I'm counting down to Øyafestivalen, the Nine Inch Nails and Tool-concerts - and of course - tattoo time! One shortened day of work, 6,5 hours to be exact, to get through, and I'm leaving for Moelv.
I've entered a superduperorganization-mode, packing and planning my butt off. This is the one thing I've planned for this summer, and a thing I'm really looking forward to, so I want this to be good. Besides, we're sleeping in a tent for two days, so we need a bit more preparation than the usual trip. Maybe I've packed a wee bit more than I need.. Just a little bit.
In other news; today I've been to a doctor for naprapathy! What's that you say? Well, in short they look for the underlying causes of pain - the cause of a headache isn't always in the head itself. When the problems are uncovered they are treated through adjusting stiff and locked joints, "trigger point treatment", acupuncture and counselling on how to prevent and live with pain. The guy I went to was a particularly nice and funny Swede from Dalarna. Every Dalarna-swede I know (that's about.. uhm... two?) are just that - very nice and likeable people. To me, at least. And what did he do with me? Well, he cracked open stuff in my back I had no idea even existed. It's quite the adrenaline-rush when you feel every vertebrae in your back from the neck to your butt just pops up. It's like free falling. Woohoo! I'm going there again tomorrow. Nice, funny and slightly cute swedes who fixes my back and gives me adrenaline rushes? What's not to like?
I'll be back sometime during the weekend, and will probably rant and illustrate both the festival, the tattoo project and the swedish doctor of naprapathy.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
A hallelujah moment
Tool - Forty-six & 2
"My shadow's
Shedding skin and
I've been picking
Scabs again
I'm down
Digging through
My old muscles
Looking for a clue
I've been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could've been
I've been wallowing in my own confused
And insecure delusions
For a piece to cross me over
Or a word to guide me in
I wanna feel the changes coming down
I wanna know what I've been hiding in
My shadow
Change is coming through my shadow
My shadow's shedding skin
I've been picking
My scabs again
I've been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could've been
I've been wallowing in my own chaotic
And insecure delusions
I wanna feel the change consume me,
Feel the outside turning in
I wanna feel the metamorphosis and
Cleansing I've endured within
My shadow
Change is coming
Now is my time
Listen to my muscle memory
Contemplate what I've been clinging to
Forty six and two ahead of me
I choose to live and to
Grow, take and give and to
Move, learn and love and to
Cry, kill and die and to
Be paranoid and to
Lie, hate and fear and to
Do what it takes to move through
I choose to live and to
Lie, kill and give and to
Die, learn and love and to
Do what it takes to step through
See my shadow changing,
Stretching up and over me
Soften this old armor
Hoping I can clear the way
By stepping through my shadow,
Coming out the other side
Step into the shadow
Forty six and two are just ahead of me"
Yes, for all you know-it-alls out there, I've read what this song is about. About Melchizedek, about humans evolving into having 46+2 chromosomes giving us a higher consciousness, about Jungian philosophy his "shadow". All good and well, all interesting, and all typical of Tool just wanting to fuck with your mind (remembering that most of these songs probably are created in a chemically induced high in one form or another). But I choose to interpret this on a more personal and probably more egoistic level. That's the beauty about lyrics - I can decide what I want them to mean - to me:
"My shadow"; has to be that which I for many years have lived with and fought - the depressions, anxiety. It's a part of me, a monkey on my back, the shadow-side of me, wether I want to or not. "I''ve been picking scabs again" signifies my self destructive mentality - I am good at poking at my bad side, think dark and depressive thoughts, dig my self downward into a depression again. Like a wound you can't let heal because you're so used to having it there it's become a part of you. "Looking for a clue"; I've many times wondered what the cause are for my recurring depressions, my mood swings and anxiety. What's behind it all? Most of us has experienced fucked up things, most people become sane again. Why not I? What's the reason?
"What could've been"; I always get bitter when I think of that. If I hadn't lost my mom, if I had been mentally well - where could I have been? How would my life be? And I always think it would've been a whole lot better.
"I've been wallowing in my own confused and insecure delusions" - story of my life. Insecure and confused. Someone who's depressed are very good at wallowing. In my case I often end up wallowing - listening to music I know drags me down, doing things I know will make it all worse for myself. In many cases the depression removes your every ability to break the cycle anyways, it snatches away your creativity and motivation to do anything positive for yourself - and all you're left with is your own deluded and crippled thoughts.
"For a piece to cross me over or a word to guide me in" - A thought, a sentence, an idea that would miraculously make me "well". Or at least help me well on the way.
"I wanna feel the changes coming down, I wanna know what I've been hiding in" - I want to change it, get out of the downward spiral, and to know what's the cause of it. And I want an opportunity to see it from another angle, from above all the crap and darkness.
"Listen to my muscle memory, contemplate what I've been clinging to" - I once realized that I lived to be ill - I didn't live WITH an illness. It became second nature. And when the most familiar thing you have is your own melancholy and sadness, you end up clinging to it in the end.
"I choose to live..." the contrast in this whole verse means that when you choose to live, which is the most important choice - you also say yes to both the good and the bad. No one can live a completely happy life. In all likeliness you will end up loving, growing, crying, hurting, lying and most certainly dying - sometime. Take the bad with the good. And I probably will have to live with some degree of melancholy and mood swings for all my life. There's a balance to everything.
"Soften this old armor. Hoping I can clear the way by stepping through my shadow, coming out the other side". Maybe you just have to live through the pain and darkness. Fucked up as it might be, maybe one should let some of ones old walls down, dive right into the heart of it and hopefully come out on the other side a happier person?
I guess my forty-six and 2 would be a life without depression and axiety, self destruction and chaos - and with a sense of harmony. It all comes back to that. Harmony.
PS: This post sounded far less emo in my own head.
"My shadow's
Shedding skin and
I've been picking
Scabs again
I'm down
Digging through
My old muscles
Looking for a clue
I've been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could've been
I've been wallowing in my own confused
And insecure delusions
For a piece to cross me over
Or a word to guide me in
I wanna feel the changes coming down
I wanna know what I've been hiding in
My shadow
Change is coming through my shadow
My shadow's shedding skin
I've been picking
My scabs again
I've been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could've been
I've been wallowing in my own chaotic
And insecure delusions
I wanna feel the change consume me,
Feel the outside turning in
I wanna feel the metamorphosis and
Cleansing I've endured within
My shadow
Change is coming
Now is my time
Listen to my muscle memory
Contemplate what I've been clinging to
Forty six and two ahead of me
I choose to live and to
Grow, take and give and to
Move, learn and love and to
Cry, kill and die and to
Be paranoid and to
Lie, hate and fear and to
Do what it takes to move through
I choose to live and to
Lie, kill and give and to
Die, learn and love and to
Do what it takes to step through
See my shadow changing,
Stretching up and over me
Soften this old armor
Hoping I can clear the way
By stepping through my shadow,
Coming out the other side
Step into the shadow
Forty six and two are just ahead of me"
Yes, for all you know-it-alls out there, I've read what this song is about. About Melchizedek, about humans evolving into having 46+2 chromosomes giving us a higher consciousness, about Jungian philosophy his "shadow". All good and well, all interesting, and all typical of Tool just wanting to fuck with your mind (remembering that most of these songs probably are created in a chemically induced high in one form or another). But I choose to interpret this on a more personal and probably more egoistic level. That's the beauty about lyrics - I can decide what I want them to mean - to me:
"My shadow"; has to be that which I for many years have lived with and fought - the depressions, anxiety. It's a part of me, a monkey on my back, the shadow-side of me, wether I want to or not. "I''ve been picking scabs again" signifies my self destructive mentality - I am good at poking at my bad side, think dark and depressive thoughts, dig my self downward into a depression again. Like a wound you can't let heal because you're so used to having it there it's become a part of you. "Looking for a clue"; I've many times wondered what the cause are for my recurring depressions, my mood swings and anxiety. What's behind it all? Most of us has experienced fucked up things, most people become sane again. Why not I? What's the reason?
"What could've been"; I always get bitter when I think of that. If I hadn't lost my mom, if I had been mentally well - where could I have been? How would my life be? And I always think it would've been a whole lot better.
"I've been wallowing in my own confused and insecure delusions" - story of my life. Insecure and confused. Someone who's depressed are very good at wallowing. In my case I often end up wallowing - listening to music I know drags me down, doing things I know will make it all worse for myself. In many cases the depression removes your every ability to break the cycle anyways, it snatches away your creativity and motivation to do anything positive for yourself - and all you're left with is your own deluded and crippled thoughts.
"For a piece to cross me over or a word to guide me in" - A thought, a sentence, an idea that would miraculously make me "well". Or at least help me well on the way.
"I wanna feel the changes coming down, I wanna know what I've been hiding in" - I want to change it, get out of the downward spiral, and to know what's the cause of it. And I want an opportunity to see it from another angle, from above all the crap and darkness.
"Listen to my muscle memory, contemplate what I've been clinging to" - I once realized that I lived to be ill - I didn't live WITH an illness. It became second nature. And when the most familiar thing you have is your own melancholy and sadness, you end up clinging to it in the end.
"I choose to live..." the contrast in this whole verse means that when you choose to live, which is the most important choice - you also say yes to both the good and the bad. No one can live a completely happy life. In all likeliness you will end up loving, growing, crying, hurting, lying and most certainly dying - sometime. Take the bad with the good. And I probably will have to live with some degree of melancholy and mood swings for all my life. There's a balance to everything.
"Soften this old armor. Hoping I can clear the way by stepping through my shadow, coming out the other side". Maybe you just have to live through the pain and darkness. Fucked up as it might be, maybe one should let some of ones old walls down, dive right into the heart of it and hopefully come out on the other side a happier person?
I guess my forty-six and 2 would be a life without depression and axiety, self destruction and chaos - and with a sense of harmony. It all comes back to that. Harmony.
PS: This post sounded far less emo in my own head.
First of all I'd like to say a bitter farewell to this - the mother of all the crappiest of crappy July's in living memory. Not that I should complain, really, I haven't been any of those who has had their holiday weeks ruined by it. But I'm praying to every God and prophet of every religion in the world, however obscure and unknown, that I'll get two - count them - two, sunny days this August. If the 8th and 9th of August could be clear and sunny (or just don't have rain, really), I'll be a happy camper (literally). That's all I want. Thank you.
In other news; I've been off penicillin for a whole week tomorrow! That's a record! I'm stuffing my face with multivitamins, huge C-vitamin-pills and fruit juices to stay alive tho.
And I'm counting down to Tattoo-Day! And looking forward to it like a kid on Christmas morning. Or something like that. Only a bit concerned about the cost - I really shouldn't be able to afford it. But bah, who cares. It's a life time investment.
In other news; I've been off penicillin for a whole week tomorrow! That's a record! I'm stuffing my face with multivitamins, huge C-vitamin-pills and fruit juices to stay alive tho.
And I'm counting down to Tattoo-Day! And looking forward to it like a kid on Christmas morning. Or something like that. Only a bit concerned about the cost - I really shouldn't be able to afford it. But bah, who cares. It's a life time investment.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Thank you, Harry Potter
Yesterday I just finished the seventh and last Harry Potter book. There's no more. Not even a page. I never thought that day would actually come. It all reminds me of the last Lord of the Rings-film. It's sort of an anticlimax really - "uhm.. what should I obsess and look forward to now?"
I know it sounds silly, being this sad over the end of a book series. But when you've read each book a minimum of 3 times, and have all of them as audio books on your iPod, and have a hard time falling asleep without listening to it, maybe it's not that strange. And when you've been through the stories that many times you can't help getting a relationship with the characters. I'd really like to know the Weasley's, actually, the twins in particular, and there's been many times I'd wish I'd gone to Hogwarts and there actually had been a wizarding world - life seems a bit more interesting and fun on their side. Childish, I know, but I hang on to the childish side of me.
As far as the book goes, I'm not going to reveal anything. Apart from the sad fact that she didn't leave any loose threads that I could hang on to, any reasons for her to write another book on Harry Potter. And it really was as full of twists and turns as I suspected, I spent half the book with my mouth open in disbelief, sometimes gasping or laughing aloud. The only complaint I have is that the "farewell" is rather short. Although, as I said earlier, she didn't leave any loose ends, she made the ending quite short. I guess she went for a "quick and painless" approach, but still... When I've followed these people for a timespan of 7+ years, I couldn't help but feel that they got sort of yanked away from me the minute the story was finished. I wanted to know more, what happened afterwards, how the lives of the "survivors" went on... I just realized that I'm essentially asking for another book here, and I guess that's no use. I owe Harry Potter (and in turn; Rowling) a thanks though. For endless hours of fun, and for showing me a magical world I could escape into.
In other news; I'm on sick leave again. Still fighting bacterial infections and bronchitis, I'm soon going mad. The penicillin is killing my stomach too, and all I want to do is sleep.
And I've found out that I probably won't be going to the Vestfold Vikingfestival 10-12th of august. The friend I was going to visit, whose cabin I was supposed to borrow, is starting school right after that weekend, so she couldn't meet me after all. Bah, I really wanted to go now that I've gotten my Viking clothes. Haven't managed to put it all on and take a pictures yet, the underdress needs to be altered a bit - the arms are way to wide, I can't do anything in them. It turned out rather nice tho, and when I calculate all I've spent on it including the damn VAT (moms at 25%), I'd damn better be pleased with it. Hope I'll get the chance to use it soon!
I know it sounds silly, being this sad over the end of a book series. But when you've read each book a minimum of 3 times, and have all of them as audio books on your iPod, and have a hard time falling asleep without listening to it, maybe it's not that strange. And when you've been through the stories that many times you can't help getting a relationship with the characters. I'd really like to know the Weasley's, actually, the twins in particular, and there's been many times I'd wish I'd gone to Hogwarts and there actually had been a wizarding world - life seems a bit more interesting and fun on their side. Childish, I know, but I hang on to the childish side of me.
As far as the book goes, I'm not going to reveal anything. Apart from the sad fact that she didn't leave any loose threads that I could hang on to, any reasons for her to write another book on Harry Potter. And it really was as full of twists and turns as I suspected, I spent half the book with my mouth open in disbelief, sometimes gasping or laughing aloud. The only complaint I have is that the "farewell" is rather short. Although, as I said earlier, she didn't leave any loose ends, she made the ending quite short. I guess she went for a "quick and painless" approach, but still... When I've followed these people for a timespan of 7+ years, I couldn't help but feel that they got sort of yanked away from me the minute the story was finished. I wanted to know more, what happened afterwards, how the lives of the "survivors" went on... I just realized that I'm essentially asking for another book here, and I guess that's no use. I owe Harry Potter (and in turn; Rowling) a thanks though. For endless hours of fun, and for showing me a magical world I could escape into.
In other news; I'm on sick leave again. Still fighting bacterial infections and bronchitis, I'm soon going mad. The penicillin is killing my stomach too, and all I want to do is sleep.
And I've found out that I probably won't be going to the Vestfold Vikingfestival 10-12th of august. The friend I was going to visit, whose cabin I was supposed to borrow, is starting school right after that weekend, so she couldn't meet me after all. Bah, I really wanted to go now that I've gotten my Viking clothes. Haven't managed to put it all on and take a pictures yet, the underdress needs to be altered a bit - the arms are way to wide, I can't do anything in them. It turned out rather nice tho, and when I calculate all I've spent on it including the damn VAT (moms at 25%), I'd damn better be pleased with it. Hope I'll get the chance to use it soon!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Is there anybody out there..?
... who reads this?
If there is, I just want to inform that I'm now sick again; I'm running a fever for the 4th time in 5 weeks! Earlier there's been lymphocytes, the flu and bronchitis, now I suspect there's either a throat infection or something like that; my throat hurts like hell. Tomorrow I'm going to call the doctor and command him to find out what's wrong with my immune system. Because this is just plain silly.
I've made a little addition to my upcoming tattoo; the word freestate. If you read the lyrics of this song a little further down you understand why. I'm looking forward to getting this, and I'm begging that I won't get sick for the trip to Oslo and the festival.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
One last thing...
... before I go to bed: I love Depeche Mode. Dave Gahan in particular.
Discovered this song the other day, and the lyrics really spoke to me.
Discovered this song the other day, and the lyrics really spoke to me.
"Freestate"
by Depeche Mode
I can hear your soul crying
Listen to your spirit sighing
I can feel your desperation
Emotional deprivation
Let yourself go
Let your feelings show
Picking up the conversation
Deep in your imagination
Tune into the lonely voices
Talking of their only choices
Let yourself go
Let your spirit grow
Step out of your cage
And onto the stage
It's time to start
Playing your part
Freedom awaits
Open the gates
Open your mind
Freedom's a state
I can taste the tears falling
The bitterness inside you calling
Yearning for a liberation
Emotional emancipation
Let yourself go
Let your senses overflow
Step out of your cage
And onto the stage
It's time to start
Playing your part
Freedom awaits
Open the gates
Open your mind
Freedom's a state
Poor Harry Potter...
I finally got to see the new Harry Potter-movie yesterday. There wasn't any big surprises, luckily, neither good or bad. Being addicted to audio-books, I know these books by heart, so seeing the films are always exciting; what have they changed, what have they left out? And the films can never match the books, I know that, so I'm not even going to expect it.
But if you forget the fact that they're based on books, how was it? Good! All the Harry Potter films has kept me on the edge of my seat, wide eyed and tense with suspense, and this one wasn't any different. Amazing considering that I've read the books (too) many times and KNOW what's happening in the end.
SPOILERS! For those of you who haven't read the 6th Potter book, or seen the 5th movie, and don't want to know what's happening, don't read on.
Speaking of Potter, the last books is coming out in a couple of days! I've pre-ordered it and am looking forward to it like a kid waiting for Christmas. But one thought crossed my mind when I watched the movie; "Poor Harry Potter. Hasn't this kid gone through enough?" Rowling has to be a sadist to drag this kid through all the crap he's gone through. And really, she has to be very mean, I mean "The Grinch-type-mean", if she's dragged him through stuff like loosing his parents, having the most EVIL dark wizard as an arch enemy, having the WORST step-parents in the world, and then loosing both his godfather and Dumbledore, just to let him snuff it at the end. If she does that, I'm going to sue her. She's earned more than enough money on Harry's misery.
But if you forget the fact that they're based on books, how was it? Good! All the Harry Potter films has kept me on the edge of my seat, wide eyed and tense with suspense, and this one wasn't any different. Amazing considering that I've read the books (too) many times and KNOW what's happening in the end.
SPOILERS! For those of you who haven't read the 6th Potter book, or seen the 5th movie, and don't want to know what's happening, don't read on.
Speaking of Potter, the last books is coming out in a couple of days! I've pre-ordered it and am looking forward to it like a kid waiting for Christmas. But one thought crossed my mind when I watched the movie; "Poor Harry Potter. Hasn't this kid gone through enough?" Rowling has to be a sadist to drag this kid through all the crap he's gone through. And really, she has to be very mean, I mean "The Grinch-type-mean", if she's dragged him through stuff like loosing his parents, having the most EVIL dark wizard as an arch enemy, having the WORST step-parents in the world, and then loosing both his godfather and Dumbledore, just to let him snuff it at the end. If she does that, I'm going to sue her. She's earned more than enough money on Harry's misery.
I'm a survivor!
So, I survived the mountain. Actually, I quite enjoyed it. I had no problems being without electricity and water, as long as I have a solar panel that can charge my iPod every now and then. And I have to admit it's damn beautiful up there, and the mountain air makes me sleep like a baby. I'm even going up there again in a couple of weeks, and have bought shoes, a couple of durable pants and a jacket to keep me warm up there. Hopefully we'll get some better weather next time, Saturday consisted of rain, thick fog and wind.
Go to my Flickr page to see all the snapshots me and Mats took up there, some of them are half descent!
Go to my Flickr page to see all the snapshots me and Mats took up there, some of them are half descent!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Going away for some days...
Tomorrow I'm leaving for Valdres. To an old cabin without water or electricity. I've packed my iPod and three books; Steinbeck's "East of Eden", Dan Browns "Deception Points" (in case I need some easy reading), and finally Jared Diamond's "Guns, Germs and Steel" (brilliantly interesting and entertaining book about human evolution, need to finish that one). I'm still not sure if I'm lookign forward to it or not. It might be nice tho - peace and quiet, the crackle of a fire, beautiful nature outside the window... hopefully I'll get calm enough to actually read and enjoy it, something I haven't managed for quite some time. But on the other hand - the weather forecast isn't looking good, it's a windy mountain, I have to walk outside to pump my own water and I might just end up bored as hell. Ah well, we'll see.
Oh yeah; went to the doctors (again!?) this Tuesday. There's just SO much coughing, retching and sleepless nights this body can handle. And lo and behold; I have bronchitis. And what did I get for a prize? More absence from work and a new penicillin cure! Gah. A windy mountain might not be the best place for me to be right now, but on the other hand I need to get away for a bit. At least I have an excuse for staying inside with a blanket and a book.
Ah well. I'll be gone until Sunday. If you haven't heard from me by Monday or Tuesday, call the Red Cross, National Guard or something. I'll post this picture just in case; it's a Vegvisir, a "magic viking rune compass" that vikings sometimes drew on their foreheads when in rough weather to guide them safely home so they wouldn't get lost. Hopefully it works for me too.
(Damnit, there's a new tattoo idea....)
Oh yeah; went to the doctors (again!?) this Tuesday. There's just SO much coughing, retching and sleepless nights this body can handle. And lo and behold; I have bronchitis. And what did I get for a prize? More absence from work and a new penicillin cure! Gah. A windy mountain might not be the best place for me to be right now, but on the other hand I need to get away for a bit. At least I have an excuse for staying inside with a blanket and a book.
Ah well. I'll be gone until Sunday. If you haven't heard from me by Monday or Tuesday, call the Red Cross, National Guard or something. I'll post this picture just in case; it's a Vegvisir, a "magic viking rune compass" that vikings sometimes drew on their foreheads when in rough weather to guide them safely home so they wouldn't get lost. Hopefully it works for me too.
(Damnit, there's a new tattoo idea....)
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Slight change of plans...
Involuntary insomnia always gives me the opportunity to obsess over things. Last night I couldn't sleep because of this dry annoying cough that's been bugging me increasingly lately. Hence I ended up obsessing over my tattoo plans. Now that I've made the appointment I suddenly got a bit unsure.
I still love the phoenix, I'm definitely getting that, no doubt. But two DM-related tattoo's can be a bit overkill. So I decided to look around a bit, and the first thing I checked was Smashing Pumpkins related tattoos. I've been a fan of them since I was 10 or 11, they taught me how listen to music, what good music is. And Siamese
Dream is still the best album I own, and I'm not tired of it, 11 years after I started listening to it. And Billy Corgan's lyrics has taught me a great deal, and helped me through a lot, and shown me ways to express a lot of difficult sh**. Bah, here I go getting all deep again. Anyways, cutting a long story short, I'm trying to decide between these two. They're both graphic illustrations from the album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. As I've said I don't want to tattoo any band names or other names on me, I don't want anything too obvious. Maybe I'll add some lyrics later on. Bah, I cant decide. I'm leaning towards the winged hourglass right now. Maybe I should start a poll?
I still love the phoenix, I'm definitely getting that, no doubt. But two DM-related tattoo's can be a bit overkill. So I decided to look around a bit, and the first thing I checked was Smashing Pumpkins related tattoos. I've been a fan of them since I was 10 or 11, they taught me how listen to music, what good music is. And Siamese
Dream is still the best album I own, and I'm not tired of it, 11 years after I started listening to it. And Billy Corgan's lyrics has taught me a great deal, and helped me through a lot, and shown me ways to express a lot of difficult sh**. Bah, here I go getting all deep again. Anyways, cutting a long story short, I'm trying to decide between these two. They're both graphic illustrations from the album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. As I've said I don't want to tattoo any band names or other names on me, I don't want anything too obvious. Maybe I'll add some lyrics later on. Bah, I cant decide. I'm leaning towards the winged hourglass right now. Maybe I should start a poll?
Saturday, July 7, 2007
It's decided!
It's decided! I'm getting a tattoo! Or two! Mark off the 8th of August on yer calendars, that's the glorious day! And Jimmy is going to be the man with the ink. Jimmy Johnsen probably isn't the most trustworthy name I could find, but I've peeked around at his studio's webpage (along with many other studios), and although the page itself isn't that impressive, the photos of his tattoo victims - er clients - IS! He looks like he knows what he's doing, and I've also read good things about him in various forums. Besides; he replied to my email in about 5,2 seconds, amazing response time, kudos for that! Linky to Jimmy's Tatto Studio.
Now I'm really looking forward to Øyafestivalen! But it means that wednesday the 8th is gonna be a looooooong day. Up at about 6, drive to Oslo at 7, pop up the tent and get settled from 9.30, and then weave my way through the town up to Jimmy's at 11. And after a couple of hours in the needle-chair I'll probably go straight to Øya to watch Nine Inch Nails. Hopefully I'll get time to pop back to le olde tent for a beer and maybe a nap. Not necessarily in that order. Ah well, I'm not complaining.
Now I'm really looking forward to Øyafestivalen! But it means that wednesday the 8th is gonna be a looooooong day. Up at about 6, drive to Oslo at 7, pop up the tent and get settled from 9.30, and then weave my way through the town up to Jimmy's at 11. And after a couple of hours in the needle-chair I'll probably go straight to Øya to watch Nine Inch Nails. Hopefully I'll get time to pop back to le olde tent for a beer and maybe a nap. Not necessarily in that order. Ah well, I'm not complaining.
Friday, July 6, 2007
To tattoo? Or not to?
Thoughts about a new tattoo has been simmering around in my mind ever since I got the first one. The one I got 2 years ago was a symbol I'd wanted for years, it's Tolkien´s "logo", and represents his initials J.R.R.T. I didn't have it done just because I love his books, but just as much for the fact that Tolkien signifies a connection to my mom, as she began to read the Hobbit for me when I was a little kid, and got me interested in reading in general. Having a personal symbolism behind a tattoo is always nice, otherwise it's just.. nothing. "Oh well, I slapped this here tribal on me arm because I though 'twas perdy..." *shakes head* Oh yeah, and you wanted to look cool, right? *sighs*
Ok, I'm not going to get into fights with anyone, people can do whatever they want with their bodies, however ugly, gross or wierd, I'm not to decide. Like my momma said about me: "she can wear a lampshade on her head as long as she doesn't shoot heroine or rob banks". And I have to admit that some tattoos look beautiful even without any particular meaning, but for me personally I wouldn't want to engrave anything remotely permanent on my body without it meaning something to me beyond "perdy to look at".
I've said for a long time that when I get better, mentally, feel that I can manage at least some parts of my life, and feel like I'm done with being depressed and feeling like a failure, I'll get a tattoo. To mark the occasion, at least for myself. And I have to admit, it might be a bit early, but I'm feeling cautiously optimistic. And that's a big step up! *cheers*The two tattoos I want are actually things I've stumbled upon these last few days. The idea started with one - originally it was meant to be either a monkey (!) or a demon. The monkey came from the expression "a monkey on my back", which is a feeling you can relate to when you're constantly bugged with depressions and mood swings, this horrible nasty being you can't shake, but you can't quite reach it to beat the living daylights out of it either. If I didn't fint a suitable monkey I would've gone with a demon. "A demon on my back" works just as well, and the meaning is about the same. Anxiety and depressions bordering on psychosis often gets you in touch with the horrible parts of ones self. But here I'm getting all deep and emotional. That wasn't the point.
Anyhoo - lately I've changed my mind a bit. Firstly because I haven't found a suitable monkey and/or demon to tattoo, and secondly because I've found a substitute! I've been listening manically to Depeche Mode lately, and watching them on my new DVD, and has fallen in love with a logo of theirs; the Featherman. After watching the interviews on the same DVD, hearing the symbolism behind it, I thought "hm, this could be a cool tattoo". And I guess that Featherman could be a nice symbol of how it would feel to become mentally "well", light as feathers and ready to fly. And I found a graphic that combined the Featherman with the rose from "Enjoy the Silence", and I loved it. It's my little homage to Depeche, it has a personal symbolism to me, and it looks wierd and unusual!
While watching that famous dvd I couldn't help but notice Dave Gahan's tattoos, and did a little research on them. I really liked the one he had on his chest, and luckily found some good pictures and info on it. It's portraying a phoenix (all of you who's read Harry Potter knows what they are, right?), a bird that bursts into flame when it's time for them to die, only to be reborn in their own ashes. The whole symbolism of rebirth appealed to me - in Dave Gahan's case it symbolizes his own spiritual rebirth, or so I've been told. Maybe the phoenix could represent some kind of rebirth for me too - a mental one. A change in my life, in my mindset. And when it comes down to it, i just think the tattoo is damn beautiful. That's always a good last argument, right?Nowadays I'm mailing a few tattoo studios in Oslo, and trying to figure out where to place the two. I'd like to have the Featherman on the lower part of my calf, ideally, and it won't be very big either. But the phoenix is a bit more of a problem. I'm not brave enough to cover my chest or lower back with a tattoo, I might be getting pregnant some time in the insanely distant future, and stretched and broken tattoos due to pregnancy can't be perdy. I'd love to size it down and place it on my shoulder blade, but I already have one on my neck.. Bah, I'll check with the person who probably know's best - the ink man.
Any comments or objections to these plans?
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Ow.
Warning: new rant of complaining incoming.
So. I ended up in the hospital the other day. Surprised? Good. Not surprised? Shame on you.
A combination of nausea, stomach aches, showers of cold sweat and a general state of "god damn I'm tired", made my end up in the local "emergency room", doctors on duty out of hours. He ran some tests and said I didn't have anything to worry about, but if I began to throw up or have worse pains, I should contact them again. And lo and behold; I did. So they sent me to a hospital 80 mins away (in a cab!), in case my appendix was about to make explode or something to that effect.
They decided I was to stay there over night under observation, in case I got worse. Hence commenced the waiting. They also put a Venflon in my arm, in case I needed medicine or intravenous ... uhm, stuff. Just want to point out that this is a damn uncomfortable thing to have in your arm. And gives you a very gross feeling when they hook you up to the intravenous... ehm, thing, and you feel the lower part of your arm go cold.
I was finally wheeled into a room with two other women at 03.15, I was tired, nauseous and still in pain. And of course both of the horrid old witches started to snore! Then they woke me up at 7 to take my temperature, at 8 to take bloodsamples, and at 9 I was wheeled into the hallway because the ward were in a state of utter chaos with people everywhere. Safe to say I didn't sleep much at all during the day either, with people running around me all the time. Luckily I felt better during the day, and after they didn't find anything wrong on my ultrasound they said I could go home.
When I came home my temperature suddenly went up to 39,2 celcius, my head, joints and throat hurt... *drumroll* Enter; The Flu! My dad and I have a theory that the flu caused the stomach-aches and all the other horrible things too.
Ugh, I'm tired of being sick. Wether it's my back, my stomach, a fever or whatever kinds of shittyness. I wish I could be healthy and do my job.
/stop complaining
So. I ended up in the hospital the other day. Surprised? Good. Not surprised? Shame on you.A combination of nausea, stomach aches, showers of cold sweat and a general state of "god damn I'm tired", made my end up in the local "emergency room", doctors on duty out of hours. He ran some tests and said I didn't have anything to worry about, but if I began to throw up or have worse pains, I should contact them again. And lo and behold; I did. So they sent me to a hospital 80 mins away (in a cab!), in case my appendix was about to make explode or something to that effect.
They decided I was to stay there over night under observation, in case I got worse. Hence commenced the waiting. They also put a Venflon in my arm, in case I needed medicine or intravenous ... uhm, stuff. Just want to point out that this is a damn uncomfortable thing to have in your arm. And gives you a very gross feeling when they hook you up to the intravenous... ehm, thing, and you feel the lower part of your arm go cold.
I was finally wheeled into a room with two other women at 03.15, I was tired, nauseous and still in pain. And of course both of the horrid old witches started to snore! Then they woke me up at 7 to take my temperature, at 8 to take bloodsamples, and at 9 I was wheeled into the hallway because the ward were in a state of utter chaos with people everywhere. Safe to say I didn't sleep much at all during the day either, with people running around me all the time. Luckily I felt better during the day, and after they didn't find anything wrong on my ultrasound they said I could go home.
When I came home my temperature suddenly went up to 39,2 celcius, my head, joints and throat hurt... *drumroll* Enter; The Flu! My dad and I have a theory that the flu caused the stomach-aches and all the other horrible things too.
Ugh, I'm tired of being sick. Wether it's my back, my stomach, a fever or whatever kinds of shittyness. I wish I could be healthy and do my job.
/stop complaining
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Annoucing: My summer song of 2007!
Every summer people look for the new "summer song", the tune that'll pop up just about everywhere and drive everyone utterly and truly bonkers. And every year I do the same on a more personal level, I find/ dig up a new happy-summer-song which I can bug everyone who's unfortunate enough to know me with. And today I found the one for 2007.
I've gone back 26 years, 4 years before I was even born, to the wonderful era of synth, big hair and pink bubblegum. Usually I don't like much about the eighties, but this! Wanna know what it is?
*silence*
*drumroll*
Depeche Mode - I just can't get enough!
If you don't know it, download it, get into super-80s-synth-nintendo-happy-go-silly-mode and bounce around! Preferably drunk and hopelessly in love. Enjoy!
Speaking of Depeche Mode - I got a 1-year-anniversary gift from my schmoopsiepooh, and it was something I've wanted ever since we met; a Depeche Mode concert DVD. So I got the "Touring the angel - Live in Milan" DVD, 3 discs of Depeche Mode goodness! Weeee! I've just been watching through it and am all in flames, so here comes a happy music rant!
Usually I'm a person who generally likes a certain percentage of songs, and it's rarely a very high percentage, a defined sound can get boring pretty quickly, and I'm a restless listener. But I love every damn song performed on this concert. Sometimes I think "bah, I've heard this thousands of times, maybe I'll skip", but I'll keep watching and I discover something new every time. I'm sitting here with a high pulse and butterflies everywhere, and I want to go to a concert so baaaahaaad! Preferably Depeche Mode, but anything would be ok right now. (Which reminds me; the fact that I didn't go to Quart last year to watch Depeche Mode is a fact I'll have to live with, regret and remorse every day of my life - unless I get to see them later on. They better not be splitting up anytime soon!) And I think I'm getting a 15-year-old-giggly-crush on Dave Gahan (sorry honey, it's purely musical). He's scrawny, thin, sinuey, not particularily pretty, but DANG he's sexeh on stage. He does look like the ex-drugaddict he really is, but I don't care. He's spastic, chaotic and wierd, but I still don't give a rats ass. He looks like a wannabe-latino-lover with that sweaty greasy hair and tight dress-pants, but I still don't give a fuck. Because he pulls it off, he's just himself and again; damn sexeh. Shake that non-exsistant butt, honey!
... right.
I'll go take a cold shower now...
And watch some more DVD.
Bah-bye.
I've gone back 26 years, 4 years before I was even born, to the wonderful era of synth, big hair and pink bubblegum. Usually I don't like much about the eighties, but this! Wanna know what it is?
*silence*
*drumroll*
Depeche Mode - I just can't get enough!
If you don't know it, download it, get into super-80s-synth-nintendo-happy-go-silly-mode and bounce around! Preferably drunk and hopelessly in love. Enjoy!
Speaking of Depeche Mode - I got a 1-year-anniversary gift from my schmoopsiepooh, and it was something I've wanted ever since we met; a Depeche Mode concert DVD. So I got the "Touring the angel - Live in Milan" DVD, 3 discs of Depeche Mode goodness! Weeee! I've just been watching through it and am all in flames, so here comes a happy music rant!
Usually I'm a person who generally likes a certain percentage of songs, and it's rarely a very high percentage, a defined sound can get boring pretty quickly, and I'm a restless listener. But I love every damn song performed on this concert. Sometimes I think "bah, I've heard this thousands of times, maybe I'll skip", but I'll keep watching and I discover something new every time. I'm sitting here with a high pulse and butterflies everywhere, and I want to go to a concert so baaaahaaad! Preferably Depeche Mode, but anything would be ok right now. (Which reminds me; the fact that I didn't go to Quart last year to watch Depeche Mode is a fact I'll have to live with, regret and remorse every day of my life - unless I get to see them later on. They better not be splitting up anytime soon!) And I think I'm getting a 15-year-old-giggly-crush on Dave Gahan (sorry honey, it's purely musical). He's scrawny, thin, sinuey, not particularily pretty, but DANG he's sexeh on stage. He does look like the ex-drugaddict he really is, but I don't care. He's spastic, chaotic and wierd, but I still don't give a rats ass. He looks like a wannabe-latino-lover with that sweaty greasy hair and tight dress-pants, but I still don't give a fuck. Because he pulls it off, he's just himself and again; damn sexeh. Shake that non-exsistant butt, honey!... right.
I'll go take a cold shower now...
And watch some more DVD.
Bah-bye.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Acupuncture, homeoopathy and crooked bodies!
In an attempt to do something with my backaches without having to go to a doctor and inevitably a physiotherapist, I called up a clinic here who do lots of alternative medicine. Homeopathy, chiropracy, acupunkture and so on. I've been there before many years ago, and that helped, so why shouldn't it now? Besides I like the homeopath, Erland, he's such a pleasant guy.
I had my first appointment today, and all I said was that I had a backache and pointed to where it hurts, how long I've had it and how often it pains me. I thought he'd prick me with a few needles and that'd be it. But no, he checked my walk and posture, and quickly discovered that I'm crooked! Apparently it stems from my jaw, which makes my whole body fall out of balance. He asked me to stand normally and relax, and to put my arms in front of my body so my hands met. My right arm was 5 cm shorter than my left! Here's where it gets spooky; he rolled up a wad of paper and stuffed it between my teeth on the right side, and asked me to hold it there. When he checked my arms again, they were the same length! Sounds utterly unbelievable, but I saw it. He then explained that this unbalance caused me to walk wrong, putting strain on pelvis, hips and back. It was also the cause of an ulcer I've had on the inside of my right cheek for ages, and which the stupid dentists never found the cause of. Argh. And when I think about it, everything that's bothered me over the years has been on that side.
When he was about to pinch me with needles he looked at me an asked if I've had troubles with mood swings or depressions. "Uhm.. only for the last 10-11 years". "Yeah, I can see that". So he stuffed a few more needles in my ear claiming I'll have a more stable mood, and that I had an area on my ear that indicated that I had emotional psychological scars that I'm not done with, and poked a needle in there too. Seriously, if this guy fixes my body AND my mental health I'll marry him. Or at least send him a 100 roses.
Another thing he recommended was that I bought a special pair of shoes. The soles are not flat like regular shoes but bent, so they force the body to keep it's own balance and "roll" your feet when you walk. Apparently I put my right foot down wrong, and all the pressure ended up on the inner parts of the foot, not the outer. These shoes would correct that, give me a better posture and straighten up my back.
Apparently they mimic walking barefoot on a soft surface (grass or sand).
They cost way way way too much (225 £ or 1800 NOK :S ), but I've chosen to see it as an investment. If it'll help my back it's definitely worth it. Walking on them takes some getting use to, it's wierd to "roll" like that, and you never stand completely still but always sway a bit. But I wuw them already, they're really comfortable!
Now I'm going to bed with 6 acupuncture points in my ears. That'll be a challenge, some of them really hurts! But I have faith!
I had my first appointment today, and all I said was that I had a backache and pointed to where it hurts, how long I've had it and how often it pains me. I thought he'd prick me with a few needles and that'd be it. But no, he checked my walk and posture, and quickly discovered that I'm crooked! Apparently it stems from my jaw, which makes my whole body fall out of balance. He asked me to stand normally and relax, and to put my arms in front of my body so my hands met. My right arm was 5 cm shorter than my left! Here's where it gets spooky; he rolled up a wad of paper and stuffed it between my teeth on the right side, and asked me to hold it there. When he checked my arms again, they were the same length! Sounds utterly unbelievable, but I saw it. He then explained that this unbalance caused me to walk wrong, putting strain on pelvis, hips and back. It was also the cause of an ulcer I've had on the inside of my right cheek for ages, and which the stupid dentists never found the cause of. Argh. And when I think about it, everything that's bothered me over the years has been on that side.
When he was about to pinch me with needles he looked at me an asked if I've had troubles with mood swings or depressions. "Uhm.. only for the last 10-11 years". "Yeah, I can see that". So he stuffed a few more needles in my ear claiming I'll have a more stable mood, and that I had an area on my ear that indicated that I had emotional psychological scars that I'm not done with, and poked a needle in there too. Seriously, if this guy fixes my body AND my mental health I'll marry him. Or at least send him a 100 roses.
Another thing he recommended was that I bought a special pair of shoes. The soles are not flat like regular shoes but bent, so they force the body to keep it's own balance and "roll" your feet when you walk. Apparently I put my right foot down wrong, and all the pressure ended up on the inner parts of the foot, not the outer. These shoes would correct that, give me a better posture and straighten up my back.Apparently they mimic walking barefoot on a soft surface (grass or sand).
They cost way way way too much (225 £ or 1800 NOK :S ), but I've chosen to see it as an investment. If it'll help my back it's definitely worth it. Walking on them takes some getting use to, it's wierd to "roll" like that, and you never stand completely still but always sway a bit. But I wuw them already, they're really comfortable!
Now I'm going to bed with 6 acupuncture points in my ears. That'll be a challenge, some of them really hurts! But I have faith!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Naughty blogger!
I'm such a bad blogger! If one has a blog, one should make an effort to keep it updated! Or so I've been told.
Not much is happening in my life, unless you want 5000 words on me complaining about my back hurting. I've set up an acupuncture appointment and am going to stock up on pain-killers and hopefully it'll magically vanish like Harry Potter in a fire place!
Otherwise I'm trying to get used to working again - not easy when you haven't been doing much for the last year or two, except some feeble attempts at school and work. I only work three days a week, but bad habits'n'all of that... I'm hired as an extra in addition to those who already work there, and that combined with the fact that nurses don't have to clean rooms anymore (they've hired cleaners in stead), I sometimes feel like I have to walk around looking for something to do. May sound like a dream job for some, but the hours go by so much faster when you have something to do. I'm actually glad I have more time to talk to the patients, which we didn't have at all the last time I worked at an old folks home, but still... I spend most of the day walking the corridors, waiting for the washing machine to be done and looking at my watch. And it never seizes to amaze me how wierd old people are. Let's just say I'm not planning on a career working at an old folks home. But it's an ok job for a while.
Otherwise I'm passing the days looking forward to all the things that are happening this summer. In the middle of july I'm going to Valdres with Mats. He can't stop ranting about it, where we're staying and how beautiful it is, and how we're going to sleep outside at least one night. One part of me thinks "aw, the mountains, clear air, starry nights, the crackle of a bonfire, romantic ey? Another part mutters stuff like "oh dear, I'll probably end up sleeping on sticks, getting eaten by mosquitos and it'll rain so bad we'll drown". Nice being bipolar, eh?
Assuming I survive the Valdres-trip, I'm going to a (very) local festival about 10km from where I live, mostly because of a band called Wintermare, which is a band I've watch evolve from 2 guys with acoustic guitars into what they are now. I know who they all are and has always loved their music, but it's been way too long since I've seen them live, so it's about time. Can't wait! The festival is called Tømmerfløtivalen, and here's Wintermare's new video:
And saving the best for last I've got Øyafestivalen coming up in August. Can't wait to sit in the grass with a cold beer listening to Tool and Nine Inch Nails, and ofcourse Sivert Høyem and El Caco. Plus a few others. Mutterings about rain and cold keep haunting me when I think of this thing too, seeing as we're going to sleep in a tent, but I shove them away. If it's too horrible I hope Fredrik has moved to Oslo so I can bribe him with a few beers and sleep on his floor. Perdy please with sugar on top?
Not much is happening in my life, unless you want 5000 words on me complaining about my back hurting. I've set up an acupuncture appointment and am going to stock up on pain-killers and hopefully it'll magically vanish like Harry Potter in a fire place!
Otherwise I'm trying to get used to working again - not easy when you haven't been doing much for the last year or two, except some feeble attempts at school and work. I only work three days a week, but bad habits'n'all of that... I'm hired as an extra in addition to those who already work there, and that combined with the fact that nurses don't have to clean rooms anymore (they've hired cleaners in stead), I sometimes feel like I have to walk around looking for something to do. May sound like a dream job for some, but the hours go by so much faster when you have something to do. I'm actually glad I have more time to talk to the patients, which we didn't have at all the last time I worked at an old folks home, but still... I spend most of the day walking the corridors, waiting for the washing machine to be done and looking at my watch. And it never seizes to amaze me how wierd old people are. Let's just say I'm not planning on a career working at an old folks home. But it's an ok job for a while.
Otherwise I'm passing the days looking forward to all the things that are happening this summer. In the middle of july I'm going to Valdres with Mats. He can't stop ranting about it, where we're staying and how beautiful it is, and how we're going to sleep outside at least one night. One part of me thinks "aw, the mountains, clear air, starry nights, the crackle of a bonfire, romantic ey? Another part mutters stuff like "oh dear, I'll probably end up sleeping on sticks, getting eaten by mosquitos and it'll rain so bad we'll drown". Nice being bipolar, eh?
Assuming I survive the Valdres-trip, I'm going to a (very) local festival about 10km from where I live, mostly because of a band called Wintermare, which is a band I've watch evolve from 2 guys with acoustic guitars into what they are now. I know who they all are and has always loved their music, but it's been way too long since I've seen them live, so it's about time. Can't wait! The festival is called Tømmerfløtivalen, and here's Wintermare's new video:
And saving the best for last I've got Øyafestivalen coming up in August. Can't wait to sit in the grass with a cold beer listening to Tool and Nine Inch Nails, and ofcourse Sivert Høyem and El Caco. Plus a few others. Mutterings about rain and cold keep haunting me when I think of this thing too, seeing as we're going to sleep in a tent, but I shove them away. If it's too horrible I hope Fredrik has moved to Oslo so I can bribe him with a few beers and sleep on his floor. Perdy please with sugar on top?
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Question of the day:
Am I becoming a boring grown up since I'm actually excited over the fact that I'll be getting a new kitchen oven?
In my defence I sadly need one. The old one is about as old as me, one of the hobs isn't working and I can't fry anything in it since the oven in it doesn't work anymore. And it's brown and green, the wonderful modern happy colours of the 70s, with about three hundred layers of cooked in old grease dating from 1981 up to today. *Shudder* I'm not that big of a cook, but I do miss having the ability to make garlic baguettes, pizzas, naan bread and bake snickers cakes! Yummie.
Today I did the most reasonable thing in days. I went out and bought a hammock. You know, the one with an own stand (mostly because I don't trust in those little hooks, they would come loose and I'd end up with permanent braindamage. I'm just THAT lucky!). Bought it cheap at this discount store, but it'll do for a while. I've discovered I have much love for hammocks. Just imagine, lying in one of those between to palm trees, sipping passion fruit juice somewhere on the coast of Madagascar. Or Namibia. Anywhere there's a tropical climate and palm trees, really.
I'm one of those new age types that'll carry my baby around in a African type sling and buy a baby hammock it can sleep in, and i'll have hammocks everywhere, inside and out.
In my defence I sadly need one. The old one is about as old as me, one of the hobs isn't working and I can't fry anything in it since the oven in it doesn't work anymore. And it's brown and green, the wonderful modern happy colours of the 70s, with about three hundred layers of cooked in old grease dating from 1981 up to today. *Shudder* I'm not that big of a cook, but I do miss having the ability to make garlic baguettes, pizzas, naan bread and bake snickers cakes! Yummie.
Today I did the most reasonable thing in days. I went out and bought a hammock. You know, the one with an own stand (mostly because I don't trust in those little hooks, they would come loose and I'd end up with permanent braindamage. I'm just THAT lucky!). Bought it cheap at this discount store, but it'll do for a while. I've discovered I have much love for hammocks. Just imagine, lying in one of those between to palm trees, sipping passion fruit juice somewhere on the coast of Madagascar. Or Namibia. Anywhere there's a tropical climate and palm trees, really.
I'm one of those new age types that'll carry my baby around in a African type sling and buy a baby hammock it can sleep in, and i'll have hammocks everywhere, inside and out.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Reunions, work and heat!
Wee! Yesterday we, meaning the Media and Communications-class of 2004 had a reunion! 11 out of 13 showed up, which was a nice turnout. Everyone looked basically the same, just a few new tattoos and hair colors. We had a nice barbecue/starter-party at a lake near Kongsvinger, and after we took a cab "downtown" and went to a few bars. The evening went by way to fast, probably due to my intake of cider, beer and Vodka Cranberry (thanks, Kim!). Amazing what that stuff does to the time, it's like magic! And I'm very thankful for the couch Frida so kindly lent me to crash on. Otherwise it would've been a night of sparkly water. Not very fun when you're sitting in the grass with lots of sunshine and friends!
Oh! Right! I've started work! And oddly, as this post clearly shows, I survived. But just barely. In an evil twist of fate Norway suddenly turned into Uruguay, at least temperature-wise. I'm not one for complaining about the heat, I love summer. I survived Uganda and Malta during heat-waves, Norway should be nothing! No? But working at an old folks home, in scrubs, old building, two stories... In about 30 degrees Celsius? Even I think that's a bit.. intense. And of course, the elderly still wear their jackets and refuse to step outside on the very slight off chance it might be chilly! *sigh*
Oh! Right! I've started work! And oddly, as this post clearly shows, I survived. But just barely. In an evil twist of fate Norway suddenly turned into Uruguay, at least temperature-wise. I'm not one for complaining about the heat, I love summer. I survived Uganda and Malta during heat-waves, Norway should be nothing! No? But working at an old folks home, in scrubs, old building, two stories... In about 30 degrees Celsius? Even I think that's a bit.. intense. And of course, the elderly still wear their jackets and refuse to step outside on the very slight off chance it might be chilly! *sigh*
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Everything should be universal!
I've been running into a lot of minor problems lately, things that just annoy the heck out of me.
1) My hair straightening iron arrived in the mail. Usually I have a practical sense, but this time it shorted out on me. So when I opened the damn thing I noticed the british wall socket. Oh joy. "Ok, guess I'll track down an UK/European adapter online". But ofcourse, this socket says 250V, and I shouldn't use more then 240V in Norway. Oh great. Now I need a converter too. But did I find one? No. Ofcourse not. That would've been remotely simple. So what to do? Search more and spend ridiculous amounts of money. Or take the risk, buy a cheap "adapter only"-thingie that doesn't convert the voltage and hope I don't kill the wiring in my house? Or the precious straightening iron for that matter.
2) Speaking of the the iron; I ordered that together with the Tigi-stuff from lookfantastic.com. And my reason for buying the stuff online was to save some money. But those who shipped it divided it into two shipments due to weight, and of course I had to pay taxes and toll on both of them. Double toll, that is. 27£ worth of toll. 320 Kr. I ended up saving just about nada. PLUS I have to get that damn adapter.
3) My boyfriend is expecting a little brother sometime in august. And my sister has passed on some of her gadget geekyness to me, and she applied all of her gadget researching abilities when she was expecting her daughter. So I've picked up a few smart gadgets I loved and that seemed sort of practical when you have a newborn. Things like bath support seats so you won't have to hold up your baby, back seat mirrors so you can see the baby while driving, allergy and asthma safe teddies and comforters. And of course you can get all of that stuff on Amazon.co.uk. But can they ship these particular things to Norway? Noooo. Ofcourse not.
You see? Everything should be made universal and international! No tolls, no taxes, no funky electric sockets, no dvd regions and no shipping restrictions!
1) My hair straightening iron arrived in the mail. Usually I have a practical sense, but this time it shorted out on me. So when I opened the damn thing I noticed the british wall socket. Oh joy. "Ok, guess I'll track down an UK/European adapter online". But ofcourse, this socket says 250V, and I shouldn't use more then 240V in Norway. Oh great. Now I need a converter too. But did I find one? No. Ofcourse not. That would've been remotely simple. So what to do? Search more and spend ridiculous amounts of money. Or take the risk, buy a cheap "adapter only"-thingie that doesn't convert the voltage and hope I don't kill the wiring in my house? Or the precious straightening iron for that matter.
2) Speaking of the the iron; I ordered that together with the Tigi-stuff from lookfantastic.com. And my reason for buying the stuff online was to save some money. But those who shipped it divided it into two shipments due to weight, and of course I had to pay taxes and toll on both of them. Double toll, that is. 27£ worth of toll. 320 Kr. I ended up saving just about nada. PLUS I have to get that damn adapter.
3) My boyfriend is expecting a little brother sometime in august. And my sister has passed on some of her gadget geekyness to me, and she applied all of her gadget researching abilities when she was expecting her daughter. So I've picked up a few smart gadgets I loved and that seemed sort of practical when you have a newborn. Things like bath support seats so you won't have to hold up your baby, back seat mirrors so you can see the baby while driving, allergy and asthma safe teddies and comforters. And of course you can get all of that stuff on Amazon.co.uk. But can they ship these particular things to Norway? Noooo. Ofcourse not.
You see? Everything should be made universal and international! No tolls, no taxes, no funky electric sockets, no dvd regions and no shipping restrictions!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Bubble gum!
Yay!
Got bubble-gum-candy-smelling yummy hairgoo from Tigi today! And more is coming!
I'm not a demanding person, I don't require much to cheer up.
Tomorrow I'm going to my funky looking indian-english-norwegian shrink with the huge sideburns and Krusty the Clown hair-do. Yay!
Got bubble-gum-candy-smelling yummy hairgoo from Tigi today! And more is coming!
I'm not a demanding person, I don't require much to cheer up.
Tomorrow I'm going to my funky looking indian-english-norwegian shrink with the huge sideburns and Krusty the Clown hair-do. Yay!
Eeeek!
Warning: Emo post follows.
So. I've been out of work for a couple of months. I started a training period at Telenor (telephone company) in December, and I was supposed to work in support. But once again my health caught up with me. Firstly my joints started to hurt, I had tendinitis in my hips and general aches, and secondly my mental health collapsed on me once again. So I basically got sacked in february (allthough "I lost my job" sounds so much better). And after 8-9 years of varying grades of mental instability, I thought it was time to try and deal with it once and for all. To tell you the truth I've been fucking up royally these past few years. Had to quit college twice now, and lost a job. And the schools I've managed to finish I've had way to much absence.
Anyways, I managed to get the slow wheels of the horrible "system" in motion,and have gotten myself a few lovely helpers. A nice doctor who seems to care, a psychiatric day center I can go to if I want to, a good but wierd looking shrink. But I can't stay at home and do nothing all the time. Sounds good, and it is good, but only for a while. My town is small, just about everyone I know has moved away, and there aren't many of those either seeing as I moved away earlier. And the rest of my friends are spread from the northern parts of Norway to Australia. Jolly good, eh?
When I get depressed all I wanna do is stay at home, lock myself up with my videos or the iPod, my knitting or World of Warcraft. But neither of these things help me for very long time. It just distracts me, helping me pass the time. And staying at home doesn't earn me any money. Sadly I'm not reached the level of geekiness yet that enables me to live without basic needs such as food, so I need to get myself an income and stop depending on my dad. That's neither fun nor healthy for any of us.
Now I'm getting to the point; my lovely helpers have fixed me up with a job. I said I wanted to have a job, something to do during the days, and a way to earn some money. So I'm supposed to work 3 days a week at an "old folks home" (what's the word I'm looking for?). I've done this before, as a summer job a few years ago. And that place had more severe patients than the place I'll be working now, so maybe it'll even be a bit easier. And I sort of enjoyed working at the other place. Old folks are like everyone else, someone are spawns of Satan, and some are sweet old ladies or lads. They just need a bit more help then the rest of us. And some are so grateful it makes it all worth while. Yes, I sound like Mother Theresa, now shush.
Starting a job is always spooky, not only do I have to get to know the patients but also the staff and routines of the place. The first weeks is always a bitch. But even though I know staying at home, not doing anything useful, just makes me more depressed, it also means the end of "doing nothing". No more "doing whatever I want, when I want, sleeping as long was I want". But then again, broke and depressed I tend to not "do" very much anyways. Funny circle isn't it. Not liking doing nothing, and being frightened out of my wits of having to do anything. Maybe I'm just a lazy bugger.
And then there's my lovely insomnia or fubar sleeping pattern. I've been trying to turn it around, getting up earlier, but I end up bored and falling asleep each time, leaving me as lost as ever. If I can't fix it when I begin to work I'm looking at some loooong work hours, filled with tiredness.
All in all I'm scared shitless. I'm scared I'll fuck up. Again. For the umpteenth time. Any advice?
So. I've been out of work for a couple of months. I started a training period at Telenor (telephone company) in December, and I was supposed to work in support. But once again my health caught up with me. Firstly my joints started to hurt, I had tendinitis in my hips and general aches, and secondly my mental health collapsed on me once again. So I basically got sacked in february (allthough "I lost my job" sounds so much better). And after 8-9 years of varying grades of mental instability, I thought it was time to try and deal with it once and for all. To tell you the truth I've been fucking up royally these past few years. Had to quit college twice now, and lost a job. And the schools I've managed to finish I've had way to much absence.
Anyways, I managed to get the slow wheels of the horrible "system" in motion,and have gotten myself a few lovely helpers. A nice doctor who seems to care, a psychiatric day center I can go to if I want to, a good but wierd looking shrink. But I can't stay at home and do nothing all the time. Sounds good, and it is good, but only for a while. My town is small, just about everyone I know has moved away, and there aren't many of those either seeing as I moved away earlier. And the rest of my friends are spread from the northern parts of Norway to Australia. Jolly good, eh?
When I get depressed all I wanna do is stay at home, lock myself up with my videos or the iPod, my knitting or World of Warcraft. But neither of these things help me for very long time. It just distracts me, helping me pass the time. And staying at home doesn't earn me any money. Sadly I'm not reached the level of geekiness yet that enables me to live without basic needs such as food, so I need to get myself an income and stop depending on my dad. That's neither fun nor healthy for any of us.
Now I'm getting to the point; my lovely helpers have fixed me up with a job. I said I wanted to have a job, something to do during the days, and a way to earn some money. So I'm supposed to work 3 days a week at an "old folks home" (what's the word I'm looking for?). I've done this before, as a summer job a few years ago. And that place had more severe patients than the place I'll be working now, so maybe it'll even be a bit easier. And I sort of enjoyed working at the other place. Old folks are like everyone else, someone are spawns of Satan, and some are sweet old ladies or lads. They just need a bit more help then the rest of us. And some are so grateful it makes it all worth while. Yes, I sound like Mother Theresa, now shush.
Starting a job is always spooky, not only do I have to get to know the patients but also the staff and routines of the place. The first weeks is always a bitch. But even though I know staying at home, not doing anything useful, just makes me more depressed, it also means the end of "doing nothing". No more "doing whatever I want, when I want, sleeping as long was I want". But then again, broke and depressed I tend to not "do" very much anyways. Funny circle isn't it. Not liking doing nothing, and being frightened out of my wits of having to do anything. Maybe I'm just a lazy bugger.
And then there's my lovely insomnia or fubar sleeping pattern. I've been trying to turn it around, getting up earlier, but I end up bored and falling asleep each time, leaving me as lost as ever. If I can't fix it when I begin to work I'm looking at some loooong work hours, filled with tiredness.
All in all I'm scared shitless. I'm scared I'll fuck up. Again. For the umpteenth time. Any advice?
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
All set for travel!
I'm a gadget-person. And I mean any useful, practical, "I need this" sort of gadget. It doesn't have to have buttons or wires or funny sounds, as long as I think it's ingenious. Or even just slightly clever. I have a iPod USB charger adapter gadget, an iPod mini-speaker system gadget, headphones you can fold together, a fancy laptop rucksack complete with raincover, webcam, fancy protective case for my sunglasses, and of course, the gadget over all others; my beloved iPod itself.
Ever since I was 15 I've felt like I've lived in a suitcase. Or a bag. I moved out early, but went often home, and moved again when I was 19, 20 and 21. I have friends spread over much of Norway, and a boyfriend a 100 kilometres away. I've been to Malta, Kenya, Uganda, Spain, Poland, Sweden and Denmark, and I intend to work in Africa as a nurse eventually. Safe to say I tend to travel a lot, and am planning to continue. Time I got a descent travel bag, ey? And I somehow think it's fun to search the net far and wide trying to find the cheapest and best gadget. In this case, bag. And it's so much easier to justify buying something when you "think" you need it AND it's (relatively)cheap! After a few hours of searching I actually ended up with buying this bag (picture) from Nomaden, a great shop in Oslo that has just about every gadget a backpacker need. Very dangerous and money consuming place. For the interested persons out there it's a 75L Salewa traveller backpack with a 15L daypack attatched, and isn't top loaded like most bags but can be laid down and opened like a regular bag. Easier to get to your stuff in other words.
Now I just hope I'll get to use it this summer. I'm going to Øyafestivalen and Vestfold Vikingfestival this summer, and hopefully on a trip to Valdres with my boyfriend and his family. So I'll get a little use out of it.
On a closely related travelling subject; I've sent an application to become something called "Folkereporter", or "People's reporter". Norway is going to have a Telethon fund raiser on the 21st of October called "Together for kids". It's a cooperation with UNICEF, and the money will benefit people affected by HIV/AIDS in a number of countries (among others Uganda *wub*). Now they're looking for 4 norwegians 18+ who they'll send to Malawi or Zambia for a week in august as amateur reporters. Dear god how I'd love to go! Trying not to get my hopes up, probably I won't hear from them at all, but I would definitely not have a chance if I didn't throw an application at them. The only problem is that departure is set to be at the beginnin of august, and I have a festival to go to on the 8th and 9th of august. So in the off-chance I might get a spot, I might have a problem. Not going to start worrying quite yet, tho.
Ever since I was 15 I've felt like I've lived in a suitcase. Or a bag. I moved out early, but went often home, and moved again when I was 19, 20 and 21. I have friends spread over much of Norway, and a boyfriend a 100 kilometres away. I've been to Malta, Kenya, Uganda, Spain, Poland, Sweden and Denmark, and I intend to work in Africa as a nurse eventually. Safe to say I tend to travel a lot, and am planning to continue. Time I got a descent travel bag, ey? And I somehow think it's fun to search the net far and wide trying to find the cheapest and best gadget. In this case, bag. And it's so much easier to justify buying something when you "think" you need it AND it's (relatively)cheap! After a few hours of searching I actually ended up with buying this bag (picture) from Nomaden, a great shop in Oslo that has just about every gadget a backpacker need. Very dangerous and money consuming place. For the interested persons out there it's a 75L Salewa traveller backpack with a 15L daypack attatched, and isn't top loaded like most bags but can be laid down and opened like a regular bag. Easier to get to your stuff in other words.Now I just hope I'll get to use it this summer. I'm going to Øyafestivalen and Vestfold Vikingfestival this summer, and hopefully on a trip to Valdres with my boyfriend and his family. So I'll get a little use out of it.
On a closely related travelling subject; I've sent an application to become something called "Folkereporter", or "People's reporter". Norway is going to have a Telethon fund raiser on the 21st of October called "Together for kids". It's a cooperation with UNICEF, and the money will benefit people affected by HIV/AIDS in a number of countries (among others Uganda *wub*). Now they're looking for 4 norwegians 18+ who they'll send to Malawi or Zambia for a week in august as amateur reporters. Dear god how I'd love to go! Trying not to get my hopes up, probably I won't hear from them at all, but I would definitely not have a chance if I didn't throw an application at them. The only problem is that departure is set to be at the beginnin of august, and I have a festival to go to on the 8th and 9th of august. So in the off-chance I might get a spot, I might have a problem. Not going to start worrying quite yet, tho.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Oh yeah...
... I forgot. I'm not the most feminine versions of the female species, I don't put on makeup if I have to, I don't have anything pink and I don't have high heels. I do have some female characteristics tho; I'm a sucker for shoes, and I take care of my hair. In my defence, my shoe collection consists mainly of comfy converses and sneakers. But the hair is important. I hate having long hair, I just look like a worn-down bum with it, so I keep it short, dark and spiky. Sadly my original hair color is more or less blonde (now that's a state secret, ait?), and it grows like weed. I should get haircuts on prescription. So I need to dye it often. Which in turn calls for some good hair products. Logic, yes?
Sadly, hair salon type products is very expensive. But I've found something great! www.lookfantastic.com (I'm a sucker for web shop bargaisn too). Become a member for free and get good prices on all the good products. I recommend Tigi. Smells so good I'm tempted to taste it once. Chewing gums!
Hail Tigi!
Sadly, hair salon type products is very expensive. But I've found something great! www.lookfantastic.com (I'm a sucker for web shop bargaisn too). Become a member for free and get good prices on all the good products. I recommend Tigi. Smells so good I'm tempted to taste it once. Chewing gums!
Hail Tigi!
Bloodinfections!
I come from a very disease-prone family. My grandma claims our family has poor genes and generally should be fed to the pigs since we spend more time sick then live and well. We have a fubar immune system, in other words. So when I started to feel my throat getting sore all I thought was "oh yay, another long-lived summer-headcold that'll bug me forever". Then I started coughing like a lounge cancer-patient, my chest wheezed like Darth Vaders and I felt my lounges curling when I coughed. "Hokay, time to see the doctors. If I have some lounge infection I might as well get penicillin right away." But did I have something that common? Nüüüüü. Of course not! I frankly got a bit worried when my blood test answers came back, and the doc called me into his office, sat me down, and started rifling through a few books looking puzzled. "My god, what do I have?". If you've ever seen the Stand by Stephen King, you can imagine some of the ridiculously paranoid horror-scenes cropping up in my head. He muttered something about "bacterial blood infection" and "lymphocytes" and prescriped 2 grams of penicillin per day and cough syrup with morphine. Weeeee.
I've been on penicillin since friday, it's now wednesday, and I still cough like a cancer patient. I feel tired and worn out, probably due to the big dosage of penicillin, which also kills my stomach. I still have a runny nose and a sore throat from time to time. And I'm getting mighty sick of being.. well, sick. It's really incredible all the crap I manage to get into my system, I feel like a magnet for all sort of viruses and bacterias. Do I have "come bug me" written somewhere in my immune system? Or maybe I should blame the disease-spreading little lump of a cousin I've come to love so much?
Yeah I'm complaining but I think I have a right to. Besides, I hate being alone when I'm sick. So tomorrow I'm going to Mats to get pampered. Hopefully. Right hon?
I've been on penicillin since friday, it's now wednesday, and I still cough like a cancer patient. I feel tired and worn out, probably due to the big dosage of penicillin, which also kills my stomach. I still have a runny nose and a sore throat from time to time. And I'm getting mighty sick of being.. well, sick. It's really incredible all the crap I manage to get into my system, I feel like a magnet for all sort of viruses and bacterias. Do I have "come bug me" written somewhere in my immune system? Or maybe I should blame the disease-spreading little lump of a cousin I've come to love so much?
Yeah I'm complaining but I think I have a right to. Besides, I hate being alone when I'm sick. So tomorrow I'm going to Mats to get pampered. Hopefully. Right hon?
Saturday, May 19, 2007
I'm back! As a viking!
Been ages since I've written anything at all. When my wow-account ran out of time (and I simultaneously ran out of money), I didn't have much WOW-stuff to write about. And frankly I don't miss it all that much. So I've decided to just leave it for a while. I might buy a game card some time soon.
But there's other stuff to write about! After I quit WoW I've basically been knitting (yes, knitting) and playing golf on playstation. Not much to do in other words, still unemployed but hopefully something will happen soon.
I've just started a new project though. Here in norway we have these national dresses and costumes, old "bunads" who're often heavily embroidered and bejeweled with brooches and such. I inherited one after my mom, and I was thin enough to wear it a couple of years. Now sadly, I'm not anymore, and although I've lost some weight I'm not aiming to get into that thing anytime soon. Although I love it dearly since it was my mom and was embroidered and made in the family, it's a very common version of the "bunad" around these parts, so I wanted something a bit different. Besides, "bunads" and folkdresses are extremely expensive to get made, and the jewlery is even more expensive. So I came up with the viking-version!
Many years ago they found a viking grave some kilometres from where I live, a wealthy viking woman had been buried there. Craftsmen from the area made a replica of her dress and jewlery, and it's on display in the city hall. I walked past it and fell utterly in love. So I've spent the last days researching the web and today I ordered a bunch of stuff!
This will be the main outfit; a linen underdress and a harness
dress or apron on top, adorned with two bronze brooches
(one on each harness). Between the brooches they sometimes hung strands of glass beads, so I ordered two of those. I've ordered my version of this outfit in a nature-colored linen and a burgundy harness-dress.
Norway often gets cold, so a coat is always nice. I've ordered mine in a dark navy blue. There's been much debates about whether viking women wore anything on their heads or not. It's a theory that
christian married women during the viking age tended to use kercheifs on their heads. I thought it would make the outfit look a bit more special and formal, so I finally found a version I liked online. Mine will me in nature-colored linnen as opposed to the stark white on the picture. Furthermore I've ordered a long viking belt with belt-pouch and a welded scissor and woman knife to hang in the belt to top the outfit of. Nice to look a bit authentic ;)
If you're wondering where I got this stuff I've ordered the clothes from http://www.korps.se (Swedish store, english site), except the headscarf which i got at http://www.mistythicket.com. My belt pouch and scissor/knife was also ordered at korps.se. My brooches, glass beads, a bronze
pendant and leather belt with bronze fittings is ordered from http://www.jelldragon.com, also a swedish company with an english site.
Hope it all turn out nice and that it'll be here in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to try it on. Now I just need an occasion to use it.... Anyone?
But there's other stuff to write about! After I quit WoW I've basically been knitting (yes, knitting) and playing golf on playstation. Not much to do in other words, still unemployed but hopefully something will happen soon.
I've just started a new project though. Here in norway we have these national dresses and costumes, old "bunads" who're often heavily embroidered and bejeweled with brooches and such. I inherited one after my mom, and I was thin enough to wear it a couple of years. Now sadly, I'm not anymore, and although I've lost some weight I'm not aiming to get into that thing anytime soon. Although I love it dearly since it was my mom and was embroidered and made in the family, it's a very common version of the "bunad" around these parts, so I wanted something a bit different. Besides, "bunads" and folkdresses are extremely expensive to get made, and the jewlery is even more expensive. So I came up with the viking-version!Many years ago they found a viking grave some kilometres from where I live, a wealthy viking woman had been buried there. Craftsmen from the area made a replica of her dress and jewlery, and it's on display in the city hall. I walked past it and fell utterly in love. So I've spent the last days researching the web and today I ordered a bunch of stuff!
This will be the main outfit; a linen underdress and a harness
dress or apron on top, adorned with two bronze brooches
(one on each harness). Between the brooches they sometimes hung strands of glass beads, so I ordered two of those. I've ordered my version of this outfit in a nature-colored linen and a burgundy harness-dress.Norway often gets cold, so a coat is always nice. I've ordered mine in a dark navy blue. There's been much debates about whether viking women wore anything on their heads or not. It's a theory that
christian married women during the viking age tended to use kercheifs on their heads. I thought it would make the outfit look a bit more special and formal, so I finally found a version I liked online. Mine will me in nature-colored linnen as opposed to the stark white on the picture. Furthermore I've ordered a long viking belt with belt-pouch and a welded scissor and woman knife to hang in the belt to top the outfit of. Nice to look a bit authentic ;)
If you're wondering where I got this stuff I've ordered the clothes from http://www.korps.se (Swedish store, english site), except the headscarf which i got at http://www.mistythicket.com. My belt pouch and scissor/knife was also ordered at korps.se. My brooches, glass beads, a bronze
pendant and leather belt with bronze fittings is ordered from http://www.jelldragon.com, also a swedish company with an english site.Hope it all turn out nice and that it'll be here in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to try it on. Now I just need an occasion to use it.... Anyone?
Monday, March 5, 2007
Some comes, some goes...
Sorry for not being as frequent with my blogging as usual. Moving back home, annoying (bad) health and general personal shittyness has caused me to loose a bit of momentum. Besides, the internet connection back home really sucks donkeys bollocks. I can use my brother's internet connection, he lives next door, but of course the distance between the houses is just 2-3 metres too much. If my brother decides to go into his bathroom, consequently opening has bathroom door and ultimately blocking the router, I loose connection. If as much as a squirrel sneezes between the houses, I loose connection. This need to be fixed, somehow.
WoW-wise I'm feeling a bit schizofrenic. I've temporarily put both Akrah and Jee on a wee break, being a bit sick of both after previous leveling crazes. And, feeling a bit stressed about having all these low-leveled alts I killed Jaahni. Felt it was sort of silly to start another rogue when I already have Wim, and now I've sort of found a motivation for leveling her; she can earn money for an epic mechanostrider. After all this time it's a wonder she hasn't gotten one yet, but my frequent alts has sort of sucked Wim dry of the gold she earned and inherited. But of course, my alting always comes in the way of my goals...
I once had a dwarf priest, she made it to 29 and was very heavily twinked, only twink I ever had (one of those who sucked Wim dry). But after abandoning Alliance for a long long time, I deleted the dorf feeling she took up space, and I always feel bad when I have characters I never ever play. So, well, I deleted her. And I don't feel that bad actually. But I miss priesthood. Looking over my other chars, they're all more or less pure DPS classes; mage, rogue, fury warrior,
hunter. And the few times I've tried healing, either with my paladin or with someone elses character, I've always been complimented on good healing. Every good reason for starting a priest!
But.. I've tried a few times, undead priest, troll priest.. I can't seem to do it. Levels 1-20 is for some reason a complete nightmare. But this time I'm going to make it. Leveling a draenei was a pleasure with a hunter, and although hunters are maybe the easiest class to level, the new starting places are generally easier. More quest, faster quests, shorter distances, better rewards, better money. So, I've made another alt. Her name is Yulianna, she's as of now level 10 and I wub her.
WoW-wise I'm feeling a bit schizofrenic. I've temporarily put both Akrah and Jee on a wee break, being a bit sick of both after previous leveling crazes. And, feeling a bit stressed about having all these low-leveled alts I killed Jaahni. Felt it was sort of silly to start another rogue when I already have Wim, and now I've sort of found a motivation for leveling her; she can earn money for an epic mechanostrider. After all this time it's a wonder she hasn't gotten one yet, but my frequent alts has sort of sucked Wim dry of the gold she earned and inherited. But of course, my alting always comes in the way of my goals...
I once had a dwarf priest, she made it to 29 and was very heavily twinked, only twink I ever had (one of those who sucked Wim dry). But after abandoning Alliance for a long long time, I deleted the dorf feeling she took up space, and I always feel bad when I have characters I never ever play. So, well, I deleted her. And I don't feel that bad actually. But I miss priesthood. Looking over my other chars, they're all more or less pure DPS classes; mage, rogue, fury warrior,
hunter. And the few times I've tried healing, either with my paladin or with someone elses character, I've always been complimented on good healing. Every good reason for starting a priest!But.. I've tried a few times, undead priest, troll priest.. I can't seem to do it. Levels 1-20 is for some reason a complete nightmare. But this time I'm going to make it. Leveling a draenei was a pleasure with a hunter, and although hunters are maybe the easiest class to level, the new starting places are generally easier. More quest, faster quests, shorter distances, better rewards, better money. So, I've made another alt. Her name is Yulianna, she's as of now level 10 and I wub her.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The world's a small place...
Ok, I'm done with the rally craze. Sorry about those little off-topic rants.
First of all: DING 60! Jeeyola unceremoniously dinged 60 by killing a voidwalker in Outlands today, and promptly went to Orgrimmar for training. It feels good, and didn't take that long either. Those two last, otherwise veeeery lengthy last levels, really got sped up by Outlands, thank goodness. Do I realize that this is my 3rd level 60? Yes, I do. Both with pride and some concern (if I add up all the days I've spent leveling those).
I actually went out to the pub last night, and while fighting my way to the front of the bar, a girl which I don't know the name of, just recognize her face from somewhere, says (yells?) at me: "I've read your blog! You play WoW! I've never met any girls from here who play WoW!" ... I didn't even know what to say. World's a small place huh. Since I keep this blog two places, both on blogspot and on worldofwar.net, I don't know which one she read. But if it's this one, post a comment or talk to me ingame if you're on Argent Dawn! You never can get enough new friends.
Ok, need to go slightly off topic: Am currently nursing a horrible crush on Sebastien Loeb. :S
First of all: DING 60! Jeeyola unceremoniously dinged 60 by killing a voidwalker in Outlands today, and promptly went to Orgrimmar for training. It feels good, and didn't take that long either. Those two last, otherwise veeeery lengthy last levels, really got sped up by Outlands, thank goodness. Do I realize that this is my 3rd level 60? Yes, I do. Both with pride and some concern (if I add up all the days I've spent leveling those).
I actually went out to the pub last night, and while fighting my way to the front of the bar, a girl which I don't know the name of, just recognize her face from somewhere, says (yells?) at me: "I've read your blog! You play WoW! I've never met any girls from here who play WoW!" ... I didn't even know what to say. World's a small place huh. Since I keep this blog two places, both on blogspot and on worldofwar.net, I don't know which one she read. But if it's this one, post a comment or talk to me ingame if you're on Argent Dawn! You never can get enough new friends.
Ok, need to go slightly off topic: Am currently nursing a horrible crush on Sebastien Loeb. :S
Saturday, February 17, 2007
More off topic.
Sorry, have to write a bit more about rally, since I've been out all day watching it. Been at two SS's today, in Elverum and Hamar. (SS10 and SS14 I think). Been cold and snowy, but worth it. Hamar was the best, lots of people, big screen and a very short SS, which gives you instant results and adds a bit more interest to it.
Going to add some photos taken off my Mobile, crappy camera + snow/fog doesn't go well together.
Super Stage 8, last night in Kirkenær. Boring really, saw a couple of turns, but was far away from any speaker system and had no idea who we were watching. It' s a subaru, so much I can tell ya.
SS10 today at a military camp in Elverum. It's Petter Solberg i believe, and you also get a vague idea of the crowds in the background, with some imagination. Was an estimate of 15 000 spectators both at SS8 and 10.
Loeb in action. Was snowing quite heavily, with ice underneath, so it had apparently been quite a bitch to keep the car on the roads. Fancy LCD bigscreen in the backgroup (bright square)
Me in my new shiny WRC/Rally Norway hat. My old one was sogging wet. Sad expression is due to no feelings in legs or hands, and I'm in the car trying to get the sensation back between Elverum and Hamar.
A friend of my brother, and my brother himself (blue jacket), and my empty seat at the arena in Hamar. We were surrounded by the rally roads all arounds us. You can get a vague hint about the crowds of people here too. And a vague hint of my beer standing in the snow. Yes, I sat on a big snowball. Didn't want to carry a chair around, thought it was quite nifty.
Going to add some photos taken off my Mobile, crappy camera + snow/fog doesn't go well together.
Super Stage 8, last night in Kirkenær. Boring really, saw a couple of turns, but was far away from any speaker system and had no idea who we were watching. It' s a subaru, so much I can tell ya.
SS10 today at a military camp in Elverum. It's Petter Solberg i believe, and you also get a vague idea of the crowds in the background, with some imagination. Was an estimate of 15 000 spectators both at SS8 and 10.
Loeb in action. Was snowing quite heavily, with ice underneath, so it had apparently been quite a bitch to keep the car on the roads. Fancy LCD bigscreen in the backgroup (bright square)
Me in my new shiny WRC/Rally Norway hat. My old one was sogging wet. Sad expression is due to no feelings in legs or hands, and I'm in the car trying to get the sensation back between Elverum and Hamar.
A friend of my brother, and my brother himself (blue jacket), and my empty seat at the arena in Hamar. We were surrounded by the rally roads all arounds us. You can get a vague hint about the crowds of people here too. And a vague hint of my beer standing in the snow. Yes, I sat on a big snowball. Didn't want to carry a chair around, thought it was quite nifty.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Totally off topic.
Rally! Rally rally rally!
... uhm. Why am I saying rally? Because today I've been at one! Norway has finally been able to nag themselves into hosting a World Rally Championship (WRC, nub) round, hereby known as Rally Norway. And as fortune would have it, they've arranged it more or less on my doorstep. I live in the deep forests of snowy Norway,not too far from the Swedish border. Perfect place for nutters to go bananas with their horribly expensive cars. Yes? *Nods vigorously*
The main head quarters of this event is Hamar, a mid-sized town which was one of the town arranging the Olympics back in 1994, for those of you who remember that. But very many of the Super Stages (SS's, nub) is being held in more or less remote forest roads, and closer to small town you'll miss if you blink when you drive by them. This WRC-deal has really made a circus around here. Geez. Fireworks, big ol' beer tents, snow scooter shows, skylights, bad music, shops open around the clock, crazy german guys in caravans everywhere, more beer and lots and LOTS of silly hats. But somehow I loved it. Yes I was cold, and had to walk further than my hurting joints wanted to allow me, and now I'm tired and my muscles sore.. But it was fun! There's not everyday something this big happens around here, and it's extra fun when it's something I actually care about.
I guess my interest for motorsports is a result of my environment. My dad and brother are both car mechanics in their own workshop, and my brother grew up doing motorcross (insane little motorbikes, nub), scaring the hell out of me when he put me on the tank and drove around the block when I was 4 or 5. He's also restored a few old veteran cars (a wolksvagen and a MG3 for those who're interested), and he's had about a gazillion different cars. My brother and I have spent quite a few hours together playing WRC3 and Colin McRae on PlayStation, complete with steering wheel and pedals (he even had a racecar seat rig (with recaro seat, nub) for a brief period), we actually started being each others co drivers. "3 right, over crest, lamp post right..." And I have to admit Petter Solberg winning WRC sparked my interest in WRC. I actually remember watching that last Super Stage in England, and jumped around in my living room when it was official that he'd won. This is the closest thing I'll ever get to being a sport fanatic, apart from a brief football period. *shudder* I haven't paid that much attention after that, only tried to keep score over who wins and where Solberg ends up (usually in the ditch, these days).
I'll stop ranting about rally now. I'm watching another Super Stage tomorrow. Solberg's on 4th I think. Petter, that is. His brother isn't that far behind. Yes, I love rally. I like cars. I actually can be interested in them. I love watching "Autofil", or "Top Gear". And tomorrow, I hope I'll get a beer.
... uhm. Why am I saying rally? Because today I've been at one! Norway has finally been able to nag themselves into hosting a World Rally Championship (WRC, nub) round, hereby known as Rally Norway. And as fortune would have it, they've arranged it more or less on my doorstep. I live in the deep forests of snowy Norway,not too far from the Swedish border. Perfect place for nutters to go bananas with their horribly expensive cars. Yes? *Nods vigorously*
The main head quarters of this event is Hamar, a mid-sized town which was one of the town arranging the Olympics back in 1994, for those of you who remember that. But very many of the Super Stages (SS's, nub) is being held in more or less remote forest roads, and closer to small town you'll miss if you blink when you drive by them. This WRC-deal has really made a circus around here. Geez. Fireworks, big ol' beer tents, snow scooter shows, skylights, bad music, shops open around the clock, crazy german guys in caravans everywhere, more beer and lots and LOTS of silly hats. But somehow I loved it. Yes I was cold, and had to walk further than my hurting joints wanted to allow me, and now I'm tired and my muscles sore.. But it was fun! There's not everyday something this big happens around here, and it's extra fun when it's something I actually care about.
I guess my interest for motorsports is a result of my environment. My dad and brother are both car mechanics in their own workshop, and my brother grew up doing motorcross (insane little motorbikes, nub), scaring the hell out of me when he put me on the tank and drove around the block when I was 4 or 5. He's also restored a few old veteran cars (a wolksvagen and a MG3 for those who're interested), and he's had about a gazillion different cars. My brother and I have spent quite a few hours together playing WRC3 and Colin McRae on PlayStation, complete with steering wheel and pedals (he even had a racecar seat rig (with recaro seat, nub) for a brief period), we actually started being each others co drivers. "3 right, over crest, lamp post right..." And I have to admit Petter Solberg winning WRC sparked my interest in WRC. I actually remember watching that last Super Stage in England, and jumped around in my living room when it was official that he'd won. This is the closest thing I'll ever get to being a sport fanatic, apart from a brief football period. *shudder* I haven't paid that much attention after that, only tried to keep score over who wins and where Solberg ends up (usually in the ditch, these days).
I'll stop ranting about rally now. I'm watching another Super Stage tomorrow. Solberg's on 4th I think. Petter, that is. His brother isn't that far behind. Yes, I love rally. I like cars. I actually can be interested in them. I love watching "Autofil", or "Top Gear". And tomorrow, I hope I'll get a beer.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Entering the Dark Portal
Last night, Jeeyola dinged 58. After doing some relatively quick quests in WPL (cauldron quests, brilliant amount of XP), and EPL, I joined a shaman for Blackrock Depths, and all of a sudden I was in a group with four people from Legion of Lemmings, including a level 70 and a level 62. And we did absolutely all of Blackrock Depths. Emperor, vault, every damn boss. Not that I'm complaining, I had a lot of fun and got a lot of quests done.I've said earlier that I would wait with entering Outlands until 59 or 60, since I'd probably be
eaten alive at 58. But wee bit tired of the powerleveling frenzy, and eager to get some new stuff, I had to enter it all the same. That Portal looked mighty scary, and Jee didn't feel very big'n'bad when she entered it. BUT! I actually got some quests done! On my own! Leveled 55% of 58 in scary little amount of time, and got a nice new shiny breastplate, helm and sword. *big smile*I have to admit that the dreaded Fel Reavers has scared Jeeyola out of her wits on more than one occasion, and forced her to have to wash her armor. Apparently they take some sich machocistic pleasure in chasing itty bitty Jee around. When she hits 70, she's going to gather up some crazeh mons and go on a fel reavah hunt! Because nothing should scare Jee!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Unmotivated leveling frenzy
I have, somehow, mysteriously gone into a unmotivated leveling frenzy. I had one with Akrah a few days ago, motivated by the fact that I had just gotten TBC, and a leveling buddy. I leveled Akrah from 60 to 65 in a relatively short amount of time, at least faster then I thought it would take to gain levels after 60.
Anyways, this time it's Jeeyola I'm leveling. i've gone from 50, which she's been for ages to 56 in 3-4 days. 55-56 flew past in 8 hours (which apparently I'm told is fast on non-rested XP). I'm not completely sure why I'm doing this, though. I don't have any leveling buddies or guild with characters in the same level range, I don't have any raid groups waiting for me, or raids to catch (although I heard rumours of a MC run with my Akrah's raid community, but I doubt that will happen or that I'll make 60 to this saturday). I know Jeeyola have a massive gear-upgrade waiting for her at 59 and up, all those lovely greenies from outland with epic stats on them. But in the end it just means more questing in Outlands, doesn't it?
Maybe the answer is I just have more fun on Jeeyola. Akrah was fun for a while, I'd given her a long break pre-Burning Crusade, so picking up her again was fun, but that blew over again. Wimwicket has been with me for ages, and I love her dearly, but leveling either of them to 70 just doesn't hold that big an appeal to me. Not yet, at any rate. And even though I continually wind up in hopeless groups to Sunken Temple and Blackrock Depths, it's still more fun then leveling any other chars. With Jeeyola, I'm sort of "alone". Yes, she's a member of Mog Nogu, but there's no one there in her level range at all, or anyone who's particularly keen on helping her level, and all my friends on the server either has characters 60+, low level ones or characters on horde. So I'm a bit alone, but maybe that's what I like these days.
Another reason, or maybe explanationa as to why I'm able to level as much, is the fact that I lost my job. My joints still hurt, especially my hands when they get cold, I don't sleep very well and my arms feel stiff and weak. So, some abscense from work, plus the fact that my employers knew I was going to be abscent even more due to medical checks, Xray tests and so on, resulted in them sacking me. I sort of understand them, they have no guarantee for me being able to work after my training had ended anyways. That doesn't help the bad feelings, though. So maybe that's why I'm leveling like a maniac. To keep my mind off things.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
RP: Wimwicket Dimpletwix
Wim was born Wimwicket Dimpletwix, daughter of Dimbnotting (father) and Turwinkle (mother) Dimpletwix. She was brought up in Gnomeregan as any other gnome, and had 6 siblings: Nanwicket ("Nanny", oldest of the siblings, and often watched over her brothers and sisters) Finwicket ("Finny"), Seewicket ("Wee wicket", very small), , Loopwicket ("Loopy", twin of Seewicket, although born 2 minutes later), Bamwicket ("Bambam", joined the dwarfs and works as a miner/explosives expert) and Wimwicket ("Wim" or "Wimmie") and Gilwicket ("Gilly", became a fisher as he was destined to be).Dimbnotting, her father, was a rabid engineer (as illustrated), and tried to interest Wim in engineering at an early age. One of the few things she remembers from her childhood was the little leather toolbelt her father gave her, and the wild ride she had through half of Gnomeregan on the back of her fathers mechanostrider (which he had tinkered on to go three times as fast as normal), hanging on for dear life. He sadly, but almost expectedly, died in an explosion when Wim was only 7. The mechanostrider-ride combined with her fathers death scared her away from Engineering for all eternity. But she still has the little toolbelt hidden away somewhere. The few things he taught her before his death was how to pick locks (since both he and Wim was forgetful little creatures who commonly forgot keys to everywhere).
Her mother worked (together with her sister, Wim's aunt, lovingly nicknamed "Wicked Wicket") as a waitress/cook in a workers mess hall in Gnomeregan all her life. Especially after her husband Dimbnotting's death, she became steadily more bitter and introvert, but as Wim grew older she understood this wasn't entirely due to her fathers premature death.
During Wim's adolescense, she worked at a leatherworkers, learning how to prepare and sew leather into
nifty things. One night after work, Wim was hanging around in the mess hall were her mother worked, and observed a table where three darkly clad figures sat, two gnomes and what appeared to be a dwarf. "Mommy, who are they?" Wim asked. "Bah, they're rogues. Thieves and scoundrels, claim they're "fighters" helping us winning the second war. Don't you ever get involved with rogues and their kind, Wim, because rogue's.. they backstab ya." Turwinkle spoke with such bitterness and hint of sadness that Wim guessed her mother had been in love with a rogue once as a young gnome. And ofcourse, rules are there for breaking, and this little speech had awoken Wim's curiosity immensely. Wim's first ever crush was on a rogue, who left her in a bad way, more interested in fighting then staying with Wim.Wimwicket wasn't one to stay heartbroken at any rate, and getting slighty bored of leatherworking, left Gnomeregan to become a rogue herself. "I'd like to be a rogue. Then I can do the backstabbing myself, in stead of anyone backstabbing me," was her argument. She didn't want to become bitter like her mother. The decision wasn't easily accepted by her mother and aunt, but "I guess it's better to be the stabber than the stabbee", as her mother logically stated. Her siblings, however, thought Wim was the bravest in the world, leaving Gnomeregan to learn how to fight. In her absence, Gnomeregan fell to the Troggs and her mother died in the fights, along with her aunt and two of her siblings, Nanwicket and Seewicket. This news made Wim even more determined to become a good rogue, and trained even harder. She eventually became a member of "The College of War", a guild consisting of mainly night elves, but for a change night elves Wim could actually like. There she was given the title of "littlest general", and later added "first rate pilferer" herself.
Wim has ever since trained her fighting skills, traveling much of the world to learn obscure fighting methods. This often shows in her somewhat peculiar outfits when dressed as a civillian; everything matches, but doesn't always look "at home" in Ironforge or Stormwind. Is also often seen with a walking stick twice her own length when dressed as a civillian, no-one knows why.Wimwicket is a teaser. She loves to make shrewd comments and throw sarcastic remarks at everyone, humans, gnomes or dwarves, especially those who take themselves a bit too seriously. She can seem a bit crude, but that's just her humour, passed on to her by her father and brothers.
Wim returned from a very prolonged "holiday" around the world with the opening of the Dark Portal. Wim just HAD to come explore, her curiosity taking over as it often does.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Oops I did it again 2.0
You know what's comin' :P Won't even bother with excuses.Name: Jaa'hni Kash'ari
Title: Womon in black
Level: 16
Class: Rogue
Specc: whatevers needed
Guild: The Darkspear Tribe
Yes, I have a rogue already. But she's been level 60 almost a real-life-year. And I really can't be assed to level her up to 70 just yet. "Lowlevel" life is so much simpler. And I've always wanted a troll rogue. Deep down. But I've hidden it well. Well, one bored and lonely night (last night, more specifically), Ja'hni was born while listening to Johnny Cash. Her name is a not-so-subtle reference to Johnny Cash, and so is her title.
At level 10, on my way into the Barrens, I remembered how horrible it would be to level yet another char through that place, turned on my heels and went straight to Ghostlands. Thank god for expansion packs!
In character Jaa'hni is what you'd classify as a twitchy fucker, she jumps if someone laughs or farts too loud, and generally stays quiet and in the dark corners of places. "The shadows is your friend" would've been her personal motto. Might not be all that quiet if you spook her too badly.
In other news: Akrah changed guild! Her old guild, the Darkspear Tribe (or at least some of the members), wanted her and Zenjun back, and she couldn't resist. Since I still have two more chars in Mog Nogu I don't feel all that bad for taking Akrah out of Mog. And Jaa'hni is also a part of the Darkspears. Good to be back!
The shadows is your friend...
Just had my first encounter with a GM. Just started a new char (yes, again, will present her later), and was doing start quests in Durotar. Apparently the quillboars in Durotar have been given some wierd abilities. They could hurt me, but I couldn't hurt them, and they still kept hitting me while I was miles away, even though they didn't have any ranged attack. Oh well, mobs being bugged isn't anything new, but thought I'd report it all the same. Anyways, those poor GMs really are stuck with the same old macro's you've all read before. But I doubt the last thing this GM said to me is a macro...My reply: "We rogues know that :P "
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Ho ho ho!
No, I'm not confuzzled. I know it's not christmas. I know we're not anywhere near Christmas. No, I'm talking about "ho's" like in "hookers". Since that is what my warrior suddenly looks like. One thing is anatomically correct armors. Armors that actually fit a person (or troll/orc/whatever). But female armors in WoW is a joke, especially the plate ones. Allow me to demonstrate:
Is this what a warrior is supposed to look like?! I mean, this poor troll is supposed to be a meatshield, a tonk, a tin can. Where's the friggin tin?! Or the plate, for that matter? She's supposed to be able to withstand all kinds of hell, breathed fire at, spat poison at, beaten, kicked and gnawed on like some chew toy. Well... I wouldn't want to be the one to charge Nefarion first in this outfit. And yes, you can argue I can cover her up with shirts and tabards, but frankly, I don't think I should have too. (Even though Mog Nogu's guild tabard rocks!) Maybe it's the poor game designers at Blizzard who were so desperate for some stimulance they made these skimpy damn armors for their own amusement. I'm not going to elaborate on those mental images, but still. I would've adviced Blizzard to give the game designers some vacations. Alternatively send them to obligatory strip-clubs-excursions once a week. Because these armors are just silly, ugly and hopelessly unpractical.
And if you accuse me of saying this because I'm a woman too, you're dead wrong. Male characters running around in plate thongs and leather harnesses looking like members of the Village People wouldn't have made me happy. (Another lovely mental image for ya ;) Male characters with faces looking like Brad Pitt wouldn't have made me happy either. Because it takes the fantasy-part out of WOW, in more ways than one. First of all, this doesn't leave very much to the imagination, or ones fantasy, at all. Second, I just can't seem to get Destiny's Childs stage outfits to fit into the World of Warcraft I love.
Oh btw. The man who invented migrains can expect anthrax in his mail any day now.
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