Roaccutane: day....?

Right then kids...

This hasn't turned out to be the daily routine I hoped it would be. I simply can't find the time, energy or motivation to actually bother to blog every day.

So I hereby cancel out my promise on bloging every day. There. But I promise to try to blog roughly once a week and give you a summary.

I will some time this week try my best to tell you my skincare routine. (Not making any promises though)

Roaccutane so far:
It's been alright actually. Only side effects I've had so far is dry skin (face and back), dry lips and a slight break out on my break. By break out I mean more spots/acne appearing. The dermatologist told me this might happen, it flaring up before getting better. So I was prepared for it.

This might just be a coinsidence, but I feel that my face has calmed down a bit.

I'm still managing to avoid drinking alcohol. Only had a sip of my mates pint the other day. I CAN drink whilst on it, but it absolute minimal amounts. I shouldn't exceed 2-3 pints a week, with no more than one per day. So I will have one beer on Christmas eve. And before New Years eve I've been given permission to drink a bit more. I still can't, and actually don't want to, get drunk. But I CAN exceed the 1 pint rule. This is because the week coming up to New Years I'll alternate my med days. Meaning instead of taking a pill every day, I'll take one every other day.

Today I went to Neath Port Talbot hospital to pick up my next batch. This time I got enough pills to last me two months. So now I'm all set until the 3rd of February.

Right then, I'm going to say good night.

By the way, if anyone has any questions, tips and/or suggestion, please comment below or email :D

ROACCUTANE: Day 5 to day 11

Hi,

Sorry I haven't blogged in the past week or so. It has been a manic week, so much work.

The Roaccutane treatment is going alright. I've started to get some dry areas around my nose and between my eyebrows,but nothing too annoying. I'm moisturising a lot and making sure I drink enough water.

I promise I'll blog about my skincare routine tomorrow.

ROACCUTANE: Day 4

DISCLAIMER
I'm not a doctor, dermatologist or any other type of medical staff. This is my own personal opinion, experiences and advice. You follow the advice at your own risk.

--------------

The side effects have arrived.... AUCH! Or it might be a fly which I caught from someone, who knows.

I assumed that they would surface soon, but not this soon. Basically I woke up today with the headache from hell, fever, soar throat and a tiny bit pain in my joints. I don't know if that I run did yesterday was the greatest idea I've had...but I can't help it. I NEED to work out! But I guess I need to give a rest for a week or so...

Been drinking Lemsips' all day today... For those of you that don't know what Lemsip is, it's THE BEST painkiller on the face of this planet if you ask me.
The Lemsip MAX contains 200 mg of guaifenesin, which helps to relieve "Chesty Cough", in addition to 1000 mg paracetamol and 12.2 mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride (12.18 mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride in Lemsip Max All In One Liquid) which aims to relieve headache and sore throat, fever, body aches and pains and a blocked nose.

It's just that this REALLY came at a bad time... I got to hand in 3000 words on my dissertation in the morning and I've got a film to edit for a client.

Besides that, no dry skin etc. yet, which is good! On the weekend something I'll try and write about my morning skincare routine.

Today's song: Coldplay - Every teardrop is a waterfall

ROACCUTANE: Day 3

I know I said I was going to write about my morning routine today, but I have postpone it until the weekend because of work.

Feeling pretty average today, no side effects etc.

Sorry about the short post.

ROACCUTANE: Day 2

DISCLAIMER

I'm not a doctor, dermatologist or any other type of medical staff. This is my own personal opinion, experiences and advice. You follow the advice at your own risk.

--------------

It's only a short update today, been a long day and I need some sleep.

No major side effects so far. My doctor told me that it might take a few days before any possible symptoms might appear. He also said I should be sure to moisturise from day one. The better I am at moisturising, the less dry skin I'll get. I'm also drinking a ton of water/fluids, so I'm peeing like a pregnant woman, haha!

Tomorrow I'll tell you about my morning skin care routine, what products I use etc.

ROACCUTANE: Day 1

DISCLAIMER
I'm not a doctor, dermatologist or any other type of medical staff. This is my own personal opinion, experiences and advice. You follow the advice at your own risk.

--------------

         
            Acne vulgaris (cystic acne or simply acne) is a common human skin disease, characterized by areas of skin with seborrhea (scaly red skin), comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules (pinheads), pustules (pimples), nodules (large papules) and possibly scarring.

Most people will get acne some time in their life. It's normal. So many as 80% of people between 11 and 30 will be affected by acne at some point. Then there's those that have it for years and don't grow out it after puberty. People like me. I have had acne since I was 12. It started out in the face and moved on to the back and shoulder area. The ''acne gene'' came from my biological father. Several people on that side of the family had/has a fair share of acne.

I didn't get much banter and teasing about it, but I still hated the sight of it. It really got to me, I felt like the new pizza from Pizza Hut. Having said that, I'm one of the more fortunate acne victims. Some people are much more worse off than me, so I should really be grateful.

I've tried every product and home remedy known to man. I begged my GP to put me on some antibiotics, but he didn't want to do so whilst ''I was still growing''...... So as the good boy I was, I waited patiently to finished puberty. When I moved to UK I went to my new local GP and asked if she could refer me to a dermatologist cause I wanted antibiotics. She said she wanted me to try Oxitetracycline, a milder antibiotic, for 12 months. So I did. It did help a bit, but far from enough. So a couple of months back I got my GP to refer me to a dermatologist. Today I had my first appointment. So happy!

I told the doctor in the Neath Port Talbot hospital dermatologist dep. my story, which I've just told you. He got absolutely furious at my previous Norwegian GP. He said that the puberty excuse was so some mumbo jumbo and not true, far from it. He said that if he'd seen me when I was 13 he would have put me on roaccutane straight away. He said that the point of treating it early is to stop future scaring. Finally, a doctor who makes sense. So if you're GP says no because you're too young, change doctor and bypass him/her I say.

Roaccutane or (previously accutane in USA) is a that goes underneath your skin and kills all the bacteria and infections. Roaccutane (accutane) is the brand name, but the generic name of the drug is Isotretinoin. So if you're prescribed this, it might not be called roaccutane or accutane, but it is still the same drug.
Basically what Isotretinoin does, is to dry out your skin. It pushes everything to the surface and removes the infected skin. That's why I will have to moisturise like a crazy person.

About here, you might be thinking; what about side effects? Well yeah that list is CRAZY long. Most common is dry skin, dry lips, headaches, dry eyes and inflammation of skin.

The entire list of side effects can be found here: NHS UK

Sorry about the picture quality...

These pictures was taken today. That's how my back and face looks right now. Believe me, it took a bit of me to publish that. But I did it cause it will serve as a constant motivation. After I'm done on this drug, my skin will be as smooth as a baby's bum.

I've weighed the pros and cons, read more blogs/reviews than I care to remember and talked to mates that have been on it. My mates who've been on says it was the best thing they've ever done. The pros clearly outweighs the cons. The possibility of becoming free from acne for the rest of my life is worth a bit of headache and dry skin. So after the cure I will have perfect skin (over 90% success rate with this drug).

For 8 months I'll be on this drug. My dermatologist said to me that male patients that go on this cure have a much higher success rate when going on a smaller dosage for a longer period of time. Meaning that 1 pill a day for 8 months gives much better results than 2 pills a day for 4 months. He said if he were to put me on a high dosage, my back could flare up and become borderline infected and my face worse too. So that's why I'm on the 8 months cure.

I can hardly drink alcohol during those 8 months, which actually I'm kinda looking forward to. It's not just that I might get a bad headache if I do, but I could (in theory) be hospitalised  If I've been on Roaccutane for let's say a month and go out and get really really drunk, my liver (and other organs) CAN shut down. Even though this is highly unlikely, the chances are still there. What will happen, is that my skin gets extremely dehydrated. I did ask about Christmas and New Years Eve, if I could have SOME drinks. My dermatologist suggested that a week before New Years, I start taking the pills every other day instead of every day. So that means I CAN actually have some drinks on New Years Eve :)

I'll be documenting the whole process on my blog and I will take one photo of my back and face every day. Loads of people have questions about acne, roaccutane etc. So even though I'm FAR from a dermatologist, I can still answer based on my personal experiences. I will also write about and show what products I use and have found that people recommend online. And also where you can get a free skin care consultation. You might be surprised to see what products I use.

So stay tuned!

Today's song: The Script - Hall of Fame ft. will.i.am

RIP TOYOTA COROLLA

My dear Toyota Corolla 92 model has now offcially been pronounced dead. I decided it was time to let it go and my granddad will take it to the tip for me next week, which will me 2000NOK/£200 through the scrapping scheme.

To be honest though, I kinda did see this one coming. The faults was just piling up at the end. I bought this car from my grandmother for 10 000NOK/£1000 just over four years ago, so can't really complain. It was never going to pass the MOT (EU godkjenning).



List of faults:
- Every time I turned, it sounded like I was opening a door from the 1900 century. All squeaky.
- The horn didn't work properly before I used some gaffa tape and some cardboard to fix it
- The passenger door had gotten a nice bump in it after a hit and run at IKEA...
- The rust was appearing all over
- The cover at the bottom of my back window was gaffa taped (then fell off last April when I went into the car wash)
- The front hood was wonky, but a bus pushed me into another car two years ago. So every time I needed to pop my hood, I had to take the window down, keep my right hand on the handle and my left on the hood to open it.
- At last but not least, I had to "hill start" it, because the ignition had decided to cave in... Meaning I'd had to put it into gear, pick up some speed by pushing it and then releasing my clutch, haha! I had to hill start it yesterday evening, twice.

My philosophy is, if it can't be fixed with gaffa you haven't used enough!

Nevertheless, it was a nice car and I loved it. With an average fuel consumtion of 0,45 litres per 10 KM you can't complain really. And it's a great car to drive. So light, shoots off like a lightning and feels like you're driving a mini car on a track. Also so easy to park in the city.

The fun!
Oh the fun I've had in this car! It's been everywhere. It's travelled thousands and thousands of miles in Norway. Last trip was 2000KM on my Norway trip, which I promise I will show some pictures from VERY soon (sorry, forgot).

During our "end of college party month" / russetida, this car did it all. Most of my friends loved it as much as me (probably). We've been five people driving to Bergen in it, we've slept in it and partied. This car has done it all. The bumper sticker you see, I got on Crete (Greece).

Some of you might be wondering the story behind the black footprints. Well, here it is. You see, when my cool mama got her first car at the end of the 80s (Volkswagen Beetle), she brush painted that pink and added mint green footprints. So as her cool son, I wanted to follow in her footsteps (haha!). That's it.

Will I ever have a Corolla again? Well I hope so!

I kept the instruction manual, the spare keys and some other stuff to remember it by <3

RIP Toyota Corolla 92 :(

Today's song is from a Norwegian rap duo, Karpe Diem, singing about Toyota Corolla. Love it!

Today's song: Karpe Diem - Toyota'n til Magdi

MY BIG FAT GYPSY ROADTRIP

I'M GOING ON A HOLIDAY! My big fat Gypsy roadtrip of lower Norway. I'll be traveling over 1725km/1072 miles in my lovely red Toyota Corolla 92 model. Hopefully I'll make it all the way...

I'm leaving my lovely village Åros tomorrow morning and will hopefully arrive in Stavanger before four o'clock. In Stavanger I'm visiting my good friend Nina. She's put me up as a Freshers rep, since I'll be taking pictures one night, then party the rest. Maybe I'll pretend to study.... engineering? Yeah! 

Then after that I'll hopefully be on my way to Aurland, to visit my former housemate Eirik and Ieva. They lived with us in Swansea in the previous year. But this is still a bit uncertain, don't know if they are home yet.

Then I'm heading to Volda, to visit Marianne, who's starting her study up there. Here I'll pretend to be a Fresher. 

Then my journey takes me across the mountain again, to Lillehammer. Here I'll visit two people, one is my good friend Christiane who's starting her study her, so need to check out her apartment. Then I'll also pop by my mate Ola who's in the Airforce and is based there. After all of this I'll head on home.

So, let's recap:

- Stavanger

- Aurland (maybe)

- Volda

- Lillehammer

I'm SOOOO looking forward to it.

The fun behind it all is that I get to see new places (even though I've been in most of them before). Besides it's kinda turned out to become a tradition. This is the third year I'm traveling to the South/West part of Norway. And I love what I see. The scenary is amazing! That's why I'm making a timelapse of the whole thing. I've already built a set up for my monopod to go into my car, making sure it's safe. Then I'll hook up my remote and volà! That should be fun. That is if I can get my remote to work... So don't get your hopes up just yet.

Also, guess what I managed to do last night? Delete my own C: drive... You're probably thinking "HOW???" Well I'm fixing my friend Mariannes laptop and was going to format her hard drive. So I took it out, placed it in a docking station and hooked it up to my laptop. Then I used a software to wipe the hard drive. But in the selection, I managed to click the wrong one... So when I pressed the ON button today it said; "No operation system available"... Haha! So I've even managed that.

Anyhoodle, I'm off in a couple of hours. Aufwiderzen!

Today's song: Owl City - Alligator Sky

MY WEIRD LITTLE MIND: Highway to Hell

WARNING! 

In the blog post I'm writing about death. Not blood or any of that, just my thoughts of growing old and dying with honour. If you do not wish to read about this, I suggest you exit and pop back another day.

--

About here I'm probably imagining that you're wondering why I'm talking about death. Well, me and some friends of mine started talking about dying of old age plus I read an article in a Norwegian newspaper (Dagbladet) about the life expectancy in Norway. That's basically it really. The death of a young person is the most tragic thing in the world and I do not envy anyone this tragic event. That's not what I'm on about here. What I'm on about is growing old after having lived a great life and dying of old age.

According to the statistics a Norwegian man born between 1991 and 1995 will, in average, live until he's 74,4 years old. (Haha, if you're born in 1990, jokes). I plan on living my life to the full and at least reach 70. So I've got loads of years ahead of me and talking about death seems like the oddest thing ever.

I remember when my great-grandmother was hospitalized. At the time I was 8 years old. She was in a bad state and had tubes and wires hooked up to her. I was asked if I wanted to go and see her, but I said no. I think I didn't want to see her like that, so fragile, so vulnerable. Today I kinda regret not going I think, but what's done is done. Anyhoodle, she had explicitly said that she did not want to be kept alive by machines when that time came, she wanted to die in peace. That's a wish I respect. My great-grandmother kept it going to the very end. I remember visiting her in her apartment in Oslo and making the most amazing chocolate cakes with green peppermint icing. That's what I remember. The laughter, the smells and the experiences. I remember I wasn't crying in the church, even though everyone around me was. I started crying when I saw my grandmother cry outside as the coffin was taken away.

Dying with honour is something I think is really important and something that every single person has the right to. Over the past couple of years I've heard of several cases in the papers were senior citizens in nursing homes/retirement homes in Norway have been told when they could shower, use the toilet, go for a walk and when to go to bed, or sometimes worse, being denied it. I think that's bloody outrageous! How awful! These citizens deserve so much better.
That's why I'm planning on not going to a retirement home, unless conditions improve dramatically. I really can't imagining "living" a life where I can't wipe my own behind after I've been to the toilet or not remembering my kids when they come visit me. Or walking off in the middle of the day and heading into town not knowing who or where I am. To me that's not living. To me that's not honour.

When you loose the ability to do those basic things and have to be in care, that's when life ends in my opinion. This may sound harsh and you might even hate me for saying this, but think about it. Would you like having a nurse wipe your behind and shower you at specific times of the day? (Having said that, the staff working with senior citizens are doing an amazing job and I applaud you for that! So please don't take this as criticism towards you.) I don't care if I can get 5 more years, if the price I have to pay is my freedom and my mind. I'd rather die 75 and sound at mind than 80 after 5 years in care and dementia...

That's why when the day comes that the doctor asks for my driving license, gives me a walking chair, sends me off to a retirement home and my memory is slipping, I plan on letting it all go. I'd rather my future children and grand children remember the strong me. There's no shame in wanting to die when you've reached the end of the line. To die with your honour intact.

My funeral is going to be a blast. In Western cultures and societies, it’s common that funerals are a time for mourning of the loved one that’s been lost. A funeral is normally the last time people come together to mourn and honour the person. Is often custom to wear black clothing to show one is mourning. For many African countries this is a time for celebrations, where dancing and singing is key. I read online that this is very common in many funerals in Ghana for example. When a death in the family happens, they come together to sing, dance, eat and drink and instead of wearing black, they show up wearing the most colourful clothes and finest jewellery. Apparently these funerals can often last long into the night. Ghanaians see funerals as a time to celebrate the life the person has live, not as a time to mourn.

I like that thought. So I hereby pledge my wishes for when I die at the age of 74,4:
- Black clothing is forbidden! (except for underwear and socks)
- Those that plan on speaking, have to tell at least one amazing joke!
- I want AC/DCs "Highway to Hell" to be played, yup that's right.

When people die of old age, after having lived a long and exciting life, I think it's important to celebrate that person, not just stand there and sob. Of course I cry at funerals, but I also try to treasure the time I had with those people.

Okay, that was probably the most morbid thing I've ever written on my blog, but it's just something that popped into my head.

Today's song you've probably already guessed.

Today's song: AC/DC - Highway to Hell

FITNESS 3: Gear and gadgets

Having the right gear is absolute key when you're working out. And doesn't have to cost a fortune... except for the shoes. Those are worth investing in.

I bought mine in XXL (Norwegian sports store) just over a week ago, amazing! Nike Zoom structure they're called. Good stability and support and especially designed for those that need extra medial support like me, but at the same time need/want extra cushioning and light weight. I bought them for 1399 NOK / £148 / $231 in Norway, but if you don't live in Norway you can get them LOADS cheaper. On Footlocker.com they got them for $99 (597NOK / £63). The reason for the redicioulous overpricing in Norway is due to our import, VAT and tax system. But I needed new shoes and couldn't wait until I was back in the UK.

Clothing

I've got a series of polyester t-shirts which are great for getting all the body sweat out and about. Then one good pair of shorts and a pair of running tights. I bought those tight when I was in St. Maxim (near St. Tropez France) in 2008! And they're still going strong. Same with one of the t-shirts. So if you come across the brand Kalenji, don't walk past it, buy it.

I need to get some more t-shirts when I get back to the UK, can't be arsed to buy 'em here.  Because all I got is 3 t-shirts and one of them is too small now. Bloody washing machine's been shrinking it into Barbie size.

Next thing on my list is a couple of polyester boxers, cause cotton ain't cutting it anymore. Right, if you're a bloke you can relate to this and if you're a girl I apologize. You've been out running for example or lifting some weights in the gym. You're sweaty all over the place and is it one thing that's not nice it's a pair of sweaty cotton boxers either going high up or clinging to your sack like a pair of hungry puppies. And sometimes after you've finished and sit down, it feels like the Abominable Snowman has paid you a visit. So thought I'd just give it a go and see if it's any better.

Also getting a jacket and maybe a long sleeve top.

Shopping list:

Craft Men's Active Run Tee - £14 x 2 = £28

Mens 2 PAIR PACK More Mile cushioned LONDON running sock - £6.99

Craft Men's Pro Cool Boxers £23.96 x 2 = £47.92

Ronhill Men's Advance Windlite Jacket - £33.62

Ronhill Men's Advanced Long Sleeve Crew - £14.99

Total - £131.52

And you should also get a armband or similar for your phone (or mp3 player). They cost next to nothing on eBay from China.

Add the shoes (US price) and a pair of shorts...

Slazenger Woven Shorts - £4.00

Nike Zoom Structure - $99/£63

Smartphone armband (multiple phones) - £2.89

... and you get a total of £201.41

I know it sounds like a lot, but most of the stuff I've got has lasted me for several years. So look at it as an investment.

Gadgets & apps

For my workout I use several apps and some gear to make the most of it.

   

Workout trainer is a smartphone app which helps you find workout programs. They've got thousands of different program for all parts of the body. And it's so easy to use. It comes in a free version and a pro version. Basically the pro version gives you a real persons voice as audio coach plus access to more programs. I've been using the free version and works great for me. The reason why I use this is for example instead of using pen and paper to make a list of the exercises I'm doing, I can have picture, audio data and more. It also doubles as a social network, allowing strangers to connect. I've created four programs myself.

Endomondo Sports tracker is an absolute life saver! This is because it help me keep track of my progress and also gives me detailed performance data with its GPS feature. For example it measures you speed at specific points, also how steep that hill was. It also acts as an audio coach during your workout, giving you your lap time, distance and more.

You can also, with the PRO version, beat yourself and compete with others. You can set it to involve any type of sport, not just cycling or running. Same as with the Workout Trainer, it doubles as a social network, but can also easily be connected with Facebook. 

I use this every time I go running/cycling and also for interval training, both strength and cardio.

AND MUSIC!!! I can't go running without music! I need those beats drumming through my head. It's also proven that music can increase your performance with 15%. That's why I always got a ton of playlists on my phone.

All of this stuff, the clothes, the shoes and the apps, is only there to help you preform better. And I personally feel I preform better with them. To me, it's important to able to use technology to make life a tiny bit easier, but it shouldn't control my life. So I say give it a go!

And one more thing. I'm really not trying to sound like a know-it-all-goodie-goodie here. And I know I'm no expert on this, but I'm just typing what I've learned and what I like. Cheers!

Next time I'll show you my new program which is gonna run from next week until.... ehhhh.... a while. And I'd love your feedback please :D

These are two of my favourite artists!! Fireflies and Call Me Maybe are two great hits!

Check it out!

Today's song: Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen - Good time

FITNESS 2: Food & supplements

Food
I can't stand complex diets, that requires a Mensa diploma to remember and understand... What's the point? I've got some simple rules I follow which are simple and makes me feel good.

* Eat all the time - Try to eat six times a day, every 2-3 hours. We're not talking full meals here every two hours, but enough to keep your metabolism up. Point is to not become hungry.

My typical meals when working:
06:30 breakfast - Two-three slices of dark bread with ham and liver patè
09:00 snack - a banana
11:00 lunch - three slices of bread
13:00 snack - 1/3 of a broccoli
16:00 dinner - whatever mama cooks up, which in 95% of the cases is healthy
20:00 supper - fruit and low-fat yoghurt

* Protein is my BFF - Chicken, milk, nuts (unsalted), lean meat, eggs, fish, peas, green vegetables and dark bread are key. Also a protein shake after each workout.

* Find a healthy craving - Find something healthy that helps you keep your crawings down. I found out that broccoli is mine. I swear, since I started this I've been eating at least half a broccoli a day. I love it raw! I know, kinda weird, but so good.

* Skip the junk food

* Have a cheat day a week - Sticking to a diet is hard. And I've tried one before. The problem was that if I slipped, I slipped properly. We're talking crisps, beer or junk food. Having a cheat day a week, where you can have a burger or a nice pizza, makes a diet much easier.

Dark bread, chicken, red meat (remove the fat), fish, potatoes, wholemeal rice, cous cous, wholemeal pasta,  tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions, squash, aubergine, peppers and much more. Even though you're eating healthy, doesn't mean you can enjoy yourself.

My supplements
In addition to a healthy diet, I take performance enhancers and protein shakes.

After each workout I have a whey protein shake, the favourite being mint chocolate! I also take supplements to increase the body's natural fat burning ability and to increase the muscle build up. The stuff I'm on now I bought from a good Norwegian online store, Gymgrossisten, but I've tried to find the products I use on more international sites for you guys. My examples are from PhD supplements, which is my favourite brand for whey protein. Another brand I've tried and some of my mates use is Maximuscle.

Whey protein - http://www.phd-supplements.com/store/p/10/1/PharmaWhey.html
Lean degree caps - http://www.phd-supplements.com/store/p/6/1/LeanDegree.html
BCAA caps - http://www.phd-supplements.com/store/p/38/1/BCAA.html or http://www.maximuscle.com/bcaas
CLA caps - http://www.phd-supplements.com/store/p/48/1/CLA.html or http://www.maximuscle.com/cla1000

Remember, these are just examples. It's important that you read the description and find out what works for you. Also, keep in mind that all that are SUPPLEMENTS not REPLACEMENTS! They do not replace any meal what so ever! They don't do the job for you, they just help you ensure that the hard workout YOU do is noticed by the body.

Stay tuned! I'll talk about what gadgets & gear that make my life a lot easier. What can I say? I'm a sucker for tech stuff. I'll also show how my week 6 ++ program looks like.

This song is now officially stuck in my head. I hear it all the time on the radio here, like it!

Today's song: Tacabro - Tacata

FITNESS: My workout plans

This is going to be a series of blogposts, covering my workout plans, food, supplements, gear & gadgets and motivation. So stay tuned!

The first rule: Forget about the number on the scale! (your weight) If you wish to loose fat and gain muscles and to become lean, your weight shouldn't be any concern. The reason for this is that muscle weigh more than fat.

Me the other day after a workout. Just felt like taking a picture really.

What does count, is how YOU feel, how YOU preform and how YOU feel you look. What I do from time to time, even though I know I shouldn't, is to compare myself with others. Everyone does it. Especially if you go to a gym. You can't help but look at others and often feel envy. Yeah sometimes it sucks, I know. That some people can just look at a gym and eat fast food and still be fit and look good, while you work out 3 times a week. But here's some comforting news; when those people hit their 50-60s they'll most likely get larger, fat clogged up in their arteries, muscle deterioration and general body fatigue. It's a bit mean to think that, but hey? What's the world without the devil on your left shoulder?

My goal
I want to get lean and increase my muscle mass. Not massive, but defined. I want to loose belly fat and get a six pack. And also improve my cardio. Simple as that really. Take a look at Zac Efron, now that's a great body! Lean, nice muscles, six pack, but still not Arnold Schwarzenegger massive.That's my goal. And yeah, I know it will take time, but I will get there.

Define your goal early. Having a goal it helps me push that little bit extra and gives me something to aim for. Also I feel writing a blog, posting stuff on social medias and other apps helps to motivate me. Could be something so simple as someone pressing LIKE on my photos/statuses of workout stuff.

My workout plan
I try to follow this as closely as possible, but sometimes I've had to cut it short because of work. All these sessions take about 1 hour, maybe a bit more. From next week I'll change my plan, which I will tell you more about later.

Abs workout - Day 1 and 3

Week 1 - 2

Run 4 km. At every km you stop and do a muscle session:

- 20 diamond sit ups
- 10 right oblique sit ups
- 10 left oblique sit ups
- 10 hip lifts
- 20 leg lifts

Week 3

Run 5 km. At every km you stop and do a muscle session:

- 20 diamond sit ups

- 10 sit ups whilst right leg raised and left leg bent behind it
- 10 sit ups whilst left leg raised and right leg bent behind it
- 10 hip lifts
- 20 leg lifts
- 10 wide push ups

Week 4 - 5

Run 6 km. At every km you stop and do a muscle session:


- 20 diamond sit ups

- 10 sit ups whilst right leg raised and left leg bent behind it
- 10 sit ups whilst left leg raised and right leg bent behind it
- 10 hip lifts
- 20 leg lifts
- 10 wide push ups
- 10 frog legs
- 10 wide push ups (if you're up for it)

Stretch out! You should be at 70-80% max pulse when running.

Dumbbell workout - Day 2

You keep the same exercises, but increase the weights. I try to up mine every 1-2 week.. So taking notes of what you do the first time is a good idea. It should be so heavy that doing one extra tricep kickback is impossible. You can access the program on you Apple or Android phone here: http://www.skimble.com/workouts/375051 I'm going to tell you more about the apps and gadgets I use later.


- Start with a 20 min cardio warm up. Cycling or running. About 70% of maximum pulse.

Dumbbells
- 12 dumbbell squats
- 12 dumbbell lunges right leg first
- 12 dumbbell lunges left leg first
- 12 dumbbell chest press
- 25 sec rest
- 12 dumbbell bent over rows
- 10 tricep kickbacks
- 10 right tricep extensions
- UP YOUR WEIGHT FOR BICEPS
- 10 right bicep curls
- 10 left bicep curls
- 25 sec rest

- 10 right bicep curls
- 10 left bicep curls
- 12 dumbbell lateral shoulder raises
- 12 overhead press
- 25 sec rest

Abs part - this part you do TWICE
- 30 sec plank
- 20 crunches
- 10 right oblique crunches
- 10 left oblique crunches
- 20 bicycle crunches
- 12 Russian twists (with or without a ball, you choose)
- 20 leg lifts
- 15 hip lifts / floor bridge

Stretch out
- Cobra (20 sec)
- Child's pose (20 sec)
- Shoulder stretches, alternate arms after 20 sec
- Chest stretches, alternate arms after 20 sec
- Tricep stretches, alternate arms after 20 sec
- Quad stretches, alternate legs after 20 sec
- Hamstring stretches, alternate legs after 20 sec
- Right side stretch (20 sec)
- Left side stretch (20 sec)

Shake it out!

Fitting it all in
Try to make it work for you. Also try to make sure that you have a meal straight after your workout to get all the benefits of your workout! Sometimes I can't workout that day, but I try my best to make it up the following day. Now I work full time, normally 5-6 days a week, so shuffling about is sometimes necessary.

Take the stairs, suddenly do 10 push ups at work or bounce around. Move your body every day. Don't just sit on your arse when you're not working out.

Motivation
What keeps me motivated is the progress I've been making so far. I've lost about 5 cm / 2 inches of fat at my waist during the last 3-4 weeks. I feel that I get more energy from working out. It also helps to keep me healthy.

Also I'd like to feel more confident about my body. It's not like I hide it away and shove it in a closet (haha, got it?), but I don't LOVE playing football topless on the beach for example. When it comes to my body, I'm satisfied with everything except my abs, chest and arms. I'll be the first to admit that if I had a six pack I'd probably go running shirtless down at the beach. Why? To show off, haha! I wouldn't to it every time, but I can just imagine that it would brighten your day having people whistle after you when you run past.

STAY TUNED! Pop by tomorrow and I'll tell you about what I eat and the supplements I take to maximize the workouts I do.

Have a nice Wednesday night with some Latino rhythms!

Today's song:  Shakira - Addicted to you

A FIREMAN MAYBE?

I've written about this several times, but the question never seems to get old. A question asked ever since you could walk. Normally magician, fireman, policeman or astronaut are the kings of the career wishlist for many boys when growing up.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I ask that to anyone else, I normally do so in present tense. I don't go ...when you were growing up, because we're still growing. We always change, we always grow. The prospect of leaving university in just one year from now is kind of terrifying. Think about it. For the last 16 years I've been in full time education. A new era of my life is about to begin.

So what do I want to be? Well I love gadgets and media. TV, film and music are key elements of my life. I also LOVE moving about at work and could not handle a office job. One of the many things I got from my mother, is the urge to work with people. I love being around people, so office work at home is no option for me. As some of you may know, one of the things I actually thought of doing in my life was Child Protection Service worker. Working with children. I love kids, I do.

I have got an idea of my dream job. I would love to get to work for Travel Channel as a camera operator. Traveling the world, meeting new people and cultures and trying all kinds of different food. That's my dream. I think my urge to travel and get as far away as possible comes from the film "Eurotrip". That was the first DVD I bought for my own money when I was 12. Ever since then I've been signing/humming "Scotty doesn't know that Fiona..." once in a while.

Basically I'e boiled my future down to a few elements:

- Ability to express myself
- Organizing
- People
- Active

That's the four elements I'm looking for in my future. Stress is also something I enjoy from time to time, but not everyday. Makes you feel alive and shows yourself what you're capable of.

Where would this be? That's another thing. I'm a bit torn between at least two different places, Norway and UK. I do love Norway and I'm proud to say I'm Norwegian, but I'm.... I donno.... bored being in the same place I guess. And besides, the film industry or drama productions for TV, in Norway is very small, simply because we're only 5 million people.

In the last 6-8 months or so, the idea that's been stuck in my head is trying to get a job for BBC Wales in Cardiff. A large number of BBCs drama productions are based in Cardiff now, not London. That's also a reason I'm trying to pick up some Welsh. If I could learn Welsh, at least some basics, it might be to my advantage. So far I can present myself, greetings and count to 10, haha! Hopefully I'll get better.

But I am being a realist. Getting a job in the BBC will be really hard and IF by a stroke of divine touch I get in, I would have to start as the assistant of the assistant. I'll also try to apply for jobs with other production companies to. The only thing is that the recession has hit the UK, which has made the job market unstable as hell. In Norway the recession never came and any Norwegian telling you otherwise are completely bonkers...

And besides I like it in Swansea. 

The scary side. What's holding me back is family and friends in Norway. I often feel a guilt for leaving my sisters for example. And I do miss my parents, not living under their roof, but having them near me. And my friends of course.

My auntie told me something in April which has stuck with me "Why should you move back? You're young. Explore the world". That's what she did. After working as an Au pair in UK, she lived several years in America with my uncle. One of my nephews were born there. They've lived in Norway now for like 12-13 years, but MIGHT be moving to the States again for a few years. They survived.

But then again, true friends and family stay with you forever wherever you are. And so far they have. I've got some amazing friends in Norway which I speak to very often when in the UK. And I speak to my family often too. Skype calls are a wonderful thing! Should I then hold back my dreams because of the scary side? I think one should take family and friends into the account, but not let them make the decision for you. True friends and family stay with you where ever you go. Just remember to call home once in a while.

What will become of me? Who knows? Maybe I'll wake up one day and decide to become a... nose spray tester! Point is that even though I kinda hate it, the lack of a secure path and future that is, it's a part of growing up I guess.

So cheers to uncertainty!

Anine Stang is a great Norwegian artist. I filmed her during the Pride Days in the capitol a few weeks back. She was absolutely amazing live and what mooooooves! She had a pre-premiere on her new song which I believe is set to be released very soon.

Today's song: Anine Stang - Dominoes

PRIDE DAYS 2012

All the videos I did for Oslo Pride 2012 is now up. Not the greatest, I know that, but they did the trick. I had an absolute blast during pride days. I met some amazing people and made some new friends which I'll hopefully see soon. Pride days is about being proud, about showing off and about feeling comfortable in your own skin. And show the world that we're here and you can't hide us under a carpet, not even a rainbow one.

Anyhoodle, here's all the films:



And of course, today's song was easy. I know the LGBT society is trying really hard to get rid of the typical stereotypes. Like that gays are only into make-up, glitter, glam and pink or that lesbian all dress as tomboys in checkered shirts. That's not true. But one stereotype we can't get rid off is Eurovision, so I think "most" just embraced it. I personally am not a great fan of the music, but I watch it to get a laugh. This song was played a ton of times EVERYWHERE during Pride.

So, Euphoria....

PUSH IT HARD FOR THE SUMMER

Howdy partner! Long time no see.

It feels great being back in Norway again for the summer, weird, but great. It's almost like you live two separate lives, like it's two co-existing worlds. When I go back I go into my old routine, full time work and hangout with friends. It's like flipping a switch.

One thing I noticed when I talked to an American mate of mine over the weekend is that it almost felt alien speaking English. I could already feel the Welsh/British "twang" slipping away... O__o That's something I'm not going to let happen! After heavy thinking I came to a conclusion; download "Gavin and Stacey". A BBC comedy show.

Anyhoodle, what's my plan for the summer? Well on Wednesday I start working for Oslo Pride making all the of their films, which is going to be great. Besides that, I'll be working full time in the grocery store, starting my dissertation and working out.

My workout plan for the next 12 weeks are now sorted. I'm using Skimble workout app to manage my workout program. It's available to both iPhone and Andorid devices. Both programs are created by me, with some inspiration from fitness guides online.

The first program is mainly dumbbells. You can download/view it here

- 20 min stationary biking
- dumbbell squats
- left leg dumbbell lunges
- right leg dumbbell lunges
- dumbbell chest press
- Dumbbell bent over rows
- Tricep kickback
- Tricep extensions
- right concentrated bicep curls
- left concentrated bicep curls
- dumbbell lateral shoulder raises
- overhead press
- 30 sec plank
- crunches
- left oblique crunches
- right oblique crunches
- leg lifts
- 30 sec plank
- stretching

Then the second program is a cardio interval program. You can download/view it here

The first program will be repeated three times a week and the second program one time a week. I don't increase the reps and the amount of sets stay the same for the six first weeks. from week 7 to 12, there will be an increase in the sets. Each week I need to adjust the weight so that I'm working so hard that I won't be able to do the 11th tricep kickback for example, thus gaining muscle strength. Depending on how the first week goes, I might tweak it a bit.

My goal is getting more toned muscles and a six-pack. I don't won't to become much bigger, or smaller for that matter, just gain muscle. Personally I wouldn't like looking like Arnold, too big for me. My goal is more Zac Efron kind, toned and six-pack, but not massive.

Why am I so determined on this? Well because when I look at my self I see too little muscle and too much fat. No, I don't want to loose weight. No, I'm going to stop eating, quite the opposite, I need to increase my food amount. No, I don't care much about the scale. It just bothers me that when I look at myself in the mirror I see fat. Not size wise, just lack-of-muscle-kinda-fat. ... If any of that made any sense.... And no I'm uncomfortable in my own body. And not THAT unhappy about either, just need to build some muscle. 

Call it whatever you want, vanity, pier pressure, low confidence blah blah blah... I don't care. All I know is that I need to do this for me and that right now this my number one priority. Do I think this will bring me happiness in life? Hell yes! And is that because of some conspiracy theory that Hollywood dictates how humans should look... well I don't know, probably influenced by that.

But mostly it's because I need to do this for myself.

Today's song: Jessie J - Who's laughing now

ANOTHER YEAR

Another year in university has come to an end. Scary isn't it? How quickly time flies. The big and scary world is coming ever so closer. Next year I'll be a graduate... now that's a scary thought. What will I do? What will become of me?

In the last year I've gotten the taste for production and the organising behind film/TV productions. I enjoy the pressure, the need to plan. Marketing, publicity, organising, logistics and administration are all key elements I've come to enjoy in the last few years, even outside media. When I sat down thinking what field I wanted to study, marketing or logistics were actually fields I was considering. Since I was 16 I've worked in a grocery store chain in Norway. From there I've learned a lot. I like my job, I do. A few times or lets be fair, several times, through the years, I've faceplanted and made mistakes. Messed up and pissed off a fair share of people. But after a while I started to learn from my mistakes and I improved. I might not always admit to it, but I can be stubborn as hell, seem rude and a know-it-all (even though I don't really intend to). Through my jobs I've learned a great deal and I'm greatfull to all the different people I've been able to follow and learn from!

Anyhoodle, I'm derailing here. My point is; next year I'm graduating and life is really starting. What are my thoughts of my future? I've set a goal and that is to try to get a job in BBC Cardiff, where most of BBCs drama productions are based. If I end up there, time will show. People ask me if I want to return to Norway... Not yet. I don't feel ready. My aunt said some wise words to me a little while back; why should you return? You're young. Stay abroad and enjoy! She herself have lived several years abroad in different countries. I'm planning on going through the BBC Welsh language site this summer, in an attempt to pick up Welsh or at least set the foundation for it. Reason for that is that is if you know Welsh you're more likely to get a jobb in BBC Wales. At least that's what I've heard.


Over the weekend I'm planning to apply for work experience at the BBC for September. I'll take anything. I'll work for free if I can. Even making coffee and tea will allow you to pick up things in the industry. And one day, your responsibility will expand and that will develop into more. Here my stubbornness is a good thing. Keep pushing. Keep fighting. And one day you'll take down that wall. My mum taught me that.

Not the nicest picture of me... but hell. It was raining and had been working for hours. The lovely girls are two of my AMAZING colleagues, which never fails to put a smile on my face.

This year has been a roller-coaster, mostly fun moments. Uni work took me to my very limits, alongside my other classmates. I swear the International Space Station could hear the 2nd BA (hons) Video class let out a sigh when the final assignment, dissertation proposal, was handed in. Outside uni it's been a amazing year with Student Swansea Events, filming and interviewing many of Swansea's lovely students. After a couple of months I considered quitting my job. Because some problems and because of the stress. But then my stubbornness kicked in and now I don't regret it a bit. It's been amazing, learned so much. And I've gotten to meet some celebrities to, like Tim Minchin.

I've made some more amazing new friends, become closer with the ones I already had and broken a few connections. Learned a lot from that to. Sometimes you realise that not everything isn't meant to last or to have a future. Is it one thing this year has taught me, is that you shouldn't give up, but it's okay to say "You know what? No. I'm not going to do that. I'm going to have a rest day" I sometimes try to be like Jim Carrey in Yes Man and say yes to it all, but I've learned you can't always do that and that it's no shame in that.

What am I doing this summer? I'll be working in the grocery store and working on a couple of event/TV productions. Then hopefully I'll be able to do some freelance journalism for the local paper. Besides that, it's all about family, friends, fitness and dissertation research.

With this I say goodbye to Swansea, Wales and the United Kingdom for the summer and hello to Norway. And I hope all of you guys have a lush and amazing summer!

And true to my tradition, today's song is of course Breakaway.

Today's song: Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway

PRINCE OF WALES GARDEN: DAY 3

I've now gone as far in as planned. 

Mainly what I've done today is cutting down trees and bushes.

The garden waste pile has now grown to way bigger than me.

I've cleared all the grass and stuff from underneath one of the trees.

I only had like 3-4 hours available today to work, but still got a fair share done. Early in the morning I phoned up the Council to let them know what kind of waste that needed collection. If they think they can forget me, they'll have to think twice, haha. That said, they've really been great so far. After 20 minutes (!), one of the Environment Department managers, Neil, and another employee, Paul, was at my door. I was quite shocked at that, didn't expect them to come that quick. They took a look around and I explained what I was doing and why and they really liked it. Neil took some pictures of the broken/stolen fence and said that they will come and set up a new one. And Paul is coming back next week some time to collect all the rubbish.

I'm really enjoying this, good workout and much fun! Even though my arms and legs are filled with small scratches from the bushes and branches, but details details.

My plan is to host a BBQ or something similar when it's all done. Hopefully I can manage to get the Evening Post (South Wales biggest newspaper) to cover it. Was a couple of people that stopped and waved today, so hopefully people will notice the progress.

Again, if anyone in Swansea is full of energy and wants to do some good, you're more than welcome to come down!

Today's song: Calvin Harris - Feel so close

PRINCE OF WALES GARDEN: DAY 2

YESTERDAY

What I've done today

Mainly focused on part A today, same tomorrow. Because that is the area that needs the most work really.

Managed to cut, saw, pull and rake up a nice big pile today. It's about my height!

One pile of today's junk...

I've managed to remove all the torn bushes from the front side of the tree. My legs are now full of small cuts, but it's worth it.

That massive bush is now gone.

Another pile of rubbish.

And I've taken great care in preserving the Blue Bells. My house mate told me to be careful, because cutting down Blue Bells is illegal in the UK, which I didn't know. 

So what did I find today?
A left children's shoe, a right ladies shoe, about 30 bottles/cans, bags, a large carpet and enough black tiles to redecorate two bathrooms (if the hadn't been broken). Plus some other stuff. It's really disgusting what people throw away!

I also went to see the Council today about my project. They agreed to come and pick up all the rubbish. And I also said that if did a good job, could I have a nice bin placed in the "garden"? And she said bring them in and we'll see what we can do. I assume much of the cans come from a VERY VERY small selection of football supporters. (The reason why I ASSUME it's supporters is because everytime there was a match on, we'd always find new cans, haha ). Our road is one of the routes people that come from town and the train use to get to the stadium.

Believe me, I will hold the Council to their words. If they try to take me on, they're going to get a hell of a fight! I'm like my mum in that way, WE LOVE to fight with the government for what's right. Who knows how many time my mother was in the newspaper for something, normally related to my sisters kindergarten and later school.

Tomorrow more work will follow, so stay tuned.

Today's song: The Script - The man who can't be moved