Second Job

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Dom is still currently unemployed, and so I'm looking for a second job, I'm thinking about 10 hours a week. As I've said, I really want to pay off all debt in a year and I can't really do that if we aren't even making ends meet with food and housing.

I've never liked the idea of a second job even though so many people do it (my sister Sarah worked 2 full-time jobs one summer). I guess that I take after my dad in placing very high value on my free leisure time. I'm worried that I will be more stressed, exhausted, eat worse etc. But, I'll only do it until we are able to float without it. I'm headed to a clothing boutique and coffee shop today.

When I brought up the idea of getting a part-time job at my current full-time job, it was not good. Apparently management does not like you to have another job which I have a hard time understanding. I mean I get it that they want you refreshed, whatever. But, what about people with really consuming hobbies or families or the ones who stay up late partying every night? Is that any better?? We'll see how it goes I guess.

Wish me luck!

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?

Working in Norway

I got a response from Norway Immigration about my working there situation. I can't work until my family re-unification visa is approved which I apply for when Dom finds a job, and the average processing time according to their website is up to 5 months. SOooo.... I wonder what the possibility of under-the-table jobs are there? Babysitting? Walking dogs? Or, start work on a book or something...

Routine

I'm feeling philosophical today, and thought I would start a discussion. Dom and I do this all the time: bring up a topic and then start analyzing it from unconventional angles with an open mind (I love this about him!). So, the topic I am thinking of today is -

ROUTINE.
I have realised that I am really bad at routine, and really dislike it. Some people thrive on knowing exactly what they are going to do, have checklists and do it! These are also the people that can carry through an exercise or diet program by force of routine. My theory is that this personality type is respected in our society and seen as a goal.

Since my teenage years, I have started to-do lists and felt really great about checking things off (still do, even in my blog! eh.). And then inevitably feel guilty or stressed when I don't finish something in the time frame I set. Why do we do this to ourselves? Can I just do what I want when I want? I know you are probably thinking "Sure Leah, we would all love to do that, but nothing would get done and we would all lounge around the house watching tv eating crap and waiting for the wanting to happen". I would have to disagree. There are days when I feel like sleeping in, days I feel like waking up early, days I feel like spending 4 hours cooking an amazing feast for dinner, and days I feel like not stepping foot in the kitchen. Every time I listen to these intuitive feelings, those activities are filled with joy and purpose and I believe create a better result. Is it better to get up every morning no matter what and exercise even when you are sore and grumpy vs. feeling some energy and going for a run and loving every minute of it? Which is better for your body?

Along with this realization that I suck at routine, comes also the reason why I don't really get along with a 9-5 job, and most schooling. If I am having a day where my brain is not firing for work, and I'm out of creative juice (come on we've all been there)... wouldn't it be better to recharge and do something besides work? Which leads of course to what the heck am I supposed to do to make money (which unfortunately I need) in this over-achieving routine place? Any jobs out there for us creative want to live in the moment types?

It seems like most humans (and dogs) like routine... is this true? Are we just used to it? Brainwashed into thinking this is what is acceptable or to be expected?

A few quotes on routine (looks like maybe I'm not the only one?):

"The less routine the more life" - Amos Bronson Alcott

"So much of our time is spent in preparation, so much in routine, and so much in retrospect, that the amount of each person's genius is confined to a very few hours." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge." - Henry Van Dyke

Would love to hear your thoughts.

25 Random things

Sorry for those of you who have already read this on Facebook. I thought I would share with everyone else as well.

Here are 25 random facts etc. about me.
1. I love the smell and sound of rain.

2. We do not own a TV, and I have only watched one once in the last year+ for the presidential election.

3. I love living so close to the ocean (3 blocks) even though my dog can't go on the beach because she has a weird tendency to drink the salt water and get sick.

4. I love long walks with friends or just Maya (dog)

5. I'm an extremely avid reader and average about a book every week or two. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I need some sort of help program but the city just keeps supplying me for free!

6. I get really excited about learning new things and have even started a list of things I would like to learn. Some of these are: play the guitar, a new language, garden, knit, letterpress...

7. I love to sing and dance even if only in the living room. Music is a big part of our lives.

8. I think I have the sweetest dog ever. Yesterday I told Dom she is like the Dalai Lama of dogs. I have seen a big mean scary dog growl in her face and bare it's teeth, and she gave him a kiss right on his bared teeth. Obviously not a watch dog at all, but if everyone was like her, there would be no wars.

9. I have recently developed a habit of blog reading (mostly design blogs).

10. I have worked the last 5-6 years as an interior designer, and am now at the point where I want to do something else, more meaningful. I have about 10 ideas bouncing around...(yoga retreats anyone?), I'm sure I'll have enough time in my life to do them all right?

11. I would die extremely happy listening to Dominik play guitar.

12. I am an eco-junkie, have overhauled all products I use and buy, recycle everything possible, and someday really want to build an 'off the grid' self sustained home. I would also love to be able to live without a car.

13. I love to travel and really want to go all over the world (maybe by sailboat?) even if that means bringing kids along... right honey?

14. I've recently been bitten by a crafting bug. Watch out! This sucker is big and affects your vision (you'll start hording junk that looks like some craft project), and it makes time disappear!

15. I think I can crack almost every bone in my body... I know gross.

16. I love to bake yummy sweet things (my mom's influence) and give them away.

17. I love warm summer days and swimming at the lake.

18. I still talk in a southern accent sometimes (lived in Mississippi till 8 years old).

19. I miss being near my family and love them dearly.

20. My boyfriend Dominik is the greatest guy I have ever met. He is incredibly kind, humble, and makes me laugh every day.

21. I am totally that annoying friend that gushes about the love of her life (see above), but seriously... you would too in my shoes.

22. We are pursuing a life long dream to move to Europe this year.

23. I hope I am lucky enough to be as wonderful a parent someday as mine were/are.

24. I like watching funny old-school 80's music videos on youtube.

25. I am training to do a marathon in 2010, for my 30th birthday.

Life's dilemma...