsey finished and text me. She had an awesome time! I was so proud of her, and that she had a good first 10k. I pressed on and finally made it to the finish. I wasn’t even in too bad of shape! Ankle was a bit swollen and I felt out of shape, but other than that I felt good.

It was then Kelsey shared her big news- she WON her age group!!
photo IMG_3518.jpg
AHHH YAY! I was so excited for her! I was super bummed i missed the awards ceremony though. In the mean time, I joined them in line, where we waited to meet Matt Inman and have him sign our books.
photo IMG_3517.jpg
He left a note saying he can’t pose for pictures, but you could take pictures of him
photo IMG_3527.jpg

We met him briefly and got our books signed. I was trying to explain to him about my running group, Hash House Harriers, but he seemed pretty uninterested 😉
photo IMG_3538-1.jpg

After that we later reunited with Jim photo IMG_3541.jpg

We then headed back home, stopping at our favorite burrito place. I really hope Kelsey keeps running. It’s awesome she’s so good at it and I love having another thing we can do together, especially while Dan’s gone and I have no one to go to races with!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (from a wheelchair POV)

October 25, 2014 by Laurel

Shall we jump back to the last week of August and revisit the Disneyland half marathon?

I went from being so incredibly excited to go to Disneyland, run the half and 10k, to worrying how I was going to get around on crutches. After ample Googling, I realized I’ll need to rent a wheelchair.

My travel day went ok. I requested wheelchair service, so when I checked in, a lady came to meet me with a chair, wheeled me through security and to my gate. My plane was relatively empty which was nice. I landed and my lovely girl friends Dee and Meghan picked me up, then we were off to the expo! I really wanted a pair of Goofy New Balance shoes, so I got a pair for myself and for Dan!
photo IMG_2939.jpg
Dee and Meghan were seriously awesome. Dee pushed my wheelchair, and Meghan carried all my things. I called her my walking purse 😉
photo IMG_2891.jpg
We then spent the day at Disneyland! We met up with some other runner friends and ride hopped, which was nice having minimal wait time thanks to my chair.
photo IMG_2897-1.jpg

Before long the group headed to California Adventure, and I met up with the amazing Matt and Holly! You may remember them from 1- my Goofy Challenge blog post, 2- my Princess half blog post, or 3- the fact that they are total badass and WON the military division of the Expedition Everest Challenge.
Matt was totally amazing and put his Army training to use and pushed my wheelchair for hours. As I learned this trip, pushing a wheelchair isn’t the easiest thing to do!
photo IMG_2910.jpg

Matt, Holly and I went out to dinner, anxiously awaiting Dan’s arrival. And finally the time had come, after 4 months we were reunited!
photo IMG_2983.jpg

Oh I was so happy! The 4 of us went out for a quick drink and snack since Dan was hungry, then we went our separate ways to hit the hay.
photo IMG_2922.jpg

The next day was the 10k, so Dan and I laid low so he wouldn’t be too tired for the half the next day. Stopped by the expo to get his bib and saw my lovely friend Pam from Wife Mother Runner!
photo IMG_2931.jpg
As I said, it was a really mellow day. Dan and I grabbed lunch with his parents, and laid low at the hotel, relaxing and making signs to cheer runners on the next day.

It was half marathon day! I met my friend Dee with our signs and we picked a spot at mile 12 to camp out at. It didn’t take long before the runners started coming! Meanwhile Dan’s dad sent me a photo of Dan as he ran down Main Street inside Disneyland:
photo IMG_2942.png

Cheering was fun and gave so many people a boost, I want to cheer at races more often!
photo IMG_2949.jpg

In the end Dan finished so quick he had time to come cheer w me! So that was fun. I saw Dan’s stepmom’s niece pass me in her pretty red tutu, and then we saw Dan’s stepmom Ann pass us! She looked strong so I knew she’d have a good finish.
Everyone at the finish!
Dan, Ann’s niece Liz, Dan’s stepmom Ann, his dad Bob, Ann’s sister Sue and her son Jeff
photo IMG_2964.jpg

Such a great day! I was so proud of everyone. If I can whine for just a moment, I was pretty jealous. I trained all summer for this race weekend and it was hard to sit on the sideline. Hard to see everyone walking around in the well earned race tees and medals. But life goes on and I know I’ll run so many more races.

Another mellow afternoon following the race. It was nice to just relax. We spent the following day at California Adventure. A lot of people had already left town, so it was nice to have a day to just myself and Dan. Tuesday was our travel day, so we started the day with some coffee and breakfast from Starbucks. While many shops are ADA accessible, they are all packed and it was just easier to leave me outside most the time 😉
photo IMG_2973.jpg

Once Dan came back outside with coffee, we ran into our friends Rick and Sher! We chatted with them for about 20 minutes which was great, because i hadn’t seen him all weekend.
photo IMG_2977.jpg

Soon after, it was time to pack up, return my wheelchair and head home. I thought i’d be so fun to ride in a wheelchair at Disneyland- but it’s so stressful! You have no control over where you go or how fast because someone is pushing you, and you constantly think you’ll nip someone’s ankles! Difficult to weave through crowds too. I’m so happy to be healthy and able bodied (most the time 😉 ).

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Older Posts »