A little less complicated life...

You know you have been in Norway too long when…

2012-01-09T00:35:00.003+01:00

1.You associate warm rice porridge with Saturday and xmas eve.

2. It seems sensible that the age limit at night clubs is 23 or 25.

3.You think there are no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

4.It seems nice to spend a week in a small wooden cottage up in the mountains, with no running water and no electricity.

5.You think cross-country skiing is the only *real* skiing.

6.You know at least five different words describing different kinds of snow.

7.The first thing you do on entering a bank/post office/pharmacy etc. is look for the queue number machine.

8.You accept that you will have to queue to take a queue number.

9.A sharp intake of breath has become part of your active vocabulary.

10.You associate Friday afternoon with a trip to Vinmonopolet (State wine monopoly).

11.You think nothing of paying 50NOK for a bottle of ‘cheap’ spirits at Vinmonopolet.

12.Your native language has seriously deteriorated; you “eat medicine” and “go and lay yourself”.

13.You rummage through your plastic bottles collection to see which ones you should keep to take to the store and which can be sacrificed to the recycle center.

14.It’s acceptable to eat lunch at 11.00 and dinner at 15.00.

15.Your front door step is beginning to resemble a shoe shop.

16.When a stranger on the street smiles at you, you assume that:
–he is drunk;
–he is insane;
–he is American;
–he is all of the above.

17. The reason you take the ferry to Denmark is:
–duty free vodka
–duty free beer
–to party
–The only reason for getting of the boat in Copenhagen is to eat pizza.

18.It no longer seems excessive to spend 500NOK on alcohol in a single night.

19.Your old habit of being “fashionably late” is no longer acceptable.

20.You know that “religious holiday” means “let’s get pissed”.

21.You enjoy the taste of lutefisk.

22.An outside temperature of 9 degrees Celsius is mild (in mid June).

23.You wear sandals with socks.

24.You like to wrap your hotdog in a cold pancake.

25.You can prepare fish in five different ways without cooking it.

26.You can’t stand leaving the country because people everywhere else are so nice, it’s annoying.

27.You look away when you walk by people on the street.

28 You invite people for dinner and expect them to bring their own drinks

29.You have bad conscience if you’re not outside when it’s sunny

30. It’s snowing and freezing outside and you’re still eating ice cream

31. You’re comfortable eating fish only salted and boiled in water….and you use melted butter as your sauce

32. You have wool socks in your purse (for emergency)

33. Going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark (again) is just a normal day for you

34. You say ” Rise and Shine, Good morning stars and moon!” at 730 in the morning.

35. You don’t trust the water from the tap in other countries because you believe that the cleanest and the best is only from Norway

36. You have invested in one expensive “Bergans” winter jacket.

CARE TO ADD MORE?

NOTE: This is a repost from http://mynewlifeinnorway.com/post/12324228212/you-know-you-have-been-in-norway-too-long-when

Mild Autumn weather

2011-11-11T12:39:00.000+01:00

My past 2 autumn experience here had been quite a shock to me. 2009, my first autumn. I wasn't used to cold then, coming from a tropical country were the only coldest place I've ever been (Baguio) was nothing compared to what I was about to face. Imagine me wrapped like a suman (Filipino delicacy, steamed sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves). You can even mistake me for a taliban woman. I had my mouth and nose covered with wooly scarf and a bulky bonnet on top of that. I have 4 layers of clothes on my back and 3 layers of socks to withstand the cold. The temperature was dwindling from 4C to -2C in just a matter of hours. I had to wake around 4am to catch the train to go to work. And talk about how hard it is to get up from bed when it's so cold yet you are lying under a comforter, warm and cozy. That's just a small bit of the battle against cold weather.

2010, this was the coldest autumn ever recorded in Norwegian history for the last 90 years or so. The smug look of my face disappeared as snow first fall in October and the temperature was averaging -15C in november! I thought I got it... having stayed here for over a year, I had this delusion of grandeur that I'd escape that sensation where cold seems to penetrate through your bones. I was wrong. Big time! Snow first fell earlier than anticipated and boy! Our dear snow was so adamant to just melt away that we had snow from October until April the following year.I'll never forget fall/ winter of 2010 because besides it was the baddest and coldest I've ever experienced so far, it was at this time when I bought my own place...For me , it was a strand of summer sunlight among the gray clouds and gloomy autumn weather.

This year, it's the opposite. The climate had been nicer to us. When it's suppose to be 1- 3C now mid November, temperature's still reaching 7 to 8C mid day. Although it can drop as much as 2 or 3C early in the mornings, I am still happy because, I can still go out with a layer of socks and pants and 2 layers of top and a jacket. I don't need to wear hats, bonnets, scarf or gloves all the time yet. :)

Spotlight

2011-10-09T14:11:00.000+02:00

It is not so surpirsing that some people will do anything to grab everybody's attention, however annoying, stupid, fascinating or disgusting the means are. I don't bother myself thinking about being in the top or being the talk of the town, because, honestly, it didn't matter to me. My life is my own doing and it is how I want it to be. In the eyes of many, they have different perceptions of you. And it is that difference that makes it so easy to say, "I am me. Love me or hate me" and get away with a booboo. Nobody's perfect. Don't you just love that?

WORKING IN NORWAY - INFORMATION

2011-09-04T11:45:00.004+02:00

The past couple of weeks, I have been on constant thought about how much people will go in order for them to grab an opportunity and see where chance can lead them to.

There had been a couple of readers who sent me PMs asking how to apply working here in Norway. I think it's great there are those who take interest and time on sending me emails/PM's and in return, I try my best to reply and shed light on their inquiries.

DISCLAIMER: I am not related to any government office/ agency or institute related to immigration and working niether in Norway and Philippines. I am just a humble "norsk sykepleier" (Norwegian R.N.) who wishes to help and share the steps I did back then.

NOTE: YOU CAN APPLY BY YOURSELF.

1. APPLY FOR AN "AUTORISASJON" (license) at SAFH.

SAFH (Statens Autorisasjonskontor for Helsepersonell) - SAFH is the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel, which responsible for granting the professional authorisation which is required for practising the applicants' profession within the legally regulated health personnel categories. Authorisation represents full and permanent approval, while licences impose one or more limitations with respect to duration, independent or supervised practise, etc.

You can apply as AUXILLARY NURSE ( more like of an LVN) or as GENERAL NURSE. Go to the www.safh.no and click Professions.

Download "Authorization and License Form" and "Guidelines", found under Forms tab. Send all necessary documents back to SAFH.

***************'Processing of applications for authorisation or licence (As written on the webiste, under PROCESSING)

The steps in processing of applications are normally as follows:

1. Registration of the application by the Archives/Registry

2. Dispatch to applicant of the invoice (giro) in connection with payment of the prescribed application fee
The applicant pays the application fee. (Note that unless the fee has been paid within four months of dispatch of the invoice, the application will be deemed to have lapsed.)

3. Processing by the Processing Team for the relevant professional category commences.
Should the processing take more than one month after the application fee has been paid, the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAFH) will make a provisional response indicating the length of time the processing is expected to take.

4. Should the application be insufficiently documented, SAFH will send a letter requesting that deficiencies be rectified. This usually applies to missing attachments, or the absence or unacceptability of attestation of attachments, often accompanying the letter containing a provisional response.

5. When all the necessary documentation in support of the application has been received, assessment is made as to whether the conditions for authorisation/licence have been met.

6. If necessary, the application is sent to an external professional/technical adviser (usually at a university/college). This may apply particularly to applicants from outside the EEC.

7. A draft letter of decision will be drawn up and assessed by the Processing Team, and a decision is made.
The authorisation/licence, or possible notice of rejection of the application, is dispatched to the applicant.

NOTE: The Autorisasjon does not cost that much (around 1000NOK ), you will receive a bill of statement from SAFH and pay a certain amount to their bank account. I have heard stories from victims who paid almost 3500USD (17500NOK) to a "MIDDLE MAN" to get an autorisasjon. Beware of swindlers, there are many out there! Also, WHENEVER YOU PAY for something, ALWAYS ASK FOR A RECEIPT stating exactly what was the paid amount for.

Ok, now you've got your autorisasjon, what's next?

2. APPLY FOR A VISA at the NORWEGIAN EMBASSY as SKILLED WORKER (Nurses)

To apply for a Visa (for Philippines), visit the official website of the Norwegian Embassy in the Philippines for information on working and visa in Norway or you go visit www.udi.no, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s (UDI).

The steps and requirements are found on their website and from there you can start applying for a visa to work in Norway. Should you have questions, it is always better to email directly to the embassy or UDI.

***Kindly email me ( my contact details on the right side of the site) if you have more questions. :) It is my intention to spread information to my fellow nurses who wish to work here in Norway, as to avoid landing in the hands of swindlers with false promises. I know, when an opportunity knocks at your door, we answer to its call right away without taking caution and researching first about it. We all dream of greener pastures. I, however, urge my fellow Filipino nurses, to be careful and be vigilant. Seek for information first and do your homework. :)

A thought for the day...

2011-07-20T20:20:00.000+02:00

Give me strength.

Paint job!

2011-07-08T12:09:00.016+02:00

The weather was really not helping yesterday when I got home from the grocery after buying some ingredients for my vanilla-strawberry budding to bring along to Lloyd's party late afternoon. After finally placing the pudding inside the ref to chill, I hurried painting the remaining walls of my livingroom. Yes! After the long wait and constant self-motivational speeches, I got my butt working and was able to start with a little bit of home-improvement projects in my small, but dainty apartment. I bought my place last December and boy, I'm glad I did. I got mortgage from the bank and then started looking for a place near my job and decent enough for a yuppy like me to somewhat start my life. We gotta start somewhere, right? :) As I was saying, I painted my walls white over the sad, depressing mocha walls I had before when I moved in here. Apparently, I never got tired of the white walls I had in my previous apartment. Color does wonders to a room, and indirectly or let me say, directly affects a person's mood. I love a white room with contrasting furnitures in black, red, magenta, etc. color. I am not going for a mod or minimilastic theme. Opposite to that, I really like textures and incorporating interesting pieces. A romantic vintage feel is more like me. I like to keep it homey and feminine. :) I'm on the early stages of redecorating my place however, to be quite honest, it's quite drilling a hole on my wallet. I am really, really planning, giving it a thought first then another, before hoping on the next step. I would be posting some before and after photos as soon as everything is finished. :)

Later in the afternoon, I met up with my friends at the beach and had a little postparty picnic. I was too chicken to take a dip in the water, scared that it would be ice-cold. The temperature that afternoon was around 23C, so I roughly estimated the water could be around 18C. Still, despite my friends' constant naggin to join them in the water, I didn't find any strand of will in me to do it. Plus the fact that I can't swim... uhmmm No thanks. :) I got my DSLR with me and amused myself instead by taking pictures and experimenting a bit on my cam. :) Let me show you some:

And here comes, the experimental artistic shots. :P

And of course, the photographe amateur, MOI!

Neste Sommer!

2011-07-03T19:30:00.002+02:00

After withdrawing inspiration from the show Neste Sommer (Next Sommer) from yesterday's post, I think it would be fitting for me to introduce the song the show derived it's title from. I guarantee that it is played almost everyday every summer for the very reason that it's the anthem for summer. :P haha

Haha I'll try to translate the lyrics texts into English. NOTE: Try. :)

NESTE SOMMMER (Next Summer) BY DE LILLOS

Det var en gang en sommer

There was once a summer
I nitten hundre og nitti tre

In nineteen ninety three
Hvor alt var så behagelig

Where everything was So comfortable
Og verden var diskret

and the world was discreet
Om dagen kunne man lese

During the days one could read
Langsomt i en bok

A book slowly
Om kvelden satt vi rundt et bord

On the evenings we sat around a table

REF:

Når du en gang kommer

Once you come
Neste sommer

Next summer
Skal jeg atter være her

I will be here again.
Og vi skal synge

And we shall sing
Gamle sanger om igjen

old songs once again.
Når du en gang kommer

Once you come
Neste sommer

Next sommer
Skal vi atter drikke vin

We shall again drink wine.
Og vi skal snakke sammen

And we'll talk together
Om de samme gamle ting

About the same old things.

II
Det var en gang en sommer

There was once a summer
I nitten hundre og nitti tre

In nineteen ninety three
Hvor verden lå ufarlig

Where the world lay safely
Langs Norges kyst et sted

Somewhere along Norway's coast
På radioen var det et program

On the radio there was a program
Om sommermat

About summer food
Vi ruslet ned og tok et bad

We had a stroll and took a bath

Repeat REF.

An out-of-the-ordinary Saturday

2011-07-03T17:24:00.006+02:00

    Yesterday, my friend Mary Ann came for a visit here at my apartment. Originally, we were suppose to go on camping and fishing trip in Jeløya, however, sadly, our dear friend, the sun did not grace us with her wonderful sunshine, leaving us a drab, wind and grey afternoon. So I asked her if she would like to watch a show at Parkteater (Park Theater) here in Moss. Frankly, I've never been there myself and was not even aware that it exists until friday evening, when I was browsing over for some alternative activities and attractions here in Moss after realizing that our camping plans would most likely be postponed. Good thing she obliged. This would be the first time we'd be seeing a show/live performance here in Norway so the thought thrilled us both. On my part, I had a bit a pang of nostalgia because I used to watch plays and live performances/acts on a regular basis when I was still in college. (Yeah that was loooooooong time ago. Kill me now?)

     Moving on, before heading to the show, we decided to grab an early dinner at a Greek restaurant called Afrodite. For appetizer, we ordered Garides Saganaki - baked Shrimps in provence spice mix and garlic oil topped with feta cheese. For the main course, I ordered Filet Mignon ala Afrodite - beef medalion in 3 sauces (brown, white and bernaise) while Mary Ann had Paidakia - grilled lamb cotelletes with oregano, served with geek salad and tzatziki. (NOTE: The links for the the Garides Saganaki and Paidakia are not the actual recipes used by Afrodite Restaurant and are only for reference.) And not but not the least, for dessert, we had Gresk Kryddekake (Greek spice cake), with vanilla ice cream.

     What can I say, DET VAR DEILIGE, NYDELIGE og TOTALT FANTASTISKE MAT! (It was delicious, wonderful and totally fantastic food!) 'Nuf said. :p I'm glad we followed our noses and took a chance there. Although the resto was not really that inviting from the outside, structurally. But man, the cliche, "Don't judge a book by its cover" really applies here. Visit their webiste here. (Norsk)

      Here's Mary Ann and I, waiting for our order. (I'm sorry I didn't take pictures of the food we had because we were so caught into the moment of savouring our meal. :) Can't blame us for that! )

Our gastronomic adventure came to an end, yet our goal was achieved: Happy tastebuds. :)

Next stop, NESTE SOMMER (Next Summer). It is a musical show which recently premiered at Parkteater in Moss on July 2, 2011 at 7pm. The show runs all weekends of the entire month of July with performers Hilde Lyrån, Brede Bøe, Sofie Bjerketvedt og Christian Ruud Kallum and Directed by Geir Meum Olsen.

The show features famous Norwegian Songs which are all about... what else, SUMMER!!! The show also incorporates a bit of standup comedy in between songs and gives its own comedic twists on ordinary Norwegian summer topics like Ferie i eksotiske steder (vacation in exotic places), arbeid og trådløs teknologi under grillefest (working and wireless technology during a grill party), hvordan får man den perfekte brun hudfage ( how to get that perfect tan), Sommer fling og sex (summer fling and sex), just to name a few. The whole time I was laughing... I wished I could do a hyenalaugh, which would be absolutely frowned upon by my Norwegian counterparts. :P Surprisingly, it came to me that I've came this far with the language that I can follow what's actually happening and "getting" the jokes and reading between the lines. (HIGH FIVE!!) The ticket costs 390 NOK per person (around 75 USD). Thehours and for 390NOK, we had a good laugh and left us feeling good after. So i guess 390 NOK was worth it than paying 500 NOK or 1000 NOK ticket to a Sarah Geronimo concert (in 2009), which was totally rip off, IMO. A Lady Gaga concert ticket last Nov 2010 was starting at 700NOK. Duuuuuuhhhh??!! (OK I'm going out of the topic here. :p )

Anyway, yep, it was a one out-of-the-ordinary saturday for me! :) Happy taste buds, happy brain and happy soul. :)

Grilling out with friends!

2011-06-18T21:28:00.000+02:00

Last Thursday Evelyn invited me and my friends to their new house in Halmstad where we had a grillefest (grill party). Earlier that day, we went to Norwegian Outlet in Vestby to window shop where I ended up buying few tops, sandals and jacket. :) Anyway, we really had fun that day. After pigging out, where we were served grilled chops, hotdogs and ribs and salads and cocktail, we decided to play "touch ball". It's the Filipino version of dodge ball. haha :) Anyway, I was paired with Florence and heck yeah, we rocked! So here we are lying down on the grass after the game. Don't you just love summer in Norway?

So here's yours truly with my good friend, Evelyn:

Sommerferie snart! (Summer vacation is here!)

2011-06-13T14:17:00.001+02:00

Summer is here...the temperature is averaging 18 to 22C and the sun sets around 1130pm and rises around 3am... how cool is that! Anyway, everybody's soon leaving for a good, long break from work. Unfortunately, I'll be stuck here and working my sweet, pretty ass off the whole 3 months while others are getting their tan, indulging a sumptuous meal and aromatic wine somewhere in the south, (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Cyprus,etc.) and unwinding, a form of escape, an I-ME-MYSELF time. :)

Summer in Norway is really great! I'm so looking forward in taking hikes, running, fishing, biking, etc. And most of all, donning light-weight, colorful clothes and sandals... A break from all the blacks, wools, cashmeres and fleece in my closet. Time to go out and take a lot of photos too! :)

"Can We Still Be Friends" - Todd Rundgren, Daryl Hall

2011-06-10T00:00:00.000+02:00

OK, fine! LSS of the day! This cover is just awesome! Well, if it wasn't because of a then teenager me who watched this life- changing movie called "Vanilla Sky" one, stormy evening, I would not probably be playing this song over and over until wee hours in the morning. hahaha

A trip down the memory lane again... plus I'd like to sing this song to someone. :P

My Vacation in Pinas

2011-06-09T22:12:00.002+02:00

Yep! I was away for over a month and man, it was good to be back in Pinas (well, minus the heat, smog and pollution). After almost 3 years, I came back and saw my family and friends. Things at home have not changed, still warm, cozy, familiar and safe.

Most of my stay there mostly involves driving around the metro, doing errands and meeting up suppliers (yes, I am getting married next year) and dinning out and hanging out with friends and family. And of course, one's stay is never complete without an out-of-town, getaway to the beach- to Boracay, Quezon and Ilocos. You should have seen me sunburned and all tanned up. I don't mind at all! (Before I had this extreme animosity towards the sun and that I had to cover up as not to expose any part of my body to the harmful UV rays. I know, I was a KJ back then.) As I was saying, I got my golden tan again which sadly is now fading slowly as I turn back to this pale looking, sunlight-deprived creature after just almost month, since I got back here in Norway.

Back again to the old routine...work, home, exercise and travel. :P Where to go this summer or autumn, Brussel, Barcelona or California? :)

dialogue 101

2011-01-22T00:30:00.001+01:00

Let me share this conversation between me and an elder patient. Of course this was in norwegian but i'll be translating it and try my best to remember the exact words she used...

Me: Hi ----! Good evening. It's time for your injection. I'll be injecting it somewhere in your abdomen. (SC route)

Patient: What's that injection for? Why? I don't usually get injections in the stomach...

Me: It's an drug that will help prevent formation of blot clots on your leg. You've had an operation over a week ago.

Patient: Who said that i'd get that injection?

Me: it's the doctor's order and it's very inportant that we follow it.

Patient: Are you allowed to give that to me?

Me: (starting to get irritated of explaining. Breathed in. ) Yes i am. I am a nurse here.

Patient: generally, should I be getting that injection, you think?

Me: (scratching me head) yes. It's the doctor's order and it's a standard procedure that post-op patients get this type of injection..

Patient: oh is that so... (thinks a bit) I think that i am not gonna need that tonight. I was able to survive without that.

Me: let me emphasize that the injection will help you prevent further complications of your current condition...and you've had these injection for over a week now...

Patient: (shakes her head) can you leave me alonr now... you can go and close the door.

Me: (trying my darnest to keep my cool) ok... i'll go back later to check on you later. Rest well.

I went out the room feeling defeated and frustrasted...

After 30 mins I went back in. (Hoping she'll forget what occured there 30 mins earlier). Before i went back there, i thought very hard on what i'm gonna say to my patient to convince to get the injection. After 2 mins, she finally agreed. The only difference i did that made the deal? I didnt tell that she'll get the injection on the abdomen and instead used another SC route and promised that it wont hurt that much... :p yes! Patient- 1, nurse rosanne- 1 point too!

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oh mannnn...

2011-01-22T00:01:00.001+01:00

This came in just today... my head nurse assigned me student nurse from february to april.... huwwaaaaaaaaat? Ok... let me explain. After one year in the field as a norsk sykepleier, so we get to veilede (supervise) student nurses... and it's one-on-one supervision, meaning we're gonna hang out most of the time while i'm at work... sweeet! Shadowing, the most likely term. And the thought of it kinda freaks me out... not that i'm not up for the challenge but you know, i gotta dig up all those nursing stuff somewhere inside my brain after years of dormancy and i am gonna supervise a norwegian?! How funky it that? And to make things awkward, the nurse student was the one of the many who helped me with the orientation/ routines at work when i first started working as a hjelpepleier over 2 years ago...

So, I'm both excited and anxious at the same time. Wish me luck.. she'll be shadowing me for 3 months...:)

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One year anniversary as a Pinay nurse in Norway

2011-01-20T22:12:00.001+01:00

Yes! It's been a year since I began working as a sykepleier here... to be honest, it is harder than what i thought it would be but gratifying. Really.

My fears in the beginning - language and getting along with your collegueas- well, I have been continuously working on that since day 1. Common.... let's face it that no matter what we do, foreigners can never be as good as locals, unless you are born or grew up here and went to a norwegian school.... but I am so thankful that I have colleagues who always find time to explain or translate baffling norsk words or expressions... because believe me, after learning the basics and thought you have acquired a relatively vast vocabulary, and suddenly you meet these weird expressions, you'll still feel inadequate. :p
Recently, it's been quite an adjustment because we got new patients at the ward and we have to change the routines... new chief nurse (whom I really respect and look up to) and more issues related to patient care and colleagues...
As a nurse, there are a couple of things i've learned. One, for that matter, is that it's really frustrating not being able to give the best care your patients deserve because of shortage of manpower in the ward...and it's frustrating too that not everyone has the same will and enthusiasm to give quality patient care. This is the dilemma, I'm pretty sure, every norsk sykepleier faces everyday at work... it's a cycle and in the end, it's the nurse who gets most of the burden and responsibility...
To be honest, I'm quite burned out... and it's not a good sign. Patience begins to run out... don't get me wrong, I like my job as a nurse here but sometimes, you'll get fed up. Nurses are not superhumans. We have moments of weakness too. :) I probably sound like I'm complaining but I'm not. I still consider myself blessed and lucky because unlike my other counterparts in Pinas, who have longer shifts, bad pay and fewer resources, I don't feel that, employment-wise, I'm not being taken care of.
Language? Uhmm... yeah' it's always gonna be a minus point for us all the time... but don't fret too much about it.. most of the time they understand what I'm trying to say... haha but it would be really handy to familiarize yourself with norsk medical terms because when you sit there in front of the pc and write a patient report... it becomes really tricky with the grammar and usage of correct words. So be sure to have lexin.no or any internet-based translator. By the way, google translate? BAD IDEA! I really recommend lexin.no although it's an online norsk dictionary but it offers explanation and examples.

One last thing before I end this, I've become aware that the are some who follow my blog, esp. pinoy nurses eyeing Norway... I thank you for visitting my blog and for taking interest in what I'm doing here. If you have questions don't hesitate to email me at rosanne83221@gmail.com. I'd really like hearing from you. I'll try to make more time blogging from now on... note: TRY. Hehe

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Good thing...

2010-02-27T17:13:00.004+01:00

On my earlier post, the acute situation, I sent a patient to the hospital after having CVA, ride side or hjerneslag, høyre side. Yesterday I found out that that particular patient died in the hospital through her obituary published in the local newspaper. I was saddened by the fact that she didn't make it... but hey, better than not doing anything for her at all. I have failed to mention that that fateful day when she had the CVA, there were 3 nurses on duty. The LVNs on that ward ringed me last because the first nurse was busy, the second refused to heed the call for help because, later that day, I met her on the medicine room and she told me that she didn't see the need to send the patient to the hospital because she was already 90+ years old was going to die anyway. Why send her and the hospital will just waste thousands of money on saving an already hopeless case? Well I didn't care to argue with her... I saw her point but I didn't insist my point to her that we are NURSES. We swore to advocate for our patient's best interest and even though, I know she was going to die anytime soon, we don't have the right to deny her the right to be sent to the hospital. And think about the family? Do you want you mom or dad just die there without doing anything? Plus who are we to decide the fate of our elder patients? It's not easy...weighing these things.

Birthday Party Part 2

2010-02-24T23:35:00.004+01:00

Hurraahhh! Second birthday party for me! These are some of my dear, dear friends here in Norway. And we had sooooo much fun that night! Good thing that my landlord was having their vacation in Spain and we have the whole house for ourselves! Wit woo! We're so like maingay! Plus Videoke Galore.. non-stop! Jared (the only guy) and Evelyn (the girl sitting behind me) will soon host a dinner party soon.. when? I don't know but I'm definitely going. (To those who don't know me, I'm the one with the white cardigan)

Plus, plus.... I am sooo happy that night because..... hahahaha Anyway, I found out also that we create so much noise that Evelyn's Norwegian husband didn't have any difficulty tracking which house we are in, when he drove to fetch her... hahaha. Are we really that noisy? or the Norwegians are just used to peace and quiet?

2nd Birthday Celebration here in Norway

2010-02-21T23:27:00.005+01:00

Ok... my age is out of question but today's my birthday!! And what better way to celebrate this day than waking up early in the morning and going to work..Yes.. I WORKED today. Not that I didn't like it... it's just new to me. I'm used to having those party's and handaan back home in Pinas.. but here, all you get is tusenvis av Gratulerer med dagen!! (Thousands of Happy Birthday greetings!) Well Not that I am complaining. One weird Norwegian custom here ( well, I'm weirded out because I'm still Pinoy at heart but I actually liked this custom) is when one is celebrating his birthday, his or her friends or family comes over to her place with food and drinks. Actually, not only during birthdays, but when Norwegian have gatherings, usually they bring food and drinks with them and then take them home if there are leftovers. hahaha Talk about being kuripot but they are indeed very practical and thrifty people. While in Pinas, it's the other way round... And that's what I got this day!! hahaha Well after work, My aunt, cousin and his family, and two friends from Nannestad came over here at my pad and brought the entire kitchen! haha Well, we had Pancit, Salad and Tempura then 3 kinds of cake for coffee/tea after the meal. (carrot cake, cheesecake and rice cake) I was like... hahaha is this cool or what?? haha Super thanks talaga to Nannestad peeps!

The right term from "manlibre" in norwegian is "spandere"... So although most of you know "gratis" as "libre" or free,or without charge in English but the appropriate term is spandere. Anyway, I will make libre my friends on tuesday.. they will be coming over and I'll be doing the Pinoy style birthday celebration!

But before I end this post, I'd like to thank the Lord for all the blessings he had given me... as in. I feel so loved and so special in all ways possible. I'm looking forward for more adventures and misadventures this year... I'm sure my life is about to take off... crossing fingers.. :P

My first emergency experience...

2010-02-18T09:20:00.004+01:00

I was working on a normal day shift in my avdeling (ward), ward 4... I'm telling it's my ward now because I am the only nurse there and and responsible for 8 patients and there are 5 hjelpepleiers (LVNs) and 3 assistent (nursing assistant) under me. Well used to be two but the other one recently quit her job and got a new one in the hospital. As I was saying, everything was going smoothly with the bedside care and giving out morning medicines. So my work phone rang and the two sentence I heard was, "Du må komme ned på avdeling 2 med en gang. Vi har an akutt situasjon her." (You have to go here at ward 2 at once. We have an acute situation here). Before I even thought of anything, I was racing down the stairs to go the that post without thinking that this is the first time I am handling something acute!

So as I got in that ward, I searched which room I am actually needed. I went to this room of a new patient and there I saw 3 persons carrying a patient to the bed from the bathroom. I immediately saw that the patient had a CVA, right side. At first the patient was on shock as even though she was paralyzed on the left side, her arm and leg on the unaffected side were almost everywhere! I told her that we are here to help her and she should somehow calm down. She said she is having so much pain on the right side of the head as she guided my hand on the spot which is hurting. Although my first nursing instinct was to check her VS first, I ditched the idea and immediately called the doctor. :) But the problem is here in the Nursing homes, doctors are here on mondays and wednesday.. and it was a tuesday! So I called legevakt (more like of you dial 911 and doctors will be the one answering the call... cool huh?) So anyway, I gave the details to the doctor who answered my call but she said that I should call first the primarydoctor of the patient. Good thing that doctor's number is on my mobile phone and so I ringed and told the situation. So I learned now that primary doctors are the first in line who can refer a patient for admittance in the hospital, next is the legevakt. So then I ringed again to a special emergency department to send an ambulance at once after that. And lastly, I called the patient's family and told them about the situation and which hospital the patient will be sent to. I went back to the patient again and she started breathing heavily and started becoming cyanotic. Good thing after a few minutes, the ambulance came and rushed her to the nearest hospital.

STRESS!! To be honest! Sounds easy? Maybe, but it's my first time.. plus I kinda struggled with the language and technical terms! How do I supposed to know these terms, when I learned them only in English??!!! Arrrrgghhh!! But you know, you'll start working with just the basic knowledge you've learned from school and the rest is learned by experience. :) And this is a good experience for me.. plus I am now more convinced that I have to buy that Medical Terms English to Norsk book and pile it up on my desk at work. Hahaha.. So there's kinda a disadvantage working in a nursing home because even though you are assigned on a certain ward, you can also be summoned to another ward, if the nurse in charge there is off or in leave, thus you are partially responsilble for all patients in the facility. That day, we are only 3 nurses for 90 patients and what if 5 patients suddenly and simultaneously had CVA or heart attack? and we are not so familiar with their cases? So anyway, that's why assessment and evaluation is so important... Do I need to send the patient to the hospital? or what? I am so excited to be actually applying my nursing knowledge and skills after 1.5 years.. I have a lot to learn, that's for sure, but I'm up to the challenge!

Well, it's kinda fun, doing this job. It can be boring sometimes because you do the same routines everyday. But as I have learned that this job becomes only monotonous if you don't apply what you've learned about Nursing care plans... struggle with continuous care, always the ADPIE!! Long term health care are so dependent with the NCPs we nurses make for our patients. Plus you should try to give best possible nursing care and be actually an advocate for your patients. My patients are aged between 90-103 years old, demented and almost everyone sits on a wheel chair and can't do anything for themselves. Avdeling 4 is the toughest ward to work in, as what everybody says... So you have to be actually an attorney because they can't speak for themselves and tell you what they actually need. You have to think all the time that these patients' lives are on your hands.. plus think about the loved ones of these patients who, although had probably accepted long ago that their parents is gonna die anytime soon because of old age, that we, in some way treat them well and with respect.

Moss

2010-02-11T20:16:00.001+01:00

I've been living here in Moss for over a year now and to be honest, i have not been that much around the city since I moved here from Oslo.

Ok... let me set a goal then.. this year.. I promise to go out more and tour around.. :)

My life as nurse begins..

2010-02-10T12:13:00.003+01:00

I started working as a nurse in January and when I walked along the halls with my name tag "sykepleier" engraved on it, it was just exhilirating.. After all the hardwork, the tears and frustrations and heartaches.. I am finally here.. (sorry about that.. I am still emotional about this because I've been through a lot) I stepped inside the ward I am assigned to in high spirits and good vibes.. This is it, Rosanna (hahaha.. i hate calling myself that).. this is where the real battle begins. :)
My colleagues and subordinates welcomed me with big smiles. Isn't it that over a year ago, I was under them.. no knowledge or whatsover of what I'm dealing with, cannot speak Norwegian and being a lowly trainee with no salary and the lowest form of animal in the food -chain? hahaha To be honest I hesitate sometimes to ask them to do something for me because I am no longer used to bossing people around.. I know I am a go-getter, assertive, confident person but this time, I kinda hold myself back and think first before anything else. So, new role.. I have no problem being a nurse and all the responsibilities related to it... but the one thing I most dread about is getting along with my colleagues. You see, working in a women-dominated profession is much tougher than you think.. The politics is hardcore plus gossips and backbiting is a normal daily activity. It's really not my strongest point... my way of thinking is I came here to do my job and that's all to it. Period. Little did i know that my work as a nurse is comprised of 20% nursing tasks and 80% unnecessary chit-chat breaks, psych-wars, plotting and more plotting ang conniving! OMG... the male-influenced side of me was overwhelmed and refused to embrace this new work culture..
So the next 6 months will be exciting as it involves adjustment to the new role I have plus my colorful, gossip-filled life at work! haha

Dream fulfilled

2009-12-17T21:12:00.005+01:00

After more than a year living in Norway, I've finally come to the point where the purpose of coming here is finally realized.. I am now a SYKEPLEIER (R.N.) here in Norway!! The feeling is just sooo overwhelming. The journey had been bitter and sweet.. Along the journey, I've gained more than what I have expected, however, there are some loses too. But you know what, those are just the some of the things you need to let go. Like things you have to leave behind when you're going to travel somewhere. It's part of who you are, equally necessary but you know for yourself that can be found somewhere else and replaced with something better, more worthy of the space inside your luggage? Anyway.... I am so thankful to all the persons behind me... who had been there to support me and guided me all the way. My parents, my Tita Naringg, My cousin, Kuya Glenn and his wife, Ate Digna, my new found friends here in Norway and my friends in Pinas, my Besbes, Yayay, Elisabeth and Ryggeheimen peeps, Anita and Fjellbo and Solstua peeps and lastly, the Lord for helping me through this... giving me strength when I have nothing else more to give and for making things lighter and bearable for me... Thank you!!!

Those two exams I passed to become a registered nurse here, when I found out that I passed them... I cried each time, because I know it was not easy.. it took sooo much efforts, time, energy and dedication to get through them.. and as I went along and faced that battle, it was all me and plus the Guy up there..He and I, we fought my way up and now that I am here, I am looking back to all I've been though.. and I feel so blessed. I am proud of my achievements and I am proud to be person I am right now... yet deeply humbled. I look back to my beginnings and followed through the entire process... and there, I saw that the old ME is still there but that person have GROWN.. a lot! This is a very emotional moment... and I am gonna let myself be immersed in this wonderful life-changing light and let the happy feeling linger for awhile.. because after this, there's more battle up ahead.. But this is the start of yet another chapter in my life...

Liberation

2009-11-26T16:46:00.005+01:00

After 3 months, I'm back.. I kinda forgot that I still have this blog! (Bleh!)

Anyway, it just to happen that I also started with another blog at livejournal. It's more of my everyday life blog.. you know, whatever-goes-kind-of-blog.. So it's really nothing special.. unless you guys would care to interest yourselves reading about how I bore myself to death. hahaha. well kidding aside...

So, what's new with me? Well well well, I'm actually living in Oslo now, but only until the first week of December. As i have mentioned earlier on my post, I'm taking the Nasjonal fag for sykepleier, which is comparable to the board exams back home in Pinas. So anyway, the 3-week course was mainly about laws and ethical concerns in Nursing. Plus we had an exam in medicine dose computation, which must be 100% correctly answered. (Whilst I am still waiting for the results, i'm really struggling with insomnia). In addition, there's still another exam next week, which i believe to be on an essay form and I have absolutely no idea what kind of questions will be up there. Thus, as early as now, I'm gonna give myself a pat on the back and just shrug off my shoulders and say, "Good luck sa'kin!". STRESS!!!

Anyway, i'll keep you posted soon enough... IF i passed. On the other hand, you'd know if i didn't make it because I'll be like, hiding somewhere far and unpopulated. :(

1st year anniversary in Norway

2009-07-20T21:03:00.002+02:00

It's been a year since I came here and what can I say... I survived one heck of a year. Easy? definitely not. Challenging? Yeah! Inspiring? Ahuh. Eye-opener? 100%! The road had been bumpy but the ride is worth every tear you shed and home sickness that ate me up sometimes.

Tita and I went to Vigelandspark in Oslo. We had a great time.. It's been quite sometime since we had an HTH talk. There were things that need to be cleared up, things to plan ahead and things to look forward to. I am thankful because my Aunt is also there to guide me.

As for my family back in the Philippines, I miss them terribly but maybe I am too much of a chicken to say it. I really do. But as I learned to stand on my own, a part of me wanted to become strong, independent and fearless. I am a big girl and big girls don't cry (quote Fergie). I remember talking to my BF years back, telling him how I wanted to live on my own and do things all by myself.. and that's exactly what I ended up to right now. Funny but true.

So I am the next part of my journey here.. Next year hopefully, I'll be seeing my family and loved ones again. :) Kudos!

Update: I Passed!!!

2009-07-06T12:41:00.003+02:00

Halleluiahhhhhhhh!! I Passed Norsk Prøve 3, written and oral!! OMG!

3 days ago, I went to Oslo to buy my poker set and did some window shopping because it's the mid-year season sale. I looked around but didn't find something worth buying. I reached home around 9pm in the evening. As usual, I checked my mailbox before going inside and I found this big, white envelope from Folke.. My heart raced and pounded... I held it against my chest as I rushed to my door because it was raining. I placed it on top of my table and sat there and stared at it for a while, subconsciously reciting some chants or whatever... I do this to psych me up, prepare me to whatever the result is... I was kinda worried because 2 days prior to that, I woke up in the morning and the thought of failing the NP3 just crossed my mind and ever since that day, my "worry" mode is on high alert! Anyway, I tore the envelope open and slowly I pulled a paper out... and there I saw the word "BESTÅTT" (meaning passed) in big, bold dark print! I just jumped out of my chair and jumped liked a silly 5-year old girl who just got her new Barbie doll.. I couldn't shout because I am afraid that I will wake up my landlord's baby sleeping just beyond my living room's wall. I called immediately my Aunt, texted my mom and BF and my nurse supervisor to tell the good news!! They were as excited as I am. :) I thanked also the Lord for helping me through this.. Things happened just as planned and now the next step is taking the Nasjonale fag for Sykepleiere on November. It's a 3-week intensive course and national program for foreign nurses who wish to practice their profession here in Norway. (You see I need to pass NP3 to get a slot in HIO (Høgskole i Oslo)). So I am on the way of becoming a nurse here! I am half way through...

Clap, clap, clap!!

2009-06-20T10:58:00.003+02:00

I have passed the Medisin kurs for Hjelpepleiere! Yahhooooooo!! It's an exam that allows Hjelplepleiere to give medicines. It is not only the nurses who can give medisines here, you know. Hehe I also have to congratulate my fellow Pinay friends here at Ryggeheimen for passing the test also. :)

Flight of Ideas (norsk)

2009-06-03T23:49:00.007+02:00

Flight of Ideas

De som kunne ikke forstå hva dette handler om, unnskyld meg. Jeg vil helst skrive på norsk på grunn av.... ingen ting faktisk! hehe Jeg har lagt merke til at, av og til, fikk jeg blande norsk og engelsk enten når jeg snakker eller tenker. Men den som er værre, tror jeg, er at jeg knapt husker et eller annet ord på engelsk når jeg skriver ned eller typer i data-en. Elisabeth, min veileder, har til og med fortalt meg at det var veldig morsomt og interessant å få se og blir en vitne til at jeg har blitt bedre med språket. De har fulgt meg siden den tida jeg begynte å jobbe ved sykehjemet og hun sa at det var utrolig at på en kort tid, hadde jeg klart å lære meg norsk og jeg var en racer. Smilet mitt var fra øre til øre.. Endelig, merket de forskjellen og framgangen. Jeg er stolt av meg selv. Jeg gjorde masse innsats for å komme langt med språket og jeg har lovet til meg selv at jeg skal beherske norsk på et eller annet måte. Nå, føler jeg meg mere kraftig fordi når man kan norsk, er det lett for å si hva man mener virkelig. Ingen kan si at du er ikke grei fordi du kan ikke forstå eller snakke ordentlig eller forståelig. Hvis det går an å fortelle mer om det, ville jeg det. Men det er ikke bare en person som kan bestemme eller si at alle opplever samme behandlinger. Generelt sett er det urettferdig å si det.

Nå er det for sent, klokka er 0013. Jeg jobber tidlig og jeg holder på en unyttig ting her. Hehe Neste gang til!

Hunt for the Perfect Maxi Dress

2009-06-03T20:27:00.007+02:00

I am going gaga!! It's been weeks since I started looking for the perfect Maxi dress to wear this summer.. and I am going N.U.T.S.!!! I spend literally hours browsing over online shops looking for my dress at a reasonable price. Reasonable Price. That's what making this hunt difficult-- I am not willing to splurge on a seasonal or soon-not-in-trend dress even though I am dying to buy those expensive dresses I saw over the internet! Everytime I am gonna type in my credit card details, suddenly a zephyr of reality lures me in not buying the dress at all! huhu So I am left with the option of browsing over ebay.ph or multiply so that, hopefully, I can find cheaper dresses.

I looked around in H&M, Lene V, Vivikes and other stores in Amfi Mall but not Zara and Mango because, I live, unfortunately, 45 minutes away to the nearest Zara and Mango shop... and I am too cheap and too lazy to get my ass over there and gamble my chances of spending 330 kroner (2400++php) for my two-way train fare, without even the certainty on finding something there or even if I liked something, the biggest question is if it's within my price range. I suppose (or I am just guessing) that maxi dresses in Zara or Mango could cost 700-1200 kroner. (and multiply by 7 to convert to peso!!)Sorry but I have this compulsion of converting it into peso because it's so expensive here!! And I swear to my future grave that when I return to Pinas for vacation, I am gonna HOARD and PANIC SHOP at Zara and Mango!! I will spend most of my vacation pay salary on shopping! hehehe (No joke!!)

Going back, there is nothing more fulfilling than finding, at last, that something you had been looking for for quite some time... I know, i know.. I am a self-confessed shoppingera but I spend within my means. (I haven't categorized myself a shopaholic because I can manage to curb the impulse to buy something just for the sake of buying). What makes me desperate is that summer season here in Norway starts this june and ends in August. This is the only time to bare your skin and dress up which ever and what ever you like! Summer here is just like summer in Pinas... everyone is happy, everyone dresses up, hitting the beach, getting the summer tan and the likes. Maybe I miss Pinas and the climate... maybe. Haaaayyyy... I wanna buy my Maxi Dress!!! Help!

After shock....

2009-06-03T18:53:00.003+02:00

I finally got to breath out... I had my norsk prøve yesterday.. Those who are wondering what the heck is Norsk Prøve (NP), (prøve is pronounced prewh.veh, with the first syllable stressed and has a long sound), it's a language exam for foreigners here in Norway that documents that you have, in some way, the language proficiency. There are many who have lived here for many years but still unable to master the Norwegian language. Even worse, speak poor Norwegian.

The couple past months was stressful. Now that i think about it, i had been doing a lot of stress-eating or stress-shopping!!! hehe (me glancing over my closet) But, but , but!! In some way I am so lucky that I have been spending more time with my Norsk supervisor that everyday we are virtually speaking only Norwegian (and some English when I am baffled) and her teaching me new words and expressions that is kinda slang or one way or another, colloquial. Anyway, I took NP 3 yesterday. (It has 4 levels, by the way, namely, NP 1, 2, 3 and Bergens Test). What makes it so crucial, I need to pass this test so that I can enroll in HIO (Høyskole i Oslo, equivalent to a college) that offers additional subjects or course for foreign nurses to prepare them for an exam (similar to board exams) that will allow them, if they pass, to practice Nursing here in Norway. In short, it's not that easy becoming a full-pledg, licensed nurse here in Norway.

Anyway, I just wanna rant over a part of the exam that was totally irritating. But before that, let me first tell what the exam is composed of. It has 2 parts the Skriftlig (Written) and Muntlig (Verbal) part. The Written part is broken down into 3- Listening, Reading and Writing. The Verbal, on the other hand is composed of 3 tasks, where in the candidate is presented with different topics, all of which he must be able to talk about--- ellaborate, explain or make an argument on, in the presence of 2 evaluators who will decide if you have satisfied the criteria for that level. Anyway, I was paired with a 40 or 50 something old man who came from Causasus and lived here for 3 years. We had a good time conversing and i think it went fine plus we had positive feedbacks from our evaluators at the end of the test. So come the Written part... The reading and writing composition part went well.. What sucks big time is the Listening part.. I though we will be wearing headphones.. but NOOOOOHHH.. It was played on a CD player with poor stereo quality (sabog!!) What made it even worse, I was sitting at the back of the room and I have hearing problems! (I hear better on the right ear). What happens during the listening part is there are several conversations played 2 times and you are handed down with a questionaire. After each conversation, you have to answer a question related to the recently played clip. Some of the dialogues, you cannot barely understand, hear or comprehend, leaving you confused. There were 3-5 items i am not sure if I have heard correctly, that I just had to make a wise guess. :) A piece of advice, when you are gonna take this part of the NP, better sit in front of the CD player so you can hear it properly.. And the weird part is I was not tyhe only one who had the problem with the poor sound system used. GRRRR!!!!! It just sucks!

So much for that.. we got 6 weeks to wait for the result of the exam.. I hope I will be alble to pass it. or else.. IYAK na lang ako!! hehehe I have to think positive!! Almost everyone who is dear to me, prayed for me during my exam and I am sure that the Big Guy up there will grant me what I deserve. :)

Busy Bee

2009-05-01T20:03:00.002+02:00

Hurraaahh! It’s spring time here and there’s nothing more exciting and more uplifting than seeing everything around you bloom and come into life after the long winter’s sleep.

I have been from a long hibernation( hehe). But i am back to business. Speaking of which, I have recently started with my 3-month training in Geriatrics.. you see, I need to undergo a total of 5 months training plus a 3-week course so that I can fully practice my profession here in Norway. So far so good… my nurse-supervisor is so nice and she is soooo helpful in many ways.. One of which is handing me materials that i can’t hardly seem finish reading, hehe.. but i am not complaining.. on the other hand, I am glad and excited about this whole training thing. My hopes are up… It’s not easy though. I had to balance training and work at the same. Now that I am living all by myself (which is so great, btw), I have all the time for myself, reading and keeping myself on track. I just have to hang on for a couple of months and hopefully, God-willing, my dream/goal is not far from reality…

Learn Norwegian part 1

2009-02-10T21:15:00.006+01:00

It's been 7 months since I arrived here and maybe you guys are thinking that I already have a good grip of the language... To be fair, I can say that I improved and am way better than before. But like any person in a foreign land, I still have a big share of struggles and difficulties speaking and understanding. I have to be honest with myself that I have a long way to go, many things to learn and ginormous efforts needed to master the langauge.

So, for those who would like to learn the langauge, particularly my fellow Pinoy nurses who wish to go and work here, I think it will suffice to say that the importance of learning the language is extremely huge. I will try to my best to teach you correctly. These are some I use at work, dealing with both coherent and demented elderly patients. It's not easy, NOT EASY! hehehe

Ved Sykehjem, på en avdeling. (At the Homecare, in a ward)

Du går in på rommet til Norveig Andersen, 87 år gammel, klar, går ikke selv, bruker en rullestol

(You are entering the room of Norveig Andersen, 87 years old, coherent, unambulatory, uses a wheel chair.)

YOU: God morgen.

(good morning)

NORVEIG: Hei. (Hi)

YOU: Du er våken, da. Så flott! Hvordan sovet du i natt?

(You are awake, then. That's great! How did you sleep last night?)

NORVEIG: Jeg sovet bra, takk. Men noen ganger, ble jeg våknet.

( I slept well, thank you. But I woke up a few times.)

YOU: Å ja.. Er det noe som du tenker på eller plager deg?

(Oh yeah.. is there something you are thinking about or bothers you?)

NORVEIG: Det er ingen akkurat nå men jeg lurer på om jeg kan sove etterpå igjen?

(There is nothing, exactly now but I wonder if i can sleep later again?)

YOU: Selfølgelig. du kan få et langt hvile ettermiddagen.

(Of course! You can get a long rest in the afternoon.)

to be continued....

Omega 3's great!

2009-01-24T12:05:00.002+01:00

I had ignored these capsules my aunt gave when I arrived here. Thinking what good will I get? I don't even know what is it for... but one day, i just took one capsule and then it just went on from there. Omega 3 rocks! It is actually good for your heart and for your skin- the latter I am more excited about, actually. PLUS!! It aids weight loss! how cool is that? So far, I felt that my skin is more moisturized and smooth. With the weight loss, i don't know yet because my only exercise is during at work- walking for hours and lifting patients. I'll still have to see in the long run..

so here are some of the heath benefits of omega 3:

* They can help to increase your energy level.
* Might prevent certain types of cancer
* Improve your sleep
* Reduce inflammation
* Improve muscle recovery from trauma
* Help with arthritis.
* Provide lubrication to the skin, arteries, veins and intestinal tract.
* Help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
* Help to improve concentration
* Benefit for diseases like: Alzheimer’s, depression and many other cognitively impaired situations.
* Reduces high blood pressure and lowers cholesterol.
* Might improve the healing capability for various health problems.
* Can improve constipation.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T09:22:00.002+01:00

Welcome 2009, Goodbye 2008!

Coming from work, I arrived around 10pm and went straight to the kitchen to start cooking food for me and my housemate. So was able to finish the dish in about 1 hour...pesto -cashew pasta with salmon and asparagus on the side. I was kinda proud because I have been doing the cooking for quite some time and so far, so good.

So after eating, 5 minutes before 12 midnight, we went out of our apartment and cam-whored a little and watched the firecrackers crowd the pit black sky as everyone welcomes the new year.

We headed back inside and had a little toast--- for happiness, health, success and more blessings in the year ahead!

Just moved in!

2008-10-31T19:51:00.003+01:00

Yesterday, together with Tita Naring, Kuya Glenn and Ate Digna, I and Myra moved to Moss from Oslo. We found a small dainty apartment just near our work, Ryggeheimen. just 5 minutes walk! Compared to the 2 hour journey we had to go through everyday when we were still living in Oslo... the time and efforts saved!! Anyway, all went smoothly and now, I said to myself, we are on our own now.. and definitely this is another phase in my journey here in Norway... We have to pay for everything- rent, food, electricity, etc.. which is quite expensive, let me just mention that!

I am hoping that this will be a good start for me and my housemate!

Stress Eating

2008-10-26T00:32:00.003+02:00

I saw a TV show (btw, we had just our cable connection! yahoo!) that talked about stress eating this morning. The premise here is that when one is stressed out, he or she copes up with it by eating. So a person eats even not being physiologically hungry.

Food, actually, can alter your mood. They set off emotional and chemical reactions in your body that can temporarily make you feel calm or powerful. When your stress meter goes up, food can have a relaxing effect on someone, but this is only for a short time. It also brings many problems, starting with excessive weight gain. Stress eating is often followed by painful self-judgment that can actually drive you to reach for more food. You feel guilty, mad at yourself and believe something's wrong with you, when actually there is none.

So being so stressed out for the past couple of weeks, i realized that I had started to pig out more and more... that eventhough I have just ate 1-2 hours ago, when i see food, i just can't stop the urge and just reach out for them. Unfortunately, I have gained 1 kilo already after 3 months and that is no good news! So this must be the stress eating which had been quite a popular term nowadays in our health and figure conscious society. :P I am quite alarmed for the fact that I cannot afford to gain weight and store so much fat after finding out that I have higher than normal level of cholesterol despite being only 25 years old and with normal BMI (body mass index).

So anyway, this is taken from workplaceblues.com and tells about strategies that will help to decrease stress eating. I am looking forward to apply these to myself and perhaps, as early as now, I can deal with stress eating..

---However, there are ways to break that cycle and stop eating to feed emotional hunger.

1. Challenge old beliefs, especially the idea that willpower alone can solve weight problems.

2. Forget common diet advice of avoiding favorite foods. A little chocolate may help fight stress, since it helps release endorphin neurotransmitters, nature's morphine. Excessive stress depletes neurotransmitters that help regulate emotions. However, using food to alter your moods won't make the reason for your stress disappear.

3. It can boost the action of those feel-good neurotransmitters. Anything from a walk around the block to a gym workout will help lessen the effects of stress, while helping your body be and feel healthier. Exercise is essential to any weight loss program. You don't need an expansive exercise program - just start moving.

4. Don't deprive yourself of food, which often leads to binge eating. Instead, eat what you want and toss out guilt. Develop your own food strategy by making choices. You'll be more likely to reduce the quantity and not go overboard. Want a favorite dessert? Balance that choice with a healthier entree.

5. Do a stress inventory when you find yourself eating more, or not eating at all. Symptoms of excessive stress include: aching back or shoulders, procrastination, clenched hands, impatience, rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, depression and anxiety. By tuning in to your physical and behavioral reactions, it's easier to face stress-causing problems head-on.

6. If you do much stress eating, ask your physician about stress reactive hypoglycemia. This condition can set off physical and emotional reactions, including tiredness, anxiousness and extreme hunger.

7. Learn what purpose food is serving. Stress eating is usually a response to emotional hunger. Keep a chart for two weeks to monitor your food and feelings connection. Divide it into columns noting when, where and what you eat; what precipitates eating; and your feelings during and after eating.

8. Analyze your chart for precipitating events that lead to eating. Your stress eating may be triggered when a conversation unleashes intense feelings, like being lonely, not good enough, trapped, helpless, or not in control, sometimes hours before that first bite. Trigger-situations need not be intense or with someone important. They may be over-reactions to the situation. Understanding what prompts your eating can be a key to freedom from food and weight problems.

9. Learn your core feelings - feelings connected to past trauma and loss, which may be reactivated by a current event, prompting you to reach for food as an escape. Such feelings can come from many sources - past abuse, a childhood in an unstable home, serious illness, being bullied and much more. Understanding your core feelings and their sources can help you to take action to disconnect in a healthy way, instead of using food. Professional counseling may be of benefit.

10. Find new ways to satisfy the feelings causing you to overeat. If you discover you eat because you feel trapped, explore what it will take for you to feel freedom. You may need to learn assertiveness skills, or leave an abusive relationship. Some people eat to hide anger, some to dull fear, some to mask their powerlessness. Why do you eat? What can you do to change that?

11. Overcoming stress-related eating isn't always easy, but it is possible. Many professional counselors specialize in offering help in these areas. The bottom line is that the more you know and care for yourself, the less likely you'll be reaching for food.

Starting out...

2008-10-18T21:09:00.004+02:00

Now after few months of practically job hunting and learning the language, I have finally started working as a hjelpepleier.. I am actually excited about it. Well, you have to be like on a training for 2-3 months, without pay, of course and afterwards, the employer will give you a contract. And now, I am on my 1st month of working at Ryggeheimen sykehjem. It's really a nice place.. Ryggegheimen has 2 buildings, the old and new. I am working in the new building... so the equipments are new and kinda high tech. Also, I am working in the ward number 4, it's a ward for patients who are demented and not ambulatory.. so they are all on wheelchairs and need to be fed. It's a tough job... because since I have been only here for 3 months, although I can now understand and communicate better than the first time i got here, it's still quite difficult. Now i truly understand why my late Uncle Hans has been so insistent that I try to speak Norwegian and learn as much as I can in a short span of time.. (FYO: My uncle died last Sept 3 so it was difficult for me and my Aunt to cope for a certain time. But hopefully, we are coping well now).

Here's my pic together with the elderly patients from Ward 3, when we went to Støtvik Hotell in Rygge..

At the Slottet ( the Palace)

2008-07-25T17:49:00.002+02:00

On my back is Norway's Palace (Slotte). It is on Carl Johans gate (street) in the heart of Oslo city. Norway has a Royal Family and the people loves them so dearly that it's a crime to speak ill about them. The family is composed of His Majesty, King Harald V married to Her Majesty Queen Sonja, His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Haakon married to Crown Princess Mette- Marit and Her Highness Crown Princess Martha Louise married to Ari Mikael Behn.

I wasn't able to get inside the Palace because this was just a quick stroll with my Aunt on the city. However, i'm pretty sure I will soon pay there a longer visit. :)

My first T-Bane ride

2008-07-23T10:47:00.004+02:00

One morning my aunt said I must get ready because we'll be going to the Politi (police) and inquire about something there. All the while I thought we'll use the car going there but instead, she explained that it's very important that I learn how to ride the T-bane. So together with my nephew, PJ, we walked to the nearest station.

T-bane (pronounced as teh-bahn) can be compared to Metro Manila's MRT/LRT. While the there are lines of MRT connected to one another at certain stations, the T-bane in Oslo has 6 connecting lines. However, they have the several same connecting stations. For you to have an idea, look at the picture below:

So if you are from Mortensrud (T- bane3, green route) and you wish to go to Frognerseteren (T-bane 1, aqua route), ride the Mortensrud t-ban and get off at Helsfyr, and wait there for the T-ban to Frognerseteren. You can get the brochure for the schedule of the T-bane stops at different stations. This is very convenient because the t-bans arrive exactly on time on the stations and you will never be late for work. Every 2-3 minutes, a T-bane arrives with different destination.. Also unlike MRT with doors that open automatically, you have to push a button on the door for it to open.

How to buy a ticket? In all stations, there are ticket dispensing machines, just like the MRT that runs along Aurora blvd-Katpunan-Marcos Highway.. just insert the bills/coins to the slot for money and push a button to the kind of card you want to buy, that simple.. the card is not plastic, instead it's paper.. and before entering the train there, there is like a bandy clock where the time and date and station will be stamped on your card.

flight manila to oslo

2008-07-17T20:06:00.005+02:00

Inside NAIA, first i went to the Cathay Pacific check- in desk. Here, they will weigh your baggage and give your boarding pass. I strongly suggest that you visit the Cathay Pacific online 48 hours before your scheduled flight and have an online check- in and choose your seat. The desk officer gave me all my 3 boarding passes - Manila to Hongkong, Hongkong to London and London to Oslo. This will save you time from going in queues on the next airport for the connecting flight. You will only need to look for the screens and search for the next gate you're going to. Just be aware of the flight you'll be in and you'll have no problem.. On the baggage, the airline allowed an additional 3 kg for the 20kg luggage and 3 kilos for the handcarry (7 + 3 0 10kg).

Your next stop is the immigration. This is, i think, where you will have a problem if you got the Job seekers Visa, as what I had. I will not expound what happened here, however, it is safe to say that you need an assistance for you to pass this part to pursue your trip to Norway. What kind of assistance? This I will not disclose here openly.

After immigration, you will undergo a security check and scan your handcarry for liquids, metals and sharps.. you will be taking off your shoes, coats, belts and belongings inside your pockets. after this ,now you can go to the boarding gate and wait for your plane..

Manila to Honkong. The trip lasted 1 hour and 50 minutes.. Maybe I was kind of lucky because my seatmate was a Filipina who's been to Norway and lived there for 3 years. She was with her son and Norwegian husband. Throughout the flight, we talked about Norway and her baby was so cute! We landed at Hongkong almost 10 pm and then I found my way to the departure/connecting flight area and walked 20 minutes to get to my next gate.. Hongkong International airport is as big as Mall of Asia, i think.. While looking for my next boarding gate, I passed by many attractive stores but I was too busy and stressed with the fear of losing my way around the airport.. A piece of advice, just read the signs and watch the screens for your flights.. You will never go wrong. Also, never be afraid to ASK.. The HK airport personnels are nice and they speak english! Check also your ticket when the boarding gate will close. My next flight is 11:55pm, the boarding gate closes 11:35. Be sure you are at the gate, at least 20 mins before it closes.

Hongkong to London. This is the longest flight ever! At the Hongkong airport, we got delayed for 30 mins because of the very heavy rain. Anyway, my seatmate was also Filipino on his way to Oslo and a young English woman whose breasts are popping out because her top had a plunging neckline.. hahaha but I like her because we spoke and talked about sudoku and her vacation in the Philippines. Almost the entire flight, I was sleeping. You will wake up from time to time but you will fall asleep a bit later. When you are awake, you can watch movie or tv shows from a screen in front of your seat or listen to music.. just plug your headset and just scan the channels. You will not get bored. The only difficulty I had encountered there is you get cramps for sitting very long and shoulder or back aches when you sleep upright.. so i just did the leg or foot pumping exercises or walked to the toilet and changed positions every now and then.. We were served 2 meals.. 1 snack, 3 hours in the flight and a breakfast, 2 hours before it lands in London. The meals are good and satisfying enough.

London to Oslo. London Heathrow airport is GIGANTIC! it has 5 terminals and you need to ride a bus to go to the other terminal. Our plane landed on terminal 3 and my connecting flight is on terminal 5. and I have 2 hours to go to my next gate..When I left the plane, I immediately looked for departure/connecting flight signs and for the screens to know which terminal and gate I will be going to next.. If you are lost, JUST ASK!! don't be ashamed. I asked 3 airport personnels before I was able to reach the next gate... They will really help you. Also a piece on advice, be sure to avoid any liquid, gel and sprays on your handcarry bag. If you have them, be sure to place them in a clear, sealable plastic and declare this at security checks. London Heathrow is very strict with this and you really have to comply.

London to Oslo. The flight took almost 2 hours hours. We left london 7:55am (local time) and reached Oslo 11 am (oslo time, 10am london time) They also served breakfast even though the flight was short.. After getting off the plane, I went to the immigration authorities there in the airport where you will present your passport and they will just ask you what is your purpose of visit in Norway and then they'll stamp the date of your arrival in there. Just follow the signs for "arrival or ankomst" then look for the screen which belt number you will retrieve your luggage..

I arrived at Oslo and I had the warmest welcome from my relatives.. they even made a banner of "Welcome to Norway".. I forgot how tired and sleepy I was when I saw them and greeted me.

On leaving home

2008-07-15T22:39:00.002+02:00

After a grueling 29 hour flight from Manila to Oslo, i finally arrived at the Oslo International Airport, Norway and was greeted warmly by my aunt, cousin and nephews who even made a banner saying, "Velkommen til Norge" (welcome to Norway). I was really surprised and touched because it lifted at least the loneliness and homesickness that accompanied me the entire trip.

The day when my parents and my bf drove me to the airport, was really a torturing and emotional moment for us.. A lot of tears fell, a lot of good wishes and parting words were given.. leaving your home- your family, your friends and your loved one- is nothing compared to that of having your heart broken for the very first time. It' s ten times more painful, the hurt is a tremendous burden you'd have to endure all the time.. The day before my flight was even more memorable, more life-changing... I have heard and seen things that really etched a permanent mark in my heart, those words spoken to me will always echo in my head anywhere I go, as long as i live-

Anyway, at the airport, parting with your loved ones is the most heart breaking experience for me... but i know that this must be done so I mustered a huge amount of strength to turn around, shutting my eyes intentionally, to save me from seeing the last look on my parents and my bf's face...

I really hate goodbyes, even if it's for a better future. As a form of consolation, I remind myself always, "this is only for just ONE year. i can do this, we can do this."

about a little less complicated life...

2008-06-13T17:56:00.004+02:00

I have made up my mind what to do with this blog. My other blog, Bargain Boggart's at sanriotown, is mostly about online bargains and my kikay, girly encounters. So thanks to my brother who gave me the wonderful idea, I will be blogging about my life, adventures and misadventures of a young Filipina nurse in Norway soon. Would it be interesting and helpful to other nurses who plan to work or settle there? :) I hope so.. wink. wink. stay tuned guys!

Mid 20's life crisis

2008-04-09T07:47:00.002+02:00

When you reach the age of 25, or maybe even younger, an internal clock starts ticking in your head. A sudden wave of thoughts begin to flood you and every second that passes by, the sense of urgency becomes stronger, more pronounced, more irritating. I am 25 but I haven't started my own career yet as a nurse. You see I turned down entering medical school after my premed and joined the Nursing bandwagon. Don't get me wrong, I don't have any regrets in deviating from my original plans. The experiences and fulfillment from my present profession cannot be compared to my previous encounters as a premed student. The thing here, I need to make up for the 4 years I spent in Nursing school and get even or ahead with my younger colleagues who have started their career earlier than me. ..... haaayyy... Pressure!

Hello bloggerworld!

2008-02-29T17:24:00.003+01:00

Yes.. another blog. I can't believe i have opened another blog. So I am thinking what kind of stuff will i be posting here and how in the world will i manage to maintain it! hahaha It's really true that bad decisions are made during early hours in the morning. (i hate myself!)

Let me first introduce myself... I am Rosanne, a 25-year old who is about to start my career as a professional nurse. I am from the Philippines.. if you guys ever think of visiting here soon.. give me a buzz! hahaha

I really don't know what to say because I' m all out of thinking juices right now so maybe I' ll just come back another day and by then, possibly come up with something to say with much more sense. :)