Monday, January 31, 2011

Oral Anxiousness

This past month I experienced an entirely new exam technique while receiving my graduate education in Denmark. Oral exams. After each group project or written paper (which often registers as an exam for that class) you need to defend your chosen topic or technique to an instructor accompanied by a censor for approximately 20 minutes.

Only 5 minutes of that time is you talking and the rest of the time is for Q&A and receipt of your grade based on both the quality of your written paper and oral presentation. This is partly to make sure you have done a portion of the work yourself, and not given a free ride from the other group members. I also believe it is done to encourage discussion of issues which is common in the Danish work environment where everyone's opinion on an issue is considered before a decision is made.

However, it's purpose could also be to prepare graduates for presentations in the future or to be fair to those who are better talkers than writers. Either way, most Danes have had to do this since they were in the 8th grade, but for us North Americans, it is a strange and nerve wracking experience. Especially for people like me who prefer writing. (Shocking). I guess it's time to break out of the shell.


Panic at the thought of doing a thing is a challenge to do it. ~Henry S. Haskins

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Top 10 Things I Miss about the US

It's been one and a half weeks since we have been back from our trip to the States and I still can't shake the great feeling we had while there. So in order to get it out of my system, and live in the present, I am dedicating this blog to the good ol' US of A and in David Letterman style, I'll start with number 10.

10. The Golden Globes. They were on this past Sunday and I am still annoyed by the fact that I couldn't watch the red carpet events all day and enjoy an evening of TV and movie star studded bliss.

9. The TV shows. Modern Family, Housewives of Beverly Hills, True Blood, Glee, Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, and the list goes on....SO many new shows I am missing out on. Thankfully, Denmark is influenced by US pop culture so we do get some of these shows, at some point.

8. Starbucks. Even though I have gotten used to the lovely creamy, Euro style lattes, you can't beat a $3.50 latte, any way you want it.

7. Options. I admit that ordering a cheeseburger from Five Guys in Chicago was a little overwhelming. Raw onions or grilled, seriously? But after revisiting one of my favorite stores (Whole Foods) I was in multiple option heaven as I slowly took in all the different types of healthy, organic and creative food selections one could possibly want.

6. Style selection. One thing I have noticed living in Denmark is a lot of the style is the same. At first it all felt unique to me, but the longer I am here, the more I am noticing people wearing similar styles. I know the same thing happens in the US, but my past trip reminded me of the variety of stores and selection to choose from to make your style stand out from the crowd.

5. Prices. Which brings us to cost. You can't do the above if it costs a fortune, so the fact that the prices are a lot more reasonable in the US means you can expand your wardrobe and are not only limited to stores within your price range.

4. Friendliness. Danes may be the happiest people on earth, but you would never know it in public. They keep to themselves and avoid eye contact, whereas I saw several people walking down the street in Chicago with a hint of a smile on their face, and even said hello. Perfect strangers! It felt so good.

3. The sun. Even though the Midwest is colder in temperature in the winter, the weather is more dry and the sun often shines with glorious blue sky. It has been gray everyday since I have been back and I dearly miss the sun. It does wonders for the mood!

2. Customer service. Walking into stores in the US is a downright pleasure. There was only one time within two weeks where the service was overwhelming and borderline annoying, but I would rather put up with it than not have it at all.

1. My family and friends. This goes without saying. My heart hurts when I think of the fact that I am missing my newest little nephew and godson change and grow everyday, not to mention be there for my sisters and best friends, but all I can say is thank goodness for Skype!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Sleepless in Vanløse

We just arrived back from three glorious weeks in the US for the holidays to celebrate Christmas and New Years Eve with family and friends. Even though I barely slept on the plane, and managed to keep myself awake until 9pm Danish time,which was technically throughout the night and into the early after- noon the next day (US time), I woke around 3am in Denmark and couldn't go back to sleep.

I kept thinking about all the things I need to do to get back into the groove of life in Denmark (school projects, exams, work, gym) and how amazing our trip was to the US (10 relaxing days with family and 10 fun filled days with friends).

These are the times when dual country couples have the hardest time coping with the reality of their situation. You constantly have to say goodbye to one country in order to live life in another.

Emotions are high and you are reminded each and every trip what is most important (family and friends) but restricted by your commitments and responsibilities (work and school).

Our continuous goal and search for a happy ever after will end when we are no longer restricted to one country in order to spend time with the ones we love.