28 Aug 2010
by irenein Human Nature, Quotes
Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. ~ Voltaire
Don’t get me wrong, I count my blessings. But I sincerely wish that I can be more appreciative of people and things around me. I hope to be intelligent enough to not blur the lines between appreciation and convenient contentment.
Vice versa, I also wish that I am more appreciated for who I am and what I do. That I am not just mere convenience for being here at the moment. I do not wish to be an invisible soul, or a fleeting sense of contentment…
27 Jul 2010
by irenein Human Nature, Jibber Jabber
I spent most of today with an ex-classmate from level 1 Dutch. It was quite fun showing her around Kortrijk and doing things together, just 2 of us.
Ever noticed that most couples do not have a separate network of friends? Some even regard any separate agendas as big no-no to relationships. What a silly outlook. In my opinion, having your own friends, personal plans and individual goals is key to healthy partnerships.
I strongly believe in inter-dependent relationships. And that can only be possible if the individuals involved are independent. Sticky and unyielding dependency is bad news and frankly scares the hell out of me. And I’ve seen enough in life to know that it is slow death to any happy long term relationship.
07 Jul 2010
by irenein Human Nature
My family does not care for superficial matters. We do not pride ourselves with what we can do with our hands but with what we can reach with our minds. We rather use our heads, delegate and put things in order instead of sweating, bleeding and cursing.
We are experienced travelers. Seeing the world in its better light. We are not the mere tourist who seeks short term comforts and materialism.
01 Jul 2010
by irenein Human Nature
All of us have a built-in GPS. We have ways to get to where we want to, to reach what we aim for. However the problem is that we often do not know our destinations.
15 Jun 2010
by irenein Human Nature, Quotes
When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free. ~ Catherine Ponder
26 May 2010
by irenein Human Nature, Quotes
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. ~ Confucius
A couple of days ago, a classmate asked me to notify the teacher that she won’t be attending classes. But we are only 3 more weeks to completing 4th level Dutch?!
I can’t understand such things. To me that is giving up way too easily. How do people like this survive? All my life I have to face numerous obstacles that stood in my way.
One such occasion happened when I was 7 years old. I was running a high fever. So weak that I had to lay in bed with a cold compress over my forehead. Yet I was holding on to my books, doing revision for an exam the next day. My grandma looked at me sympathetically, shook her head and said ‘this one is stubborn’. Yep, that’s me.
Life would be much easier if I simply accept whatever that is served to me on life’s platter. But it is clearly not in my character to stop and settle for whatever.
And ask yourself, why would you?
22 May 2010
by irenein Human Nature
I observed and realized something quite peculiar this week.
This seems to apply only to young adults. My observation and conclusion is that the more protective the parents, the less friends a person has.
Well, it make sense doesn’t it? If you have parents taking care of you, watering your plants while you are away on holidays for example, there’s less need to make friends that can do that for you.
This is not a good or bad situation per se. I guess it is up to the young adult to balance things out for the best. Having mommy and daddy close by is comforting, but making friends and diversifying our lives is important as well, don’t you think?
18 May 2010
by irenein Human Nature
Since February, I have been taking the bus to school regularly.
Today, my bus reached a difficult corner the same time as a school bus. We were stuck there for a couple of minutes while the drivers try to maneuver out of the spot. On the next bus were children around the age of 8 or less. A little girl saw me, stared a bit, poked her seat mate, and then both started smiling and waving at me. By the time our buses got out of the tangle, we were all smiling and waving ourselves silly. What a fantastic start to the day!
This reminds me of an incident in Vegas few years ago. I was on my way to work. At the stop light, I saw a little red hair boy making faces and waving to get my attention. What else can I do but to make silly faces back at him, sticking my tongue out and all. When we went our separate ways, we were laughing and waving to each other like buddies.
I wish with all my heart that these friendly children will grow up to be wonderful individuals. May we never grow too old or too tired to wave and smile to each other.
11 May 2010
by irenein Human Nature, Quotes
No rational argument will have a rational effect on a man who does not want to adopt a rational attitude.
~ Karl Popper
How true…
And sadly, I have witnessed these idiotic moments countless of times.
07 May 2010
by irenein Human Nature, Quotes
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children…to leave the world a better place…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
I think I’ve posted this before. But no harm repeating a great quote. Especially when one is upset by pretend generosity. Somehow I had the feeling that ‘the favor’ is going to come back and bite us in the ass. I am sorry I am right. But oh well… at least I am not like these people. And God please forbid me from becoming one!
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