Oh the joys of baking!

You know what I've been doing lately? 
Baking! 
I love how Lausanne has turned me into a potential baker. Or at least one in my head. 

Alison- Chocolate Biscotti

In all likelyhood, I (and my poor husband, who doesn't really have a choice) am the only one who enjoys the consequences of having picked up this dangerous skill but it doesn't keep my mind from wandering off rather quickly into this phantasmagoria of a dazzling world, where I topple over the Martha Stewarts and Nigella Lawsons and open up my very own "Boulangerie" specializing in Chocolate, dedicated to my baking-mentors, my dear neighbours: Alison & Sevara.

Baking is so therapeutic. And the aftermath, even more. The after-aftermath.... nevermind! 

But D-Day is drawing closer. What D-day? Remember we (the partners) were asked to set goals for ourselves and see how we've fared three months on? Yes, well I was supposed to drop tons of weight as goal number 1. 

DRATS! 

At least I'm done with most of my reading assignments... Although my French still sucks- which was my third goal.

Chocolate-Cheesake Brownie

Italian- Chocolate Crostata

It has been raining, but the weather is gorgeous overall. I didn't think it was possible but the view of the mountains across the lake has become even more breath-taking; as if the coming Spring has taken off the Winter-veil, unleashing the majestic beauty of the Mountains in all its glory. Lausanne seems a lot more crowded with people picnicking by the lake throughout the day. Its personally entertaining how people are queued up as far as the eye can see at the Movenpick Ice cream stall just outside the hotel. What's more, we're on daylight saving mode now, so we have the gilded rays descending all over town once the sun struggles past the soft blanket of clouds, for longer. Or at least that's how I see it. 

I'd share some pictures with you, but you'll perceive it as boring old mountains. Because my camera doesn't capture what my eyes can see. You have to see it to believe it. I will have new partner heads nodding in agreement next year this time around (hopefully the impact of Global warming doesn't drastically alter somewhat worrying climate trends).

Of course this beautiful, welcoming change sets in well with my weight loss regime- gives me all the more reason to step outdoors for a nice, brisk walk by the lake. But... the beautiful sun, warm breeze, fantastic spread of colour across the shrubs and bushes, kids running about, birds chirping, geese cackling- and......... no icecream?! 

Sacrilege! 

So I'm not too sure what's happening here, because every so often on these "strolls" aimed at weight-loss, an ice-cream cone miraculously finds its way into my greedy hands... Yep! A step forward, two steps back! That's what it is in a nutshell. 

Chocolate Banana Cake

By the way, to the upcoming Partners, if you're ever at a loss of knowing what to do when sending a shipment/courier, just contact IMD Reception. DHL/Fedex are around alright but IMD reception is so helpful (and so cheap!). I saved 80 quids today. 

Thanks for the tip Ali- guess who can afford to augment the periphery of the baking-experiment budget?!  

Anyway, it's exam time at campus. And my poor ol' husband has contracted a rather lame case of "I'm-a-victim-of-horrible-inhuman-exams-Make-this-world-a-better-place-for-me" which requires me to keep on my toes even more; play the maid even better. Oh well, 'tis too shall pass! And with all the effort I am making in running around getting meals done, subduing every bout of rage, suffocating every urge that goes within a 5 mile radius of the term "NAG"... I better be compensated. 



Cookie?

And in light of this, to all our MBA soldiers who've been undergoing intense mental training- intellectual motor running at full speed, brain racing against the speed of light for the past three months- here's wishing you all the best! Armed with all that plethora of knowledge that's been drilled into you, here's hoping you regurgitate it all out in the best possible way. Don't worry- Friday is just around the corner and you'll be done and dusted by then, praying you all ace it, Amen! 

I see this as the initial shaping stage, after which comes the sharpening and polishing before IMD can present 90 new impeccable gems to the world.

Although the signs of impending "doom" are not too far off the horizon; the second integrative exercise is in two weeks time and the leadership paper due just after that.

I think I'll shut up now.  

Over and out!

P.S. if this "baking-mania" continues, someone please do me a favour and check me into a rehabilitation center for neurotic bakers. Thank you.