like a musical, without the singing...

Moving Out

2009-01-17T13:52:00.004Z

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.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-02T23:14:00.006Z

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!

Christmas Bloody Chaos

2008-12-23T10:15:00.003Z

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.

The London Routine?

2008-12-14T14:06:00.003Z

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...

Youth Mobility Scheme Petition

2008-11-29T14:44:00.003Z

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!

A Few Quirks

2008-11-22T13:58:00.005Z

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?)

Damn, It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta (or, Life is Swell)

2008-11-11T18:27:00.008Z

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!"

US Election Night 2008

2008-11-05T01:00:00.004Z

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:

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T07:59:00.004Z

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.

We Beat Boston

2008-10-29T08:21:00.005Z

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!

Squash

2008-10-28T17:31:00.007Z

Hey, it's nearing Halloween!

We're getting into prime pumpkin territory, and since I love any kind of pumpkin-flavoured baked good, I decided to try making pumpkin cookies from scratch.

The recipe calls for:

1 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

and sounds delicious.

I went to Tesco to pick up the ingredients, pumped for pumpkin. I loaded my basket with most of the stuff, but then had to ask where I could find the shortening.

I got some blank stares.

The staffers didn't seem to be familiar with it, but helped me scour the shelves, just in case. (Turns out that it's also called "Cookeen" here, though that didn't help.) They didn't have it at all, so I thought, "Eh, I'll substitute it for some kind of cooking oil." (You can tell I'm a hotshot baker, eh?)

I got everything else, after some hardcore searching (they sent me to three different aisles to find chocolate chips), and then it was time to get the canned pumpkin.

No canned pumpkin either! They have fifty kinds of canned meat, thirty flavours of baked beans, some carrots, peas, and even canned new potatoes, but no pumpkin.

Granted, I could have bought a huge, fresh pumpkin for only £1.50, but they were the huge, dirty ones suitable for carving, and the thought of sorting out all the pumpkin seeds was not in my game plan.

I put everything back, and I may try Waitrose for all the proper ingrediants over the weekend. Just know that when you get pumped to cook something that requires some American staples, you may wind up disappointed. At least at Tesco.

Election Events!

2008-10-28T15:16:00.004Z

This one's for me:

CELEBRATE OBAMA in London

It's at a restaurant called the Texas Embassy, though (which, according to a friend of mine, serves terrible ribs), and that'll only make things worse if he loses.

WHICH HE WON'T.

Knock on wood.

Please don't forget to vote, bangers.

Country Bumpkin

2008-10-27T08:56:00.004Z

First of all, why didn't I take more pictures?

Daniel and I went up to Ridgmont this weekend, a tiny village of about twelve people (slight exaggeration), and had a stellar time. His parents own the pub there, the Rose & Crown, and do an excellent job of keeping it bustling. Along with the well-kept bar and restaurant, there's a lodge there for big events and parties, plus a camp ground attached so people can stay there overnight in their RVs and enjoy the woodsy scenery. The fresh air was confusing at first, after being in gritty London so long, but I like to think my lungs got used to it.

I said I wasn't nervous before setting out, but it finally hit me when we were on the train headed out there. (You know how chicks like to overthink things sometimes.) I was pretty comfortable once we arrived, though: his dad, dad's partner, sister, and brother-in-law were really friendly--plus, we got to chill out with his tiny baby niece, Lily, and old black lab, Mac, who were incredibly entertaining (in very different ways, as you'd expect).

It didn't stop there, though! No way. He thought it would just be those family members there this weekend, but then two sets of aunts and uncles came, along with a few cousins as well, so by the end of the day on Sunday I'd met twelve of his family members total. I can barely name twelve people in my own family, but he said that's only a small percentage of his, thanks to the whole Irish Catholic lifestyle. I'm an only child, so it's a little foreign to me, but they were all lovely and welcoming, so it didn't feel overwhelming by any means.

I'm realising that it stings, though, when anyone brings up the fact that I'm only here temporarily. I had to explain that a few times and didn't like the sound of it, even though March still seems like decades away and a lot could happen before then. I try not to think about it--or else I just go into overthinking chick mode--but it'll come up again sooner or later.

I'm just trying to enjoy everything a day at a time. London's the only place where I've really allowed myself to do that, which is probably why it means so much to me.

Hard to Ignore

2008-10-24T13:32:00.008+01:00

The British pound has just hit a six-year low to the dollar at $1.52. Maybe you'd think, Woot, it's the time for Americans to come over here on vacation! Except the US is in just as bad a state, and a good majority of Americans probably can't afford a holiday like that.

This was a pretty terrible year to graduate.

Obviously this economic downward spiral affects everyone, and the media industry is taking a hit now, too. Among other losses, here ITV announced that it would be cutting about a third of its work force (roughly 500 jobs lost out of 1,500 total) and cutting production spending for the year. In the US, even NBC Universal is cutting its budget back by $500 million (which, get this, is only three percent of its budget; there's your difference between media production in the US and the UK: lots and lots of money). And don't even get me started on the Screen Actors Guild.

Over on the film and TV message boards that I frequent (since I have a lot of down time these days), some people are bemoaning the lack of production work--but a lot of folks seem to be staying positive, citing that it's always been a tricky business to get into. One woman posted that she'd been applying to jobs for three weeks here, and oh-em-gee, she's getting very frustrated that she hasn't heard back from anyone. I nearly laughed along with the weathered, long-standing professional folks who went, "Three weeks! Pah! Try six months!"

By this point I've worked for two weeks (and four days, if you want to be specific) out of the six weeks that I've been here. Not a great ratio just yet. There seem to be fewer jobs posted every day now, too, to the point where I can apply to only three or four contracted jobs per day, if I'm lucky. I'm trying to find further connections in the meantime, but it's hard to stay motivated every minute of the day, if I'm being honest.

The good news is that I knew this would be hard. I don't think I sugar-coated it before I arrived. Do I wish I'd had a six-month job lined up before I got here? Absolutely. But if I were sitting at a desk for eight or nine hours a day doing something that I didn't love for the sake of a paycheck, would I be just as frustrated? Also absolutely.

On the unlikely chance that some crazy Hollywood financiers are reading my blog right now, check out this article about UK filming incentives. Then come on over here with your production, and hire me. I promise the Brits are generally very friendly, but when they're not, I'll bridge the communication gaps and make you tea.

Read this whole epically long post, OR ELSE.

2008-10-21T22:59:00.010+01:00

Jeez, has it really been four days? My bad.

There's a lot to write, so I'm breaking it up into neat little sections, like a textbook. Gee, you're welcome.

Voting Absentee

My absentee ballot arrived yesterday (Tuesday), and I filled it out immediately. Obama/Biden. Check. Ban on dog racing. Check. Some other questions. Check, check, check.

I hope it's much more monumental in the long run than it felt just filling out a form at home on my sofa.

And because I didn't get a fun, li'l sticker at the polls, I've attached one to my blog, above, to fill the void.

Now I have to track down some Democrats to chill out with on election night here in London. I've already told my housemates that if Obama loses, I will probably be A) in a drunken rage, B) bawling my eyes out all night, or C) outside wearing a sandwich board that reads, "WILL MARRY THE NEXT ENGLISH MAN I SEE." I'll be sure to take pictures in any case.

My Second Production Job

That sounds like a screwed up children's book, dunnit? It could be part of a series: My First Teddy Bear, My Second Production Job, My Third Poledancing Class... Wait, what?!

The casting gig went well on Monday! The work was pretty easy, and it almost felt like running an audition back at Emerson College: signing in the actors, having them fill out casting paperwork, and making sure they knew where to go. I also ran a couple of errands for the producer and director and met Mark Goldthorp, currently of Avenue Q, all in a (half-)day's work.

The production company seems to work on a range of commercials. The one they were casting on Monday was for an independent grocery chain in the Northwest, which'll shoot over three days--but they also recently did a two-month shoot through seven countries for Emirates Airlines. That's the kind of range you get in production, and I can't wait to take a big step like that eventually. Speaking of...

The Upcoming Interview

When I got home on Monday night, I had an email from Nickelodeon, the love of my young life, inviting me to an interview for their Facilities Assistant position on November 11th! That feels like decades away at this rate, but hopefully I'll have some work before then to keep me busy. The folks there already sound incredibly nice. I'll be meeting with someone from HR and two production executives, so good Lord, the pressure will be on, but I'm stupidly excited to make it to an interview like that!

(Monday was also, coincidentally, my friend Amy's first day working at Nickelodeon in LA! Congratulations, chick!)

Networking

Then last night I went to a Women in Film & Television networking event, the first I've ever attended. The organisation is prominent in the States, particularly in New England and New York, and I've always been tempted to try out one of their events. Film London advertised their London meet-up, so I jumped at the chance to meet some more industry professionals.

I can't say "networking" comes easily to me yet, since I get nervous and assume that everyone attends for the same reason: to get ahead, in one way or another. It feels like shameless self-promotion--but I find that it helps to go into it feeling naturally excited to learn new things about people and be a willing listener, rather than jumping at the chance to talk yourself up.

Thankfully, the folks I met were very friendly--and then we were all distracted by an awesome demonstration of prosthetics and model-making from an industry pro named Paul McGuiness. He brought two brilliant dead body replicas--one standard and one that was mutilated, bloated, and disgusting--plus brains, lungs, tongues, eyeballs, decapitated heads, and more, all incredibly lifelike. It was awesome! I took a prosthetics make-up class at Emerson, so that's an area that I've always had a secret yen to try, and I'm always completely engrossed when learning more about the processes.

(In fact, I'm kicking myself for not buying a signed copy of The Winston Effect when I saw it in a store the other week. Maybe I'll buy it if it's still there next time.)

I guess this was always going to be the link-heavy section, eh?

Sherlock Holmes

If I don't get to work on this feature film at all while it's shooting here, it'll be an epic failure that'll haunt me for a the rest of my life. And by that I mean, eh, I'll be a little bummed.

I don't believe in fate by any means, but ever since I literally ran into the set, I've been running into connections to the production as well: I've met someone who was working on it, and before that I even found out that its production company produced the last feature film that I worked on back in Boston. I'm trying to hone these connections and see if I can eventually get in touch with someone in their production office, but it's not looking probable just yet. This is where the networking run-around gets exhausting, when all you really need is a little luck and good timing.

The Best Heading Ever

I'm so focused on the job hunt when I post, aren't I? It's not my whole life--I swear! In the meantime, I'm working on reconnecting with some old friends and planning to hang out with one of the other Making the Band PAs on Thursday night, which'll be pretty hip.

Daniel's sick these days, so there's been a severe lack of kissing lately, and if I can hold off getting a cold, too, it'll be a miracle (I've been downing vitamin C like a madwoman, though).

I'm really looking forward to the weekend, 'cause we'll be heading to the village (yes, village--smaller than a town) where his dad lives and owns a pub, so it sounds like I'll get to meet his whole family (possibly including his baby niece!)--and dog (!). Maybe I should be nervous, but I'm not. That's probably the most refreshing part of being with Daniel: it's incredibly comfortable, and I can be myself, 'cause foremost we seem to be really good friends already. I haven't had to worry about nerves.

Knock on wood!

I try to avoid cheesy mentions of relationship stuff, but I want to remember the good times, too, you know?

Jesus. What a long post, and it's only Wednesday. If you've read this far, you get a gold star. Or an "I Voted!" sticker.

Till next time!

From the BBC

2008-10-18T10:37:00.002+01:00

Migrant numbers 'must be reduced'

The Next Production Gig

2008-10-18T10:10:00.007+01:00

Greetings, all.

The temp job yesterday (Friday) was reception for the head office of a casino company--not too thrilling, but better than nothing at all. I talked to some nice couriers, wandered toward Hyde Park during lunch, and found it hilarious that the company allowed employees to go on Facebook, but only between 1 and 2 PM.

I've started posting to the "Work Wanted" classifieds on Gumtree, which is the UK's equivalent to Craigslist (most people here haven't even heard of Craigslist). I didn't think much would come of it, but I got an offer for a job last night: I'll be a PA/casting assistant for a commercial audition taking place near Covent Garden on Monday. It's only for four hours, but pays £60, and I'll certainly get to make some more contacts at this production company as a result. I really do enjoy film- and television-related jobs more than anything else; I can't just give in and work anywhere--not yet, anyway.

I think I'll have another wander downtown/in central London today and see what I can find. Maybe I should bring my CV in case I run into any more film sets...

Temping Bliss

2008-10-15T18:06:00.004+01:00

I started out the day pretty tired and unmotivated, probably still running on a bizarre body clock after doing those night shoots last week. I've shot my CV off to a few job vacancies, but I'm not counting on anything just yet.

Then twenty minutes ago, I had an offer for a temp job for Friday! Nothing glamourous, but it's better than no work at all! Whoo hoo!

Word of advice to any new folks coming to the UK: don't snub the idea of temping. It's a great system that really acts as a buffer and extra motivation while you're on the lengthy search for your dream job. I'm pleased.

Bonus: I'm going to a roller disco tomorrow night. Hot damn.

One Month In

2008-10-15T09:53:00.006+01:00

I've been here for a month now, and it's definitely flown by. Today I'm feeling pretty homesick, actually, but I know it'll pass.

Recap:

I've been employed for half of my time here so far, two out of four weeks (not bad), including a great television production job specifically.
I live in a fantastic house in a nice neighborhood for wicked cheap rent (woot).
I have an English boyfriend, who's also a great friend (awesome).
I've seen some old friends and want to make new ones.
I've revisited some favorite places here, but also want to explore new parts of the city and country.
Natalie came to visit, and now a whole bunch of other people are planning to: Caitlin, Elizabeth, Ezra, my aunt Krys, and my dad and stepmom. Whooh!

Things I miss about the US:

The Daily Show
Fall/winter/general cold weather and snow in Boston
Emerson College--being surrounded by friends and constantly busy on productions there
Boston Common
Downtown Crossing
Brookline and specifically Coolidge Corner
My family and friends, especially Peter

Things I don't miss about the US:

The presidential election coverage
Hysterical news coverage in general (as in "hysteria," not laughable)
Red Sox fans crowding onto the T (subway)
Preps
Hummers
Evangelicals
Libertarians (except Kate and Ezra)
Banana hammocks

Things I love about the UK:

The sun we've had so far
Walking down the street feeling pretty much at home
The architecture and parks in central London
Usually having something to do or plan for, since there's so much happening in this city
The tube (Underground)
The fact that people are so much more stylish here
Pre-packaged sandwiches that won't make you sick
Hot water bottles
Drowning in tea
Walking along the river
Chicken tikka-flavoured crisps
Lots of other things I'll remember and post later

Things I don't love about the UK:

The tricky media job search
The rain (though the sun's trying to come out now, and it's supposed to clear up again starting tomorrow)
The lack of 1-ply toilet paper
Weak shower water pressure
The fact that people are used to escalator etiquette (e.g. standing on the right, walking on the left), but that there's no standard walking patterns anywhere else (on the street, on stairs, etc.)
Being treated like a "newbie" to British culture

VOTING Debacle

2008-10-13T14:00:00.002+01:00

Ooh, two posts in one day. You lucky ducks.

I just spoke to my great uncle, to see if I can visit him and my great aunt at some point soon. He's actually off for a holiday in Scotland, so I'll be phoning them again after that to check in and say hello.

Once I hung up with him I realized, "GAH! MY ABSENTEE BALLOT!"

I registered for an absentee ballot before I left Massachusetts (of course, of course) and requested that it be sent to my great uncle's address. I phoned up the city hall last week just to check on its status, and they said--get this--that they hadn't even received the absentee ballots in their office yet, so they wouldn't be sent out until this week. Fine and dandy.

Now I'm concerned that I won't get the ballot for another two weeks, meaning by the 29th at the latest. You bet your butt I'd send it back overnight and registered if need be, but it's pretty nerve-wracking having to have to wait for it on both ends. Masscahusetts isn't a swing state by any means, but it's the principle of it that matters to me.

Commence hand-wringing...

Unemployment, Tattoos, and Robert Downey, Jr.

2008-10-13T09:45:00.012+01:00

I'm jobless again, after twelve straight days of work. Thankfully, I still have a large chunk of my savings left, since I've been frugal since I arrived here, and I've earned another £1,000 or so in the last two weeks--so I'm not in dire straights. It's just bizarre not having anything to do but sit around at home and apply for jobs, once again, especially after rushing around for thirteen hours a day!

I had a fantastic weekend. It started out with a wander around Sloane Square (preppy-ville) and Camden with Natalie on Saturday before she had to head to Heathrow for her flight home to Boston. Let it be known that we tried black pudding, and it was indeed as terrible as it sounds. I'm gonna miss that girl, and I feel kind of bad that I didn't get to hang out with her as much as I'd have liked this week, but I think she had a good time, regardless!

(I also popped in to a couple of Camden-based tattoo places to see if any artists would be willing to do a white ink tattoo, which is what I'd like to get on my wrist at some point while I'm here. One group seemed confident of it and knew all of the standard warnings to tell me about white ink, e.g. that it could look pink or yellow depending on my skin type, etc. Daniel, meanwhile, advised that I go anywhere but Camden, since Camden tattoo shops charge tourist prices, so I'm still in research mode in finding the right place.)

Yesterday, Daniel and I slept the heck in and then went for a long walk through central London, through Covent Garden, down to the river, past Parliament, into St. James's Park, and then toward Oxford Circus, which was really lovely. Some days I feel like the luckiest chick in the world here, and I hope the feeling lasts. (The weather's actually been gorgeous the last few days as well, to the point where it feels like June--but in October. I'm pretty pleased in that regard, too, since sun automatically makes me incredibly happy.)

Then as we neared Regent Street, we spotted a huge batch of parked trailers that looked remarkably like those you'd see near a film set. Once we read "Catering for the Film and TV Industries" on the side of one, I bolted for the nearest security guard there to ask what production they were working on. Turns out that it was Sherlock Holmes, directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Robert Downey, Jr., so I chatted up a couple of security guards and waited briefly to meet with a production assistant there. The key set PA came out to see me, and I didn't want to take up too much of his time, so I handed him my business card/calling card and said I was available to assist on set if need be. He looked a little surprised that I was being so forward (as we brash Americans are), but otherwise seemed pretty nice and said he would pass my information on. I can't really hold out for anything, but it sure would be nice to work on a feature again, especially of that calibre!

We finished up the day by hitting an arcade (where I won a prize in a claw machine, finally, and we then took a cheesy-awesome photo booth picture, below) before seeing How to Lose Friends and Alienate People. Again, stellar weekend.

Here are some of my plans for the week, aside from the never-ending job search:

Go grocery shopping for the first time in nearly two weeks (that's a great facet of working in film/TV: all your meals are covered while you're on the job, so you don't have to buy food).
Contact my great uncle and aunt here and plan to visit them this weekend.
Go zorbing, finally (Sunday).
Possibly catch The Dark Knight in IMAX, since I didn't do that back in Boston.
Watch a Red Sox game in a bar/pub here somewhere, since they've made it to the ALCS.
Go to the BUNAC pub meet on Wednesday to meet some other Americans and Canadians.

You'll be hearing from ~~my lawyer~~ me again soon! Stay well, folks!

On the Move 24/7

2008-10-10T10:03:00.004+01:00

Hi there,

It's been ages, I know, but only because I've been working the night shoots this week and keeping my friend Natalie company by day (she's visiting from Boston). I volunteered to cover one night shoot initially and then got put with the night crew for the entire week, so it's been tiring, but really cool!

On average we've started at 2 PM and worked till 3 AM, grabbing footage at clubs and concerts all over the place (I wouldn't recommend any of the clubs, but the IndigO2 concert venue was pretty sweet). In general I'd say it's been well organised, though in production it seems like if everything's going perfectly, you've done something wrong, haha. There were a few hiccups along the way, but I'd say it's been a pretty smooth shoot overall, and I'm very pleased.

We wrapped production last night, though I've been asked to return today as well to help wrap up the production office (which has been in an incredibly swanky, post-modern hotel near Soho, where Paris Hilton was also staying this week).

In the meantime, I interviewed for an independent video company that handles commercials and corporate videos, and although I got along with the creative director, they were looking for someone who eventually wants to direct, rather than someone who wants to production manage or produce (like myself). So we mutually decided it wasn't the right fit, and he said he'd contact me with any production gigs on their sets or if any other office positions come up.

There also may be another production gig available in November, this time with a Bollywood film! I'd love to work that one, and since this company who hired me for Making the Band knows I'm reliable, hopefully I'll be one of the first folks they call. Fingers crossed!

Back to the office now; I'll be in touch soon!

Best. Week. Ever.

2008-10-04T22:03:00.004+01:00

The production assistant gig turned out to be for Making the Band 4 on MTV! I just clocked eleven hours toward it today, with another day in the production office tomorrow and a week of location work to follow, Monday through Friday.

Don't know if I could be more pumped!

Since I'm contracted to work for about twelve hours a day, I don't know if I'll be blogging quite as much this week, but I will definitely update as soon as possible!

Hee! ::clacks heels::

Hotchacha!

2008-10-03T16:20:00.006+01:00

Remember when I was gushing about how well things were going this week? Well, they've only gotten better, which makes me think maybe the Apocalypse is coming up next, to balance out these good times. (When did I get so cynical? Yowza!)

The news of the century: I got a call from a production company yesterday, asking if I wanted to work as a production assistant with them next week.

~~"Uhhh, errr, lemme think about that."~~ "YES!"

I don't have all of the details about the production, but the two people who've contacted me seem pretty on top of communication. Initially the project was going to run next Monday through Friday--but then they phoned me today as well to see if I could start tomorrow (Saturday) instead.

~~"Uhhh, errr, lemme think about--"~~ "Er, okay."

I'm definitely doing it--getting there at 9:30 and working till they're done--though it means I've had to rearrange my trip to Sheffield to see Beth. It's a bummer in that regard, and if there's any chance we'll be finished by 3 PM (and not working Sunday as well), I'll absolutely be on the train "up north" by 4:30. Thankfully, Beth's been really understanding about--"This could make your career!"--but I still feel bad about ditching my bud's engagement party.

Then again, I've been at this job search for months now, so I'm also really pleased, of course, of course! And yes, even though it's only a week long, it pays really well (if I understood them correctly) and will definitely give me a further boost toward networking and resume-building here. Mmm, I love it!

So, recap: jobless for two weeks, working for two weeks. I could go back to jobless by the 13th, but heeeeyyy, let's hope not!

Unrelated: Halloween costume ideas include Rose McGowan in Planet Terror, sans machine gun leg and instead with chroma key green fabric wrapped around my leg, or (as of fifteen minutes ago) going as the Andys from Hot Fuzz with Daniel. Uber-feminine or dressed in drag? Really tough call...

General "Goss"

2008-10-01T09:54:00.006+01:00

Hokay. So.

What a swell birthday. 22 doesn't feel that much different from 21, but I guess I'm fully out of the student realm and now classified as a confused twenty-something. In reality, I'm not all that confused about the life I want to lead, so I guess I come out ahead for now.

The temp job has gone well over the last three days (boring, but stable, which is exactly what I need for now), and they've asked me to stay here through the week, since their regular office manager is still sick. Meanwhile, the search for a full-time job keeps on cranking, though I haven't seen as many suitable positions posted these days. I will not be deterred, England! (So, you just bite me!)

On a more personal note, you could say I've started "seeing" my housemate. Of course, we see each other every day at home, and that's no stretch, so you know what I mean. Now there are some warm, fuzzy feelings involved, like I've swallowed a bunny or something. It's great to have gotten such a fast friend in him--we get along like a house on fire (what a fantastic phrase)--and hopefully this is a good step.

(He asked if I would blog about it: "I've heard your question, Daniel, and the answer is YESSSS.")

Some spiffy events coming up:

On Friday night we head to a screening of The Fall (my other favorite film of '08, next to Tropic Thunder), which includes a Q&A with the director, Tarsem Singh. I can't tell you how stoked I am about it. The film is a marvel--and because it was shot in twenty-three different countries over two years, I'll have a bazillion questions about how they handled the logistics of it all. (Nerd? Me?)
I'm off to Sheffield on Saturday to visit my friend Beth for her engagement party, which'll be heaps of fun.
Then on Sunday, once I return, Natalie gets her butt to London and stays at my house for nearly a week! I've missed that girl like car-azy, and I'm not just saying that 'cause I know she reads my blog (maybe I am, a little)!

I'd say this week has been a solid improvement over the last two (since my stress level's gone down), though in general I was pretty content when I got here as well. Life's pretty sweet.

The magic of temping!

2008-09-29T19:07:00.002+01:00

Thank. The. Lord.

I was a little downtrodden when I woke up and started the job search again--though I need to nip that attitude in the bud. I woke up earlier than I'd expected (6:40 AM), thinking, thinking, scanning job postings from Friday that I'd checked out twenty times over the weekend--when bam, I had a call from a temp agency at 9:30.

Magic.

She asked if I was free today, and although I was still in my PJs, I said a big, "Haaaail yeah!" (It was more like, "Yes, absolutely!") She gave me an assignment on the spot and told me to head to a boutique advertising agency to be their receptionist for the day.

It was a frantic fifteen minutes in getting ready and another hour or so to get there, but I made it, worked the switchboard, franked the post (AKA weighed and stamped the mail), sent some emails, and ended the day at 5:30.

Better yet: I get to go back tomorrow and Wednesday.

It just feels excellent to have a schedule and something to show for the two weeks I've been here. It's not extraordinarily stimulating work, but it earns me some extra cash money, which can go towards next month's rent.

Such a relief. I'm still applying to jobs in the meantime (morning and evening) and sending out pseudo-networking emails by day as well, to see if industry professionals I've heard about through other folks can make any recommendations for me.

Not too shabby.

By the way, tomorrow's my birthday, so Facebook-wall the heck out of me, would you?

Rule 1: If you don't like kebabs, you lose.

2008-09-28T11:37:00.003+01:00

A recap of this week's excellent social events.

WEDNESDAY

I'm bringing you way back to Wednesday night first, when I was drained from the job search and enthused that my good pal Chris was back in Londontown. He'd just moved back from Cornwall for university, so the two of us went out to Camden for dinner and a walk around.

If you don't know what Camden's like, it's a place where the goths, punks, ravers, metalheads, and normals of London converge for stellar concerts, cheap food, and tattoos. It's fantastic.

We started out with a wander, since I hadn't been back to Camden in a while (and now it's only twenty minutes away from where I live, so it may become my hang-out). We hit up some Chinese food at a place that was closing--so each meal was £3 (a hint to students on a budget), and while we were snackin', we sat at a picnic table across from two young folks, one of whom was about to start at Middlesex University (where Chris and I both went--mine for a semester abroad in 2006).

They invited us out to a metal concert. Now, Chris is all over metal. He even went to Metalcamp 2008. I'd never been to a show, but I've always said of concerts: for $10, I'll see anyone perform live. I really enjoy checking out new bands that way. This show was £5 and featured three acts, two of which we saw and both of which were excellent (if only I could remember the bands' names--yikes!).

And surprisingly, I learned that the length of one's hair is not directly proportionate to the amount that one headbangs. Some guys with hair down to their bums were standing perfectly still, just chillin' and enjoying the show.

FRIDAY

Skipping to Friday now, since Thursday was kind of uneventful (save to a trip to the nearby park with Daniel during lunchtime). I went out to Camden again, this time to meet up with folks from Daniel and Katerina's workplace. Really nice people, a great atmosphere in the pub, and some great discussions commenced on why Americans think the British are all alcoholics. ("By our medical standards and definitions, they are--what with all the binging.")

It wasn't a crazy night of mayhem--just chilling outside the pub with a single cider and chatting about the week, getting to know people. It's an "institution" here, as they say: going to the pub at the end of the day or week to relax with friends or coworkers.

I'd recommend the book Watching the English by Kate Fox to anyone thinking of spending an extended time here. She covers the pub culture here and notes that because the English are so reserved in the day-to-day (don't underestimate it), they use alcohol as more of a social enabler to get into friendly, chatty mode, often without getting into crazy drunk territory. Fair enough. My excuse for not drinking much at all is that Americans are "naturally drunk," as in we're generally more outgoing and prone to approach people to chat without booze involved. The U.S. definitely has a binge-drinking culture (especially among college kids, which I avoided, thankfully), but it's not as hardcore as it is here.

SATURDAY

Saturday was a little more hardcore. Not for me (I really enjoy being the designated walker), but it was definitely an excellent night out--this time in honour of Daniel's birthday!

We started out at a pub near Embankment, and then once everyone had arrived there (including the housemates' coworkers, whom I'd met on Friday), we headed to the Covent Garden Comedy Club for a few hilarious stand-up acts. For future reference: Martin Davis was a little lame, but Ian Moore and Hal Cruttenden (the headliner) were hilarious. I'm a big fan of the humor that matches political and current events with crazy observations--and even stuff that dips into the absurd and surreal. Those two hit that/tapped that. Pretty awesome.

NOTE: The Covent Garden Comedy Club is usually a gay club called Heaven, so if that's your style, gentle readers, maybe you should check it out on a Friday night.

We went to a club called Motion instead, since going to the comedy club gave us free entry to it after the show. And boy, do I love to dance. Sometimes I forget, but it is crazy fun to dance amid the light show and a thumping bass to terrible techno music. Gah, and Daniel and I requested "Low" by Flo Rida twice, but the DJ didn't get to it, so I'll probably just have to blast it from iTunes later today to make up for that slight lack in an otherwise fan-freakin'-tastic evening.

Two necessities for a night out in London, I learned: night buses and kebabs. The streets were flooded with drunkards, many of them very attractive and reasonable people during any normal day, I'm sure--don't get me wrong--but it was almost a laugh riot to see so many people stumbling or teetering around. And unlike in Boston, where shops close at 7 PM on average--yes, even on a weekend--stuff is open all freakin' night here. It's much more like New York.

And I recall asking a friend a while back: how is it that so many kebab shops stay open for business here?
The answer: drunk people.

From 2 AM, they line the streets outside kebab shops, filling up on lamb and Coke so that their hangovers won't be quite as bad the next day. It's really endearing. And doner kebabs are wicked good--a lot like a gyro, basically, just a little sloppier. Let that be lesson to you: if you want to blend with British culture, never turn down a kebab at 2 AM. Just roll with it. We then found our night bus, which takes about forty minutes to get from Tottenham Court Road, right downtown, to Finchley, our li'l neighborhood, and then walked arm in arm back home. It was a really stellar night.

Tomorrow, I'll be up at 8 AM and back on the job search. No, I haven't forgotten; yes, it stresses me out; and maybe, something will jump start my hope again this week. Fingers crossed, people. And toes and eyes and ears...

Queuing

2008-09-26T11:26:00.002+01:00

Looks like I'll have to join the stand-by queue for those London Film Festival screenings. They're already sold out.

Woot.

Now if I could just find a place to watch the first presidential debate tonight...

Ooh, Technology!

2008-09-25T09:09:00.001+01:00

Thought this was interesting news for those planning to study in the UK:

Foreign national ID card unveiled

Looking Bleak

2008-09-24T17:24:00.002+01:00

Another grey day, and another day without a phone call or email from employers.

The good news is that I found a good deal more job posts today than in the last two days; I had applied to twelve different jobs by 2 PM today and a lucky thirteen total by the end of the work day, most of them production-based.

Tomorrow I follow up on every single one of them with a phone call.

Tonight I meet up with my friend Chris in Camden for a bit of a breather and walk, but I'm bringing my umbrella.

Nerves, Nerves, Nerves

2008-09-23T15:43:00.004+01:00

Yesterday (Monday) was torture. I stayed at home in the living room all day, stuck in front of the computer, researching companies and revisiting job listing sites for hours on end. Meanwhile, our giant wall clock was ticking away and making me even more aware of the time passing.

The same thing's happening right now.

This morning, though, I "pounded the pavement," as they say, and brought my CV directly to several company offices in Soho, where many UK film and TV companies are based. Some of them are hidden, though, and others look like they might be directly associated with production when they're actually graphic design companies, marketing firms, or even post-production (picture and sound editing) facilities--work that I'm not exactly geared toward for the long run. My plan was to hand out ten CVs, but I only wound up submitting to three places; I may try again tomorrow or Thursday and start out with better preparation.

In the meantime, very few job listings have gone up, though they usually hit in the afternoon, so I'll stay hopeful about that. I've also been in touch with a recruitment consultant who wants to meet with me later this week to discuss temp work, though even she admitted that things were "slow" these days, with fewer jobs coming in.

This really may be the most nerve-wracking experience I've had to date, not knowing if or when someone will get in contact with a decision that would directly affect my future. I hate to be so fearful at this stage, since I've only been here for a little over a week now (and unemployed for slightly over two weeks in total). It could very well continue for another two weeks or even a month, though Lordy Lordy, I hope it won't be too long now. I'm craving an interview more than anything in life right now (even more than food, and I actually forgot to eat lunch).

The good things, however:

Daniel taught me how to play chess last night and then let me win.
Today's his birthday, and on Saturday night we all head to a comedy show to celebrate it.
We might go zorbing in honour of my birthday.
Natalie's enjoying her internship in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Today it rained for the first time since I got here, and even then it was just a sprinkling.
I may meet Terry Gilliam at a screening of Brazil on Saturday afternoon.
I may reconnect with a long-lost English friend soon.
It's sunny again now.

Treat #2

2008-09-22T14:31:00.001+01:00

I haven't seen one person wearing a pair of Crocs here yet.

A Fun Game

2008-09-20T17:45:00.006+01:00

Count the cranes!

When you walk along the River Thames here in London, strolling along the super-cool South Bank, look across to the other side of the river and the skyline. There are gritty, stylized, historic buildings--St. Paul's Cathedral included--and LOADS AND LOADS OF CRANES.

Today I counted 37. Here are a few:

(I also sat on the bench where Liam Neeson sat in Love Actually. No surprise there.)

I've started racking up a whole list of things that I want to see and do while I'm here (at least when I start earning money again), including a few London Film Festival events. The festival runs from October 15th - 30th, and the ones on my agenda are the Quantum of Solace premiere, a "screentalk" interview with Danny Boyle (director of Trainspotting and 28 Days Later), and a screenwriting masterclass with Charlie Kaufman (screenwriter of Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), among other screenings! Guess how much I'm geeking out right now.

More soon!

At least it hasn't rained yet!

2008-09-19T12:21:00.003+01:00

Alright, so I've been here four days, officially, if you time it from when my plane landed. I'm betting I've set out roughly thirty CVs in the last week and a half (including those sent from Switzerland), some to specific job vacancies and some more speculatively to production companies and recruitment firms.

No responses yet!

Four days. I have to keep reminding myself that it's only been four days. And by Monday, it will only be five business days. Nevertheless, this is a nerve-wracking period, and although I prepared for it and have saved my money--and although I'm definitely using my time wisely in looking for jobs--I won't lie: unemployment is scary.

My plan is to cold call a few more production companies this afternoon (after lunch) just to say hello and see what they recommend, i.e. the best way to submit my CV and if they have any vacancies. I find it helps to laugh and say, "I'm sorry, I bet you get these kinds of calls all the time, but..."

(NOTE: The English love the word, "Sorry." Learn it, know it, use it.)

Then I may wait till the evening or even Monday morning to submit my CV--'cause who wants to look at someone's resume on a Friday afternoon? (That's a trick that my friend Carrie passed on from her dad. Someone's more likely to read a resume earlier in the week. Still, that doesn't mean I want to waste Thursdays and Fridays.)

This weekend: I relax. My housemates and I may go see a movie (Tropic Thunder, my favorite of the year so far), then I'll revisit some favorite sites (like the South Bank, hopefully in the sun), and there's the possibility of meeting up with my friend Chris, too, since he moves back to London from Cornwall tomorrow. Excellent.

May I just say it again? My housemates are awesome. Daniel gave me a set of "fairy lights" to string up in my room, so that it's a little more perty, and and then we chilled out and watched a film called Crank yesterday evening (it is the ultimate dude movie and wicked entertaining), chattin' about film production, manatees, electric cars, and the story he's writing. I can't believe I've only been here two nights!

Anywho, these posts are getting long. I'll tip my hat to you (the one I'm not wearing) and say, "Till next time, yo!"

Treat #1

2008-09-19T00:26:00.004+01:00

I tried banoffee pie for the first time, in a little plastic container from a take-away store called EAT. I'd heard about it for ages, and I believe that was the first thing on my England To Do List, believe it or not.

It wasn't bad. Dunno if it beats flan, though.

Good night!

Done and done!

2008-09-17T17:46:00.003+01:00

I've moved into a flat!

That's one important facet sorted, isn't it? I decided to go with the first flat that I viewed, believe it or not, so now I'm already typing from my itty-bitty, but very cozy room using our wireless Internet! Earlier my housemate Daniel and I went out to the high street (main street), where I deposited the rent and safety deposit into my other housemate's bank account (since she's the lease-holder)--a whopping £440 altogether. As I said, incredibly cheap for a room in London. I estimated that I'd have to spend £800 for the deposit and October rent, so I'm doing quite well in saving money for now.

I also picked up some necessities, like new sheets, pillows, and a duvet--also pretty cheap, all things considered. We went to a "swag shop," a cheap store for all of your household staples, and it was only about £50 altogether. (I thought Daniel said "slag shop" and imagined a clothing store suitable for hookers.) I bet you'd pay about $150 in the States for the same amount of stuff that I got. (And yes, you can consider the exchange rate and think I spent about $100, but considering the cost of London living generally, it's like spending $50. I have to think of pounds as my regular currency now.)

I love it here already. Great housemates--we've chatted over tea (yum) and King of Queens (shameful, I know), Katerina's really charming, and Daniel's a huge movie buff, so I'm thinkin' we'll all get along! I haven't met Lucie, my third housemate yet, since she's home in the Czech Republic, but she sounds swell as well.

In the meantime, I've applied for loads more production jobs in the last couple of days. I found out that I didn't get an interview for that TV Locations job at the BBC, which is disappointing, especially considering that first phone interview that never happened, but I'll keep on trucking. I even worked up the courage to phone some hardcore feature film production companies today and made it past their receptionists! It seems like a good sign when they let you to contact someone in production directly and don't just tell you to email your CV to generalofficeemailaddress@bigcompany.com. I've also been applying to positions through recruitment companies, which always seems daunting; they're the gatekeepers to some really hotshot companies. HOW DO I BREAK THEM? ( :-) )

I'll keep you posted, as ever! Time to go grocery shopping at Tesco!

The Ego Has Landed

2008-09-15T22:22:00.006+01:00

I'm already used to looking right first before I cross the street!

I landed at about 1 PM today, took the train to King's Cross - St. Pancr(e)as for only £8.50 (instead of the Gatwick Express for £16 or £18, whatever it was), then headed over to the hostel! It's a pretty happenin' place; I like it for the most part and just hope that my bunkmates won't be too loud when they get in tonight (I haven't seen a'one of them yet).

So I settled in, bought a lock to lock up my stuff here, picked up a SIM card from Carphone Warehouse (the prices for calls/texts within the UK have gone up, but it only costs me 2p per minute to call the US now! REDONKULOUS!), checked some email, and then set out to view two flatshares in Finchley.

The first one was fantastic. The cons: it's a teeny-tiny room (smaller than my old housemate Natalie's room in Brookline, if that's any indication to some of you), and it's a little under a mile's walk from the tube (counterpoint: there's a bus to the tube, too). ("Tube" = Underground, London's subway system, FYI.) Pros: it's absurdly cheap and really a lovely, homey atmosphere. I sat and chatted with two of the three current tenants for an hour, which is a good indication that we'll get along if (likely when) I move there. (Let it be known that the house also had quintessentially "English" decorations, like lacey curtains and rose-patterened sofas, which is kind of charming.)

The second flat was more modern and bright, with a similarly small room (slightly larger, length-wise), nice folks, about a half a mile's walk from the tube, but for £400 a month (loads more than the other flat, believe it or not).

I went back on the tube almost regretting not saying an immediate yes to the first house, though I should sleep on it. It would have been a bit strange to go with the first flat on a snap decision, though I think I'll still feel good about it tomorrow.

Also, people have been remarkably nice here today! Three folks offered to help me get my luggage up the stairs on the train and outside the Underground, and one guy gave me his Oyster card that's good for another two days (since he was just on holiday and didn't use the whole thing). How cool!

I'm a little nervous about the job search, which will commence full-blast tomorrow (though I sent off another application this evening), but I'll stay optimistic for now. The British economy is in shambles right now, too--or heading that way, at least. Today 5,000 people lost their jobs in the banking business, with direct thanks to Lehman Brothers going bankrupt. It's going to be a tricky road for a lot of us (my classmates and I graduated at a terrible economic time), but we'll weather it out in the long run, I hope.

As an aside, I bought my dinner and tomorrow's breakfast at Tesco this evening for only £2.93 altogether. They have very reasonable food prices here if you hit the right chains.

More soon! Time to get some shut-eye, if Piccadilly Circus decides to be quiet for once!

Countdown: 2 Days

2008-09-13T19:54:00.004+01:00

We’re still in Switzerland, which is lovely. We spent three nights in Bern, the very hip capital city, and visited with our cousin Rosaline. Now we're back in Geneva for the last two nights, regrouping and enjoying more Swiss chocolate until we depart on Monday.

I'm stoked!

I’ve been making a little more progress on the immanent move, at least by putting my name out there. I signed up for a production job listings website which I pay a monthly fee to access, and there are a good deal of vacancies posted there each day. I applied for four more jobs on Thursday night and Friday morning on our hotel’s free computer, and I'll be sure to follow up with those companies once I have a UK mobile number set up next week.

I’m also in contact with three people regarding flatshares in Finchley and Golders Green now, and if the rooms are still available early next week, I’ll have a look at them right away. The place near Golders Green is more expensive and doesn’t include the price of utilities, unfortunately (and I know from renting in Boston that heat prices can be wicked expensive in the winter, as much as $100 per person per month) (but then again, hey, there’s no need to get consumed by the details just yet, since nothing’s set in stone). I'll see what I find!

I like feeling more flexible this time, rather than panicked about the uncertainty. I have my moments of worry, definitely, but I’m hopeful that something will work out—both for a flat and job. Last time, ridiculously enough, I had three goals (which weren’t quite as vague as I’m making them now, rest assured): a flatshare, a job, and romance.

I got two out of three, which are my two necessities this time as a result: steady work in the production industry and a comfortable houseshare. The third plan now is to be quite outgoing and make some new friends, while hanging onto my older, excellent friends as well (‘sup, Chris?). I’m thinkin’ it’ll be a somewhat smoother transition in England this time—but if it isn’t, I also know how to handle disappointment as well now (usually involves having a mini panic attack, calling someone to vent, and then moving on to the next plan immediately afterward!).

The next time I write will probably be from London! Look out!

(By the way, I'm really glad that I opted for a plane trip from Geneva to London instead of a train and the Eurostar between Geneva, Paris, and London. There was a fire in the Eurostar tunnel the other day, so the service is suspended until that's fixed up! To think I could've been stranded for a week! Whew.)

Zermatt Schmermatt

2008-09-08T21:19:00.007+01:00

Yeesh, for a second there, all of the commands here in Blogger were in German. Not okay.

Hello from Switzerland! My mom and I started out in Geneva for two nights, and now we're in the lovely town of Zermatt, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides, including a big 'ne called the Matterhorn.

This is the view from our hotel room:

A picture's worth a thousand words, so I'll be quiet. I must say, though, it's a little bizarre traveling from French-speaking Geneva to German-speaking Zermatt in under four hours; same country, different languages everywhere. If I could have any superpower, it would be to speak and understand every language on the planet. Just FYI. I'll add that to my Christmas wish list.

I have an update on the BBC job as well. Last Thursday, my phone interview was rescheduled for today at 11 AM UK time, or noon Swiss time. I gave them our Swiss mobile number and hotel phone number in Geneva, and then I waited in our hotel lobby just after check-out, anticipating the call.

Again, it didn't happen.

I phoned their recruitment folks in Belfast after only twenty minutes this time to see what was going on, but they had to get back to me on it. After another hour, we were on the train to Zermatt, and I was quickly losing cell phone coverage, anyway (we don't have any bars here in the hotel, for example, which is understandable)--but I hadn't heard anything back by then. I figured I'd done all I could on my end and had to wait for an explanation from the BBC.

It came in the form of an email this afternoon, saying that they had tried to phone me at both lines, but neither had worked (a little bizarre, to be honest, since we'd tested the mobile and everything). The contact said that they had to make a decision and hire someone based on interviews they had already conducted in person--so this gig hasn't worked out for me. A minor setback. However, this recruitment contact was also very apologetic and said that I could contact her directly about any future BBC job applications. A bonus! A bit o' silver lining. It gives me further motivation, which is fantastic at this stage--and of course I followed up on my TV Locations job application in my email response to her. We'll see! Again, no use getting my hopes up over these things; it'd just be great if one worked out.

So, jet-lag and now altitude sickness (which is fatigue on top of fatigue, really). Time to get some rest, m'dears!

Thanks for reading!

Heathrow, Terminal 5

2008-09-06T07:05:00.010+01:00

I don't think I've truly felt the phrase, "It feels like I never left," but that's exactly how it's feelin' now. I landed at Heathrow after a remarkably short flight (just under six hours!)--and it could be the fatigue, but it feels like I was here just weeks ago or like Boston and London are almost exchangeable in my mind since I've been back and forth between them so often in three years.

I got to watch the sunrise from here, through the airport's enormous windows, while BBC News played on a nearby TV (including the signature beepy-sound intro music, which is oddly comforting). I'm only here for another hour or so, since I'm taking a connecting flight to Geneva for our ten-day holiday, but I just wanted to let you know that I feel so satisfied in being back here right now. I'm sure there will be some challenges in the months ahead, but I'm quite calm about it at the moment and ready to take them all on with a level head.

The flight was also made shorter because of my "neighbor," a very chatty English man who had three drinks with dinner and was slurring his "ch" sounds a lot. He asked me, "WHY aren't you drinking? It's all FREE!" To which I just had to say, "Americans are naturally drunk, so there's no need." In the meantime I watched episodes of Dexter, The Mighty Boosh, and Flight of the Conchords--and saw a whole video highlighting the best Premiere League (soccer/football) goals of the 2007-2008 season, so woot, I'm all caught up. (I'm really gunning, pun intended, to see a live Arsenal match this time around.)

Before I sign out, A GREAT JOKE FOR YOU:
Q: What's the opposite of Christopher Reeve?
A: Christopher WALKEN.

Stuff I've Packed

2008-09-04T22:59:00.006+01:00

Okay, this isn't what I promised in the last post, but it's still good information for folks thinking of going abroad, too.

passport, BUNAC Blue Card, and all ID/insurance cards
three copies of those documents in case of loss
bank statement and bank reference letter
recommendation letters
two posters (London Underground map and Hot Fuzz)
two converters, plus one specifically for my laptop
computer, external hard drive, and all accessories
unlocked mobile phone and charger
iPod* and charger
digital camera
DVD wallet (about 30 Region 1 DVDs)
DVD spool (copies of my thesis film)
my thesis film production book
toiletries (soap, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, floss picks)
one pair of sneakers/trainers
three pairs of dress shoes (flat, low heel, high heel)
flip-flops
two professional jackets
one raincoat
one windbreaker
two hoodies
two pairs of jeans
one pair of black dress pants
misc. tops, skirts, dresses, and underthings (a lot of them)
journal
small photo album
two books (Rant by Chuck Palahniuk and Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby)
eight months’ worth of disposable contact lenses
seven months’ worth of medication (nothing serious)
vitamins
alarm clock
planner/address book

And this is all in one medium-sized suitcase, a laptop bag carry-on, and purse. There are also two boxes to be shipped, with winter clothes, my production management textbook, jewelry things, perfume (which you can only ship ground, not via airplane, FYI), and the like--things that aren't crucial upon arrival.

Keep checking back!

*My iPod broke the night before I left.

I'M AWAKE

2008-09-04T05:04:00.005+01:00

Hi there,

It's past midnight, two days before I head out--and lemme just say Europe's looking sweeter with every minute that the Republican National Convention airs. I will not miss seeing those crackheads over the next two months.

I'm moved out of my apartment and now staying in my aunt's lovely studio for the week. I got some more packing done tonight--just to pare down my final suitcase load and create one more box to have shipped to me once I'm settled in the UK. My suitcase was going to be massively overweight, otherwise, which would suck in traveling around Switzerland on holiday first. (I don't know if I've mentioned that, but I'm spending ten days in Switzerland before entering England.)

The BBC interview hasn't happened yet. I was ready and even dressed up in professional-wear on Monday morning--to get in the zone, if you will--and then the call never came. I phoned their recruitment staff after an hour and a half of waiting--and they've been really lovely so far as they try to figure out why the department folks never called me. Hopefully it'll be resolved before I leave, but if not, my mom has a Swiss cell phone number from one of her co-workers that I can give them as a contact number. All is not lost.

I was pretty stressed about that situation on Monday, but by this point the plan is to not get my hopes up and to apply for more jobs (one was a TV Locations department position at the BBC, which would be fantastic as well; I love working out production location logistics).

A few quick resolutions for the UK:

Create a new budget for every month.
Stick to your friendly budgets.
Don't go to Starbucks. (I give it a month--or until the Christmas drinks are introduced again.)
Don't listen to any emo songs--just kick-arse ones like "Low" by Flo Rida.
Partake in all English customs except for the rampant alcoholism.

And yo, heads up: my next post will include a bulleted list of all of the things I'm looking forward to doing and all the things I'll miss about the US and Boston. There may be pie charts. (There won't be pie charts.)

No way in hell...

2008-08-29T23:47:00.004+01:00

...is it possible to fit six months' worth of stuff into one medium-sized suitcase.

I even have a box of winter clothes packed for my mom to ship to me; even so, it's difficult getting all the necessities ready to go. By "necessities" I mean clothes, shoes, books (three, including a big one called Film Production Management 101), journal, mini photo album, toiletries, a jewelry box thingie, my thesis film production book (a 2" binder), and DVD wallet.

Then there'll be the laptop bag--my carry on--in which I'll try to squeeze my computer (a given), all of my travel/visa/work paperwork, a hardcover novel, my external hard drive, DVD copies of my film (for festival distribution), cables (for computer, cell phone, drive, and iPod). The purse comes, too, and thankfully that's pretty spacious, for what it's worth.

Irk. I'll let you know how it pans out.

Youth Mobility Scheme

2008-08-28T15:18:00.006+01:00

Alright, I shouldn't be blogging right now, but I just heard about this exciting new turn of events this morning:

The Youth Mobility Scheme

It's a programme that's set to replace the BUNAC scheme in 2009 (though with no set date yet), allowing anyone from participating countries between ages 18 and 30 to work in the UK for up to two years. The problem?

The US government hasn't agreed to participate in it yet.

If it doesn't, that means that by 2009 (from whichever month the programme is activated) it will be virtually impossible for American young adults to work abroad in the UK without some sort of sponsorship.

I think I'll be fine, since I'm entering on the BUNAC Blue Card scheme before the programmes transition over, but still: how nuts is that?

Great if the government okays it, craptastic if it doesn't work out.

Just thought I'd let you all know.

And by "all" I mean, you know, the twelve people who read this brilliance. ;)

First Interview!

2008-08-21T16:38:00.003+01:00

Here we go: BBC Recruitment called this morning, and I'm scheduled for a phone interview with them on September 1st! I'm gonna go bust a move now, 'cause I'm so excited.

Hellooooo There, BBC

2008-08-20T18:38:00.001+01:00

Hi there!

It's been a good week or so since I last posted, and today definitely warrants an update.

I thought that I'd slowed down on the job applications a little too much over the last few days. I applied to several great ones last week and even this morning, but I've gotten to the point where I'm not expecting to hear back from anyone; there's still a little under a month till I get to London, and most production companies look to hire for an immediate start.

Then about an hour ago, the shock of my life: I had an email from the BBC, saying that I'd made it to the first round of interviews for their Staff Scheduling Co-Ordinator position.

Holy. Guacamole.

I barely believed it, just because I was used to getting the polite rejection emails from them. I thought that's what this email was, too, until I caught the, "We're pleased to inform you..." part. This position is a six-month contract (perfect timing), doing similar work to what I do now in Boston, but with a heavier focus on production scheduling, rather than budgeting and expenses (though there would be some work with the Finance Team in the mix, too). The email said that I can expect someone from recruitment to get in touch with me soon--I'd imagine later this week.

So there you go! Another bit of hope that I'll find something suitable! Even if this doesn't pan out, it's a great step, and I know that I'll learn from it.

I Pod

2008-08-12T04:08:00.001+01:00

Making some progress on the job search front, I hope, but based more so on personal connections. I'm keeping my fingers, toes, eyes, legs, and ears (?!) crossed for more to come of it.

I heard back from my cousins in Pinner today, and it turns out that I won't be able to spend my first week at their house either, which is a bit unfortunate. They'll be on holiday in Spain at the time.

At first I looked at the situation as, "Curses, noooooooooo, now I have to book a hostel, a pathetic hostel." Then I found the Piccadilly Backpackers Hostel. I saw the photo of their pod-style beds on the main page there, and I was sold. If I'm staying in a hostel, I may as well aim for hardcore claustrophobic, you know?

In truth, I think they're adorable!

So I booked my six nights there and immediately felt like the day had improved. I also found out that flying into Gatwick won't be as much of a hassle as I'd once heard; there's the Gatwick Express, which runs straight into Victoria Station for about £17.

The job hunt continues tomorrow. Some days I wake up terrified, but then I realize/realise that I still have over a month to go. That'll change in three days, when I'll have exactly a month. And then less than a month.

You see how the terror evolves.

Whew!

Validation, Sort Of

2008-08-07T16:47:00.001+01:00

Time for a job search update. I haven't counted the number of applications I've sent off, but it has to be at least twenty-five or thirty by now, which is a huge start. I've also started cold-calling companies for a bit more information about them. I kicked Skype in the face and started using a good, old-fashioned phone card instead (200 minutes to the UK for $10; not bad at all!).

Then this morning I had a voicemail message from one incredibly cool production company requesting an interview! For one, I didn't know for sure that my cell phone could accept international calls, so that was a relief. And further--of course--it got me pumped because although realistically I'm applying for jobs a little too early, this message was validation in a way. It means that I stood out to one company and run the chance of finding something equally excellent once I move to London.

The catch was that they wanted to interview me next week and needed someone to start almost immediately afterward; I expected that would be the case, so it didn't work out this first time--but even so, it was a rush to get that call and make a connection with them. They're going to keep my CV on file in case anything else comes up.

Just thought I'd share the good news. There's progress!

Also, I want to take a second to plug Tropic Thunder. I saw a sneak preview of it on Tuesday, and it's the funniest flick since Hot Fuzz, since it makes fun of films and filmmaking to the max and does it wicked well.

Irritata

2008-08-04T13:06:00.001+01:00

Experienced some more frustrations at 7:30 this morning.

I phone NatWest, my English bank, through Skype just to check to make sure that my recent (£10!) check had cleared and that my account is still active. I gave the woman my sort code and account number--and then she asked for my pin number. I had two options with me, the original ATM pin mailings that they sent me when I was there.

Neither of those worked. As a result I was blocked from telephone banking and told to re-register for a new pin.

Talked to another guy. The connection over Skype was really shoddy; he said I sounded like I was calling from space.

He said the only thing they could do was snail-mail me the re-registration form, which would take "God knows how long." I alerted him to the fact that I'd be moving in three weeks, so he suggested I phone my branch (which was where I spoke to that first woman, initially), request a mailed change-of-address form, mail that in, and then request the re-registration for phone banking. "But then again," he said, "it might take too long if you're in the States."

Don't get me wrong; he was a nice enough teller--but it's so frustrating to have the bureaucratic run-around and to be blocked out of checking my account so quickly. It's worse than with my bank here in Boston, I have to say.

And now I also have to find out the best way to make Skype-to-phone calls, since the sound got so distorted this time. My internal microphone is working fine; apparently it's distortion caused by changing the digital call into analog for the phones there.

My plan was to start phoning production companies to ask about their work and possible vacancies--but that has to be put on hold if I'll sound like a Martian.

Irk. Just thought I'd share.

Shifting Gears

2008-08-02T20:46:00.001+01:00

As of my last post, I was preparing to apply for a secondary visa through the British Consulate, one that will be required of BUNAC participants who enter the UK after October 1st this year.

I tried phoning the British Consulate in New York with two simple questions:

1) What are the chances of my visa application getting processed in one month?

2) If the chances are slim, will I have the option of applying for that secondary visa at the Home Office once I arrive in the UK?

Seventeen attempts and lots of frustration later, I found out that it is impossible to speak to an actual human being at the British Consulate. They try forwarding you to a 1-900 number for any visa questions, for which you have to pay $3.00 a minute; I refused. I even tried getting through to their press office to ask my question posing as a student journalist--but even their press correspondent was out of the office.

I took those as signs that any attempt at getting my visa processed before I leave would be equally impossible.

Keep in mind, I have my BUNAC Blue Card, and I'm entering before October 1st--so I technically don't need this extra visa. It just means that without one, I won't be able to go on any vacations to mainland Europe and re-enter the UK with the same right to work.

I've actually decided to cut my losses there. I don't think it's worth getting an ulcer waiting for the Consulate to process my visa and return my passport and Blue Card to me in the days leading right up to my flight. I can't risk not having those items, basically, so I'm not applying for that second visa. This means that any vacations/"holidays" will be limited to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Not bad at all (except maybe Wales)!

The decision also saves me $430 toward that visa, which I'll instead be able to use for a nicer flat. Woot.

In the meantime this week I applied for more jobs--at least one each night and then seven on Thursday, since I found a wonderful job search site with super-relevant positions. I think an ideal gig would be as personal assistant to an executive or producer, or executive producer, in television, especially considering the salaries are on the higher end, in the range of £22,000 - £35,000. I've determined that I need to earn at least a £22,000 per year salary, since I know that I can survive on the remainder of that once they take out the roughly 30% for taxes and National Health.

Man, I can't wait till I actually get there, so that I can write more entertaining posts about how drunk the British are. Right now this is more of a How-To, isn't it?

"Keep on keepin' on."

Hot damn!

2008-07-29T04:29:00.001+01:00

Er, hot darn! It's official.

I got my DHL envelope from BUNAC today. The courier left it at my front door, with a big sticker on it that read "DO NOT LEAVE AT THE DOOR!" Well, if anyone hadn't been tempted to nick it in the first place...

So next comes the big, hairy application to the British Consulate. And I do hope that it only takes a month, rather than the potential two months that BUNAC warned us about.

I've made some progress in "networking," so called, in trying to find a job; I'm pretty pleased that I'm at this stage and still have over a month to find one, if need be. There's always a chance that I'll get down to the wire, have zero interviews lined up, and want to cry a river of tears and nerves, but I'd rather aim for optimistic instead.

I actually found the business card of a man I met last summer while temping, which led to a pretty stellar start. It was my second week or so--maybe third week--in London, and he was starting his first day on the job, too. Once I mentioned that I was studying film, he told me about the Cass Business School's Film Business Academy, since he'd graduated from Cass, and imparted that his new company had a corporate video production division. I'd had a suspicion after sorting the mail for them--subscriptions to Broadcast and Variety. It sounded like a company to keep in mind for future reference. Heck, the Film Business Academy still seems awesome (if I ever manage save up £80,000), and I was pleased to get back in touch with this guy to find out about possible vacancies there.

No need to jinx it, though. We shall see.

You'll notice I'm trying to be vague about company names for now.

Tomorrow, I have an informational interview set up at work for a show that thrives on co-production between the US and UK; I just have to find out how. I want to know how much production actually takes place in the US, when most of the physical production is over in England (and sometimes Ireland, admittedly). Hopefully it'll lead to a bigger brain and more referrals.

On a more personal front, my great aunt and uncle who live just outside of London (in the house that formerly belonged to my grandparents) may be able to accommodate me in their hours during my first week in the UK, while I search for a flat. Unfortunately, my aunt's been in poor health for a while; but she may be moving from her nursing home back to the house, with hospice care involved, and so my stay would be contingent on whether or not she moves back there in September, just as I arrive.

I can't wait to see them in any case, but I'm also going to contact some other family members and friends to see if they would be willing to house me for a week. (It only took me five days to find a flat last summer--but I had so much more incentive because I hated the hostel where I started.)

More soon, yo.

If I’m being honest, I’m terrified.

2008-07-26T15:28:00.002+01:00

I’m going back to England in just over a month now (a month and ten days, we could say), and although my work visa is more or less secured (see below), I have no job or home to speak of there.

Yet.

If I’m being honest, I went to England with a work visa once before. The plan, therefore, is to do it all right this time, now that I’ve had some practice.

Right now, my permission to work is on a little blue piece of paper that looks like a magazine subscription card, complete with the perforated edge to one side. This blue card is sitting in a DHL wearhouse somewhere in the suburbs of Boston, no doubt. DHL attempted to deliver it today, but I missed the boat ‘cause I was at work, and thankfully they’ll redeliver on Monday.

Then it’ll all very officially begin.

If you’re interested in getting a work visa yourself, here’s the gist:

You have to be a university student or a recent graduate. By recent graduate, I don’t mean within the last ten years, unfortunately; you’re allowed to enter the UK through the BUNAC Work in Britain programme visa by 31 December after your graduation (if you graduate in the Spring, that is). It isn’t especially tricky. You go to bunac.org, request an information packet, send them the application and a money order (plus two passport photos; don’t forget)—and you’re good to go.

It isn’t a crock, believe it or not.

The catch is that beginning October 1, 2008, the British government will require an additional visa that you have to get through the British Consulate in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles. You sign up for the Work in Britain programme, receive your “Blue Card,” as it’s called (obviously—hence the quotation marks), and then mail the Blue Card off to the Consulate along with a boatload of other information (your passport, photos, bank statements, fingerprints, sweat, and desperate pleas).

I thought I’d get around this new visa regulation by entering Britain before October 1st. Oh ho ho, I thought. I’ll enter on September 15th and save myself the trouble.

Not so much.

I could do exactly that, but only if I wanted to remain smack in the UK for the full six months that I’m allotted. If I want to leave the UK at any point and return with the same right to work, I need the additional visa through the British Consulate. (And while I could conceivably stay put, it’s incredibly hard to limit yourself when you know that Paris is fewer than two hours away by train.)

Once I receive my Blue Card on Monday, I’m off into the world of very official visa business with the British Consulate, applying through their website and then sending off all of my personal information, plus $430, so that they’ll grant me additional permission to work—and permission to come and go around Europe as I please.

It’s an expensive affair, which is why it helps that I have a job right now.

Who knows where I’ll be in fifty days? Working at the BBC, or homeless? The former would be better, I’ll bet.

There’s a huge joy—as big as the sheer terror—in not knowing what’s to come. That’s the fun of this age. I just graduated from university in May, and because my current job comes to an end on September 5th, I had to decide where to go next. Location, location, location. It’s one thing to throw résumés out to twelve different cities and see where you get hired; but with my job finishing, my lease ending, and the clock ticking, I had to make a big decision on exactly where I wanted to go.

Stay in Boston? Nah. It’s comfortable enough, but too easy. I want a change.

New York? Not yet. Everyone goes there to be an angsty twenty-something; I have time.

Los Angeles? Hail no. I don’t drive.

Anywhere else in the US? I’m in film and television industry. Try moving to Nowheresville, Anywhere Else and tell me what the entertainment job listings are like. (Guaranteed example: “HOT MODELS NEEDED.” And that’s not the kind of job I mean.)

The catch is that London has always appealed to me. As cheesy as it is, I took my first baby steps there at ten months old and traveled there nearly every year or so after that to visit family (sometimes there were longer intervals, like two and four years). I became really comfortable with the culture of the city, especially, and that solidified when I studied abroad and worked there over two separate periods. A+ to London.

Granted, there were high and low points to my longer stays in London, especially last summer, and one of my points in going back this time is to prove to myself that it can me nearly perfect once again—but in many forms. This time I’m going back strictly for myself, especially to meet my professional goals, and to fully enjoy my six months there while I have them. I can guarantee that it’ll never be so easy to go back for an extended period of time.

Whew.

So there’s a long-winded introduction for ya, hopefully enough to keep you checking back once you’ve reached the last page of the Internet, otherwise. There’s clearly a lot of time until I’m finally off across the Atlantic, which means that I have a lot of networking to do beforehand.

I’ll let you know how it goes.