I'm moving!

Fellow blogggers and friends, it's time to move on... to a different blog platform! From now on, please read my blog HERE. All the previous content is there, but I am taking a short little break to work out some kinks. Will be back with lots of fresh stuff soon. Hope to see you there!

My mood

It started with a low light
Next thing I knew they ripped me from my bed
And then they took my blood type
They left a strange impression in my head
You know that I was hoping
That I could leave this star-crossed world behind
But when they cut me open
I guess I changed my mind

And you know I might
Have just flown too far from the floor this time
'Cause they're calling me by my name
And they're zipping white light beams
Disregarding bombs and satellites

That was the turning point
That was one lonely night

The song maker says it ain't so bad
The dream maker's gonna make you mad
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
It's all in your mind"

Well, now I'm back at home and
I'm looking forward to this life I live
You know it's gonna haunt me
So hesitation to this life I give
You think you might cross over
You're caught between the devil and the deep blue sea
You better look it over
Before you make that leap

And you know I'm fine
But I hear those voices at night
Sometimes they justify my claim
And the public don't dwell on my transmission
'Cause it wasn't televised

But it was the turning point
O what a lonely night

The song maker says it ain't so bad
The dream maker's gonna make you mad
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
It's all in your mind"

The song maker says it ain't so bad
The dream maker's gonna make you mad
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
It's all in your mind"

My global position systems are vocally addressed
They say the Nile used to run from East to West
They say the Nile used to run from East to West

I'm fine
But I hear those voices at night
Sometimes

The song maker says it ain't so bad
The dream maker's gonna make you mad
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
It's all in your mind"

The song maker says it ain't so bad
The dream maker's gonna make you mad
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
It's all in your mind"

It's all in my mind
It's all in my mind

Little Erle

It's hard to get around the wind

Of human consciousness

We all have days when we look around or at ourselves and wonder what the hell is going on. I like to reflect on my own consciousness and ponder my own identity. What am I made of? What fragments led to this? Who am I supposed to be? Or am I really the one I should be?


Who I am is always changing. What I radiate is so interconnected with my surroundings. And who I am/am not is also a product of my interracting with others. Where I am, who I am with and what I do.

As a child I was the natural-born pack leader. Outgoing, unfiltered, loud and blissfully ignorant of limits. I loved to dress up and would gather my friends to be the actor and actresses of my plays. The plots always had a princess, a witch, some happy helpers and a heroine with supernatural powers. I was a product of my own fantasy world and hadn't yet become to be so aware of the world around me. I'm not saying everything centered around me, but I was always bordered by my own limitless view of things. I didn't really care about my looks, my clothes or my whereabouts. If I had a book, I was happy. If I could paint, I was happy. And if I could play with others, cuddle with animals or be on stage - I was in my element. A child's narrative may be limited in its understanding of the world, but limitless in ways of interacting with said world. If you don't yet understand, it doesn't matter, because you have an innate ability to make sense of it your own way.

When I was a teenager, however, I grew painfully conscious of myself and the world surrounding me. Did I change, or did my world change? It was a mixture of both. My mind expanded, new habits of thoughts formed and where I before felt nothing could hold me back as to what I could do, I suddently felt trapped and imprisoned by my own identity - of who I was and who I was to become. I felt hopeless, sad, scared and powerless. Nothing would ever be the same again.

The human brain is very powerful. Ideas and thoughts are what shape us. We set goals, we analayze and overthink. Animals act on instincts, we act on thoughts or how we believe we should. If thoughts are holding you back, then thoughts are also what can move you forward.

I often reflect on how my life has been thus far. I choose to see it as a success story. I've reached so many of my goals. But sometimes I think... now what? I wanted to do this and that, and I did it. I'm on the top of my mountain. I should feel happier. But I still feel like something's lacking. It's a mystery I have yet to solve. There are so many more things to be accomplished. We make our own paths in the moment. We should think anything is possible, and I believe it is. I don't want to settle, I want to conquer. What used to seem so out of hand is now a memory of what I've done. So I have to challenge myself, I can never stop.

When on top of the hill, don't look back. Keep going. Even if you think there are no more mountains to climb, you'll find another curve just around the bend.

And here's the most amazing thing... Even if you're on the top of the biggest mountain and there is not another one in sight, look at the horizon. The tiny spots are worlds that have yet to be discovered. And thus the journey never ends.

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Cute alert!

Just because sometimes we need to see a cute critter to make us smile and get going with our day. Look at that creature!!!!!

Heidi is getting hitched!

My good friend Heidi is getting married on Saturday, and last weekend we threw her a bachelorette party. All the girls dressed in turqoise (because it's Heidi's favorite color!) and surprised her with games, a photo shoot and a try-out as a barista at a local coffee shop. Heidi is a coffee slave, after all. :) The theme was 80s Madonna and I got do to her hair and make-up. She is going to be the most gorgeous bride ever, and I am so excited for her and Andreas.

One nation united

This past week has been surreal. I've been in a constant haze of shock and sadness. I can honestly say there are no more tears in my eyes. It's been hard to go to work and cover the aftermath. The footage, the victims, the gunman, the comments... Very emotional.

I strongly recommend you watch this video.

I'm proud that all Norwegians have come together after the attacks. Imams and priests walk hand in hand - it shows that no matter one's cultural or religious backgrounds, in this country we are all Norwegians. The accused terrorist, Anders Behring Breivik, wants to declare war against what he calls "the Islamization of Europe". American news outlets were quick to analyse the situation as a right vs. left issue in their own context of republicans vs. democrats, Americans vs. terrorists. I must say in Norway, patriotism is very much separated from religion - hardly any political parties and politicians wave the Bible in order to sway voters. Breivik is a coldblooded psycopath, and though he declares himseld as a Christian, this is not a Christian vs. Muslim debate. And it's not correct to use the term "Norway's 9/11". This was a domestic terror attack carried out by one single man. He shot and killed his own people. There is no justification of that. I don't care that the rest of the world want to implement their of fear of muslims into this context - we as a Norwegian people are standing together stronger after this. The Norwegian muslims held their own memorial at the Central Jamaat Ahle Sunnat mosque on Friday, were our PM Jens Stoltenberg and Oslo bishop Ole Christian Kvarme also attended.

I want to be clear that this blogpost is about honoring a nation coming together for peace, and not about bashing those who do not understand. I've seen discussions on US newssites that are in favor of more people carrying guns, the death penalty and close our borders. I disagree on all accounts. If everybody were to carry guns, at what point can you justify one person to draw its weapon? Seeing a "suspicious" person? Anxiety attack? If one person starts shooting, it would turn into an inferno. I would personally NOT feel safe if I knew the person next to me on the bus had a gun.

Instead, let's take a moment and remember those who were taken away from us way too soon. Here's to a democratic nation with justice and liberty for all. Not just the white and the rich.

Evergreen

I'm still too sad and upset to write about the recent happenings that left so many innocent people in Norway dead. I feel I need a timeout. Music always helps. While this song is no way related to anything that's been going on lately, I feel it's a refuge so many needs. A dry martini and an escape to a timeless era.

I will return to blogging in a few. But right now I need to digest my thoughts and feelings. But I hope you enjoy the song.

When in Amsterdam...

Passage from "Of Human Bondage"

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"He's very enthusiastic," said Winks.

Enthusiasm was ill-bred. Enthusiasm was ungentlemanly.
They thought of the Salvation Army with its braying trumpets and its drums.
Enthusiasm meant change. They had gooseflesh when they thought of all the
pleasant old habits which stood in immiment danger.
They hardly dared to look forward to the future.

He's my brother she's my sister

No, this post isn't about some crazy family drama. It's the name of a band that played at Sam Bonds in Eugene last Wednesday. Jamie and I went there to check out what was happening, but we hadn't heard of the band before. Turns out they were pretty good! The video I took of them doesn't do them justice at all. Their vocals were tight, the lyrics good and the songs made us tap our foot and hum along.

You can check out their band page here, or do a search for them on Facebook. We are REALLY loving their song "How'm I gonna get back home." Everyone who's had a little too much booze on the town can relate ;) You can hear some of their songs on their band page. We bought their CD and a T-shirt.

Ashland, baby!

This weekend Jamie and I went on a quick get-away to Ashland. The city is located in the south end of the Rogue Valley, just 15 miles north of the California border. It's a thriving place in the summer when thousands of visitors come for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It seems like the city is still doing well despite the recession and is seeing great revenue from tourism.

We drove down I5 along the Applegate Trail, and it was a fun ride because I have never seen this part of Oregon before. The landscape started changing as soon as we entered the Umpqua basin, more oak trees and drier landscape with scattered hills.

We stopped in Sutherlin for a quick bite at The Apple Peddler's. So random but I love it. Very American! Since I try to cut carbs I went for the taco salad while Jamie bit into a juicy burger with fries.

In Ashland we met up with our friend (and my former co-worker) Al and his wife Jodi. He treated us to a four-course dinner at an Italian restaurant called Cucina's Biazza. Very nice! We enjoyed a crisp pinot grigio and munched on olives, cheese, marianted mushrooms and bread while waiting for the courses. I loved the lemon risotto with Dungeness crab in it. Tasty. Jamie had a ravioli with a basil/tomato sauce. We didn't have room for dessert, but the funny thing was that our last course was a salad (!). Anyways, it was amazing and the sun was shining.

After dinner we took a stroll through downtown and peered into the many shops. I bought a vintage publication of W. Sommerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage at an antique store.

Later we met up with Al and Jody again at the Black Sheep Tavern for some post-midnight drinks. Fun times!

Back to Eugene!

I can't believe I am finally here!! When I got back to Eugene I felt like coming home. I kid you not. Being back with Jamie is something I cannot describe with words. It was beyond wonderful. We've been apart for four months, and for some that may not be a long time, but for us it was an eternity.

The trip was seemingly painless. I was at work the previous day until 11 p.m., but since my flight was at 6.25 a.m. and the shuttle would be leaving at 4 a.m., I didn't want to go to bed. Instead, I turned on some happy music and finished packing. Trust me, I *needed* the extra time to finish packing. I always postpone it, I don't know why. I never have travel nerves, ever. While packing I also cleaned the house and did some laundry. Talk about multitasking! Hope I didn't keep my neighbors up. Oh well.

I took at cab to the bus station, and it was pouring down rain. I gotta admit it was a little creepy sitting in a deserted place in the middle of the night with only some bums and druggies a block away to keep me company, but it was fine.

I snoozed on the plane to Amsterdam, and when I got to the airport I was amazed by all the tulips and flower seeds they were selling. I mean, unless you are transferring to a domestic Dutch flight, you can't really bring flowers and seeds to other countries, am I right?

Anyways, I didn't get the requested seat on the plane. I HATE sitting in the middle because I need to crawl over people whenever I need to use the restroom and stretch my legs. Speaking of flying - here's a great advice I always do before boarding. I go into the duty free shops and smother my face with the most expensive sample of facial serum, like La Prairie or La Mer. This time I used a combination of Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster, shop here, and Chanel Precision Hydramax + Active Fluid Hydration, found here. I swear, my skin was literally GLOWING by the time I landed in Portland. No signs of stress, dehydration or tiredness. Plus, I drank lots of water and napped.

I was last in line for the customs and immigration inspection (figures), but was pleased at how welcoming they were. Seemed like they encouraged me to get my Green Card renewed, and move back to the States......!

Jamie met me on the other side with a rose. Sweet!!! We got some coffee, and headed back to Eugene. We stopped to get lunch on the way. So happy to be with my babe again. LOVE!!

More pics to come later! We are off to Ashland today. Ciao!

Our new table!

Sorry bad pic quality

Since my darling Jamie had to leave the country only a week after we moved into our new place, I haven't had the extra funds nor the manpower to add more furniture and such to our loft. Mind you, our apartment is at the 4th floor - up a long and narrow flight of steps, and when you enter, there is ANOTHER flight of spiral steps ahead of you. I am getting used to it now, but my visitors always emerge flushed and in desperate need of water.

Anyways, on the holiday weekend of the 17th, my mom and dad made the drive to see me. Immediately after their arrival, we jumped in the car and drove the 20 min to IKEA. I love IKEA! Some of their furniture is just shit, but once in a while you come across a sweet deal. And the possibilities of interacting the pieces are endless. My priority was a kitchen table, and we came across this table with a matt glass surface + 4 chairs for under 800 NOK. I say it's a deal! We took turns carrying up the items back to my place, and my dad got the honor of putting it all together. Since it is summer I want a happy, carefree and light color-scheme to tie it all together. I' ve been saving money by stealing flowers from parks, neighbors, etc... But I figured a pineapple could make a cool effect for now. I can't wait to host dinner parties when Jamie comes back! :)

Clubnight at Anja's

Round 2!

Here we go again. I am not giving up our fight to live together as a married couple, and I have written a second appeal letter to UNE. This will be the final round before we either get another "no" or a notice that they've changed their decision in light of new information.

I can't change the requirement for previous income, but I can argue that the decision is unfair. We even got a statement from one of our politicians saying if he had the power to personally undo the decision, he would. So there!

I also think that the government is being counter-intuitive in their quest to better our economy. First, I went to America with financial aid from the government in order to come back with an education and work experience to use here! I even had to ASK Norway to postpone my coming home and the two year foreign residency requirement that is on the J-1 visa so I could stay in America a little longer. In other words I said "please, Norway, I wanna come home, but can't I just stay here a little while and work so I have more to offer when I come home?" My waiver was granted.

Let me just quote what the J-1 visa is supposed to do...

‎"The J-1 visa was administered by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) to strengthen relations between the US and other countries. It fell under the purview of the USIA and not the Immigration and Naturalization Service because it’s main purpose is to disseminate information; its goal is to give people training and experience in the U....S. that they can use to benefit their home countries. The J-1 visa was administered by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) to strengthen relations between the US and other countries. It fell under the purview of the USIA and not the Immigration and Naturalization Service because it’s main purpose is to disseminate information; its goal is to give people training and experience in the U.S. that they can use to benefit their home countries. "


But here is the funny thing... now that I *have* come back, they just look at my poor income in Oregon and decide that I am too poor to support Jamie. Hello! I make enough money now to support the both of us! But by sending Jamie back to a country where he has no job, place to stay or money saved up - they are putting financial hardship on *me* because I now have to provide for both of us in two different countries! Where is the common sense?

Let Jamie come home to me, and he can work and pay taxes!

Thoughts

Sometimes

I think

I can

do

better

Have you met Sweet Paul?

If not, you should! This 43-year old Norwegian stylist/artist/mastermind currently lives in New York and is the genious behind this lovely and inspirational blog.

How about making some cute doggie cards?

Or make a gift wrapped with a flower?

Or a vintage bed spread?

He also makes desserts......

...and cocktails....

As well as tons of other things! Check out the latest issue of Sweet Paul magazine for lots of ideas.

Just observing

Does anyone else find it ironic that some guys always feel the need to comment the looks on girls no matter what the setting/context is? Even at a professional place? It amuses me that most of the males that are sexist are usually the ones that aren't particularly attractive themselves. So why the need to diss?

Sometimes I want to shout out something because, you know me, I'm not one to hold back. Last time, when one guy was very verbal about a soccer player's appearance, I thought "who are you to talk? you look like someone's morning dump yourself".

But why bother. I bit my tongue. For now, I just sit back and obersve the circus and a laugh a little inside.

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