The November Blues

Friday 7 November 2014

November in Stavanger is difficult.  Day in and day out we deal with rain and wind.  The winter darkness is taking over, daylight savings time appearing to make it worse.  I look at the calendar and simultaneously think, 'how is it November' and 'it's only November 7th?'  These days the sun is setting at 16:30 and there are many times I feel like I've just gotten myself dressed and fed and it's nearly dark outside.

It can be quite easy to wallow in the November blues but in an effort to keep myself above water, here are some things making me smile these days:

+The opening of a Vinmonopolet (Norwegian liquor store) in our neighbourhood.  Alcohol is state run here and aside from beer in the grocery store, all booze must be bought via the Vinmonopolet.  Now we're never more than a 5 minute walk away.  (As long as it's between 10:00 and 18:00 on weekdays and 10:00 and 15:00 Saturdays.  Norway.)

+This post on Jess' blog on British English.

+Jasper learning to smile socially (as opposed to random upturns of the lips that are completely unintentional.)  I have to work really hard for them but the high pitched voice and exaggerated smile are completely worth it.

+My daily latte - taken with a shot of vanilla. The crappy weather seems to make it taste that much better.

+UnblockUs for giving me an American IP address and Hulu for keeping me up to date on Fall TV - essential with all the time I'm sitting around with an infant on top of me.

+Jimmy Fallon has been nailing it lately.  The Wheel of Impressions with Kevin Spacey, Daniel Radcliffe Rapping, Andy Samberg's Facebook Account, Wheel of Musical Impressions with Adam Levine --- pure gold.

+The rare days where blue skies (or grey) grace us and taking long walks with Jasper.  Fresh air does the body and the baby good.

+All the snail mail we've been getting lately.  Baby gifts and cards are showing up regularly and it fills my heart with happiness.

+WhatsApp for the ease of chatting and sending photos to friends and family back home and for simple conversations with the ones I love.

+Perusing the photos we had done when Jasper was one week old.  I can't believe how tiny and new he was and I love that we captured a few low key moments as a new family of three.  (Thanks Desiree.)


What's making you smile these days?

 Have a lovely weekend!

16 comments:

  1. these photos are making me smile in a big way! at least if you have to stay in and cuddle more, you have some extra special cuddles these days! ;)

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    1. Thanks Annie! It is quite nice to have a cuddly companion.

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  2. Awww! Love the pics!! He's so little in them :) Rainy season is just starting here so I can commiserate on the gray days...but when people here complain, I always remind them that we don't have to shovel rain!

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    1. Very true Rika. Spoken like a Canadian ;)

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  3. I think you look so lovely in the photo third from the bottom. I don't know, something in your expression...

    I've been happy for the exact reason you are feeling the blues! It's so hot here all the time, and even more so these last few years (Climate change has not been kind to Northern California). We've had a rain twice now which has cleared away all the summer smog, and temperatures have been much more moderate these last few weeks. The leaves are starting to turn, the morning air is crisp, and the sun is starting to give up its strength in the late afternoon. For me, that means celebration!

    Also, my boy is 6 months old today! He brings me so much joy.

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    1. Happy 6 months to Harrison!

      And crisp, cool air is so, so good.

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  4. Hi Jay. I have been reading your blog for a couple of weeks and I love it. I can't wait to read more about your expat life. I myself love travelling and I had two one-year expat experiences (one in London and one in Toronto - I am French). All the best. Carole.

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  5. Such a lovely photo series!! What an adorable little man. I hear ya Jay. I'm feeling the same way here in London - it is so hard when it gets dark at 4:30. I'm also taking joy in the warm beverages, fuzzy blankets and funny internet finds. Thanks so much for sharing the linguistic silliness :) xx

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    1. Hope you find some sunshine in Seville!

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  6. I love these photos! You have a beautiful family.

    WhatsApp is fantastic for keeping in touch with family. My family in Central America made me download it a few months ago and I'm so glad I did!

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  7. Oh I agree, it's the worst time of year by a mile. That's why we're off to Tenerife next week for the third November in a row. Sun! Cute photos btw :)

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  8. The last pictures of you three definitely made me smile :)

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