In the wake of Trump, Norwegians still give me their condolences

Posted on by December 12, 2016

Unlike my friends in the US, it’s easy for me to watch the news and not be bombarded with Donald Trump, his political appointments and latest shenanigans. Living in Norway, I still follow it all closely online, but I’m not overwhelmed by it on TV, social media, or in cafes and shops.

It wasn’t always like that. Right after the elections, even across the pond, I felt overwhelmed by the incessant chatter: How did Trump win? Was it a mistake? What were Americans thinking!?!?

And … Read more ...

Living in Norway: The adventure of learning Norwegian

Posted on by November 25, 2016

I’ve always liked learning new things and part of me was excited to go back to school. I’m in Norwegian language courses, or as they call it “norskkurs” (NORSHK’ koosh).

My first class was in a small suburb of Oslo and I was struck by how many people from different countries were there. We had students from Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey and two Americans. The other American was a sweet chic from Minnesota. (Hi L!)

My first day of Norwegian class.

My first day of Norwegian class.

I’ve had … Read more ...

Post-Trump: We hear you conservative America, and hopefully you’re willing to listen too

Posted on by November 10, 2016

I’m gutted. Donald Trump is the next president of the United States and I’m simply gutted.

I understand that so many people are thrilled for this, and I respect the outcome of the election as well as their right to be happy their candidate won. I, however, am devastated. I’m devastated and at a loss for the right words.

15032823_10102763915607762_3075969707516365478_nIt’s not that I think that the Washington establishment is fantastic. No. Not at all. But what saddens me is road the country has traveled to … Read more ...

Living in Norway: America’s election season has been downright embarrassing

Posted on by November 8, 2016

In U.S. presidential races, the bickering between candidates gets ugly and this year, it’s been downright disgusting. As an American living abroad, it’s been plain embarrassing.

Even though many of us Americans don’t follow the politics of other countries, the rest of the world watches ours. My friends here in Norway are monitoring this election very closely, and the most common question I am asked is: Why?

Today's Election Day in the U.S. who will come out on top? (Photos by Gage Skidmore and Lorie Shaull.)

Today’s Election Day in the U.S. who will come out on top? (Photos by Gage Skidmore and Lorie

… Read more ...

If Black Lives Really Matter, We Gotta Stop Hitting Repeat

Posted on by July 9, 2016

There’s a black man. Police confront him. Police kill him, and we watch the video. There’s an investigation, protests and calls for justice. A community grieves, and we all hit repeat.

Alton Sterling, repeat. Philando Castile, repeat. Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Walter Scott, Willie Tillman, David Joseph, repeat, repeat, repeat.

25318448514_d282285f5b_zI’m tired, y’all. I’m eff-ing tired. I’m tired of hearing about these families who have lost fathers and sons, listening to simple platitudes about thoughts and prayers, or the pretzel-like explanations for how it’s all … Read more ...