31 Jul 2010
by irenein Jibber Jabber, Quotes
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. ~ Steve Jobs
Oh what the heck, not my favourite person in the world to quote but I kinda owe someone this gesture. You see, I own 3 major Apple products that I never paid a single cent for. Besides, what Jobs said makes sense.
With that in mind and with half my summer holidays gone, and another half to enjoy… let’s get going then! 
29 Jul 2010
by irenein Movies, Books & TV Shows
Das Weisse Band (The White Ribbon) is a movie depicting pre World War One life in a small German town. If you think you will be watching a movie about happy village life like in the movie Heidi, think again.
In this village, mysterious violence and crimes happen randomly and without apparent motives. The most respected adults in the community are hypocritical authoritarians who abused the weaker villagers: women, children and the poor. These vicious actions created psychopathic behaviours amongst the abused. And in conclusion we see the seeding and character forming of future Nazis.
Heavy, disturbing, upsetting and all that. Great movie!
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.
25 Jul 2010
by irenein Quotes
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. ~ Maria Robinson
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.
21 Jul 2010
by irenein Jibber Jabber, Movies, Books & TV Shows
Watched Capatalism, A Love Story. It is a typical Michael Moore movie going bla-bla-bla, good facts, questionable facts, much exaggerations, and more bla-bla-bla. I like the movie though. I know enough about finances to understand and see the point of this documentary. But one thing stands out prominently in this movie, one person, one question that I repeatedly ask myself. Who is this congresswoman from Ohio?!
She looks like your regular gentle aunt. Someone whom you see in church gatherings, or at family pot luck dinners. Who in God’s name is this unassuming woman who is biting off the heads of greedy Wall Street sharks?!
Marcy Kaptur is dynamite! I admire her more and more as I read about what she has done and what she is doing. I adore her after watching videos of her speeches. What a character! What a woman!
I found a hero.
19 Jul 2010
by irenein Quotes
Minds, like bodies, will often fall into a pimpled, ill-conditioned state from mere excess of comfort. ~ Charles Dickens
17 Jul 2010
by irenein Movies, Books & TV Shows
The movie is loosely based on the books. The story is supposed to be the sequel to Alice’s initial adventures when she was a child. Because it stands apart from the books, this movie adaptation does not lose its luster in adventures and magic.
I will probably re-watch Alice In Wonderland sometime in the future. Mainly for the visual entertainment.
15 Jul 2010
by irenein Travels
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” ~ Mark Twain
What Amsterdam is to me in a few words:
- Modern architecture in the Netherlands.
- Funky airport hotel/spaceship – Citizen M.
- Old and crooked buildings along the water.
- Too many tourists and profit makers.
- Church with paid entrance?!
- Delicious dim sum!
- China Town.
- Sleazy Town.
- Technology.
Oh yeah … and enough train rides to last me a long long time.
13 Jul 2010
by irenein Food & Drinks
My parents will be leaving Belgium tomorrow. As farewell and thanksgiving dinner, we went to the restaurant at Hotel Messeyne with D and his parents.
It was a lot of very good looking delicious food. It was a pity we have eaten ourselves silly in the past few weeks. I will definitely go back again when I have regain my appetite.
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