Update

Okay, so I have obviously taken a couple days off - but here I am again to give you a run-down on the week...and I know you have all waited anxiously for the next edition of my random rambling!

First, the kids and school...Day 2 was rough for Brendan - needless to say, it was a very long afternoon on Wednesday. Thursday was much better, thankfully and he seems to be getting the hang of things. Kyla has had a good week, although her favorite description is, "It is boring..." so hopefully she will be a little more challenged as the school year goes on. I think she picks up a lot from listening to Brendan do his work, so she stays a bit ahead of the game. They both seem to be enjoying their Norsk class and of course, 3 recesses and snacks are always a hit! Kyla has already been invited to a birthday party and when I asked her who the girl was, she honestly wasn't sure which kid was having the birthday...hmmmm...apparently the whole class was invited.

They both have the opportunity to play soccer, if only I had sent the shoes and shin guards in the air shipment...ugh! It starts before our sea shipment comes in...and I am dreading buying MORE shoes and equipment that we already have, just not in hand. It is a co-ed deal for expat kids that go to either ISS or the British school - practice on Fridays and play games on Saturday mornings. Seems like it will be low-key, but good to meet people and play soccer!

I attended a ConocoPhillips Wives' Coffee on Wednesday morning. I met several nice ladies and one husband too who happened to be John's(Brendan's new buddy) dad. A couple are a little high-strung for me...but, it was a good opportunity to get information about various things and find out ways to get involved. The best jewel of information...a store called MENY! I took a little trip over there Thursday morning...I had a BIG smile as I walked through that store! Welch's Grape Jelly, Wish Bone Ranch Dressing, Aunt Jemima syrup, Dr. Pepper, Betty Crocker cake and cookie mixes, Tabasco sauce for Spencer, and various other "American" items! But, still no applesauce and not the cereal selection we would like...but, better anyway! There is a book club and possibly a walking group, so I am going to see how that goes. I am also planning on volunteering with the Parent Association at the school - possibly helping in the school kiosk once a week for a couple hours.

This morning (Friday) we all had to trek back over to Skatt Vest (tax office.) The kids and I were approved for our residence permits, so we had to go in for the next step to get our Norwegian person numbers. I hated having to pull them out of school for that, but the business hours here are very short (9-3), so we went first thing this morning (8:30.) The doors opened at 9:00 and we got our number. We had to stop at the police desk first for our photos and passport stickers and then on over to the tax desk to turn in paperwork. The whole thing took about an hour. I think that is the last trip there unless we happen to still be here in 2012 and have to renew...

This evening, the school Parent Association is hosting a Welcome BBQ, so we will head over to that once Spencer is home from work.

Now for my observations...
Okay, I am all for health conscience people, etc., and for cycling, which is very popular here...but geez, had a near miss with a cyclist yesterday...yikes! He was riding on the road instead of one of the numerous bike paths, and I had an opportunity to go around so I was pulling around and about that time, cycle-dude decided to signal he was turning left in front of me...I crammed on the brakes and bailed off to the side...nice... and then he realized I was there and didn't turn, but too late because I had already killed the engine on my standard...had to restart the car and pulled back out to end up behind said cyclist again. You can be sure this time, I just rode slowly behind him...Oh, and to be so health conscious, there are a ton of smokers here. Apparently that is not considered unhealthy here...WHAT??? SERIOUSLY??? Spencer says he sees people jogging or biking to work or talking about the heart attack they had and standing outside smoking before they go into the office.

Next...I keep meaning to mention the "EXIT" signs here...they crack me up! It is a green sign with a little dude running and an arrow...attaching a picture. I find them quite amusing...:)