Well, I've just landed in Boston! Amazingly my flight got in an hour early! Unfortunately my dad thought it was meant to get in at 7:20... It was actually meant to get in at 6:30... And add an extra hour early to that...5:30! So basically when I called my dad he hadn't even left from Cape Cod! Awesome! So I'm sitting here with a Dunkin Donuts iced latte (its been 3 months since ive had one)on Logan Airport wifi. It will pass the time!
I was seriously envious when I got into baggage claim. All of us coming from London were pale and dreary, surrounded by sun kissed people in their summer gear coming from places such as Cancun and St. Maartens. Not to mention my mom just got back from Turks and Caicos and when I see her in a few short hours I will look see-through next to her. Ugh! Can someone please tell me why the heat-wave and beautiful weather had to come to London for exactly the week I was gone!? The weather here isn't even going to be that nice. What's up with that?
While I'm only here for one week, I have big plans of getting in the Spring/Summer state of mind. I plan to do a wardrobe flip to bring back to London and do some bargain shopping at TJ Maxx and Marshalls for my June Holiday to Greece! I have been craving a good hour spent rummaging through the racks of TJ's and Marshalls! They are two of my favorite stores! I am my mother's daughter!
I am also excited to see my pets. I miss them so much! Oh ya, and my family ... Obviously! This is the only time I will see them until the end of August. Because the Olympic rehearsals start next month, I can't skip out of town for more than 6 days as I am committed to that. Therefore, after this, I will have to wait until the Olympics are over. This week will be some intense R/R with the parents.
Will keep you updated!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
I'm Back!
You may have thought I had abandoned all of you, but fear not! I'm still here. It has been one of the busiest two months since I was in undergrad at Drew. Last time I wrote on this blog, I was just about to start my second term of my Masters degree. I am now in my last week of the term and about to head off to America for a week and then back to London to enjoy my month long Easter holiday with friends and family.
A LOT has gone on in the past two months that it's hard to even know where to begin. I think the most poignant is my placement at Shakespeare's Globe. I have been working with The Globe's education department for the past two months on an amazing project called Playing Shakespeare. It was a project that produced a full-fledged, professional production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. There were 13 performances, all FREE for students (and only students) across Greater London. Working on the project was the highlight of my Masters degree so far. The people I worked with were amazing and I loved working with them. To top all off, I was on stage at the final performance to help close the program and thank Deutsche Bank for sponsoring the whole project. How many people can actually say they've been on The Globe's Stage? I am loving this MA so far! Not to mention, being able to work right on and walk along the Thames multiple times in a week was an ultimate London experience. The view of St. Paul's Cathedral directly across the river was breathtaking every time I saw it.On top of my placement at The Globe, I've been babysitting 10 hours/week for a little one year old baby and bartending 15-20 hours/week at Powerleague. I've been teaching drama one hour/week at a London school and have our final performance this week. Finally, I've been equally as busy with school and the work that goes along with it. I've been working on a big research project with three of my friends looking at intergenerational theatre. Not only did we do all our book research and never want to hear the word 'intergenerational' again, but we also held interviews and set up two workshops with participants ranging in age from 21 to 75. It has been interesting and we have been working really hard...keeping our fingers crossed for a solid final mark!
Speaking of marks, I finally receive d my first marks as a Masters student. Grading in the UK is very strange. anything between 49-69% is a pass (which is good) anything 70%+ is a distinction which is super/amazing and difficult to get. Coming from 18 years of anything below an 80% not being acceptable is not easy to comprehend anything different. While I'm happy with my marks, I'm definitely still confused.
I do promise to keep up more with my blog. It will hopefully be easier now that I have a month off of school. I have a lot of plans to enjoy myself over this month. I plan to read a book that I am NOT REQUIRED to read. I also plan to do some more things in London I haven't done. I will fill you in on all of it!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Back in London
After a long and relaxing holiday break in America, I have finally returned to London and of course my schedule is already jam packed! I do miss everyone already...especially these cutey pies:
A couple bits of exciting news since I've been back needs to be shared with all of you. The first exciting piece of news is that I received my placement for this term with the Shakespeare Globe. for those of you who don't know, the Globe is the replica theater in which Shakespeare produced most of his plays along the Thames. It burned down ages ago, but was rebuilt near to the original location in the 90s. They mostly produce Shakespeare plays, but have a variety of educational programming as well. It is set up as it would have been in Shakespeare's time where the peasants would stand as 'groundlings' in front of the stage. Today you can buy five pound tickets to stand for the show's entirety (which I've done...not fun).
The second piece of news is that my lovely boyfriend received Powerleague Assistant Manager of the Year 2011 from his company. He has only been working with them for nine months and was chosen from many other employees from about 45 different branches! I'm so proud that I had to brag a bit! He even got a trophy and certificate. We can't let his head get too big though!
The final bit of news is that after waiting about eight weeks since the auditions, I finally received word that I was cast as a dancer in the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. I haven't had the chance to perform in the longest time so I have to say I am so excited to be a part of such a huge performance viewed by billions of people worldwide. Not to mention, if the rehearsal process is anything like the auditions, it will be a seriously fun time...and a good workout! July 27th is the date, so make sure you turn on those TVs!
2012 seems to be off to a good start...let's hope it stays that way. I have big plans for this year. I know, London seems to be a big plan as it is, but now that I'm here and I'm in my second term, I really plan to work my butt off to make potential job connections (of course while trying to keep my income flowing with my current jobs). Figuring your life out post graduation is never easy but it's sort of exciting. I'm excited to see where this year leads me. Hopefully it will lead somewhere amazing!
I have to mention something funny that has been happening with me since I moved here and started working at the bar. I realized tonight how often it happens to me and I had to share. I wish I could film and assemble a montage of all the reactions I get when people first talk to me and hear my accent. Most of them ask me where I'm from (if it isn't obvious), but some of them just start guessing. And boy, have I gotten some good ones! Sometimes I will get Canadian, which is not unusual, but I've also gotten Italian, South American and Spanish (I got that one tonight). The most common that I get all the time is Australian. I can't tell you how many Brits think I'm Australian. This boggles my mind because to me a British accent and an Australian accent are close but I can tell the difference, and neither of them sound American. How can anyone mess up an American accent for an Australian? Especially a British person! The best reaction I've ever gotten was when I was serving some guy and he just says, "We don't get people like you around here...I feel like I'm in a movie or something." To most Europeans (and probably elsewhere in the world as well) America is what they see in the movies or on TV. More often than not, I am explaining what's realistic in films and what isn't. I loved when my Greek friend asked me if we had a "prom" for the last year of high school like in the movies, and if we really wore "those big flower things on our wrist." So many brilliant questions that I could answer all day long. I thought some of you may have enjoyed hearing those little instances I've had since being here. I hope there's more for your amusement!
Until next time...(or when I'm trying to avoid a school paper)!
A couple bits of exciting news since I've been back needs to be shared with all of you. The first exciting piece of news is that I received my placement for this term with the Shakespeare Globe. for those of you who don't know, the Globe is the replica theater in which Shakespeare produced most of his plays along the Thames. It burned down ages ago, but was rebuilt near to the original location in the 90s. They mostly produce Shakespeare plays, but have a variety of educational programming as well. It is set up as it would have been in Shakespeare's time where the peasants would stand as 'groundlings' in front of the stage. Today you can buy five pound tickets to stand for the show's entirety (which I've done...not fun).
The second piece of news is that my lovely boyfriend received Powerleague Assistant Manager of the Year 2011 from his company. He has only been working with them for nine months and was chosen from many other employees from about 45 different branches! I'm so proud that I had to brag a bit! He even got a trophy and certificate. We can't let his head get too big though!
The final bit of news is that after waiting about eight weeks since the auditions, I finally received word that I was cast as a dancer in the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. I haven't had the chance to perform in the longest time so I have to say I am so excited to be a part of such a huge performance viewed by billions of people worldwide. Not to mention, if the rehearsal process is anything like the auditions, it will be a seriously fun time...and a good workout! July 27th is the date, so make sure you turn on those TVs!
2012 seems to be off to a good start...let's hope it stays that way. I have big plans for this year. I know, London seems to be a big plan as it is, but now that I'm here and I'm in my second term, I really plan to work my butt off to make potential job connections (of course while trying to keep my income flowing with my current jobs). Figuring your life out post graduation is never easy but it's sort of exciting. I'm excited to see where this year leads me. Hopefully it will lead somewhere amazing!
I have to mention something funny that has been happening with me since I moved here and started working at the bar. I realized tonight how often it happens to me and I had to share. I wish I could film and assemble a montage of all the reactions I get when people first talk to me and hear my accent. Most of them ask me where I'm from (if it isn't obvious), but some of them just start guessing. And boy, have I gotten some good ones! Sometimes I will get Canadian, which is not unusual, but I've also gotten Italian, South American and Spanish (I got that one tonight). The most common that I get all the time is Australian. I can't tell you how many Brits think I'm Australian. This boggles my mind because to me a British accent and an Australian accent are close but I can tell the difference, and neither of them sound American. How can anyone mess up an American accent for an Australian? Especially a British person! The best reaction I've ever gotten was when I was serving some guy and he just says, "We don't get people like you around here...I feel like I'm in a movie or something." To most Europeans (and probably elsewhere in the world as well) America is what they see in the movies or on TV. More often than not, I am explaining what's realistic in films and what isn't. I loved when my Greek friend asked me if we had a "prom" for the last year of high school like in the movies, and if we really wore "those big flower things on our wrist." So many brilliant questions that I could answer all day long. I thought some of you may have enjoyed hearing those little instances I've had since being here. I hope there's more for your amusement!
Until next time...(or when I'm trying to avoid a school paper)!
Friday, December 23, 2011
A gloomy time of year
The Holidays are the one time of year that is joyous and cheerful, when families are meant to spend time together. It's a season of giving and receiving, of love and happiness. However, this time of year can have the opposite effect on people. While all that love, joy and togetherness can be a wonderful thing, it can also swell all those broken hearts in the world. Many people experience a heartbreaking loss in their lives and our day to day menial tasks can help to mask the difficult times. However, when Christmas rolls around and everyone is meant to be with their family and loved ones having a merry time, the loss grows more significant and it is not as easy to run away from. It stares you straight in the eye and it hurts. It hurts more than ever, because you know there is a hole where a person, a pet, a happy family should be, or whatever that loss is.
I know this is a depressing blog for this time of year but it has been on my mind quite a bit. I know a lot of people who have either experienced a devastating loss in the past or in particular this year. Personally it's been a tough year and I've seen it all around. Of course the Holidays remind us of the difficulty we have faced and it feels so unfair...especially when you look around and see all the joy and merriment of the season all over. We must continue to remind ourselves that the Holidays are a mark of the end to the calendar year, and as of January the 1st we are all allowed a fresh start. While it is quite possible that the difficulties may continue, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We all have dark times that we may feel we will never come out of, but we also have positive highs that we must continue to look forward to in our future, for it will make the difficult times seem non-existent. Vice versa, the difficult times will make the good times so much sweeter.
So, while this Christmas may be difficult, who says the next won't be the best one ever? My heart goes out to all of those individuals and families that are celebrating Christmas under difficult circumstances. Stay positive and keep your eye on that light at the end of the tunnel, because it will just keep getting brighter.
Merry, Happy, Merry!
I know this is a depressing blog for this time of year but it has been on my mind quite a bit. I know a lot of people who have either experienced a devastating loss in the past or in particular this year. Personally it's been a tough year and I've seen it all around. Of course the Holidays remind us of the difficulty we have faced and it feels so unfair...especially when you look around and see all the joy and merriment of the season all over. We must continue to remind ourselves that the Holidays are a mark of the end to the calendar year, and as of January the 1st we are all allowed a fresh start. While it is quite possible that the difficulties may continue, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We all have dark times that we may feel we will never come out of, but we also have positive highs that we must continue to look forward to in our future, for it will make the difficult times seem non-existent. Vice versa, the difficult times will make the good times so much sweeter.
So, while this Christmas may be difficult, who says the next won't be the best one ever? My heart goes out to all of those individuals and families that are celebrating Christmas under difficult circumstances. Stay positive and keep your eye on that light at the end of the tunnel, because it will just keep getting brighter.
Merry, Happy, Merry!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Happy Christmas!
Hey all you little elves!
I'm sure you are all baking and last minute shopping in the last few days before Christmas. This time of year is always pretty overwhelming for some people. For me, the overwhelming part is being back in America. I just got in last night after being on a flight for 7 1/2 hours! I walked into the baggage claim area and saw a baggage attendant holding a large Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee and I'm sure he thought I was crazy or hitting on him because I just kept staring at his coffee. What I would do for a D&D Iced Coffee! Unfortunately the current weather doesn't inspire an iced coffee. I also nearly lost it when I got in the car and we started driving on the right side of the road. That one freaked me out which I didn't expect.
I went to the Cape Cod Mall today to do some last minute shopping and kept thinking the prices were in pounds. I have to say it is an extremely strange feeling being in the States. I hate to say, it but I'm not sure I like it. I feel out of place. I guess it's sort of because Cape Cod is a life that is so far away now...since I left high school really. It is where I grew up and where my family is, but I've started creating a life for myself in other cities... New York and now London. I do of course miss all my friends and family that I don't get to see when I'm in London. This trip is really just to see them and spend time with them. I will be spending New Years in Washington DC with my best friends and stopping off in NYC to see all my friends from that area. It will be fun to reunite at our old hang outs.
One of the best parts about being here is being with my two amazing puppies and my kitty. I plan on doing a photo shoot with them before I leave so I can have some framed pictures of them in my flat. They are the best! Spending the next two weeks with them is what I've been looking forward to for the past three months. I'm also looking forward to two weeks of rest and relaxation because as soon as I get back school, placements and work will quickly kick into full gear.
Wishing all of you a healthy, happy and restful Christmas and Hanukkah! I'd like to leave all of you with this lovely choreographed number of the 12 Gays of Christmas.
I'm sure you are all baking and last minute shopping in the last few days before Christmas. This time of year is always pretty overwhelming for some people. For me, the overwhelming part is being back in America. I just got in last night after being on a flight for 7 1/2 hours! I walked into the baggage claim area and saw a baggage attendant holding a large Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee and I'm sure he thought I was crazy or hitting on him because I just kept staring at his coffee. What I would do for a D&D Iced Coffee! Unfortunately the current weather doesn't inspire an iced coffee. I also nearly lost it when I got in the car and we started driving on the right side of the road. That one freaked me out which I didn't expect.
I went to the Cape Cod Mall today to do some last minute shopping and kept thinking the prices were in pounds. I have to say it is an extremely strange feeling being in the States. I hate to say, it but I'm not sure I like it. I feel out of place. I guess it's sort of because Cape Cod is a life that is so far away now...since I left high school really. It is where I grew up and where my family is, but I've started creating a life for myself in other cities... New York and now London. I do of course miss all my friends and family that I don't get to see when I'm in London. This trip is really just to see them and spend time with them. I will be spending New Years in Washington DC with my best friends and stopping off in NYC to see all my friends from that area. It will be fun to reunite at our old hang outs.
One of the best parts about being here is being with my two amazing puppies and my kitty. I plan on doing a photo shoot with them before I leave so I can have some framed pictures of them in my flat. They are the best! Spending the next two weeks with them is what I've been looking forward to for the past three months. I'm also looking forward to two weeks of rest and relaxation because as soon as I get back school, placements and work will quickly kick into full gear.
Wishing all of you a healthy, happy and restful Christmas and Hanukkah! I'd like to leave all of you with this lovely choreographed number of the 12 Gays of Christmas.
Happy Holidays!!!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
I'm still here!
Oh hey everyone!
I bet you thought I forgot about this whole blog! Well I'm sad to say that over the past few weeks I've been forced to forget this poor blog! I have not even had a second to check emails. Of course now that it's the end of the term, everything has come together and its mad. I've finally gotten 10 hours of babysitting a week but of course now it completely conflicts with my school and three placements and work at the bar. My mind was seriously exploding. BUT...I had my final presentation of the semester and I am done with school until after the holidays. It's a serious relief. I mean of course I have that 3,000 word paper due in January...Oh and that 1,800 page paper also due in January...but at least I will be on holiday and can relax at home in America.
I honestly cannot believe it is already Christmastime and I am on my way home this Tuesday! Where did the time go? This scares me because I don't want the year to go by in a flash. I am so enjoying being a student again and learning and researching subjects that I am interested in. I don't want to have to find a job....especially one that I must accept solely because it is a paycheck. If I go through this entire course and then end up in a job I'm unhappy with because no one will hire me, I will be absolutely "gutted" as they say over here.
Now that I can finally put school work off to the back burner for a moment, I can enjoy the holiday season, Christmas shopping and all the lights all over the city. I've got to buy all of Matt's presents before I leave, but that should be easy as he has created a specific list for me and each member of his family. He's been given budgets and worked it out so we get him everything he wants within each of our budgets. He is too funny with his Christmas list. He's like a little kid at Christmas. He has a list of toys and just keeps adding to it. Now I must get creative and add an element of surprise...but how???
I'm excited for the new year because of one big reason....a NEW TV show! For those of you in the States, you've probably already seen advertisements for it, but I advise all of you to watch SMASH on NBC when it premiers Monday, February 6th. This is the show I worked on as an assistant in casting almost a year ago. This was one of the best projects I've ever been involved with and I am so excited for the premiere. It has an absolutely AMAZING cast and is somewhat of a grown-up, more mature version of Glee without all the campiness. Please watch it in February and let me know what you think! I know it will be wonderful!
On that note, I will leave you to watch the clip and next time I write, I will be in America!
Cheers!
I bet you thought I forgot about this whole blog! Well I'm sad to say that over the past few weeks I've been forced to forget this poor blog! I have not even had a second to check emails. Of course now that it's the end of the term, everything has come together and its mad. I've finally gotten 10 hours of babysitting a week but of course now it completely conflicts with my school and three placements and work at the bar. My mind was seriously exploding. BUT...I had my final presentation of the semester and I am done with school until after the holidays. It's a serious relief. I mean of course I have that 3,000 word paper due in January...Oh and that 1,800 page paper also due in January...but at least I will be on holiday and can relax at home in America.
I honestly cannot believe it is already Christmastime and I am on my way home this Tuesday! Where did the time go? This scares me because I don't want the year to go by in a flash. I am so enjoying being a student again and learning and researching subjects that I am interested in. I don't want to have to find a job....especially one that I must accept solely because it is a paycheck. If I go through this entire course and then end up in a job I'm unhappy with because no one will hire me, I will be absolutely "gutted" as they say over here.
Now that I can finally put school work off to the back burner for a moment, I can enjoy the holiday season, Christmas shopping and all the lights all over the city. I've got to buy all of Matt's presents before I leave, but that should be easy as he has created a specific list for me and each member of his family. He's been given budgets and worked it out so we get him everything he wants within each of our budgets. He is too funny with his Christmas list. He's like a little kid at Christmas. He has a list of toys and just keeps adding to it. Now I must get creative and add an element of surprise...but how???
I'm excited for the new year because of one big reason....a NEW TV show! For those of you in the States, you've probably already seen advertisements for it, but I advise all of you to watch SMASH on NBC when it premiers Monday, February 6th. This is the show I worked on as an assistant in casting almost a year ago. This was one of the best projects I've ever been involved with and I am so excited for the premiere. It has an absolutely AMAZING cast and is somewhat of a grown-up, more mature version of Glee without all the campiness. Please watch it in February and let me know what you think! I know it will be wonderful!
On that note, I will leave you to watch the clip and next time I write, I will be in America!
Cheers!
Monday, November 21, 2011
It's been too long!
I cannot believe how long I have been in between blog posts. I'm really sorry everyone! It's just that things are starting to get crazy. I've been working a lot, I've started babysitting and school is getting to be a lot busier. Since I last posted, I still didn't have a placement. Well, now I sort of have three! The two unofficial ones came along when I was getting fed up still without a placement. The first is one hour a week in a school with a group of under confident girls doing a workshop with two other classmates. We will be facilitating whilst the teacher is elsewhere in a meeting. I'm looking forward to putting the skills I've learned into practice as it will be just us teaching the group. The second "unofficial" placement is with a group of 16-18 year olds creating their own film. I happened upon this as I started talking with a group of people who run the project at the bar where I work. The project takes place at Wembley Stadium and the group leaders meet for a drink every week after the project. They are getting me involved and I'm actually heading over for the first time today! And finally, my official placement is with The Almeida Theatre and their educational department. I'm really excited to spend my last three weeks of the term working with them as they are a very reputable company here in London! So now you can imagine how busy I have become and with babysitting and work on top of that!
Thanksgiving is this week and Christmas is right around the corner! The holidays are already here in London and have been for a few weeks because they don't have Thanksgiving to really kick off the season. The lights are stunning down all the main shopping streets. My mom is in town as of tonight and I plan on bringing her shopping ...especially at night so we can see the lights! Speaking of Christmas I have to make a little complaint about London. I am sad to report that UK Starbucks disappoint me. This time of year obviously, Starbucks rings in the holidays with their iconic "red Christmas cup"...always an exciting time. HOWEVER, my all-time favorite drink at Starbucks is NOT on the menu over here. That would be the CARAMEL APPLE SPICE. If you have tried this, you know how AMAZING it is! I don't understand! First iced coffee, now this? Can it be true? Anyways, I am being denied which is probably a good thing as I cannot afford Starbucks on a daily basis. I am proud to say I went in today for THE FIRST TIME since living here. I have been drinking Costa and Caffe Nero because I find Starbucks so overpriced. Alright I'm done with my rant.
To finish up my blog I just want to mention two things. The first is that Matt and I went to his hometown this past weekend: Upton-Upon-Severn in Worcestershire (yes that's where they get the sauce). We spent time with his family and many many pets. I have been missing my pets so to get some furry TLC was amazing. He's got his border collie Darcey who is a love! Carl (Matt's Brother) has a little Jack Russel named Tink. And on top of that, four cats: Geb, Teal, Rocky and Cuffy. For those of you know my dad's store, I'll have you know that their cat was Cuffy BEFORE we met. It's a strange coincidence, I know. Anyhow, that was really nice! The second and final thing to mention is that I had my Olympic callbacks. I have to be super secret about what I did, but all I will say is it was fun, hard/exhausting work and I don't find out for 6-8 weeks. I guess I can be patient.
Until then, Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Thanksgiving is this week and Christmas is right around the corner! The holidays are already here in London and have been for a few weeks because they don't have Thanksgiving to really kick off the season. The lights are stunning down all the main shopping streets. My mom is in town as of tonight and I plan on bringing her shopping ...especially at night so we can see the lights! Speaking of Christmas I have to make a little complaint about London. I am sad to report that UK Starbucks disappoint me. This time of year obviously, Starbucks rings in the holidays with their iconic "red Christmas cup"...always an exciting time. HOWEVER, my all-time favorite drink at Starbucks is NOT on the menu over here. That would be the CARAMEL APPLE SPICE. If you have tried this, you know how AMAZING it is! I don't understand! First iced coffee, now this? Can it be true? Anyways, I am being denied which is probably a good thing as I cannot afford Starbucks on a daily basis. I am proud to say I went in today for THE FIRST TIME since living here. I have been drinking Costa and Caffe Nero because I find Starbucks so overpriced. Alright I'm done with my rant.
To finish up my blog I just want to mention two things. The first is that Matt and I went to his hometown this past weekend: Upton-Upon-Severn in Worcestershire (yes that's where they get the sauce). We spent time with his family and many many pets. I have been missing my pets so to get some furry TLC was amazing. He's got his border collie Darcey who is a love! Carl (Matt's Brother) has a little Jack Russel named Tink. And on top of that, four cats: Geb, Teal, Rocky and Cuffy. For those of you know my dad's store, I'll have you know that their cat was Cuffy BEFORE we met. It's a strange coincidence, I know. Anyhow, that was really nice! The second and final thing to mention is that I had my Olympic callbacks. I have to be super secret about what I did, but all I will say is it was fun, hard/exhausting work and I don't find out for 6-8 weeks. I guess I can be patient.Until then, Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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