Meet up in Vienna

Meet up in Vienna

I'm so excited that people are excited to meet!!  I'm thinking Sunday, May 9th, from, say, 2:00 - 4:00 (I know people have work during the week).  Picking a location is the difficult part, as I've never been to Vienna!  I've gotten lots of recommendations for cafe's, restaurants, etc., but I'm not yet sure where exactly any of them are in the city.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a place that is centrally-located, easy to find? Can't wai...

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Enjoying where I am

Enjoying where I am

A 90-minute walk was on the workout agenda yesterday.  It being a gorgeous day and one in which I actually had someplace to be midday, I decided that I didn't have time to head to San Francisco or my old neighborhood in Oakland to get in some strolling, but that I couldn't waste the beautiful weather by heading to the gym.  So, I decided to take a long walk around town.  Kiefer and I have lived here in the suburbs for seven months now and despite loving the house, we haven't connected...

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Calling all American Girl blog readers in Vienna

Calling all American Girl blog readers in Vienna

I'm not sure exactly how to make it work, but I love the idea of a little meet & greet with folks in Vienna when we're there in a couple weeks.  Perhaps I could pick a place, a day and time and anyone who is interested and available could join me for a coffee, a white wine spritzer, a chat.  It's coming up quickly ~ we arrive on the afternoon of Saturday, May 8 and leave Thursday morning, May 13 ~ maybe something on Sunday, May 9 or one of the weekday evenings? I have so thoroughly...

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Can she do it?

Can she do it?

I am inexplicably obsessed with the desire to use only a carry-on suitcase for our trip.  One carry-on for my things, that is, not for both of our belongings. (I may be a little bit of a kook, but I'm not certifiable!) I don't really have a good reason, so it would be futile to ask why.  There is no practical need for it, as we won't be trekking around with our baggage daily.  But there is something so satisfying about being thoughtful and planning just right.  I dream that...

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Speaking of speaking...

Speaking of speaking...

The big question now is - will we be able to communicate our desire for a day pass, a guest pass, a temporary membership?  I gather that we'll be able to navigate the city well enough in broken German phrases and English as tourists.  But what about when we venture into the "real world," those activities that are more suited to residents than visitors?  Like going to a gym and conversing with someone about the amenities, the membership rates, if it is possible to get a visitor's pass. ...

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Speaking of those goals...

Speaking of those goals...

Just had a conversation with Kiefer: Me (speaking with a hint of giddiness in my voice): Do you realize we'll have 2 weeks of no working out? Him: What do you mean?  Me: In Europe, on our trip, we'll be gone for 2 weeks. Him: So. Me: So, we won't be going to the gym. Him:  Why wouldn't we be going to a gym? There are gyms in Vienna...gyms in England, too. Me: And we'll go to them?  Him: Um, yea (slightly exasperated tone). Me: To work out? Him:  Yea (again with the tone). ...

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Goal....keep an eye on the goal.

Goal....keep an eye on the goal.

I had to make a "big" decision today.  Do I go to yoga this morning or not?  I love my yoga class - I love the class, the teacher, the progress I've made with my Bird of Paradise, and I love it as part of my Saturday Morning Routine. Recently, though, I set myself new fitness goal and the schedule I need to follow to meet this goal requires me to hit the gym today for a shoulder/bicep weight workout and a bit of cardio.  It also means I've been at the gym every day this week lifting...

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Phew!

Phew!

 Volcanic Ash Shuts Down Air Traffic in North EuropeI am VERY glad that we weren't scheduled to travel to England today! ...

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Ich vermisse dich, Dad! (I miss you, Dad)

Ich vermisse dich, Dad! (I miss you, Dad)

Handsome fella, eh.  That's my dad.  My dad and my mom, to be precise, in St. Goar, Germany in the early 1970s. Dad died two years ago on April 10th, which was this past Saturday.  As I did last year, I spent a few days conflicted, trying to figure out just what/if/how I am supposed to mark the occasion.  I don't live near family with whom I can gather to share the memories over a cup of coffee, which sounds like the best and most comforting way. I'm nowhere near the cemetery,...

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Casual Friday

Casual Friday

I'm the girl who comes into work all dressed up most every day.  Not necessarily suited up - pants or business-suit, that is - more often a dress or skirt and blouse.  And, yes, I wear heels to work.  Often. Not today, though, and not so much for the past few weeks and I'm trying to get to the bottom of the problem.  Probably not high on the list of major problems that must be solved, but it's an oddity and I'm curious.  (I am a librarian, you know, we like to research...

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and excited girl!

and excited girl!

I just spent a few minutes at Mimie's Microcosms reading her review of several coffeehouses in Vienna and had my first......oh my gosh, we'll actually be in Vienna in a few weeks! moment (the visit, not the move yet - can't get too far ahead of myself).  Intellectually, I know the trip is coming up.  I even purchased a few travel necessities this weekend.  But this was the big AHA! moment. As I read, I could picture myself sitting in the various spots very well, drinking my Grosser...

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Lazy Girl....

Lazy Girl....

I was going to blame it on the fact that we have a friend in town and, well, I can actually use that excuse for the weekend, but yesterday and today....my lack of writing.....all me....a bit of laziness! And I don't know whether this is lazy or smart, but it just dawned on me that while I'm sitting at my computer, I pick up my phone to check my email rather than open a new tab on my browser to open gmail, just so I don't have to toggle back and forth.  And this is now normal.  I don't...

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A new world of friends

A new world of friends

In my last post, I was lamenting the fact that I have a difficult time making new friends and the implications this would have on my life in Vienna.  Yesterday, as I was reviewing some recent comments I've received on blog posts, it hit me......I already have made connections! Through An American Girl, I've already "met" quite a few new people and I completely overlooked that the other day.  I have a few regular commenters from Vienna and elsewhere that are friendly, funny, thoughtful,...

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