Thursday, July 8, 2010

Hello from Norway :)


Flower box on balcony in Oslo

Hi everyone :)
Long time no chat.  I know I've been MIA for a while.  I've been back to Norway for about 2 months now.  Things are different from the USA for sure, but not in a bad way.  Things tend to take longer to get done here.


House in Sigdal

My sister's godmother's daughter is allowing me to live in her apartment in Oslo until I'm back on my feet.  I'm soo greatful for this.  They have a place out at Sigdal (about 1 1/2 hr from Oslo) that is just wonderful.  I've been over there several weekends.  They have been totally awesome and really helped me out.  I helped out with yard work which has been great for my weightloss.  I've lost 49 lbs so far this year.  It has slowed down some since I've been in Norway because I  don't have a gym to go to everyday.


Tone & Toril - I'm Woman hear me roar :)

They have 3 kitties I've been able to love on which has been so nice since I miss my 2 kitties a lot.  My sister is taking great care of Patches and Pirata.  Was a bit sad in June since it was their 14th birthday, the 1st birthday I've missed since they were born.  My sis says that they are doing great but def miss me.  I miss my family tons, especially my sister! 


Svarten aka Studmuffin :)

Sonja (11 yr old sheltie), had to go back to her breeder when I left.  She is a total sweetie but has many issues and doesn't handle change well at all.  And I know wouldn't handle me not being (she didn't do well when I was gone all day when I was living with my parents).  Her breeder took her back with open arms and keeps me updated about her.  She settled back in with the sheltie pack nicely.  Which is such a relief!  I worried about her soo much.


Me and Dad (he visited me for a few days in June :)

Trying to get a cellphone was a 3 week ordeal lol.  Since I haven't lived here in 22 yrs I don't have any credit, here regardless of being a norwegian citizen.  Much back and forth including deposits etc I finally did get a cellphone service and wireless internet.  Woot lol.  Being able to connect with everyone online has made things soooo much easier :)


Chanse, such a sweet boy!!!

I've been going to several interviews.  I've been focusing on international companies which have English as their office language since my written Norwegian isn't too strong due to not using it for many many years.  At least my spoken Norwegian is getting better everyday. I'm working with 2 temp agencies (1 in Olso, 1 in Kongsberg (1 1/2 hr from Oslo)) who have been good about sending me to interviews.  I have several companies lined up who are interested, but they are taking their good time making a decision.  Hopefully one of them will come thru with a job offer soon.


Positana, and yes I am THE QUEEN :)

I have gotten a part-time job at a nursing home on the psychiatric floor here in Oslo.  I'm not a nurse by trade and this is my first experience with this.  My job title I guess is extra staff.  I pretty much do whatever the nurses do except administrate meds lol.  Overall it hasn't been a bad experience at all.  Most of the patients are pretty sweet.  And yes there are some very difficult ones LOL.  Mostly I work weekends but have been taking up shift during the week in hopes to make some money (haven't been paid yet LOL).  My supervisor told me she is very happy with me, which is a huge relief!


Me and a forest troll :)

I hadn't planned to come back to Norway like this.  But I'm making the best of this situation.  I do have some advantages of being a Norwegian citizen back in Norway than I had when I was in the USA.  Yes I'd love to be back in the USA mostly because my family is there.  But I want to make sure that I'm giving Norway a chance :)  I never know, I might meet a wonderful man I want to marry :) 


My Patches & Pirata taken before I left Houston.

I am planning on bringing my 2 kitties over here once I'm settled in my own apartment.  Of course my vet will have to confirm that they are able to make the long flight over to Norway.  At least I sold most of my furniture and my car so all I need to ship are some of my things to be settled.

Well that is about it for now.  I hope to be more active on here from now.  I miss everyone and hope to catch up soon :)

22 comments:

Khyra And Sometimes Her Mom said...

What a nice surprise to see woo again!

Thanks fur all the updates and such!

What a pawesome chance woo took -

It seems as if it is all working out well fur woo - save missing your khytties and USA furamily!

Best of lukhk - we'll be looking fur more news as it happens!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: KHONGRATS on losing those pounds - Mom thinks she found them!

Anne-Kathrine said...

Thanks Khyra :)

It is good to be back. I've missed everyone and am in process of catching up on everyone's blog!

Hugs to you and your mama :)

Mack said...

Me & Mom have been hoping you are doing well and we are so glad to hear from you!
Sounds like things are going really good in Norway! Keep us posted.

PS: Mom is so jellyish about all that weight you lost! HaHa

Sugars,
Mack

Anne-Kathrine said...

Thanks Mack :) It is great hearing from everyone. Will def be more around now since Im still waiting on a full time job.
LOL I hope to get more weight off as time goes by :)

AL said...

Jeg savner deg Anne! Oh so you're in Norway ahaha, haven't seen you for the longest time! I hope you can cope well with the language Anne and with your work too, I know it will take time but you can do it!

Will Nanuchy and Patachou join you there? And hey, you look prettier wooot wooot!

Anne-Kathrine said...

Hi Al, miss you too :)

Yeah I got caught up trying to get things in order :) Hopefully I'll be around more now.
Just heard from the temp agency in Kongsberg. They might want to interview with me tomorrow. Will know later on today :)

Thanks, it feels good getting the weight off, still a long way to go but at least making progress.

I wished they could but both passed away. Patachou 3 yrs ago and Nanuchy back in jan.

Take care!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful update A-K. You look great and happy, I was wondering about your furbabies. I'm glad that they're doing alright.

I've been thinking right along that things always happen for a reason. I know it must be hard away from your family but you just never know what exciting adventues are waiting for you! You're EXACTLY where you need to be right now I'm sure.

Peg

Anne-Kathrine said...

Thanks Peg :)

Yeah things are starting to fall into place, hopefully something will happens soon :)

Miss my kitties and hope I can bring them over soon.

I believe that things are happening for a reason :)
Hugs!!

Michele Bardsley said...

AK,

Though the circumstances that returned you to Norway weren't ideal (and took you away from us), it sounds like you're on your way to creating a good life.

Big hugs to you!

Michele :-)

Qwill said...

It's beautiful there and you look fabulous. Maybe Norway agrees with you.

What a nice way to catch up with you. With the internet we are never that far!

Post more pictures of Norway when you get a chance. :)

Hugs,

-Q

Brandy said...

I'm glad things are going so well for you and that we're hearing from you! I have been worried about you, and how your kitties were faring. I hope they are able to make the trip to be with you. Best wishes for all those interviews!

Anne-Kathrine said...

- Thanks Michele :) I decided that this is an adventure and make the best of it :)

- Thanks Qwill:) I feel better as weight goes down. I will add more pics as I take them :) The internet is a wonderful thing!

- Thanks Brandy :) I have missed everyone. At least I've been on Facebook :)

Dory and the Mama said...

We were so glad to see your post on our bloggie today...We were hoping you were doing ok and it sounds like you have everything under control!!

Congrats on the awesome weight loss and new start.
Hugs!
Beth
and
Smileys & Snuggles!
Dory, Jacob and Bilbo

Melissa McClone said...

So glad you blogged about what's been going on. I loved all the pics. You look great. Congrats on the weight loss and wtg on getting used to being back in Norway.

I know a job will come through, but it's good to hear you have the PT work to see you through to them. Please keep posting and letting us see and hear what you're up to!

Anne-Kathrine said...

- Thanks Beth, its good to be back. Things are def falling into place :)

- Thanks Melissa, I should be working full time very soon and can't wait :)

♥♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥♥ said...

We are all away right now, but when we saw your comment we had to come say hi. We think about you often and are glad to hear that you are doing OK. Must be tough to leave all behind and start again, but we wish you the very best.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Misalyn said...

Welcome back Anne! Thanks for the update. I am so glad that things are doing and going well with you.

Wishing you all the best.

Marianne Arkins said...

It sounds like things are falling into place, but I can only imagine how much you miss your family and kitties!! I hope things work out for the best, in whatever way that ends up.

Martha and Bailey said...

How great to see you! We are kinda home and away right now but were so excited to see your comment.
We have missed you loads.
You are looking great! Norway looks very pretty - we understand about your animals and hopefully the cats will travel to be with you in time.
Good for you giving things a chance - sometimes things do happen for a reason - even though we can't quite see why at the time.
So glad you are back in touch and we will keep everything crossed for you re the job - having said that your current job sounds interesting!
xxxx

Anne-Kathrine said...

- Thanks OP Pack :) It really hasn't been a bad experience and do believe that I am supposed to be here :)

- Thanks Misalyn. Good to be back and have missed everyone.

- Thanks Marianne. I do miss my family and our pets. But overall the experience has been very good.

-Thanks Martha & Bailey. I've missed you too and love seeing your beautiful faces. I did get a job. It is trial for 3 months and if things go well I will get a permanent position. I now have to find a place in Kongsberg since it is 1 1/2 hr from Oslo.
I'm not sure about my kitties unfortunately since their health is failing :( My sis is keeping a close eye on them (her diabetic cat is also in failing health). Unfortunately it looks like all 3 cats might be heading for the rainbow bridge soon :(

♥♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥♥ said...

Congrats on the job and we are sure you will do well. Good thoughts and prayers for continued good fortune.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara and Mom

Anne-Kathrine said...

Thanks OP pack :)