Whoops - it's been a while
Sorry for going a little AWOL there. But in case any of you were worried, I am still very much alive. However, I am going to cut this, since it looks like I wrote an essay yet again.
Man, what's happened in the past 2 weeks? WE FINALLY GOT PAID! That might be the most important. And part of the reason why I haven't updated. I've been to busy buying things. Like leather boots. And meat. And this amazing Müsli that has dried fruit in it and the bunches (like from Honey Bunches of Oats). Only bunches, no flakes. IT IS SO GOOD. I also got some Wintergenuss tea, which is apple cinnamon flavored, but for some reason it totally reminds me of being at Grandma & Grandpa's house. I have no idea why though, since I don't think I've really had that kind of tea there. Strange. I had another weird memory moment the same day I bought the tea involving my laundry detergent and fabric softener. Apparently the combination smells like Joe's parents' old house used to whenever someone did laundry. And that was like 7 years ago. Crazy how scents can trigger memories like that.
I had a great weekend the other week - not only did I finally try out the Fresco Grill in Vienna, but it was AMAZING! Obviously not Chipotle, but the closest I've tasted in Austria. They actually had black beans there! And guacamole! And Dr. Pepper!! I was pretty excited. Then I went to a Maturaball (kind of like Austria's version of a prom, but less magical, in my opinion) with one of my friends, which was really fun....until my dress's zipper decided it didn't want to stay up anymore and just sliiiiiiiid down. NOT COOL, but I guess since I bought the dress for a mere $30 for high school graduation, it's had a good run. Plus, somehow I managed to keep it under control with minimal movement and a jacket, so I didn't end up flashing anyone, even with such an epic wardrobe malfunction (it was down about 10" by the end of the night!). Whew.
I also knit my first hat this week, but since it's a Christmas present for someone, I'm not going to post pics untíl it's been received. There are some on my Ravelry, though, if you have an account there. I'm kind of sad I'm giving it away, since I like it, but I guess it was just good practice for an even BETTER hat I can make for myself...now that I have money and can buy yarn. (YAY!)
Let's see, what else....I saw a theater production of A Christmas Carol with some of my Gymnasium classes on Thursday, which made me a little homesick. And Emily and I went to some of Vienna's Christmas markets on Saturday, which were EXCELLENT. I love the Christmas season and the fact it starts so early here! Also, one of the English teachers from the other school that saw the play with us told me that I should check out the Christmas markets in Salzburg, since they're supposed to be top-notch. Sooo....Emily and I decided we're going to Salzburg and Munich the first weekend in December, since it's a long weekend (the 8th is a holiday, so I have Monday and Tuesday off!). Maybe we can also catch some Krampus festivities in Salzburg - we'll see. If not, there's supposed to be an event in Holla this weekend that I'm hoping to attend.
Classes have been pretty standard - some GREAT ones with kids who love to talk and participate and who are really creative, and some difficult ones with people whose lips seem like they're sealed shut - OR they only open to talk to each other while I'm trying to teach. Overall the good classes make up for the less spectacular ones, though, so I don't have any complaints.
ALSO I've been tutoring some children - a family with kids ages 5, 7, and 9, and then another girl age 6. And they've gotten really fun, too, though sometimes the 7 year old just has WAY too much energy for me, but whatever. It's getting better. Their families have been really nice and welcoming, though, which is always nice to have. In general that's a change I've noticed between this year and last. Lena's family was great (she's the high schooler I tutored last year), but I wasn't really part of either of my schools' communities last year. Either living in Holla or having the time to hang out at school when I'm not teaching or being more flexible with my lessons has definitely helped this year. Plus, I have a desk, chair, and mail slot both places - small things, but still an improvement!
Hm, what else...Thanksgiving is thís week, and a lot of TA's are having various celebrations. I'm going to try to go to at least one, but I'm up in the air at the moment about which that will be. My closer friends are having one Friday night, but I have to be back in Holla and presentable by 8am Saturday morning, so that one's pretty inconvenient for me. I have Friday off, though, so something Thursday night might work. We'll see! Nevertheless, I hope all of you who are celebrating at home or elsewhere have a lovely time and eat lots of stuffing and cranberry sauce for me. :)
Man, what's happened in the past 2 weeks? WE FINALLY GOT PAID! That might be the most important. And part of the reason why I haven't updated. I've been to busy buying things. Like leather boots. And meat. And this amazing Müsli that has dried fruit in it and the bunches (like from Honey Bunches of Oats). Only bunches, no flakes. IT IS SO GOOD. I also got some Wintergenuss tea, which is apple cinnamon flavored, but for some reason it totally reminds me of being at Grandma & Grandpa's house. I have no idea why though, since I don't think I've really had that kind of tea there. Strange. I had another weird memory moment the same day I bought the tea involving my laundry detergent and fabric softener. Apparently the combination smells like Joe's parents' old house used to whenever someone did laundry. And that was like 7 years ago. Crazy how scents can trigger memories like that.
I had a great weekend the other week - not only did I finally try out the Fresco Grill in Vienna, but it was AMAZING! Obviously not Chipotle, but the closest I've tasted in Austria. They actually had black beans there! And guacamole! And Dr. Pepper!! I was pretty excited. Then I went to a Maturaball (kind of like Austria's version of a prom, but less magical, in my opinion) with one of my friends, which was really fun....until my dress's zipper decided it didn't want to stay up anymore and just sliiiiiiiid down. NOT COOL, but I guess since I bought the dress for a mere $30 for high school graduation, it's had a good run. Plus, somehow I managed to keep it under control with minimal movement and a jacket, so I didn't end up flashing anyone, even with such an epic wardrobe malfunction (it was down about 10" by the end of the night!). Whew.
I also knit my first hat this week, but since it's a Christmas present for someone, I'm not going to post pics untíl it's been received. There are some on my Ravelry, though, if you have an account there. I'm kind of sad I'm giving it away, since I like it, but I guess it was just good practice for an even BETTER hat I can make for myself...now that I have money and can buy yarn. (YAY!)
Let's see, what else....I saw a theater production of A Christmas Carol with some of my Gymnasium classes on Thursday, which made me a little homesick. And Emily and I went to some of Vienna's Christmas markets on Saturday, which were EXCELLENT. I love the Christmas season and the fact it starts so early here! Also, one of the English teachers from the other school that saw the play with us told me that I should check out the Christmas markets in Salzburg, since they're supposed to be top-notch. Sooo....Emily and I decided we're going to Salzburg and Munich the first weekend in December, since it's a long weekend (the 8th is a holiday, so I have Monday and Tuesday off!). Maybe we can also catch some Krampus festivities in Salzburg - we'll see. If not, there's supposed to be an event in Holla this weekend that I'm hoping to attend.
Classes have been pretty standard - some GREAT ones with kids who love to talk and participate and who are really creative, and some difficult ones with people whose lips seem like they're sealed shut - OR they only open to talk to each other while I'm trying to teach. Overall the good classes make up for the less spectacular ones, though, so I don't have any complaints.
ALSO I've been tutoring some children - a family with kids ages 5, 7, and 9, and then another girl age 6. And they've gotten really fun, too, though sometimes the 7 year old just has WAY too much energy for me, but whatever. It's getting better. Their families have been really nice and welcoming, though, which is always nice to have. In general that's a change I've noticed between this year and last. Lena's family was great (she's the high schooler I tutored last year), but I wasn't really part of either of my schools' communities last year. Either living in Holla or having the time to hang out at school when I'm not teaching or being more flexible with my lessons has definitely helped this year. Plus, I have a desk, chair, and mail slot both places - small things, but still an improvement!
Hm, what else...Thanksgiving is thís week, and a lot of TA's are having various celebrations. I'm going to try to go to at least one, but I'm up in the air at the moment about which that will be. My closer friends are having one Friday night, but I have to be back in Holla and presentable by 8am Saturday morning, so that one's pretty inconvenient for me. I have Friday off, though, so something Thursday night might work. We'll see! Nevertheless, I hope all of you who are celebrating at home or elsewhere have a lovely time and eat lots of stuffing and cranberry sauce for me. :)