Well Sophia is reaching that terrible 2's stage (she turns 2 in August) and anyone with a child or works with them will know that this is always a really fun stage to go through :) For those who don't let me explain.....
Sophia wants to be independent and do thing herself, all good and well on that aspect and no problems yet, the thing is she wants to do EVERYTHING!!!!!! by herself and for most things she is to little, not strong enough, to short etc the list goes on. So when she realises that she can't do it by herself, the tantrums start, and they go a little like this...
1. Face screws so much that she looks like a pug
2. Teeth are shown as lips rise to touch her nose (so, so far a very attractive face)
3. Hold her breath till she starts to go red in the face
4. When she finally breaths again it is accompanied by an ear splitting scream that even deaf animals can hear and makes glass quiver.
5. What ever is in her hands gets thrown with amazing accuracy at whom ever is closest
6. The tears start forming in her eyes
7. the hands and feet in unison start to move in very loud stomping and slapping (avoid hands at all costs otherwise you will be sorry)
8. Tears are now streaming down her face
9. The scream has now changed into a moan similar to the drown of the beautiful vuvuzela's back home
10. Face still red and stained with tears she eventually calms down....
while the whole time I have been saying "It's ok Sophia...." over and over and over again!
It's such a magical stage in their development.....
Anywho Sophia and I have been doing a lot of painting and other arts and crafts activities of late so I will put pictures up soon. We have made caterpillars and lady bugs (her favourite story is what the lady bird heard) chickens and a tree for the lady birds :) We have had so much fun.
I took Frederick and Sophia down to the beach yesterday afternoon, Sophia was riding on her new buggie board (again for those of you that are scratching your head at this moment over "buggie Board" It is a step/board that gets attached to prams/buggies so that you can push the baby/Frederick in the buggie and she stands behind Frederic by the handles on her board and you push both of them :) )
So down at the beach Sophia and I played in the water again while Frederick had his afternoon zzzz's under a tree, she had so much fun.
Today Julia Sister (Sarah, yes I know I can never escape another Sarah where ever I go there is always another, oh well) any way she arrived today with her son Joshua he is 9months old so we have a very busy house :)
Say tuned for more adventures...
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Day 17 - 19 Mid summer :)
Friday was a really good day, I had Frederick for the whole day and Sophia as well in the afternoon. Sophia and Julia went to a indoor play ground/gym here in Stavanger at one of the malls because it was raining and the wind was blowing so hard that it was literally blowing me over, seriously strong, Mary Poppins would have had a serious problem in that wind. So we kept ourselves all warm and snuggled up inside and played here. Sophia is really affectionate it so sweet, all I have to say to her s snuggle time and she come running to me for the biggest snuggle and she always wants more, she has started asking for snuggles:) so precious!
Saturday was the mid summer celebration in Norway and everyone here in Stavanger was having braai's/barbeque's with family and friends. The sun doesn't set at the moment here in Stavanger it gets to a dim dusk stage and then the sun rises again. We had a lovely time at the grandparents house with the entire family coming along. There was salmon and prawns on the braai with burgers, Vienna sausages, steak and vegetables. It was an amazing feast. I drank wine made daisy chains with Sophia and ate fish and burgers and Pavlova for pudding which is my one of my favourite pudding. It was such a beautiful day as well, the wind was a little chillie (understatement it felt like it came straight off a glaciers and considering we are in Norway and there is still snow on the mountains in the middle of summer it probably did come straight off the glacier!)
Anyway like London did, Norway has completely changed my perspective on what is warm. It is amazing at how quickly the body changes to become accustom to the climate in a new place. The temperature here on average during the day is anything between 8- 16 maybe 19 Degrees but as soon as it hits 14 Degrees I am honestly feeling warm like everybody else here and walking around in shorts and a T-shirt. Madness I tell you as before I left South Africa, anything below 24 was Arctic weather!!!! haha how quickly I have changed!
Sunday the day of rest :) Well I am really missing church it is unbelievable, and there aren't any here that I can become a part of! so Sundays can be a little hard but today I went for another run and have finally (and hopefully) got over my competitive side that has to do amazingly in this half Marathon and has realise that completing is going to be amazing and the fact that I am doing it means that I am winning (I know it sounds lame but I have such a competitive streak that I was expecting to much from myself and comparing myself with others) once I got over that it made my run today a lot easier and much more enjoyable.
I really enjoy looking out for the pink and orange jellyfish that are in the Fjord water while I run they are really beautiful and graceful in the water, I could honestly stop and watch them all day if I wanted to. They are moving up my list of favourite animals who would have thought! I have also sent my day reading my books and watching "the Mentalist" so pretty awesome day if you ask me.
Stay tunes for more adventures
Saturday was the mid summer celebration in Norway and everyone here in Stavanger was having braai's/barbeque's with family and friends. The sun doesn't set at the moment here in Stavanger it gets to a dim dusk stage and then the sun rises again. We had a lovely time at the grandparents house with the entire family coming along. There was salmon and prawns on the braai with burgers, Vienna sausages, steak and vegetables. It was an amazing feast. I drank wine made daisy chains with Sophia and ate fish and burgers and Pavlova for pudding which is my one of my favourite pudding. It was such a beautiful day as well, the wind was a little chillie (understatement it felt like it came straight off a glaciers and considering we are in Norway and there is still snow on the mountains in the middle of summer it probably did come straight off the glacier!)
Anyway like London did, Norway has completely changed my perspective on what is warm. It is amazing at how quickly the body changes to become accustom to the climate in a new place. The temperature here on average during the day is anything between 8- 16 maybe 19 Degrees but as soon as it hits 14 Degrees I am honestly feeling warm like everybody else here and walking around in shorts and a T-shirt. Madness I tell you as before I left South Africa, anything below 24 was Arctic weather!!!! haha how quickly I have changed!
Sunday the day of rest :) Well I am really missing church it is unbelievable, and there aren't any here that I can become a part of! so Sundays can be a little hard but today I went for another run and have finally (and hopefully) got over my competitive side that has to do amazingly in this half Marathon and has realise that completing is going to be amazing and the fact that I am doing it means that I am winning (I know it sounds lame but I have such a competitive streak that I was expecting to much from myself and comparing myself with others) once I got over that it made my run today a lot easier and much more enjoyable.
I really enjoy looking out for the pink and orange jellyfish that are in the Fjord water while I run they are really beautiful and graceful in the water, I could honestly stop and watch them all day if I wanted to. They are moving up my list of favourite animals who would have thought! I have also sent my day reading my books and watching "the Mentalist" so pretty awesome day if you ask me.
Stay tunes for more adventures
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day 15 & 16
Well nothing to exciting happened yesterday. I took Sophia down to Vaulen beach for the morning where she charmed some old ladies having a walk. I have been taking both Children in the afternoons for this week so that Julia and try and finish organising the house etc. So while Frederick was entertained by his baby gym, Sophia and I baked cup cakes. She has a very healthy respect for the oven and while it was on she was o scared to come anywhere near it. Not even to look at the cup cakes baking, she kept saying No, hot- hot-hot, poor sausage!
Today we went to the animal farm in Stavanger. There were the normal pigs, goats, cows chickens, ducks, rabbits and horses oh yes and some sheep. It was so cute I showed Sophia how to feed the goat the grass stalks, she was a bit nervous at first but then was giggling ever time the goat took the grass from her hand, it was so sweet.
This afternoon after seeing all the animals, singing old Mac Donald for 30min straight (no lies, if i hear it one more time I think I will flip!!!! OR turn into old Mac Donald!) and Sophia favourite book at the moment is "what the lady bird heard" it is really sweet but I read it 6 times just today! The Lord has granted me patients and for that I am soooooo grateful otherwise I might have pulled a Sylvia Plath by now! We painted chickens using her hand print as the chicken, as she is not 2 yet I got her to hold the crayon while I drew with her to add on the eyes feet and beak, they are really sweet!
This evening I finally got myself together and went for a run, it is only the second time since I have been here and September 26 is only getting sooner, I have sooooooo much work to do!
Anyway Stay tuned for more adventures
Today we went to the animal farm in Stavanger. There were the normal pigs, goats, cows chickens, ducks, rabbits and horses oh yes and some sheep. It was so cute I showed Sophia how to feed the goat the grass stalks, she was a bit nervous at first but then was giggling ever time the goat took the grass from her hand, it was so sweet.
This afternoon after seeing all the animals, singing old Mac Donald for 30min straight (no lies, if i hear it one more time I think I will flip!!!! OR turn into old Mac Donald!) and Sophia favourite book at the moment is "what the lady bird heard" it is really sweet but I read it 6 times just today! The Lord has granted me patients and for that I am soooooo grateful otherwise I might have pulled a Sylvia Plath by now! We painted chickens using her hand print as the chicken, as she is not 2 yet I got her to hold the crayon while I drew with her to add on the eyes feet and beak, they are really sweet!
This evening I finally got myself together and went for a run, it is only the second time since I have been here and September 26 is only getting sooner, I have sooooooo much work to do!
Anyway Stay tuned for more adventures
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Day 14 - Train to Stavanger
The old watch tower of Stavanger
Sophia wanted to take a picture of me :)
The old watch tower of Stavanger
More from the city of Stavanger, looking towards the pond in the city centre
The Cathedral from the side
The Cathedral from the front
The houses with grass on their room, told you they look like hobbit holes :)Tuesday and what a beautiful sunny day although when the wind was blowing it was a little chilly, but laughing over all my family and friends at home moaning about the cold, when we are at similar temperatures and I am in jeans and a sleeveless top :) haha
This morning Sophia and I took the train into Stavanger to spend the morning. We went to the old Cathedral which was build in 1135 and is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world and is still being used today, it was beautiful. We also walked around the harbour as Sophia liked to look at the big boats (which was all the ferry's to other island/ parts or Norway around the Fjords. We walked, er well I walked and pushed Sophia in her push chair (buggy/ pram, depending where you are in the world) so she had it easy, wow cobble stoned roads and hill that are steeper than Everest I really got a good work out pushing her, which was rewarded with an Ice cream afterwards (mmmmm.... strawberry ice-cream nothing better.) We took the train back and arrived home at about 12:30 when it was lunch and then bed time for her afternoon nap.
This afternoon was more play dough and making birthday card for her grandmother, then she went out with her mom and Frederick and I spent the afternoon together. I have finally found someone who appreciates my singing :) Frederick was crying this afternoon, so I put on my itunes on my computer and preceded to sing "Don't stop believing" from the Glee sound track and Queen Bohemian rapacity. The tears soon disappeared and she was all toothless smiles and giggles, he got upset when ever I stopped singing, it was brilliant. I love to sing and really wish I could (because I can't, when I start singing the dogs start howling and people start running towards their closest exit even if it is just a window)
This evening has been pretty chilled, reading my books but at that point I get to in every book I read of not wanting to stop reading because I am loving it so much, and wanting to put the book in the freezer so that the story will never end! I hate it i never want the books to end, I love escaping into my other world of make believe and adventures sometimes it is more exciting than every day life. Oh well that is the beauty of it being in books, I can return at any time.
Anyway enough of my rambling
Stay tuned for more adventures :)
Day 13
Today is Monday so Julia and Sophia went to their mom's and tots group this morning and Frederick and I were left at the house. So I did the laundry and tied Sophia room and played with Frederick till his lunch time nap.
Then Sophia, Frederick and I played together in the afternoon. Sophia and I are playing with play dough and cutters.
What I didn't tell you yesterday because I was a bit Knackered after our little hike was about our trip back. We took a different route home from the hike then on the way there. We took a shorter Ferry only about 10min to the other side of the Fjord and then drove around it and back to the house. The way we took back was through the farmlands (but still on the sides of the Fjords, there are Fjords every where so when I say Fjord is often a different one to the one I have been speaking about) The farmlands hand the most beautiful farms with their paddocks with sheep and cows that went right up to the waters edge it was amazing!
Stat tuned for more adventures
Then Sophia, Frederick and I played together in the afternoon. Sophia and I are playing with play dough and cutters.
What I didn't tell you yesterday because I was a bit Knackered after our little hike was about our trip back. We took a different route home from the hike then on the way there. We took a shorter Ferry only about 10min to the other side of the Fjord and then drove around it and back to the house. The way we took back was through the farmlands (but still on the sides of the Fjords, there are Fjords every where so when I say Fjord is often a different one to the one I have been speaking about) The farmlands hand the most beautiful farms with their paddocks with sheep and cows that went right up to the waters edge it was amazing!
Stat tuned for more adventures
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Day 11 and 12- The weekend baby... Pulpit Rock :)
Me on the top of Pulpit rock
The View from Pulpit rock
Me at the top
Another look at the Fjord below Pulpit Rock
On top of the world
Looking down on creation....
Halfway up at a small lake on the mountain top
What a view
Looking back at Stavanger in the distance
Before I tell you about my weekend here in Stavager I thought I would give you some more insight in to Norway
1. It is incredibly rude to wear your shoes inside the house here, anybodies house and at any time, shoes stay at the door.
2. you will often come across houses that have grass growing on the roof, yes they do look a bit like hobbit holes but it helps with the insulation.
Well the weekends I have off and I am free to do with them what I like, so on Saturday I slept till noon :) it was amazing (the weather was shocking so when I did wake up a 9 and saw it I rolled over and went back to sleep.) The rest of the day was spent reading my books, watching South Africa thrash France at rugby (I watched it live, streaming through my computer) and then watch the England vs USA football game at night with the family.
Then today, Sunday we all got up bright and early to climb to the top of Pulpit Rock, which is a famous hiking trail here in Stavanger. It was truly amazing, the rugged nature here is out of this world and the photo's I have taken really don't do it any Justice (and it's me so you know there will be loads of photos) I have realised that I am really good and quick at going up mountains. It is the coming down part that, is where I have a problem :) I never realised till today how much my dad has helped me in the past when hiking. He was always there to help me down or catch me when I fell. Well today that job was giving to what ever random stranger was in the closest proximity to me :) haha!!!! I really have to thank all those people who helped me today, from the stout German woman who I landed on that made a very comfortable cushion, to the orange man, who wore way to much self-tan and matched his Orange high-viz jacket! There are many more that helped but those two where the most helpful and memorable!
I have added in some photo's on the hike and from the top of pulpit rock, there are many more (come on it's me) on facebook :)
Stay tuned for more of my adventures
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Day 10 The World Cup Starts
Well today I woke up with great excitement as it was finally the start of the world cup!
I had Fredric for most of the morning cause Julia and Sophia were out together. Nothing to funny can happen with Fredric as he is only 4months old so was a pretty eventless morning.
After the children had their mid day sleeps, I woke them up and brought them down stairs to my flat and watched the opening ceremony with them, all the time trying to explain to Sophia that, that is where I come from that is my home South Africa! Which she look at me blankly as she is only two and home is a house to here not a place.
While the ceremony was on Fredric was quite happy in his bouncy chair and I had set up Sophia's crafts table with play dough to keep her entertained so I could watch the opening! It was amazing I sat on the couch with Fredric and cried it was so amazing to see SA and all the positivity that is flowing through there at the moment I loved it, only wish I could be there because with my lung capacity I can really blow that Vuvuzela LOUD!!! I would have been such an asset!
After the opening ceremony I played on the easel with Sophia and played with the play dough and then sat down and watched the first full game of football I have ever watched (I know that is terrible but I have never been interested before, sorry) anyway Sophia went out with her Dad so that just left Fredric and I together. When SA scored there goal I got so excited and scream that I gave poor Fredric such a fright that I spent the next 15min shushing him and calming him down. Then when Mexico scored he started laughing so I told him he was supporting the wrong team!
That was my day :)
Stay tuned for the next episode!!!
I had Fredric for most of the morning cause Julia and Sophia were out together. Nothing to funny can happen with Fredric as he is only 4months old so was a pretty eventless morning.
After the children had their mid day sleeps, I woke them up and brought them down stairs to my flat and watched the opening ceremony with them, all the time trying to explain to Sophia that, that is where I come from that is my home South Africa! Which she look at me blankly as she is only two and home is a house to here not a place.
While the ceremony was on Fredric was quite happy in his bouncy chair and I had set up Sophia's crafts table with play dough to keep her entertained so I could watch the opening! It was amazing I sat on the couch with Fredric and cried it was so amazing to see SA and all the positivity that is flowing through there at the moment I loved it, only wish I could be there because with my lung capacity I can really blow that Vuvuzela LOUD!!! I would have been such an asset!
After the opening ceremony I played on the easel with Sophia and played with the play dough and then sat down and watched the first full game of football I have ever watched (I know that is terrible but I have never been interested before, sorry) anyway Sophia went out with her Dad so that just left Fredric and I together. When SA scored there goal I got so excited and scream that I gave poor Fredric such a fright that I spent the next 15min shushing him and calming him down. Then when Mexico scored he started laughing so I told him he was supporting the wrong team!
That was my day :)
Stay tuned for the next episode!!!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day 9 - home sick!!!
Today I was incredibly home sick, I think it was due to a number of factors
1. I have been away from home and haven't seen my family for 5 and a half almost 6 months!
2. I have left my London friends behind
3. The world cup fever at home is apparently insane!
Today it threatened that it was going to rain (which it didn't) so Sophia and I went for a long 2 hour walk along the Fjord this morning, seeing trains, ships, sail boats and ducks (her favourite, well as well as the trains) it was lovely. My arms and back are getting a tan again which is amazing yay, but the rest of me is still lilly white, it is embarrassing!!!!!
This afternoon after been thrown up on again by Fredric (luckily non on my clothes this time) Sophia and I had a tea party with all the Characters from "in the night Garden" so Iggle Piggle, Upsie Downsie, they were all there.
We drew pictures with chalk and felt types all afternoon and played in side because it did look like it was going to rain and here you don't wait for it to start to rain because within 2 seconds you are drenched, so there was no chance taking!
Nothing to funny happened,
stay tuned for more.
1. I have been away from home and haven't seen my family for 5 and a half almost 6 months!
2. I have left my London friends behind
3. The world cup fever at home is apparently insane!
Today it threatened that it was going to rain (which it didn't) so Sophia and I went for a long 2 hour walk along the Fjord this morning, seeing trains, ships, sail boats and ducks (her favourite, well as well as the trains) it was lovely. My arms and back are getting a tan again which is amazing yay, but the rest of me is still lilly white, it is embarrassing!!!!!
This afternoon after been thrown up on again by Fredric (luckily non on my clothes this time) Sophia and I had a tea party with all the Characters from "in the night Garden" so Iggle Piggle, Upsie Downsie, they were all there.
We drew pictures with chalk and felt types all afternoon and played in side because it did look like it was going to rain and here you don't wait for it to start to rain because within 2 seconds you are drenched, so there was no chance taking!
Nothing to funny happened,
stay tuned for more.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 8- The beach
Today past like a blurr, it went so quickly. It was another amazing day here in Norway with the sun shinning and it was hot again, I have been so lucky with the weather! But apparently that is going to end from tomorrow. Horizontal rain is predicted from tomorrow :(.
The day started off with a tea party in the lounge of my flat with Sophia, Tigger, Peter Rabbit and a monkey, haha that lasted about 45min of me poring more tea and giving it to monkey (all imaginary people except the actual people/ toys at the tea party.
This afternoon after Fredric threw up all over me, so a mid-day shower was in order and a change in clothes (that as a plus as there is nothing wrong with changing your clothes a few times in a day, its a girl thing haha) We went down to the beach and played in the sand and the water, we got all the way in to our calves and Sophia sat down in the water. It was so much fun we played with hermit crabs and snails, poor Sophia go such a fright when the crab scuttled over her foot.
What I don't understand and would like to know is why "Why do European men wear those hideous speedo look a likes bicycle short wanna be swimming things!!!" they are absolutely revolting and unless you have a body like James Bond (where he wears the light blue one) you should just not do it, I mean smoking is out lawed in front of children and in the general public because of health and safety regulations, too me this is right up there with that! Yuck I am going to have nightmares about this afternoon for weeks, there where to many of them to try block out!
Well I told you that something clumsy and clutsie or sarahish would happen today because nothing happened yesterday. I fell down the stairs twice.
haha
The day started off with a tea party in the lounge of my flat with Sophia, Tigger, Peter Rabbit and a monkey, haha that lasted about 45min of me poring more tea and giving it to monkey (all imaginary people except the actual people/ toys at the tea party.
This afternoon after Fredric threw up all over me, so a mid-day shower was in order and a change in clothes (that as a plus as there is nothing wrong with changing your clothes a few times in a day, its a girl thing haha) We went down to the beach and played in the sand and the water, we got all the way in to our calves and Sophia sat down in the water. It was so much fun we played with hermit crabs and snails, poor Sophia go such a fright when the crab scuttled over her foot.
What I don't understand and would like to know is why "Why do European men wear those hideous speedo look a likes bicycle short wanna be swimming things!!!" they are absolutely revolting and unless you have a body like James Bond (where he wears the light blue one) you should just not do it, I mean smoking is out lawed in front of children and in the general public because of health and safety regulations, too me this is right up there with that! Yuck I am going to have nightmares about this afternoon for weeks, there where to many of them to try block out!
Well I told you that something clumsy and clutsie or sarahish would happen today because nothing happened yesterday. I fell down the stairs twice.
haha
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 7- IKEA :)
Today started really well, was a another beautiful hot sunny day, my arms and back are getting really tanned stoked!!!!
Today was a pretty uneventful day, no flashing people, no getting lost on my side or falling out of bed hehe. We did however go to IKEA!!!!! Oh my shattered nerves that place is amazing!!!!! It is like Mr Price home on steroids, I loved it. I have my hole house planned out after walking through there. Thank goodness I have no money at the moment, because if I didn't I would be flat broke right about now!!! haha.
I spent the rest of the day being split between Fredric and Sophia, so that mom and Sophia could spend some quality time together. The DVD machine was set up in my flat this evening so, now I can watch there DVD collection. Although this does make me miss my amazing collection back home (you are so lucky Nic and Ash, I hope they are being watched otherwise they get lonely :) haha)
This evening food was normal (I made supper haha) so it was good old fashioned chillie meat balls and pasta with pamesan cheese, hehe. No fish pudding for me today no sir ree!!!!
Having an amazing day everyone :) and stay tuned something embarrassing is bound to happen to me tomorrow I can go two days straight with being normal, haha then the world would have to end, because it's just not possible :)
Today was a pretty uneventful day, no flashing people, no getting lost on my side or falling out of bed hehe. We did however go to IKEA!!!!! Oh my shattered nerves that place is amazing!!!!! It is like Mr Price home on steroids, I loved it. I have my hole house planned out after walking through there. Thank goodness I have no money at the moment, because if I didn't I would be flat broke right about now!!! haha.
I spent the rest of the day being split between Fredric and Sophia, so that mom and Sophia could spend some quality time together. The DVD machine was set up in my flat this evening so, now I can watch there DVD collection. Although this does make me miss my amazing collection back home (you are so lucky Nic and Ash, I hope they are being watched otherwise they get lonely :) haha)
This evening food was normal (I made supper haha) so it was good old fashioned chillie meat balls and pasta with pamesan cheese, hehe. No fish pudding for me today no sir ree!!!!
Having an amazing day everyone :) and stay tuned something embarrassing is bound to happen to me tomorrow I can go two days straight with being normal, haha then the world would have to end, because it's just not possible :)
Monday, June 7, 2010
Day 6 - PG13 people!!!!!
Well today was another glorious sunny day, the beach (Fjord) in front of my house was full of people and families swimming in the water and having fun. Now these people were swimming without wet suits!!!!! I mean their skin was turing pinker faster than it takes me to get lost! the water was teaming full of little pink marshmallows, it was hilarious to see!
Today was different for me as for most of the day I looked after little Fredric (Sophia's younger brother) he has just turned four months old. Julia (the mother and Sophia had a mom and tots morning, so that left little Fredric and I together at the house for most of the day. The only down side to that was that the new washing machine and Mirco- wave were being delivered to the house and I was the one who had to sign for it, which is easy on it's own. BUT not when the people delivering speak English in a very strong Norwegian accent to the point were I can't even get what they are saying!!! And I am good with accents and understanding people, I don't think he was actually speaking English I think he was attempting a new language because it sounded like Sophia talking her Norwegian (it's just her own made up sounds that she string together) wow that was a challenge but it did make me laugh because it took him like 10min (shame bless his heart) to tell me that the safely clips in the drum had been removed during transportation and that they needed to be placed back in before we used the machine. haha
Then this afternoon around 4 here (so like middle of the day, as the sun only sets at like 11:30pm) I took Sophia down to the beach to play in the water (only our ankles, as we didn't have the suits on, I may act blond a lot but I am not stupid, I promise) We went for a nice long walk along the populated beach (about 500 meters) too look at the seagulls, as it was late in the day for her and she had, had such a busy morning, she wanted me to carry her back to the bike. So i picked her up and carried her all the way back along the heavily populated beach, people were smiling at me, I just thought they where being friendly! On no this is were the PG13 comes in. I was wearing lovely white linen trousers and a really pretty grey v-necked lace trimmed vest top, and no no the trousers did not go see through! I wish.... When I very happily picked Sophia up and carried her along the beach back to her bike she had very innocently pulled down my top and I was happily flashing everyone at the beach the right side of my bra.... and no it wasn't tanned or white it was bright purple so EVERYBODY saw. No wonder everyone was smiling at me... I was giving them more than they bargained for and for free nogal!!!!!
Anyway only when I put her in her bike did I realise and by then it was too late... everyone had got a good look! :(
This evening after i crawled back out of the ground from embarrassment I had another interesting Norwegian dish for supper, and I stupidly found out what it was before hand.... stupid, stupid Sarah. The only reason I found out was because what i thought was yummy haloumi cheese was not. It is called fish pudding (roughly translated into English from Norwegian) it looks like Haloumi and has the same texture and you cook it on the stove in the same way BUT oh ho, it is made up of fish, lots and lots of different types of fish all processed up and made into a smooth block of chewy (like haloumi) fish. Which you eat with grated carrot (I ate a lot of carrot tonight!) But I can say that I have eaten a Norwegian delicacy, just not sure if I will be having it again!
Stay tuned for more Norwegian adventures :)
Today was different for me as for most of the day I looked after little Fredric (Sophia's younger brother) he has just turned four months old. Julia (the mother and Sophia had a mom and tots morning, so that left little Fredric and I together at the house for most of the day. The only down side to that was that the new washing machine and Mirco- wave were being delivered to the house and I was the one who had to sign for it, which is easy on it's own. BUT not when the people delivering speak English in a very strong Norwegian accent to the point were I can't even get what they are saying!!! And I am good with accents and understanding people, I don't think he was actually speaking English I think he was attempting a new language because it sounded like Sophia talking her Norwegian (it's just her own made up sounds that she string together) wow that was a challenge but it did make me laugh because it took him like 10min (shame bless his heart) to tell me that the safely clips in the drum had been removed during transportation and that they needed to be placed back in before we used the machine. haha
Then this afternoon around 4 here (so like middle of the day, as the sun only sets at like 11:30pm) I took Sophia down to the beach to play in the water (only our ankles, as we didn't have the suits on, I may act blond a lot but I am not stupid, I promise) We went for a nice long walk along the populated beach (about 500 meters) too look at the seagulls, as it was late in the day for her and she had, had such a busy morning, she wanted me to carry her back to the bike. So i picked her up and carried her all the way back along the heavily populated beach, people were smiling at me, I just thought they where being friendly! On no this is were the PG13 comes in. I was wearing lovely white linen trousers and a really pretty grey v-necked lace trimmed vest top, and no no the trousers did not go see through! I wish.... When I very happily picked Sophia up and carried her along the beach back to her bike she had very innocently pulled down my top and I was happily flashing everyone at the beach the right side of my bra.... and no it wasn't tanned or white it was bright purple so EVERYBODY saw. No wonder everyone was smiling at me... I was giving them more than they bargained for and for free nogal!!!!!
Anyway only when I put her in her bike did I realise and by then it was too late... everyone had got a good look! :(
This evening after i crawled back out of the ground from embarrassment I had another interesting Norwegian dish for supper, and I stupidly found out what it was before hand.... stupid, stupid Sarah. The only reason I found out was because what i thought was yummy haloumi cheese was not. It is called fish pudding (roughly translated into English from Norwegian) it looks like Haloumi and has the same texture and you cook it on the stove in the same way BUT oh ho, it is made up of fish, lots and lots of different types of fish all processed up and made into a smooth block of chewy (like haloumi) fish. Which you eat with grated carrot (I ate a lot of carrot tonight!) But I can say that I have eaten a Norwegian delicacy, just not sure if I will be having it again!
Stay tuned for more Norwegian adventures :)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Day 5 Don't ask questions, if you don't want the answer!!!
I have created a new rule in my life (so to speak) Don't ask what you are eating at/during lunch/supper until you have finished eating! It is just a safer rule to live by otherwise I wouldn't be eating many things!!! As I said before Norway is defiantly expanding my palate! haha
Today was my first Sunday here and it was strange not getting up for church. I really missed LCI this morning and all the people there! But today was another glorious day of sun shine and warm weather. I was really good and went for a 40min run along the Fjord and in the forest next to it, truly picturesque, I enjoyed the view more than I enjoyed the run! While I was running I was blown away by the fact that I am living here and this is my amazing life. I have truly been blessed by all the amazing things that have happened to me.
The family went down to the beach while I was running for a swim. They have wet suits (yes you need a full wet suit to swim in this water it is slightly on the cold side as we are geologically just shy of the Artic circle!) But the exciting thing is they have a wet suit for me, Yay I am so excited I am going swimming next week end! When they told me it honestly made my day. To be able to look at this beautiful Fjord everyday and not been able to swim in it has been really hard! They water just looks so inviting!
We had a barbecue for supper tonight with chops and vienna sausages (which was a first for me) but was really yummy. It is still taking some getting used to not having wors at at braai, as I said palate is growing.
Well that is all for today, nothing to adventurous, gold stars all around for me not rolling/falling out of bed last night :) So smiles all around.
Stay tuned for the next episode of -a day in my amazing life :)
Today was my first Sunday here and it was strange not getting up for church. I really missed LCI this morning and all the people there! But today was another glorious day of sun shine and warm weather. I was really good and went for a 40min run along the Fjord and in the forest next to it, truly picturesque, I enjoyed the view more than I enjoyed the run! While I was running I was blown away by the fact that I am living here and this is my amazing life. I have truly been blessed by all the amazing things that have happened to me.
The family went down to the beach while I was running for a swim. They have wet suits (yes you need a full wet suit to swim in this water it is slightly on the cold side as we are geologically just shy of the Artic circle!) But the exciting thing is they have a wet suit for me, Yay I am so excited I am going swimming next week end! When they told me it honestly made my day. To be able to look at this beautiful Fjord everyday and not been able to swim in it has been really hard! They water just looks so inviting!
We had a barbecue for supper tonight with chops and vienna sausages (which was a first for me) but was really yummy. It is still taking some getting used to not having wors at at braai, as I said palate is growing.
Well that is all for today, nothing to adventurous, gold stars all around for me not rolling/falling out of bed last night :) So smiles all around.
Stay tuned for the next episode of -a day in my amazing life :)
Day 4- Single is not for everyone!!!!
Well today literally started with a bang, as I rolled right out of my bed and landed on the floor with as much grace as a small hippo! As I said earlier I am having to get used to the life of a single bed, and as a restless sleeper I seriously advise you not to try it at home, honestly single beds should come with a warning label! After that painful wake-up call (and I bruise like a peach so my left arm looks charming!) I promptly well grumbling some choice PG13 words climbed back into bed and fell straight back to sleep :) I mean what else was I ment to do! I wasn't ready to wake up yet!!!!!
I have the weekends off and so I can do as I please on them. This morning I went into Stavanger city as I live in the little village of Vaulen about 10/15min away from the town. Everything is cobble stoned and very very pretty, all the shops display their items on the streets and there are flowers every where. People here take advantage of the summer months as much a possible because the winters here are so harsh. This past winter there was thick snow covering everything for December till the end of March!!!! I am so glad I am here now!
Anywho so I went into the city to get a mobile phone number for while I am here in Norway. If you would like it just send me an email or ask of the book of face :) So I walked around the center of town for a while and then came home. Thank the pope that everyone here (and I mean everyone) speaks perfect English amongst many other European languages so when I get lost I can just stop some one and ask where to go, and they are always more than friendly and helpful to me!
In the mobile phone store I got some true Norwegian men! Rach would have loved it there, so i giggled to myself as I window shopped haha, there were a few potential Mr Salmons around hehe. I must say that Norwegian people have the most amazing blue eyes and the best looking skin (yes I know that sounds weird but they all looked like they have all been air brushed it is so perfect) You do really stand out when you are from a different country, plus they are all tall, so I really don't fit in!
This afternoon/ evening there was a concert on the beach in front of the house so I couldn't go for my run as they were blocking my route (grumble grumble) The only advantage was I got to listen to them from the porch, they spoke to the crowd in Norwegian but sang in English (weird I know) but I enjoyed listening to them cover King of Leon!
That has been my day with it's highs (all the salmons in the sea hehe) and the lows (silly single bed and my ability to roll off it!) all in all a really great day. I have truly been blessed with the most amazing family here, they have been so nice to me and have really made me feel part of the family. I have defiantly landed with my bum in the butter so to speak!
Well till tomorrow have a good day :) and watch out for those single beds, they are out to get you!
I have the weekends off and so I can do as I please on them. This morning I went into Stavanger city as I live in the little village of Vaulen about 10/15min away from the town. Everything is cobble stoned and very very pretty, all the shops display their items on the streets and there are flowers every where. People here take advantage of the summer months as much a possible because the winters here are so harsh. This past winter there was thick snow covering everything for December till the end of March!!!! I am so glad I am here now!
Anywho so I went into the city to get a mobile phone number for while I am here in Norway. If you would like it just send me an email or ask of the book of face :) So I walked around the center of town for a while and then came home. Thank the pope that everyone here (and I mean everyone) speaks perfect English amongst many other European languages so when I get lost I can just stop some one and ask where to go, and they are always more than friendly and helpful to me!
In the mobile phone store I got some true Norwegian men! Rach would have loved it there, so i giggled to myself as I window shopped haha, there were a few potential Mr Salmons around hehe. I must say that Norwegian people have the most amazing blue eyes and the best looking skin (yes I know that sounds weird but they all looked like they have all been air brushed it is so perfect) You do really stand out when you are from a different country, plus they are all tall, so I really don't fit in!
This afternoon/ evening there was a concert on the beach in front of the house so I couldn't go for my run as they were blocking my route (grumble grumble) The only advantage was I got to listen to them from the porch, they spoke to the crowd in Norwegian but sang in English (weird I know) but I enjoyed listening to them cover King of Leon!
That has been my day with it's highs (all the salmons in the sea hehe) and the lows (silly single bed and my ability to roll off it!) all in all a really great day. I have truly been blessed with the most amazing family here, they have been so nice to me and have really made me feel part of the family. I have defiantly landed with my bum in the butter so to speak!
Well till tomorrow have a good day :) and watch out for those single beds, they are out to get you!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Day 3- boxed in!!!!
Well we moved into the beautiful house today, we have been unpacking boxes all day, I have never moved and am seriously put off ever moving house!!!! If I see another box again it will be to soon! But it was so much fun doing little Sophia's room today and my flat this evening. I will be a pro mom and mover when I need to move one day. haha. No the moving wasn't bad just really exhausting, my feet are pounding.
It was such a beautiful day the sun has been shining bright since 3am this morning and still going strong now at 10:50pm. The Fjords were full of activity today, sail and speed boats going this way and that, truly a different life style!
I have truly been blessed with the most amazing family, who included me in everything and ask me what I think on this which is really nice. I have my own flat in the house with a lounge/ kitchen bathroom and bedroom as well as private entrance. The family has stocked the kitchen and have put in Sky tv onto my flat screen, I have a bedroom with a couch and a single bed (something I am going to have to get used to as I haven't slept in a single since i was about 15 but that is ok, I just hope I don't roll out! I am a bit of a restless sleeper and move all over the show.
So as I said earlier we unpacked the boxes today, we have almost finished the kitchen and the children's rooms and have a few more things to do tot he lounge as well as the children's lounge (which is my lounge as well) We really accomplished a lot today I am really proud! So nothing to exciting or interesting that happened to me today other than toning my thighs and arms from squatting to lift boxes :) so positives all round.
Tomorrow I have off ( I don't work weekends) but the family is going into town to sort out a few things and I am going with the see a few things and to get a Norwegian sim card so I can use my phone again ( t has been switched off since i arrived here, what a killer talk about cold turkey on that as well as Facebook as I can only go on at night, which is a change in my life haha)
More updates tomorrow and so pictures soon ! I promise :)
It was such a beautiful day the sun has been shining bright since 3am this morning and still going strong now at 10:50pm. The Fjords were full of activity today, sail and speed boats going this way and that, truly a different life style!
I have truly been blessed with the most amazing family, who included me in everything and ask me what I think on this which is really nice. I have my own flat in the house with a lounge/ kitchen bathroom and bedroom as well as private entrance. The family has stocked the kitchen and have put in Sky tv onto my flat screen, I have a bedroom with a couch and a single bed (something I am going to have to get used to as I haven't slept in a single since i was about 15 but that is ok, I just hope I don't roll out! I am a bit of a restless sleeper and move all over the show.
So as I said earlier we unpacked the boxes today, we have almost finished the kitchen and the children's rooms and have a few more things to do tot he lounge as well as the children's lounge (which is my lounge as well) We really accomplished a lot today I am really proud! So nothing to exciting or interesting that happened to me today other than toning my thighs and arms from squatting to lift boxes :) so positives all round.
Tomorrow I have off ( I don't work weekends) but the family is going into town to sort out a few things and I am going with the see a few things and to get a Norwegian sim card so I can use my phone again ( t has been switched off since i arrived here, what a killer talk about cold turkey on that as well as Facebook as I can only go on at night, which is a change in my life haha)
More updates tomorrow and so pictures soon ! I promise :)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Day 2
Well today started bright and early literally! The sun only sets after 11pm and rises at about 3:30am so only about 4 hours darkness at night and it is only the start of "summer" (I say that because the weather this morning was particularly summery but I'll get to that)
In mid summer we are only going to get about an hour to 2 hours of darkness at night, so black out curtains are a must for any of you who are sensitive to light sleepers, me my eyes are closed so there is nothing to see anyway, so the light doesn't bother me :)
I am starting to really understand the term "a picture says a thousand words" because everything is in Norwegian, so when I opened the fridge for breakfast this morning and through out the day, for lunch etc I ate what ever had pictures on it that I liked! Boy am I getting trusting with food, I really am going to be experiencing Norwegian food because I am not entirely sure what I am eating! Take lunch for example I ate what looked and smelt (kind off) like cheese, well it didn't taste like any cheese I have ever eaten before, and I seriously love cheese! So what ever it was it was eatable haha!
Sophia and I (the little girl I look after) went down to the beach in front of our house to play today here is some of the pictures I took :)
As you can see from the photo's it is amazing!!! It also shows ho quickly the weather changes. My word this morning was freezing, I honestly though all my new summer clothes were never going to be worn (which made me a little sad to say the least!) but this afternoon was so hot I was stripping off all the layers and thanking the Lord for the amazing sun.
I honestly feel like I have been dropped into the TV series men in trees because it looks just like it; this pictures I have taken do the Fjords no justice and I have found the most amazing running route along them, seriously I can't do enough running because I am enjoying the view so much.
I know Norwegian people like fish, but I am starting to understand that now. We had a fish stew/soup for supper, Wow they know how to cook fish it was amazing!
This evening was spent unpacking boxes at the new house. I started to pack my kitchen and helped install my new flat screen TV with Sky TV, it is amazing!!!! I have truly been blessed!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Day 1- 2 June year 2010
Hi all :)
This is going to be a way to keep all of you up to date with my happenings in Stavanger Norway. What goes on, how I get lost (it's me, it's bound to happen at least... once a day????) Who I meet (the Norwegian with the Salmon :) hehe) and the adventures I get up to.
Day one started with me getting 3 hours sleep.... arg! After getting home from Switchfoot I needed to finish packing my bag/bags (they some how doubled in numbers) How people pack in back packs is beyond me, I am sure there must be a Marry Popins or a Hermione Granger involved because it is just not possible!!!!! So after I finished packing and repacking it was 3am and I was getting up at 6am. So managed in a half asleep stoop er to get dressed, Skype the parentals and reassure them that I was fine and not going to get lost in Norway, never to be found again. I managed to leave for the Heathrow ON TIME!!!!! Yay me great start so gold stars all round! I got on the packed Northern Line on the 3rd train that pulled up at Clapham South and went through to Stockwell, where I was on the wrong side of the train to get out, so very apologetically ran over peoples toes with my giant bags trying to get out. At Stockwell I got onto the Victoria line and went to Green Park so I could change for the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow, this was where my plan hit a bit of a snag. There where no escalators or lifts from the Victoria Line platform to get to the main hall to then get onto the Piccadilly line, and I was standing in the middle of a very crowed busy station at the top of 2 huge flights of stairs trying with not much luck, not to fall over and kill myself and the people around me :) hehe. Till a very nice prince charming (minus the looks) offered to help me with my GIANT bag :) Yay all smiles I said that that would be amazing, the poor guy regretted his decision the moment I descended the stairs and he tried to lift my bag! Well I thanked a rather paler and sweater version of the guy I met at the top now at the bottom of the stairs and shacking a little for being so kind and got on my train to Heathrow, Yay almost there.
I got to the airport without any other hassle and was given a trolly as soon as I exited the train, not sure who radioed ahead but I was grateful :) I went to check in my bags and realised why the poor prince charming looked like he had just climbed Everest with no oxygen when the lady behind the counter said, "your little over weigh dear" at first I thought she was talking to me and I was about to say "I know and I am working on it thank you very much!!!" when I realised she meant the bag, I acted blissfully ignorant and said that I didn't realise sorry! when I asked how much she said by 8kg's OOOPS!!!!! My bag was meant to weigh 20kgs well it didn't! As i said before I don't know how people do it.
I was now already to head to Stavanger :) I got on my flight on Scandinavian airlines and settled in for a short flight, only 1h30min easy. Well thank goodness I have flown before because the air hostesses came out to do their normal safety demonstration etc, well it was all in Norwegian, I couldn't tell you if they where telling me how to inflate my life vest in case of a water landing or how to find the capital of Algeria??? Honestly Stewart Mc Gee's question of "was that Zulu or Afrikaans was really relevant here, wow" So I sat giggling to myself quietly I promise and plugged my IPOD in and listen to something I could understand- Two door cinema club!
The flight was quicker than expected and we arrived 25min early. The weather was not the greatest at 15 Degrees and overcast but hey it could have been worse. The family were waiting for me after passport control, were I was very upset because I didn't get a stamp in my passport!!! Apparently traveling on a British passport through out Europe, you don't get a stamp! How lame is that! So my beautiful passports pages are still barren and lonely!
The people here drive on the wrong side of the road! The whole day I have been walking to the wrong side of the car (the drivers side) to get in! Man I miss my blond hair! It would make getting it wrong so many times acceptable, now I just look mentally challenged as a brunette!
When I went to unpack by bags and have a shower I realised that I had, had a telcan powder explosion! It looked like it had snowed in there, what a mess! Had an awesome supper of Norwegian Salmon aka just salmon here for supper, all the houses here are made of wood and have a height restriction so everyone builds down into the ground to get more levels and space in the houses. But Wow what a beautiful country. I have the magical Fjords all around me and the vast mountains behind honestly it looks like I am living in a post card!
Well that was day one, stay tuned for my next day/ days of adventure!
This is going to be a way to keep all of you up to date with my happenings in Stavanger Norway. What goes on, how I get lost (it's me, it's bound to happen at least... once a day????) Who I meet (the Norwegian with the Salmon :) hehe) and the adventures I get up to.
Day one started with me getting 3 hours sleep.... arg! After getting home from Switchfoot I needed to finish packing my bag/bags (they some how doubled in numbers) How people pack in back packs is beyond me, I am sure there must be a Marry Popins or a Hermione Granger involved because it is just not possible!!!!! So after I finished packing and repacking it was 3am and I was getting up at 6am. So managed in a half asleep stoop er to get dressed, Skype the parentals and reassure them that I was fine and not going to get lost in Norway, never to be found again. I managed to leave for the Heathrow ON TIME!!!!! Yay me great start so gold stars all round! I got on the packed Northern Line on the 3rd train that pulled up at Clapham South and went through to Stockwell, where I was on the wrong side of the train to get out, so very apologetically ran over peoples toes with my giant bags trying to get out. At Stockwell I got onto the Victoria line and went to Green Park so I could change for the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow, this was where my plan hit a bit of a snag. There where no escalators or lifts from the Victoria Line platform to get to the main hall to then get onto the Piccadilly line, and I was standing in the middle of a very crowed busy station at the top of 2 huge flights of stairs trying with not much luck, not to fall over and kill myself and the people around me :) hehe. Till a very nice prince charming (minus the looks) offered to help me with my GIANT bag :) Yay all smiles I said that that would be amazing, the poor guy regretted his decision the moment I descended the stairs and he tried to lift my bag! Well I thanked a rather paler and sweater version of the guy I met at the top now at the bottom of the stairs and shacking a little for being so kind and got on my train to Heathrow, Yay almost there.
I got to the airport without any other hassle and was given a trolly as soon as I exited the train, not sure who radioed ahead but I was grateful :) I went to check in my bags and realised why the poor prince charming looked like he had just climbed Everest with no oxygen when the lady behind the counter said, "your little over weigh dear" at first I thought she was talking to me and I was about to say "I know and I am working on it thank you very much!!!" when I realised she meant the bag, I acted blissfully ignorant and said that I didn't realise sorry! when I asked how much she said by 8kg's OOOPS!!!!! My bag was meant to weigh 20kgs well it didn't! As i said before I don't know how people do it.
I was now already to head to Stavanger :) I got on my flight on Scandinavian airlines and settled in for a short flight, only 1h30min easy. Well thank goodness I have flown before because the air hostesses came out to do their normal safety demonstration etc, well it was all in Norwegian, I couldn't tell you if they where telling me how to inflate my life vest in case of a water landing or how to find the capital of Algeria??? Honestly Stewart Mc Gee's question of "was that Zulu or Afrikaans was really relevant here, wow" So I sat giggling to myself quietly I promise and plugged my IPOD in and listen to something I could understand- Two door cinema club!
The flight was quicker than expected and we arrived 25min early. The weather was not the greatest at 15 Degrees and overcast but hey it could have been worse. The family were waiting for me after passport control, were I was very upset because I didn't get a stamp in my passport!!! Apparently traveling on a British passport through out Europe, you don't get a stamp! How lame is that! So my beautiful passports pages are still barren and lonely!
The people here drive on the wrong side of the road! The whole day I have been walking to the wrong side of the car (the drivers side) to get in! Man I miss my blond hair! It would make getting it wrong so many times acceptable, now I just look mentally challenged as a brunette!
When I went to unpack by bags and have a shower I realised that I had, had a telcan powder explosion! It looked like it had snowed in there, what a mess! Had an awesome supper of Norwegian Salmon aka just salmon here for supper, all the houses here are made of wood and have a height restriction so everyone builds down into the ground to get more levels and space in the houses. But Wow what a beautiful country. I have the magical Fjords all around me and the vast mountains behind honestly it looks like I am living in a post card!
Well that was day one, stay tuned for my next day/ days of adventure!
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