Itchy Feet

We are in Europe. WOW. When I wake up in the morning after realising that Maya isn't sleeping next to the bed, and I start to miss her... then comes the slap in the face that holy crap... we are on the other side of the world, away from anyone we know. Then the excited, spontaneous Leah jumps in and my feet get itchy. Dom's feet are itchy too. We want to travel! See everything! There are so many countries and so much to see and do and they are all so close. Ah, but then the moral dilemma of money. Money sucks totally. We really want to make it work here, which means jobs and such. The mature adult in me thinks nei (no), don't go to the zoo today, that is $80 a person and you might need that money in a few weeks when you still haven't found work. The 'screw the system' Leah then thinks BUT this may be the only chance we have for a long time if we get jobs and such.

The job hunt: hard. We have been to every employment agency in town, and they basically all politely said 'okay, we'll keep your CV and call you if anything comes up, but don't count on it because you don't speak Norwegian'. The lady at the government office (as far as I can tell is supposed to help EU nationals find jobs) was down right rude to Dom. We've been told that hopefully we can get the regular immigrant jobs like picking strawberries or cleaning hotels until we learn the language. So, slowly I am translating vacancies online and then we'll hit up hotels and such next week. Until then, I am cramming the language in... Ipod style. Can I pay someone to download it into my brain or hypnotise me to learn it?

Photos!

Happy Couple

Hope you enjoy!

I'm a Mrs.!

Our weekend wedding on the island was PERFECT!! I'm still smiling from ear to ear, and have to pinch myself every once and awhile and tell myself I'm not dreaming. Dom and I caught the ferry Friday morning and went out for yummy breakfast at the Treehouse (those of you Salt Spring visitors know how good that is!). We bought an umbrella in town because it was raining all morning. Seriously though, no stress whatsoever the entire day! The sun made an appearance later in the day, and at our ceremony on the dock of a beautiful lake... it held out just in time for us to finish. When we got back to our cabin, it started pouring. That's a good sign right? Even though I missed my family and friends, I'm really happy with how we did it. During the ceremony, it really felt like just the two of us there, and I remember things we said, how we couldn't take our eyes off each other, and the incredible special feeling. I think that if we had a bunch of people, I wouldn't have felt so calm and my brain would be running around with stress about everyone else. First day of spring, first day of marriage. We toured a horse farm, stopped at the winery, had the best food ever at a fancy little restaurant for dinner, took the canoe out on the lake, but mostly just camped out in front of the wood burning fireplace in our awesome cabin. More pictures to come soon!

Sick & Cranky

I've had a nasty cold for the last 3 days now, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere even with all the garlic, lemon, tea and water I'm consuming. I'm sure it was probably brought on by stress with all the stuff going on right now. Even the dog can feel it and spends the better part of her day moping around whining at me. My energy is so low, and all I want to do it sleep... but then I feel incredibly guilty that I haven't gotten anything done. Yesterday I thought, yeah! I'm feeling a bit better, and proceeded to do everything as if I wasn't sick and by last night it was back full force. I'm cranky and totally over-reacted at silly things Dom would say, and feel like crap for it. Ahhh... go away cold crankiness!

Hope you are all well. I am starting to get really pissed off about the comment thing here, I don't want to have to start all over. I also don't want to feel like this is just my weird journal where I talk to myself though.

ENGAGED!!

I haven't posted this exciting news yet, because I wanted to talk to my parents first and didn't want them to find out while reading my blog. Although...my phone card was up so I did write a quick email to my mom saying "I'm running away to get married, call me."

Dom asked me on Saturday morning!! I couldn't be more happier, and have been grining ear to ear like a lunatic. I feel so lucky to be with such an amazing man, and I'm really excited about spending my life with him.

We are running away to one of the islands in the next few weeks to elope. There is just no time to plan a wedding and all that crazy stuff - we are leaving in less than 8 weeks! So, we are going to rent a cabin or sweet hotel or something for the weekend, and throw a big party when we are back before we go.

On the moving front, I've been emailing the Director of Immigration department for Norway with questions. They are really good at responding, and I'm feeling much less stressed. I read somewhere that someone (I can't remember which blog) had to show financial info to prove they had enough money to support themselves while there. So I thought I better clear that up before we show up and say "But we are from (North) America, isn't a credit card just fine?" (Mom, don't panic when you read this, we have saved some money). Luckily they emailed back saying this is not a requirement for an EU/EEA citizen (which Dom is, and soon I'll be family). Yeah!

Also, sorry about the crazy blog madness... I can't seem to have anything pretty whatsoever if I want comments. It is really irritating me, and I have searched for help and emailed blogger with no response. Now, I can't even revert back to a standard format. If anyone knows how to help, please email me (under my profile).

Spring has Sprung!

The last week or so in Victoria has just been gorgeous! Mild weather, everyone getting their gardens ready, and yes... flowers starting to bloom. I know many of you are still buried in snow, so don't hate, I'll be moaning with you next year. But since this is my last spring here, I have been outside every single day! Here are a few pics from hiking (you can kind of see Mt. Baker in the distance). Maya loves hiking, and is so good off-leash, I am a proud momma.
Poor Dom was battling the cold/flu crap last week and missed three days of work. It looks like he has finally won however and thank goodness no one else got it. I snapped this picture of him napping on the sofa while sick (which Maya totally loved!). The funny thing is that I already donated all our extra blankets in prep for the move, so he is inside my sleeping bag.

In other news, I have been inspired to change Maya's diet. After much research, I have started her on a raw diet this last weekend. I'm following a great book my girlfriend lent me (it's Australian). My poor pooch got fleas a few months ago, and was so miserable. I really didn't want to take the route of pumping pesticides on her every month, and I'm glad to say I was able to get rid of them using all natural remedies and lots of frustration in a couple weeks. She also has a sensitive tummy, and always seems to have digestive problems even though she was on 'really good expensive dry dog food'. Anyways... the raw food is a hit! She loves eating the raw meaty bones and veggie pulp (run through juicer, I drink the juice). Her snacks and treats have been raw almonds and cheese and peanut butter. The only thing she is not fond of that I just tried today was liver. I finally cut it up really small and mixed it with cottage cheese and honey, and she ate most of it. I however, almost hurled. Ugh. This new diet is really messy, and I think most people who do it must feed their dogs outside. I need a fenced yard!
I hope you are all happy and healthy and enjoy your day!

Valentines!

I know I'm a day late, but I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and I hope you all find love in your life each and every day.

And, here are 10 things I love about my valentine Dominik:
1. Dom is extremely kind and doesn't judge or gossip.
2. He doesn't take anything too seriously, or needlessly worry.
3. Super Duper sense of humour.
4. He is very humble and modest about all his amazing talents.
5. His patience is unbelievable! I have a hard time being patient and he is the perfect example.
6. Dom has a passion for helping people. He is always willing to help someone with anything.
7. He has fantastic taste in music, and plays guitar!
8. His sense of adventure is awesome. He is willing to try new things, go new places, and take chances.
9. He is an incredible listener.
10. He is really sweet. He remembers to say thank you for even little things like washing the dishes, and he tells me I look pretty or that something I cooked is delicious. He doesn't overlook the small things and makes me feel appreciated.
11. He likes to hold my hand.
12. He is a great hugger and kisser.

Shoot, I said 10 things didn't I? Oh well... I am a really lucky girl and counting my blessings today. :)