Christmas day

Had the most amazing Christmas eve yesterday, and so far it's been a wonderful Christmas day. 

Everything is just so calm for these two days. No stress, no worries, nothing to fight about (except who gets the remote), and tons and tons of food. I'm truly lucky to live in a country and be a part of a family who's never short on anything. 

Christmas day is the one day a year where we've never been allowed to leave the house. Just watch movies, eat more food, and spend time together (we're not allowed to have any visitors either). It's just one of my favorite days. 

Got everything I wished for and then some (a lot more than I wished for really). My boyfriend got me a hairdryer, which, in his words, is the least romantic thing he could have gotten me, but I absolutely love it. It was on the very top of my list this year, and it will save me a lot of time - not to mention bad hair days. 

No more of this!

And now I shall watch another movie, paint my nails and plan my outfits for the next week or so (so many places to be, so many people to meet and so much food to be eaten). 

Moving, once again

Ok, so..
I'm finally done cleaning my boyfriends apartment. Well, in a couple of weeks it'll be our apartment, which is one of the main reasons to why I've been cleaning it.
After spending the past five months together, we decided it was much more practical living together rather than on separate sides of town. As I've mentioned earlier, our work-schedules are nowhere close to matching, and this way we'll actually be able to at least have breakfast/dinner/lunch (whichever works) together.



This also means I'll be spending half my holiday stuck in boxes and bags... Have to sort trough all my stuff, and decide what I want to move, throw away, and leave at my parent's place. Hopefully I'll be done in about a day, maybe a day and a half. This should be fun.

Anyways - Super excited about moving, all the interior I can move and fix and just... all of it. Not stressing about where we're staying, when we're meeting and all that shit. Of course, it will not be all pink clouds and unicorns. We're both very much aware of that, but one has to work to make a relationship work.

So yeah - tomorrow I'm going home to my parents to decorate for Christmas and spend the rest of the year with them.
xo

December

December, oh, how I love you. 

All the stress, all the work, all the shopping, the smell of cookies, wrapping the presents, cleaning and the decorations. I just love all of it. 

I'm all done at work for this year, and it feels so good. Been working like crazy since mid-November, and truly feel like I've earned some time off. Had a wonderful lunch with my colleagues yesterday, with tons of food and laughter, bought the last presents today, and now I'm planning on spending the last days before Christmas doing nothing. Just enjoying the days, feeling lazy and spend time with my family, my boyfriend and my friends. It's the most wonderful time of the year. 

So everyone - enjoy your weekend, enjoy Christmas and I hope all of you will have a wonderful time filled with hot chocolate, cookies, and tons of food. 

Working at a hotel

The truth about working in the hotel business during holiday seasons is quite simple - you're on the clock 24/7. It's crazy, tons of work, horrible hours, long days, you're constantly exhausted and dying for a shower, your uniform smells like a bar, you have bags under your eyes, there's no such thing as a social life... 

pintrest.com

I've been working for a week straight now, somewhere between 8 and 12 hours a day. Had one day off last monday, and worked a full week before that. Yes, the days are long, and bed is the most amazing place after a long day, but the adrenalin makes it impossible to sleep. My feet are dying, my hair is a constant mess, and I can't even begin to describe how much fun I've had the past weeks (neither shall it be mention how much coffee/redbull/tea I've had). 

pintrest.com

Last weekend I worked a total of 29 hours in three days, and started at 7 a.m. monday morning. Actually forgot my glasses just because I was so tired. Weird thing was - it felt just the same as an 8 hour shift any other day. There's so much stuff happening, so many people and so much noise/music (whatever you want to call it), you don't really notice the time. 

And yes, most of the people I meet during the weekend are either drunk or stressed, but they're nice nevertheless. Been working wardrobe two weekends in a row (going on three), and people are so.. funny (lacking a better word). I've gotten flowers, been offered a ride home (to a random guys place), offered drinks and so on. And everyone is just really pleasant. Not one of these drunk-off-their-asses people have been rude or annoying or unpleasant. And if they are - I actually have security standing with me all night, which makes me feel something like this: 

pintrest.com

Don't get me wrong - I'm super excited for Friday. It's my day off, and I plan on spending it with my feet high, with the great company of a glass of wine and some chocolate. Not to mention the fact that I don't have any exams to study for! 

weheartit.com

Sleep

Among things that are really stupid to do when you have to be at work at 7 a.m - taking a two hour powernap is pretty far up on the list. Along with not going to sleep until 2 a.m. And not eating more than two meals a day. 

Guess what I've done today!

So right now I'm bright awake, will hate myself when the alarm goes off in the morning, and might hate myself even more when I fall asleep on the couch tomorrow after work. 

Oh well. 

weheartit.com

Other than that... 

I'm still crazy in love, we're spending tons of time together, and I'm loving every minute of it. Probably slightly mean, but I also love it when he goes out and I get to spend some time alone. Gives me time to recharge and have a cup of hot chocolate. Winter has officially come to Bodø and there's nothing like something warm to drink, a blanket and a good book/movie/some knitting. Oh my, I got old. 

weheartit.com

I'll leave you with this quote:

"Don't think about what can happen in a month. Don't think about what can happen in a year. Just focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be"

Interior

I've spent hours and hours looking through pintrest, weheartit and every other page that gives me interior inspo. Can't get enough. I'm just so excited to have a place to live where I get to chose everything from the colors on the wall to what time I'd prefer to do the dishes. 

I've fallen for the cozy style. Calm colors, tons of pillows, blankets and candles. 

Want my home to tell a story, but at the same time I need it to be practical. 

Other than being completely lost in my dreams about interiordesign these days - I'm not really doing much. Have no big plans for the weekend, just relaxing. Going shopping tomorrow and maybe spending some time with my bf in the evening. We'll just see what the day brings. 

100

Borrowed this one from SuperMarie - got through the whole thing without glasses, so ignore any typo's. Go me!

1: Is there a boy/girl in your life? Yes

2: Think of the last person who hurt you; do you forgive them? Not yet, but I probably will.. eventually

3: What do you think of when you hear the word “meow?” My best friend from school. We used to have conversations that only consisted of "meow". 

4: What’s something you really want right now? To sleep next to my boyfriend. 

5: Are you afraid of falling in love? I think it's scary, but no, not afraid. 

6: Do you like the beach? Depends. Mostly yes. 

7: Have you ever slept on a couch with someone else? Indeed

8: What’s the background on your cell? My boyfriend and a dog. 

9: Name the last four beds you were sitting on? Mine, my sister's, my bf's and a hotelbed.   

10: Do you like your phone? No, I love it. 

11: Honestly, are things going the way you planned? I can't say I've planned for anything, but I'm happy with where I'm at. 

12: Who was the last person whose phone number you added to your contacts? Probably my boss. 

13: Would you rather have a poodle or a Rottweiler? Rottweiler

14: Which hurts the most, physical or emotional pain? Emotional, it takes such a long time to heal. Even though my finger hurts like hell right now... 

15: Would you rather visit a zoo or an art museum? An art museum. 

16: Are you tired? I wish, but no. 

17: How long have you known your 1st phone contact? Half my life. 

18: Are they a relative? Nope. 

19: Would you ever consider getting back together with any of your exes? Hah, I guess so.

20: When did you last talk to the last person you shared a kiss with? Saturday, but we've texted while he's been away. 

21: If you knew you had the right person, would you marry them today? No, I don't believe in marriage. 

22: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Any day of the week. 

23: How many bracelets do you have on your wrists right now? Zero, I'm in my PJ's 

24: Is there a certain quote you live by? Every journey starts with a single step. 

25: What’s on your mind? "6 hours of sleep if I fall asleep riiiiight now"

26: Do you have any tattoos? I've got five. 

27: What is your favorite color? Dark blue

28: Next time you will kiss someone on the lips? Friday perhaps.. not sure yet. 

29: Who are you texting? My phone died, so no one. 

30: Think to the last person you kissed, have you ever kissed them on a couch? Of course.

31: Have you ever had the feeling something bad was going to happen and you were right? Mhm. 

32: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to? I do, and I don't know what I'd do without him, 

33: Do you think anyone has feelings for you? Really hope so, this would be rather awkward if not.. 

34: Has anyone ever told you you have pretty eyes? Yes, someone told me today actually. 

35: Say the last person you kissed was kissing someone right in front of you? He'd be dead. 

36: Were you single on Valentines Day? Define single... 

37: Are you friends with the last person you kissed? Best friends, lovers and so much more. 

38: What do your friends call you? Hildur or Hilde

39: Has anyone upset you in the last week? Yes, but I'll get over it. 

40: Have you ever cried over a text? Yes, oh so many times. 

41: Where’s your last bruise located? I have constant bruises on my legs because of my job, but I think the last one was on my finger. 

42: What is it from? Work, of course. 

43: Last time you wanted to be away from somewhere really bad? Hmmm... Really bad might be overdoing it, but right now. Winter just came to Bodø. 

44: Who was the last person you were on the phone with? My bff.

45: Do you have a favourite pair of shoes? I do, one pair for each season. 

46: Do you wear hats if your having a bad hair day? Mostly just a ponytail, but if I'm not at work - yes.  

47: Would you ever go bald if it was the style? Hells to the no

48: Do you make supper for your family? Whenever I have the time, more so for my boyfriend. 

49: Does your bedroom have a door? Yes. 

50: Top 3 web-pages? facebook.com, imgur.com, weheartit.com

51: Do you know anyone who hates shopping? Haha, have you ever met a man who likes shopping..?

52: Does anything on your body hurt? My finger, back and toes. 

53: Are goodbyes hard for you? Depends, but mostly they are. 

54: What was the last beverage you spilled on yourself? Coffee (gotta love work)

55: How is your hair? Ponytail, as always

56: What do you usually do first in the morning? Hit the snooze button, get up way to late and run around like crazy for ten minutes. 

57: Do you think two people can last forever? I hope so. 

58: Think back to January 2007, were you single? No, don't really think so. 

59: Green or purple grapes? Purple

60: When’s the next time you will give someone a BIG hug? Friday, if I see my bf. Not a big fan of hugs. 

61: Do you wish you were somewhere else right now? As always.

62: When will be the next time you text someone? Not something I plan really. 

63: Where will you be 5 hours from now? Sleeping, in my bed. 

64: What were you doing at 8 this morning? I was at work, so probably moving chairs or tables. 

65: This time last year, can you remember who you liked? I think I do. 

66: Is there one person in your life that can always make you smile? Several! My family, my bf, my friends... I'm so lucky. 

67: Did you kiss or hug anyone today? No. I did tickle someone, if that counts. 

68: What was your last thought before you went to bed last night? "Oh shit, I have to get up in four hours"

69: Have you ever tried your hardest and then gotten disappointed in the end? Yes

70: How many windows are open on your computer? 3

71: How many fingers do you have? 10, lucky me

72: What is your ringtone? Same as it's been for the past 5 years. 

73: How old will you be in 5 months? 24. 

74: Where is your Mum right now? Think she went to bed. 

75: Why aren’t you with the person you were first in love with or almost in love? Because we're better off as friends. 

76: Have you held hands with somebody in the past three days? No. 

77: Are you friends with the people you were friends with two years ago? Yes

78: Do you remember who you had a crush on in year 7? Yes. 

79: Is there anyone you know with the name Mike? There is, actually. 

80: Have you ever fallen asleep in someones arms? Yes, and I love it. For about ten minutes, after that I need my space. 

81: How many people have you liked in the past three months? One. 

82: Has anyone seen you in your underwear in the last 3 days? I hope not, that would be creepy. 

83: Will you talk to the person you like tonight? Nope, I'm going to bed. 

84: You’re drunk and yelling at hot guys/girls out of your car window, you’re with? Haha, SuperM

85: If your BF/GF was into drugs would you care? Depends on what kind. But yes, I would care. 

86: What was the most eventful thing that happened last time you went to see a movie? No idea.

87: Who was your last received call from? My bff.

88: If someone gave you $1,000 to burn a butterfly over a candle, would you? Nope.

89: What is something you wish you had more of? Money, and time to spend doing things I love. 

90: Have you ever trusted someone too much? Yes

91: Do you sleep with your window open? Yes, I like sleeping in a cold room. 

92: Do you get along with girls? Not all, but the one's I do get along with are amazing. 

93: Are you keeping a secret from someone who needs to know the truth? No.

94: Does sex mean love? Hells to the no. And sex can be great without love. 

95: You’re locked in a room with the last person you kissed, is that a problem? Haha, not really. 

96: Have you ever kissed anyone with a lip ring? Nope. 

97: Did you sleep alone this week? Yes

98: Everybody has somebody that makes them happy, do you? Yes. 

99: Do you believe in love at first sight? No. 

100: Who was the last person that you pinky promise? I don't do that. 

Your turn!

Wanderlust pt. 3

I'm so used to travel at least once a month, just to go home.
And now, I'm stuck in one place. 

It's driving me crazy. Still not used to it, still trying to figure out how I'm gonna fit everything into a suitcase, and still looking at tickets every other day. I'm restless, filled with wanderlust and seeking a new adventure. Not prepared for life as an adult. Need to travel, to see new things, to visit new places. 

It's such a weird feeling, because I feel at home, but a part of me seeks something new. Something exciting. I found this list of things I want to do, and even though I have no idea how to afford it... seriously people - the need to live out of my suitcase is crazy! It's on my mind half the day, and I just can't shake the feeling that I need to do it. Now!

Maybe I can put my boyfriend in a suitcase and just book the tickets... 

weekend!

This weekend... For once I feel like I've earned some time off. Been working all week, and decided to spent the weekend with my dearest, even though he's working. So today he got off at 2pm, and we went shopping, had pizza, ans picked up the dog we're taking care off for the day. He's so cute! 

At least we've agreed that we're getting a dog at some point. Right now I think this is the best night ever. All three of us on the couch, the two of them asleep, and I'm just relaxing and enjoying the sight of them, listening to music and loving life. 

The best things in life are free

It surprises me how much my life has changed in the past year. It seems like everything just fell into place, and I couldn't be happier. (well, unless I had a place of my own).

The past year has been a mix of stress, happiness, falling in love, standing on my own two feet, moving home and feeling like a kid again, new experiences, friends, family and so many other things. 

Nothing beats the feeling of finally belonging somewhere, and that's how I feel right now. 

This week has been surreal. I've been at work, where I'm finally starting to make sense of things. Spent time with the most amazing girls in the whole world. And of course, spent tons of time with the man who makes me smile. Since we're both working shifts that just makes no sense, we try to spent time together in the evening, which isn't always that easy. Especially when one of us got up at 6 am and the other one's working until 10 pm. But we make it work.


My weekend plans are pretty much the same as always - meeting friends, enjoying life and recharging for a new week.
The best things in life are free, and I intend to make the most of it. 

Life at the moment

Seriously, I've been meaning to post something for a really long time. Probably wrote 6 drafts, and never hit the publish button. It just feels so weird being home...

Had my first day at work last Tuesday, and I think I'll like it. So much stuff to learn but oh, so much fun! I'm working at Radisson Blu Bodø, at the meeting and convention department. Will do some hours in the reception, restaurant and bar as well, but I'll start by learning how to connect the speakers to a microphone... So far so good, I'm really excited for the next couple of months!

I did have two weeks of vacation before I started though, and it was amazing! Got quite bored at the end, because everyone else were at work/school, but my entire body is thrilled that I got some time off. Spent it doing all the things I haven't done in forever - shopping, spending time with friends and family, celebrating my birthday, going out with my bff - basically living the good life. 

Oh, and I've actually started moving my body again. Not much, just going for walks/runs and being more active at work reminded me how much I love it. So I'm looking in to joining a gym, but really want someone to start with me. We'll see how good I am at persuading!

And if you'll excuse me, I plan on spending the rest of the weekend in my comfypants, with a big cup of tea and a magazine. 

The magic thing about home

And just like that it had all come to an end. 

I left Lillehammer yesterday at 10, got to Trondheim at 14.45, and left for Bodø at 23.40. Will be home in an hour. 

I don't think I've quite realized that I'm actually leaving. Been so focused on getting home, that I forgot what I'm leaving behind. A wonderful job, amazing friends, and my home for the past four years. 

Yesterday was tons of mixed feelings. On one hand I was so exhausted from working and not sleeping, on the other I was so ready to leave that my body felt like it had slept for years. Saying goodbye was hard, but meeting an old friend was just so much fun. I wonder when it will hit me, the fact that I'm not going back. It's a one-way ticket. 

But the one-way ticket brings so many opportunities, and so many new adventures. 

I'm home. 

Tomorrow

First off; Yesterday was a slow night at work. Had some Aussies come in, and one of them could easily charm a girls pants off. 

He came in to the reception, slightly drunk, and sang me a song. He then noticed my tattoo, and we had a discussion about New Zealand vs. Australia. He decided that he needed to sign our "divorce papers", and I handed him a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote his name and number (and room number), and told me to give him a call if I woke up early (or come to his room). Did I mention that this guy was Australian and oh so fine?

To the amazing Australian guy: you made my week!

More to the point: It's finally here! 

My very last day in Lillehammer. And I'll be spending it in bed, sleeping. Still working nights, and my body is so fucked up from working way too many days in a row. Oh well, last shift starts in 13 hours. 

Tomorrow I end my shift at 7am. Will go home, take a shower, have some breakfast, go back to work (have to say byebye to everyone), getting a taxi to the station, and putting my ass on the train. Spending the day in Trondheim, and taking the night-train to Bodø, arriving at 9am on Tuesday. 

Still can't believe that this is my last day!!! 

If I had the night off I'd have a glass of whiskey, just to toast the city, the people and the memories. 

Guess I could do that with some iced coffee tonight. 

Cheers!

7 days

"Please understand,
I have been waiting to leave
ever since I figured out there were roads
willing to take me anywhere I wanted to go"

In seven days I'll be all done with my last day at work, hopefully everything will be packed, cleaned and ready. And even though I can barely contain my excitement - it's a weird feeling. I'll leave the place I've called home for the past four years, the job I've loved for a year, not to mention all the wonderfull people! 

A tad bit sad. 

Right now I'm just sitting here, listening to a mix of music and the rain. Because summer just decided to leave, and the rain came along. I'm fine with that - it's such a relaxing sound, and there's something romantic about it, even when I'm alone. 

She believed she could, so she did

This has pretty much been my guideline for the past couple of weeks. I'm quite proud of how much I've done. The hours at work, the moving, the not seeing my friends because of work and moving. 

I even got through an entire week of working nights. That's why I'm up at 4.30am, so confused about when to sleep and eat...

And even though I'm proud of myself, I'm exhausted. But I'll get through my last shifts, because I know I can. This and next week will be a piece of cake. Three days on, one day off, four days on, one day off, four days on - all done. The 10th is my last shift here, which is sad and amazing at the same time. 

And on the 11th I'm off to Trondheim to visit a friend, super excited about that! And on the evening I'm going home. Felt so good booking a one-way ticket. 

Guess I should make an effort to get some sleep here. 

Good night

Working

I'm doing nothing but working and sleeping these days.

Point being - not much going on in my life right now. July has been a never ending string of days at work and packing. 26 days at work, 200 hours in total. 

Feels good knowing that I've only got 14 more days at work, and 17 days in total left in Lillehammer. My parents came by last weekend to get all my things and help me clean the apartement. Living at a friends place right now, while she's at home. 

A day at the beach would be perfect

Oh, and I've been offered a job! Will tell you all about it after I sign the contract!

How she missed him

She missed him. When they first met neither of them could ever predict what the future held. She'd never thought she could fall as fast and hard as she did. That he'd be on her mind every single day. 

That she'd miss him. 

The way he held her made her feel safe, the way he looked at her and smiled made her giggly. When he traced every inch of her body with his fingers it gave her the good kind of chills. When they kissed... oh, the kisses. The world stopped existing when they kissed.  

She loved sleeping next to him, feeling his chest moving with every breath he took. The way he held her close, and played with her hair. The way he'd tell her she looked pretty out of the blue. When he held her down, pinned to the bed. She had fallen so hard, and so fast, she didn't even know how it happend. Felt like she had closed her eyes for a minute, and when she opened them he was there. 

That was her favourite thing about him - he'd caught her when she fell. 

*As you can tell, I'm writing again. Three days off work, and this is what happens. 

All grown up

I'm not a student. Done. Not going back to school in two months. For the first time in my life I have no idea what's going to happen i august. It's scary as hell, and it feels amazing. 

The only thing I know right now is that I'm working pretty much full-time all of june, and half of august (unless I get a new job). And I'm going home in august, moving back home. And just knowing that makes me so happy. I don't even have the words to describe it. 

Oh, and by the way, I got a new tattoo. Love it!

Guess that kind of rules out that whole all grown up thing... Oh well, I'm only 23!

Something I need

I've spent all weekend either in bed or at work. Night-shifts are crap, I really don't understand how people do it. It's not bad being at work, just the whole sleeping all day thing is throwing me off. 

Oh well. Got a couple of days off work, and I'll probably go crazy. Got my oral exam tomorrow, which means that I'm officially not a student anymore at 2pm! (unless I fail...) 

Seriously tho, my life really is rather boring these days. I'm working, eating, sleeping, and cleaning. 

Nothing interesting really.  

Lastly: this song is amazing

  

It's alive

I'm not dead, I swear! 

Things have been slightly crazy since school "ended". 

Been working, home, working, working and working. The few days I've had off have been spent with friends, or just reading in the sun. 

Working nights this weekend, having my final exam (like, ever!!) on Monday, and going back home for two days at the end of next week (and working in between, of course). As I said, crazy.

Other than that my life isn't all that interesting. It's been really sunny for the past weeks (on and off), and I've been working on my tan. Which means I'm not see-through anymore. Go me!

Ok... time to sleep. Will do my best to get up early tomorrow, and sleep in the afternoon. And work all night. I love my energydrinks. 

Leaving

After spending four fantastic days in Bodø, I'm back in Lillehammer.

Each time I get on the plane there's a mix of feelings. And I'm sorry to keep going on and on about this, but it's such a weird feeling. It's something I've never experienced before, exept for when I left Dunedin.

It's a mix between happy, sad, excited, frustrated, relieved and angry. 

I'm happy for the time I got to spent at home, but sad that I couldn't stay longer. Excited for the things that I'll be doing here (Lillehammer), but frustrated that I can't do it at home. Relieved that things at home are still the same, and angry that I have to leave them. 

It simply breaks my heart each time I have to leave, and yet; it fills me with joy. 

The best thing about being back to Lillehammer is getting back to my relationship. It's been going on for four years, and I'm just starting to realize how special it is. My bed and I are very happy, and still very much in love, thank you for asking. 

"I'm going home to the place where I belong"

First:

Dear neighbors, I'm all for pre-gaming, but please don't do it when I have to get up at 6am. 

Yes. 

Second:

I love life! Got really homesick on Friday and decided to book a flight home for tomorrow. Tomorrow!

So excited, and so stressed! Spent all day working and cleaning. Did the last of my packing just now, and I'll leave straight from work to the airport. Really hope everything goes smooth as fuck. 

Third:

It's been a crazy week really. Had my final (!!!!) exam on tuesday, doing stuff every single day all week long. 

How I felt after the exam

And now I should try to get some sleep. It's gonna be a long day tomorrow!

The National Day of Norway

This week has actually been long enough to make me think it's monday... 

It's been a good week though!

Most of it has been spent buried beneath six different books and about ten panic attacks. But I've also had time to sort through my shoes, eat ice cream and enjoy life. 

Yesterday was may 17, the national day of Norway!

It was such a great day, and I'm so happy that I got to spent it with my closest friends. We had breakfast and cake at my place, and I think everyone got quite full. Afterwards we went downtown to watch half of Lillehammer gathered in one street.

A big thank you to all the cute people who made the day such a blast! And especially to the one who got on a train, left Oslo and came all the way up here.

For once I'll throw in some pictures! From my phone, but it could be worse.
Everything you need for a great celebration.

Cupcakes

Wine

Lots of people wearing bunad

Really cute friends