Norwegian Wisdom...

Ok, so I was teasing Celine that I was going to do a blog dedicated to her - words of wisdom, pearls of knowledge - from an experienced expat...so here are a few...

"Being an expat is a little like being in high school..."

"Some people you will like, some you won't.  And, hey, no one says you have to like everyone or that everyone has to like you." (okay, maybe not an exact quote, but close ;-) )

My other favorite Celine-isms have to do with the weather here...I already mentioned the one about putting the winter gear away on June 20 and getting it back out on June 22...

Then, if you are a faithful reader of the blog, you may have seen her comment on the last post.

Here's another word of wisdom:  Hvis skarene bærer en voksen mann på sankthansdagen, da blir det sen vår.  ("If the snow's crust can carry a grown man on June 24th, then spring will be late.") .... you've been warned!!!

So, here is to Celine and her words of wisdom!  :-)

Since there is really nothing major to report here, I figured I would also share a few other "things I have noticed..."

There is a store downtown - souvenirs - and I have seen this next little tidbit on a postcard.  I am sharing this because I think this explains the Norwegian way quite well...

              The Viking Rules

• Be brave and aggressive
• Be direct
• Grab all opportunities
• Use varying methods of attack
• Be versatile and agile
• Attack one target at a time
• Don’t plan everything in detail
• Use top quality weapons
• Be prepared
• Keep weapons in good condition
• Keep in shape
• Find good battle comrades
• Agree on important points
• Choose one chief
• Be a good merchant
• Find out what the market needs
• Don’t promise what you can’t keep
• Don’t demand overpayment
• Arrange things so that you can return
• Keep the camp in order
• Keep things tidy and organised
• Arrange enjoyable activities which strengthen the group
• Make sure everybody does useful work
• Consult all members of the group for advice

Now, let me give an example or two...

In reference to the first bullet point - Be Brave and Aggressive - I have decided this is the mentality that makes them poor at queuing and quick to push past you, even if it means giving you a little shove on the way.  

Case in point...elevators.  We are accustomed to letting people out of an elevator before you enter.  The other day, here in our building, three workmen were waiting to get on the elevator when the door opened.  I needed off.  They were fully prepared to enter and all but blocked my exit.  Now that I am used to this, I just held my ground and pushed through.  They don't think badly of you or even notice that I can tell.  

Now, early on in my time here, I was at the IKEA waiting to go through a door and once it cleared, I was starting through when from my left comes a lady with a pram who all but knocked me over to get through a doorway... to the dishes at IKEA...really?  I have since learned... be direct, grab an opportunity, and be agile (i.e. HOLD YOUR GROUND - and your place in a line!)

On the point about "Keeping the Camp in Order" - this is what we have noticed...they like to do things that "strengthen the group" particularly on Friday and Saturday nights downtown at the pub...hence the saying, "Norwegians don't necessarily drink more than other nationalities - it's just that they drink it all at once."

And last, in the work setting at least, Spencer is certain that there is a lot of consulting that goes on and everyone is asked for advice - so no one feels left out and everyone has a useful job, I suppose.

Anyway, my take on the Viking Rules...for now. 

I also have to say, I learned a lot reading the funny little books I received as a house warming gift (yes, Celine again) by Jenny K. Blake - Brown Cheese Please and Norsk, Ikke Sant?  I laughed my way through them as they are meant to be a humorous take on the "Weggies" for the newcomer to Norway and after being here over 8 months, I "get" it!  

Just other fun things, I had lunch with my friend Peyton today at a place I didn't know about...but now I do!  It is a lovely little place in Sandnes with a great menu and a beautiful array of desserts and treats and fresh-baked bread.  Needless to say, I will be going back there! (The quote on the bag basically translates to "I have something good" and I did in that bag, but it is all gone now...")

Tomorrow, the kids' school is having its major fundraising event, the International Festival, where there will be food, games, and activities that represent various countries.  I am helping at the America booth for a little bit and then we will all enjoy checking out the other booths.  There is also a big raffle of themed baskets that each class put together - there are some very neat ones, so we will buy lots of raffle tickets and cross our fingers that we are lucky enough have our name drawn!