A final thought from this Little London Lady...

Last Christmas, my family and I went to go see the movie National Treasure 2. This movie has tons of scenes set in London because a secret compartment is found in a desk in Buckingham Palace, which holds a Native American map to the city of gold. While watching I thought to myself, ‘Wow! One year from today I will have been to London for three months and back, and seen Buckingham Palace myself. That is crazy!’ As I sit on my flight for the 8 ½ hour journey back to America, it is very appropriate this film would be shown on board to pass the time for the antsy travelers. As I flew over the Atlantic Ocean, I watched the movie intently recognizing all the landmarks, quietly realizing just how full circle my journey has been.

 

The past 12 hours have been nothing short of eventful. The girls went to Nandos for dinner, which was a great last supper in London. We then went to McDonalds and got a specialty McFlurry because this special mint one is only offered in the UK – and mint is my favorite! While there are probably 100 McDonalds in the city of London we picked the slowest one… on the planet. And then, the guy had the nerve to hand me my McFlurry without whipping it in the machine – so basically it was not a McFlurry at all. I simply would not have this. I said very politely, “Excuse me sir, are you going to whip this up for me?” And he looked disgusted, walked away and after putzing around, finally Mcflurryized my Mcflurry. When he handed it back I said, “Thank you,” and he gave me another disgusted look and I said, “I am sorry, but after waiting, you were you trying to rip us off, and this is our last night in London and you were about to take away from us the essence of a McFlurry…!” Clearly, I was a woman scorned, and he looked guilty, apologized and we giggled on our way back to the tube eating our ice cream. If you take one thing from this entry, it should be that I fight for my McFlurry, and you should too. When dessert is involved, never give up J.

 

When we got back to the flat we finished cleaning and packing up. The anxious feelings began to set in our full tummies, and by the time our suitcases were zipped and we had nothing left to do, we were ready to just get on with it. But, of course, we couldn’t sleep, so we stayed up until 2 am watching ‘She’s The Man,’ and then Laura and I headed into our room for our final night as roomies. We live together at Elon, but not in the same room. So it is sad for us because we have both loved being able to talk out our final thoughts just before we fall asleep. It’s quality La (what I call Laura) Ja (what I call myself because Je does not rhyme with La… go with it…) Pillow Talk. We talked for about 20 minutes and then just like two ten-year-olds at a sleepover, fell quiet as we succumbed to the exhaustion of the day.

 

This morning we woke up at about 6:30 am, got everything together and began to load our suitcases onto the coach bus heaving for Heathrow at 8 am. As we all circulated in and out of our basement flat carrying our massive bags up the winding stairs, somehow the door to our flat got closed behind us. This would not have been an issue if we had a key. We did not. This would not have been an issue if someone was still inside to open the door for us. No one was.

 

We all flew into a panic with five minutes before the loaded coach bus of anxious students was about to leave for Heathrow Airport, and some of our bags were still inside our flat. We immediately called maintenance to come open to door, but they would have taken 20 minutes to arrive at the least, which was too long to wait. When our faculty advisor Brooke arrived, we had a sigh of relief when she said she had a key to all the flats. The problem was – the keys were left in her flat and the bus was going to leave in 5 – 10 minutes. Brooke’s flat is about ¼ mile away and one of us had to run and get the key. Kristy took off, being the avid runner of the group, but she recently sprained her ankle and since I knew where the flat was because of my frequent walks with Brooke, and she did not, I took off after her, stopped her and finished the run in the 5 degree Celsius air, without a coat, tears starting to sprawl out of my sleepy and emotional eyes. I do not think I have ever run so fast. After all of the goodbyes, I was ready to go home today. No if’s ands or buts, so I just ran like the wind. It was like the scene at the end of ‘The Holiday’ where Cameron Diaz is sprinting in the cold back to tell Jude Law she loves him. Only, my finish line was a stupid key and not the beautiful Jude Law… definitely not as gratifying. I did get the key and made it back in time for us to get out bags and make it on the bus before it pulled away.

 

Still breathing heavily and adrenaline running high, I watched out the coach bus window as it drove further and further away from my little London life. We arrived at the airport, had a very easy check in (none of my bags were overweight, thank goodness… actually, thank Ike and Brezny!), went through security and sat with the girls reading Cosmo Magazine at the gate for an 1 ½ hours before it was time to board (why the bus HAD to leave at 8 am, seeing as we had so much time before our flight is beyond me…, but it all worked out, in fact, I worked out, so I guess the morning sprint will keep that McFlurry from appearing on my thighs…yay)

 

And that brings me here, to seat 32 J on American Airlines flight 173 from London Heathrow to RDU, watching National Treasure as the plane soars mile by mile closer to home. Now that I am only three hours away from seeing my family, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. This has been such an incredible three months, but it ended at the perfect time – before anything went sour. There is a reason ‘Friends’ ended the series while it was still very funny and popular – because in doing so the creators were able to bottle the magic of that show forever and look back on it with no regrets. In leaving now, yes I am leaving behind two best friends in Robert and Gordon. I am leaving the incredible sights of London and abandoning the ability to jump on the tube and be at a historic landmark or a fancy nightclub whenever I want. I am leaving behind the special bond of Flat B, and the freedom and friendship we shared abroad. But in leaving those moments I am taking with me the memory of this experience – a memory that will never fade or slip away with time thanks to this blog… and of course the millions of videos and photographs currently consuming my hard drive.

 

For all of you who have read and followed my London adventure, I cannot express to you how much it means that you not only read the extremely long entries that at times probably seemed boring and redundant, but that you always commented and cared. From family, to neighbors to sorority sisters, to friends, I have had an amazing support system that helped to remind me of how fortunate I was to be having this experience. While you were not physically here with me every day, I still feel as though I was able to share this semester with you to make up for those moments I wished you were beside me, and that is very special to me.

 

So, in a much-anticipated conclusion and as the credits roll on my in-flight movie, the page turns in this chapter of my life. Soon, my flight will touch down and this little London lady will be an American girl again. Until my next adventure, which I am confident there will be plenty more, do yourself a favor and go to Borders and buy a book. I am pretty certain without my lengthy blog to read you will have some time on your hands. And get excited, because coming home means seeing you, which is the best part of all.

 

A final love and hugs,

 

Your Little London Lady

 

Say girlicious, not goodbye :)

I have never been a fan of goodbyes, but I am a firm believer in closure, so I always make a big deal of them. My last weekend here in London is upon us, and while it is still hard for me to believe it, I am almost home. As I have been walking around the city these past couple of days, I think to myself how crazy it is that even though I will no longer be here, the city will go on without me just the same. The tubes will run (and of course break down…), the lights will blink on Regent Street, people will circulate in and out of the shops, and someone new will see this city for the first time and come to realize, as I have, how special it really is. My presence here has been but a blip in time, and next semester 40 new Elon students will begin their incredible journey – a journey that has changed me in ways I am still yet to discover. I just know, it has changed me for the better.

 

Saturday morning I woke up… well let’s be honest… feeling like I had been hit by a truck! I never understood why anyone would drink a lot of alcohol on their birthday – it is kind of silly because on the day of your birth you probably end up taking a day off your life…. but I had to embrace the tradition of cocktails and celebrate being young and LEGAL. You see, at least I did not break any drinking laws this year since I am legal in London! Plus the recovery was quick after getting some food in my empty stomach. 

 

As I was eating my cheerios (I will miss my Londonized cheerios – they are a bit more crunchy) my phone rang and it was my childhood friend Melanie Beck on the line. She and I were best friend in CT before I moved to NC when I was 15. She happens to be studying here in London for the semester through Ithaca University. While we have kept in pretty good touch, it had been two years since I had seen her. Who would have thought our next get together would be in London?! So crazy! So after making our plans to meet at Embankment, I showered and got ready for the day, and then headed off toward the Thames River – my favorite place in all of London.

 

As I was exiting the tube I saw her standing looking great with a big smile on her face, holding her arms wide open. It was so wonderful to see her. She looked beautiful and was just the same bubbly and warm girl I grew up with. We walked across the footbridge, overwhelmingly asking each other a million questions. We caught up on each other’s lives over some delicious club sandwiches and fell into our usual giggly and gossipy pattern. It was so incredible seeing how much she has grown and in turn, realizing how much I too have grown. There we were – two 20 year olds sitting in a restaurant over looking the Thames River in London, England. If you had told me that would happen years when I left CT 4 ½ years ago, I would have never believed you. Our lunch came at a perfect time in this trip as well, because it reminded me that even after you leave a person you love behind, with effort and a little good luck they will find a way back into your life. It certainly gives me hope for the relationships I am leaving behind.

 

The rest of the day was spent mostly laying around and packing up all of the crap we have accumulated over the past three months. Thank goodness for Ike and Brezny’s visit because they were able to take back so much of my stuff, so packing was actually not very difficult. As I zipped up my suitcases and laid out my outfits, it hit me – this is it. I am on the last paragraph of this chapter in my life, and turning the page is slightly heart breaking.

 

The girls collectively decided we had enough of London night life… our poor dancing feet were tired and sore, our hot going out clothes and stiletto heels were all packed away, and are morale was low after a long Friday night celebrating my birthday. So instead, we stayed in and watched Love Actually – not only a Christmas themed movie, but also very British, which was just perfect. We recognized so many of the landmarks featured in the scene transitions, including the Somerset House, which we had just been ice-skating on the day before. It was really cool! And I love that movie… especially Hugh Grant. I could use a Hugh Grant in my life… and then we could have a house in London and NC…. That would be perfect J. After, we said good night and went to bed.

 

This morning marked our last day in London. I have to pause as I type that out, because it is extremely surreal that this day is finally here. I slept in pretty late, not even so much because I was tired, but I told Laura upon getting my butt out of bed, that I slept because I probably thought that maybe if I didn’t wake up, this day just wouldn’t come, and I wouldn’t have to say goodbye. But there is no stopping time… it just keeps moving whether you sleep through it or not.

 

I got changed and watched the time tick with a bit of a sick stomach, waiting to leave for my goodbye lunch with Robert and Gordon. I headed to Bond Street tube station at about 1 pm to get some last minute things for the gift I put together for them and met them (on time J ) outside the stop at 2 pm. I felt anxious because I hate goodbyes and I wanted to just enjoy lunch without thinking too much about the inevitable. We walked to this really cute pub just a couple of blocks away and had a great Sunday Roast. Rob and I had roast beef with delicious potatoes and gravy, and Gordon had the lamb. The portion could have been larger for our bottomless tummies, but it is surly for the best seeing as we all haven’t been to the gym in months – although Gordie does cycle and Rob talks a lot about wanting to go to the gym, so that must count for something J.

 

We exchanged goodbye presents and I gave them the 11 X 14 collage I made them on photo shop, Christmas cards for them to open on Christmas day, a Kit Kat bar each, and a bag of stolen sugar from McDonalds. The story behind this is that one day toward the beginning of the trip they said they needed some sugar, so I ran out on an errand and very sneakily grabbed (not really stole…) a huge handful of individual sugars from the Pret-A-Manger down the street. So I included tons of sugar in the gift bag as a gag. I also wrote them each a very lengthy letter (as you must all know by now, I am very wordy…) and we were all crying by the end of it. Then they gave me the best present – it was a High School Musical photo album with tons of pictures for our experience together. It is hilarious how we were on the complete same wave-length with the presents. The best part (besides for the fact that we are all so ridiculously good looking) was that inside they had Leanne, Catherine and Ben (Tracy, Luanne and Link from the West end production of Hairspray) sign me personal notes with well wishes! I met Catherine and the gorgeous Ben at the cast party, and as you know Leanne and I are basically BFF J. It was the most wonderful present.

 

After lunch we walked back to the tube station and I hugged them both very tight and said goodbye. As I walked on the tube, I didn’t look back because I knew it would just make me break down. While I know I will see them again when they come visit NC next year (yay!), not being able to see and talk to them every day will be a difficult adjustment. There are simply so many ways they have made this experience what it was – the most amazing three months of my life. But like I said in their letter - just like you never forget your first love, you never forget your first intern. And trust me – this is not the end. Girlicious forever.

 

I talked to my mama on the phone on my way back to the flat and of course cried like a little baby about leaving. There is something about verbalizing things to my mom that just opens a whole new ocean of tears. But hearing her voice reminded me of how excited I am to come home and see my friends and family – and of course celebrate my birthday and Christmas! Do not be fooled, I may be very sad to leave this city behind, but for every tear there is a jolt of excitement for finally being back home. After all, there is no place like it, right?

 

Tonight the girls are going to dinner at Nandos and then spending the evening together in Flat B – our London home! We are going to dance around the common room, record video messages, and write out all of our inside jokes and memories from our time here. It should be a wonderful way to say goodbye to our home away from home, Little Venice.

 

My flight is American Airlines 173 leaving from Heathrow at 11:25 am and gets in at 3:10pm. I love how I gain time in the time difference because that means I get to spend a lot of time with my family in the afternoon to decorate the Christmas tree and eat cake! YAY! I am so pumped for that! I am looking forward to seeing the new addition on my house, hugging my dog (yes.. I have a dog, and YES, I do love him even though no one thinks I do…yes this may be the first time he has appeared in my blog, but all the same…), sprawl out in my queen sized bed, drive Audrey around town filled with cheap gas, see the Christmas lights around town, run across the street and see the Harrison family and simply be back in Cary, NC – and of course, be back on the US dollar!

 

I will write a blog on the plane ride home, which will be my final entry. So until then, cheerio loves J

 

Love and hugs,

Jenny

The beauty of age

I have always wondered why beyond a certain point it is socially unacceptable to ask a person’s age. Honestly, either you look old or you don’t – telling people your actual age is not going to change your outer appearance, so why not own it? And let’s face it, sometimes you just want to be able to ask “how old are you,” without feeling the awkward aftermath of having just asked an “extremely personal question”.  Since when did age become so personal? Up until you are about 26, you shout your age freely, countdown to the day until you are legal, and revel in the excitement of cake and presents. So why does this excitement transform to dread past a certain year? Since when did age go from being a number to a being some kind of death sentence?

 

On my 20^th birthday, I could not have been more excited to celebrate it here in London, my favorite city on earth, with some of my favorite people. I woke up – no, not feeling very different – but certainly feeling special. Upon coming back into the room after brushing my teeth I noticed on the door two printed picture collages and signs wishing me a happy birthday, signed by all of my flat mates. It was a very thoughtful effort headed up by Laura, and it was a perfect way to start the morning.

 

Andrea, Laura and I went to Raoul’s for a lovely birthday breakfast of French toast and eggs and it was delicious. We then came back to the flat, got ready for the day and went about our next birthday activity. Katie, Kristy, Laura and I headed to Covent Garden to go ice-skating at the beautiful Somerset House – a gorgeous mansion turned museum in the heart of the city. In the outdoor quad there is a picture-perfect ice skating rink, with a huge Christmas tree decorated with Tiffany and Co. decorations, which meant tons of teal – my favorites color. The tree was not as big as Rockefeller Center’s, but it was just as classy). Kristy hurt her ankle last week so after looking around, she headed back to the flat leaving Laura, Katie and I behind to skate on the rink for an hour. It was so magical, and a perfect afternoon activity. I proudly did not fall once, and while I would not classify myself as a pro, I certainly got the hang of it. They had classical music playing and it was so romantic and right out of movie.

 

After taking off our ice skates, we headed back into Covent Garden. This marketplace is one of my favorite areas in London. It is full of outdoor shops and booming with people weaving in and out of the stands, watching all the live performers – and of course, enjoying the very festive decorations dressing the storefronts for the holidays. Katie, Laura and I got some delicious jacket potatoes (this is the British term for a baked potatoes with tons of toppings to choose from – I got baked beans and cheese on mine and it was so delicious) and listened to some enthusiastic string instrument musicians play Christmas music in the square below.

 

We then headed back to the flat, showered, baked the funfetti cake that my mom sent me and got all dolled up for my birthday dinner at this posh Mexican restaurant called Las Iguanas located in Soho.

 

After taking our usual photo shoot of pictures, Katie, Kristy, Kelsey, Laura, Andrea and I got on the tube, and finally arrived at the restaurant where we met up with Robert and Gordon. I am not usually a big fan of Mexican but since I had not had it in forever, I was very much in the mood for a good enchilada and some margaritas of course! It was such a great meal with all my favorite people in London. We talked, laughed, drank and ate for about two hours. It was so great for the girls to meet the infamous Rob and Gordon and just as I knew they would be, they were so great to my friends. The boys also gave me these very bling-bling earrings for my birthday and I put them on immediately because they matched my dress so well. It was a perfect evening. The very nice and attentive waitress even brought out some cheesecake for me with a candle on it and they all sang to me. I can’t even write about it without having a big smile on my face. I just feel so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life to celebrate with.

 

After dinner, we parted with the boys and headed back to the flat to have more cake! It was soo hilarious because as I was blowing out the candles of my cake my hair almost caught on fire!!! AND, we got it on video! It is probably the most hysterical thing I have ever seen. I completely freaked out and my screams reached a pitch I did not know I was capable of – it has been classified as bird-like. I think I am going to send it to America’s Funniest Home Videos, and I think I will win J. The cake itself was seriously the most delicious cake I HAVE EVER HAD. Trust me, I have had my fair share of funfetti but something about this particular cake – maybe it was the fact my mama sent it over, or that Laura and I made it together with love, or the couple of margaritas I had before hand, but it was just to die for!

 

We hung around the flat for a little while just dancing around. The boys form upstairs joined the little gathering and we caught up with them for a while. At about 11:15pm we got our lazy butts out of the apartment and headed into the cold to Piccadilly Circus. After getting off the tube, we were wandering toward the nightclub Ruby Blue, when a club scout stopped us and lured us into Café de Paris – a very elite and upscale club that apparently Paris Hilton loves… I wonder why?! My cover charge was free because it was my birthday, which was AMAZING… but the poor girls had to pay 15 pounds each, plus 3 pounds for the coat check, which goes to show how elite the club is.

 

Once we got in, the music was amazing and eclectic from Britney to Michael Jackson throwbacks, to techno versions of radio favorites. We danced the whole night away with the exception of a little trauma incident – Katie got a little carried away and flipped her head into my face. My nose and lip began to drip blood in the middle of the dance floor, so laughing (because it really didn’t hurt that bad – again, maybe this was due to the margaritas J ) we ran to the bathroom where the attendant was a complete bitch to us despite the blood, but finally let me shove a tampon up my nose to stop the bleeding. It was pretty hilarious – first I almost light my hair on fire, and now I have a tampon shoved up my nose in front of the whole line of girls waiting to use the bathroom! Oh, good times, good times J. The bleeding stopped, and it was back to the dance floor. It was such a true nightclub – they had burlesque dancers up on the stage (and their true gender was anyone’s guess…) and confetti shot from the ceiling every hour. It was surreal and was the perfect way to end to an incredible day. Laura and I – the troopers – stayed until close, finally got our coats from the idiots behind the coat check who were delusional and lost the ticket we had handed them…. (that was frustrating), got on the 6 bus and made it home….slightly fat lip and all (luckily the swelling has gone down…it’s all good… I have done my fair share of head flips in my time, so I can understand the accident).

 

There was a moment in the club I will never forget. It was the four of us, Katie, Kristy, Laura and I, dancing together hugging and jumping up and down, in a fancy nightclub, in the best city in my world. I will never forget how special and honored I felt to be with those women in this city on my birthday.

 

I know I am only 20, and so my birthday is something I still look forward to (even though I am certain I will look forward to it even when I am 80 because it is a day all about me J ) but I find the negative light we cast on the reality of getting older a real shame. Even at the “ripe age” of 20, I am not immune to the worry that comes with age. No matter how young or old you are, every age comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Sure, no one wants to give up his or her youth because that means more responsibility. No one wants to be “over the hill,” because that somehow means you are at the halfway point to death. But I am pretty certain that the 16 year old who died in a tragic car crash never considered his 8^th birthday as any “over the hill” milestone. In fact, I bet that birthday was an exciting and great day.

 

That is the beauty of this life. We seem to forget not only do we become wiser with age, but that age is absolutely no determinant of how long we are going to live. Every day could be your last, which is exactly why you have to take in every moment and cherish it. This is also why on every birthday, instead of dreading becoming one year older, we should simply feel blessed and grateful that we have made it another year on this earth. And if you have the chance to celebrate that day in London, I highly recommend it.

 

Love and hugs,

Jenny

A lazy day in London town…

This morning, I slept in until 11am, which was beautiful, seeing as today I had no where I had to be. After waking up and getting ready, I headed to the Kelly Management office to spend the afternoon with the boys. We caught up on events of the past couple of days and went out to lunch at Slug and Lettuce – our favorite restaurant – we are seriously regulars there and have the same waitress every time, but she doesn’t seem to notice, which I think is funny. We had a very nice lunch and discussed when and what we would do when they come to visit me in NC next summer.

 

It was sad to say my final goodbye to the office, but after all, it is just a building – the two people that work there will be much harder to say goodbye to. But luckily I get to see them tomorrow night for my birthday dinner and again for a final Sunday roast before I leave Monday morning. I still cannot believe it is so close… tomorrow will mark not only my birthday (whoop whoop!) but also my last weekend in London, and that makes me feel so sad.

 

After seeing the boys, I came back to the flat, and then went on a long walk with Brooke. It was a bit cold, but it was great to get out and catch up on each other’s lives. I met Laura back at the flat and we had eggs and toast for dinner, which was actually delicious. After dinner, I literally sat in my bed the entire night organizing my iPhoto because my over 7,000 pictures (literally) were not organized in chronological order – and you know me… that was simply unacceptable. I feel so relieved everything is in order, and hopefully if I get the new iPhoto for Christmas from Santa, the pictures will be ready to go directly into that new format.

 

So it is officially my birthday seeing as it is 1:36 am London time! Wow, according to this time zone, I am now 20 years old! I am a bit bummed because when people used to ask me my age and I would say 19, the shock value was enjoyable. Not to mention, this marks the end of my teenage years – and while full of change and growth, they were pretty exceptional. Even just looking back on my pictures of the last five years, I cannot get over what an amazing life I have. The fact that I can accumulate over 7,000 pictures of friends, family, and memories says a lot. I have grown up so much and I am so proud of where I am in my life and even more proud of the people I get to share my life with. And I just know there is so much more in store.

 

The plan for my birthday tomorrow is:

            9:30am: Wake up and go to Rauols with Laura for a birthday breakfast!

            12pm: Go ice-skating at Somerset House and have a late lunch after.

Late afternoon: Come back to the flat, watch a Christmas movie and bake the lovely funfetti cake my mama sent me! Then get ready for the evening.

6:00pm: Head to the posh Mexican and Brazilian restaurant Las Iguanas for happy hour and dinner with Katie, Kristy, Andrea, Kelsey, Laura and of course, Robert and Gordon.

Afterward, dance the night away at a currently undecided club, but we will figure that out!

 

I am very excited and cannot wait to fill you in on the details of the festivities come Saturday!

 

Love and hugs,

The Birthday Girl!

Love is....

In tennis, love means zero – nada…nothing…basically, you suck. I always found this very interesting and while I could take the time to research the origin of this scoring system, instead I am going to think about it with you. How could love – having it, losing it, growing in it, living for it – represent the losing end of a match? How could an emotion so strong that it connects us all and has the ability to drive human beings together, and sadly at times even drag us apart, amount to nothing?

 

Another interesting question came to mind when I thought about the fact that love is being used in a game. I wish it weren’t true, but finding love is often a game – how should I act to make this person like me? Who should call who first? There are so many rules to dating, you would think we were playing an intense game of chess. As women, we constantly debate how to make the guy feel like we are hard to achieve the “thrill of the chase,” when really we just want to throw in the towel, be up front and simply say, “listen, I think you’re great.” And I am sure that men, trying to unveil the complicated and intricate workings of the female mind have issues of their own trying to translate women’s actions. There is all of this confusion, self-contemplation and effort simply because we are trying to win in the game of love. But in life, if love is the prize we are all seeking, how come in the game of tennis, love is a loser’s score?

 

Why all this tennis talk? Well this morning, Andrea, Laura and I went to Wimbledon to see the famous racquet club that holds the annual Wimbledon tennis tournament. I woke up this morning, had some oatmeal and got ready for the day. Then we headed on the tube for about an hour getting on and off, switching lines and finally arriving at the Wimbledon Park tube stop. It was a very cold day (like FREEZING…) but again the sun was out and shining, which makes the cold manageable. We stopped first into a cute tennis shop right outside the stop, and then walked up hill for about 15 minutes searching for the actual tennis club. We passed the Wimbledon Golf Course, which was beautiful, and made our way to Gate 15 of the Wimbledon Club.

 

An escort arrived and took us through the outdoor walkway surrounding the many courts on our way toward the Wimbledon Museum and gift shop. He gave us some fun facts, but we really weren’t able to see that much because the centre court (where all the big televised matches happen) is under construction and is closed off to the public. Instead of paying the 15 pounds for the tour and museum entrance fee, we did a bit more looking around the ground and of course, went shopping in the gift shop. After, we walked another ten minutes up to Wimbledon Village.

 

This small shopping area was very quaint, and had tons of restaurants, home stores, and dress shops. It was a very proper English town, and we had a delicious lunch at Giraffe to get out of the cold. Afterward, we walked around a bit in and out of some of the shops and then headed back to the tube.

 

It was a bit of a sleepy ride due to a food coma. Halfway through the journey, Laura and I split from Andrea who wanted to head home, to meet up with Katie and Kristy at the amazing Westfield Mall. This mall is London’s finest and just opened about two months ago. It is stunning and has every upscale designer store you could imagine. Plus it is so high tech – the maps are interactive and you can search specific entities, such as restaurants or shops, or certain floors. It was very cool. Plus the inside was beautifully decorated for Christmas! IT WAS GORGEOUS, like a complete winter wonderland at every turn. And it was a REAL mall, and I haven’t been in one of those in forever. The trip reminded me how much I love a good mall. The mall is my second home – well that and a movie theatre where I can live vicariously through the fashion and romance of the characters on screen… I am a loser, I know.

 

We did a bunch of browsing and I walked away with one really cute top (which took a lot of self control to only purchase one thing J But I considered this one item a birthday present to myself (2 MORE DAYS!), and it was pretty reasonable. Then the girls and I had dinner at Nando’s and sat talking for an hour or so. I love Katie, Kristy and Laura  – the four of us are so much like the Sex and the City girls: I am Carrie of course simply because I spend most of my time behind my lap top writing to all of you. Kristy is Miranda because she wants to be a lawyer and has that wonderful cut the bull-shit attitude, which I love. Laura is Charlotte - the very demure and sweet girl next door, and Katie is Samantha – no she is not a whore like Samantha, but she is fun, dependable and always speaks her mind in the most hilarious way. I think in the end, we are each a combination of all of these women, but to have three best friends like them is such a blessing. I just hope when we go back to Elon the bond of our sweet foursome does not fade.

 

After dealing with a little oyster card situation at the tube stop (long story J) we got back on the tube and headed home. Tonight we are staying in and I think I am going to watch the movie Wimbledon to see if I recognize anything… I am not sure that they even filmed it in the actual stadium, but we’ll see.

 

Which brings me back to my original thought. In an attempt to understand the scoring system of tennis, I am going to make a leap. Maybe the reason that love comes up first in the scoring of tennis is because love is the baseline of everything we do. Love is at the core, and without love there is nothing to build from. If you start with love, then good things should follow – be it points in a match, or experiences in your life. Because for me to believe that love could ever mean zero is not something this hopeless romantic is willing to do.

 

Love and hugs,

Jenny

Making it count

I realize that the past couple of days I have been getting behind with my blog, so in the interest of keeping myself up to date, I am going to now reflect on the happenings of the past three days, which have been full of anticipation and saying goodbye to London one tube stop at a time.

 

The final week of London is officially upon us, and with each day that passes, the reality that I will be home in just a few days is beginning to sink in. There are so many exciting things to look forward to, and yet there is so much I am leaving behind.

 

On Sunday, I literally stayed in my pajamas all day, blogged and posted facebook pictures and left the flat once to run up to Tesco to grab a microwave dinner. Other than that I took the day to rest and catch up with my flat mates. Brezny and Ike left early that morning and I could not fall back to sleep. Maybe it is because seeing them leave reminded me that I would be doing the exact same thing in just seven days, and all the emotional baggage that comes along with that was weighing on my mind. So instead, I simply got an early start to my day of rest, blogged for literally five hours and reflected on what a fun time I had with Brezny and Ike. Having them here reminded me of the incredible people I have waiting for me at home.

 

On Monday, I slept in and met up with Laura, Katie and Kristy who had left the flat earlier to see the Changing of the Guard (which I had already seen with my parents). We decided that while it was very chilly, it would be a perfect day to take our sight-seeing pictures of our favorite places in London since it was such a beautiful blue sky day (I cannot believe the sun came out the minute B and Ike left… ugh! Figures….). We met at Saint Paul’s Cathedral to take exterior shots of the architecture, and after a bit of circling around, finally decided to eat a hearty lunch at our favorite café Pret-A-Manger – I just love their hot Spicy Ragu Meatball wrap J. We sat in Pret talking for over an hour about our experience and how it was all coming to an end. We reminisced about stories and talked about what we were looking forward to most about going home – and of course what we would miss here.

 

After lunch we walked to Leather Lane (a market street open daily right off Chancery Lane) but it was already closing down. So after looking in a card shop, we got on a random bus heading toward King’s Cross Station and took some pictures of the city as we passed it from the top of our beloved double decker. We got off at the train station, took pictures, and got on the tube back toward Piccadilly Circus. We took more pictures of the Christmas lights lining the streets as it was getting dark, and walked through to Leicester Square. Here, we stopped in a London gift shop and then got the tube back to Holbourn to eat with all the Elon students, Brooke (our faculty advisor) and her family, as well as our internship coordinators Leslie and Emma for a big pancake breakfast.

 

The restaurant was called The Old Dutch and it had a special 5 pound pancake night – but by pancake they really mean a very thin crepe – thin but MASSIVE, like the size of a medium pizza! I got a savory crepe with ham, chicken, cheese, and some other delicious toppings, but the whole experience left me feeling bloated and unsatisfied. In a food coma, we headed back to the flat, and I got all dolled up for my big night out with Robert to see Gordon perform in a benefit concert to support the fight against Aids called, “Elegies: Angels, Punks and Raging Queens.”

 

I rushed to meet Robert and Will (his friend who works for a casting director) outside the Palace Theatre in Leicester Square and we headed to a cute restaurant where we had wine and bread and chatted about life. The show did not start until very late – just after 11pm. After waiting outside in the cold in line and meeting up with more of Rob’s friends Adam and Stevie G, we got settled in the back standing up by the bar area, and the show began.

 

The event itself was a concert version of the musical about people living with and dying from HIV and Aids. The lineup was a series of songs and monologues performed by industry professionals, including three of our clients and my very own and the very talented GORDON COWELL! He was so fantastic and I was like a proud mama watching him up there doing his thing. Leanne also sang (our client who plays the lead in Hairspray) and she was amazing. Robert’s roommate and our client Sandra who is also in Hairspray sang and took down the house. It was a very entertaining evening with laughs and really touching moments on stage. I was very proud to feel a part of a community supporting individuality, accepting and living with an incurable disease and uniting in our differences.

 

I got home at about 4 am, so it was a very long night! This morning was our last day of classes, so I woke up and got ready for my last day of school here in London. Theater class was simply a wrap up of our favorite elements of each show we saw this semester. We also had a fantastic speaker come in and talk to the class about his experience as an actor and director of Shakespearean literature. He was very entertaining and involved us in the discussion, which was great.

 

After, we had our history trivia quiz, which counted for 25% of our grade. Since I got an A on the first three papers) making up 75% of my grade) and everyone has collectively decided it was going to be a joke, I did not study – no one did. Except when we arrived at class it was not quite the joke we had expected – it was actually pretty competitive between the teams and asked us to recall full on detailed information. Let’s just say our team did not do well… at all…. The DeGaulle’s Dolls as we called ourselves should have been names DeGaulle’s Dim-witts because we clearly did not retain very much from the class. But in the end, he gave me an A for my final grade since my papers were so good, so I slipped through the cracks on that one. Plus, I was only on five hours of sleep, so I was not able to easily reach my top intellectual peak – who am I kidding, I wouldn’t have known pop squat regardless.

 

The relief of resolving my grade was followed by some Internet time in the classroom sending emails and checking up with everything. Then I headed back to the flat. On my way Rob called and invited me to go see the press night of Carousel. I of course said yes, even though I am not a huge fan of the production – Elon did it my freshman year. I had a quick dinner at home, and then headed to Charring Cross. I finally met up with Rob after figuring out that we had miscommunicated where we were meeting, but we got to the theatre just in time. The show was okay – the sets were incredible, but I am not a big fan of the music. Rogers and Hammerstein really just don’t do it for me, but I am still glad I was able to see it.

 

After the show Rob and I went to McDonalds and I got a McFlurry – I wish it were Kit Kat, but I think I missed the boat on that special. I took the tube back home and met up with Kelsey, Katie, Laura, and Kristy, as well as some other girls from Elon – Morgan and Elyse, and we all went to Sport’s Café to dance. It was not my favorite night, but the music was okay. The crowd was just really sketchy – some creepy guys there tonight. But we had to go out and celebrate Britney Spear’s birthday, of course, and let’s just say when “Slave For You,” came home, the place went crazy.

 

And that is all – we are officially caught up J. While it may not be the most creative, I am sleepy now (oh 2 am….how you’ll hurt in the morning), so it is time for me to go to crash. Miss you all and cannot wait to see you in less than a week! Woah……

 

Love and hugs,

Jenny

Thankful

As we all know, British people do not celebrate Thanksgiving. And while pubs may serve a “thanksgiving day” platter recognizing the American tourists staying here on the day, it is simply not the same. There is something about being with your family that commemorates the day – no matter how dysfunctional or crazy they all are when forced to sit around one table to endure a long meal of sharing, talking and giving thanks. This is probably because family is paramount in most people’s lives, and mine is no exception. Because I was across the pond (which is starting to feel smaller and smaller as the days inch nearer to going home), I was sad I could not eat sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and turkey, and my favorite – watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but most of all, I was sad to be without my family.

This got me to thinking. There are certain days every year – holidays labeled on the calendar – that dictate how we are supposed to feel and what traditions we are supposed to have. These events become familiar and comfortable, and we often forget how special they really are until one year, things are out of place. Stick yourself in a foreign country miles away from your family and those days become something entirely different. Without family, Thanksgiving was a very different day then if I were to be home, which of course was very weird. But what was wonderful is that at the same time, being away made me very aware of something else. I am extremely fortunate to have very strong and lasting friendships in my life, which made this day in rainy London feel a little more like home.

 

[Foreword: for the sake of this blog I will be calling Brezny ‘B’, not because I think it sounds cool - which is does because they happen to say it on ‘Gossip Girl’ J - but because it is much easier to not type out her whole name]

Thursday morning Ike, B and I woke up at about 9 am, got showered and ready and began our first full day together in London! We started our day (as explained in the thorough itinerary I mapped out two weeks prior to their arrival, which I can proudly say had few revisions) by getting off at the Westminster tube stop so that they could see classic London - Parliament Square, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Thames River and of course take pictures with Big Ben.

As we exited the tube, it began to rain, which really shouldn’t surprise anyone at this point, but it was a bit of a bummer since we were trying to get pictures. The drizzle and I have become intimate friends, and so we charged through and did not let it hold us back. After debating as to whether or not Ike and B wanted to pay the 12 pounds to go into the Abbey (decision: no) or whether or not we should get an early lunch before buying our bus tour tickets (decision: yes. but uprooted upon realizing the pub we went to did not serve lunch until 12pm), we ignored our hungry tummies and walked to the ticket stand and got our 48 hour Original Bus Tour Hop on, Hop off London Bus Tour Ticket (I have no idea if that whole phrase had to be capitalized…but it makes it sound more official so go with it).

 

We walked a block to get to the bus stop, where we ran into a man trying to sell The Big Bus Tour – do not be be confused…original and big are not the same… But this guy, who seemed unassuming and only slightly disappointed we chose the other tour company advised us to go across the street to pick up the yellow line (there were two lines for the tour bus – red and yellow) because it had the live tour. He said the stop was just around the corner, and we thanked him for his help, and walked…. And walked…. And walked some more, completely unable to find this so called “stop” the enemy was referring to. We ended up walking to Trafalgar Square, and since it was now 12pm, we stopped in a very cute pub along that main street. Everything is decorated for Christmas – especially pubs – so it was a very festive atmosphere. We all had lunch and then journeyed to find the yellow line bus stop.

 

Trafalgar Square is the hub for all bus systems – city and tour company. So, I figured it would not be hard to find the stop. But I also underestimate my directional dysfunction and inability to read a map, but we finally found one of the stops. The buses only run every twenty minutes, so we waited in the drizzle for the bus to come… and then we saw the bus in the distance 20 minutes later. Diet cokes in hand, and anxious smiles in tact, we stood up ready to board and watched in surprise as the bus flew right on by us. Confused, figuring it was not the right bus, we sat back down. Another 20 minutes later, like deju vu, here comes another bus and this time we flag it down, validate our ticket on board and climb to the top, finally able to start our tour.

 

Despite the wind and the light rain, we rode around the city on the top of the double decker bus, trying to keep warm as we took in the many different sights and listened to the commentary (which was slightly hard to hear maybe because of the wind, but probably because the live tour guide we made such an effort to have could not have been any more unenthusiastic, literally bordering on monotone). Right after getting on the bus we passed St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was on the itinerary to get off and see, but we had just gotten on, so we decided to keep riding and come back to it. About 45 minutes later, it was about 2:30pm and the bus stopped at the Tower of London which Ike and B really wanted to tour. Since I have already and the fee is not cheap, they hopped off and did a tour of the tower while I stayed on the bus for another 20 minutes just riding around (for historical details on the Tower of London reference my blog when I went J).

 

The bus stopped at Piccadilly Circus and I got off to do some shopping around the London gift shops. I realized I had a lot of gifts from other countries but nothing from the touristy London shops, so that was good to get done.

 

We all met back up at the flat around 4:45pm, and they loved the Tower. After hanging out and debriefing from the day, Ike, Brezny, Laura, Kelsey, Jen, Katie and I went to Warwick Castle Pub (our favorite local pub just a five minute walk away) for our Thanksgiving Dinner. We sat in this room in the back next to the fire place and had wine and pub food (my thanksgiving feast was bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes… unfortunately there was no turkey, but it will make Christmas dinner that much more exciting) while going around and giving thanks for not only the opportunity to be in London but for the fact that we have each other. Among the things I am thankful for is first and foremost: HSM 3 (KIDDING!) my health and safety, London, Celine Dion, Disney World, grilled cheese sandwiches, and of course my incredible family and friends who make my life as blessed and amazing as it is. Laura always makes fun of me for saying ‘my best friend _____’ but I have so many best friends and I feel so lucky to have these great relationships in my life. While I realize nothing and no one is perfect and I sometimes fall into the ‘my life sucks’ pity fest, as we all do, looking back on just these 19 years and 360 days (hint hint… 20 is so close!), I could not ask for much more – except to marry Zac Efron…but good things come to those who wait J.

 

After our lovely dinner I decided to show Ike and B a fun night out on the town, so we got all dolled up, took tons of pictures and videos, and had a really fun time dancing the night away at the club OnAnon (which for a while I thought was called On and On…apparently not.) It was all a very different way to spend Thanksgiving, but I am thankful for it nonetheless. Brezny met a very cute boy who was kind of short, but our little 5’1 B – who worked her butt off to keep up with Ike and I, who are naturally very fast walkers, as we walked around the city - did not even notice. I think we all had a really great night… and let’s be honest…we looked fierce J.

 

Friday morning we woke up and had a delicious breakfast at my favorite place for breakfast –Raouls. Laura came along and it was delicious. We then got on the tube and walked in the rain (whomp whomp) to Buckingham Palace. I had planned for them to see the Changing of the Guard, so we got there early, took pictures despite the rain, and huddled under our umbrellas waiting for the guard change parade to stroll down the street. We saw some movement happen behind the gate, and some of the guards filed out, but then all the crowds dissipated, leaving me confused – what happened to the tiny anti-climatic parade? I assume because of the rain it did not happen, which was a bummer. From there, Laura went home while Ike, B and I got back on the bus tour after looking through the Queen’s gift shop, which was all decorated for Christmas.

Back on the bus, we rode around as the rain fell around us, listening to the morning’s much more enthusiastic and audible tour guide. After a short while we got off at St. Paul’s Cathedral. B decided to get a coffee and skip the fee, while Ike and I explored the beautiful church and climbed up the hundreds of steps to the whispering gallery and the viewing deck overlooking the city of London. Even though it was a misty day, the sights were still beautiful, and I really loved the church. I have been in my fair share of churches, but there was something about this one that I really enjoyed. Ike and I tried to do the thing where you whisper and from across the dome the other person is supposed to be able to hear it, but it didn’t work. I think it may be because it was noisy and Ike is not the best whisperer, but it was fun to just sit together, take it all in, and see the excitement in his face – he’s like a kid on Christmas morning. He gets so excited by history. He just loves it, and because I do not really share his enthusiasm or knowledge, it was funny to be there with him – me trying to move on… him staring for ages at one single monument. I guess I am just shallow seeing as I freak out about HSM and not so much about history, but this church was an exception – I really did appreciate how incredibly elaborate and stunning it was.

 

We met up with Brezny and then went to get lunch at Pizza Express and I had a delicious salad (but I must admit, spending money on three meals a day though certainly broke the bank). We got back on the bus and decided to ride it around for a bit and make the most of the guide. I wish we had a personal guide with us 24/7 because Ike is very inquisitive and asked me a new question every five minutes about that obscure building that “looked important” and me – not being a human google – had no idea. I think he forgets that I just live here – I did not discover the city. I am not a British historian. I am a visitor. So staying on the bus allowed him to hear all about those obscure buildings. Meanwhile, Brezny and I took a nap. (haha, kidding – I mean we did doze for a bit but in our defense she had jet lag and I had been taking them around in the rain which can get exhausting)

 

Two hours later, we got off at Trafalgar Square and I let them head off out of the rain into the National Gallery. I have done that already, so I headed back to the flat. They came back about an hour later, and we decided on dinner plans. Andrea and Laura joined us for dinner at Giraffe, my favorite burger place over the Thames River on the south side of Embankment – my absolute FAVORITE PLACE in London at night. We walked across the footbridge and had a delicious dinner and then walked along the river peering in and out of the booths set up for the Christmas Market. I made a couple of purchases and we headed home. But only after witnessing an insance lady walk right up to a candy display, steal some peanuts, eat them, and then violently spit them out because she was allergic to nuts – clearly the peanut allergy is not her only medical issue… what an idiot.

 

After a beer run to Tesco, a very long debate as to whether to go out or stay in (decision: stay in) followed by a chocolate run to Tesco, we all sat down and decided to watch Sweet Home Alabama. I was so tired and fell asleep halfway through. We all went to bed at a decent hour, and thank goodness because our busiest day was yet to come.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH! You can do this – I know it is a lot to read, but I believe in you. And just think how long it took me to rehash, write and edit. You really have the easy part in this transaction J.

 

Saturday morning marked their last full day in London and we had a lot to fit in. We woke up, had a quick breakfast at the flat and headed with Laura to Camden Market. We decided to brave the freezing cold (I think I had five layers on… brr!) and walk the 2.5 mile journey along the canal, but on the way Laura mentioned seeing Abbey Rd, so we took a 25 minute walk detour and went there first. We took pictures and then headed to the nearest tube in the interest of time to get to Camden Market. But the St. John Woods tube was closed AND I forgot my tube pass. So, completely frustrated, I walked back to the flat to get it and then get the Warwick Avenue tube to Camden Market (the longest and most frustrating tube journey of MY LIFE because all the lines I needed were closed… it was an intense and strategic process) while Laura, Ike and B took the bus to the market and walked around. 90 minutes (ugh) later, I met up with them, we had lunch at Pret, walked around a little more, and then got on the tube for Kings Cross Station so B could take her picture with the famous Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ sign.

 

We then headed back on the tube (Audrey- I miss you [my car]), and ventured to High St. Kensington. We toured Kensington Palace and I can say without a doubt it was one of my most favorite things I have seen in London. While the staterooms were nice, the best part was that the palace housed a special Debutante exhibition inside, which was amazing! It was all about fashion and the London high society process of being a Deb in the 1950’s. There was also a section where Princess Diana’s actual dresses were displayed and on the walls were videos of her dancing in them. What I loved was that it was all dedicated to fashion. There were historical rooms in the beginning that showed what the dress for a Deb would be in the 1800’s and how a dress shop would have been set up, and deeper in there were interactive rooms where you could practice the etiquette of a Deb – setting the table, doing the waltz, walking a straight line with a book on your head, and of course practice the proper curtsey. We could look through magazines and practice typing on a typewriter and watch interviews with women who were Debs. It was so interesting. All the dresses were incredible. It reminded me of how beautiful and classy my Mimi was. She had dresses just like the ones I saw.  I remember her wedding dress was SOO stunning! She would have loved this exhibition. See I guess I get excited about fashion the way Ike gets excited about artifacts and buildings, so I can relate. I just love the style of the 1950’s and I am pretty sure I ended up in the wrong era.

 

After the palace we walked about 25 minutes to Harrods, passing the King Albert Memorial, which was another sight to check off the list. Harrods is magical all on its own because it’s Harrods at Christmas, but as we were walking around the impressive department store, Ike stopped me suddenly and said, “Oh my God, Jenny – is that Keith Urban?” And I was like... “Oh my God, where?” The man, about 5’ 10 had his exact trademark hair, and looked exactly like Keith Urban, but after pointing him out to Brezny, we were super skeptical. So, in true stalker fashion, we followed him around the men’s department of Harrods. Finally, after much coaxing from Ike, I decided to go up to him. I politely said, “I am so sorry to interrupt your shopping, but …are you Keith Urban?” I was practically shaking, which only increased when he said in his soft Australian accent, “Yes I am.” With an excited nod of my head, Ike and Brezny circled around my new friend Keith and I and he shook all of our hands – he has a very firm handshake, which I like. To eliminate the “he said, she said” I will write the script below (no, I did not do ALL the talking, but all I can remember is what I said because the rest is just a blur):

Jenny: Oh my goodness, I am such a big fan of yours!

Keith: Oh thank you, where are you guys from?

In unison: North Carolina (except Ike said the USA…. which was special)

Jenny: Would you mind if we took a quick picture with you?

Keith: No, not at all!

All of us: Oh, thanks so much

Ike took a picture of me and Brezny and him, and then I took a picture of Keith and Ike!

Jenny: Oh and congratulations on the baby!

Keith: Oh, yeah, thanks so much guys (he was sooo cool!)

Jenny: Well, rush off before people notice - we will let you get back to your shopping! And I promise, we won’t tell anyone it’s you. Thank you so much!

Keith: No, thank you guys, take care.

Then we scurried off, clearly star struck, freaking out. It is so crazy because no one else really noticed him probably because he was all by himself and he is a country star and country is not so big here. The cool thing is I know why he is London because Kelly Management has a client that is staring in the movie ‘Nine’ with Nicole Kidman, which is filming here - now if Nicole were with him it would be a completely different story! Imagine the mob of people! But he was just walking around and doing his thing. It is crazy, things like this remind you that we are all just people – even celebrities. Keith was really hot in person, shorter than I expected, but so kind! I mean he was like thanking us and I thinking to myself… no Keith Urban thank YOU! It was just an amazing unexpected surprise to the day and I really am a big fan of his music and there he was in person, ON MY CAMERA! My mom saw him in concert and I just saw him in my Us Weekly Magazine frolicking on the beach with Nicole and then there he is shopping in Harrods! This right place at the right time moment gets added to my list of things I am thankful for!

After this meet and greet, Harrods was complete, so we walked around outside aimlessly, still star struck, for a minute, and I of course called my mom and sister to gush about it. We then headed back on the tube one stop (because poor B could not walk any longer, and it was beginning to mist) to see Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. But after we got off the tube, it began to really rain and I was not in the mood to huddle under an umbrella so we saw the lights and walked down for a little and then turned back around to get back on the tube and out of the rain to meet Andrea for dinner at Nando’s – my favorite chicken restaurant, which was DELICIOUS, and it was GREAT to sit down.

 

After Nando’s we headed back to the flat to get ready to go out. We got them all packed up (which was great because they were able to take a lot of my stuff home) and then we got dressed and headed out to Sports Café, which is the American sports bar that has great dancing that I went to the night I met scarf boy  - who NEVER called. Little did he know I would become best friends with Keith Urban and could have totally hooked him up with concert tickets – clearly his loss.

 

Especially after last night, this is officially MY FAVORITE place to go dancing in London – the music is always so good and the cover was only 5 pounds (when usually on Saturday nights we spend about 10 pounds, not including the coat check) and it was one of the best nights I have had. There was this Latin guy who danced like a professional Latin dancer and we danced the whole night! He spun me, dipped me – we were like actually salsa dancing like in Dirty Dancing. It was so much fun and while I think I may need a neck and back brace this morning from all the back bends and the whopping, it was totally worth it. Brezny also met this adorable guy who was so sweet and Laura danced the night away with another Latin guy (who I think was friends with the guy I was dancing with). Ike took tons of pictures and danced with us too, and it was a blast. He is such a trooper, letting us girls have our fun and making sure we all got home safely.

 

This morning, I woke Ike and Brezny up at 7:30 am and after a hug they headed on the tube for Heathrow Airport. It was really great having them here. I think we all had a blast despite the cold and rainy weather and it was a perfect opportunity to see parts of London I may not head back to before leaving one week from Monday – and to meet Keith Urban was just the cherry on top J.

 

So suddenly my semester in London is down to one final week. One week – that is like a vacation. I cannot believe this is all coming to an end. This week – MY OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY WEEK – we only have two classes on Tuesday and the rest is free time to live it up in London, and live it up we will J.

Love and hugs (and a present for reading this blog – but don’t lie, you enjoyed it J)

Jenny

ps- that took me 5 hours.... just an fyi, so thank you for reading :)

A piece of home arrived today....

Ike and Brezny are finally here!!!

I woke up this morning and got ready at 7:15am... aka WAY TOO EARLY! I do no know what I was thinking getting up so early knowing they weren't landing until 9:30am and only being a tube stop away, but regardless, I waited for the call and just like clock work, they arrived. 

Ike came running to me with his suit case and gave me one of those hugs where you are practically picked off the ground, with sweet Brezny walking quickly behind him. It was so great and kind of surreal to see them both. I just couldn't believe that here they were...in London...to see me! All the talk and anticipation for it to finally begin today. 

We went back to the flat to get them settled and then we headed off to Holborn (where I have school) to go to the bank, get a quick lunch at Pret, and then go to the British History Museum which is right down the road. 

We walked around for about and hour  in and out of all the rooms, and while I wish I could say it was the artifacts that made it all worth while, it was really being with the two of them. The museum itself was like a tour around the world, and while it was informative and historical, it certainly was not my favorite - but then again, my last museum was the Louvre...so it is hard to compare. 

Afterward, we wen to the Silver Vaults - just a ten minute walk from the museum on Chancery Lane. Here we walked in and out of the stores and tried on a couple of very expensive antique rings that were absolutely stunning. It was very fun to pretend like we had a bunch of money... like we were princesses who declined the rings because they were simply not what we were looking for, instead of the fact that they were 6,000 pounds.... wrap your head around that one :)

After the vaults we did some shopping up Oxford Street and then went to Kelly Management to show them my office and introduce them to the boys. It was so good to have my friends from home finally meet the two people that had made this trip so complete. I just feel like I have so much to brag about and show off because my internship has been so amazing. Rob and Gordon joined us for a lovely dinner at Slug and Lettuce (my favorite restaurant here). We had great food and wine, and tons of laughs. I miss Rob and Gordon so much when I am not with them, and when I do spend time with them, I miss them still, simply because I know we do not have a lot of time left. I just hope they know how much they mean to me. 

Ike, Brezny and I then took the long way (oh my poor sense of direction...) to the acting workshop for my final session with the kids! I was a bit tired some this point, and a little woozy from the wine, but we did the class as usual and B and Ike loved meeting the kids and seeing them act. The older kids were great too, and we took pictures and said our goodbyes. 

Tomorrow we are going on the London Sight-seeing Bus Tour, which will be great :) I am so glad they are here and I know tomorrow has even more in store - seeing as we will all be well-rested and ready to take on London - just me, Ike and Brezny....the original three musketeers....

In case I do not have a chance to blog tomorrow, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you all know how thankful I am for all of you..... and my "inspirational" thanksgiving day saga will be posted soon enough :)

love and hugs,

Jenny

Free as the wind blows.... (and boy is it windy :)

I am a free woman! Today I handed in my last two papers for class, and I have the rest of the week off to play around London with Ike and Brezny who arrive tomorrow at about 10 am. I am very excited to have them come and we have quite the itinerary planned, so hopefully the rain will continue to hold out (It was a gorgeous and sunny, but very cold, day in London today) and everything will go smoothly – and if not… I have learned to roll with the punches believe it or not… okay well not entirely, but I am working on it J

 

Today we had theatre class where we discussed the show we saw last night – In A Dark Dark House. It was a very disturbing play about two brothers dealing with a sexually abusive childhood. It was actually really engaging to talk through it all, and I feel like I had some interesting things to say. So, for once, I actually enjoyed the class, even though the show was not my favorite. Only one more theatre class left next week, and no more plays…. Man, this really is coming to an end, isn’t it?

 

In history class I handed in my final paper and then organized some pictures while he went on about something historical…. However, be proud…today in class I actually raised my hand to answer a question he asked (which he never does – he likes to hear himself talk to much to let others get a word in…), so my class participation was solid for the day J.

 

After class, some of us stayed after and worked on different things and then headed back to the flat. 

 

For dinner, Andrea, Laura, Katie and I went to have Thai Food at Ben’s Thai Restaurant right up the road and we sat by a warm fireplace and had a very lovely and delicious dinner. Now I am off to get my room clean and ready for Ike and Brezny’s arrival! With them here this week, I am not sure how often I will be able to post – but no worries, you will be totally filled in sooner or later. I hope you are having a good week – on Thursday I think we all have a lot to be thankful for…so during this time of family, friends and togetherness, try to step back from all the negative components of your life – work, money, stress (perhaps the crazy construction going on in your home or the boss that will not get off your back…) because in the end, it is our family and friends that really matter, I think…. But in the interest of not sounding redundant, we can save the rest of this cheesy, inspirational crap for Thursday… are you excited or what?

 

Love and hugs,

Jenny

The beginning of the end...

Two weeks from today I will be home. This concept is very emotional to grasp. One part of me is so excited to be home and even be back at Elon, back in touch with all of my friends and family. But the other half of me is really sad that this is over. I just cannot believe how fast it all flew by. Today was one of many ‘lasts’ I will be experiencing in the next couple of weeks, and even wrapping my head around the beginning of the end has been putting me in a weird mood. I am not ready to leave, but I can’t say I would want to stay much longer either. It’s like I am stuck somewhere in between homesick and heartbroken to have this become a memory. I don’t want to stay, but I don’t know if I am ready to leave either. It is a very weird emotional purgatory in which I am drifting between what is and what will be, and I am starting to wonder when I am going to land and feel okay with both.

Today was my final day in the office at Kelly Management. This is a very bittersweet occasion because I have really enjoyed working at the agency. My knowledge in the industry has grown tremendously, and in addition to the contacts I have made and the fantastic work experience I have gained, I have learned a lot about my strengths, weaknesses and future career goals. This placement was truly perfect for what I not only was looking for in a working environment, but also the kind of people I was hoping to work with. Robert and Gordon have been fantastic mentors, leaders and friends and I could not have asked to work with a more patient, passionate and amazing team.

The administrative tasks of my final day began with finishing the Contacts update of the database. This took me about an hour to complete. The rest of the day I did email responses, booked prospective client meetings – two for Friday with actors Rob and Gordon saw at a showcase performance on Friday night. We are still waiting for two others to call back to be scheduled in for general meetings. After I sent emails with directions to confirm.

I reviewed show reel DVDs of one of our clients, labeled and filed them. One of our newer clients just moved to London from Korea where she was a big musical star. She is looking to break into the West End, but her English is extremely weak. She has recently been cast in The Lion King and so to resolve the translation barrier, I researched foreign language tutors and courses to get her up to par. It is truly incredible how talented she is, but until her English improves, her career choices are extremely limited, so hopefully this will help. But her voice is like a Korean Celine…she is amazing.

The rest of the day was quite slow because the industry is always dead during this time of year. I fielded phone calls and took messages while Rob and Gordon held four general meetings. The first three were pretty statu quo, but the fourth meeting was with this guy whose picures made him look like an Abercrombie and Fitch model, but when he actually came through the door (with Rob, Gordon and I all giggling and nervous like 12 year old girls – hey, at least I am actually a girl… ) it was kind of a let down. I mean he was cute, but he was not very intelligent, and not nearly as stunning as his pictures – just goes to show the power of a picture. He was very green actor who is an x-boxer. He was extremely timid and inexperienced. He did not know industry jargon and his answers to Rob’s questions about the industry were raw and unprepared. However, there was something special about him and Rob sees potential, so he is giving him a recall audition next week, in which he will come with a rehearsed script. What I love about this agency is that they take a chance on actors that may not have all the fancy training, but have a true talent and passion for acting. There are few people in this industry that run their business like Rob and Gordon – with a relaxed and approachable attitude and yet an extremely knowledgeable background. I can only hope that when I am in this business I have a similar demeanor because it is admirable and a hard balance to maintain.

At about 4:30pm, Gordon and I decorated our cute little Charlie Brown Christmas tree and strung lights up around the office, before having a Jenny, Gordon, Robert photo shoot…. It was tons of fun, and much needed since I have barely taken any pics of us. It was a very great way to end my last working day with the boys. But no worries, I plan to see them tons before I leave. I am actually having lunch with them both on Wednesday so that they can meet Ike and Brezny,plus we have a bunch of things planned before I leave, so it is not the last you will hear of the adventures of Kelly Management!

In the end, I can say without a doubt that this experience has been more valuable than I could have ever expected and while I am sad to start my many goodbyes, I know in a lot of ways this exciting adventure is just the beginning for all that is ahead. Two weeks from now, sure, I might be a little sad, but I will also have so much to look forward to. And until then, being in between is not a bad place to be when the journey is closing a chapter I will never forget and the destination is home.

 

Love and hugs,

Jenny