Much to do about nothing
24.8.2009
Boy do I have news for you......
....... no! I'm NOT pregnant ;-)
It's much better than that.... I got a job and I bought a car :-D
Then I also found out that I have a stress fracture in my left leg and can't run, jump or skip around for at least 6 weeks.
But lets start at the beginning. I was offered a job last Monday as an assistant director to one of the after school programs in the city, which I accepted, and after only 2 days on the job I was promoted to the head director to one of the teenage rec centers in my neighborhood. With my luck this week I'm thinking that I'll be CEO of the company within two weeks ;-) It's a lot more money and all in all a better job, but the downside is that there are some night shifts involved. If I'm organized enough I should be able to have pretty flexible hours so I'm at least happy about that. It's a good thing I'm pretty anal about some things ;-) so hopefully that will come in handy now. I'm very excited too cuz I get my own phone and computer as well as reimbursed for all miles I put on my car because of the work.
On to the next piece of good news..... I bought myself a car !! It's not a Mini Cooper this time but a 2005 Toyota Yaris T-Sport. It's a cute little car that is really good on gas and fits Chili and me perfectly :-) Steini can then keep his gigantic Wrangler Rubicon and drive around like it's two-thousand seven :-)
Then I have some news that are not as fun - but after months of pain and misery I finally found out what is wrong with my leg - a stress fracture !!! The doctor said I can swim, bike and do weights for now, but there should be no running of any kind. But - did I listen? NO
Being the hard ass that I think I am decided to run the Reykjavik half this Saturday anyway. I was contemplating switching to the 10km, but thought to myself that I've probably been running on my leg like this for a while now so what is one more run............ A BAD IDEA After 10km of running I decided to call it a day since I thought keeping my leg for the rest of my life in one piece was more important than a crappy medal (and yes, they were crappy) and the bib on the wall. I think I could have squeezed another 11km out of me, but my mind was just stronger and I kept thinking "what if this happens and what if that happens...." Before I knew it was a stress fracture I kind of just brushed it off, but I guess my mind is smarter than my stubbornness !!!
Steini, on the other hand, did great. Finished in 1:46:50, with bleeding nipples and a sore knee. Luckily he was wearing a red shirt on top of his white long sleeve one so we didn't notice until after he took a shower that day.... poor boy !
Other than that things are good. The weather here in Iceland has been pretty good. Calm and clear and sunny skies - a little chili sometime but overall very nice. Night time is also creeping upon us quickly and now its getting darker around 9pm or so.
I belive I've ran out of things to say..... you guys - don't be strangers - leave your comments and concerns and I'll talk to you soon.
K
17.8.2009
Only a week to go.....
...until the next half marathon !!!
I keep signing up for these things, and then when it gets closeer to the event I start to regret it cuz I'm really not a runner :-/ We'll see how I do next weekend though - maybe running in Iceland is different because of the weather and I'll finish way under 2 hours (yeah right) - but we'll see.
I'm more excited about the birthday party I'm going to Saturday night and the huge firework show that is happening at 11pm that night than the actual running so I just got to get if over with as fast as I can.
This past weekend was a blast. Steini took Friday off, so after Pole Fitness on Thursday we took our little dog and headed to the summer house for a little romantical getaway (for the day at least). We rode the ATV, continued with the brick laying, ate good food and chilled in the hot tub. Looking forward to doing that again SOON !!!
I left Steini and Chili up at the summer house and headed back to the city on Saturday because I was hosting a reunion that night for the 1980 group from my elimentary school. Close to 25 people showed up for a very successfull evening and I think that everybody had a great time !! I'll post some new pictures soon so you American's can see how beautiful us Icelanders really are :-) (just in case you didn't know).
I'm stilll job hunting...... perhaps I'll have some news by the end of the week, but until then I'll keep my fingers crossed.........................
Anywhos...... keep in touch and leave comments and concerns :-)
Chio.... K
11.8.2009
Time for a change?
Hello my friends.......... long time no hear/see and touch....hopefully we can change that soon :-)
I really don't have any news to tell you guys. Life has been pretty dull over the past few days. I'm still unemployed and it doesn't look good. There are so many people unemployed in Iceland and every time a job opens up there are over a hundred people that apply. Oh well, at least its summer so I can enjoy the outdoors on my bike (which I LOVE)

Well, something new did happen today..... I started Pole Fitness. One of the gyms here started a month long program and I decided to try it with my friend Vala. So far we really like it and I'm thinking about taking the next course in September. Who knows...... maybe I'll get a job opening out of it ;-) I must say though that its hard as shit, and I see a really sore body in my future (and some black and blue arms and legs).
Anywho..... for those who still look at this site (and I know there are a few after looking at the daily counter) leave your comments, concerns or whatever :-)
Adios.... K
5.8.2009
Just a few reasons why.....
...you should come to Iceland.
The world's economy is crashing and no country is feeling the pain of this global credit meltdown more than Iceland. The country's overextended banking industry has collapsed and the country has declared bankruptcy. Yes, I said the COUNTRY. The last few weeks has seen its currency completely free fall. The current exchange rate is now Kronur to a dollar, up from 77 in May. Compared to last year, you're getting double your value and the winter deals are making accommodation and flights even cheaper.
So with the currency in the toilet, now is a great time to travel to Iceland- the country is finally cheap(er) to visit. Here are seven things to do in Iceland that will convince you book your ticket:
Reykjavik
This hip capital is awash in thriving cafes, high energy clubs, friendly pubs, and a brightly colored old town with rows of wood houses clustered together. This up and coming city is one of the trendiest in the world as Icelanders are obsessed with design and architecture. Reykjavik is one of the most expensive cities in the world- but it just got a lot cheaper. Take advantage now.
Blue Lagoon
Iceland's most famous geothermal pool is the country's top tourist attraction. It might be crowded and expensive but there's nothing like it in the world. This huge, milky-blue spa is fed by mineral-rich heated seawater from the nearby geothermal plant. Add the silvery towers of the plant, rolling clouds of steam, and people covered in white mud, you'll think you are in the twilight zone.
Þingvellir national park
This national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site is interesting for two reasons: It is the original site of the longest running parliament in the world and it's also where the North-American and European continental shelf plates are being torn apart. Pretty cool, huh?
The Northern Lights
From September to April, the Northern Lights become more visible. These dancing lights are a one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. From the clear, dark northern skies of Iceland, nothing will impede you from nature's greatest dance.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Iceland's most famous waterfall tumbles 105ft into a steep-sided canyon, kicking up a wall of spray. On sunny days, the spray creates shimmering rainbows over the gorge. This is a truly amazing spectacle and a rewarding scene after a nice hike.
Glacier Lagoon
Breiðamerkurjökull glacier retreated very quickly from 1920 to 1965 leaving this breathtaking lagoon, which is up to 190 meters deep. Icebergs float in the lagoon all year and you can watch as chucks of ice crash into the lagoon.
So what are you waiting for - book the first plane ticket to Iceland and experience all these things yourself ;-)
Of course I'm only saying this cuz I want to see as many of you as soon as possible, but these things will still be here next summer so start saving !!!!
Adios.... Kristín
4.8.2009
Labour day news
Wow... it's August yet - and even August 4th !!!!! I can't believe its been a month since I left the States, feels a lot longer.
I have to complain a little bit that it got a bit cold in the early am's since Steini and I slept in a tent due to the fact that the summer house was full of more important people that got to sleep in beds ;-) But us tough Vikings just wore 2 layers of sweaters, pants, socks, hats and pundled in our sleeping bags for warmth!
On Sunday we again hopped in our car and dove across the higlands over to Steini's parents summer house and spent a night there (in our old bed, inside!). Of course half of his family was there since they all have houses in the same area so there was never a dull moment. The weather when we woke up on Monday was absolutely wonderful so we just sat around and did nothing for a few hours...... well, I got a tan so that is doing something :-)
Then today is a sad day. My brother and familiy left to jolly old Norway to get an education, have a baby and just get away from sinking old Iceland. Their plan is to stay 3 years and hopefully return back after that (with my luck I'll be moving back from Iceland by that time).
Next weekend is the spectacular Gay Pride, so those you are feeling gay, do show up. It's a 4 day festival with a huge parade on Saturday and lots and lots and lots of gay music and gay people running around - and it is so much fun.
Anywhos....... for those who look at this site, due comment :-) and for those who don't - adios
K

