29 Apr 2008

Top 5 Reasons It's Time To Leave Norway

The day has finally arrived. It's moving day. Leaving day. Goodbye day. We are off to England for three weeks with Mike's family. We fly out at 3 pm, and we are going to have a great time. First we are 'doing' London for about a week. Then we'll make a stopover in Cambridge, before we return to Ripon near Leeds in Yorkshire for a couple of weeks of family time.

I know it's going to be lots of fun.

But right now, nothing feels great. It's 5 am, and I'm wide awake. In between goodbye parties, packing, quality family time, farewell dinners and shopping, I've been handling this whole leaving business with aplomb. But this morning I woke up with a big, aching hole in my stomach. I feel so torn right now, between desperately wanting to stay and recognizing that our life is back in Canada - and that it is really a very good life.

A nagging voice at the back of my head keeps asking me how I can have a good life so far away from my family. Isn't family what life is all about? But I KNOW that once I come back to my old life, I will be happy to see all my wonderful friends, my house and the lovely weather that is Ontario in the summer.

Mike is being very good about this whole thing. During times where I've been excessively whiny about going back, he's even suggested that we could consider moving here permanently if, after spending some time back in Canada, we find life really is better for us here. But, in all seriousness, I couldn't do that to him. There's nothing for him here, except language barriers. He'd give it a try if I asked him to, but I am not that selfish (I hope).

So I know these next few hours are the last of 'living' in Norway, at least for the foreseeable future.

The boys and their cousins had a final sleepover last night. My nephews are skipping school today, and all four boys are currently snoozing away. I'm going to miss these weekend campouts as much as anything else. I've gotten used to have three or four boys, not just two. And this morning, these four boys are going to 'save' me from totally breaking down. They will keep me busy making breakfast and doling out washing and clothing instructions. Then we'll drop off the nephews at home, while we pack two cars with our luggage and head towards the airport.

In closing, and in a pathetic attempt to lighten the mood somewhat, I give you:

The Top 5 Reasons It's Time To Leave Norway

5. When your child complains that he's had a long school day after finishing at 1 pm.

How is he going to re-adjust to school ending at 3:30 pm every single day if we don't take him back now?

4. When you can no longer button your pants due to an overindulgence of rich and creamy Norwegian chocolate.

Although that's not really a good reason to leave -- why not just chuck your old pants and pick up new ones, with friendlier sizing and elastic waistband?

3. When your oldest child just received a cell phone, but isn't happy with the GPS-less model.

Seriously - kids in Norway are way too technologically endowed.

2. When you realize you just paid 6 dollars for 7 strawberries.

Or $20 for a glass of wine, $15 for a movie ticket, not to mention $200 dollars for a pizza dinner. And you didn't bat an eyelid.

1. When you know that if you stay here one more month, or even just one more day, you will never, ever agree to leave, and your husband will have to carry you, kicking and screaming, onto that airplane.

And that's all.

46 comments:

dawn klinge said...

You have such a great way at looking at things. I know this must be so tough for you right now. Enjoy your time in England.

Gina said...

But oh what an adventure it has been!

Hang tight, my friend.

Hugs...

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

Oh Heidi, I feel for you! It's never easy to leave. When we left England for Germany, it really hurt. My poor son said, "It's okay Mommy, we'll move back after Germany." He is too young to understand that England was only an adopted home, that the US is really home.

Chin up as you pack out. You have great memories to get you through. Enjoy the time in England.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for choosing Norway this year, it has been so great having you here. We are really going to miss you allot!! But we are so happy for getting to spend these nine months with you:)

We hope you will have a great time in England with Mikes family.

Emil, Mathias, Joakim, Ann and Per

Nadine said...

I feel for you! (And your wallet, Norway sounds expensive! 200$ for a pizza dinner? For 20 people, right?)

Have fun on your trip back home and in Britain! Safe travels!

MyThreeBlogs said...

At least, in the back of your head, you have that "out clause" that you can come back if you really can't re-adjust to being back in Canada... But it's gotta be really tough...

Stay strong.

Anonymous said...

This is hard for you, I know, and I'm sorry.

Enjoy your last day and travel safely to England! Remember: double-decker buses are great fun!!!

XO,
Jen

kim-d said...

Awww Heidi...I can't even imagine how hard this must be. Here's the good part. NONE of us know what the future holds; as the saying goes, "life is what happens to us while we're busy making other plans." If it is meant to be, you will be back there again. From what I read here, no matter where the four of you are--be it Norway, England, Paris, Canada, or anyplace else--you will be having a wonderful time because you are such an awesome family!

Enjoy your time with Mike's family!

dkuroiwa said...

Oh Heidi...what a day this is going to be for you and your family. I'm thinking about you and sending warm and 'pain-free good-bye' thoughts your way. Go ahead and cry...it helps.
Have a wonderful time in England...hope the weather is good. And yes, the double-decker bus is a must!!
And the adventure continues....

Suzanne said...

I hope that you get through the day with the same sense of perspective and humor with which you wrote this! Have a great time in England.

Stomper Girl said...

Oh love! I feel for you. Separating is hard to do. And your year has been so lovely. I feel really happy to have *shared* it with you.

Have a fabulous time in transit, and take care.

You will just have to book super-long holidays in Norway every year. Three weeks minimum.

Rebecca said...

I have a knot in my stomach just reading this... I know my day is not far away, too. I know you'll agree, though, that the pain of goodbyes is a worthwhile side effect of all of the joy you've experienced in your time in Norway.

Enjoy your week in London... hopefully the rain will hold off a bit while you're here!

Lisa said...

It won't hurt forever Heidi, even though it might feel like it now. Thinking of you today and sending a huge hug.

Mighty Morphin' Mama said...

I am thinking of you Heidi, I can't imagine how hard this must all be for you. Especially leaving your family. Whenever I think of your boys and the lifelong connection they have made with their cousins my heart gets the warm fuzzies.
Have a wonderful time in England and when you guys get settled we will have some scrapbook chats!

Christie said...

Oh, honey, I feel for you. I have moved more times than I can count, and it never gets any easier. Hang in there, friend.

Misty said...

There is nothing to say. I have no pearls of wisdom to offer. Only that, over here, across the big blue ocean, I feel it too. We are sad with you and for you.

Candy said...

I had to let you know I tagged you for a meme today. Don't hate me...it's part of the RULES!!!

Compliance is not mandatory, but what else were you planning to do today, anyway? snort...

painted maypole said...

at least you are off for several WEEKS of adventures before you hit canada.

i know it's sad to leave, but I'm having a hard time feeling sorry for you right now. ;)

Heidi said...

I can't beleive how expensive things are there, and I complain how expensive they are here!
Sorry you are feeling blue about leaving. I am sure you are correct in thinking you will eventually be happy again in Canada.
And I am looking forward to reading all about England.

Melissa said...

yea we are the same with berrier here too, which I don't get since we GROW THEM HERE! But still I haven't eatten a strawberry since moving back here :)

Chantal said...

Have a fabulous trip in England and be sure to check in when you get back!
Safe Travels to all of you!
Chantal

She She said...

So bittersweet.

The boys (at least Christopher) will always remember this year in Norway. What a gift.

Safe travels.

E said...

The transition will be just as fun this way as the other way was. You are on a family adventure and geography is only a part of that. Safe travels. Have lots of fun along the way....

E said...

The transition will be just as fun this way as the other way was. You are on a family adventure and geography is only a part of that. Safe travels. Have lots of fun along the way....

Mary Beth said...

I know how awful it is to say goodbye to family. It's nice that you have England to look forward to and I bet there are lots of people waiting for you in Canada!

Candy said...

I didn't realize you were leaving so soon! (you know that meme I tagged you for? Why don't you leave it for now ;))

It must be sooo hard to walk away from that place, if your posts and pictures are any indication of just how wonderful a time this was for you. Not to mention, you'll have to leave behind the band A-Ha! I mean....Take Me On??? Who can leave that??

But if you're in Canada, you're one step closer to New Jersey so I'm all for that!

Safe travels, love. Talk to you on the flip side.

Katie Zeller said...

WAAAHHHHH!
I don't want to go either!!!!!
But won't coming back be fun? You can start in on the chocolate all over again.

Anonymous said...

I've so envied you your time in Europe. Traveling and living a life I've often dreamed of.

I know it's hard to come back, but at least we're on the same continent - maybe we'll get to meet up!

Amy Y said...

Mike is so sweet!! It's so hard to say goodbye... I hope your time in England is awesome and your transition back to Ontario goes smoothly.

Hang in there, Mama!

Kat said...

I am so sorry. I can't imagine how hard it will be to leave. How sweet of your husband to even offer moving permanently. Comfort yourself knowing that maybe that is an option down the road.

ewe are here said...

I know how hard it is to leave friends and family behind... but I'm looking forward to reading about your travels through England over the next few weeks.

Email me if you come up my way.
:-)

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

But oh how your blog audience will miss your adventures and your photos!

6 dollars for 7 strawberries? NO WAY! WOW!

katydidnot said...

oh wow. i feel your pain. you're handling way better than i would. yay you, and your family, and canada? is awfully cool, too.

Amy said...

What a dream vacation you have had. You will have so many memories - this is awesome. Best of luck with your journey home.

Lisa said...

You and your kids have alot of incredible memories. Hope all goes well. Am thinking of you guys lots.

Lisa said...

P.S. Thank you for blogging about your adventures. I don't know if I'll ever get to go to Norway but it was wonderful living vicariously through you.

Hope England is a blast.

Anonymous said...

I know that leaving is so hard, but think of all the wonderful things you have done. And the adventures your kids had. This will make visiting even that much more sweet.

I hope you have a great time in England, I haven't been back there in many, many years, but hope to return one day. Enjoy the showers as it seems like we are in for a warm dry Spring.

Cheers.

Laski said...

Oh, painfully behind on commenting on my favorite blogs!!! Oh, I feel you! I can only imagine what your next adventure will be!!!

Laski said...

"4. When you can no longer button your pants due to an overindulgence of rich and creamy Norwegian chocolate."

There is this trick you can do with at rubber band and your button--hee hee :)

MadMad said...

You are such a wonderful writer, conveying so perfectly all these stresses - because I am feeling all these anxieties for you. It must be so hard! Wow. I am actually speechless. But as someone above said, look ahead like it's your next adventure. I, for one, can't wait to hear about it!

Ice Cream said...

You have a wonderful husband. I bet just knowing he is willing to make that sacrifice makes it easier, even if only a little bit, to make your sacrifice.

I am the only one in my family who lives away from home (all the others are within an hour from my mom's house) and it can be very hard. I especially have a hard time when I call someone and can hear all the other family members laughing and talking in the background. In the end, though, I know we are supposed to be here.

I hope the traveling goes well.

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

Such a wonderful adventure! And while it's ending, you've given your kids -- and yourselves -- such wonderful experiences & memories. And those you will take with you.

Karen MEG said...

Mike is unbelievably sweet to say that and mean it. It's been so wonderful for you there Heidi, you're handling this all very well.

I guess you'll just have to hop on that plane all the more often!

Just catching up and off to read your UK posts now!

Melanie said...

Warmest, warmest wishes and best of luck to you all. I can't wait to see what the next chapter of your adventure holds! (And Sweet Jeebus, let's hope that the booze and pizza is cheaper in that chapter, right?)

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