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!

Lots to catch you up on!

Hi everyone!

It's  been a while. . . hasn't it? I'm sorry, I've just found myself pretty busy. What have I been up to? Let's see if I can give you the highlights as bullet points:

*Halloween happened and I dressed as Where's Waldo (or Where's Wally as they call him here)
-This was the cheapest costume I could make that fit the '90s Cartoon party  theme (red tape, white hat, yarn for the pom pom). The party was held at my old flat when I lived here as an undergrad student in Kilburn Park (2008).
*My friend Graig came over to visit from across the pond. He, Ian and I (my firends from Drew) spent the afternoon walking along the Thames.
*I auditioned for the Olympic Ceremonies. Can't tell you much about it as we were sworn to secrecy, but there was a lot of dancing and moving. It was a lot of fun.
*I got a callback for a role specific audition for the Olympic Ceremonies. Wish me luck!
*Matt and I celebrated Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire Night) by throwing a  bash at our place with all of our friends.
*AND I'M STILL WAITING ON MY STUPID PLACEMENT!!!! I was hoping to have started a placement at least a week or two ago, yet I STILL don't know anything! My tutor told me that she is almost 100% certain as to a pretty awesome place that will take me, but they haven't made it official. I know where it is, but I'm not going to tell until it's confirmed. I'm trying not to get my hopes up. Hopefully by next post, I will be able to discuss further. Obviously, this placement portion of my Masters is so important to me. I am dying to get started and gain experience as well as connections. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

So that's pretty much the update. Other than that, I've just been working and doing school work. Tonight I made my own recipe for the second time. I suck in the kitchen as I've mentioned in the past, but a couple weeks ago I concocted a delicious dumpling soup. Tonight I've made it again but with chicken and leeks this time. I snuck a bowl before Matt gets back from playing football and its tasting fantastic! I am very proud of my work and may even start enjoying it in the kitchen!


I am going to keep this post short and end with some pictures from the party. The night was a lot of fun and involved some Dance Central on the XBox Kinect, Beer Pong, card games, fireworks and even the Stadium was lit up for the Rugby. All and all a very successful night!