30 Apr 2010
by irenein Movies, Books & TV Shows
D and I watched the movie Charlie Bartlett a couple of nights ago. The story revolves around a rich teenager who became a psychiatrist to his fellow school mates.
It is a teen comedy, silly entertainment meant to make us laugh. Strange as this may sound, I see certain truth in the portrayals of people and their actions amidst the humor.
Comically, I sort of relate to the character of Charlie Bartlett. You see, I am a very good listener and often find myself becoming the occasional therapist. 
28 Apr 2010
by irenein Belgium, Happenings
I went to my very first social integration class today. It was ok. I won’t fall asleep and start snoring. I only wish that the schedule and attendance can be a bit more lenient. There’s no doubt that the classes will be useful in a problem solving manner.
We, mostly an Asian group, are already having quite some disagreements among ourselves. Issues such as the following surfaced in class:
- We should all think of Belgium as our own country. A noble thought but quite difficult I would say.
- We are all here because something is bad or missing in our home countries. Whoa buddy… dat meen je niet!
- Why do we have different sort of residence statuses?
- Do we need work permits? If yes, how do we obtain them?
- Is transportation cost to integration classes free? This one’s mine, I love freebies!
Yep… integration classes will be interesting.
27 Apr 2010
by irenein Belgium
It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home. ~ Author Unknown
In todays class, we were asked whether we like living in Belgium. We were also asked the following questions:
- Would you want to stay permanently?
- Do you want to live somewhere else but can’t?
- Are you planning to move away sometime soon?
- None of the above.
My answer is 4.
- I don’t plan too far ahead so I don’t know if I want to stay here forever.
- I can pretty much live anywhere I want.
- I do not have plans to move to another country in years to come. Frankly, I’ve done that.
What makes a home anyway? I like it here in Belgium. It is now my home. But so is Malaysia and America. I can easily travel and live in these 3 countries. I can call whatever place I fancy, my home.
26 Apr 2010
by irenein Jibber Jabber
I began Dutch 2.2 (Level 4) today. I sometimes wonder where I get the mood and patience to continue taking language classes.
What encourages me to wake up at 7.30 am each morning? What kind of forces are behind me, motivating me to catch the bus and attend 3-hour lessons day after day?
Maybe the answer is simple. Maybe the reason I am doing this is because I have nothing better to do. Is that good or bad?
24 Apr 2010
by irenein Human Nature
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. ~ Andrew Carnegie
Teamwork. A word opened to all kinds of interpretations. A fragile philosophy that can easily morph into some sort of dictatorship. One bully, one pushover, an imbalance in the whole system – that’s all it takes. Ah teamwork, a term so overused and abused.
I think many people create and live in the Animal Farm situation and not realize it …
22 Apr 2010
by irenein Happenings, Simply Green
Today we celebrate the 40th Earth Day. Well, celebrate would be too strong a word. There’s no holidays, no anything except that the street lights will be left unlit this evening.
I have done my small part to mark this day. ‘Mark’ being a more appropriate word. I bought a special bus pass that helps plant one tree. I see where De Lijn is going with this. It is to encourage use of the public transportations. Truth be told, I didn’t buy it knowingly for I can’t read Dutch that fast and I only understand half of what the staff was saying. Hehe! You know what? Getting 10 cards instead of the usual one really seems like an irony though. Oh well…
Aside for remembering how delicate our world is, and in so taking more care of it, I’ve also spent some time taking care of myself. Everything starts with the individual. So a healthy me means a better Earth.
20 Apr 2010
by irenein Quotes
You may have occasion to possess or use material things, but the secret of life lies in never missing them. ~ Gandhi
19 Apr 2010
by irenein Jibber Jabber
I grew up wanting to be a doctor, then a dentist, and then a veterinarian. 
Grandma told me that only very intelligent people can become doctors. So, I studied hard and was almost always the top student.
However, after the skull-cracking national exams of the early 90s, I altered my path and decided to pursue a career in business instead. I did very well in business college and graduated with honors. I was a damn good business administrator for 6 years and have much accomplishments.
The business thing was good but not enough. So listening to that call in the wild, I steered off the path once again. This time venturing into the volatile design industry. After 2 short years of design school, I became a designer at an online shoe company in America. My career in the creative industry advanced at a speedy but healthy pace. I was the senior graphic designer when I left in 2007.
Now in Belgium, I am happily taking the bus to my language classes, doing my best and often planning the details of my future endeavors. I wish that by next July, I will be the owner of my very own business.
It is alright to change course in life. It is ok to take some risks, make a few bold decisions and act on a dream. Altering your direction only brings meaning and excitement to life. I’ve changed course several times and I never regret any of them!
17 Apr 2010
by irenein Happenings
I know I do not need to study so seriously for my Dutch 2.1 exam. I have a very strong foundation (thanks to Lieve) and have no problem following the current level. There’s no doubt in passing this class. But what else am I to do? Why not do my best when I can do my best?!
Until my Dutch reaches level 5 or 6, starting my own business here in Belgium will have to wait. The current plan is to continue my language lessons without any pauses (I paused for half a year last September). If I want to, I can graduate by February 2011 by taking the super intensive classes. And if I continue at the current intensive pace, I will be done by next June.
That’s my 2 main objectives for 2010 and 2011. I always like to know where I am heading in life. So having some sort of a plan and time line is a relief.
And that’s why I study so intensely.
16 Apr 2010
by irenein Food & Drinks, Malaysia
Can you believe that I made the above? I’m so pleased with myself right now.
These little darlings are known as curry puffs. A popular and common snack in Malaysia and Singapore. I am going to make some for the last day of school (next Friday). Gonna be a busy week!
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