24 Aug 2010
by irenein Belgium, Happenings
Today, I’ve registered for another 2 months of intensive Dutch. Because I paid in advance and not wait till the first day of school, I also got my text book earlier. Classes are only starting 2 weeks from now! 
For some weird reason, it feels like a fire has been lighted up. I am becoming eager and feeling all ambitious again.
Can you believe that I am going through my previous lesson notes and books? My desk is like a paper war zone right now. As if I have an upcoming exam…
Well, D is giving me the looks of disbelief. Haha!
15 Aug 2010
by irenein Belgium, Happenings, Travels
D and I went to Brussels to view the Flower Carpet. We stayed around the venue for a few hours, taking lots of pictures. Also took some short walks to locations like the Butcher Street etc. We sighted a federal minister who looked like he had one too many. Maybe he was, maybe he was not. But I do not think he cared one way or another. Last but not least, we stopped by one of the many cafes and had a pintje each.
Brussels’ Flower Carpet only takes place once every 2 years. So, I am glad I finally got to see it. I’ve been wanting to since I found out about it a few years ago.
Now, anyone for that parade which only takes place every 7 years?!
03 Aug 2010
by irenein Belgium, Happenings
July is the month of sales here in Belgium. Discounts can go as crazy as 70%. If luck is on your side, you might find something rather decent for only 5 euro!
Dang, did I just let July fly by? I didn’t buy a single thing for myself! Not a single cent spent on new clothing, no pretty blouse, no cute t-shirt nor a pair of new pants that I probably need. 
Oh well, you know what they say. A penny saved is a penny earned. Besides, there’s no harm being wary of sustainability nowadays.
23 Jul 2010
by irenein Happenings
The Festival of Ghent. 10 days of music, dancing, street performances, drinking, eating, and partying! This will be my 5th. Two of those I experienced while I lived in Ghent. Fun times.
What I’ve seen so far this year was really quiet compared to previous years. It is the least people I’ve encountered at this event. I know this because I have no need to elbow anyone in the kidneys to get through thick crazy crowds. No one is lining up to buy beer, cocktail or junk food. No lines, no waiting except at the ATMs?! I guess the financial crisis is still taking its toll. What a pity… I do enjoy and prefer the once a year craziness. This uncommon calmness is just weird.
27 Jun 2010
by irenein Belgium, Happenings
Today I attended my first Belgian mass thanks to my persuasive parents. The church procedures were rather similar to those in Malaysia and America. Except for the language and the plate-to-face ritual, everything were familiar. I must say it was a very pleasant and relaxing experience even though I do not understand everything. My dedicated parents were even giving money and lighting candles like they used to at home.
It was a good thing.
25 Jun 2010
by irenein Happenings
Got my certificate for completing Module-4 Dutch. I am a little disappointed of my total points. What I achieved is considered very good but I could probably get something in the 90s if I wasn’t too busy and distracted. Ah well, can’t win them all!
21 Jun 2010
by irenein Happenings
Main written exams are done today. The only thing left is a 10-minute oral exam tomorrow morning and I’ll be done with Module-4 Dutch. Phew…I am really looking forward to the summer holidays. Especially after going to classes 6 days a week since April!
13 Jun 2010
by irenein Belgium, Happenings
Today is election day in Belgium. Voting is not a right here, it is a national duty! Not voting means that you might get a fine.
Obligatory voting sounds harsh huh? But after talking to D (something about the LA riots…), I began to understand and value this move.
Belgians are kind of forced to make a choice and be held responsible for whom they choose to govern them. It is a good and democratic thing. Let’s hope that the new governing parties have better luck at running this tiny and complicated country.
01 Jun 2010
by irenein Happenings, Quotes
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. ~ George Washington
With that in mind, I have taken tiny steps to remove a few FB friends. They are just some random people I came across a few times. We hardly know each other, and probably don’t bother to bring the friendship any further.
I rather be a someone who can be there for my friends in good times and in bad. FB is not a bank account, so the numbers mean nothing. It is there only to give us some juvenile ego boost.
A friend said that I am doing my spring cleaning, purging friends like old clothes. Haha, I won’t say it like that but maybe it is true in some ways … de-cluttering, we all need it.
15 May 2010
by irenein Happenings, Simply Green
Yipee! D and I are proud parents of brand new Bosch laundry machines. Due to high product turnover, our dryer will only be joining the washer in the utility room this coming Friday.
I guess this purchase officially makes us grown-ups huh? Will be doing our own laundry. Dang… no more fresh, folded, ironed laundry from mama anymore. What have we gotten ourselves into?!
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