Happy Independence Day BIM

Happy Independence Day to the most beautiful place in the world, a place that I am very proud to include on my list of homes.  I hope that all my family and friends are enjoying a day off in the sunshine with plenty of sun and rum.  I will do my best to honour the island tonight with a glass of wine or two, and will save the rum drinking till I acutally arrive...



 



Expats and Vietnam

Tonight I went to my first 'expat' event, a dinner in a Vietnamese restaurant (also a first). I sometimes shock myself how quiet I can be, usually you cannot shut me up (think I needed more wine!). Luckily Auntie Em was there that made it all better. Hopefully, my second time I will be my usual cannot shut me up for love nor money self!

Vienna by Day

Today was the only day I had to explore the city in day light, which is just as well, as it was the only sunny day. It is so beautiful and much like most of Europe seeped in history. Luckily for us, we had a local (of sorts) with us to show us around and tell us the significance of certain sights and monuments.

We started at the markets, as had to get that last Gluvin

The Habsburg palace Hitler made his speech in 1938, to cheering crowds about their union...

...monument for the Austrian Jewish who were terminated due to this union.

Vienna State Opera House

Going in to take a look
Really is such a beautiful city, and will return one day (waiting for you Dad:))

Vonderful Vienna and Vin

After a second successful conference day, the delegates (think this makes us sound impressive) were taken to a local Austrian restaurant for dinner. Although this was a bit more challenging for the annoying non-meater amoung us (me of course), the veggie bit was yummy if not plentiful (and hey there was always wine). And talking about wine, one of the gentlemen, Eric, on the course had told us earlier in the day that he had heard that general people (non-experts) cannot identify between white and red wine if they are blind folded and the wine is same temp. So of course we did the experiment...

(not to brag, but not only did I know which was red or white, I immediately identified the grapes. Possibly not something to be proud of...)

Vienna's Christmas Markets

Last year I visited a few Christmas markets in and around Switzerland, they were all beautiful and I was looking forward to visiting them again this season. But now they are all ruined for me as now I have been to Vienna's and it is fabulous. For years I have wanted to visit this city, I always knew I would love it but did not realise quite how much.

This just a picture from last night, it really does not do the place justice...

Technology and Me

Today was my first day at a three day Maths conference in Vienna. And I must admit I was quite nervous to come, as believe it or not I am actually quite shy and also thought I would be surrounded by geniuses. Anyways, the first day has been brilliant and I have come away with some really great ideas and realised I am actually fairly clever, except when it comes to technology and then I Am Rubbish.

My production on Geoagbra after half hour. Felt pretty good...

Then saw the girl beside me who also never used the program before...

Hump Day

By hump day, I mean Wednesday, mid week (remember this is not an R rated blog), half way there day. And yesterday was an extra special hump day, first no kiddies at school today (I love them, but certainly less tiring when they are out), and secondly and most importantly I spent a long overdue evening with the Weir's. I think it may be fair to say we properly celebrated this special hump day, and I am extra thankful that it is a teacher only day today.

My Addiction

For the most part this is a fairly pointless blog entry, but as this sort of works as a diary (the PG rated version, although to be fair there is no R to document!), I decided to write about it.  Over the last year my diet coke intake has increased exponentially, and I decided last week that not only was this costing me a fortune (sometimes 10 CH a day) but also was probably not that good for me.  So on Monday I went cold turkey and had none, and all week I have been tired and a little grumpy.  Then this afternoon I developed the worst migraine I have ever had, until I gave into the diet coke and it disappeared.  Wondering if there was a link I spent the last half hour googling 'diet coke addiction', and it seems I may be an addict.  Admittedly, this addiction is better than crack but still not ideal and giving it up seems to have been quite a challenge for several people.   So a warning to those around me, I may be irritable until I kick this thing (have warned the kids) oh and if anyone wants to be my sponsor, apparently helpful, let me know :)

(Although fabulous if enjoyed in responsible quantites)

                                                    

Cake and Bikini

I love my kids, and I do not mean Lola or any unmentioned children I do not have, but every single one I teach.  Admittedly, they sometimes frustrate me (usually because I know they are capable of more than they think they are), but mainly they make me laugh, smile, and excited to come to work.   I love that they all know I love Madonna and the younger ones try to learn as much about her as they can (I think they pick up some Maths along the way as well) and now the older ones have decided the way to my heart is Lola and baking.  Last week on Lola's birthday, cake was brought in and since then it has slightly spiralled out of control.  This morning I have come into yet another cake, which is all fabulous, but I need to somehow convince the kids that cucumbers and carrots are the way forward otherwise I shall never fit into a bikini at Christmas...

Thanks to Kasper, Amelia, Caoline and the grade 11's for all the special treats :)

Sunday Walk

I think it has become fairly obvious that I am more of a boiling, humid, steaming hot day sort of gal than a cold weather girl. However, I must admit there is something about a sunny, brisk fall day that is quite lovely. And today has certainly been one of those, so I thoroughly enjoyed a long walk with some friends in honor of Sarah's (new counselor in school) birthday.

Fancy Dress

I love fancy dress nights, it is kind of like wearing a disguise out. It takes away the anxiety of looking 'good' out on the town and you just seem to enjoy yourself that much more. So I always knew last night would be a good night when I heard a couple of the boys were organising a 'bad taste' pub crawl. Now sometimes I go out feeling a bit underdressed or just like I need to go shopping but last night I felt like I really fit in...

A great night out in Basel, thanks Liam and Mark!

Happy Birthday Pepsi Cola Lola

Happy birthday to my bestest gal, Pepsi Cola Lola, who has turned 7 today. It is funny as I was going to try and defend my crazy love for my dog but then after posting birthday wishes on Facebook I realised there is no need. Within an hour she had more wishes than I get on my birthday! I am glad to know my friends get it and love her too!

She has spent the evening out to dinner with the gals and then playing with her new favourite toy from Suzanna :)

November Rain

So it is rather boring, November rain, loads and loads of it and not even flowers to look forward to. I think possibly the most annoying bit is it always seems to be on the weekend. I actually just received a text message from a friend asking if me and Lola are surviving the weather (I think I have somehow earned a reputation of moaning about the weather, that'd be ten years living in the UK!). But thanks to good friends I am surviving and possibly embracing these rainy days. Last night, Raluca and I coped by hitting the town and later today Lola and I have been invited to some warm home made soup to help keep us going :).

Impromptu Nights

I think these are the best sort of nights, the ones you do not plan, that turn out to be great. Yesterday after school Emily asked me for a quick early drink at the Herbstmesse. After a couple of Gluwine (much like mulled wine) she had to go, but I just kept running into people and ended up staying the night.

Birthdays, Survival and The Bird

Usually it only takes one good reason to get me out on a school night, so to have three tonight was a real bonus. Firstly, hopefully now generations to come will enjoy big bird, next the survival of a great but very long parents day and most importantly the celebration of Patrick and Fernanda's birthday.


And now I am really excited for my bed!

Please Save Big Bird

As a little girl I have so many memories of watching Sesame Street, I loved all the characters and any Spanish vocabulary I have I have from there.  In fact, when I was recently back in Canada, I had a great time watching it with my friends children and seeing how timeless this show is.  So today, US election day, I am hoping those people sitting on the fence who have not been convinced by the mere fact that Obama is a man that stands by his principles, pushing reforms he believes in (even if unpopular), and cares about the affects his policies and reforms have,  that they remember their love for that big yellow bird and at the very least vote to save him.

(This was originally a two page rant on why Obama should be given a second term, however, I decided not to be so political and just try and save the bird instead.)
 

Herbstmesse

This Saturday could not have been more different than last, beautiful sunshine, lovely and warm. And as Suzanna happens to be here, albeit for a fleeting visit before she is off again, we decided to have a fun filled Saturday. We started off at Basel's annual Herbstmesse, the city is full of rides, stalls, food and drink, and ended around the kitchen table in the wee morning..


A great day and night, and Suzanna I win and I cannot wait to collect my 5 Francs!

Happy Halloween

Last night was the 'real' Halloween party after my practice last weekend. After a small pre-party at our flat we all headed down the road to a Charity Halloween party. I think in this case the pictures say it all!

Cava, Prosecco or Champagne?

Well you know you are in for a good wine club when identifying these different bubbles starts off the night.  And that it was, Emily hosted a great evening..

... dessert wines accompanied by her scrumtious savoury and sweet foods.  Most we loved, and I think we were all very surprised by some of our discoveries.  We also did learn that honey wine is to be avoided (unless you want to fall prego apparently).

As I am pretty sure this is the first time all of us dumped out a full glass of wine!  It was lovely to especially catch up with Asa, who is now in another campus :) and hugely missed.

Although I must say I am quite jealous of Lola's love for Asa (she worships her).   She was so desperate to join our photo and I have never seen her do that before.

 

 

As usual a good night was had by all, and I am already looking forward to our Christmas special :)