status: kid in a candy store

We've had 3 sunny days in a row.  I feel a crazy sunshine infusion in my energy level and outlook- on a clear day you can see forever.  And oh how pretty Bergen is when it's sunny!  I was fortunate to be able to attend the International Masters trip to Oslo at the end of last week.  I'll post some pics from that soon but today's some shots of every day life.  Otherwise it looks like I just travel.  Which I don't.  But, again, I acknowledge how blessed I am to able to hop around the globe, or, at least western Europe for the time being.  And, I reiterate, January was hard being so dark.  Below, behold me and my blue 'artificial sunlight'....

Somehow I ended up with two 8:00 am classes this semester.  What?!  Do they even schedule them that early in grad school?  Yes, they do.  Add insult to injury- it's already hard to get out of bed.. why not just make it as hard as possible with 8:00 am classes.  Geeeeez.  Anywho, that usually means I'm done in class around 2 pm every day.  And, since it's been clear and sunny, I'm jonesin' to run outside.  I like to run to keep in good physical shape.  But, in Norway I'm also really enjoying running because it's always in beautiful nature- on trails, ups and downs, clean air, and little waterfalls cascading down the mountain.  It's so peaceful and a great way to recharge.  Note how I don't say anywhere here it's warm :)  It's still around 0 celsius if not slightly below (geology lesson- clear skies means no cloud cover to hold in heat therefore it's colder).  So, I've collected the appropriate sporty gear to keep me warm.  Check it out

Running in San Diego- shirt or tank top, capri pants, thin cotton socks, shoes, hair in a pony tail and ipod.  Maybe a hat if it's sunny.  

Running in Norway- shirt, long sleeve shirt, neck gator, jacket, spandex pants, regular socks, shoes, beanie or wrap to cover ears like above, gloves, hair in pony tail and ipod.

Norwegians are a very active people.  I've mentioned before how they like to 'train' or run, hike, ski, or some other outdoor activity involving the mountains.  Being at the business/econ school we get lots of company visits and they cleverly cater the swag give away to the audience.  I've never used swag as much as I do here.  Note the 'band cap' in the above pictures.  Free.  And I think of Statkraft every time I run.  I have now collected 3 of these things....

1. In the package 2. It's like a long tube 3. You layer it up

The back even tells you all the ways you can 'band' the cap

There are many ways to make a cap but the way I'm wearing it is the 'cool' way... obviously :)  I'm so 'in the know'.   And, since we are on running swag, there's one more good running give away.  Since the days are short in the winter, it's important to have something reflective on in the dark.  So, companies make 'slap bracelets' that are reflective and also have their company logo.  I'm currently advertising for Statkraft or DNV on any given day.  

Ok, time to get back to internship applications.  I'm currently working on securing a good summer opportunity where I'll continue to grow and apply what I'm learning.  It would also be fabulous if it paid since I need to pay for one more year of studies!  Please send positive thoughts into the ether for me.  The wild thing is not knowing where I'll be this summer.  I could be anywhere from Bergen, Stavanger or Oslo, Norway to DC, Houston (oil companies) or somewhere in California.  It is very exciting- it would just be nice to be able to make some plans.  Oh well, practicing patience and enjoying the freedom of dreaming.

in gratitude for sunshine, family and friends,

lisa liv 

And I'm back.

I'm starting to feel like me again.  January was an ok month but a hard month.  I like to chalk January up to a test of mental and physical endurance.  I imagine long dark winters seem more normal year after year but wow.  Hello.  I've lived in SoCal my whole life.  January was a whole new ball game.  Days are short but the hardest part was the overcast.  It never really felt like daytime.  Light hours were a perpetual 3pm.  I won't go on and on, you get the idea.  And, when one did want to go outside to enjoy some daytime, each step felt like it could be the one to bring you too your bum with all the ice on the ground.  I've never been so happy to have a gym membership.  Running on the hamster treadmill kept me sane.


In any event, I made it.  And how quickly the days grow long!  Now the day rises at 8:24am and sets at 5:22pm.  Just a month ago the sun was setting at 3:30pm.  Crazy how that whole earth rotation in relation to the sun thing works.


So, if I'm weathering (ha, unintended I promise) the winter.... I have to take some time (and capital... econ talk, I'm a nerd) to enjoy the great parts about winter-time... skiing!  A couple of friends from my program and I headed to Voss last Sunday for a day on the mountain.  My companions in adventure below are Gunnar from Sweden and Øyven from Norway. Feeling sentimental, I went for skiing on my first ever mountain time in Norway. It's my roots. Not only family wise but it's what I learned first as a tyke. And it was wonderful- I can't remember the last time I was in so much powder. And soft powder! I mean... not that I fell.... ok, maybe I did :) Hey, I had to get my skiing knees back, right!

'welcome to the mountains'

fresh snow!

Other than that, classes are underway and keeping my busy. I did head out to a 'jam session' at Vamosse last Monday night and play a few songs which felt great. One of my goals is to do a few more music things here in Bergen this semester (which shouldn't be hard considering I really didn't play out at all last semester. tear). But, they don't really have 'open mics' like they do in the US. Don't get me wrong, there's lots of music here. In fact, people seem to be very supportive of live music. But, I have to figure out how to get my foot in the door. Always the way in a new market I suppose? The nice thing about open mics is it's a good place to meet people and network with other artists (in addition to trying out new songs, getting nerves out on new songs, etc). Hmmmm, new strategies in the works.


That's me in a nut shell. Life is good. I continue to feel very fortunate to have these life opportunities. I hope this post finds you well and check back soon. I'm sure to have some more stories and visuals.


hugs to keep you (and me) warm,
lisa liv