Best thing since sliced bread.

Before recently, I had no idea when someone came up with the idea of selling pre-sliced loaves of bread (1928) and I didn't have much comment on how that radically changed peoples' lives either (sliced bread was marketed as "the greatest forward step in the baking industry since bread was wrapped." and was apparently so radical that it was even banned for a period during WWII!). I am not sure I really cared either! For me, sliced bread has always been completely normal, a given even. But the "invention" of sliced bread was in fact a milestone since it spurred the birth of the American idiom: the greatest thing since sliced bread!

While sliced bread was a norm in my life in the U.S., things are different over here in Norway. Not because sliced bread is not found in stores; it is. But people tend to buy unsliced loaves. Most breads in stores here are not pre-sliced and most Norwegian families even pass on the rad bread slicing machines available for use in stores.

I bought my very first load of Norwegian sliced bread a couple of days ago and only because the pickings were poor on regular loaves.

I have no good reason as to why I typically buy unsliced bread here, other than ... well, it's kinda just what people do. I guess I do it because Lars does it, and he probably does it because his mom does it. Or maybe there's something inherently Norwegian about slicing your own bread? ;) Maybe it feels more like homemade bread if you have to slice it yourself? Haha, I have no clue.

Honestly, I have no significant cultural observations on this topic. I just had to share this random slice of my Norwegian life.

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Feeling the burn.

I guess I've been on a bit of a workout kick lately. This has nothing to do with a New Year's resolution or anything in particular really, I am just digging it. And I've gotten a lot better at maximizing my schedule--one has to take advantage of working so many nights! Extra motivation also comes from having seen a big improvement in my soccer game. I feel like it has to be because I've been working out more (duh) but mainly that I'm changing things up a bit and stressing less. If I have to work and can't make a team practice, I hope on the bus and catch a class at the gym. Simple as that. It feels good.

I've been to a couple more hydro bike sessions, tried out Zumba (awesome) and got my behind kicked at a dance class this morning. There is nothing like starting off your day with a little dance and music and a lot of sweat. I thought I was in pretty good shape, but this class this morning seriously burned. I also thought I was a decent dancer, but I guess that's another discussion for another post. ;) I am so not graceful.

And speaking of feeling the burn, I have a question for you folks. When I work out hard and sweat a lot (mainly indoors) my face really stings. I remember in high school this happened a lot during basketball season. What's up with the combination of my pores oozing out sweat and the stinging? It's seriously uncomfortable. And distracting. And trust me, I don't need any further distractions mid-workout when there's a wedgie coming on, the 65 year old dude in front of me is shaking his money maker and I'm trying to keep up with the perky instructor on an 8 count to All That Jazz.

I am guessing it has something to do a combination of my skin problems (did I mention the most recent is that I might have rosacea?) and maybe my diet or water intake. But I don't really have a clue. Ideas? Tips?

And while I'm on the topic, I would like to share that my skin has gradually gotten used to the Norwegian climate. My scalp which was seriously dominated by psoriasis my first winter here is SO much better (knock on wood!). It's such a relief, physically and mentally. My face is still a little weirded out, I still have some psoriasis patches on my elbows and knees and I'm basically blotchy and scary looking all winter...but you know, you win some you lose some. At least I'm not flaking pieces of my scalp into customers lunches anymore. Ooh...did I go too far just now?

A recent purchase of a cold cream (kuldekrem) has really helped out. It acts as a protective layer against the elements. Necessary at soccer practice next to the river and while skiing\taking long walks. A lifesaver.

Maybe the solution is to stop or reduce exposure to the elements. Or never go outside ever. Haha. But of course, that's unrealistic. It's winter. I am going to ski, play in the snow and kick around a soccer ball. Plus I walk to work!

Pressure's on folks. If you guys don't present me with the magical solution...maybe I'll have go to the doctor! Consult a professional? Ack! Don't let me down... ;)

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A happy mistake?

I finally got this driver's license business figured out (I think). That is not to say that I am a proud owner of a Norwegian license and all the stress is lifted, oh no...but I did finally manage to jump through all the necessary hoops and submit my application!

After getting a tad bit bitchy\desperate with the third customer service representative I talked with on the American side of things, I FINALLY got the document I needed to satisfy the Norwegian side of the coin. There's actually a lot of fun details here about me dominating and being confrontational and somehow professional at the same time, but the moment has passed. I will spare you the ranting. ;) Since then I have received a letter in the mail giving me all kinds of happy details about how I should proceed with this exhilarating process.

Remember how I was stressing about March 1st? Because you only have a year after you are legally in the country (March 1st for me last year)? Well this long awaited letter included a new temporary license for me...which lasts until April 27th. ???? Here's a rough translation of what I believe must be a happy mistake:

According to the paperwork adjoining your application, you received the right to reside in Norway March 11th, 2010. Provided that your application is approved by the police, you will be allowed to exchange your driver's license after passing the practical test for category B within April 27th, 2011.

Seriously: who would have ever guessed that their incompetence would turn out in my favor? This is the nicest mistake Norwegian bureaucracies have ever gifted me! First of all, I got the right to live here March 1st, not the 11th, but totally cool that they want to give me an extra 10 days. I'm down with that. I am also not sure how March 11th to April 27th is the one year time span allowed but again--not complaining!

And what makes it even better is that when I was in their office and turned in my application I got a temporary license right away. That is to say a piece of paper that replaces my American license that I had to turn in *sob*. This license had the appropriate time period; I only had 'til March. And then I get this letter with a new temp license that's good until the end of April! I'm confused but it seems that he gods are smiling on me!

Now I have the luxury of waiting a bit longer to take the driving test until the roads are less like hockey rinks and more like roads... and maybe even teach myself to drive a stick so I can get that out of the way and over with!
This is good folks, this is really good.

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Atheist Nation

I also hope they speak Norwegian in hell.

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My boots are flat.

I have two things to say about winter shoes:

One: if you cannot walk in heels or wedges or any sort of elevated shoe---do not wear them, or borrow them or purchase them. The purpose is of course to look better---taller, sexier, more confident---and you are by no means pulling that off wobbling around like there's a stick up your ass.

Two: if everything is covered with ice and snow and you have a ways to walk (and especially if point one applies to you) do not invest in high heeled winter shoes. What is the point? Seriously, it's dangerous.

It's just not worth it. Make better decisions my high heeled friends. And in the meantime, we will be watching, scowling and laughing.

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Hydrotastic!

Tonight I tried something new: water spinning. Or hydro biking. Or uh, well I'm not really sure what the correct terminology is. It's vannspinning in Norwegian at least.

photo credit

And I loved it! It was a great workout. I am in fact realizing more and more how effective it was as the night goes on, haha.

If you are sick of your normal workout routine or are just looking to try something new, I really recommend trying hydro biking or water spinning or whatever you want to call it. Ever ridden a bike? Or been to a regular spinning class? Then you've already got the idea--it's exactly the same thing, just under water.

Like I said, I feel like I got in a really great workout (without hating it too much underway). Working out in water is also so much better on your body. I know at least my knees are sick of running on treadmills (not to mention it's boring as hell) and it's not uncommon for me to come home with bumps, lumps or bruises after soccer practice (or skiing!).

Seriously, try this. ESPECIALLY if you are in a bit of a working out rut. I think it'll help. Oh yeah, I also found this awesomely cheesy video where you can see this in action. It's fantastic.

I think I'm gonna give zumba a try next week...

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Sundays are big winners in my book.

Sundays are basically my favorite. They usually mean no work, time with Lars and a whole day to use as I please. For a girl who works a lot of late nights and weekend days, it's probably not all that strange that Sundays are big winners in my book.

Last Sunday Lars and I visited Gåsbu, a popular ski stop about 20 minutes from Hamar, for our first ski trip of the year.

The weather was awesome and Lars and I skied 6.5km up to a cabin where we took a load off and bought a Coca-Cola a piece. The cabin was a happening place--apparently a lot of people had the same idea as us!

The way up was long--ever so slightly uphill essentially the whole way. The 5.5km down went a lot faster as you can imagine. It was a great outing--a very successful first attempt on cross country skis for the year for this American (I didn't fall once!). ;)

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