And so it goes

Yesterday, it snowed huge snowflakes (think the size of those gold wrapped chocolate coins that you get for Hanukkah)!!! It was so magical and pretty and it made me want to gift wrap. My personal feeling, which I'm assuming you want because you are reading this, is that if its cold enough for gloves, it should automatically snow. Every time. It made me realize I need to start thinking Christmas decorations... Good thing I have all the time in the world. Seriously though, looking for jobs equals so depressing.

Going to the grocery store is pretty entertaining. This is how my conversation with the cashier goes:

Pregnant cashier lady: in Norwegian, Would you like a bag?
Me: no thanks, I have my backpack
Cashier: in Norwegian, Would you like your reciept?
Me: no thanks
Cash: in Norwegian, Have a good day
Me: thanks, you too

People, I am having conversations in Norwegian. Big stuff. I should be getting a letter any day now with my social security number. That will be a good day because then I can sign up for free language classes and get a bank card, along with several other acts of freedom. I will probably also buy myself a nice cuppa coffee too, because you know, freedom. 

A toast, to new beginnings

Sundays are my favorite because we usually spend the whole day with Jan's family, eating and talking and eating even more. My father in law is succch a good cook and he always prepares a feast, which the whole family devours. Besides the great food, I love spending time with his family. They fill the part of me that misses home. There's something familiar and routine about family that reminds me of the simple things. 

In particular, yesterday was a celebration for some big changes in the family. My sister in law just had her second baby, who I'm head over heels in love with. And the parents just bought a new flat, which means they will be selling their house come spring! Lots of exciting happenings. To celebrate, I made chocolate covered strawberries and we brought some champagne to toast with. We sat and talked until it was dark out and the candles burned low. 

I'm so grateful to feel apart of this family.

the hunt.

I have made some really, really good friends here. Actually, most of them were the hub's friends that I decided to adopt and cling to. I'm the kind of person that needs best friends to share life with. I don't manage very well being alone. Anyhow, the weekends here in Norway have been amazing. Like some of the best times that have turned into the best memories that make for the best feelings. And when I look back at the  last six months, all i can really remember are those great times and in this instance, im grateful for my selective memory.

Looking for jobs is HARD. And looking for jobs in Norway, forgetaboutit. I could go on and complain, but I'll save it for when the hub gets off work. hah. I try to stay positive about this whole thing, and I cant wait until I have a COOL job and I look back on this post and laugh. That day will come, right? It has been especially hard going from the really rewarding, encouraging job I had in the States, to starting over at square one. But, what would life be if everything went according to plan? It would be perfect predictable.And from experience, I have had the best experiences letting go and being open to what life has to offer. Thanks to my unpredictable-ness, I chose to go to school in Ohio where I made some of the greatest friends, ever. I decided to take a year off college and travel, and I met my man that year too :) So universe, I know there is some life lesson happening while I struggle in this job search, and that's cool. I'm ready.