Hump Day.

I actually missed hump day. Thursday, November 3rd was hump day. Half way through our time we are allotted here in Vienna. We have 122 days to spend here (I know this because of the very extensive process of applying for a Visa). We have now been here 68 of those days, and I almost can't believe it. It is so strange that we are just over half done now. There is so much left to do, so much left to see and so much left to enjoy. I understand that it won't all be done, seen and enjoyed before we leave, but part of me wishes it could be. I want to see everything. I want to soak up every little corner of this city, and every spot possible of this wonderful land of Europe. 
On the other hand, home is calling out to me right now. I found out the other night that we have no way to Skype anyone back home. The time difference is a big hassle, but when I finally worked that out and was presented with an opportunity to talk with one of my very best friends, I found out that the internet connection we have access to is a "closed network" or something silly, which Skype apparently hates. If anyone has any ideas, cheap and easy, to get in contact with people in Canada, I would love to hear about them. I am missing being able to just call up friends and family and talk with someone familiar and friendly. 
Also, this time of year is a hard one to be away from home. I have Eric, and he is wonderful. But I miss even just the place I call home, as well as all the people. I wanted to go apple and pumpkin picking for Thanksgiving, and then carve the pumpkin and get dressed up for Halloween. I wish I could have seen my brothers and sisters, or my niece and nephew all dressed up in cute costumes. I wish we could have had family dinner for Eric's birthday. He didn't even get a cake because we don't have an oven. 
My birthday is coming up soon as well. The family home evening night after my birthday was usually about the time that we would set up the tree and pull out the decorations at home. I will miss that terribly. Also, most of the traditional foods and things that make Christmas feel like it's coming to me are going to be tricky to find here. I want candy cane ice cream! 
Eric is, of course, doing just fine. He's loving the fact that school is easier here than his semesters back home; or I guess less work. He's strong and seems to never miss home. He loves his home, and family is so important to him, but he has always been better at keeping a clearer perspective than me. He knows 4 months is 4 months, and that's the amount of time we always knew we would be here. I'm sure he might miss home sometimes, but there has never been a time yet that he wishes he was there and not here. I confess it has not always been that way for me. 
I love love love Vienna. Please no body think that I am complaining about being here. Please no body go feeling bad for me, or thinking that's what I'm expecting you to do. I am so grateful that I am here, and really enjoying it. But I am missing Thanksgiving, and Halloween. Family and Friends. Calgary and Halifax. That's all. These are just some feelings I am feeling right now as I realise that two months now past went by so fast, but that two months ahead seems like a really long time (especially when one of those months is going to be December).
So here's to a wonderful and eventful, enchanting and exciting (but hopefully speedy) 54 remaining days!