I'm not actually moving out, but I'm leaving my room and moving into Daniel's. It sounds like a big step, but it's really no change in lifestyle; we'll just be saving money by splitting the cost of one room instead of two.
Our other two housemates are moving out, too, though, since both are nearly thirty and want to live on their own or with their significant others. I guess it makes sense at that age. So we're actually on the search for three new people altogether, meaning we'll have five people sharing one bathroom until I move back to Boston in March.
And look, I thought I'd be panicking by this stage about having to leave, but I'm looking on the bright side. I still have a full third of my time left here. That sounds pretty good--much better than, "I only have two months left here." I already know that Daniel and I are gonna keep this relationship going long-distance when I leave, and we'll see what happens from there.
Work at the children's charity has intensified, and I can't say that it's incredibly thrilling or based on work that I could do my whole life. It certainly beats not having a job at all, though, and once we're past this particularly huge task there, I'm sure I won't be as frustrated by it.
I haven't given up hope in finding one more production gig, at least! Even one lasting just a day or a week would be ideal.
In the meantime, with already to months to go, I've started looking into jobs back in Boston. It isn't looking particularly promising for the film industry right now, especially if the Screen Actors Guild votes on a strike in March. But I've applied for one television job through my college's Career Services department, which is a start, anyway.
On Thursday, we went out to see Avenue Q, which closes in March! It's a great musical--second time I've seen it--and Daniel has the soundtrack, but had never seen it live. It's being replaced by Calendar Girls, of all things, and I don't think I'd be tempted to see a musical version of that.
(A musical bound to be amazing, though: Sister Act! It opens in May, so I'll have to come back and see it. Gah, great childhood flick, that one.)
We're also plotting a trip to Bristol to visit Daniel's friend Rowan during the first weekend of February. I've never been there, and the only reason I've been tempted is because Aardman Animations (which make Wallace & Gromit) is based there; no, they don't do studio tours. I'm betting it'll be a good weekend away, and I'll let you know what it's like.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy 2009!
I can honestly say it started off with a bang. After a really lovely Christmas with Daniel's family, two of my friends came into town for New Year's. It was a little exhausting keeping them entertained for the week, but we had a good time.
We wound up going right into central London to see the fireworks on New Year's Eve, which is akin to going to Times Square, so we pushed and shoved our way through a massive crowd of crusty people, and then by midnight, everyone was treating us like their best friends.
It was a little magical for me, as cheesy as it was. Last New Year's, I was in Texas, sitting alone, watching the London fireworks on the BBC's website, wishing I could be in London for 2009. Then I made it--I met a goal, in a way--with two good friends here and a fantastic guy to kiss at midnight (first time ever). I loved it.
(Our regular kebab place near Tottenham Court Road upped their prices by £2 that night, but it was worth it!)
In the meantime over the last couple of weeks, I've gorged myself on some other amazing food (Christmas dinner from Daniel's sister, and a huge New Year's roast that Daniel made), while discovering an appreciation for pear cider and a distaste for Christmas pudding (glorified fruitcake):
Another thing that I learned over the holidays is that tattoo studios are really hit or miss in Camden Town--mostly miss, as it turns out.
The studio I initially visited is considered one of the better ones in that area, but the artist I'd spoken to about my design is gone until March. The remaining artist barely spoke English. When you have to translate your idea through another employee, it ain't good. My friend Caitlin even backed out on getting her tattoo there, and I trusted her judgment, since she's gotten two tattoos before.
The other day, I checked out Frith Street Tattoo and felt much more confident about their competence. It helped to be able to speak to the artist directly and know that he was on the same page. I booked an appointment for February 11th, so I'll let you know how it goes!
We wound up going right into central London to see the fireworks on New Year's Eve, which is akin to going to Times Square, so we pushed and shoved our way through a massive crowd of crusty people, and then by midnight, everyone was treating us like their best friends.
It was a little magical for me, as cheesy as it was. Last New Year's, I was in Texas, sitting alone, watching the London fireworks on the BBC's website, wishing I could be in London for 2009. Then I made it--I met a goal, in a way--with two good friends here and a fantastic guy to kiss at midnight (first time ever). I loved it.
(Our regular kebab place near Tottenham Court Road upped their prices by £2 that night, but it was worth it!)
In the meantime over the last couple of weeks, I've gorged myself on some other amazing food (Christmas dinner from Daniel's sister, and a huge New Year's roast that Daniel made), while discovering an appreciation for pear cider and a distaste for Christmas pudding (glorified fruitcake):
Another thing that I learned over the holidays is that tattoo studios are really hit or miss in Camden Town--mostly miss, as it turns out.
The studio I initially visited is considered one of the better ones in that area, but the artist I'd spoken to about my design is gone until March. The remaining artist barely spoke English. When you have to translate your idea through another employee, it ain't good. My friend Caitlin even backed out on getting her tattoo there, and I trusted her judgment, since she's gotten two tattoos before.
The other day, I checked out Frith Street Tattoo and felt much more confident about their competence. It helped to be able to speak to the artist directly and know that he was on the same page. I booked an appointment for February 11th, so I'll let you know how it goes!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Bloody Chaos
If you're ever in London around Christmas time--and by all means, do it at some point (it's nearly comparable in cool to New York)--for the love of God, AVOID OXFORD CIRCUS three days before Christmas. And presumably two days and one day before as well.
I wanted to either die temporarily or strangle someone, since it was so crowded with shoppers. And I recall Natalie saying, "Boy, you're an erratic walker." (She didn't actually say, "Boy.")
Want to know why I'm an erratic walker? Because tourists are erratic stoppers, and I find myself getting really huffy and manic about walking around their googly-eyed selves when I'm trying to get somewhere.
I realised there was such a miserable vibe in central London last night--just ridiculous stress that people put themselves under to make the holidays happen. People were bumping into each other without saying, "Sorry" (shockingly un-English), getting huffy, swearing and muttering under their breath--and you expect it in a big city, but Londoners are usually more orderly and polite than people in, say, New York, so it was a bit of a stinker.
This break is going to be a little marvel, I think. Two weeks off. Two weeks. And that's just the mandatory office closure over the holidays. British people get paid for this. Can you believe it?
Off to the comforts of the country (sort of) tomorrow, and then I return home and show my American friends the wonders of London. I'm sure I will have decompressed and become a little less cynical by then.
I do love this city.
I wanted to either die temporarily or strangle someone, since it was so crowded with shoppers. And I recall Natalie saying, "Boy, you're an erratic walker." (She didn't actually say, "Boy.")
Want to know why I'm an erratic walker? Because tourists are erratic stoppers, and I find myself getting really huffy and manic about walking around their googly-eyed selves when I'm trying to get somewhere.
I realised there was such a miserable vibe in central London last night--just ridiculous stress that people put themselves under to make the holidays happen. People were bumping into each other without saying, "Sorry" (shockingly un-English), getting huffy, swearing and muttering under their breath--and you expect it in a big city, but Londoners are usually more orderly and polite than people in, say, New York, so it was a bit of a stinker.
This break is going to be a little marvel, I think. Two weeks off. Two weeks. And that's just the mandatory office closure over the holidays. British people get paid for this. Can you believe it?
Off to the comforts of the country (sort of) tomorrow, and then I return home and show my American friends the wonders of London. I'm sure I will have decompressed and become a little less cynical by then.
I do love this city.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The London Routine?
Apparently I've gotten into a bit of a routine, since I haven't found reasons for updating lately. That doesn't mean things are boring at all; they're comfortable, which is welcome at this stage in living abroad.
I'm still working at Variety Club Children's Charity, and I definitely enjoy it enough most days. They've actually essentially agreed to keep me on as a temp through March unless I find something else. They really need the extra administrative help, since a lot of people have left (and new people haven't been hired just yet), so I do plan on sticking around while I can.
Come January, I'm hoping that some more productions will get started. A particularly big film company advised that I call back in January, since they'll be crewing then, so I'll give my contact there a ring and send my CV off again.
Tomorrow, I will have been here three months. I don't want the next three months to feel like a countdown until I leave. I was doing a mental countdown the last time I was here, and it was torture. The plan is to enjoy every day and see what happens.
Obviously, the Christmas frenzy is in full swing these days, too, and even in the midst of an economic meltdown, the big shopping streets and the new Westfield mall are packed to the brim. I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping. I'm spending the holidays with Daniel's family--from the evening of 23rd through the 27th--so I just have to get gifts for his stepmom-type and brother-in-law now. Otherwise, sorted. Definitely looking forward to that.
We actually get a full two weeks off for the holidays--from the 24th through January 5th, if you can believe it. It's like having a full break during school or university, and it's almost confusing. (Granted, it'll be unpaid holiday for me, so I'm saving up for it now.)
Then my friends Caitlin and Elizabeth will be visiting over New Years, which'll be really exciting. I don't think either has ever been here, so I'm glad I'll have the time to show them around and get them acquainted with the fun parts of the city (AKA the only parts). Maybe I'll update then and give you a rundown of what we've done, the whirlwind tour.
Till then...
I'm still working at Variety Club Children's Charity, and I definitely enjoy it enough most days. They've actually essentially agreed to keep me on as a temp through March unless I find something else. They really need the extra administrative help, since a lot of people have left (and new people haven't been hired just yet), so I do plan on sticking around while I can.
Come January, I'm hoping that some more productions will get started. A particularly big film company advised that I call back in January, since they'll be crewing then, so I'll give my contact there a ring and send my CV off again.
Tomorrow, I will have been here three months. I don't want the next three months to feel like a countdown until I leave. I was doing a mental countdown the last time I was here, and it was torture. The plan is to enjoy every day and see what happens.
Obviously, the Christmas frenzy is in full swing these days, too, and even in the midst of an economic meltdown, the big shopping streets and the new Westfield mall are packed to the brim. I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping. I'm spending the holidays with Daniel's family--from the evening of 23rd through the 27th--so I just have to get gifts for his stepmom-type and brother-in-law now. Otherwise, sorted. Definitely looking forward to that.
We actually get a full two weeks off for the holidays--from the 24th through January 5th, if you can believe it. It's like having a full break during school or university, and it's almost confusing. (Granted, it'll be unpaid holiday for me, so I'm saving up for it now.)
Then my friends Caitlin and Elizabeth will be visiting over New Years, which'll be really exciting. I don't think either has ever been here, so I'm glad I'll have the time to show them around and get them acquainted with the fun parts of the city (AKA the only parts). Maybe I'll update then and give you a rundown of what we've done, the whirlwind tour.
Till then...
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Youth Mobility Scheme Petition
A couple months back, I mentioned the shift from the BUNAC scheme (which ends this year) to the Youth Mobility Scheme.
The new scheme is fantastic, as it would allow young adults between 18 and 30 to work abroad for up to two years.
The catch: the US hasn't agreed to take part, meaning that any young adult who wants to work in the UK for an extended period won't be able to do so without work sponsorship (which is incredibly hard to get).
Maybe it's the US government's focus on the economy, homeland security, and immigration fears that are keeping them from agreeing to the work exchange, but I think we need to keep this solid bond between the US and UK in tact.
Please sign off on this petition and then spread the word about it in full force so that it can have an impact on our US representatives:
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/youthmobilityusa
Thank you!
The new scheme is fantastic, as it would allow young adults between 18 and 30 to work abroad for up to two years.
The catch: the US hasn't agreed to take part, meaning that any young adult who wants to work in the UK for an extended period won't be able to do so without work sponsorship (which is incredibly hard to get).
Maybe it's the US government's focus on the economy, homeland security, and immigration fears that are keeping them from agreeing to the work exchange, but I think we need to keep this solid bond between the US and UK in tact.
Please sign off on this petition and then spread the word about it in full force so that it can have an impact on our US representatives:
http://www.petitionspot.com/
Thank you!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
A Few Quirks
Mug Attachment
Some English folks have a strong attachment to specific mugs they own. I used a mug at work the other day, something with pink writing on it--the closest one to grab in the cupboard--and when I'd finished my tea, a woman came up and asked for it back. "Oh, some of us have our own cups, you'll find." Daniel has a couple of his own that only he'll use, too, whereas I usually just figure a mug's a mug.
Fear of Kids
When I rode into work on the tube last Wednesday, we stopped at East Finchley, and about thirty school kids piled onto the train. They were about twelve years old, middle-school age, and the looks of utter shock and fear on other commuters' faces were priceless. The kids were chatty, of course, but not crazed--and it was just such a laugh to see how disturbed these adults were! I just turned my iPod up. (Yeah, P.S. I bought a new iPod.)
Check-Out
People also seem oddly fearful of having their groceries mix with others people's groceries. They're really quick to use those plastic dividers in the check-out line, as if to make sure that someone's food cooties don't touch theirs. (Sure, we use them in the States, but if I only have a few items and can differentiate them all from the next person's food, I won't use a divider. Maybe it's just me?)
Some English folks have a strong attachment to specific mugs they own. I used a mug at work the other day, something with pink writing on it--the closest one to grab in the cupboard--and when I'd finished my tea, a woman came up and asked for it back. "Oh, some of us have our own cups, you'll find." Daniel has a couple of his own that only he'll use, too, whereas I usually just figure a mug's a mug.
Fear of Kids
When I rode into work on the tube last Wednesday, we stopped at East Finchley, and about thirty school kids piled onto the train. They were about twelve years old, middle-school age, and the looks of utter shock and fear on other commuters' faces were priceless. The kids were chatty, of course, but not crazed--and it was just such a laugh to see how disturbed these adults were! I just turned my iPod up. (Yeah, P.S. I bought a new iPod.)
Check-Out
People also seem oddly fearful of having their groceries mix with others people's groceries. They're really quick to use those plastic dividers in the check-out line, as if to make sure that someone's food cooties don't touch theirs. (Sure, we use them in the States, but if I only have a few items and can differentiate them all from the next person's food, I won't use a divider. Maybe it's just me?)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Damn, It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta (or, Life is Swell)
Greetings friends, family, and Internet strangers. Time for a life update.
London is brisk again, Christmas lights are starting to spring up in shopping areas, and I have a cold, so it really is getting into winter time. Thankfully the box that my mom shipped arrived last week, so I have my winter coat, plus some extra sweaters ("jumpahs") for variety and warmth--plus a whole box of Emergen-C (stuff of the gods).
Obama Nation is off to a great start, and I especially like being able to feel unashamed when I say I'm an American here now. Before the election I had to preface my nationality with, "Sorry, but." Now I can actually take some pride in it!
However, a big, fat BOOOOOOOOOOOOO! to California, Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas for stripping rights away from gay and lesbian couples last Tuesday. That's a bit of bigotry we don't need, and it'll change over time.
It's my blog, and I'll rant if I want to, rant if I want to, rant if I want to...
Anyway, on the personal front: life is grand. I'm settling into my long-term temp job at Variety Club Children's Charity--to the point where they've actually said that I'm welcome to stay with them through March if I'd like. My current plan is to uphold the initial six-week commitment that I made and then see what progress I've made on production job applications by then. Maybe I can stay through Christmas, and then look into short-term production contracts for the New Year.
I also recently had two exciting production interviews, one with Nickelodeon that was scheduled a month ago, and one with an independent company called Lone Wolf TV. I can't hold my breath for either, really, because I think they both want longer commitments than the one I can make due to my visa situation: I can only work until March 15th.
Nickelodeon needs someone to begin in January and work on a full eleven-month contract, which is basically impossible unless they sponsor me. I'm not holding my breath on that one. The manager at Lone Wolf seemed a little more willing and able to take me on through March--I really loved the vibe there and think it'd be such a good fit--but again, I don't want to get my hopes up over something that may not be feasible.
At this rate, I'm in a comfortable position; my current options are "good" or "better," which isn't a bad situation by any means!
In other news, I visited my great aunt and uncle on Saturday, which was fantastic--and I'm hoping it'll lead to more family time in the weeks and months to come. They live in the house where my grandparents used to live--and where I used to stay whenever we came here on vacations when I was a little kid. I have a lot of good memories there, so it's always cool to make more.
By Sunday, Daniel and I went to the Spirit of Christmas festival, where we loaded up on sample chocolates and bought some early Christmas presents. (He says he doesn't like Christmas, but then suggests stuff like that, so I don't know what to believe.) I bought some goods for my dad and stepmom, my buds in New York (Caitlin, Carrie, and Anders--something for them to share), and my aunt Krys, though I still have a lot more shopping to do. Good thing it's only November 11th and I don't need to get ahead of myself at all, eh?
I couldn't be happier on the relationship front. The last thing I want to do is jinx anything, but I'm realising that this is basically the kind of relationship that I always hoped for, but started to believe didn't exist. Prove me wrong.
I'm feeling festive, though, probably 'cause I'm really enjoying myself these days. "The suspense is terrible. I hope it'll last!"
London is brisk again, Christmas lights are starting to spring up in shopping areas, and I have a cold, so it really is getting into winter time. Thankfully the box that my mom shipped arrived last week, so I have my winter coat, plus some extra sweaters ("jumpahs") for variety and warmth--plus a whole box of Emergen-C (stuff of the gods).
Obama Nation is off to a great start, and I especially like being able to feel unashamed when I say I'm an American here now. Before the election I had to preface my nationality with, "Sorry, but." Now I can actually take some pride in it!
However, a big, fat BOOOOOOOOOOOOO! to California, Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas for stripping rights away from gay and lesbian couples last Tuesday. That's a bit of bigotry we don't need, and it'll change over time.
It's my blog, and I'll rant if I want to, rant if I want to, rant if I want to...
Anyway, on the personal front: life is grand. I'm settling into my long-term temp job at Variety Club Children's Charity--to the point where they've actually said that I'm welcome to stay with them through March if I'd like. My current plan is to uphold the initial six-week commitment that I made and then see what progress I've made on production job applications by then. Maybe I can stay through Christmas, and then look into short-term production contracts for the New Year.
I also recently had two exciting production interviews, one with Nickelodeon that was scheduled a month ago, and one with an independent company called Lone Wolf TV. I can't hold my breath for either, really, because I think they both want longer commitments than the one I can make due to my visa situation: I can only work until March 15th.
Nickelodeon needs someone to begin in January and work on a full eleven-month contract, which is basically impossible unless they sponsor me. I'm not holding my breath on that one. The manager at Lone Wolf seemed a little more willing and able to take me on through March--I really loved the vibe there and think it'd be such a good fit--but again, I don't want to get my hopes up over something that may not be feasible.
At this rate, I'm in a comfortable position; my current options are "good" or "better," which isn't a bad situation by any means!
In other news, I visited my great aunt and uncle on Saturday, which was fantastic--and I'm hoping it'll lead to more family time in the weeks and months to come. They live in the house where my grandparents used to live--and where I used to stay whenever we came here on vacations when I was a little kid. I have a lot of good memories there, so it's always cool to make more.
By Sunday, Daniel and I went to the Spirit of Christmas festival, where we loaded up on sample chocolates and bought some early Christmas presents. (He says he doesn't like Christmas, but then suggests stuff like that, so I don't know what to believe.) I bought some goods for my dad and stepmom, my buds in New York (Caitlin, Carrie, and Anders--something for them to share), and my aunt Krys, though I still have a lot more shopping to do. Good thing it's only November 11th and I don't need to get ahead of myself at all, eh?
I couldn't be happier on the relationship front. The last thing I want to do is jinx anything, but I'm realising that this is basically the kind of relationship that I always hoped for, but started to believe didn't exist. Prove me wrong.
I'm feeling festive, though, probably 'cause I'm really enjoying myself these days. "The suspense is terrible. I hope it'll last!"
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
US Election Night 2008
It's 1 AM, and we're only in the early hours of election results--but Obama was just projected to win swing state Pennsylvania, Illinois, Delaware, Massachusetts, DC, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
This exchange just happened on BBC:
"Do you think it's all over?"
"Effectively, yes."
That was a Democratic commentator, granted, though an immediate 84 to 34 keeps me hopeful.
I'm staying up till Ohio is called or 2 AM, whichever comes first.
Actually, in the last two minutes it's gone up in favor of Obama 103 to 34 electoral college votes.
This is epic, people.
What impresses me so much is the fact that the whole world is watching the US right now--and everyone is essentially counting on us to not screw up this time.
"C'mon, we gave you two chances. Third time's the charm!"
The tragic part is that nearly half of the American population probably doesn't even realise the fact that people around the world are tuned in and actively trying to understand our election process. Our decision matters in this world and could inevitably make or break our stance as a superpower.
I'm glued to the BBC's coverage right now, so I'll leave you with a photo from here in London:
This exchange just happened on BBC:
"Do you think it's all over?"
"Effectively, yes."
That was a Democratic commentator, granted, though an immediate 84 to 34 keeps me hopeful.
I'm staying up till Ohio is called or 2 AM, whichever comes first.
Actually, in the last two minutes it's gone up in favor of Obama 103 to 34 electoral college votes.
This is epic, people.
What impresses me so much is the fact that the whole world is watching the US right now--and everyone is essentially counting on us to not screw up this time.
"C'mon, we gave you two chances. Third time's the charm!"
The tragic part is that nearly half of the American population probably doesn't even realise the fact that people around the world are tuned in and actively trying to understand our election process. Our decision matters in this world and could inevitably make or break our stance as a superpower.
I'm glued to the BBC's coverage right now, so I'll leave you with a photo from here in London:
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
Have you heard about Jonathan Ross getting suspended? Plus, the controller for BBC Radio 2 has resigned, and Russell Brand has backed out of his £200,000-a-year contract with the BBC--all thanks to a pretty insignificant phone prank that received 30,000 complaints from listeners.
It's reminiscent of the Janet Jackson Superbowl boob craze in the US, in terms of the press time that it received, plus the massive fine initially imposed by the FCC. I'm concerned that, jeez, if doofus comedians can't get away with saying whatever they want, no one can, which is a little scary.
Happy Halloween!
Daniel and I have the key components of our costumes ready for tonight, i.e. the aviators and moustaches. I may wear these sunglasses all the darned time after tonight; they're pretty amazing.
On the job front, I've started a longer-term temp job with a children's charity, which I really like, at least after the first day and a half. I'm helping out their fundraising team in getting things organised for new donations initiatives and events (like a toy appeal for Christmas, among other things). The fun part was that I unknowingly emailed the head honcho yesterday after she sent around an email all about rebranding the organisation and giving it more "celebrity." I offered any assistance as needed in creating promotional videos, and she said there could be some opportunities of that sort coming up.
So, see, there are always ways to link work back to your interests and strengths! We'll see what comes of it.
In unrelated news, I bought a film called Shark in Venice on a whim last night, and I couldn't be more excited about watching this sucker.
More soon.
It's reminiscent of the Janet Jackson Superbowl boob craze in the US, in terms of the press time that it received, plus the massive fine initially imposed by the FCC. I'm concerned that, jeez, if doofus comedians can't get away with saying whatever they want, no one can, which is a little scary.
Happy Halloween!
Daniel and I have the key components of our costumes ready for tonight, i.e. the aviators and moustaches. I may wear these sunglasses all the darned time after tonight; they're pretty amazing.
On the job front, I've started a longer-term temp job with a children's charity, which I really like, at least after the first day and a half. I'm helping out their fundraising team in getting things organised for new donations initiatives and events (like a toy appeal for Christmas, among other things). The fun part was that I unknowingly emailed the head honcho yesterday after she sent around an email all about rebranding the organisation and giving it more "celebrity." I offered any assistance as needed in creating promotional videos, and she said there could be some opportunities of that sort coming up.
So, see, there are always ways to link work back to your interests and strengths! We'll see what comes of it.
In unrelated news, I bought a film called Shark in Venice on a whim last night, and I couldn't be more excited about watching this sucker.
More soon.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
We Beat Boston
It snowed last night. London rarely gets snow, so to see it in late October? I've gotten used to it in Boston, so I was in absolute Heaven. (In fact, I ran outside at midnight and threw snowballs up to Daniel's window.)
Proof in our backyard:
...and on the clothesline.
I took pictures 'cause it may be the last we'll see of it for a looooong time!
Proof in our backyard:
...and on the clothesline.I took pictures 'cause it may be the last we'll see of it for a looooong time!
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