After spending three months adjusting to life in Germany and working hard to get settled, it was finally time to return to Norway. The main reason for my trip was to bring home my dog, Cassie, who had spent the winter living with other huskies and working as a sled dog while I organized my new life. Now that spring was approaching, it felt like the perfect moment to reunite and bring her back with me.
During my two weeks in Norway, I stayed with my parents. While it was wonderful to see them again, it wasn’t exactly the most relaxing experience—their house is small, making it challenging to find personal space and quiet time. However, being able to reconnect with family was definitely special.
One of the highlights of my trip was spending quality time with my best friend. We enjoyed several beautiful hikes together, taking in the scenic Norwegian landscapes. Saying goodbye this time was particularly tough, especially since I won’t be able to visit again for a while. I’ll miss her dearly.
While in Norway, I had the chance to go on several beautiful sled dog rides with the person who had been taking care of Cassie for the past three months. I truly appreciated those trips—and even more so, the fact that he had taken such good care of Cassie while I was away. I almost felt guilty taking her back after he had spent so much time training her. But such is life.
Since January 1st, I’ve been committed to a calorie deficit. Although there have been a few days where I’ve slipped, overall, I’ve stayed consistent and true to my goals. However, maintaining this discipline became significantly more challenging while in Norway. My last week there was especially difficult, and I lost some momentum towards my goal. Still, it’s not the end of the world. Now that I’m back in Germany, I can return to my previous routines, regain control, and continue working towards my objectives. Maybe my body even benefited from a short break from the intense food tracking.
My old workplace also threw me a small farewell—just a cake and a thank-you for my efforts. I tried not to show too much frustration over how things ended and aimed to say goodbye gracefully. But it would be a lie to say the anger isn’t still lingering.
