Lost in translation

I just replied back to my Dad's text enquiring how I was doing. Said I was busy with work and that I have exams for my Dutch class tonight and tomorrow.

The response:

"Ach dung x"

*shakes head shamefully trying to conceal her laugh*

What chance have you got?!

Achoo!

I'm sick today. My cold has been gathering pace over the last few days and came to a bit of head last night when my cough developed into a fully blown beached seal bark thus, keeping me and unfortunately Sarah, awake most of the night. Having just gotten back from the H1N1 breeding ground in Scotland, I was thinking my chances were rather high of succumbing to it. Luckily not. But at least Sarah will have a chance to wear those beautiful face masks I brought from China.

In Belgium, even if you're off work sick from one day, you have to get a doctor's note. Whereas in Britain you can self-certificate for up to a week. I prefer the system in Belgium because at least you're forced to get medical help sooner. The level of treatment that I've received so far from my GP for many different ailments has been like night and day compared to what I'd normally get back home. Of course the fact that I have to pay 24E per visit does ensure a better quality of service, but at least I will be reimbursed for some of this. There's no long waits, I can get appointment and prescription in the same day and if I need medication after work hours, there's always 1 local Chemist that's open late through the night.

On another note, I shall be tuning into BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show now that Moira Stuart will be the newsreader with Chris Evans as the new host.

p.s. I ordered a replacement book for my Dutch class on Monday from the publisher and it arrived today before they've even asked for payment - fantastic service!

TV-tastic

My new favourite Belgian tv program is "Man bijt hond." It's a captivating wee insight into the lives of every day Belgians. It's a breath of fresh air in contrast to the run of the mill reality tv format in that it is genuine and simple in its topics, subjects and filming style.

Words of the day

Verdomme! = dammit!
Herhalen = repeat.

I have a Dutch exam on the 19th and I've managed to leave my study book behind in Scotland.

Stom = stupid.

Everybody needs good neighbours

OMG! It's 8:55am on a Sunday and yet again there are un-Sunday-like loud noises coming from our apartment building! One of the joys of having retired people living in your block!!! Shouldn't they be in church at this time?!

They better have a good excuse for waking me out of my slumber for this. For example, they've broken their hip whilst sweeping the snow from the front door. *TUT*

Get back to bed old yean or wheeshed and read yer paper!

...I guess it's their turn to get us back for waking them every other morning Mon-Fri...

Sleeping is no mean art: for its sake one must stay awake all day.

It's 2:49am. I knew I would regret that coffee at 10:30 this evening. Oh well. Sarah's tucked up in bed snoozing away. You know, sometimes procastinators even put off going to sleep. Isn't that strange?

I did try tonight.

I'm too restless.

Besides, taking a midday nap is all the more enjoyable than sleeping when you're meant to be in bed.

Fortunately being restless at this time of year provides the perfect opportunity to write the "to do" lists for this year!

Roll on the risky decision making, irritability and slight tremors due to a lack of sleep!

Note to self: reduce caffeine intake in 2010 and pay more attention to circadian rhythm.