Sooo, class got canceled and I decided to sleep in. Maybe I'll go somewhere... it's a really sweet day.
Nothing to really report, so I'll throw some facts out.... Because as some of you may or may not know, I am a bit of a crazy hippie....
About drying clothes (cause I don't pay the $2.80 here for the dryer)
# Electric dryers use five to ten percent of residential electricity in the United States
# There are 88 million dryers in America, and if everyone converted to lines 1/2 the year it could reduce residential output of CO2 by 3.3%.
# Clothes last longer when air dried
# Indoor racks can humidify your home in dry winter weather
# Clothes dryer fires account for about 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths, and 400 injuries annually
About water usage:
The pre-warm shower water can be used for anything... Keep a bucket in the shower... or if you are me.... Take the dirty dishes with in the shower... cause there is nothing better than the soak and scrub.
Urine can be used on plants as a fertilizer (and kept out of the sewage system) BTW: Urine is STERILE... Just make sure to dilute.
Conservation of water is important because --- Survey says
energy expenditure, Chemicals in use, etc...
Now don't get me wrong, people has taken past hut days. I like my laptop too. My main reason for being so "eco" is because I'm cheap... I like my money, it's consumption in my experience that is the biggest waste...
Some food for thought... later luvs.
The return of PiCKLeS
So guys, if you keep up with this,
I'll be back state side at apprx 2:30 pm on Dec. 30th 2008 from the DFW airport....
So I miss X-mas but I'll be around for new years (at home)
then figuring out what to do for jan-term. Work, maybe a course... I dunno.
I'm hoping to take a course, if anyone has a couch I can crash on, just leave me a message. I've got a few lined up... so we'll see.
Anyways, I have picture for later to put up. Hehe, it's a surprise, but if you are nerdy you'll think it's funny.
No update from my mom, my sister says things are ok.... as OK can be... if that means much.
Still having trouble making friends.... The beer intolerance and the fact that I am in gender study/sociology courses (IE FEMALE DOMINATED) means I rarely see men (which I tend to make friends with more than women)
Then there is the tendency to collect with one's own "kind"... meaning the asians stay with asians, etc..... but I seem to dislike most North Americans I meet (ok, Matt you're a good guy) but meh.....maybe I'm just picky.
I'll be back state side at apprx 2:30 pm on Dec. 30th 2008 from the DFW airport....
So I miss X-mas but I'll be around for new years (at home)
then figuring out what to do for jan-term. Work, maybe a course... I dunno.
I'm hoping to take a course, if anyone has a couch I can crash on, just leave me a message. I've got a few lined up... so we'll see.
Anyways, I have picture for later to put up. Hehe, it's a surprise, but if you are nerdy you'll think it's funny.
No update from my mom, my sister says things are ok.... as OK can be... if that means much.
Still having trouble making friends.... The beer intolerance and the fact that I am in gender study/sociology courses (IE FEMALE DOMINATED) means I rarely see men (which I tend to make friends with more than women)
Then there is the tendency to collect with one's own "kind"... meaning the asians stay with asians, etc..... but I seem to dislike most North Americans I meet (ok, Matt you're a good guy) but meh.....maybe I'm just picky.
Unsociable
"I'm Socially Unacceptable, Unexceptional, Unsociable"
More MSI obsessing. .... UGHHHHH
No worries, I like to post song lyrics on occasion...
SOOOOO, I think my tummy is going to explode... hurts like hell.
Anyways,
I'm bored... again.. as always.
My Norwegian still sucks, I'm too embarrassed to try at home... though I may soon. Mainly to be an ass.
Not much from home, the same ol` same ol`... It's been week 5 now. He might start trying to walk for the first time since he was admitted.
Nothing else really, just wanting to waste some time at home between classes.
More MSI obsessing. .... UGHHHHH
No worries, I like to post song lyrics on occasion...
SOOOOO, I think my tummy is going to explode... hurts like hell.
Anyways,
I'm bored... again.. as always.
My Norwegian still sucks, I'm too embarrassed to try at home... though I may soon. Mainly to be an ass.
Not much from home, the same ol` same ol`... It's been week 5 now. He might start trying to walk for the first time since he was admitted.
Nothing else really, just wanting to waste some time at home between classes.
Diva Cups
So I'm awake... and I should go to sleep.
Than again... I'm obsessing over MSI... Specifically the song, "Bed of Roses"
Nothing today, just another ISU meeting, cleaned the flat, and photographed another book.
I worry that sometimes I say something, or do something that might upset my flat-mates. I tend to to think out my thoughts that well. Stuff just pops out... and the shiny stuff calls to me. I hope I'm not that annoying... Though I have to be, it's they way I am, but I'm working on it. Though sometimes I just can't understand anything that is said to me... English or otherwise.... and I feel like and ass-hat trying to explain that my brain is .... screwy... so randomly... you can talk to me and I don't hear you... I swear it sounds like everyone is underwater... or it sounds like it is being played backwards. I can't even understand English. Makes me sad.
So... mental check. I'm still lonely. Jered may come to visit in Oct. Let's hope. I'd love to show him the city before it gets cold.
BTW: My Norwegian flat mate is a pussy... he was upset that left the door/window open, because it was "cold." NO JOKE..... Actually, at least I'm not the only one. *sigh*
"My life has never been a bed of roses... Don't feel sorry for me, feeling sorry has been my life's devotion... Anyway"
Than again... I'm obsessing over MSI... Specifically the song, "Bed of Roses"
Nothing today, just another ISU meeting, cleaned the flat, and photographed another book.
I worry that sometimes I say something, or do something that might upset my flat-mates. I tend to to think out my thoughts that well. Stuff just pops out... and the shiny stuff calls to me. I hope I'm not that annoying... Though I have to be, it's they way I am, but I'm working on it. Though sometimes I just can't understand anything that is said to me... English or otherwise.... and I feel like and ass-hat trying to explain that my brain is .... screwy... so randomly... you can talk to me and I don't hear you... I swear it sounds like everyone is underwater... or it sounds like it is being played backwards. I can't even understand English. Makes me sad.
So... mental check. I'm still lonely. Jered may come to visit in Oct. Let's hope. I'd love to show him the city before it gets cold.
BTW: My Norwegian flat mate is a pussy... he was upset that left the door/window open, because it was "cold." NO JOKE..... Actually, at least I'm not the only one. *sigh*
"My life has never been a bed of roses... Don't feel sorry for me, feeling sorry has been my life's devotion... Anyway"
Hiking Hurts
So, I went on a hike today (and I was planning this long before Jered was, so Bah!)
About my dad.
He's in rehab... so it's looking a lot better, given we were pretty sure that he was going to die. Then again, I forgot that his last name is Faulk.... They say it's hard to stop a train, but it's harder to kill a Faulk... ok, so I made that up. Still...
If I were to name off all the times we've come to near death experiences, you'd see the grounding for my hypothesis.
So, I think he'll make it to x-mas.... Lets hope the rest of my family can keep it together, with all the bills and such. I wonder what life will be like when I get back. I never thought we would lose our house... and we might not if things will work out. Still. Everything is now nothing like when I left. Life I guess.
THE HIKE!!
Long. I was out for 6 hours. I am tired... though at some point I need to clean the flat. Anyways, it was nice. I enjoyed the atmosphere. I got to talk to the Iranian guy and his roomie. Nice guy, if not a little bit of a handful.
We looked a mushrooms, including some that a pretty damn deadly. Plus Smoking them (see pictures) cause that's how we roll here in the woods.
Met a few more people... but nope, I can't say their names let alone spell them.
Cool pics. Pretty views, I'll have to go back. Besides, walking in the woods is free, and easy. But now my butt hurts... a lot.
One thing that I thought was cool. The guy from Iran complained about the lack of public transport in Tehran which I could parallel in the states. In fact some of observations were very similar. Then people are people. No matter where they come from.
UPDATE: I'm not sure why, but I kinda went crazy and completely destroyed my room. Nothing broken but a wall plate. Still. I had to take a walk.. but this guy from Djibouti decided to randomly talk to me and follow me for a while... So I wandered back to Sogn.
Jalapeno Tree
I crave it!!!!! The green sauce calls to me... First meal back in the states.... Gotta be that tree.
Nothing new... Going to Nordmarka saturday so more pics then. Also heard from my mom.
Dad's still in the hospital, has a blood clot, and had more surgery. Still alive so far as I know. Other than that.. Nothing much.
I'll update later.
Nothing new... Going to Nordmarka saturday so more pics then. Also heard from my mom.
Dad's still in the hospital, has a blood clot, and had more surgery. Still alive so far as I know. Other than that.. Nothing much.
I'll update later.
Nothing New
So,
Had another ISU meeting.
Our first official party will be the 3rd of October. Not a lot of time to do much. Also, the theme will be "Tight and Bright." Plus cheap beer. I'll get a chance to relax here and have some beers with the guys.
Other than that Farshad (one of the uys from Iran) came and talked about the national convention (I will be going 2 weeks after the T&B party.) It's supposed to be a lot of fun.
Classes are a snooze. Other then genocide. It's fun to think through and hear about all the things the US has done to contribute to genocide (but we aren't the only ones) given that most teachers I have ever had seem to overlook that fact. Plus, the debates on how punishment should occur.
Oh and the gender class is awesome. Fact: an official in France is pregnant out of wedlock, Muslim, and the press leaving her alone. I thought that was cool. Where as Palin is called a MILF and people are obsessed with her pregger daughter... Look at the statistics on teen pregnancy, look at the normal age of children of politicians, and think about the fact that abortion is pretty hush hush anyways. I personally am not the GREATEST fan of her... but that's because of her views and perceived ability not because she is a normal person (FACE IT, the nuclear family is a pile of lies and BULLSHIT. If you think about anyone you know like that, they either scare the hell out of you, or sexually abuse their kids behind closed doors. Hell, the most normal person I know still has some dirty secrets from his childhood.) Maybe I'm biased because I hate yuppies... with a PASSION and they go against nearly all things that I believe in. But that's them.
Gomenasai...
Soooooooooooo, I really want Andrea and Jan to get back. I'm bored. Very bored. Plus, I bet they will be drunk. Drunk Jan is fun... and kinda stupid. It amuses me so.
Also, I miss my sisters. You guys rock. I wish you were here so we could do stupid, embarrassing, and awkward things together.
Also, to my family. I'm still a hoping and a praying for your safety. Tell Dad I love him and that he has to hang on till I get back. I lied about the making til the end of high school deal.
Updatation:
I'm bored. I figured Jered would at least be awake until 10ish. But nope. Makes me sad and needy. Must find someone to talk to. Sad face pie.
Well, I've made a lot of friends. But hanging out tends to cause problems. 1 = the past 2 weeks have been hell. 2 = one of them skipped class today so I didn't get to talk to him. 3 = I don't have money, nor parents, nor other forms of cash to go out, but I haven't met anyone who just likes to chill. 4 = I DON'T HAVE A CELL PHONE YET!
Dad
Still alive and doing good. I got an e-mail from my mom. It looks like that he's out of ICU but still in the hospital. Water is still in his lungs but he's looking better.
My mom couldn't get a hold of me because they had no power.
Again, I'm sorry mom, I was upset and nervous.
My mom couldn't get a hold of me because they had no power.
Again, I'm sorry mom, I was upset and nervous.
Because sometimes I hate Blogger
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| From Surviving In the Land of the $20 Hotdog |
Went to medieval Oslo today. I had to force myself out of bed to do it. I was ok, but I think it could have been better. I blame Oslo, they don't put a lot of pride in their heritage.
Saw the remains of the Old Kings quarters, Church of St. Mary, Church of St. Halvard, and the Church of St. Olav. Plus the Monastery of Dominican monks at Oslo
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| From Surviving In the Land of the $20 Hotdog |
There was also very rare paintings in the Dominican Monastery (see the pic). These are different Tropical birds. I think they are at least 500 years old. Maybe older.
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| From Surviving In the Land of the $20 Hotdog |
It was nice to see a lot of people I already met. Katherine, Peter, and the Iranian guys who's name I can't say nor recall (he's the head w/o glasses in the above pic)
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| From Surviving In the Land of the $20 Hotdog |
I didn't stay long though.
I haven't heard from my mom in nearly 5 days. I'm pretty upset. Either something has gone horribly wrong and they can't or don't want to tell me.
That or they forgot I existed...
Either way. I'm not informed at all. Thanks mom.
Theta Love
A big thank-you goes out to my sisters and my friends. You guys make me smile, even when my pants are down. If you get the picture.
I know, it'll be ok. I've gotten pretty far given what kinda crap I've overcome. I will be ok, a little worse for the wear but all in all ok. My emo sometimes gets the best of me. Think of it as that.
As for Norway, It's cold. Think like 50 degrees. It's crazy. I haven't heard from my mom in a few days, so I dunno what is going on there.
Other than that, I'm looking forward to next semester, and being back for Theta-tasticness. I've encouraged some friends to get to know the other thetas, mainly cause they need to get out more, but also because I want some of my older friends to get to know the awesomeness of theta-bility and maybe be apart of my life again. Though I don't know if that will be the case or not. We'll see later. LAWL.
Also, I'm so flabbergasted at the amount of effort people have shown in concern for me. I'm getting messages of encouragement and concern. It blows my mind, but I am happy to have such awesome people in my life. I have to say it. I feel blessed.
I also just want to say that I'm glad that my brother and sister are home to take care of my mom, and help her. If you guys read this. Thanks. Even if I am terrible at apologies and thanks, I'm damn well trying. I wish I could do more.
Lastly, I didn't realize until now how appropriate the title of my blog is. I truly am surviving. Everyday is something new, and strange. Including sugar fights with my flatmates. Go figure.
Love guys and peace.
UPDATE: Can't sleep. Mom hasn't sent me an e-mail or called. I'm worried.
I know, it'll be ok. I've gotten pretty far given what kinda crap I've overcome. I will be ok, a little worse for the wear but all in all ok. My emo sometimes gets the best of me. Think of it as that.
As for Norway, It's cold. Think like 50 degrees. It's crazy. I haven't heard from my mom in a few days, so I dunno what is going on there.
Other than that, I'm looking forward to next semester, and being back for Theta-tasticness. I've encouraged some friends to get to know the other thetas, mainly cause they need to get out more, but also because I want some of my older friends to get to know the awesomeness of theta-bility and maybe be apart of my life again. Though I don't know if that will be the case or not. We'll see later. LAWL.
Also, I'm so flabbergasted at the amount of effort people have shown in concern for me. I'm getting messages of encouragement and concern. It blows my mind, but I am happy to have such awesome people in my life. I have to say it. I feel blessed.
I also just want to say that I'm glad that my brother and sister are home to take care of my mom, and help her. If you guys read this. Thanks. Even if I am terrible at apologies and thanks, I'm damn well trying. I wish I could do more.
Lastly, I didn't realize until now how appropriate the title of my blog is. I truly am surviving. Everyday is something new, and strange. Including sugar fights with my flatmates. Go figure.
Love guys and peace.
UPDATE: Can't sleep. Mom hasn't sent me an e-mail or called. I'm worried.
Can't find the motivation
Jered is on his way to the airport. He'll be in Salzburg in a few days.
My father is still alive as far as I know... Havn't heard from my mum in a few days. Life looks shitty... Soooooooo shitty... As it seems we are in a time crunch. Let's hope we can keep it together for another month or two.
As for me, I think this confirms that my dreams are to be dashed, no matter how much I feel I deserve them. Remind me that self-fulfillment is a bullshit concept...
Haha, my Emo is showing.
Have a good night kids.
My father is still alive as far as I know... Havn't heard from my mum in a few days. Life looks shitty... Soooooooo shitty... As it seems we are in a time crunch. Let's hope we can keep it together for another month or two.
As for me, I think this confirms that my dreams are to be dashed, no matter how much I feel I deserve them. Remind me that self-fulfillment is a bullshit concept...
Haha, my Emo is showing.
Have a good night kids.
Updating
My father is doing slightly better. He had surgery to remove some of the infection from his lungs and was placed on a ventilator. I heard though, that he is off of it and doing better at the moment. We still do not know if he is going to respond to the anti-biotics. There are only 4 that work on this strain, so we have our fingers crossed. There are other things that are turning out to be ... problems, but I leave that for another day. I'm just happy to know that my dad is still alive.
Something here or there.
I assume that I should at least state this but I'll be vague:
My father is apparently in the ICU as of this past monday. My mother told me last night. No one knows what's going to happen, so maybe it'll b ok.
UPDATE: thank you for your prayers. I'm working on that too. I got an e-mail that said he's doing a little bit better, but not in the clear and he's still in the ICU...
My father is apparently in the ICU as of this past monday. My mother told me last night. No one knows what's going to happen, so maybe it'll b ok.
UPDATE: thank you for your prayers. I'm working on that too. I got an e-mail that said he's doing a little bit better, but not in the clear and he's still in the ICU...
my lack of skillz:
So as I awaken from another round of bizarre dreams, I have come to a shocking realization. I haven't bothered to cook all week. This is probably not the best as my health requires I eventually consume pounds and pounds of fiber.
Anyways: Inspired by others
This weeks cooking: none...
Food consumption:
Carrots - 7
Apples - 1
Bread - 8 slices with occasional meat
Havenøtter- 1 bag
Milk - 1 liter
Chickpeas - 1/2 cup (leftovers from the week before)
Wasa krackers - 1 pack
Jarlsburg cheese - 1 small package
Strange food I be eating
however due to circumstances over the summer, I learned how to eat with only minimal concerns with taste and complication.
Now on to something good:
My day at the Holocaust Center in Oslo.
So, I got lost on my way there... several times making hops off the bus at the wrong times.
I get there and got to listen to a man talk about how bad history books may have lead to the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. All of this was really amazing as he was a native to Rwanda. Again I sat back and let the little nerd inside of me take over. Then it got awkward. During the Q&A some question came across about the nature of the genocide. This was answered by the presentator, "It was without bounds, neighbors killed neighbors, Husbands slaughtered wives. My parents were killed by our neighbors... but in all I think that Genocide can happen anywhere at any time."
WHOAS! WAIT UP A MIN!! Yah, he just told us about his parents being killed... ok not so freaky for you, be he just threw to out to us like to was the color of his pants (the pants were black).
Really neat topic though and I have some good stories to go along.
Later and out
Anyways: Inspired by others
This weeks cooking: none...
Food consumption:
Carrots - 7
Apples - 1
Bread - 8 slices with occasional meat
Havenøtter- 1 bag
Milk - 1 liter
Chickpeas - 1/2 cup (leftovers from the week before)
Wasa krackers - 1 pack
Jarlsburg cheese - 1 small package
Strange food I be eating
however due to circumstances over the summer, I learned how to eat with only minimal concerns with taste and complication.
Now on to something good:
My day at the Holocaust Center in Oslo.
So, I got lost on my way there... several times making hops off the bus at the wrong times.
I get there and got to listen to a man talk about how bad history books may have lead to the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. All of this was really amazing as he was a native to Rwanda. Again I sat back and let the little nerd inside of me take over. Then it got awkward. During the Q&A some question came across about the nature of the genocide. This was answered by the presentator, "It was without bounds, neighbors killed neighbors, Husbands slaughtered wives. My parents were killed by our neighbors... but in all I think that Genocide can happen anywhere at any time."
WHOAS! WAIT UP A MIN!! Yah, he just told us about his parents being killed... ok not so freaky for you, be he just threw to out to us like to was the color of his pants (the pants were black).
Really neat topic though and I have some good stories to go along.
Later and out
PAIN and Ketchup
So, My head is STILL in horrific pain. This has been 24.. if not gone by tomorrow... I dunno.
Anyways... strange food of the week.
Cheese and Ketchup sandwich.
Also... somehow I am addicted to puffed wheat. I've eaten 5 bags in one month.
Anyways... strange food of the week.
Cheese and Ketchup sandwich.
Also... somehow I am addicted to puffed wheat. I've eaten 5 bags in one month.
It's official
I'm only going to stay one semester here in Norway.
My main reason is that classes are not working out like they should. My credits are being compromised by stupid people that don't want to be that helpful.
but also, as we speak I am rather ill (horrific pain, fever, and an inability to swallow correctly which I feel is connected to the abscess forming in my mouth.
plus a few more health related problems.
Lastly, cost. Because I need to have my teeth look at now, and everything costs 2 to 3 times as much as in the US, I'm fairly certain that I will be close to strapped for cash.
Let's hope I have enough to fly back to the states?
My main reason is that classes are not working out like they should. My credits are being compromised by stupid people that don't want to be that helpful.
but also, as we speak I am rather ill (horrific pain, fever, and an inability to swallow correctly which I feel is connected to the abscess forming in my mouth.
plus a few more health related problems.
Lastly, cost. Because I need to have my teeth look at now, and everything costs 2 to 3 times as much as in the US, I'm fairly certain that I will be close to strapped for cash.
Let's hope I have enough to fly back to the states?