Norway, in turn, has been keeping me busy as well. The last time I played for Team Strommen, was in 2005, when I moved here right after graduating from the University of Tennessee. I really enjoyed my time here, so I thought that there could not be a better place for me to go to experience another transition period in my life.

I am living in a small town called Strommen, about 20 minutes outside Oslo. I play for the club called Team Strommen. When I arrived here, half the season had already been played, and the team is sitting in 4th place in the League table. This is not too shabby a position when you consider the standard of Norwegian soccer, but I am hoping that I can help improve matters and move even higher up the table.

The first game I played in was against Klepp, a team from Norway's west coast. Interestingly enough, it was the first team I had played against three years ago when I first moved here. This time, we won the game

2-1 and I thought we played really well. Perhaps the first half was better than the second, but a win is a win. And, the winning goal was scored by none other than Diana Matheson, who has traveled over here with me.

I was delighted that D scored the goal as there is not much doubt that the goal which Klepp scored against us was my fault. I may not have made amends myself, but I did help to bring Diana over here, and that should count for something!

Another Canadian playing over here in Norway is none other than Amy Vermeulen, who is tearing things up for the second place team in the league: Asker. She had a fantastic game for them yesterday, scoring two goals in their victory, and good for her. She is going to come cheer D and me on in our game tomorrow. In turn, D and I are going to go watch Amy's match on Wednesday, I am glad we are going to be seeing plenty of her - the Canadian contingent in Norway.

Well, other than being blown away by how expensive everything is here, I am having a good time and I am so pleased that I made the decision to return. The level of soccer is excellent; I have continued my soccer after the Olympics; and, while the powers that be ponder the future of the National Women's team, we will keep honing our skills until we are consulted or told what is happening in 2009.

I will keep more regular updates from now on, and my apologies for the hiatus in journals and reports.

Rhian

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