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Monday, March 31, 2003
You'll never gonna believe this... Have i been working so hard the past few days to get everything ready for this press conference, and what happens? Press conference is cancelled... i got a phone call this morning from my colleague. Seems like the minister had a sudden meeting or something, so they just called the whole thing off. *grmbl* What a way to start the week...It's such a waste of work! I'm awfully tired, had a real stressy week... all for nothing... Damnit, i really need a break, thank goddess i have nice plans for tonight.
(And about the 'thank goddess-thing, i recently discovered a really cool music band Bitch and Animal, a lesbo punk-folk duo. They have this hilarious songs like 'The Pussy Manifesto'. Girl Power Rulezzz!!!) *pixie*
Thursday, March 28, 2003
Just a quick one, to give you an idea about what the hell i'm doing in those fashion design classes. From last week on, we're working on our final piece for this year. It's supposed to become a wedding dress, or just a long white dress it is. Last week we made a waist piece or how do you call something like that... Now i'm working on the skirt (you can see the patterns all over the table in the background, it's always kind of messy around when i'm working). I also took a picture of my fellow student Davy while struggling with his skirt. He's the only male student in the fashion design class.
Strange if you consider that most fashion designers are actually men... But now i really have to go, i'm going to Not Strictly Rubens, a dance performance, with phOebe, can't let her wait... *pixie*
Wednesday, March 26, 2003
Last week, a friend showed me proudly his newly bought second-hand leather jacket... Just imagine this situation: very proudly, just returning from shopping, emptying bags, showing around: 'finally found a nice jacket', then a sweet smile 'but i need your help'... And yes, i already saw it coming: jacket needed some repair work. Funny thing was the word 'help', as if HE was going to do it and I was just going to assist him with it. Yeah right, my guess he can't even sew a button on. Well, i didn't really mind anyway... the lining needed to be repaired and some buttons were missing and all remaining buttons hung loose.
No problem at all... I even like doing that kind of stuff (except for the buttons, because in leather jackets you need do put another smaller button on the inside, and you can hardly get through leather with a regular needle). Although i really love sewing, working on clothes in any way, it had been a while since i found/made time for it. But now i've started again... As you know, because i'm going to study next year, i really have to save up some money, but i'm not good at it... Buying too many clothes for example. But now i've got this great idea about sorting my whole garderobe. I have plenty of clothes i'm not wearing anymore... but i guess i can turn them in really fashionable items again... otherwise they're doomed to stay in my wardrobe forever. This way i'm getting new clothes, without spending too much money... and i'm having fun, too!! First start was to fix a pair of trousers that was lying in my living room for months now (took me about twenty minutes, no idea why i didn't do it before). Today i bought some textile painting to color a white pair of trousers (or what once was white). I also started looking around in shops, without buying the things i liked. I saw a really nice skirt somewhere... well, i just took notes and i'll make it myself. It's a very special design but not too hard to do. When telling my idea to my fashion class teacher he gave me advice to make it even nicer. So next week i hope to have a new pair of trousers and a really fancy skirt... without spending a lot of money. First i have to get those buttons on that leather jacket though. *pixie*
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
I know, i haven't payed much attention to updating my website the last week. Just didn't have the time. Although i have some ideas for improvements. Also my weblog hasn't brought you a lot of news lately. Anyway, i do hope to have some time tonight and later on this week to work on it.
Lady Cottington's Pressed Faery Calendar: Tulip Taunting Tuesday: Tulips are taunted and their heads are wrestled to the ground. As tulips are not famed for their aggression, the faeries always win. © Copyright Brian Froud *pixie*
Saturday, March 22, 2003
I did not have any time yesterday, but here they are: the pictures of the Anti-War Demonstration of Thursday evening in Antwerp. I felt like i really had to go there. Even if it wouldn't matter at all. This time i could not just sit and watch from the side-line.
*pixie*
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Well, it just happened, war in the Gulf Region started. This morning felt so familiar. I actually did exactly the same stuff as with the start of the first Gulf War. Turned up the radio immediately, read the newspaper (which did not have anything to tell, because they were printed before they started). This time i could check the internet, too. But actually there was nothing surprising. It was all as i thought it would be. I remember with the first war, i was shocked. I felt horrible when i saw the headlines on the newspaper. I guess, i was only 12 years old then...
and it had a real strong effect on me. Now i'm not shocked, i knew it was going to happen. I feel rather sad, because this grown-up world is once again disappointing me. I feel angry, because such a small number of people decide what happens in this world... and the majority of the people disagree and is not able to do something about it. I'm also scared, because we can't be too sure about what's going to happen next... What will the USA do, when they conquered Iraq? Because i can't believe it will end there. I do not dare to speculate, i just have no clue about how things will turn out, what's going to happen.
I guess from now on, we'll have to live with an incertainty. We'll have no idea about how the world will look like in a few months, years... maybe in a few weeks everything will be different... or maybe it will all stay the same, which might be just as bad.
*pixie*
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Lady Cottington's Pressed Faery Calendar: Letting in Day: All the doors and windows of faery homes are flung open to let in the Spring waiting outside to be invited in. © Copyright Brian Froud Read and listen to some great words by Ani Difranco on what's happening in our world today.(Source: Serpentine, Righteous Babe Records) *pixie*
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
Great, it seems like this is not the best week of a lifetime. Had already a lousy day, yesterday... Don't know what was actually wrong, i guess it was just one of those depressive moods i seem to have sometimes... I just think too much, so i get worried about thousands of things. Anyway today it seems clear that this war really is going to start in a few days. And there's just nothing to do about it. And then, there's this whole political situation in Antwerp. Like they're going to put some right-wing, conservative mayor from the liberal party here.
He's a national politician, he has nothing to do with Antwerp anyway. I still hope they go for another socialist mayor... I prefer that option anyway. And certainly someone who is into local politics. What an idea to suggest an outsider in Antwerp... As if there's one Antwerp person that would like the idea of interference...
Whatever, my point really was that now at least i have really good reasons for not being all cheerful and happy... Although before i heard the news this morning i was really in a good mood. Also better news: the date of this press conference has been changed again, one week later, so more time for that... But i guess, by then, the war will be all over the news, and my research work will hardly matter to journalists. *pixie*
Monday, March 17, 2003
It has been a very busy weekend. Did lots of things. Yesterday evening my school friends came around. It's always nice to see them. Because we've known each other for such a long time, since kindergarten, it's a very special kind of friendship. This means we know each other for more than 20 years now. I guess there's no one else who has been in my life longer than that, except for my family.
Funny thing is that we became six totally different personalities, with totally different interests and opininons. I wonder if we would get to know each other now, when we're 23, we would still like each other so much. I don't think so actually. But now, all this common history, everything we shared...It makes a friendship that without a doubt will last forever. It seems that the older we get, the more we realize how important it is to keep those few people who have known you when you were young.
*pixie*
Friday, March 14, 2003
Lady Cottington's Pressed Faery Calendar: Today is Joyous Jigging Day: This is the day when faeries like to dance jigs and cut capers. © Copyright Brian Froud
The Friday Five: 1. Do you like talking on the phone? Why or why not? No, not really. Don't know exactly why, just never did. I thought it was because you can't see the other person. But i don't mind talking on the internet, so it must be someting else... 2. Who is the last person you talked to on the phone? My friend Gert, of course in the middle of the night, as always... 3. About how many telephones do you have at home? One regular phone, and one cell phone. 4. Have you encountered anyone who has really bad phone manners? What happened? Sometimes people who got the wrong number can be very rude, they just hang up without apologizing. And while babysitting i once had Jan Bucquoi (my god, don't think i did spell this right...) on the phone. Did this guy have no telephone manners at all!!! But still, i don't bother saying something about it... it's not worth the fuss in my opinion. 5. Would you rather pick up the phone and call someone or write them an e-mail or a letter? Why or why not? I'd rather e-mail them. Most people have cell phones these days with voice mails. And i really hate voice mails, i just don't like talking into those machines... never know what to say to them. *pixie*
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
I'd like to introduce you to my new flatmate... Two weeks ago i bought a little flower fairy for phOebe's birthday and of course i couldn't resist to buy one for myself. They're all little fairies based on a specific flower or plant. Mine is a daffodil-fairy, because they are my favorite flowers... That's why i love this time of the year. Now i still need a flower pot to put it in... A picture of my flower fairy *pixie*
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
One of those days, couldn't get out of bed, eyes were like sticking together... First train was late, so when i had to change trains in Mechelen, missed the second one. So i had to go to Brussels, take the subway (for which i had to wait longer than normally, also)... arrived at work way too late. There i heard that the date of that stupid press conference has changed, a week earlier... Damnit, time to panic, no idea how i'm going to manage that. Starting to be really pissed off. Don't feel too well either... I hoped to be working at home tomorrow, so i could go to the gym, could use some exercise to release the stress... but no, they probably need me here, there goes my relaxation.
And of course it's raining, too.
But anyway it's great to have a website where i can complain about my miserable Tuesday morning life *sigh*.
*pixie*
Monday, March 10, 2003
Yesterday night i finally finished the book...And yes, i loved it. It's the kind of book where i just swallow every word, every sentence, because i don't want to miss a single meaning, feeling or hidden idea. I want to be able to remember every scene or situation, everything that is said. What puzzles me though is that on the cover there are some quotes from reviews and they all tell how funny the book is. Yes, it does have its funny situations and characters, but in the end i found it quite sad. Or it made me sad, which is not the same, i guess. It's the kind of book that makes you think... about your life, relationships and what you want and don't want. But still,
i guess i was already kind of rethinking stuff concerning this lot. Anyway, i'll reread it when i'm a thirtysomething... see if i've forgotten my hopes and dreams from this moment by then.
The character i relate to the most, or that's most relating to me? Charlie, i guess. I think i'm a kind of Charlie-girl. Let's say Charlie when she's 23, i hope i do not turn out to be her at 35, though. But to be totally fair, there's a chance i might. Please stop me on time! (And about the funny side... damnit i'm that kind of person that can hardly walk out of a record shop without buying at least something.)
*pixie*
Saturday, March 8, 2003
I'm still reading High Fidelity, got some time on the train to Gent and back later today. The story and characters are really so recognizable. I think it's probably even more true for men, because it's obviously a man's story, some masculin version of Bridget Jones, i guess. What i can really relate to, is the music. The way music is connected to everything. How every person, moment, feeling, sound, smell, everything that has happened or will happen, is connected with a certain song or tune. And how these songs are a kind of memory. How the wrong music at the wrong moment (or should it be the right moment?) can suddenly make you cry, how others can make you feel better.
My whole life is arranged with music... every moment, every situation is linked with some tune. Some periods are linked with certain records. The summer of 2002 was definitely 'Little Plastic Castle' from Ani Difranco. This winter was a mixture of Bright Eyes, Calexico, still Ani, but other songs, and somehow some old soul music is slowly getting into it, too. Today i'm going to visit a friend in Gent. And for her i got a feeling of Bowie and Sinead O'Connor. But on the train i'll listen to Ani's Little Plastic Castle. Together with the sun, this record turned up again in my walkman, after a winter of travelling with Cat Power...
*pixie*
Friday, March 7, 2003 (b)
The Friday Five: 1. What was the last song you heard? Listening to Cat Power's 'Cross Bone Style' at the moment. Before that it was 'Whatta Man' from Salt'n Peppa (really!) 2. What were the last two movies you saw? Legally Blonde, Together 3. What were the last three things you purchased? Socks, fishnet stockings and underwear (damn, couldn't i just bought a jumper or so yesterday...) 4. What four things do you need to do this weekend? Visit a friend in Gent, cleaning, go to the supermarket, maybe some work, too. 5. Who are the last five people you talked to? The landlord, a guy at the gym, a girl at the gym, phOebe and wchulseiee(on the internet) *pixie*
Friday, March 7, 2003
I'm really annoyed at the moment. I'm working on a research project for the federal government. Yesterday morning i had a meeting concerning the further development of my research and the finishing of the project. On the 3th of april a press conference is planned to bring out the results. So far, so good. But what is my problem now... Well, they want to incorporate it in a larger press conference where the minister who is involved, will explain the results of his policy in the passed legislature,
and will give some recommendations for future policy. Indeed, elections are almost there... and i feel like i'm being used for this minister's personal electoral campaign. Damn, maybe it is because i'm still young and naive, but i really don't like the idea. I just want to do some useful and interesting research. It's great if it can be used for good policy making, but i don't want it to be used to the profit of some minister. But there's nothing i can do about it... very unfair, in my opinion.
*pixie*
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
Sometimes people you would least expect it help you out the most. Sometimes without them even being aware of it. (In my case they're probably not even aware of how miserable i am. Hey, there's a reason why my name is *pixie*). They just do totally unimportant things that seem to have a good influence on how you are feeling. Things that made me feel better today: a friend that let me spend a few relaxing hours, working, on his couch with a view on the garden and good music
(see, how bad it is, i'm starting to enjoy the piece and quietness of Lovanian suburbs!!). And what was even better, this friend gave me a book to read, High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. Damn, it's been ages since i had/made time or did the effort to read a real book! I really like it, by the way. The kind of book i continue on reading when walking from one platform to another when changing trains. So funny, and yet so real... still, i'll get you a review when i'm finished, or at least read it halfway through...
*pixie*
Tuesday, March 4, 2003 (c)
Good morning, everyone. Just a quick message, because i still have so much work to do... pfff, thank god i'm getting a break tonight, going out for dinner with a friend in Leuven. She's probably the only reason that could get me into that town. I won't bother you with my unsympathy for our famous student's place...
let me tell you that the railway station is already enough to get me all wind up about it. (Oops, sorry babe, perhaps there might be one more reason to go there...). By the way, some people seem to be apologizing for using Pixie's Public Place as a chatbox. Really, i don't mind, it's meant for things like that. As a matter of fact, it's meant for anything you want. I don't really need a guestbook where everyone writes down how lovely they think i am, or how cool they think my website is. Don't care for that kind of crap. So just go on discussing Cat Power or anything else. I was actually quite surprised that so many people know her. I always seem to be the only one who heard of her and likes her... but maybe i just have the wrong kind of friends... *pixie*
Monday, March 3, 2003 (b)
For those visitors here that can appreciate some good music: i'm planning to create a music page here soon, with interesting links to some of my favorite musicians. Because there's more than Ani and Polly Jean of course. So stay tuned, and come back... I hope it will be ready by Thursday or so.
*pixie*
Monday, March 3, 2003
Do you know the story of King Midas? He was the guy that wished everything he'd touch would turn into gold. I feel like Midas sometimes. The unfair thing is, i've never asked for it. I hate gold.
*pixie*
Sunday, March 2, 2003 (b)
I do not have enough self-confidence to write down my opinions on world politics. Though i'm always available for a discussion about it. I just don't want to put it here. But i do want you to listen to Self Evident, a very impressive text on the 11th of September. You're always welcome to give comments on it, too.
*pixie*
Sunday, March 2, 2003
Ahum, just an idea for those who would like to buy me a birthday present (okay, still a long way to go for my B-day, but you could just buy me a present for no reason, too...). Nick Hornsby, the writer of 'High Fidelity' and 'About a Boy' (we're talking about books here, not movies), has written a new book. 'Songbook' contains essays about 31 of his favorite songs, and one of them is 'You Had Time' from Ani Difranco. So i really want to read this. By the way, in a few weeks, Ani's new record 'Evolve' will be released... More information on the book and CD, you'll find at Righteous Babe Records. *pixie*
Saturday, March 1, 2003
I spent yesterday evening (practically all night actually) celebrating phOebe's and Selaggi's birthday in a bar called Pallieter (what's in a name!). Lousy bar actually, totally wrong place to hang out for cool people like us *grin*. But it appeared to be a really great place if there's heavy drinking involved. Music was as varying as Bob Marley ("hey barman, change cd's!!"),
Roxette ("She's got the look"), Rage against the machine ("all say killing in the name of and start headbanging"), Michael Jackson and even Britney Spears ("oh baby baby"). Ahum, and it was certainly very uncool that we could all sing along with 'Dromen zijn bedrog'... Blame it on the beer (or wine, in my case). Anyway we had a really good time and, of course, i took some *nice* pictures.
If you were at the party and want to have the pictures, you'd better download them now, because they're not gonna be here forever. I do have more pics, if you're interested, let me know and i'll send them by mail or something. By the way, i really did get up at ten o'clock this morning and went to that Bodystep lesson, for those who did not believe that i was really going to do that... *pixie*
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