PART 6: Person Number and Healthcare

No appointment needed to get my Person Number!

I showed up once and was informed I didn’t have the right paperwork.  I did call and ask what I would need.  Left and came back the next day with the paperwork they wanted.  Aaannnd, they didn’t need it.  Sigh.  Well, gotta love riding that tram!  It really is a beautiful journey.  ;^)

It’s really interesting what they want from you.  Most of the paperwork was from HB.  His income, taxes last year and this year, residency information… and my new Residency Card!  Woot!  I took a number and waited with all the other people.  I really wanted to know their stories.  I did some knitting and a woman sitting next to me told me it was my turn to go up.  I tried to tell her my number wasn’t called yet and that she would be after me but we had a language barrier.  After I went up, her number was called and she missed it.  I actually told them to wait because I knew who it was but I couldn’t find her.  I tried.  Well, my paperwork was in and the waiting game continued…

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A couple weeks later, I received my Person Number and a letter telling me I was under Norwegian healthcare!  Yay!!!!  I’m like a real Norwegian resident now!  This healthcare thing is wacky though!  You can go to the doctor or hospital for a very small fee.  No health insurance is needed.  If you need healthcare often, you pay up to a certain amount for the year.  After that amount is paid, you don’t pay anything else.  You only need to pay I think like $350 if you use the healthcare, per year, in one of the most expensive countries in the world.  After that, free.  American say “What?!?”

Next I get to choose a doctor and can pick a different doctor twice a year.  I think we found one close by.  Maybe we will meet him soon!

Another thing I get to do is get a bank account!

PART 5: Residency Card, Library Card

I moved here in October, had my legal paperwork wedding in November, applied for a residency and work permit in December, and was accepted in January.  To get more details on the previous months, just click the “immigration” or “residency” tag.

So, January 9th.  I was able to change my appointment from the 2nd to the 9th to turn in more documents.  What documents you ask?  Pretty much just bring everything in your house because they may change their minds about what you need.  I was going to apply for my residency card.  It looks like a driver’s license but without the ability to drive.  You need it for many things like going to a doctor and… I don’t really know.   It says who I’m married to, where I’m from, gender, expiration date, and something else I don’t understand.  If I was Norwegian, it would have my Person Number (Social Security Number).  Since I am American, no number on the card.

Now, I was sick that day.  Like really not feeling well.  The idea of taking a tram into town and sitting in a waiting room was not my idea of a sick day.  I almost didn’t go.  HB kindly helped me get ready and stood me up so I could put some make-up on to pretend I was fine.  I debated the idea of the day and decided I must go.

When I arrived bundled up, I took just about everything off because then I was soooo hot.  I sat in the waiting area to hear my name… I was early just in case.  My appointment was at 10:00 am… the time passed… 10:10.  Hmm… they are usually on time.  10:20.  Seriously, I want to go home.  Finally, someone asked me my name and what time my appointment was.  I told her and she said my name back to me.  OH!!!!!  Maybe you DID call my name?!?  But… you pronounced it wrong.  The “e” sounded like an “a” and the “r” was rolled.  If you don’t add a first name, how am I supposed to know you’re talking about me?  I wondered what it was like for other immigrants who have to hear Norwegian letters in their name…?

I went up to the counter and presented my documents.  Stamp, notes, copies (I was thiiis close to resting my chin on the counter.)  Then she told me to sit for a photo.  I was SO not in the mood for a photo shoot.  I sit.  I have no idea when the photo will take… and, I’m done.  That was it.  I left and waited for a week to get the card.

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Hahahahahahaha!!!!!  The card arrived and the photo is great!  I look pleasantly annoyed!  I’ll have to show you sometime.  In the mail also came documents to go back and get my Person Number or Social Security number.  Yay.  More about that later.

On a really good note though, I have my Residency Card AND with that I went straight to the library to get my OWN library card!!!!  I have been wanting a library card for over a year here.  Until I get my Social Security number, I can only check out two items at a time.  But hey, that’s TWO more than I could before!!!!  ;^)

 

PART 4: AHHH!!!!! YAY!!!! A JOB!!!!

I AM SO EXCITED I SPELLED EXCITED WRONG THREE TIMES!!!!!!!!  AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!  Ok, ok, I’ll try to calm down.

(Hands in lap, deep breath, one… two.. OK I’M GOOD!!!!!!!!)

So, last Thursday when I was legally allowed to work because my residence application was submitted, I applied to a gym.  I applied to be a part time gymnastics rec coach at the biggest gym in the country.  I had doubts they would hire me because I can’t speak Norwegian and I don’t know the gymnastics system over here but… I had to try.

(Meanwhile figure – I got turned down by 13 other jobs for only speaking English.)

A couple days ago, I got an email from the gym saying my CV (resume) shows great experience and they want me as a coach!!!  Yay!  FREAKING OUT!!!!  I stayed calm and asked questions.  An interview was set up and they offered me a contract today!!!!!  They want me as a Head Rec Coach!!!!!!  I’ll be teaching Preschool – 12 years and a few other classes as they come up.  But I can’t even speak to the kids?  This will be one of the COOLEST most interesting job challenges EVER!

I have to teach students I can’t speak to!!!!!!!!!  How awesome is THAT going to be?!?!

They said they loved my enthusiasm too!  I thought it would be good to tone it down a bit.  After the interview she said she told her staff Santa brought them a present… it’s called A Jamie.  Hahaha!  I thought that was very sweet and the fact that she put me and Santa in the same sentence, I have to accept the job!

All day I had a smile on my face and sang “Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes” in Norwegian in my head.  I HAVE TO LEARN THESE THINGS!!!!

I got home.  Bounced off the walls, ceiling, jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped and…

Calmed down enough to play my flute.  THEN HB comes home, pours us a drink, and shows me what came in the mail…

I got my acceptance letter to be a Norwegian resident and worker!!!!!!!  AHHHHHH!!!!!!!  Are you kidding me?!?!  I can’t handle any more excitement!!!!!  Geesh!  I’ve burned off so many calories running around the house like Kevin in Home Alone!  Aaahhhh!!!!!!

Now I have an appointment for January 2nd to get fingerprinted and receive my official card.  Then I will get my social security number and be under healthcare here!  Everything has gone much better than planned.  Yes, there have been bumps the whole way, but we got things changed for the better!  Now, January 2nd, I’ll be in Scotland… I need to get that appointment moved.  Wish me luck!

Thank you all for your support!!!!  It has helped me through some tough times!!!   Really!  Thank you!

PART 3: The Day I Submitted My Residency and Application Papers

As I fill out my forms to become a Norwegian resident, I can’t help but wonder about my ancestors.  They came over from Sweden about 4 generations ago.  Would they be happy I was coming back to Scandinavia?  Angry at me?  Why did they leave?  I might not ever know, but I do know I’m back and I need to figure out how to stay.

If you haven’t already ready How To Become A Norwegian Resident and Worker, start there.  I added a paragraph to it and this post will continue the process.

Our date was set for December 5th, 2013.  I was going to submit my documents for Residency and Work permits at the Oslo Center For Foreign Workers.

We arrived at 9:50 am.  The appointment to walk up to the counter was at 10:10 am.  Psh!  Yeah I was nervous!  but I played it cool.  We had all our paperwork which included copies of passports, HB’s job contract and payslips, and the questionnaire.  Scroll to the bottom to get the questions I had to answer.  Some were interesting!  The questions had to do with our relationship, how, when, where engagement and wedding took place?  How often we talk?  Was the marriage arranged?  (Yes, by us!)  Was a dowry paid?  (See why we had to get our legal wedding early?  If they are not happy with our proof of relationship, then we need to prove it some more!  I think posting it on Facebook was a good idea.  Just in case they don’t believe us.)

Lots of future immigrants were waiting.  Names were called out every couple minutes.  If someone didn’t come in a few seconds, the next name was called.  I sat upright, knees and ankles pressed together.  My hands were placed on my lap.  Big eyes, occasionally taking a deep breath.  HB paced.  Then I heard it!  “Jamie”  My hands and feet shot away to the arms and legs of the chair like a dog ready to run for the bone that hasn’t been thrown yet.  OMG they just called me!  Is it me?  “I’m here!  I’m Jamie!”  We nearly ran to the desk!  Well, it’s me now.

She asked for our passports.  Flipped through them… then STAMPED a paper.  Yay!  I think.  I have no idea what that Norwegian worded paper says but stamps are usually good.  She started looking through the other documents, making copies, taking notes.  No expression… c’mon lady, give me something… a nod of approval, a smile… this no expression thing is killin’ me!  And then, she says were done!  Wait wait wait!

So can I work now?  Yes, she says!  Do I get healthcare?  Not yet.  Can I get free language lessons now?  No.  Can I leave the country for Christmas?  Yes but be back before your tourist visa is up mid January.  Do I have to stay after that?  Yes until you get a response on your application.  Do you think I’ll still be able to go to Mexico in April?  Yes, you should be able to.  How long with the approval take?  2 – 9 months.  So I can go out and get a job right now?  Yes.

HB and I went out to lunch and I headed off to the job I wanted most… teaching gymnastics at the biggest gym in Norway.  I gave them my CV (Resume) and went to find a fun language learning job.  I really want to get a part time job in a bakery.  I want to learn the different flours, ingredients, and repeat the same language everyday to learn it!  I was turned down by everyone!  I didn’t speak Norwegian.  I am a useless immigrant.  Ok, not so great for the confidence that’s already buried under a mountain.  (Picture a deep hole on the side of our house where I toss a bit of confidence down every few days.  Eventually I’ll go down and get it.)  I even went to tourist street where they HAVE to speak English.  Nope.  No spreka, no joba.  I’m telling you, be nice to immigrants.  It is not easy for them and you have no idea why they ended up where they are.  I didn’t come here to take jobs, I just want to live with, love, and help support HB!  Either way, for us to be together, one of us would be an immigrant.  Please, for me, hug an immigrant today!  Preferably a non native language speaking one.  Support them!  Especially America!  Most of your families were immigrants at one point.  How would you feel if it was you or your parent?

Sigh, anyway…

So as of last week, I am officially unemployed!  YAY!!!  Why is that a yay?  Before I was unable to legally work in Norway, but now I am legal to work in Norway!!!!  I am not a resident yet, but while the paper work is being processed, I can work!  So far, been turned down by 13 jobs because I don’t speak the language.  BUT I got a huge refund back when they said we couldn’t for applying to the wrong police district, and I was able to move my application date TWO months earlier when they said it was unlikely.  I WILL get a job that I want!!!!  NO OTHER OPTION!!!  ARGH!!!!!

PART 2: My Norwegian Legal Paperwork Wedding

It all started with the guy of my dreams… mushy stuff mushy stuff…  We needed to get a legal marriage so we could live in the same country.  We were going to get married anyway, just later.  We will have our Church Ceremony and Par-tay Summer 2015!

So what happened for the Legal Signing of Papers Wedding?

Matron of Honor arrived on Wednesday.  We spent time getting ready for Thanksgiving and sightseeing.  On Friday, we went to the salon to get our nails done by a new wonderful friend in Oslo.  She was so kind to do our nails for free and made the day extra special!  After, I guess you could say my bachelorette party was spent at the outdoor Christmas market in Oslo.  I even got a hug from a Norwegian Santa!!!!  Eeekkk!!!!

The Best Man and nephew were to arrive that evening so we went shopping for dinner and bought roses for a bouquet!  The roses were supposed to be 150 NRK but the sweet lady gave them to us for only 70 NRK!

Headed on the Tram back up the mountain for some kitchen cookin’ fire buildin’ good times.

Pop!  Goes the bottle.  Whoohoo!  Go the dance moves!  Out come the cards!  We now have a party of five.  Three in our cabin and two in the small cabin next to us.  After the Americans taught the Brits to play 500 and the Brits taught the Americans to drink, we called it a day.

SATURDAY!!!!  Up, 4 to shower, traditional Norwegian breakfast, dressed in our wedding clothes, and up the hill to catch the Biggest “limo” a.k.a. the tram.

When we got to the courthouse, a colleague of HB’s arrived with a nice bottle of Prosecco!  So sweet and unexpected!!!  I’m really starting to fall for the kindness of Norwegians!  I was butterflyless until I got my parents up on Skype.  Then I was like “OMG I’M GETTING MARRIED!!!!”  I realized that my life was about to take it’s next step and I really wanted all my family and friends there with me.  Yes, yes, I will have a ceremony, white dress, and reception in the future.  But this is NOW!  How can I not make a big deal out of it!?!?  Whew, ok, so both parents are on Skype and we have to ask the judge if we are allowed to Skype.  Judge says… “There’s a first time for everything.”  Skype is allowed!!!!!

My parent’s woke up at 4:30 AM to “attend”.  Pretty sure my little brother was asleep on the couch the whole time.  I think I saw a hand up in the air at one point.  It was 12:10 PM for HB’s parents and the time we were allowed into the room.

All passports were checked to confirm we are who we all say we are and we walk in…

Not nervous, but impressed at how nice the room is!  Parents on one side of the table, video camera on front of us, witnesses somewhere… so distracted by the room… glad I dressed up!  The judge said some nice words, thoughts about what marriage is, asked me if I take this man… (wow, I really like his words, I wonder if I can get a copy of that somewhere?  CRAP!  I’m supposed to be listening!) … love and honor… (will it be on the marriage document?  Or should I look it up on the website?  It’s being video taped so I can listen then.  He’s looking at me now… they all are… uh…) “I do” (?)  (Was that what I was supposed to say?  I’ll see what HB says, well, by then it will be too late to go back and change what I said?  Should I have just said yes?  I take him?  OH!  I should have been listening this time!)  HB says “I do”.  Ok, good.  The judge hands me a book.  I stare at it.  The other woman comes over and tells me to sign it.  (What am I signing?  Where do I sign?  And WHAT is my name?!?!)  Apparently I stared too long (Why do I always have to go first?!?!) so she points to where she wants me to sign.  (Am I Mrs. G now?  When will I be Mrs. G?  But I don’t sign that now?  How do you make a cursive G again?  In third grade there was a cursive chart on wall, what was the G?)  Whoa!  Still staring and I’ve not done anything to this paper.  Ok, sign it!

After we and our witnesses signed, HB’s Mum played her harp over Skype and we had our first dance.  For some reason, I noticed HB’s ears.  They were suddenly the most beautiful ears!  Ears that I love and can love forever!  The whole thing lasted about 15 minutes.  (I still have a new attachment to his ears though.)  (Is that too weird to share?)  It was beautiful.  Really.  Much nicer than the courthouse wedding I imagined.  Everything was perfect!  We left the room, talked to parents, and I tossed my bouquet to my sister sitting next to me.  I think the strangest thing, was having the parents take wedding photos over Skype.  Can’t wait to see how those turned out.

We left the courthouse and had a friend from the dance group greet us and congratulate us outside!  That was so sweet!!!

Hopped another “limo” bus and went to the Opera House Restaurant.  Beautiful with a view of the fjord and good food!  Drank wine with our meal and went to climb the outside and get pictures.  Invited a couple tourists to throw petals and take pics.  They seemed to enjoy it too!

Time to take the “limo” back home… to Never Never Land.  Yes, we live in that little space in the cloud!  Being a Peter Pan fan, I was thrilled to see this!!!

After arriving home, we found a bottle of Champaign with a wooden heart on our front step!  It was put there by our neighbors!  Are you kidding me?!?  How nice is that?!?  We are so blessed to have such nice people in our lives.  We had more drinks and cut our cake made by another wonderful friend here in Oslo!  So unexpected and delicious too!

Drinks, cards, music, dancing, love, love, and more love.  This legal wedding was bigger than I originally thought and I am happy the way it turned out.  Can’t wait for the big celebration in 2015!  The church is already booked!

PART 1: Becoming A Norwegian Resident and Worker

Minnesotans are part Scandinavian.  I actually have some Swedish blood way back there!  Does that make becoming Norwegian any easier?  Hmm… maybe easier than someone from California.

I’ll get to weather and the culture later, but for now, I’m going to talk about the process to live here.  If one is going to become a Norwegian resident, they either need their company to send them to Norway, seek asylum in Norway, or marry someone who lives here.  I’m going down the marriage route.  Now, it’s not because I want to live in Norway (it really is a great place though), but because I love a certain curly haired guy here.

In September, curly haired guy and I went to our countries (America and Britain) to get paperwork saying we were not already married.  In October, we arrived in Oslo and went straight to the Tax Office with our luggage to hand in our paperwork and passports to apply for a marriage license.  In November, we got paperwork back to set a date in the courthouse to get married.  Eeekkkk!!!!!  The date was set for Thanksgiving break.  My sister and his brother will fly over to be our witnesses that day because, well, no one here has met me more than a few times in the past year.  What a strange feeling that no one in a thousand miles qualifies to be your witness?!  Lonely too.  Soon, I’m sure more than a few would qualify!  Good people here once you get to know them!

Anyway, after we sign our papers to be married, I need to apply for residency in Norway otherwise I’m booted out after my 90 day tourist visa is up.  EVEN IF we are MARRIED!  The earliest appointment I could get was February 3rd… two weeks after I was scheduled to be booted.  Yes, yes, get married, and then be separated by paperwork.  (In the most sarcastic tone)  “Oh!  What a love story!”  Psh, I didn’t read fairy tales like that as a kid.  This is real people!  What if we had a kid?  The FAMILY would have to be separated!  Not cool.  And to think Norway is one of the easiest countries to get into!

Side story, when we applied for residency and a work permit, we had to pay about $500.  We later found out that there were TWO options.  One was through Norway and the other was through the European Union.  If we went through the EU, it was free.  Looking at their site, it said there were no refunds even if you didn’t get accepted.  Hmm… there must be a way around it.  Well, fortunately, there is.  If we applied to the wrong station, the Police District vs the Center For Foreign Workers, then we HAD to get the refund first before reapplying.  AHA!  “Um excuse me, I applied to the wrong station.”  “Ok, here is your refund!”  WHOOHOO!  Now, we actually DID apply to the wrong station but thought it was right.  So, we got our refund back, applied to the free option and the right station.  My appointment date was still too late though!

So, I needed to get that appointment earlier!  I was prepared to bake cookies and sit in the Tax Office until they either felt for my heart and gave me an earlier appointment or until they were so sick of me they would do anything to get me out of their office.  (Insert images of pigtailed Norwegian Bunad wearing fresh cookie holding Jamie and desk top step dancing cartwheeling crazy face Jamie.)

Norway must have heard my ideas in my head because this morning when I went for my daily check of earlier appointments… I got a date two months earlier!!!  December 5th baby!  Whoohoo!!!!!

We will arrive with loads of paperwork including marriage documents and hope they accept me.  I should know in 6 – 9 months.  (Twiddles thumbs…)