just call me 'au currant'

Today I received an email update about President Obama's plans/thoughts on Jobs & Gas Prices with a super neat-o graphic breaking down some 'Quick Facts' about the Obama Energy Agenda & Gas Prices.  Obama administration, have you been following my blog?  I jest, but I feel like I've been writing about some of these same things so I'm quite proud that I'm trending 'current'.

Take a look at my post 'a, b, c's' to see why it is so important we take a look at our energy consumption (specifically oil in the post).  And, it's really exciting to see our government so dedicated to pursuing this important issue.

As you might imagine, studying energy and natural resources abroad brings a good perspective.  Yes, the US is the butt of many jokes (in the kindest of ways).  And, rightfully so.  We make up 5% of the world population and yet consume 20% of the energy (source).

There's so much more to say but the night grows late and I must get some rest for another full day of studying.  So, I leave you with the graphic below and check out the full thing here

The increasing gas prices has the administration outlining solutions.  Of course, solutions take some time.  First, they talk about increasing domestic oil production. That can help in the short run if we have the appropriate infrastructure (and commitment from oil companies- oil extraction is a whole other study, and, as you can imagine has to do with prices, interest rates and making the most money.  Let's just say it's not a simple as saying 'let's extract more!').  Also, this is not a long term solution being a finite resource.

The administration's next solution is better gas milage for cars- always a good thing. We've got smart engineers, they can make it happen (also, reference my last few posts about the Skoda).  And, they propose improving transportation and investing in cleaning public transport- cool but this will take some time as the technology is coming along but still needs some refining (ha, refining... like oil.. I'm so funny).

Last, but not least, is the 'clean energy future' seen below.  80% of electricity produced from clean sources by 2035?!  I like it!  As they note at the bottom in the fine writing- it sets out an ambitious target.  Truth.  But, by no means impossible.

We are looking at this exact concept in one of my classes right now.  Technically energy is in continuum.  Total energy is constant.  It simply transforms between different forms.  I won't get into the numbers details but if you think about the energy coming at us from the sun and the wind whipping around us- there is plenty of energy to fuel our every day activities.  The real issue is capturing, converting to usable energy and storage.

And with this, I bid you a good night,
lisa liv

P.S. Obama administration, if you would like to hire me for the summer- that would be super.

Dads and cars

My Dad knows a lot about cars.  He loves tinkering and he's mighty good at it.  One of his high school gigs was working at Bethurm's Auto Repair in Corona, CA.  He's always my first call when my car makes a funny noise, or, worse, stops running.  (well, I must admit, I don't have a car anymore since I don't need one in Norway.  And, I'm quite enjoying using public transport.  Old people speak to me in Norwegian all the time.  It's really cute.  I digress)  I remember as a girl I had seen a commercial for an 'Aspire' car and mentioned it to my Dad.  Dad didn't believe said model existed until we saw one not too long after in a parking lot.  I felt victorious.  I knew something about cars Dad didn't.  Ha!

Since then, I concede to his auto prowess and I'm very thankful for his skills.  He's the man.

But, I recently had another little 'Aspire' moment with my a, b, c's blog from a few posts back.  Dad found it hard to believe the Skoda Greenline could get 60+ miles to the gallon.  I pleaded my case noting our Danish friends had said they get 25 kilometers to the liter.  Being a good American living in Europe, I'm doing my best to learn the conversions (we couldn't all possibly work with the same measurement system could we?  oh and cooking has been a real treat too having to get used to milliliters and grams).  So it's approximately 4 liters to a gallon and approximately .62 miles to 1 kilometer.  Here we go with a little math....

25 kilometers/liter x 4 liters/gallon = 100 km/gallon
100km/gallon x .62miles/km = 62 miles to the gallon

And, of course, I double checked myself with a quick internet search on the Skoda before I posted.  I want to make sure this blog is accurate!

In true Dad fashion, he did some of his own research with a few added bonus nuggets about gas vs. diesel I wanted to share.  I believe he broke things down to nice and simple and I hope this is useful to you:

"Good morning Lisa,  

Dad did a little R&D on the Skoda Greenline and it does have some impressive numbers.  First, it is a Diesel and diesel fuel does have more energy content per gallon than does gasoline.  By this alone, it will get better mileage and that is why big trucks here in the US are Diesel.  Europeans drive many more diesel cars than we do here in the US.  Why?  Better fuel economy plus diesel is cheaper than gasoline – in Europe. 

Not so in the US.  Diesel here is more than gas so the attraction of diesel powered cars is less than Europe.  Why is gas cheaper here than in Europe?  Multiple reasons but primarily for two reasons: 

US refineries were designed and built to convert more of the crude oil into gas since this is what American drivers want (diesels in the old days were noisy and smelly and ones garage smelled terrible)

Diesels were heavy and had low performance (acceleration)

Diesels are more expensive to make

These differences have changed today: diesels are quiet now, they don’t emit “smoke” like they used to, and the car does not smell like a truck.  Plus, in Europe they’re “acceptable”.  Anyway, the Skoda (which is owned by VW) is impressive.  The Larsen's car probably has the 1.2 liter 3 cylinder turbo diesel.  With good aerodynamics and a few other tweaks, it’s mileage of 60 mpg+ is the real deal.

Can Americans learn to love such vehicles?

Love The Girl,

Dad, PhD (you can see I just love this stuff)"

Yes, I can see you love this stuff and I love that about you, Dad. And, here's the old car nut professor back in the day. Isn't he cute?!

I suppose this means I should post about my Mom on Father's Day? Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Now I am off for my last very serious week of studying for finals. It's been an intense few weeks but I continue to learn and find everything very interesting. There's sooooo much to learn!

hugs from the land of the midnight sun,

lisa liv

the social network

I'm relatively new to twitter and sometimes feel it's a bit decadent (does every intimate detail of someone's life really need to be broadcast?).  But, it is a fun way to keep up with people while being abroad as well as let people in to funny random things that happen on a daily basis in Norway.  And, a feature I do like is being able to subscribe to what is essentially a news feed from some different sources like Paste Magazine (Music), The Economist, NPR News and the EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration).  Not to long after writing my post a, b, c's, these updates filled my twitter feed.....

Ouch.  Almost $1 up in both gas and diesel from a year ago. People have to be feeling this on their budgets.  Gas is a relatively inelastic good in the short run (I know, I'm getting all economics-y on ya) meaning peoples behavior doesn't change much.  The bigger question will be the effect higher prices have on the long run.  Do we start getting serious about smaller cars?  Or investing better in usable public transportation?    The probability this stimulates important R&D in alternatives is good.  And, the future will remain to be scene.  But, I have an idea.  Instead of moaning about how high gas prices are (which, might I remind us, the rest of the world laughs at because we have some of the lowest gas prices), let's use that good old American ingenuity and figure out some new and better solutions.  We've always been pioneers, why not keep exploring new territory?

And, what the hey... click here if you want to follow me on twitter ;)

socially yours and studying for finals,
lisa liv

Easter 2011

More to come but I had to post a few pictures from the past weekend.  I just got home and must get to school work but these are a few photos from a very special weekend in Hallingskeid, Norway.  Truly an unforgettable Easter 2011.  11 friends from NHH (representing countries- USA, Germany, Italy, Norway, Austria and Peru) went to a true Norwegian cabin (we are talking no running water, etc) and spent time cross country skiing during the day and cooking, laughing, playing charades and drinking some wine/beer together at night.

8 of the 11... 3 left yesterday

Our playground

Me and Bea- so warm we could short-sleeve it!

A perfectly refreshing weekend and now back to the books.

Dreaming of Hallingskeid,

lisa liv 

a, b, c's

Hello Hello!  So, i've decided.  It is time.  While it's fun to post about my trips and goings on, part of my intention for this blog is to share what I'm learning in my program.  There's so many exciting things going on and energy is of the utmost importance- starting now.  I'm really pleased with what I'm studying and feel it's important to help spread information.

I'm stating with some information presented by the head of micro-economic analysis of petroleum for Nordea Bank who presented on campus last week.  This is something we've been covering in class but it really hit me in her presentation.  Below is information from the EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration) on the top 15 oil exporting nations from 2009 (generally the same today):

Don't worry about the barrels so much.  Take a good look down the list of countries.  I'd venture to say Norway and Canada are the only two really 'stable' countries on that list.  2 out of 15, hmmmmm.

And, guess who the biggest oil importer is?  You got it, the good old U.S of A.  I'm sure I will preach the need to reduce our use of fossil fuels somewhere along the way.  But, today, this post is to simply make the point, we are relying on unstable sources for the lifeblood of our daily functioning.  Does this concern anyone else?!  You might have heard the term 'energy security' being thrown around.  This is exactly what it means- having stable sources supplying our energy needs.

So, what do we do?  Do we drill more of our own domestic petroleum supply?  Well, let's be honest, it's all finite (ok, maybe not in our generation, but, come on, we are smart people, we can do this!).  Do we keep ourselves reliant on oil?  I believe it's time to start getting more aggressive about other options and I hope this blog will now start building a good case for why and how.

As for oil, EIA predicts gas prices will remain high through the summer months, around $3.71 a gallon (click here for article).  I know y'all don't like the sound of that (or maybe you do because you know high gas prices are the one thing to make people really start looking at the severity of the issue).  But, as some perspective, gas in Norway is typically over $9 a gallon.  Perhaps that would change car purchase decisions and driving decisions?  Just saying.

Mom and I were just visiting friends in Copenhagen and our friends just got a new Skoda 'GreenLine' car.  The car averages 68.9 miles per gallon... holy wow!  Ok, ok, it lacks a little pickup some people might want, but still- impressive!

this is not their Skoda but gives you the idea

I leave you with one last thing for today- the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.  This competition challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost effective, energy efficient and attractive.  I love this!  Brilliant for the government to involve young smart minds in this way.  Here's an entertaining little piece about Ohio States team getting ready.  They came in 10th last year and are looking to win.  Oh the drama!

Off to do some reading about hydro as a good energy storage device especially when integrating more wind power into the electricity grid system.

energetically yours,
lisa liv

Geilo!

that's pronounced yie- low.... yie like pie but with a 'y'.

Geilo is about half way between Bergen and Oslo and I was fortunate to get to go this past weekend with a few 'American Girls' I've met here in Bergen.  A classmate from Wisconsin introduced me to Nancy from Maine/New York and we became fast friends.  She then invited Crystal from Seattle to join in the American night dinners and we've had a grand time together since the fall.  Crystal met a Norwegian in Africa and they are now married living here and Nancy was here studying at NHH when she met Erik, from Bergen.  You got it, Nancy and Erik are getting hitched this summer.  And, Erik and his family are very generous and allowed for the North American invasion of their Geilo cabin this last weekend.  Yea!  Aniela, a Canadian, joined us from Oslo.

My goal is to get some more pictures posted but here are a few from my phone over the weekend.  We stuck to cross-country skiing which I'm really enjoying.  My 2nd and 3rd time (Sat and Sun) but it feels really natural.  I love flying across the snow and it's wonderful to spend time amongst the beauty of nature.

We did a good 10k around the lake on Sat and rewarded ourselves with a Hansa beer at Dr. Holmes, the trendy 'after ski' hotel and bar.  Anyone who's anyone goes there.  Duh.  We are so in the know.

And, next weekend I get to see my beautiful mummy!!  Yipeeeee!  We are rendezvousing in Copenhagen, Denmark where we will visit with some great old family friends, the Larsons.  Then we will come to Bergen so she can see life here.  As you can see, we clearly don't have any fun together (this is sarcasm, Norwegians don't get sarcasm very well and, if you know me, I'm slightly sarcastic... I've really had to work on this!)

Ok, now I must get back to the books.  Must wrap up a lot of school work before I leave!  Classes have just about ended lecture wise and my finals start coming down the pipe starting the week after Easter.  I can't believe I'm done with this semester on May 16th.  And, at that point, I'm half way done with my program- what?!  Woah.

Nerd-ily Yours,
lisa liv

lisa o live in Bergen

my Bergen debut this Friday (Fredag)

2 whole hours.  Yikes and fun!  Also, a lot of friends from school and Bergen adventures are coming- very special for me!  

Did I mention I tried cross-country skiing last week?!  It's aweeesome!  I totally dig it.  Too bad the season's almost over but I'm hoping to get a few more outings in before the semester is over.  The positive is I was able to purchase the whole set (skis, binding, boots and poles) for almost half the normal retail price because it's the end of the season.  A good investment for next year, and, hopefully, some good friends I can keep with me as reminders of my time in Bergen (wherever in the world I end up).

Alright, off to run through a presentation for 'Design and Deregulation of Electricity Markets' tomorrow- a summery of a paper on large scale wind integration analyzing some optimization and simulation models.

hugs,
lisa liv

tra la la

A new little something I worked on last night...

You Will Stay by LisaLiv

happy international awesomeness day!

My friend Jon Martin and I walked into class with some fabulously positive shirts on today. Documentation could not be passed up.  Should you ever need some positive affirmations, you know were to come:

Li also really wanted to be in the photo :)  Also, of fun note- the pearls are from my Mom and the pendant is from Grammie Olson.  The t-shirt is celebrating Kevin Carlberg, my dear friend Genna's cousin who passed away from cancer, and, the cardigan is very similar to my wonderful friend Camille's.  I love that so many of the things I brought with me to Norway have special memories and meanings. 

And so, I tip my hat to you, awesome friends and family.  Let's celebrate our awesomeness by continuing to do awesome things.  It's through awesome acts, in addition to nice normal goodness, that we will continue to make positive contributions to the world.

Awesomely Yours,

lisa liv  

tgif

Happy Friday to you from a rainy Bergen.  The great thing about Fridays is it's grøt day on campus. Grøt is a traditional Norwegian porridge and it's yummy There are a few different types and Rommegrøt (cream) and Risengrøt (rice... like rice pudding) are served on campus. I've learned it is typical for families to eat grøt on Saturday and eat it with savory complements like meat. I ate it for breakfast once and my Norwegian hallmate laughed at me (in the nicest of ways). Note to self- though it looks like cream-of-wheat, it's not a breakfast item.


I've been feeling particularly good this week. I believe it's because everything seems to moving in a positive direction. Hopefully the trend continues :) I'm trying to be proactive and keep on top of things since April is going to be busy and will be here in no time.  


I was reading through a paper on Transaction Cost Economics (ah, just when I was close to shaking the nerd label by my last post about beer, I shot it all to pieces) and found this inspiring concept I've been trying to keep in mind from Oliver E Williamson (if I recall correctly, a Bruin- ugh): 

the Carnegie Triple- be disciplined, be interdisciplinary and have an active mind.  

Also, a reflection on feeling particularly special this semester since getting some really nice things in the mail. *Gasp* hand written correspondence?! My parents have sent a few things which is always a lovely surprise and very appreciated. And, three friends have sent cards and one included chocolate and another included a CD- holy wow! A shout out of gratitude to Tina, Erik and Wayne. I know it takes time to get to the post office and takes a little extra dough to send things to Norge.

This is not me fishing for more mail, promise :) This is as much a personal reminder as a call. Let someone know you're thinking about them sometime. It's a detour from our regular routine and takes a little extra effort but makes such an impact.

Ha en god helg!

lisa liv

everyday life

Well hello there.  Nothing too new and exciting here but I thought I would share a few more things about my 'normal' times here in Norway.

As I've mentioned before, it's overall more expensive here (but, reminder- there's no tuition for school).  The conversion is generally 6 NOK (Norwegian Kroner) to the US dollar.  1 cup of coffee on campus is 10 NOK... almost $2.  Ok.  A latte at Narvissen (like a 7-eleven) is 20 NOK.... $3.50.  Hmmm.

I've always fancied myself a good shopper and I've found the good buys here.  A can of tuna is still $1 at 6 NOK.  But, I don't get fresh chicken or beef anymore.  Though, frozen chicken breasts work out just fine.  And, we get lots of fish options here!  Yum!

1 Liter of milk (approx. 1/4 a gallon) is 14 NOK or $2 and change.... have you ever seen milk for $8 a gallon?!  6 eggs are 22 NOK... yes, almost $4.  And, my very favorite-

Beer!  This beer cost me 27 NOK.  (1 NOK I get back if I bring it back to recycle).  Let's see, that's about..... $4.50 for this beer?!  As you can see, its larger than our normal American standard can.  But still.  And, it's not even a good micro-brew for that price :(  (no offense Rachel, I know you like Heineken!)  So, if you see me drinking a lot next time I'm home, now you know why ;)  Kidding.  And, let's not even talk about wine.  Well, ok, let's.  You can't buy it in the grocery store (nor can you buy hard alcohol).  And, the very cheapest bottle at the Vinminolopet is 90 NOK.  I'll let you do the math on that one.

A few more funny things.  Our bananas come from Costa Rica too.  Surprisingly enough- not that much more expensive.  Probably around $2 a bunch.

Whew, I'm glad to know this orange is 100% orange.  (appelsin= orange.  confusing. yes)

That's all for now friends.  I should have some things up from the Oslo trip towards the end of the week. It's the world skiing championships in Oslo right now and the country is all a-dither (too bad our trip just missed it).  I'm getting into the spirit too- go Norway!  (and America!  Lindsay Vonn took gold in the Super G.. yipeee!)

Cheers with my expensive beer,
lisa liv

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

Hello from Holland!  Some good friends from the music community in San Diego are here in the Netherlands touring for 3 weeks and I had to take the opportunity to visit.  A place to stay, a country I've never visited, some music and good friends- sounds great to me!  And it's been fantastic.  The Dutch people are warm and welcoming.  And, it's fun to connect with old friends outside of our normal environment.  Gregory, Josh and Sky had shows Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon.  Each has been special in it's own respect but yesterday was particularly so being in the chapel of a monastery.  I didn't know quite what to expect for the weekend and I've had a total treat seeing little towns,  flat landscapes, abundant waterways, bleak vistas, narrow roads, old music halls and tulips.  I love tulips.

Today was a day off and we've been hanging around Schrool (sp?) and we took a bike ride into 'town'  Gregory and I biked while Josh jogged.  Here's some photos of our afternoon adventure.  Tonight the kind couple who own the house and live next door, Anna and Paris, are making us dinner.  Yum!

downtown Schrool

a little video from my phone camera......

Check out Gregory Page's music at www.gregorypage.com

Tomorrow we will spend some time in Amsterdam and then I fly back to Bergen, Norway tomorrow evening.

Hugs from Holland,
lisa

The days grow longer. 

We actually had light until after 5pm today- amazing.  The last few days have been clear skies and sunshine.  A real pleasure.  I will never take the sun for granted again.  Well, I’m sure I will, but, at least I will be slightly more conscientious and thankful moving forward.

After two weeks of gloom and darkness, my friends Bea, Kevin and I decided we were hiking- with the weathers blessing or not.  We couldn’t handle being cooped up any longer.  We decided to hike up Floyen, a popular Bergen mountain and well-maintained path/trail.  It was sprinkling but we all have good gear so we were good to go.  Until (Dad, stop reading here and go to the next paragraph), upon reaching higher altitudes, the trail became completely ice covered.  There is railing so we decided to keep on going up.  We’ve all hiked this trail many times before and knew what to expect.  Still, a dicey decision but… come on, we are young and invincible right?  While we did have some good laughs slip-sliding around, we thankfully didn’t have any falls on the ice (or worse yet, off trail).  I’m so glad I have my Keen hiking boots!

School is picking up.  And, just before class work gets all consuming, I’m heading off to Amsterdam for a long weekend.  My good singer/songwriter music friend Gregory Page has some recent successes with music released in the Netherlands.  So, he and his band are touring for 3 weeks.  I’ve never been to Amsterdam and figured a fun reason to get there.  Sights to see by day and music to enjoy by night- magnifique.

Singing with Gregory Page at Lestats in San Diego on Jan 5, 2011

Momentary Thoughts:

My hallmate Paul has never had a piece of pie, a whole pie, anything pie related.  It’s true they don’t have pies here but I was flabbergasted.  So,  will bake a pie for him at some point this semester.

Two new hallmates- an Italian guy and a Spanish guy.  They are fun and love to cook- did I mention they made me salmon dinner one night in return for some live music?!  Heaven.

There was a Dad grocery shopping with his two teen sons today and it was really sweet- after sports practice or something.  A nice demonstration of the egalitarian society.  Men teaching guys how to grocery shop, what a concept.  

My Mantra- from my hallmate Paul

Off to pack my bags,

lisa 

And I’m back!

After a wonderful month at home with family and friends I’m back in Bergen for my 2^nd semester of studies.  It’s not hard to think about where to begin with my most recent observations- the darkness.  Fortunately the days are getting longer.  Currently the sun rises at 9:15am and sets at 4:26pm.  Not horrible but it’s been so overcast I’ve hardly seen the sun since I returned.  We’ve had snow which turned to ice.  I’m practically ice skating to school.  I’m trying to take it in stride and chalk this one up to ‘good life experience’.  But man it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning and some days my energy is zapped.  Thank you Erik and Stefi for the ‘artificial sunlight’ for Christmas to fake my body into believing I’m getting more sun exposure then I am.  Ahhh technology.

From San Diego Jan 6, 2011

to Bergen Jan 9, 2011

Many wonderful days in San Diego over the holidays which made leaving a little harder this time around.  I’m thrilled and thankful to pursue life opportunities and adventures, but, it was a real pleasure to be home in SD.  Thanks to Mom and Dad for taking care of me and making it a true ‘vacation’.  Thanks to Erik and Stefi for the best Christmas present…. Baby Dane, not the artificial sunlight (though it’s good too).  Thanks to my wonderful friends for fun times down south and up north SD.  And, thanks to the super SD music community for continued support and creative opportunities. 

A few great memories-

Lestat's Show Jan 5th with James Albers on bass

Beach walk at LJ Shores with Mom

Irish New Years with Camille and Genna

Proud Papa and Grandma with babyDane

Erik, Stefi and baby Dane Dec 21, 2010

   

I’ve now wrapped up week two of classes and I’m sticking with these classes for the time being (allowing myself to drop one if it all is a little too much):

Alternative Energies in Physical and Economic Perspectives

Land Use and Natural Resources

Design and Operation of Deregulated Electricity Markets

International Economics

Distribution Channels and Business to Business Marketing

Norwegian 2

So far, interesting stuff!

That's all for now.  I *promise* to post more frequently this semester.  

Hope the year is off to a great start for you all.

hugs,

lisa

PS. On a philosophical note- Arriving back was a bit more of a shock to the system than arriving in August.  I didn’t have the survival things to consume my focus- where am I, grocery store, getting around, etc.  I realize how different my life is here.  My life now appears to me more Jeckle & Hyde.  Neither is better or worse, both are wonderful and full.  Just different.  Sunny and pleasant to cold and dark, car mobility to walking and bus mobility, busy social calendar to more free time, flip flops to close toed shoes, big city to small city, over committed to not, sugary foods to fish.  Life's reflections.

Re-entry.  I'm on my way!  I head back to Bergen, Norway this Friday morning (via DC and Copenhagen) I've had just shy of a month in San Diego at home with family and friends and it's been a real treat.  A whirl-wind of holiday parties, catching up with old and new friends, playing some music and, most importantly, welcoming my new nephew Dane Thomas Olson into the world.....

... one of the hardest things to leave.

I'll get back on the posting wagon once I'm back in Norway.  Stories from the dark, cold winter!  Did I mention my brother and sister-in-law got me 'artificial sunlight' for Christmas?  For realz.

hugs,

lisa  

Sunrise, sunset.

We are in full swing of ever shortening days in the far north- sunrise around 9:30am and sunset around 3:30pm-.  But, I’m also talking about the beginning and end of this adventure to Bergen, Norway.  I’m posting from Copenhagen on my first leg home to San Diego for the holidays.  What a semester!  I’ve been inexcusably quite on this blog the past month because I was all consumed with finals which wrapped up well.  My last final was Petroleum Economics on November 25^th (how appropriate, Thanksgiving).  After that I launched into a small Herculean effort working together with a small team of American and wonderful German, Italian, French, Finish, Norwegian and Austrian friends to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for about 70 people on the 27^th.  I’ll be honest, I’ve helped with Thanksgiving but never run the show.  With the good help of Mike, another American, and friend Nancy’s turkey thermometer, we successfully baked 7 turkeys.  We also made mashed potatoes, carrots, stuffing (from scratch, no Stoffers over here), gravy, peas and an apple compote for dessert.  This is a picture of me and Thilbaud ('on Erasmus' or on exchange from France) carving up some turkeys for dinner.  I love everyone’s willingness to help.  Thilbaud was so excited about carving a turkey and ended up carving 3 of the 7.  He got all of the possible meat off that bird and had a blast doing it.  The spirit of Thanksgiving was so present in this wonderful international community.

Back to the here and now.  The last few days have been surreal.  I couldn’t help but remember my first encounter with everything around me which is now so familiar.  Grocery shopping for the first time, wandering around Bryggen, listening to the Norwegian language, etc.  It was all so foreign, literally.  I was learning how to do regular daily tasks again.  Observing, learning, trying not to stick out, taking my time to soak things in, trying to be respectful, \and slowing down.  Admittedly, I’ve sped back up a bit, you know me J

As you’ve seen from my pictures and earlier blog posts, I’m loving all of the outdoor activity of Norway and Bergen.  I find myself fitting in very well to that lifestyle.  I’ve even invested in running pants, a good jacket and a neck gator (is that what it’s called?!) so I can continue to run outside.  It’s cold but I much prefer running in nature.  Though, as is typical the world round, there are attractive guys at the gym….  Needless to say, I will never complain about it being ‘cold’ in SoCal again (ahhhh as I was shelping my rolling suitcase over fresh snow this morning to the airport bus… thank goodness for rolling suitcases).  I also find the Norwegian people to be warm , caring and inviting people.  It takes a smile and hello on my end, but, once you get them talking, they don’t stop.  It’s endearing. 

The most wonderful aspect of the whole experience is the new friends.  I feel so fortunate that the energies of the universe brought together the specific people for school and living together that it did.  It’s truly a wonderful and diverse family.  I’m thankful for cooking dinners together, spending countless hours in the computer lab together, playing cards, speaking different languages (brushing up on my Spanish and French), tearing up the dance floor together, exploring, laughing, and learning. 

I’m also thankful for learning, but that’s a whole other blog post.  I feel like I just scratched the surface this semester.  I’ve been introduced to some of the major debates within Climates Change and the many many sectors.  Abate now vs. waiting for the future (let’s talk about the appropriate discount rate!), costs and benefits, petroleum and natural gas, renewable technologies, political interests, and on and on.  Again, another blog entry once I’m home and had some time to digest it all.   Soooo much more to learn and I’m looking forward to it.

I check the clock every 5 minutes to make sure I’m not late for my next flight.  I will not miss that plane.  I’m thrilled to be heading home for almost a month.  Family friends, Christmas, a new nephew, music, and the great Pacific.  I’ve never had the opportunity to say this because I’ve always lived in SoCal- I’ll be hone for Christmas!  Yipeeeee!  You can count on me.

While I’m a slightly starving student and there are times of wondering what I’m doing half way around the world from everything I know, I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity.  Thanks to everyone who supports me.  

Next stop, the windy city.  Then on to San Diego.  

Hope all is well with you.

God Jule!

lisa

Rainbows galore!  

I guess that's what you get when you are in a place that rains a lot.  But goodness there are a lot of rainbows here.  Good fortune?  I hope so!  Perhaps I should take a study break and go searching for the pot o' gold? Or, figuratively I've already found one :)  But, if rainbows produce gold, there's lots of it around these parts.  Perhaps that's why Norway just topped the UN quality of life report.

Sorry for the delay but finally some pictures from the couple of exciting weekend trips in the month of October.  As I mentioned in my last post, I was able to go to Trondheim as a student ambassador for NHH and got to see the area where my Norwegian relatives lived before they left Norway in 1866.  They were country folk and this is the city so I don't know if they were ever in Trondheim but it's fun to think about.  What if they were in this church too?!  Here is the Nidaros Cathedral.  Story is it was build on Saint Olaf's grave.  It is beautiful with stained glass windows and a fabulous old organ.  I lit a candle in the church for the family.

1857- when my family was in the area!

I was also able to go on the NHHS Surf Club trip to Stadt, a little place called Hoddevik-

It was a great weekend away and, yes, there is surf in Norway.  And growing stoke.  This was honestly one of the coolest places I've surfed.  Haha, yes, it was cold.  That's not what I'm getting at.  Immagine sitting in that water looking back at this-

We went out for a couple of sessions on Saturday and it was fun.  Sadly, my arms are not as strong as they should be and with all the layers, I had noodle arms.  But, with a 5mm, a hood, booties and gloves I really was not cold.  I did get out to the break and had a some fun rides.  That's really all I needed.  I was just so content taking in the splendor.  

Hoddevik has two farm houses that are converted into surfer hostels.  It's awesome!  The house we stayed in is 50 meters from the ocean and rents you all the gear you need.  So, you suit up at the house and walk on over to the beach.  I will say, the snow was a bit of a fluke.  Even Norwegians were commenting on how early the snow came.  And, of course it's gone now.  But it will return!  We arrived on Friday night by ferry.  Driving to the beach house was insane because of all the new snow and a full moon.  Surreal.  These are some of the international masters guys from NHH, a great group.  And you can see the beach off to the left

the view from our bedroom window

Now I must ready myself for a day full of studying.  Believe it or not most of my lectures have ended and I am done with finals and heading home to San Diego in just under 5 weeks.   The semester has flown by and I'm really enjoying my time in Norway.  

Hugs and Happy Friday,

lisa liv

PS. this is the refrigerator at Hoddevik.... priceless :)