Sex and The City (In Another City)

Me sneaking around Oslo in this hat can only mean one thing:


I went to see Sex and the City! Although I did not expect to bump into anyone I know (going to see the movie in a foreign country assured me of this), I was slightly embarrassed to be at the movie theater to see this particular film. I know, I know, it isn't such a big deal, but I don't even admit to watching the show...

Beyond that, I don't actually enjoy going to the movies. I prefer to watch DVDs at home in part because I have trouble staying awake through a film, and also because I can pause, rewind, and use the bathroom. I am also the type of person who likes to talk through films and TV programs, so this habit really makes me unpopular in the theatre.



At any rate, I did go see the movie (after having a very pleasant salad and the most delicious bread at this French bistro) in public and with a sold out crowd of Norwegian women (and a few girls, to my dismay. The film is totally inappropriate for kids...). When people began to cheer and clap when the film began and when one of the protagonists acquired a dress, shoes, or a handbag, I knew I was in trouble. I did sit through the whole thing, though, and there are a couple moments that are truly hilarious. But if I were to say what is troubling about the film, I'd have to think deeply about my own fascination with it. And that would mean another dissertation chapter... (too tired)...

However, I will reveal the following: the character I looked most forward to seeing looked AWFUL!

Fest Helga (Party Helga)!

So, some good friends and family reminded me of the long list of "To Do's" I made before coming on this trip to Oslo. Socializing and developing some flirtation skills were high on the list! I have come to understand that many people actually do have to learn how to strike up a conversation with new people and how to feel more at ease in social situations. Alas, I am one of those people...

I was invited to a party on Friday with some new Norwegian friends and thought that that would be an opportunity for me to practice my new skills. I have stated several times that getting sisterlocks has meant no more hiding behind hair (at least not for the next few years ;-) So, I focused on makeup! I have been looking at some interesting YouTube videos about makeup and tried to emulate one that seemed pretty cool.

Unfortunately, I did not know how to light myself for the photo, so it just looks like I am glowing. (I later learned that the trick is no flash and low backlighting!). At any rate, I was ready for an adventure.

Needless to say, the adventure began as soon as I got on my bike to pedal down to the train station. I had no curls by the time I got there, and I sweated off my makeup between being socially nervous and hiking up a hill to this beautiful villa. The home belongs to a famous Norwegian artist and had an amazing view of the Oslo fjord (and a spectacular artist studio).

In terms of the socializing, well... People congratulated me on my PhD, which was good. Then they asked what it was about, and that turned out bad. Seems that discussions about racism are not popular party starters. I had to explain to someone that there is no such thing as reverse racism (people of color can certainly participate in supporting patterns or practices of inequality whether they be racist, sexist, nativist, xenophobic, homophobic etc. But that is not "reversing" racism, it is sustaining of it. Usually when people claim "reverse racism" it is to lessen white guilt, to portray racism as a "normal" or inevitable aspect of life, and to de-legitimate the claims of racism that people of color make.). I also had to explain that yes, the pattern of "white flight" (that also occurs in European cities) has to do with race (hello!).

I really don't want to be that person at the party who comes across as a know-it-all or cynic. But I do know of women who are doctors but tell men they are candy-stripers or nurses in social settings. I don't want to go that far with it, but it can be tricky sometimes, (especially when one is looking for a date), to find neutral conversation topics that allow everyone to feel at ease (myself included). In my mind, I am just trying to get to the place where someone says "Why don't we meet for coffee on Tuesday" without having to feel totally put down and objectified. Who knew that a coffee date and ending racism were so closely related?!

My new strategy is to quickly move between work-related topics, and more casual themes. For instance "I analyze the post Civil Rights era and how racism persists in the present (see above discussion of "reverse racism" to understand the complexity!). I am also really excited to see how Spain does against Germany in the championship game on Sunday." See, I am still learning! I'll try this one out tomorrow... stay posted....

Paa reisefot!

All the braids are in (and tiny!). That can only mean one thing...

We are on our way to Norway!

We looked smashing as we walked through London Heathrow, but this mother and daughter duo did not attract as much camera attention as Angelina and her brood. No matter, we were feelin' ourselves as we made our way to Terminal 3!

Guess what? It was raining in Olso!


But this time, I am housesitting/crashing at an American friend's apartment while she is in the US. (The place sort of makes me feel like I am in an IKEA commercial...but in a good way...). One of the greatest things about my new home (for the next month...) is that she has lots of DVDs, including the first season of Heroes (which I will be watching as soon as my baby and her dad leave for the mountains tomorrow)!

I still cannot get over the shock of how poor the exchange rate is, but to give you an indication: rather than waiting to buy a pair of hip shoes, I am waiting for the price of Corn Flakes to drop below 8 bucks! (I am happy to report that the gym membership and the first batch of groceries came free with congratulations on my graduation.)



My task for the day (apart from staying awake and away from the bed) is to find an outfit and prepare to meet the former in-laws...

Dr. Helga

What a weekend! On Friday afternoon I had the honor of participating in commencement. I have to say, it was almost like an out of body experience. I had been to graduation several times to cheer on my colleagues and to remind myself that people do actually finish the PhD.

My beautiful family and many of my friends were in attendance. I intended to write that I was the only Black female PhD recipient with locks there, but I will have to amend that to, I was the only Black female PhD recipient. I am proud of myself, but we still need to encourage other Black students to pursue advanced degrees.

That's why I was most excited to have most of my nieces and nephews and, of course, my daughter there. They are gorgeous (and so is my sisterlocked sister "Aya").


This amazing intellectual and freedom fighter also ended her career at my University last weekend. She is retiring from that school, but her career is far from over.


Congratulations to the Class of 2008! (Where is Helga?)