28 Feb 2010
by irenein Creative Business
Despite D’s skepticism, I went ahead and sent off a rebate claim for my Braun mixer. It was bought on the opening day of a new Krefel, so we got a 15% discount. Another deal seems pretty much unlikely… On top of that, the model number was not listed among the items deserving rebates. But wait! Have a little bit of faith. Guess who is a few euros richer now? 
And then there’s the frequent flier miles that I claimed for my recent flights on Malaysia Airlines. I was a member since 2005. I never got my loyalty card and the pathetic 305 points I got, expired a long time ago. Before my trip home this February, I managed to reactivate my account. I got my card when I came back to Belgium and proceed to claim my miles online. Joepie! I got around 4000 miles credited and still have more to claim.
Yep, I still have it… I can squeeze money out of anything. 
26 Feb 2010
by irenein Belgium, Jibber Jabber
D to me, ‘You are not studying a university course! Take it easy!’.
I know that. I also know that I do not usually do things in half-hazard manner. I missed 4 lessons of Nederlands before the Krokusvakantie, and little ambitious Irene wants to make up for it and score good in the first exam.
I think I did alright. It was rather easy actually. Guess I didn’t miss much and guess that’s why some people can join these classes mid way through the term and still pass.
24 Feb 2010
by irenein Jibber Jabber, Quotes
For pragmatic reasons, I love the routine. I love the structure of it. I love knowing that my days are free. I know where I’m going at night. I know my life is kind of orderly. I just like that better. ~ Andrea Martin
And that’s how I feel as well. Planning gives me the freedom to choose what I want to do with my precious and limited time. A routine gives me the edge at being more decisive. Thank goodness for well thought out plans and systematic yet flexible routines.
22 Feb 2010
by irenein Belgium, Malaysia, Travels
Today is my first day back to school after Krokusvakantie. It has been 2 marvelous weeks (added an extra week myself) of sand, sea and sun.
It is quite unbelievable that 48 hours ago, D and I were in the tropics. Now we are back home facing a relentless winter and our realities.
The way I see it, a vacation is not a vacation unless it is a tad bit unreal. We had a magnificent time and are looking forward to more in the future. But for now we are quite happy to be back to our lives in Belgium. 
20 Feb 2010
by irenein Malaysia, Travels
Farewell my dear Sabah. It has been 2 wonderful weeks of sun, sea, sand and friendly Sabahans.
See you soon!
18 Feb 2010
by irenein Malaysia, Travels
Compared to my younger family members, D and I are like the adventurous duo. Ha!
A trip to the islands has been on our agenda since the inception of this Borneo trip. There is no way in hell that we are going to forgo it for another uneventful day at the beach hotel.
So armed with drinks, bagpack, cash for the boat trips, sunscreen and swimming gear, we went to the jetty at 10am to start our adventure. Forgot towels…doh!
And what a day it turned out to be! What fun we had at Manukan, Manutik and Sapi! And these are just the islands at the West coast of Sabah. Which many will say are inferior to Sipadan and Mabul on the East coast.
Again. Next time!
17 Feb 2010
by irenein Movies, Books & TV Shows, Quotes
Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased. ~ John Steinbeck
I’ve just finished Travels With Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck. It is quite an enjoyable read. I find myself agreeing with a lot of Mr. Steinbeck’s lighthearted views regarding America and its people. Like the author, I adore America but find myself rather disappointed by its stubbornness in remaining in utter stupidity and cowardice. There are many a lovely things in this land of the free. Still enough to balance out the bad stuff.
16 Feb 2010
by irenein Malaysia, Travels
History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days. ~ Winston Churchill
Today a few of us made a trip to visit the Sabah Museum. Since our enlightening trip to historical Malacca 4 years ago, I always wanted D to learn more about Sabah. The last time I’ve visited the state museum was in the early 90s and have found it quite educational as well as enjoyable.
Just like the previous visit, I learned new things about my home state. People exist in the region of my home town more than 10,000 years ago! The Chinese influence has been significant since the beginning of sea trades. The rich diversity of floral and fauna in Borneo would have made Darwin drool.
All these lovely information! D and I do not have enough time to go through and digest everything. My family members were complaining about the museums ventilation and wanted to go back to their nicely air-conditioned rooms. Oh hell…
14 Feb 2010
by irenein Happenings
Happy Chinese New Year and enjoy a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
12 Feb 2010
by irenein Food & Drinks, Malaysia
If you think that D and I had to eat bugs and roots to survive Borneo, think again…
Here we are drinking sparkling wine, imported water and eating fine Western cuisine. And oh, no sandals and shorts allowed when it is dinner at The Coast. Sabahans are generally easy going people but we do have certain etiquette’s to live up to. Maybe something that was imparted on us by the Brits. Damn the colonial masters.
The atmosphere at The Coast was fantastic. Food was ok in my opinion. According to my brother, the young German chef must be having a rough day because his dishes didn’t taste as good compared to previous times. And I find that quite amusing. How can you have a bad day when you come from wintery Germany and your current work place is Rasa Ria, Tuaran?
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