Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Happy Sunday!

While writing, I am still lying in my comfortable, warm and cosy bed and literally feel how stress is falling off. You know how the last three months went by and the last week was - again - no exception. But here I am back, back home for holiday season and glad that I survived the first part of my adventure in France.

During the last two weeks I've written 11 exams and I am pretty sure that there is the one or the other that might have been better. But regarding the quantity, this is normal, isn't it? When we finished the hard time on Wednesday, we had our annual 'End of the World' Party, this year's theme: Igloo, Igloo, Igloo. As stupid as it is, I only put on a hat and claimed that it is cold at the North pole, so I'd better protect my head.

After a good but quite short party, the day after was very hard. I had to pack all my stuff, clean the apartment and take 5 luggage pieces into the train. Yes right, I kind of did my moving with the French SNCF which was very stressful. Luckily I am a girl and there was always a helping hand when I had to carry my stuff all along the 500 m long train. But in the end, everything worked out very well and retrospectively, it was a fun experience!

Back home, I very much enjoy doing nothing or - wait! - skiing of course! I've been telling you a couple of (or maybe 1000) times that I love it and that I am looking forward to doing it throughout the entire year. Well, I began my season yesterday and it was great as usual. Tomorrow I head to the slopes again, yihaaa!

Last but not least, we are quickly approaching Christmas. I have all my presents, the tree is decorated and all the ingredients for the Christmas meals are shopped. Speaking of ingredients, I also baked a few Christmas cookies this week, the recipe with yogurt turned out to be really easy and yummy. So how shall I end a post on the 22nd of December?

Well of course, have a very merry Christmas.

International Cookies: Statue of Liberty, Pisa Tower, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben (easy to recognize, no?)

Every year's cinnamon rolls

Freedom - Passion - Love

Distracting Vastness

Studying?

Good morning my dears, 

The Internet is a nasty little thing, did you know that? I am in the middle of exam period but instead of studying I lose myself in the infinitive vastness of the Internet. I mean, I am very happy that I am still alive after 6 exams that more or less killed me. But each time I came home, I wasn't able to study for the next exam and spent my time on Facebook, tumblr, Pinterest and Co. Originally planned 1 hour sessions ended eventually in long-stretched afternoons. Here is what I found.

• This guy is a god. As I speak three languages fluently, I know how difficult it is to learn and to remember any of them. But 11 is a miracle. 
• Although I am not a ballerina, I can't stop watching them over and over again. These pictures express so much grace. 
• My move to Paris next month is another evidence for my never-ending-moving. In this post, Rachel revealed a lot of my feelings. Oh, and this is my daily life in a program called "International Management". 
• Beyonce is not my favourite artist. But these guys interpret her songs so well, that I might change my mind.
• I like that idea of having something that makes you happy, never mind in what situation you are. So girls, it's your time to start a happy life!
• When I found this webpage, I couldn't stop laughing: neighbours can be so creative, funny and mean at the same time. Let's wait for my next complaint note. 
• Back to art: As a critical person regarding modern art, it's a personal revolution to show you these works. But it's one of the few moments when I like litter being transformed into art. 
• Admittedly, I always do something different when safety instructions are given on a plane. But this time, even I watched. 
• What is a good winter outfit? Warm, stylish and cosy. I love that one. 
• My favourite for Christmas: WestJet plays Santa Clause is such a thoughtfully campaign. I keep wondering what miracle drink airlines took this year to have those great video ideas?
• And finally: I might adapt of these techniques, so that I avoid compiling lists like this one in future. Haha.

Actually, there was only one thing missing: I guess, I spent half of the week looking for great skiing/ winter blogs but couldn't find any that really touched me. If anyone of you writes a great winter blog with great stories and pictures, let me know. I am desperately searching!

Now back to the last subjects while drinking an amazing hot chocolate with an even greater cookie (here to buy). On Thursday I am driving home for Christmas - hooray! First semester done, next step Geneva and next year Paris. Love life.

There's something under the Christmas tree.

Good morning and happy 2nd Advent!

Today, it's about presents (= gifts, for all my American readers) . I can't believe it, but I got pretty much all of them during the last week although I should have been occupied with learning. Yeah, should.

It's the same problem every year: What is the perfect present for my beloved ones? Then, I click through the Internet - Amazon, Zalando, Pinterest, blogs. Like a crazy one, I stroll through the city and have a quick and hectic look into the boutiques. Even as a very organised person, I cannot call me so for Christmas time, though. I admire those who start taking notes throughout the year to be not stressed in December. Maybe I have just this problem because I never know what to put on my wish list myself and that I transfer this habit to others automatically. (This year it was pretty easy for me: iPhone 5. All that matters).

So, here a few insights into this year's presents since I assume (hope!) that the concerned persons don't read my blog.

• SOS Present: I was invited to a party yesterday where everyone had to bring a present. I wasn't prepared at all, so I grabbed a bottle of good (!) wine, some exquisite chocolate and wrote a nice poem about the person. My tip for all late-in-time-strugglers!
• Perfume: When I was in Paris a month ago, I went to the Fragonard Shop to let my Mom try some fragrances. And then I ordered the best one for her on their website. Let's see whether she will be surprised or whether she has already guessed something. 
• Bracelets: Normally, I am not patient enough for tinkering. But for my friends I wanted to have something special and personal, so I designed bracelets in a store only 2 minutes from my apartment away. I chose charms that reflect their personalities. Simple and effective.

SOS present: Wine & exquisite chocolate

Perfume samples

For my Mom

For my friends

I hope you could get a little inspiration with this post. If not, check out some ideas here (Pinterest, in general, is a great inspiration), here, here and here.

But before I end today, let me tell you the best news and probably one of the greatest Christmas presents ever:
I WILL BE MOVING TO PARIS FOR 6 MONTHS.
Another internship is on my plan (this time: Project Financial Controlling) - as you know, they keep me quite busy here. But with the location, a dream comes true. So guys, if you have any hints for an apartment, let me know, please! It's so hard to find something that is well located - but never mind how much I will spend, I guess, it's worth it.

P.S. You might have wondered where the music comes from: I thought of including a little Christmas playlist coming from my favourite Christmas movies to bring some festive atmosphere to the blog.

BE WILD

 

Happy first Advent!

Last week I left you with a mysterious "BE WILD". I owe you an answer, don't I?
In a addition to my in general full calendar, I assumed another task throughout the last 2 weeks. It was the campaign and election for next year's student council, called BDE (= Bureau des étudiants). The campaign includes free breakfasts, tea-times, parties, goodies, little sleep, a lot of motivation and so called "escortes": students can call our team in order to get a service done, e.g. dish-washing, shopping, cooking etc. Our team consisted of 39 people and I applied as the responsible for the sport department. As already mentioned, we invested a lot of time into this campaign and I am only happy that the people I founded that list with are just amazing and it is a real pleasure to work with them. Of course we also faced difficulties throughout the 2 weeks like a lack of motivation, but there were always members that took the initiative and pushed the team. And that worked out in the end: On Friday night the election was over and we were elected to be the team for next year. It's gonna be a WILD year, that's for sure.

For my part I have plenty ideas for the sports department. I can't wait to share them with all the students in my school. Furthermore here a little resume of what I personally did during the campaign and some pics that underline WILD weeks:

• We threw 700 bottles of beer into a container
• We did ironing for internship candidates
• We delivered pizza in the night while it rained cats and dogs
• We delivered pineapples early in the morning
• We organised three wild parties
• We sang the song of the elephant march (Jungle Book) in the middle of the market square
• We cooked some Swiss specialities
• We slept 4 hrs in average
• We had some great two weeks with amazing people that I can't wait to be with!

Campaign Pic I

Wild masks

Wild Party

Campaign Pic II

Wild feeling

Wild food

Next week, Christmas time can officially begin - wait for some nice pics and surprises. Oh and I have exams, just sayin'. 

Motto 

Professional friends

A very early good morning my dears!

While I have been quite late the last three weekends, I this time chose to be extra-early for you. Yeah right, this is one of these famous after-party-posts. And as sleep is currently overrated, I told myself to use my productivity.

Have you already realized it? It is only one month left until Christmas Eve. And not only Christmas music returns into my playlist, but also Christmas markets are built and first mulled wine is sipped. So I especially did during the last two weekends that I both spent in Dusseldorf for professional reasons. It's been the last two visits within the next months as my strategy project is over now. A week ago we had a presentation workshop that was extremely useful for our final presentation that took place on Friday this week. Beforehand I was very nervous since the presentation was not only held in front of executive managers but also because we put 6 months of hard work into it. In the end all went well and the feedback was more than positive, and the same helpful for our further development. Then, on Friday afternoon, both project teams were invited to an art gallery to get the mind cleared: We painted - in my case - Christmas presents. And finally, Friday night, we strolled through the city of Dusseldorf and tried a few bars and clubs before I headed back to France early in the morning.

Also Starbucks is in Christmas mood!

Business view

New Breuninger shopping mall om Dusseldorf with exclusive brands. I love!

How will my Christmas decoration look like this year?

Spooky I

Spooky II

Most frequented place: Gare de l'Est in Paris

Creativity!

My artwork: LUCK & first Christmas present this year

I can smell the mulled wine... only 1 month left

Now, another fulfilling chapter is closed. Well, on the one hand I am very relieved as the project was a lot of work on top. On the other hand I am pretty sure that I will miss our weekly mobile conferences and the fun we had together. I want to underline that my project team consisted of great - different - people that make this talent program to a very nice on. We hopefully see each other within the next months because they are not only colleagues, but friends.

Though, it was not only the project that kept me busy. Another really important event is happening in this month. What that is, I will tell you next week. I only want to say: BE WILD. Speaking of that, I will go to bed now.

Nighty mighty walk

Good morning,

A turbulent weeks lies behind me. As usual a lot to do, but moreover a business trip to Dusseldorf which I've just come back from and a lot of thinking. Thinking about me. Thinking about my life.

It might be the dark weather outside that turns me into that mood or the social environment but it is certain that I question a lot these times: Where do I want to go? Was this school really a good choice for me? What is my plan for the future? Who am I for real? Am I involved into too much? Is the stress driving me crazy? And so on and so on. In order to get my mind cleared, I tried two measures:
First, while temperature fell below 0°C for the first time, I headed outside and went for a walk. Only me and my thoughts. It was the first time that I really sensed the city I am living in and couldn't resist to take some snapshots. After an hour I came back, as if I had been on holidays, since this timeout was exactly what I needed.
Then, the day afterwards I met my best friend from my first two years of universities who is now studying in Spain. It was not only great to see her, but also to talk to someone who fully understands you. It eventually turned out that she is in the same situation that I am. Same questioning. No answers.

I can tell you that I haven't found the answers yet and hope that they will develop within the next weeks, months and even years. Moreover I believe that I can't find them alone but that friends, family, experiences, inspirations and defeats will shape them together with me. The only thing I know is that I should listen to myself more often and take the time for me when I need it most. Everyone who is suffering stress, uncertainties and defeats should do the same.

With this melancholic post, I wish you a great week and see you in a week! Then I will let you know why "Sunday morning" isn't possible right now :)

If I lose myself

Hi everyone,

It's far beyond morning although I've just got up after I slept the entire day. Right, after a crazy weekend at the WHU Euromasters I arrived back here this noon and then went straight to bed - until now.

Euromasters: Already two years ago I raved about this event, so there was no question that I would participate again this year. Instead of playing soccer as anticipated I ended up cheerleading which was as much fun as always. So what's it about?
2000 students from all over Europe (France, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany) come to a little village called Vallendar somewhere in Germany. The host university WHU is organizing the event which is a mixture of sports and parties. The entire day you are in the gym cheering for your teams and competing in different disciplines. We unfortunately couldn't win any of the trophies but we supported each other strongly. Highlight is the cheerleading competition by the end of the competitions on Saturday afternoon. We were extremely nervous beforehand but once you are on stage, you can only enjoy the atmosphere and rocking the house! After the long exhausting days, two parties followed on the agenda: "Cirque de Nuit" on Friday and "NEON" on Saturday. It was a blast, I can tell ya'!

Enough written, let's speak videos and pictures for themselves. Impressions can be found on www.whu-euromasters.com or on their facebook page.

Cirque de nuit

Spirit

CESEM at Opening Ceremony

Our performance

And this years Euromasters Hymn to finish - cannot wait to come next year!

Sweet Paris!

Paris at night

I might be a few hours late writing this, but it was worth it: I spent the weekend in Paris with my Mom. And how much I already miss it ! I immediately could jump back on a train in order to stroll through the streets, to sit in a lovely cafe or to go to a concert. Not only was it great to see my Mom again but we also explored one of our favourite cities: We went to Bercy Village (Cour St Emilion), a passage with cafes and shops that are located in old trading houses at Paris' East side. Then we also went to a Chopin concert in the city's oldest church: St Julien le Pauvre. Both nights we spent at friends' with a lot of wine and cheese that instantly transported my Mom back to her twenties when she was living here. And now I am in my twenties, studying only a stone throw away and maybe completing my internship in exactly the same place. Destiny?

Bercy Village

Cookies at La Cure Gourmande - J'adore!

Chocolate

Another side of Paris: La Défense

La grande Arche

Luckily, I am coming back in another two weeks. Although it is only for a day, I am so looking forward to this timeout. When I head back to Reims this afternoon, I felt sad. Even the weather expressed my feelings: Sun in Paris and rain (again!) in Reims. Since I benefited from the weekend to a full extent, I am now sitting at my desk, looking for my motivation that has been hiding for a couple of days now. Tomorrow another presentation. Tonight another cheerleading session as we have our big tournament in less than 5 days (this implicates a delayed post next Sunday as well, I am very sorry). All these dead lines and duties here paralyze me. 

So, in order to survive my daily tress, it is busy Paris that keeps me calm. A très bientôt!