Speaking of patriotism...

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Many people have been questioning the use of the Norwegian flag on facebook profile pictures, stating that it feels inappropriate since a a man calling himself a nationalist is the cause of the weekend's tragic events. My personal opinion is that it is important to take the flag back, and use it the way it was meant to be used, to symbolise unity. We can't allow a person like him to take our flag away from us.

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Patriotism done right

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I have to admit I'm proud of my countrymen these days.

The way the people are quietly calling for love and unity instead of screaming for revenge is truly an amazing and wonderful thing to witness, as is the will to not let this change our democratic society and open way of life. I am near speechless with admiration for the way our country's leaders have handled this most horrible situation, and although I know we will never forget what happened this weekend, I am hopeful that we will not allow it to influence our future.

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High and low

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I can't believe it's been so long!

There's been good times and bad times meanwhile...among other things, I got the job at the hospital after all! The woman they'd offered the job to was after more than part-time, so she said no, after which they called me. Hooray! I was (and am) so happy!

That being said, I'm not sure that I will continue working there after my temporary gig is up. I am working there until Halloween, after that I'm uncertain...but although the direct contact with patients is going much better than I thought, I am still not totally comfortable with it. I have a tendency to absorb too much, take it home with me, and be sad for them...

I really wish I could start working at the pathology lab again, but after the 'fight' I had with them last fall I'm sure the head of the lab is wary of hiring me back...

On a more housewife-y note we are still struggling with our far-too-cluttered apartment - but that is a story for another day.

The last few days have naturally been flooded with grief, anger, and confusion at the events unfolding in and around Oslo - Bergen is geographically far away, but the shockwaves of Anders Behring Breivik's horrific actions have of course rocked all of Norway to its foundations.

That being said, while making the events themselves no less tragic, I am very glad it was the work of one terrible man and not a group with any political or religious motives. While the events are of course fathomlessly tragic nonetheless, the aftermath will be quite another - the last thing Norway and the world in general needs is more fear, hatred, and separation. The fact that this was a single man acting alone allows Norwegians of every heritage to stand together in their grief and support each other, with noone pointing fingers...

My heart bleeds for everyone affected by Breivik's actions.

We will never forget.

RIP

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