New Student

I got a new student today.  He's a little mischievous and I'll have to keep my eyes on him.

They call this a beach...

They've got a few of these beaches along the Donau (Danube), complete with sand, lounging chairs, umbrellas, and bars.  It's ironic to me because these beaches are along the canal where no one swims. 

Line Dancing

Tonight I had the opportunity to go line dancing.  Who would have thought one could go line dancing in Vienna, but apparently they do this every week.  The first two hours were instructional and we learned three new dances.  Then they got crazy...all kinds of complicated dances.  I tried to jump in on one of the dances I didn't know...that was a big mistake...I was lost.  But the other girls did really well.  Whitney and Leslie even got to two-step.

My first Bible Lesson for Chapel

I figured since I had some experience speaking in the children's program of BSF, I would/should volunteer to speak in our weekly elementary chapel services.  I even get to do it with a partner and only have to speak every other week.  Today was my first attempt.   I think it went fairly well.  The topic...II Samuel.  How does one cram the last 40 years of David's life into 20 minutes on a level that must be understood by kindergarten and 5th grade?  Well...honestly I mostly geared it to the older kids...I knew my kids weren't going to get much unless I pulled out the flannel boards and I knew the older kids wouldn't go for that.  

But I must say, BSF spoiled me with those premade outlines...the most time consuming part was breaking the material down into three main points with three sub points.  I'll admit that I slacked off on the principle area...I will definitely make a point to do better next time.  But once I had the outline ready, the rest was a snap.  I had those application questions on the tip of my tongue and the conclusion and finally the introduction were a breeze.  Even the actual presentation went fairly well...I went over a couple of minutes....GASP...I know.  And I wish I could have included the younger children better...but a good first attempt.  

FYI...My aim:  To cause the students to learn that in any life situation, victory or disobedience, one should praise God.

I'm famous!!

http://amandacarrie.blogspot.com/2008/09/ransom-note.html

How to stay warm

Apparently the trick, so I've been told, is to wear nylons under one's clothing.  I tried it today and did feel a bit warmer.  That's encouraging...but I think this So Cal girl might have to go for something thicker if she's going to survive recess duty in truly cold weather.

I might be a bad teacher

My boys love to play basketball, but they don't really know the rules.  They're getting a lot better about not pushing each other, but when the ball is up for grabs, they're not as nice.  One of my boys, let's call him Alex, is a bit of a snot.  If I say up, he'll say down, and he's not a huge fan of sharing.  This morning two of the boys are chasing down the ball and one of them (um...how about Bernie) clearly has the ball in his arms.  Alex reaches both arms around Bernie to take the ball away and Bernie's natural reaction is to shield himself and shoo Alex away.  So when he accidentally pokes Alex in the eye I don't really do much because I figure the kid had it coming to him anyway.  That might be why I'm a bad teacher.

Dad, you would be so proud

Our sinks were clogged and I took care of it myself.

Who really needs this many pictures?

We got our class pictures back today.  It's not bad.  I don't know if it's my best, but the photographer told me not to smile.  I guess my eyes disappeared when I did...so I'm a little awkward.  

Here is our class picture...nicely placed in front of the glass windows...who's brainwave was that?

Included in the free teacher packet is this delightful sheet...I don't even know if I know this many people.  

Also included are some type of cards with a calendar on the back...with the days situated top to bottom instead of left to right...a little different...

So if you're dying for this glamour shot, let me know...I've got plenty.  

My first music student

I wasn't quite as prepared as I should have been.  I volunteered to give clarinet lessons this year since there were so many giving piano and I figured it would be nice to have a change of pace for the students.  My first student (of hopefully two) is little Daniel.  He's in first grade so that's an adventure in itself.  I got a book from Sandi Joy, our music teacher, and just flew by the seat of my pants.  Really...what is there to prepare...the kid knows nothing.  --Well truthfully I should say that he did take piano in Korea so he knows that an E is Mi.  A good start...I won't have to teach reading music in addition to the technique of playing--  We worked on putting the clarinet together and making a sound without the Dizzy Gillespie cheeks.  I figured that was enough of an assignment for next week.  We'll see how it goes.

Wandering the City

Whitney and I decided to take a walk.  Since we live in Vienna we thought we should have a destination.  So we thought we would visit the Hundertwasserhaus which is about ten minutes from our flat.  

I guess summer is over

Um...it's 63 degrees Fahrenheit today.  Which apparently doesn't disturb my roommate.  That's probably because she's from Minnesota.  But to this So Cal girl 63 comes during the winter, not summer!  Hello Vienna!  Technically it's still summer!!  

I have a feeling I've got a lot to get used to come real winter...hope my jackets come by then.

My first thought...

when I get home is to take my shoes off.  In fact I'm so eager to do so that I don't take the extra five steps to deposit my shoes in my closet, instead they congregate at the end of my bed.

If I had only known...

that Spandex is the uniform for working out in Vienna, I could have brought mine. On my first solo jog in Vienna, I counted 25 people wearing the tight-fitting material within the first 8 minutes. After that I got bored with counting. Ok...not everyone wears spandex, but a good percentage of the population does. There is a fair representation of various types of people who sport Spandex: short, tall, thin, not so thin, men, women, old, young...they have no shame.

Laxenburg

On Sunday Leslie and I were invited to visit Laxenburg (a castle that belonged to the Habsburgs). We were able to drive with a family that she has connections with. It was really nice to get out of the city in a car instead of having to take public everywhere. It was only 20 minutes from where we live by car, but who knows how long using U-bahns and such.

It was basically a large park..lots of trees and open grassy areas. We got there fairly early so there was lots of shade and it was calm and quiet. By the time we left there were many more people, but it was still beautiful.

Here's the castle from across the lake/moat. We weren't able to go inside because we weren't around for the tours, but maybe another time.

I enjoyed the foresty feel of the grounds.

Bratislava, Slovakia

On Saturday a van-full of us made a trip to Bratislava, Slovakia for a medieval festival. There were a few shops and some reenactments. Apparently there has been more excitement in the past, but it was fun. And great to be able to see another European city.

This is the main square of Bratislava.
Whitney and Leslie cuddling with a statue.
And interesting building I saw on the way to the castle. I didn't take any pictures of the castle because when we got there I was too close and then my camera battery died. Someone forgot to plan ahead! Good thing everyone has digital these days...maybe someday I can post more.
Once at the castle we were able to follow the procession down the mountain to the main square where the reenactment of the coronation too place. Many of the Hapsburgs were crowned in Bratislava over the years.

All in all, a fun day. We also got to see demonstrations of the warfare during the 30 years war. Interesting...

My Soloist

At the end of the day Friday, I had my students work on making AB patterns. They were merrily working away to an orignal composition by Chukwudi. He was going on for about 5 minutes, but I only caught 5 seconds.

My first piece of mail!

Thanks Erika!

Flannel board cutouts

4 down
only 596 to go

Who knew teaching Bible could be such a labor intensive subject!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth

Today is Elizabeth's birthday. She's six! Her mom sent her to school with a Sacher torte (much tastier than I thought it would be) and even small gifts for the other children in the class.

Our super-classy serving bowl