Time Flies

I have not had the time to do some proper blogging for more than a month. My intensive Dutch language program has been taking a lot of my time. The past several weekends on the other hand were tied up with social commitments some were even made before we left for our month long holiday in the Philippines. So what have I been up... 1.Yes, I managed to hang on to the intensive Dutch language program but only after a lot of encouragement from my teachers. Two other people were not able to keep pace and were recommended to transfer to the standard program of 15 hours/week. The first 2 weeks were really tough just trying to catch up with the missed classes. There were days when I experienced terrible headaches just because my body (and mind) had to get used again to having to follow a rigid of 9:00-4:30 pm after being on vacation mode for 5 months. 2.I feel a lot better now and more in control of the situation. I am getting the hang of being in school again, doing homeworks, and at the same time attend to other personal stuff. I am actually enjoying the experience of learning a language again. Hubby has been very supportive, almost cooking everyday so I can have more time do my homeworks, well not to mention having to deal with my occassional outbursts of frustration. 3. I can't believe that I am halfway through my language program. We are now on our second batch of books and in four weeks time we will be done with our classes. By mid-April, we will move on to the next level. By then, I will hopefully have more time for myself to do other stuff besides school. Perhaps I will take some refresher courses for driving before I take the test (my Manila driving style is just so difficult to get rid of).

4. I have more interaction with the outside world, at least within the area where I live. My classmates are an interesting bunch. I like the group because everyone seem to be focused and driven to learn the Dutch language. The group is highly diversed in terms of nationalities and work experiences.

5. Hubby and I quit smoking five weeks ago after several (failed) attempts last year. Another couple friend of ours has also joined this endeavor so we provide each other some encouragement. It has been tough but we are doing well and have passed the stage of "I want to smoke...grrrrrr!!!". Weekends can be tough though.

6. Lately, I have been thinking of my professional prospects in the Netherlands. I miss having a professional life. I just can't wait to be out of language school, and get out of this integration program. I miss working. I miss having a career. Last week one of my former bosses gave me a call and the more I realized that I need to continue with my career...errr what career? Will I really have some options given the language barrier? Oh well.

One good thing about being busy the past few weeks was that winter seem to have passed briskly. Yes, spring is finally here! I am excited to greet spring and look forward to a few days off from school to visit London. I need a short break. I miss London.