15 May 2016

So -- What Happened?


 A study abroad semester in 2012 is what put me in full force to make a life for myself in London. A year and a half after that, we spent a month in the city working to speak to everyone we could that would give us a chance at a job to bring us back to the city. A year after that, we bought a one-way ticket and a spot at Westminster University, as confident as I could be that it would somehow work out.

The last time I wrote in here - I was finishing up a Master's Degree, well into an internship I was hoping would take me somewhere, and still in that anxious uncertainty of wondering where I would be in 4 months time.

So - what happened? 

It was a few jobs through, a few more internships after that, one hell of a final paper, and a rejection or two from the UK government, but to be able to say this makes me prouder than anything I've ever done in my life.

WE DID IT.

Two crazy Americans with even crazier dreams, moved across the world together to accomplish something that not many folks can pull off. And not even one of us managed it - but we both did.

I've been with my company since July, and got my work visa in January. We're in a new flat in Fulham. We started a music events company and have put on some pretty wild gigs. I work 5 days a week and complain about how busy the tube is at rush hour. I grab a few pints at the local bars around for post-work happy hour. We spend weekends at the parks, or wandering around a market. Life is so normal - and I couldn't be happier.

I've always said I felt like I belonged here. But now, it's a reality. London is my home.

Damn that sounds good to say.

09 August 2015

BRB

Working, writing a dissertation, finding a new flat, and trying to LIVE!
Taking a quick hiatus for about two weeks until this is all sorted.
Be back soon!



26 July 2015

London: In Photos



Oh yes, of course we're ending this with pizza.


17 July 2015

Fab Four Friday

Being (probably overly) intertwined in the coolest community in the world - The Beatles -
I made a friend who offered to give me a backstage peek at Let It Be Live, currently playing at the Garrick Theatre.

Theatre ... and The Beatles ...
As if I could ever be more in my element than this day.


We got to watch a bit of soundcheck from all over the theatre,
and I'm back to report that YES - the view from the box is actually as good as they say.

 

Making our way backstage, we saw sound guys doing sound things, recreated guitars
(mighty fine & almost exact, I will say!),
and the many many costumes that are used throughout the night.
And more guitars. A LOT of guitars.

And no - was not successful in taking one home with me.
There's always next time.

 
How many can you name?

We also got a glimpse from the stage,
where we could get a view of what the guys see every night.

I'll tell you - imagining a sold out house felt incredible in an empty theatre;
I can't begin to understand how thrilling it would be when it's actually real.

While I tried and tried,
ultimately I was shot down as a sub-drummer for the night.
It just seemed like SUCH a big deal that I've never really played before?
I didn't get it either.


'John' has got a mini set list underneath the piano to follow with,
along with a few starting words to a certain song to help him remember the lyric order.
Which I thank him for - because after seeing that, I'm never going to forget that order either.



It was very cool to see how the show looks from the other point of view.
And I'd never actually been on a West End stage before, so I was a bit giddy about that too.

And having the centerfold for this entire visit was The Beatles.
And there's nooooooooothing in the world I like more than some rousing good ol' Beatles things!


Let It Be Live runs at the Garrick until 5 September 2015 - see it while you can!
Performances run from Monday - Saturday 7:30PM with matinees Thursday & Saturday 3:00PM.
Get your tickets HERE.


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