The heatwave in the Netherlands continues. Everyday this week has been above 30 degrees. Keeping up with the training schedule for the marathon is so tiring. I sweat so much that by the time I come back from my one-hour run, I feel totally drained. My mouth is so dry that I drink at least a litre of cordial once I'm back inside.
Last night, I had the coldest shower possible. Maybe that wasn't the best idea, because my chest felt strange for a couple of hours afterwards. Maybe there is something risky about taking your body from a hot state to a cold state in a very short space of time?
I have been fairly lazy at work today. I have done all of the tasks that I had lined up for while Paul was away. I feel like I am in a state which is in between being on holidays and being back at work. I won't feel that I am truly back at work until Paul (and other people) return on Monday.
posted by James 4:31 pm
What is the difference between a really close friend and someone that you’re going out with?
My current thinking on this is vague. When you are going out with someone, it is almost just like having a really close friend. But, there is an extra “spark” which makes the former differ from the latter. The “spark” must be shared by the two people. Either it is there, or it isn’t. It can also appear after time, but not through the intentional effort of someone. You can’t make yourself love someone, and you can’t make him/her love you.
Trying to “manufacture” or “look for” the spark that separates friendship from love is too stressful. It is preferable to just make friends, have fun and enjoy whatever eventuates.
For me, at least, this sounds like a good philosophy. It is better to look for friendship and not worry about “getting a girlfriend”. After all, having a good friendship is an essential step to take before anything further can develop. If anything should develop, then that’s nice. It’s not something I need to worry myself about.
posted by James 2:50 pm
I am starting to feel the inconvenience of not having a bike. Yesterday, I must have done two hours of walking - to and from the train station and Monday night drinks in the city centre. On top of that, I still went for my one hour run.
There was a going away party for Moise, last night, as the term of his traineeship has finished. But, he might be here for a bit longer. Apparently, his visa may get extended and he could stay in Tilburg until December. I think Moise is still deciding on his plans. He has many options open to him.
Moise got some presents from the AIESECers, including a nice photo album in which everyone had written comments. We finished off the film in his camera. I like the art of taking creative photos, but none of the AIESECers (that we asked) were willing. Still, there is a nice "picking up" photograph - but I was the one getting picked up! It's only the second time that has happened to me.
posted by James 10:04 am
On Friday night, Moise and I went to town for some drinking and dancing. We went to "Bolle", a typical cafe/bar in the city centre. It has many places to sit inside, but after 11:30pm the tables and chairs are all removed to create an open space dance area. I enjoyed the music. I walked home at about 4:30am.
I had a very quiet weekend. The only times that I went out were to go shopping at the supermarket and my two runs. For Dutch practice, I translated some newspaper articles. This is getting easier. I will try to translate something from the newspaper each day. Television is also a great help. For listening practice, I can watch the Dutch channels. For a different type of learning, I can watch the English language programmes with Dutch subtitles.
posted by James 11:25 am