Having recently celebrated my 27th birthday, I thought I would take a moment to share with you 27 things that have made me smile in the five months since I left Toronto. (I know it's been ages since I've posted regular updates on here, but I like my lists, so bear with me for a little while longer while I update you on my new life in the UK thus far with points of interest.)
1. Watching an entire country come to a standstill over 2 inches of snow.
2. Listening to Oasis over dinner at a restaurant in Manchester.
3. Having a friend's cat watch my every move whilst getting ready to leave their flat around midday. Poor Finn wasn't used to having so much company in the day, what with Jen and Jack at work from the early morning to the early evening, so she was very interested to see what I was up to in her home.
4. Watching Lee Evans on TV with Mark, and laughing so much it hurt.
5. Fighting against the wind on Brighton's seafront... nothing makes me smile quite as much as the many happy memories that the wind in Brighton brings me.
6. Going to dinner with Sarah - no matter where we end up we are always seated next to individuals who combined would easily make up the world's strangest people.
7. Walking to work on my birthday while the sun slowly emerged from behind a very scary looking cloud.
8. Going to the cinema at Leicester Square by myself on a Saturday night. I really am a fantastic date.
9. Being told by some of my lovely male friends that I looked gorgeous on my birthday.
10. Watching my colleague Joel gawk at attractive women as they pass us by outside of Parliament.
11. Going swimming.
12. Each and every time I get a piece of mail I smile.
13. Laying in bed listening to the latest Kings of Leon CD on my iPod for the first time in absolute darkness.
14. Being called "love" and "my dear" on a regular basis by friends and shopkeepers.
15. Walking past Buckingham Palace on the way to work.
16. Listening to the rain fall on skylight windows while cuddled up under a warm duvet.
17. Playing Deal or No Deal with Ru on the night before his birthday.
18. Receiving a phone call from Kevin nearly once a week.
19. Knowing that I am going home to Toronto for a visit very soon.
20. Climbing into my bed at night to feel the cool, smooth fitted sheet I bought from IKEA
21. Having Allison nearby, especially on the days when we both really need a good friend.
22. RIO - the carbonated beverage that I often associate with a very memorable weekend in Brighton and the very good friend who introduced me to it.
23. Riding on a nearly empty double decker bus, in the front seat upstairs.
24. Treating myself to expensive luxuries from time to time - for example the hand cream I bought myself at Rituals over a month ago... still makes me smile each time I use it.
25. Being asked directions and knowing the answer.
26. Walking aimlessly around The City on a weekend when it is nearly deserted of all cars and pedestrians.
27. Finding a good deal on a coach or train ticket to a new part of the country.
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Monday, 30 March 2009
London
I was recently asked what my favourite thing about London is. In a city this culturally diverse, rich in thousands of years of history, with one of the best nightlife scenes and a plethora of galleries, museums, theatres, concert halls, neighbourhoods to explore, it is very hard to pinpoint my very favourite thing about London.
So in response to the question posed to me by my brother's very dear friend (and soon to be new mother) Becky, here is a list of SEVEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT LONDON - in no particular order.
1. The Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben Clock Tower - Yes, I am starting this list with my current place of work, but it's a truly remarkable building both inside and out. I love exploring the many corridors and gazing up at the high ceilings that date back to before Canada was even a country... but what I love most about these buildings, and what I have ALWAYS loved about them, is the way they glow at any time of day. In the daytime the sunshine reflects off of the palace and drapes the area in a beautiful dazzling light. In the evening the palace is lit up so beautifully that you can't walk past without stopping to admire it. It is a truly iconic set of buildings and seeing them makes me realise that I am in London, England.
2. Hampstead Heath - The view from atop the hill is stunning on a clear day. Looking down on London you can see Canary Wharf, The City, St. Paul's, the London Eye, the BT Tower, even Crystal Palace off in the distant south. The park itself is really nice, and when it's full of families and joggers and couples in love enjoying the outdoors it is easy to forget that you're in one of the world's largest and busiest cities... but again, the view is there to remind you of how close and accessible all of London's wonders really are.
3. The River Thames - I love the way the river weaves through the city. The way that London is separated, North and South, by the river. There are so many fantastic views of buildings on the river and so many benches placed along the embankment where you can sit and just watch the water for hours on end. The river has so much history to it and I find that I get lost in the images and ideas of London of many many years ago, with bustling docks and great treasures coming in from all across the Empire. The river is something that I don't get tired of, and while it's dirty and doesn't have the same tranquility of the sea, I find it very comforting in this giant city.
4. London Buses - The red double decker bus is a symbol for London and I can't get enough of them. Traffic or clear roads, I love to ride around the city on the bus. It has been the best way for me to orientate myself with certain areas and to realise that things aren't as far apart from each other as I once thought. I especially enjoy riding the bus at night through Central London, and I am looking forward to taking my seat at the front of the upper deck of the bus at Christmastime to ooh and ahh at the the city's lights.
5. Angel/Islington - The trendy, yuppie-filled, neighbourhood makes me feel at home. No, I'm not calling myself a yuppie, or trendy for that matter, but it reminds me of Toronto in a way that no other part of London does. For those of you fortunate enough to know my hometown of Toronto, Angel/Islington is Bloor-Yorkville meets College West, meets Yonge/Eglinton. I know, that's a big vague, but there's something about Angel that makes me feel very much at home, and being in a new city so far from my loved ones, that is a very nice feeling to get.
6. Museums/Galleries - London has soooooooooooo many museums and galleries and most of them are FREE! They are of the highest quality and cover everything from Transport to Military History to Design to Art to Fashion to Photography to just about anything you can imagine. I love that there is always something to do in London on any budget. There is absolutely no excuse to live without culture in this city when so much of it can be found on your doorstep at little to no cost.
7. Tourists - I, as many of you know, LOVE tourists. No matter where I am, no matter whether I am a tourist as well or not, and no matter what time of year, I LOVE TOURISTS! I really enjoy meeting people on holiday, helping them to make the most of their visit, and trying to translate for the many tourists who cannot speak English here in London is always fun. I know it sounds crazy, but I really like seeing people visiting other places. I like knowing that there is an attraction about the place I've chosen to live and that people from all corners of the world share a common interest in the same place. London has more tourists than any other city I've been to, and while I am not a fan of slow-walking tourists on the underground system, I really love that on any given day you're guaranteed to see at least one group of tourists enjoying London, rain or shine.
So in response to the question posed to me by my brother's very dear friend (and soon to be new mother) Becky, here is a list of SEVEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT LONDON - in no particular order.
1. The Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben Clock Tower - Yes, I am starting this list with my current place of work, but it's a truly remarkable building both inside and out. I love exploring the many corridors and gazing up at the high ceilings that date back to before Canada was even a country... but what I love most about these buildings, and what I have ALWAYS loved about them, is the way they glow at any time of day. In the daytime the sunshine reflects off of the palace and drapes the area in a beautiful dazzling light. In the evening the palace is lit up so beautifully that you can't walk past without stopping to admire it. It is a truly iconic set of buildings and seeing them makes me realise that I am in London, England.
2. Hampstead Heath - The view from atop the hill is stunning on a clear day. Looking down on London you can see Canary Wharf, The City, St. Paul's, the London Eye, the BT Tower, even Crystal Palace off in the distant south. The park itself is really nice, and when it's full of families and joggers and couples in love enjoying the outdoors it is easy to forget that you're in one of the world's largest and busiest cities... but again, the view is there to remind you of how close and accessible all of London's wonders really are.
3. The River Thames - I love the way the river weaves through the city. The way that London is separated, North and South, by the river. There are so many fantastic views of buildings on the river and so many benches placed along the embankment where you can sit and just watch the water for hours on end. The river has so much history to it and I find that I get lost in the images and ideas of London of many many years ago, with bustling docks and great treasures coming in from all across the Empire. The river is something that I don't get tired of, and while it's dirty and doesn't have the same tranquility of the sea, I find it very comforting in this giant city.
4. London Buses - The red double decker bus is a symbol for London and I can't get enough of them. Traffic or clear roads, I love to ride around the city on the bus. It has been the best way for me to orientate myself with certain areas and to realise that things aren't as far apart from each other as I once thought. I especially enjoy riding the bus at night through Central London, and I am looking forward to taking my seat at the front of the upper deck of the bus at Christmastime to ooh and ahh at the the city's lights.
5. Angel/Islington - The trendy, yuppie-filled, neighbourhood makes me feel at home. No, I'm not calling myself a yuppie, or trendy for that matter, but it reminds me of Toronto in a way that no other part of London does. For those of you fortunate enough to know my hometown of Toronto, Angel/Islington is Bloor-Yorkville meets College West, meets Yonge/Eglinton. I know, that's a big vague, but there's something about Angel that makes me feel very much at home, and being in a new city so far from my loved ones, that is a very nice feeling to get.
6. Museums/Galleries - London has soooooooooooo many museums and galleries and most of them are FREE! They are of the highest quality and cover everything from Transport to Military History to Design to Art to Fashion to Photography to just about anything you can imagine. I love that there is always something to do in London on any budget. There is absolutely no excuse to live without culture in this city when so much of it can be found on your doorstep at little to no cost.
7. Tourists - I, as many of you know, LOVE tourists. No matter where I am, no matter whether I am a tourist as well or not, and no matter what time of year, I LOVE TOURISTS! I really enjoy meeting people on holiday, helping them to make the most of their visit, and trying to translate for the many tourists who cannot speak English here in London is always fun. I know it sounds crazy, but I really like seeing people visiting other places. I like knowing that there is an attraction about the place I've chosen to live and that people from all corners of the world share a common interest in the same place. London has more tourists than any other city I've been to, and while I am not a fan of slow-walking tourists on the underground system, I really love that on any given day you're guaranteed to see at least one group of tourists enjoying London, rain or shine.
Monday, 5 January 2009
Greetings, from across the pond!
I finally made it back to England and the smile that has been planted on my face since last week Tuesday is enough to tell me I did, in fact, make the right decision.
I landed midday on Tuesday and met up with my old flatmate (and Vancouverite) Annie in the customs line. We collected our baggage and boarded a coach bound for Brighton. Two hours later, and a little bit groggy, we found a spacious taxi that brought us to Allison’s flat in Hove (actually). After discovering that a week without heat had made the flat cold enough so we could see our breath we turned on the heaters and left for the pub in hopes that they would warm up by the time we returned… they sort of did. The trouble with Alli’s flat is that it’s an older building and the insulation isn’t fantastic. So despite the electric heaters’ best efforts, we had a chilly first night back in England.
The following morning, New Year’s Eve day, I helped get Annie off to catch another coach at 6am. Spent a couple hours online (and should’ve update my blog, but didn’t think of it) and went back to bed. Only to wake up some hours later to catch a train to London for the end of year festivities at my friend Jack’s place.
The night was full of cheerful people, wine, good music, champagne, interesting conversation, beer, and a flat full of some old but mostly new friends. Now, I realise I may never see some of the people I met that night ever again (and honestly hope I don’t see a couple of them), but it was an enjoyable way to ring in 2009 and I was glad for the invite from Jack.
New Year’s Day I made my way back to Brighton, slowly. Spent the rest of that day relaxing and catching up with Allison (who arrived earlier that morning from Ottawa). Friday I spent enjoying the sunshine in Hove and went for a little walk around. In the evening caught up with my dear friend Rupert over some pints and a few rounds of Deal or No Deal (the electronic pub game, not the television show) and ended the evening with some chicken wings and the film GONE BABY GONE chez Rupert. A very enjoyable night indeed.
Saturday and Sunday were very relaxed. Allison, Chris and I went for some drinks and chips on Saturday afternoon and while we had planned to go out later that evening with Rachel, plans fell through when both Allison and I fell asleep around 7:30. It seems it takes a few days for the jet lag to really kick in when you’re keeping busy enough. I slept through the night because when I woke up around 10 with a sore throat and stuffed up nose I opted to catch up on sleep and try to will the sickness away. No such luck. Sunday was spent mostly in bed trying to stay warm and while we ventured out around 3 to pick up some food and such from Tesco, both Alli and I were full of sniffles all day.
And now it’s Monday. The sun is shining, apparently it snowed this morning (and of course I missed it) and though it’s a bit chilly outside, I think I will go for a walk. Might even make it all the way to Brighton (which for those of you who don’t know the geography of Brighton and Hove, is only about fifteen/twenty minutes down the main road until you’re magically in Brighton).
No big plans for the rest of the week other than going to London on Thursday to take a look at a flat near Finsbury Park. I wasn’t planning on looking for a flat until I found a job, but this one is an excellent price for all that is included and if the couple who live there are as nice as they seem and the place is in a decent location it might be wise to get in while I can… I think everyone can agree that finding an affordable place to live (especially in a city like London) and good people to share it with is not an easy feat.
Happy 2009 everyone. I hope your year is starting off as happy as mine. (I will write a New Year type entry in the next day or two).
I landed midday on Tuesday and met up with my old flatmate (and Vancouverite) Annie in the customs line. We collected our baggage and boarded a coach bound for Brighton. Two hours later, and a little bit groggy, we found a spacious taxi that brought us to Allison’s flat in Hove (actually). After discovering that a week without heat had made the flat cold enough so we could see our breath we turned on the heaters and left for the pub in hopes that they would warm up by the time we returned… they sort of did. The trouble with Alli’s flat is that it’s an older building and the insulation isn’t fantastic. So despite the electric heaters’ best efforts, we had a chilly first night back in England.
The following morning, New Year’s Eve day, I helped get Annie off to catch another coach at 6am. Spent a couple hours online (and should’ve update my blog, but didn’t think of it) and went back to bed. Only to wake up some hours later to catch a train to London for the end of year festivities at my friend Jack’s place.
The night was full of cheerful people, wine, good music, champagne, interesting conversation, beer, and a flat full of some old but mostly new friends. Now, I realise I may never see some of the people I met that night ever again (and honestly hope I don’t see a couple of them), but it was an enjoyable way to ring in 2009 and I was glad for the invite from Jack.
New Year’s Day I made my way back to Brighton, slowly. Spent the rest of that day relaxing and catching up with Allison (who arrived earlier that morning from Ottawa). Friday I spent enjoying the sunshine in Hove and went for a little walk around. In the evening caught up with my dear friend Rupert over some pints and a few rounds of Deal or No Deal (the electronic pub game, not the television show) and ended the evening with some chicken wings and the film GONE BABY GONE chez Rupert. A very enjoyable night indeed.
Saturday and Sunday were very relaxed. Allison, Chris and I went for some drinks and chips on Saturday afternoon and while we had planned to go out later that evening with Rachel, plans fell through when both Allison and I fell asleep around 7:30. It seems it takes a few days for the jet lag to really kick in when you’re keeping busy enough. I slept through the night because when I woke up around 10 with a sore throat and stuffed up nose I opted to catch up on sleep and try to will the sickness away. No such luck. Sunday was spent mostly in bed trying to stay warm and while we ventured out around 3 to pick up some food and such from Tesco, both Alli and I were full of sniffles all day.
And now it’s Monday. The sun is shining, apparently it snowed this morning (and of course I missed it) and though it’s a bit chilly outside, I think I will go for a walk. Might even make it all the way to Brighton (which for those of you who don’t know the geography of Brighton and Hove, is only about fifteen/twenty minutes down the main road until you’re magically in Brighton).
No big plans for the rest of the week other than going to London on Thursday to take a look at a flat near Finsbury Park. I wasn’t planning on looking for a flat until I found a job, but this one is an excellent price for all that is included and if the couple who live there are as nice as they seem and the place is in a decent location it might be wise to get in while I can… I think everyone can agree that finding an affordable place to live (especially in a city like London) and good people to share it with is not an easy feat.
Happy 2009 everyone. I hope your year is starting off as happy as mine. (I will write a New Year type entry in the next day or two).
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
38 for the start of 2008
Stolen, nay borrowed, from Nicole... To sum up 2007 and bring in 2008.
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
I went crab and lobster fishing in the English Channel - true, I didn't do any of the hard work, but I was on the boat before 8am in February... brrr (but I'd do it again in a heartbeat)
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't really make resolutions, but I do try to make changes every so often (as any of you who have read my blog before should know)... in 2007 I made a promise to be more honest about my feelings and to put myself first. It wasn't as easy as I had hoped it would be to do those things, but I am getting better every day.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My wonderful friend Anna gave birth to her gorgeous son Kofi in February. I was so sad to have missed both her pregnancy and her son's birth, but am so proud of her and absolutely adore my little "nephew".
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My granny's sister passed away while I was overseas. It all happened to fast and not being able to say goodbye and not being able to be there to send my love to her husband and children was really hard. But we grow stronger and love deeper with every change.
5. What countries did you visit?
England, Wales, Austria and the United States
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
More motivation to achieve the goals that I set for myself.
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
15 January - submission day for fall term papers and my first big drink up at Falmer Bar
18 February - the big fishing day on the sea
3 September - submission day of final dissertations... what a relief that day was
6 September - my final day in the UK, spent in London with Jack, before returning to Canada the following afternoon
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my Master's in Contemporary History
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not really a failure per se, but certainly something I am disappointed in myself for - I wish that I had stayed in England in September instead of coming back to Toronto.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Thankfully, no.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My second tattoo... it really does remind me every day to be myself and to not be afraid that I wear my heart on my sleeve.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My friend Rupert had a not-so-easy breakup in the fall, and though he calls his behaviour childish and immature I was and still am so proud of his honesty and his willingness to share so much of himself at such a difficult time.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A friend of mine who will remain nameless.... For constantly disappointing me and for making me feel guilty in times when I was not at fault. For making me question my love, my loyalty and my heart... I am big on forgiveness, but I am not going to forget the hurt that this friend caused me anytime soon.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food and drinks in the UK... too much booze!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A lot of little things. Most of which revolved around nights out with the boys of Newmarket Road. Whether they know it or not the four of them made my year so fantastic. Every time I went to their house or went out with them I was happy, and being genuinely happy made me really, really, really excited every time.
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
"Heart of Gold" by Neil Young... it's always been one of my favourites, but I definitely listened to it a LOT this past year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
Sadder, fatter and poorer.... OOPS!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spent more time on the beach in Brighton when it was sunny and warm.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Sitting on my butt in my room watching the sea from inside.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with my family... just like old times.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I thought that I might have, though I can't be sure just yet.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office (US)
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is far too strong of a word, but I will say that I lost a lot of respect for someone....
24. What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Simian Mobile Disco
26. What did you want and get?
Wonderful new friends
27. What did you want and not get?
The funds and means to move back to England/remain in England.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Juno (go figure I saw it three times in theatres)
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
For my 25th birthday my fantastic friends (mostly new, and two old) filled the main floor of the Fish Bowl in Brighton - what a great night that was!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Ending it with a fabulous job offer for a proper job.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Longing to wear more exciting and sassy clothes, settling for whatever was comfortable and clean.
32. What kept you sane?
Reruns of Friends and Fraser... and late night gab sessions with Dina and Annie and Genti.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Steven Gerrard and Matt Damon
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm not going there...
35. Who did you miss?
All of my new friends who are scattered across Europe, Britain, Asia and the Americas
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Jack. My music and club guru, who knows a little something about everything.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
True friends are hard to come by, and once you find that you have some never let them go.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
No, I don't think I can do this.... I can't think of a specific song, but it would go something like this: "What started out great, got better, and then sucked, and then it was Christmas, and now I have something to look forward to."
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
I went crab and lobster fishing in the English Channel - true, I didn't do any of the hard work, but I was on the boat before 8am in February... brrr (but I'd do it again in a heartbeat)
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't really make resolutions, but I do try to make changes every so often (as any of you who have read my blog before should know)... in 2007 I made a promise to be more honest about my feelings and to put myself first. It wasn't as easy as I had hoped it would be to do those things, but I am getting better every day.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My wonderful friend Anna gave birth to her gorgeous son Kofi in February. I was so sad to have missed both her pregnancy and her son's birth, but am so proud of her and absolutely adore my little "nephew".
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My granny's sister passed away while I was overseas. It all happened to fast and not being able to say goodbye and not being able to be there to send my love to her husband and children was really hard. But we grow stronger and love deeper with every change.
5. What countries did you visit?
England, Wales, Austria and the United States
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
More motivation to achieve the goals that I set for myself.
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
15 January - submission day for fall term papers and my first big drink up at Falmer Bar
18 February - the big fishing day on the sea
3 September - submission day of final dissertations... what a relief that day was
6 September - my final day in the UK, spent in London with Jack, before returning to Canada the following afternoon
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my Master's in Contemporary History
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not really a failure per se, but certainly something I am disappointed in myself for - I wish that I had stayed in England in September instead of coming back to Toronto.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Thankfully, no.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My second tattoo... it really does remind me every day to be myself and to not be afraid that I wear my heart on my sleeve.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My friend Rupert had a not-so-easy breakup in the fall, and though he calls his behaviour childish and immature I was and still am so proud of his honesty and his willingness to share so much of himself at such a difficult time.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A friend of mine who will remain nameless.... For constantly disappointing me and for making me feel guilty in times when I was not at fault. For making me question my love, my loyalty and my heart... I am big on forgiveness, but I am not going to forget the hurt that this friend caused me anytime soon.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food and drinks in the UK... too much booze!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A lot of little things. Most of which revolved around nights out with the boys of Newmarket Road. Whether they know it or not the four of them made my year so fantastic. Every time I went to their house or went out with them I was happy, and being genuinely happy made me really, really, really excited every time.
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
"Heart of Gold" by Neil Young... it's always been one of my favourites, but I definitely listened to it a LOT this past year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
Sadder, fatter and poorer.... OOPS!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spent more time on the beach in Brighton when it was sunny and warm.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Sitting on my butt in my room watching the sea from inside.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with my family... just like old times.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I thought that I might have, though I can't be sure just yet.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office (US)
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is far too strong of a word, but I will say that I lost a lot of respect for someone....
24. What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Simian Mobile Disco
26. What did you want and get?
Wonderful new friends
27. What did you want and not get?
The funds and means to move back to England/remain in England.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Juno (go figure I saw it three times in theatres)
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
For my 25th birthday my fantastic friends (mostly new, and two old) filled the main floor of the Fish Bowl in Brighton - what a great night that was!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Ending it with a fabulous job offer for a proper job.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Longing to wear more exciting and sassy clothes, settling for whatever was comfortable and clean.
32. What kept you sane?
Reruns of Friends and Fraser... and late night gab sessions with Dina and Annie and Genti.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Steven Gerrard and Matt Damon
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm not going there...
35. Who did you miss?
All of my new friends who are scattered across Europe, Britain, Asia and the Americas
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Jack. My music and club guru, who knows a little something about everything.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
True friends are hard to come by, and once you find that you have some never let them go.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
No, I don't think I can do this.... I can't think of a specific song, but it would go something like this: "What started out great, got better, and then sucked, and then it was Christmas, and now I have something to look forward to."
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
update - the BIG plan
i think i have finally sorted out how the international graduate scheme works and how i need to go about applying for entry clearance under it. for those of you completely uninterested in immigration rules and/or extending leave to stay as a student, disregard this post. ACTUALLY, just skip down to the bottom where i will outline my updated plan to return to the UK (assuming you're interested in that. after all, you did open this post).
so, the international graduate scheme goes a little something like this: if you have graduated from a recognised UK institution after may 2007 you are eligible to apply to become a participant in the IGS. once a participant you may work, permit free, in any type of employment you like (including self employment) in the UK for up to 12 months. the idea is to encourage people studying at UK universities to contribute some of their brain power and talent to the UK before leaving.
applying for the IGS:
if you are already in the UK AND have valid entry clearance as a student, you can apply to extend your stay as a participant under the IGS. this is probably the easiest way to go about getting into this programme, because you do not need to re-apply for entry clearance: obviously, you're already in the country.
if you have left the UK but still have valid entry clearance it is still fairly easy to apply to the IGS... as far as i am concerned. if i am not mistaken, you would just have to return to the UK within the period for which you already have entry clearance and state that you are back to complete the duration of that granted period. while in the UK you apply for the IGS as though you never left the UK and presto you can extend your stay.
if you have left the UK and no longer have valid entry clearance, which is where i stand after 31 january 2008, you need to go through a few more steps. basically if you're out of the country you need entry clearance to stay in the UK more than six months - duh. but, because the IGS denotes that its participants do not require a work permit, it gets confusing as to which entry clearance visa to apply for. the answer: PERMIT-FREE EMPLOYMENT (form VAF2). the UKVisas website has the IGS hidden in its FAQs and guidance on applying for employment based visas... you just have to poke around a bit. once you've completed this form, secured proof from the university that you have in fact completed a course, and have paid the massive 200 pound fee you should be set.
FINALLY, i made some sense out of a lot of confusion - and no thanks to the folks at the british embassy or high commission i might add.
------
AND NOW, THE updated BIG PLAN
as most of you know by now, i have only just started work... and it's part-time work that doesn't pay too much so i am not going to be able to move back to the UK before my visa expires. not to worry. i am still going over for my graduation at the end of january and, funds permitting, will stay about a month to catch up with friends and scout potential jobs.
upon my return i am hoping to go back to an old job (more information on that to come at a later date) to make some better money and get the hours i'll need to save the cash i'll need to afford the big move.
my goal at the moment is to be in england (either london or brighton area) by the end of september 2008. this goal seems very realistic to me, but at the moment rides very heavily on getting my old job back for five months or so... fingers crossed! all of this has me feeling really good at the moment and hopefully things will continue to work out.
i have my first special event at work tomorrow night: jamie oliver (aka the naked chef) is going to be signing copies of his latest cookbook for 300 adoring fans. i have no idea what my role will be throughout the course of the evening, but i am certain you will hear about it by the end of the week.
so, the international graduate scheme goes a little something like this: if you have graduated from a recognised UK institution after may 2007 you are eligible to apply to become a participant in the IGS. once a participant you may work, permit free, in any type of employment you like (including self employment) in the UK for up to 12 months. the idea is to encourage people studying at UK universities to contribute some of their brain power and talent to the UK before leaving.
applying for the IGS:
if you are already in the UK AND have valid entry clearance as a student, you can apply to extend your stay as a participant under the IGS. this is probably the easiest way to go about getting into this programme, because you do not need to re-apply for entry clearance: obviously, you're already in the country.
if you have left the UK but still have valid entry clearance it is still fairly easy to apply to the IGS... as far as i am concerned. if i am not mistaken, you would just have to return to the UK within the period for which you already have entry clearance and state that you are back to complete the duration of that granted period. while in the UK you apply for the IGS as though you never left the UK and presto you can extend your stay.
if you have left the UK and no longer have valid entry clearance, which is where i stand after 31 january 2008, you need to go through a few more steps. basically if you're out of the country you need entry clearance to stay in the UK more than six months - duh. but, because the IGS denotes that its participants do not require a work permit, it gets confusing as to which entry clearance visa to apply for. the answer: PERMIT-FREE EMPLOYMENT (form VAF2). the UKVisas website has the IGS hidden in its FAQs and guidance on applying for employment based visas... you just have to poke around a bit. once you've completed this form, secured proof from the university that you have in fact completed a course, and have paid the massive 200 pound fee you should be set.
FINALLY, i made some sense out of a lot of confusion - and no thanks to the folks at the british embassy or high commission i might add.
------
AND NOW, THE updated BIG PLAN
as most of you know by now, i have only just started work... and it's part-time work that doesn't pay too much so i am not going to be able to move back to the UK before my visa expires. not to worry. i am still going over for my graduation at the end of january and, funds permitting, will stay about a month to catch up with friends and scout potential jobs.
upon my return i am hoping to go back to an old job (more information on that to come at a later date) to make some better money and get the hours i'll need to save the cash i'll need to afford the big move.
my goal at the moment is to be in england (either london or brighton area) by the end of september 2008. this goal seems very realistic to me, but at the moment rides very heavily on getting my old job back for five months or so... fingers crossed! all of this has me feeling really good at the moment and hopefully things will continue to work out.
i have my first special event at work tomorrow night: jamie oliver (aka the naked chef) is going to be signing copies of his latest cookbook for 300 adoring fans. i have no idea what my role will be throughout the course of the evening, but i am certain you will hear about it by the end of the week.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
The longer I stay...
The more time that passes here at home, the more items I seem to have left behind in England... they are now either in the safe hands of my dear friend Allison, or they are in some pile of rubbish in the South of England. More likely than not, they are in the latter. The sad tossing of many loved items of clothing and books came about after five pints on a relatively empty stomach.
This sad reality (that my black trousers are NOT going to be resurfacing from the heaps of piles in my bedroom in Toronto anytime soon) has inspired me to compile a list of rules for people moving halfway around the world:
Rule # 1 - NEVER attempt to pack when drunk or hungover.
After drinking loads of beer in London, and taking an hour long tube and train ride back to Brighton, one would think that I would have my wits about me to pack the entire contents of my bedroom... think again.
I started by neatly folding all of the clothes I had already decided to keep and after about twenty minutes of that felt the need to pass out.
Two hours later (and only 3 hours away from my estimated time of departure to catch my coach to Heathrow) I was nauseous and in need of a clean toilet to be sick in... charming, I know.
After that I forced myself to toss about half of the clothes I had decided were coming home with me, and the same with books, shoes, etc. I even left my newly acquired Coca Cola glasses for the trash. :(
Thankfully, Allison listened to me being weepy and offered to hang on to some of the irreplaceables that I wasn't willing to lose. Thankfully, Bernardo also helped us get my three massive bags to the coach station. Thankfully, I made it to the airport in plenty of time to catch my flight home.
This leads me to my second rule....
Rule #2 - Don't mope about being home.
If you moan about being somewhere that you aren't thrilled about being, you'll never get settled, you'll be forever unhappy, and nothing will make you smile. Just make the most of the situation you're in and start working towards a goal that will get you back to where you want to be - hence me looking for a job to get me enough money to get back to England.
xx
P.S. Saw Shoot 'Em Up tonight with Emily. Bad movie, WONDERFUL night out with my favourite girl. If it wasn't for the lovely Clive Owen I don't think I would've made it through the gruelling 93 minutes that was that film.
This sad reality (that my black trousers are NOT going to be resurfacing from the heaps of piles in my bedroom in Toronto anytime soon) has inspired me to compile a list of rules for people moving halfway around the world:
Rule # 1 - NEVER attempt to pack when drunk or hungover.
After drinking loads of beer in London, and taking an hour long tube and train ride back to Brighton, one would think that I would have my wits about me to pack the entire contents of my bedroom... think again.
I started by neatly folding all of the clothes I had already decided to keep and after about twenty minutes of that felt the need to pass out.
Two hours later (and only 3 hours away from my estimated time of departure to catch my coach to Heathrow) I was nauseous and in need of a clean toilet to be sick in... charming, I know.
After that I forced myself to toss about half of the clothes I had decided were coming home with me, and the same with books, shoes, etc. I even left my newly acquired Coca Cola glasses for the trash. :(
Thankfully, Allison listened to me being weepy and offered to hang on to some of the irreplaceables that I wasn't willing to lose. Thankfully, Bernardo also helped us get my three massive bags to the coach station. Thankfully, I made it to the airport in plenty of time to catch my flight home.
This leads me to my second rule....
Rule #2 - Don't mope about being home.
If you moan about being somewhere that you aren't thrilled about being, you'll never get settled, you'll be forever unhappy, and nothing will make you smile. Just make the most of the situation you're in and start working towards a goal that will get you back to where you want to be - hence me looking for a job to get me enough money to get back to England.
xx
P.S. Saw Shoot 'Em Up tonight with Emily. Bad movie, WONDERFUL night out with my favourite girl. If it wasn't for the lovely Clive Owen I don't think I would've made it through the gruelling 93 minutes that was that film.
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