Hey there, it's been a while!

Hey again! I have resurfaced. I wish I could say the last few weeks have been busy and that's why I haven't posted anything, but they really haven't. In actuality, the last week and a half have been kind of boring. We are finally settling into a schedule that involves lots of Norwegian classes. Even though we are two months into the school year, the NLC class has hardly had a full week where we haven't been away or had some sort of special event going on. So here we are. The last time I posted was October 13th where I shared lots of photos of my vacation to Oslo. While it was definitely a vacation, once we returned, we felt like we needed a vacation from the vacation. It was a solid week and a half of waking up early, walking 20 minutes to the train station in Drammen, riding 30 minutes into Oslo, spending a full day there, riding the train 30 minutes home, walking 20 minutes home in the dark, and rinse and repeat. While it was amazing and I got to see different parts of Norway, I was so exhausted. Also around this time, I started feeling the full effects of my homesickness. As an 18-year-old who just graduated high school, I have never been away from my family for longer than a week or two. Most of this experience is very freeing in terms of being able to choose what I do with my time and make my own decisions. But I miss my friends from Duluth and my family so so much. Missing someone is hard to put into words. But man does it hurt. I would appreciate some words from the wise on this subject, as I know many of the people reading have has similar study-abroad experiences. Anyways, I am settling into a routine here at school. But even the routine has brought some new, exciting developments! As the covid-19 rules relax in Norway, students are now allowed to have visitors on campus. This means that there are family members, boyfriends, girlfriends, and friends at meals and in the hallways. It's rather exciting to see new faces. NLC is beginning to plan our trip to northern Norway. We actually get to pick where we go so that is super exciting! The student council has been working to put together lots of new things. We are planning a full weekend of Halloween-themed stuff, a prom in February, and new clubs and activities. I have been starting some daily meditation practices to help with anxiety and poor sleep, as well as talking to someone from home every day. While I've been here I've had a lot of powerful realizations about myself, my mood, and how powerful a calm, strong mindset is. I am more in charge of my own being and that makes me feel strong. I think knowing that you have control over what affects you makes a big difference. As well as focusing on yourself and the people you love instead of all of the random people you don't know. Cut down on the comparing. I am 18 years old. I am in Norway. I am healthy and alive and I will live as much as I possibly can. I am going to do something I am not supposed to do real quick (My parents always tell me not to swear on here because I don't know who could be reading, but this moment deserves it. Love you, mom and dad). Damn. I feel good. I am so proud of myself for realizing that it is my job to be the person I want to be. I am the ONLY person who has control over that. Okay. That is all the typing I can do today. I honestly don't know when I will post again, so here are some pictures from the last two weeks. 

We sing a lot of Norwegian nursery rhymes. Here is one of them. This one comes with cheoreography too soooooo...

Here is us at the vegan cafe that we spend most of our time at hehe

Norwegian studying

I found this terryfying santa costume at a thrift store. 

Also from the thrift store. 

Me making brownies. Fun stuff. 

Here us me taking a 3am run because I was watching a movie and the last song got me super pumped up. That led to a lake night, or early morning run.  



I just watchd the movie Garden State and I think I'm in love with a film. Is that possible?

Remember that late night run I went on? Right before that I was sitting in my shower eating smash.  Good times.

That's Erik. 

I don't know what is going on here.

Thanks for reading!

Comments

  1. LauriOctober 25, 2021 at 4:55 AM

    This was the time of year when both my daughters hit the wall. They were in college and so homesick they could hardly stand it. It is a bit staggering to realize that you are the one responsible for yourself. You have had so many new things to deal with and you are so far from home. I think what you are feeling is perfectly normal under the circumstances but it will pass. I felt the same way just moving to Duluth as a newly wed. I wonder if it is a right of passage. Anyway, hang in there. You have this whole fan club in Duluth sending you love and courage!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownOctober 25, 2021 at 12:53 PM

    Have you heard from Elsa lately? Sounds like the two of you should chat.
    Bye for now, Mowie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mason BranstratorOctober 26, 2021 at 11:49 AM

    I am so proud of you anik! You have always impressed me with how much of yourself you truly are. We will always be waiting right here at home waiting for you with open arms, but don’t let that stop you from living the best life you possibly can!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cindy GrindyNovember 17, 2021 at 10:21 AM

    Such wisdom! This is such a personal
    growth experience. So cool to read how you are taking care of yourself. Good Work! Cindy

    ReplyDelete

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