So this weekend has been eventful and I'm very proud of myself for surviving it haha I went hiking. I was misled about the hiking trails diffculty (sarah... haha) but I'm definitely glad I did it.
The group was so cool! It was me, sarah, scott, will and surprise guest nate. It was a really good mix of people, and all of us are some of the most chill people on the trip. We woke up early, I was actually ready first at exactly 845 am.. i'm really proud of myself not gonna lie. Right from the beginning, we were rushing and things stopped going smoothly haha Nate had decided to go, which glad he did, but he had to buy his tickets and confirm a reservation at the same hostel at the last minute. Ironically, we got to the train station and he got on the train easier than we did... go figure. It was a classic beginning to a Meredith vacation. Just like my dad used to say "Off like a herd of turtles"
I actually said that to sarah, I don't think she got it. oh well.
The first town that we started in, Eastbourne, was beautiful. Apparently it is a retirement type town and thinking back, that makes complete sense. It's a small town, with quaint little cafes and stores on the edge of a coastal area. The cliffs were incredible!!
The walk itself started off difficult. Basically, we got to the start of the trail, look up and groaned. Well, I groaned haha I was seriously not in shape for this kind of trek. Scott and Nate and Sarah handled it like champs, definitely made me and Will look bad hahaha sorry Will. I struggled so much.
Once we got over the first hill, it wasn't so tough until the Seven Sisters area.... that will come later. The cliffs were incredible. The were one of the greatest views I've ever seen, and while I took pictures, I don't think they could be recreated in pictures at all. There were little towns to stop in throughout the trail, and we really only took advantage of them for a quick 5 minute rest, or ask for directions (we definitely got lost multiple times, adding like 3 miles onto the hike!).
Eventually we got to the most difficult part of the entire trip... the seven sisters. There were like 9 really but whatever England, call it what you want.
Basically, there were seven hills in a row, growing in size with each hill. It was great. What made me feel even more like a loser was that there were children and old men and women with their walking sticks just strolling up these hills and I'm barely taking two steps in a row without wheezing for air!
After the seven sisters, I even got tired typing them in caps haha, it was a downhill pretty easy walk through a bunch of farmland. We were literally walking through people's land, just randomly. More sheep and cows than I have ever seen in my life. They were just clustered on the paths and were break apart when walked by like it was nothing.
The guys were hilarious throughout this entire trip. They were discussing the most random things. Me and Sarah would be off in front talking about the dynamic of people living in the flat, and plans for our future and our personalities and then behind us we'd here quotes from South Park and Avenue Q or debates about football.
However, they were funniest during the walks through the livestock. They consistly attmepted to pet them. Nate declared a desired to ride a sheep. They would approach them from any angle, or talk to them. I was afraid that they would get kicked by a cow or charged by that one rebel sheep. I would have laughed, no doubt, but I would've felt bad about it.
I won't lie, everyone made some comment toward the sheep. they were just so amusing to talk to haha When we were lost, their blank stares looked like they were mocking us. When they were in out way, we commanded them to move. We would say hi as we passed them by or be envious of their simple lives of standing and eating.
It was lonely out on that trail.... don't judge.
Eventually we got to Alfriston, the small good for nothing town that our hostel was in. The people were nice, and the building were pretty and apparently there was good ice cream, but it was the most boring town. I don't think i'll visit twice. The hostel itself wasn't bad at all. I actually didn't mind the tiny beds and loud roommates haha.
The next morning we got an early start just to be early enough for our train, no room for error there. We figured, well 15 miles yesterday was really hard, so this will probably be pretty simple. wrong. wrong. wrong.
The first part was like a pile of hills. It was meant as a bridleway for people riding horses, but of course, no one actually used it for that. Eventually, there was no where left to go but down and that's how we spent most of the remaining 3 miles of the last leg. Downhill with cows and sheep.
It was pretty funny how every final destination was cause for celebration. "Is this Alfriston??? HALLELUJAH!!!"
"Is this Southease?? WE SURVIVED!!!" It was great.
The train back, I slept and read a bit of my book. And enjoyed my killer sunburn on only the left side of my body. Sucks walking the same direction the whole way. Apparently being burned suits me though, many people at work complimented my new color with straight faces haha
The two days after the hiking began however, pain. Nothing but pain. Pain from my muscles, pain from my joints and pain from my sunburn. I just had to endure it all and go to work and be happy that it involved mostly sitting down.
Last night me and Brooke and Marj went and saw Grease, with free tickets that my work provided. It was so much fun! The show itself was just pure cute and fun and music. It was mostly word for word of the movie, however, the movie is definitely better and I really want to watch it now haha
Finally I woke up this morning and was still slightly achy but no real pain, so that's good. This week is my last week with the job and the program :( for the job :) for the program.
I really liked this job. I really learned a lot especially near the end. The people were incredible and I'm going to miss working with all of them. The program was not that well organized but it was definitely a learning experience as well. If not the business class being helpful, the lack of help from the program helped me learn to cope with a lot of different things on my own.
I'll write another blog after my mom gets here, in 2 days!!!!!! I'll talk about the last weeks adventures out and such.
bye!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Home Stretch
So my time in London is winding down.... I'm so sad to leave!! Although, I must admit, I'm ready to be home with my friends and family. Most of all, I'm ready to see my dogs!!!
Don't act shocked, everyone loves the dogs most.
This past week has gone by so quickly, but I must say, it definitely made me feel the most local and comfortable. I didn't have a phone or a debit card, but I felt the most relaxed and well rested. This could be because nobody was able to get in touch with me most of the time, or because I didn't spend as much money and therefore, didn't worry as much about finance. Who knows?!
Work was the most comfortable as well. We got a new intern, from the London area, this week too. Her name is Tahlia, and she is the cutest girl! She has the best clothes and so sweet, but down to business when it comes to work. There were a lot of important meetings this week as well. Most of the main publicists were constantly milling around working on press and presentation materials for a potential clients meeting. I have heard that it went extremely well with advancements in tv and film and even sports, which is a new area for the agency.
I think it's incredible that I get to be around when the company is growing, even though it's already so successful in its simplicity.
Of course, there have been significant bumps and bruises as with any company, but I think that will help me learn even more than I already have. I know how they handle success and have seen how to smoothly operate a major publicity event, but now I get to witness how to handle a small crisis and some small ethical problems.
I can't go into detail, confidentially contracts and all that jazz, but let me tell you, actors are helpless children. I'm sure I've said that before... but I feel the need to reiterate the point. Children, I say!! CHILDREN!!!
That emphasize enough??? ok moving on.
We visited Canterbury this week, as well. The cathedral in Canterbury was absolutely breathtaking. You could actually see the progress from the years passing. There were statues and dedications mounting the walls, stemming from the Tudor era. It was absolutely fascinating. The stain glass windows, some still being refurbished, were incredible. The time it must take to create something so beautiful but usually simplistic in its design, blows my mind. It seems like the details, which are intricate, are easy as can be.
I did semi break the law. In Jesus' temple no less :/. What can I say, when I want a picture, churches be damned! That sentence just seems wrong, but I can't bring myself to rewrite it. Basically, I ignored all the "don't take pictures" signs and did anyways. Usually I hid behind people or a column or sometimes a wall and positioned the camera just so to take the picture. My pal Brooke decided that my sins of defying the signs were more significant because I was in a holy place. Oh well! There were confession booths, I could've absolved my sins then and there. I didn't, but I could've.
The town of Canterbury was very small and didn't have too much to look at. There was a beautiful....
guy playing the guitar and singing. You thought I was gonna say something historical again, but no. There is always a beautiful man. I decided this one deserved mentioning. I liked him so much, I even left him a tip in his guitar case. He winked. It was magical.
There were some cute shops as well. I bought a birthday card for my bestest friend ( HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY! she's gonna kill me for that) Samantha and a present for my other best friend Brit and some fudge (yummy), so I found the day successful.
The bus ride was horrendus. I slept most of the way there, therefore I didn't notice the length. On the way back, however, our driver decided to forget how to get back to the flat. I mean he had been the 12 hours earlier, so long ago! It's understandable that he forget. It's not like it's his job or anything to remember. :) that's my aren't I cute when I'm angry emoticon.
oh no my friends, not just your average smiley face.
The rest of the week has actually been pretty uneventful. Saw Inception.
Oh.My.God.Love.
I feel that gets the emotion across enough.
I also got a few new inside jokes that I'm going to list, even though most won't understand them, to fill up space:
-I got holes in me pockets!
-Play with me!
-Gurl, Wat's ur facebook??!?! (the spelling is wrong for dialect)
I think that's all for now.
My mom is here in 6 days!!!! YAY!!!! I love her so much. Can't wait to see her, and my new debit card that will travel with her. In that order of course! Don't worry, I love her more.
I am also hiking about 20 miles this weekend with Sarah, Will and Scott. The A-team. It's gonna be an adventure. I'll write about it when I get back.
bye loves.
Don't act shocked, everyone loves the dogs most.
This past week has gone by so quickly, but I must say, it definitely made me feel the most local and comfortable. I didn't have a phone or a debit card, but I felt the most relaxed and well rested. This could be because nobody was able to get in touch with me most of the time, or because I didn't spend as much money and therefore, didn't worry as much about finance. Who knows?!
Work was the most comfortable as well. We got a new intern, from the London area, this week too. Her name is Tahlia, and she is the cutest girl! She has the best clothes and so sweet, but down to business when it comes to work. There were a lot of important meetings this week as well. Most of the main publicists were constantly milling around working on press and presentation materials for a potential clients meeting. I have heard that it went extremely well with advancements in tv and film and even sports, which is a new area for the agency.
I think it's incredible that I get to be around when the company is growing, even though it's already so successful in its simplicity.
Of course, there have been significant bumps and bruises as with any company, but I think that will help me learn even more than I already have. I know how they handle success and have seen how to smoothly operate a major publicity event, but now I get to witness how to handle a small crisis and some small ethical problems.
I can't go into detail, confidentially contracts and all that jazz, but let me tell you, actors are helpless children. I'm sure I've said that before... but I feel the need to reiterate the point. Children, I say!! CHILDREN!!!
That emphasize enough??? ok moving on.
We visited Canterbury this week, as well. The cathedral in Canterbury was absolutely breathtaking. You could actually see the progress from the years passing. There were statues and dedications mounting the walls, stemming from the Tudor era. It was absolutely fascinating. The stain glass windows, some still being refurbished, were incredible. The time it must take to create something so beautiful but usually simplistic in its design, blows my mind. It seems like the details, which are intricate, are easy as can be.
I did semi break the law. In Jesus' temple no less :/. What can I say, when I want a picture, churches be damned! That sentence just seems wrong, but I can't bring myself to rewrite it. Basically, I ignored all the "don't take pictures" signs and did anyways. Usually I hid behind people or a column or sometimes a wall and positioned the camera just so to take the picture. My pal Brooke decided that my sins of defying the signs were more significant because I was in a holy place. Oh well! There were confession booths, I could've absolved my sins then and there. I didn't, but I could've.
The town of Canterbury was very small and didn't have too much to look at. There was a beautiful....
guy playing the guitar and singing. You thought I was gonna say something historical again, but no. There is always a beautiful man. I decided this one deserved mentioning. I liked him so much, I even left him a tip in his guitar case. He winked. It was magical.
There were some cute shops as well. I bought a birthday card for my bestest friend ( HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY! she's gonna kill me for that) Samantha and a present for my other best friend Brit and some fudge (yummy), so I found the day successful.
The bus ride was horrendus. I slept most of the way there, therefore I didn't notice the length. On the way back, however, our driver decided to forget how to get back to the flat. I mean he had been the 12 hours earlier, so long ago! It's understandable that he forget. It's not like it's his job or anything to remember. :) that's my aren't I cute when I'm angry emoticon.
oh no my friends, not just your average smiley face.
The rest of the week has actually been pretty uneventful. Saw Inception.
Oh.My.God.Love.
I feel that gets the emotion across enough.
I also got a few new inside jokes that I'm going to list, even though most won't understand them, to fill up space:
-I got holes in me pockets!
-Play with me!
-Gurl, Wat's ur facebook??!?! (the spelling is wrong for dialect)
I think that's all for now.
My mom is here in 6 days!!!! YAY!!!! I love her so much. Can't wait to see her, and my new debit card that will travel with her. In that order of course! Don't worry, I love her more.
I am also hiking about 20 miles this weekend with Sarah, Will and Scott. The A-team. It's gonna be an adventure. I'll write about it when I get back.
bye loves.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Another Weekend, Another Adventure
So this weekend has been quite low key in comparison to the past few weeks. This is partly because I lost my phone and part of my cash flow, but mostly because everyone is getting burnt out. It's been 6 weeks or so of going and goING and GOING and now we just want to sleep and watch movies and blah blah boring.
It's a wonderful thing.
Thursday night I didn't absolutely nothing. This was not by choice, but ended up being the best thing to do. I was going to go out with the rest of the group, but they forgot I didn't have a phone or just forgot about me and decided not to come and get me or whatever. At first, I was upset, but then I just decided sleep and rest are fine with me!!
Friday night was a little more exciting, but probably not necessary. We went to a repeat place, ArchAngel. We had fun and learned some things about each other haha But we did not get any sleep!!
Let me take a moment to give kudos to my buddy Sean though! Found a cute little blonde Italian girl and was working some serious charm! Even when a guy tried to steal her away, and it seemed like he was succeeding, Sean pulled her back in and won her attention completely. I don't know how the night ended, because we left before him, but good for you Sean.
Saturday morning we had to get up early to go on a cultural excursion to Canterbury. Staying out late and getting up early naturally don't mix... especially when you get up 10 minutes before you have to leave, get no food, no shower and barely become presentable before leaving the flat. Oh well!
I sleep on the bus ride over there, leaving an intense crick in my neck. Once again, British buses are not meant for tall people! Just like every other British thing. After we got to Canterbury, things became more interesting.
The cathedral was incredible. It was so well preserved and, I'm sure, mostly restored to keep it that way. The walls were covered with memorials and dedications to people throughout history and the windows were mostly a beautiful stain glass design. Even the crypts, and there were SO many spread through out the church, were designed in a way that you had to admire them. Therer were no dead people that I actually knew, but I admired the way they were buried.
That sounded incredibly morbid...
There were many places that we couldn't take pictures, but I broke the law, in a church no less, and did it anyways haha Even better, I broke the law in the Jesus room. There was a Jesus room, it was awesome.
After that we ate, which was much needed, and just wandered around the town. There wasn't much to see to be honest, just a bunch of little candy and clothing stores along with a few random shops. There were buildings that looked important and historical, and later our tour guide explained their signifigance, but nothing that we couldn't see other places. I bought sam a Czech and Austrian birthday card (pretty) and got Brit something from this shop that sold all these different things from India. I saw half the things in there and thought of her. They all had elephants on them, which she loves, but I was determined not to get her an elephant thing once again haha
I also got some fudge... yum :)
The bus ride back was brutal. I read a new book for a little while, but then I couldn't stay awake so I went to sleep. I woke up when we were back in town, but the driver must have gotten lost on the way back, because the trip home was about 45 minutes longer than the trip there...
FINALLY, we made it back and everyone passed out for like an hour. Never underestimate the importance of sleep my friends, cause lack of it will come back and bite you in the ass and then knock you out. After some much needed rest, me and Brooke and Grace decided to go see Inception, great decision by the way. We met Lea and Marjorie at the Fulham Broadway tube stop, where I get off for work, and were going to get tickets but they were sold out!
So we went to a Tex-Mex place instead. Great food. Better drinks! The owner was from New York and decided to celebrate our American heritage with free chips, a free round of tequila shots and another round of 2 for 1 drinks... then me and Grace and Brooke saw Inception haha
Those drinks made it much more interesting, which is very hard to do. The movie = amazing and incredible and sensational etc. I like Leonardo Dicaprio and all, I mean he's beautiful and a great actor and everything. But Joseph-Gordon Levitt is my love. And Tom Hardy, who my agency represents, is my new love. Just saying. JGL needs to meet me right now, because i love him. And that's all. haha The movie blew my mind though, other than the actors. It was so quick paced and fluid and made me think. I had an inkling how it would end half way through but I was never 100 percent sure, about anything. That is what I like in my movies.
After that we came back, after encountering an interesting pair on the night bus. One guy continuously said "I got holes in me pockets!", it was highly entertaining. Then I passed out for about 12 hours. Thank you for sleep. Thank you for Sundays.
Now I have decided to be lazy for the rest of the day because I have work tomorrow. I will definitely enjoy the break from constant movement.
Love you all!
Meredith
It's a wonderful thing.
Thursday night I didn't absolutely nothing. This was not by choice, but ended up being the best thing to do. I was going to go out with the rest of the group, but they forgot I didn't have a phone or just forgot about me and decided not to come and get me or whatever. At first, I was upset, but then I just decided sleep and rest are fine with me!!
Friday night was a little more exciting, but probably not necessary. We went to a repeat place, ArchAngel. We had fun and learned some things about each other haha But we did not get any sleep!!
Let me take a moment to give kudos to my buddy Sean though! Found a cute little blonde Italian girl and was working some serious charm! Even when a guy tried to steal her away, and it seemed like he was succeeding, Sean pulled her back in and won her attention completely. I don't know how the night ended, because we left before him, but good for you Sean.
Saturday morning we had to get up early to go on a cultural excursion to Canterbury. Staying out late and getting up early naturally don't mix... especially when you get up 10 minutes before you have to leave, get no food, no shower and barely become presentable before leaving the flat. Oh well!
I sleep on the bus ride over there, leaving an intense crick in my neck. Once again, British buses are not meant for tall people! Just like every other British thing. After we got to Canterbury, things became more interesting.
The cathedral was incredible. It was so well preserved and, I'm sure, mostly restored to keep it that way. The walls were covered with memorials and dedications to people throughout history and the windows were mostly a beautiful stain glass design. Even the crypts, and there were SO many spread through out the church, were designed in a way that you had to admire them. Therer were no dead people that I actually knew, but I admired the way they were buried.
That sounded incredibly morbid...
There were many places that we couldn't take pictures, but I broke the law, in a church no less, and did it anyways haha Even better, I broke the law in the Jesus room. There was a Jesus room, it was awesome.
After that we ate, which was much needed, and just wandered around the town. There wasn't much to see to be honest, just a bunch of little candy and clothing stores along with a few random shops. There were buildings that looked important and historical, and later our tour guide explained their signifigance, but nothing that we couldn't see other places. I bought sam a Czech and Austrian birthday card (pretty) and got Brit something from this shop that sold all these different things from India. I saw half the things in there and thought of her. They all had elephants on them, which she loves, but I was determined not to get her an elephant thing once again haha
I also got some fudge... yum :)
The bus ride back was brutal. I read a new book for a little while, but then I couldn't stay awake so I went to sleep. I woke up when we were back in town, but the driver must have gotten lost on the way back, because the trip home was about 45 minutes longer than the trip there...
FINALLY, we made it back and everyone passed out for like an hour. Never underestimate the importance of sleep my friends, cause lack of it will come back and bite you in the ass and then knock you out. After some much needed rest, me and Brooke and Grace decided to go see Inception, great decision by the way. We met Lea and Marjorie at the Fulham Broadway tube stop, where I get off for work, and were going to get tickets but they were sold out!
So we went to a Tex-Mex place instead. Great food. Better drinks! The owner was from New York and decided to celebrate our American heritage with free chips, a free round of tequila shots and another round of 2 for 1 drinks... then me and Grace and Brooke saw Inception haha
Those drinks made it much more interesting, which is very hard to do. The movie = amazing and incredible and sensational etc. I like Leonardo Dicaprio and all, I mean he's beautiful and a great actor and everything. But Joseph-Gordon Levitt is my love. And Tom Hardy, who my agency represents, is my new love. Just saying. JGL needs to meet me right now, because i love him. And that's all. haha The movie blew my mind though, other than the actors. It was so quick paced and fluid and made me think. I had an inkling how it would end half way through but I was never 100 percent sure, about anything. That is what I like in my movies.
After that we came back, after encountering an interesting pair on the night bus. One guy continuously said "I got holes in me pockets!", it was highly entertaining. Then I passed out for about 12 hours. Thank you for sleep. Thank you for Sundays.
Now I have decided to be lazy for the rest of the day because I have work tomorrow. I will definitely enjoy the break from constant movement.
Love you all!
Meredith
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ok people, if you know me than you know I have an inability to keep important items safe. I break phones, lose cards, break computers and one time I brutally killed my car. This trend did not seem to translate into London.... UNTIL the last few days. And man, did it come back with a bang.
First, I threw away my debit card. Sadly, I didn't discover it was missing until the next day when the trash at work had already been removed. Basically, I went to work, had a normal actually productive work day, went to the store to get lunch, paid with the card than put it in the bag so I wouldn't lose it (ha), and then threw the bag away without a second thought after I ate my lunch. Good-bye debit card. I have cancelled it and ordered a new one that will be here in 14 days along with my mother.
Sidebar: YAY MY MOMMA'S HERE IN 14 DAYS!!!!
Now that is not all folks! Last night we went out to celebrate Sarah's 21st. Happy birthday!! We went to a place called the roxy. I carried my jacket with me ALL night and then placed it next to our friend Vincent because he wanted to sit. I went to dance while Vincent sat with my jacket. Sadly, Vincent was tired, or drunk, and he passed out sitting on the bench. Good-bye jacket. Lucky part: my pouch with my other two cards, ID, KUID and room card was left behind for some reason.
Unlucky part: good-bye phone and oyster card (which allows me to use public transportation).
Oyster card is cancelled and a new one is ordered. I can use a temp in the tube till then. I have NO IDEA about the phone though. I have a spare phone, but no sim card. This basically means if you want to talk to me, use facebook or skype. Which most people already do.
It's been not so lovely two days. I'm trying to keep my head up but I'm having this guilty feeling like I'm suddenly turning this trip and work experience, which my parents are so generously funding, into a screw up. I am a screw up now. It's not like the crad replacements cost anything. The phone might, but hey we'll save money until then on me not using my phone or debit card I guess...
Unless someone else uses my phone. that would suck. I tried to cancel it but Piccell, the provider, is not very helpful and I don't have phone to call them to ask them to cancel it!!!!
A the joys of irony.
Ok, back to work and done with lunch.
don't worry... my card that I paid for lunch with is safely tucked in my purse.
bye
First, I threw away my debit card. Sadly, I didn't discover it was missing until the next day when the trash at work had already been removed. Basically, I went to work, had a normal actually productive work day, went to the store to get lunch, paid with the card than put it in the bag so I wouldn't lose it (ha), and then threw the bag away without a second thought after I ate my lunch. Good-bye debit card. I have cancelled it and ordered a new one that will be here in 14 days along with my mother.
Sidebar: YAY MY MOMMA'S HERE IN 14 DAYS!!!!
Now that is not all folks! Last night we went out to celebrate Sarah's 21st. Happy birthday!! We went to a place called the roxy. I carried my jacket with me ALL night and then placed it next to our friend Vincent because he wanted to sit. I went to dance while Vincent sat with my jacket. Sadly, Vincent was tired, or drunk, and he passed out sitting on the bench. Good-bye jacket. Lucky part: my pouch with my other two cards, ID, KUID and room card was left behind for some reason.
Unlucky part: good-bye phone and oyster card (which allows me to use public transportation).
Oyster card is cancelled and a new one is ordered. I can use a temp in the tube till then. I have NO IDEA about the phone though. I have a spare phone, but no sim card. This basically means if you want to talk to me, use facebook or skype. Which most people already do.
It's been not so lovely two days. I'm trying to keep my head up but I'm having this guilty feeling like I'm suddenly turning this trip and work experience, which my parents are so generously funding, into a screw up. I am a screw up now. It's not like the crad replacements cost anything. The phone might, but hey we'll save money until then on me not using my phone or debit card I guess...
Unless someone else uses my phone. that would suck. I tried to cancel it but Piccell, the provider, is not very helpful and I don't have phone to call them to ask them to cancel it!!!!
A the joys of irony.
Ok, back to work and done with lunch.
don't worry... my card that I paid for lunch with is safely tucked in my purse.
bye
Monday, July 12, 2010
Good Weekend
After what seemed like the inevitable lull of my London adventures, I finally got my smile back this weekend :) (see, I even showed it to you... here's some teeth :D)
I think it was because I finally got some time to recharge and be completely alone. I don't care what anyone says, EVERYONE needs atleast one night to be by themselves unless they are completely dependent on the presence of other people. That's why I don't feel like I'm insulting anyone by saying it was nice to be alone a little bit.
It was also nice not to go out at all this weekend. I don't think I went to one pub, except for a couple hours on Thursday night, but I was home by midnight that night and out by 1230. Friday was another typical business seminar, this time about organisational (there are NO z's in London, my friends) leadership. Apparently, if I were a leader in a company, I would gather information and use it to gain power. Sound like me???
Don't answer that.
Then it was off to the Tate Modern. While cool, this is not my museum. I don't know if my brain can warp enough to understand the artistic meaning of some of the futuristic and surreal art that was there. There were some cool stuff and some regular old paintings that I enjoyed (Monet and Jackson Pollack) but then there were some NOT normal things. Like a whole section of art based on Freudian concepts. Interesting to look at, but don't look too long. Just don't.
Friday night I saw Jersey Boys. Another thing that wasn't quite for me. It was a good musical and the music and singers were fantastic, but I felt the play part was a little lacking. It seemed that the play just jumped forward in time so much and so quickly that it wasn't very smooth. This could have something to do with the fact that it had to cover a large span of time forthe Valli life and such, but still. It was a good way to spend the Friday night regardless.
Let me just place my rant of the blog post right here. There are two things, one a bigger annoyance than the other. Ok. Here we go.
People in London are apparently all under 5'6. NOTHING is made for a person taller than 5'6, or atleast not a woman. The dresses are incredibly too short for me to try on and the beds are way too short. In my bed, My head touches the head board while my feet are flat on the other board (foot board??). It makes it very difficult to sleep, not gonna lie. Also, people here tend to wear clothes that are too short for them, but I'll get to that later.
The second thing that is something I don't understand is the talking elevators. You don't need to tell me that the doors are closing... I have eyes, and when they start moving towards each other, I don't think "hey! I think I should get off the elevator now!" I guess at times it's nice to know what floor I'm on to know not to walk off absent mindedly, but then again, I have eyes. I can look a little LED number and know where I am. Oh well, I guess British people just always need directions. Buah hahahaha. That was just me being mean. I'm done.
Saturday was a really good day. Fantastic in fact. I woke up around 10am and went to do my laundry. I would say that that was annoying cause it took two hours, but it really wasn't to be honest. I put my laundry in, walked next door and got some starbucks and a pain of chocolat (french... grrrr) and than read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo until my clothes were washed and dried. Not only did I have great luck with getting the good machines, but I got sunstantially farther in my book! And it's actually turning into a really good book. The plot is a little information overload and such but it keeps you hooked regardless.
After laundry, I went back to the apartment and folded things and got my stuff and went to Oxford street to shop.
NEWFLASH!!! We're are sorry to interrupt your regular programming, but this is an important news bulletin. It has been discovered that Meredith Laurie, is almost like a local South Kensington girl. BEEP BEEP BEEP
That's right people, I was asked directions and I told them the RIGHT way to go. In fact, because they were going to Oxford street as well, I just led them there. Such a cute little Bulgarian family. It was interesting too, because talking to them actually taught me a little about how different the generations are. The only people in the family who spoke english well were the children.
Oxford street was insanely crowded. I feel like if you were flying above in a helicopter you would think, anthill. The shops were very eclectic and all of them had sales, so it was a good time to shop. I couldn't find the one store I was looking for though, guess I'll wait till another weekend and get google directions or something haha. Damn you Jane Norman!! I got some clothes from Urban Outfitters, which interestingly have different clothes in the US than in the UK even though it's an international chain, and then a cute dress from a hole in the wall store called Madame Butterfly. Then some sandals. I met up with Grace and Michael to eat and give opinions too. Had the BEST mac and cheese for lunch. So good.
Didn't go out Saturday night either. Just got some movies with Grace, Dead Poet's Society and Vanity Fair, and watched them in the basement before going back to my room to read and watch Smallville. It was a nice quiet night. The people at the video store, which I am now a member of btw, did not appreciate our cultural movie tastes though. We wanted the Italian Job (new one) and Ocean's Eleven (new one) and they basically yelled at us. Apparently, because the old ones are much better, which I'm sure they are, the new ones don't count as movies.
I wouldn't argue with them, but they had Dukes of Hazard, Employee of the Month and movies like that, so I don't think they were in a position to talk trash about our movie tastes. Apparently, I haven't hit the drug age, which will help me appreciate the Dukes of Hazard. hmm.
Sunday I didn't do anythign again. I slept in, went to Hyde park to read a littl, went to the store and ended up watching the World Cup final in the basement. What a disappointing game! The best part was the karate kick foul. Almost compares to the head butt of four years ago but not quite. I was kinda upset that they go all the way to the final 15 minute over time and scored. We had gone so far. We wanted penalty kicks!!! oh well. There's alway 2014 haha If I even pay attention to it in the United States, which I probably won't.
Today was a work day, nothing exciting. But I'm going to pub trivia tonight. It's a really fun and relaxing way to spend a night so I'm excited.
Talk later!
Meredith
I think it was because I finally got some time to recharge and be completely alone. I don't care what anyone says, EVERYONE needs atleast one night to be by themselves unless they are completely dependent on the presence of other people. That's why I don't feel like I'm insulting anyone by saying it was nice to be alone a little bit.
It was also nice not to go out at all this weekend. I don't think I went to one pub, except for a couple hours on Thursday night, but I was home by midnight that night and out by 1230. Friday was another typical business seminar, this time about organisational (there are NO z's in London, my friends) leadership. Apparently, if I were a leader in a company, I would gather information and use it to gain power. Sound like me???
Don't answer that.
Then it was off to the Tate Modern. While cool, this is not my museum. I don't know if my brain can warp enough to understand the artistic meaning of some of the futuristic and surreal art that was there. There were some cool stuff and some regular old paintings that I enjoyed (Monet and Jackson Pollack) but then there were some NOT normal things. Like a whole section of art based on Freudian concepts. Interesting to look at, but don't look too long. Just don't.
Friday night I saw Jersey Boys. Another thing that wasn't quite for me. It was a good musical and the music and singers were fantastic, but I felt the play part was a little lacking. It seemed that the play just jumped forward in time so much and so quickly that it wasn't very smooth. This could have something to do with the fact that it had to cover a large span of time forthe Valli life and such, but still. It was a good way to spend the Friday night regardless.
Let me just place my rant of the blog post right here. There are two things, one a bigger annoyance than the other. Ok. Here we go.
People in London are apparently all under 5'6. NOTHING is made for a person taller than 5'6, or atleast not a woman. The dresses are incredibly too short for me to try on and the beds are way too short. In my bed, My head touches the head board while my feet are flat on the other board (foot board??). It makes it very difficult to sleep, not gonna lie. Also, people here tend to wear clothes that are too short for them, but I'll get to that later.
The second thing that is something I don't understand is the talking elevators. You don't need to tell me that the doors are closing... I have eyes, and when they start moving towards each other, I don't think "hey! I think I should get off the elevator now!" I guess at times it's nice to know what floor I'm on to know not to walk off absent mindedly, but then again, I have eyes. I can look a little LED number and know where I am. Oh well, I guess British people just always need directions. Buah hahahaha. That was just me being mean. I'm done.
Saturday was a really good day. Fantastic in fact. I woke up around 10am and went to do my laundry. I would say that that was annoying cause it took two hours, but it really wasn't to be honest. I put my laundry in, walked next door and got some starbucks and a pain of chocolat (french... grrrr) and than read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo until my clothes were washed and dried. Not only did I have great luck with getting the good machines, but I got sunstantially farther in my book! And it's actually turning into a really good book. The plot is a little information overload and such but it keeps you hooked regardless.
After laundry, I went back to the apartment and folded things and got my stuff and went to Oxford street to shop.
NEWFLASH!!! We're are sorry to interrupt your regular programming, but this is an important news bulletin. It has been discovered that Meredith Laurie, is almost like a local South Kensington girl. BEEP BEEP BEEP
That's right people, I was asked directions and I told them the RIGHT way to go. In fact, because they were going to Oxford street as well, I just led them there. Such a cute little Bulgarian family. It was interesting too, because talking to them actually taught me a little about how different the generations are. The only people in the family who spoke english well were the children.
Oxford street was insanely crowded. I feel like if you were flying above in a helicopter you would think, anthill. The shops were very eclectic and all of them had sales, so it was a good time to shop. I couldn't find the one store I was looking for though, guess I'll wait till another weekend and get google directions or something haha. Damn you Jane Norman!! I got some clothes from Urban Outfitters, which interestingly have different clothes in the US than in the UK even though it's an international chain, and then a cute dress from a hole in the wall store called Madame Butterfly. Then some sandals. I met up with Grace and Michael to eat and give opinions too. Had the BEST mac and cheese for lunch. So good.
Didn't go out Saturday night either. Just got some movies with Grace, Dead Poet's Society and Vanity Fair, and watched them in the basement before going back to my room to read and watch Smallville. It was a nice quiet night. The people at the video store, which I am now a member of btw, did not appreciate our cultural movie tastes though. We wanted the Italian Job (new one) and Ocean's Eleven (new one) and they basically yelled at us. Apparently, because the old ones are much better, which I'm sure they are, the new ones don't count as movies.
I wouldn't argue with them, but they had Dukes of Hazard, Employee of the Month and movies like that, so I don't think they were in a position to talk trash about our movie tastes. Apparently, I haven't hit the drug age, which will help me appreciate the Dukes of Hazard. hmm.
Sunday I didn't do anythign again. I slept in, went to Hyde park to read a littl, went to the store and ended up watching the World Cup final in the basement. What a disappointing game! The best part was the karate kick foul. Almost compares to the head butt of four years ago but not quite. I was kinda upset that they go all the way to the final 15 minute over time and scored. We had gone so far. We wanted penalty kicks!!! oh well. There's alway 2014 haha If I even pay attention to it in the United States, which I probably won't.
Today was a work day, nothing exciting. But I'm going to pub trivia tonight. It's a really fun and relaxing way to spend a night so I'm excited.
Talk later!
Meredith
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Work Post
Ok, so my parents won't approve of this, but this is the slowest day at work and that makes me want to do an overdue blog post!
The last one was about the fourth of july, which was highly uneventful compared to 4th's past, but still fun. Since then I have simply been working. I have been so tired this week though! I'm hoping my work doesn't suffer.
I did have a slight run-in with my EUSA work supervisor at public eye. It wasn't really controversial or anything like that, just a little uncomfortable. However, she's joked around and been really nice to me since then, so I'm going to assume that everything is just fine.
Basically, when things start to get slow here, I walk around the office and ask each member of Public Eye if there is anything they would like me to do for them. I really am just looking for any kind of task whether it's a big task or a small nothing task to fill up time before I leave the office. Most of the time, there is nothing that they need, or maybe want, me to do for them and they tell me to leave. This isn't at 2 in the afternoon, usually it's around 530 or so and I only have 1/2 an hour left.
Since every person has told me they don't need me and tell me to leave the office, that's what I do. My supervisor saw a problem with this, even though she has on occasion told me to leave as well. She sent me an e-mail telling that I need to stay in the office until 6pm regardless of my lack of task. I have no problem with this, because it's my internship and I must do what they say. What I DO have a confusion problem with is that after she told me I need to stay, she still doesn't have any tasks for me to do. So around 5pm, I run out of stuff to do and just have to fill my time with whatever I want. I can watch tv or a movie or e-mail or do blog posts haha
Mostly, I just repeat some of the other tasks I've done in that past, press pack etc., for clients that don't have them. I think this is gonna bite me in the ass though haha Watch them ask for all this stuff that I have already done later and then I won't even have made-up tasks to fill my time. Just wait... it WILL happen.
There was another dramatic thing this week, but back in the apartments that we are staying in, Courtfield Gardens. I have mentioned before that the people here do not understand how to wash dishes. Well it came to a point this week when the EUSA gods sent us e-mails telling us that they were going to check our kitchens and if they weren't up to par, fine the entire floor $150. Yay dirty people!!
Well last night, I was dead tired and decided to go home from work, participate in a FABULOUSLY made taco dinner night (gracias grace (heehee that makes me laugh), and pass out. Well one of the USC men told us they were going to have a group dish cleaning. While I didn't feel the need to participate cause I haven't even used a dish for awhile, I said I would to avoid conflict. oops...
My roommate had come and gone in the room a few times so I had put on my headphones and turned my music on high and fell asleep. Apparently I slept straight through the cleaning of the dishes... Now the USC people are fuming because our room doesn't clean our dishes. Funny.
no seriously. HA HA funny.
I did hear a banging in my sleep, but I thought it was part of my dream not real life. Oh well, I cleaned whatever was left in the morning and they deserved to clean their dishes I think. Plus I only have 3 more weeks to live with them, so I really don't care what they think.
You know what else I have discovered?? I am completely comfortable in London now.
You know HOW I discovered this?? I almost broke my Ipod, stepped on a piece of class (thank god for my boots), got attacked by a paper shredder and ran into a tree all in the span of two days. You know you are more comfortable when you lose all you catiousness (word? oh well).
I'm surprised I have suffered a serious injury yet. I'll probably like break an arm or something walking up the stairs in my house when I get back to Plano. That would be something that would happen to me haha
Oh, how I enjoy these times we have together blog. but time to go back to work!
Meredith
The last one was about the fourth of july, which was highly uneventful compared to 4th's past, but still fun. Since then I have simply been working. I have been so tired this week though! I'm hoping my work doesn't suffer.
I did have a slight run-in with my EUSA work supervisor at public eye. It wasn't really controversial or anything like that, just a little uncomfortable. However, she's joked around and been really nice to me since then, so I'm going to assume that everything is just fine.
Basically, when things start to get slow here, I walk around the office and ask each member of Public Eye if there is anything they would like me to do for them. I really am just looking for any kind of task whether it's a big task or a small nothing task to fill up time before I leave the office. Most of the time, there is nothing that they need, or maybe want, me to do for them and they tell me to leave. This isn't at 2 in the afternoon, usually it's around 530 or so and I only have 1/2 an hour left.
Since every person has told me they don't need me and tell me to leave the office, that's what I do. My supervisor saw a problem with this, even though she has on occasion told me to leave as well. She sent me an e-mail telling that I need to stay in the office until 6pm regardless of my lack of task. I have no problem with this, because it's my internship and I must do what they say. What I DO have a confusion problem with is that after she told me I need to stay, she still doesn't have any tasks for me to do. So around 5pm, I run out of stuff to do and just have to fill my time with whatever I want. I can watch tv or a movie or e-mail or do blog posts haha
Mostly, I just repeat some of the other tasks I've done in that past, press pack etc., for clients that don't have them. I think this is gonna bite me in the ass though haha Watch them ask for all this stuff that I have already done later and then I won't even have made-up tasks to fill my time. Just wait... it WILL happen.
There was another dramatic thing this week, but back in the apartments that we are staying in, Courtfield Gardens. I have mentioned before that the people here do not understand how to wash dishes. Well it came to a point this week when the EUSA gods sent us e-mails telling us that they were going to check our kitchens and if they weren't up to par, fine the entire floor $150. Yay dirty people!!
Well last night, I was dead tired and decided to go home from work, participate in a FABULOUSLY made taco dinner night (gracias grace (heehee that makes me laugh), and pass out. Well one of the USC men told us they were going to have a group dish cleaning. While I didn't feel the need to participate cause I haven't even used a dish for awhile, I said I would to avoid conflict. oops...
My roommate had come and gone in the room a few times so I had put on my headphones and turned my music on high and fell asleep. Apparently I slept straight through the cleaning of the dishes... Now the USC people are fuming because our room doesn't clean our dishes. Funny.
no seriously. HA HA funny.
I did hear a banging in my sleep, but I thought it was part of my dream not real life. Oh well, I cleaned whatever was left in the morning and they deserved to clean their dishes I think. Plus I only have 3 more weeks to live with them, so I really don't care what they think.
You know what else I have discovered?? I am completely comfortable in London now.
You know HOW I discovered this?? I almost broke my Ipod, stepped on a piece of class (thank god for my boots), got attacked by a paper shredder and ran into a tree all in the span of two days. You know you are more comfortable when you lose all you catiousness (word? oh well).
I'm surprised I have suffered a serious injury yet. I'll probably like break an arm or something walking up the stairs in my house when I get back to Plano. That would be something that would happen to me haha
Oh, how I enjoy these times we have together blog. but time to go back to work!
Meredith
Sunday, July 4, 2010
hmmm
So i had a bad sleep night last night...
Every so often, I have dreams or flashbacks about my car accident. Usually they are just small flashes that cause me to wake up slowly and then sigh and go back to sleep. This time was one of those rare times where I wake up like someone grabbed me and I'm breathing really fast and can't get back to sleep for an hour or more.
The good news is, it could be worse. There have been times when I have a dream about the accident but the outcome changes. Those are the times where I wake up comepletely terrified. Glad it wasn't one of those.
The funny news. I think I scared my roommate haha She had just come into the room after talking to her boyfriend, ex-boyfriend??, i don't know the whole story. When she came in I jumped awake and she was like "It's just me!" I'm sorry she had to see that haha
It's just something that I have to deal with occasionaly, kind of like when I turn too fast or someone drive me takes a curve or turn too fast and I have to grab onto something in fear that the car will flip. I think it comes with any traumatic accident. It was WAY worse directly after, but i'm basically completely fine about it now.
I'm trying to think what reminded me of it though. I think that something subconciously reminded me of the accident, but I have no idea what it was. Oh well!!
Another thing that didn't help me sleep, but was kind of a welcome distraction, was a drunk dial from some friends back home. They are marines on leave and celebrating the 4th of july (or just reasons to get drunk) all weekend haha I basically talked to them for awhile just about what i'm doing here and whatever their drunk minds could think of. They passed the phone around and I got to say hi to quite a few people, it was really nice to talk to them, even if it was 6am here when they called haha
I went back to bed until 12 so I think I'm ok! And later today we're all going to Hyde park to eat food and hang out to celebrate the day and rub it in the faces of the British. There are so many americans here, i don't think it will be dangerous haha
Ok I'm gonna go get some lunch or something. I just needed to type out my thoughts! This blog is kind of therapeutic!
Meredith
Every so often, I have dreams or flashbacks about my car accident. Usually they are just small flashes that cause me to wake up slowly and then sigh and go back to sleep. This time was one of those rare times where I wake up like someone grabbed me and I'm breathing really fast and can't get back to sleep for an hour or more.
The good news is, it could be worse. There have been times when I have a dream about the accident but the outcome changes. Those are the times where I wake up comepletely terrified. Glad it wasn't one of those.
The funny news. I think I scared my roommate haha She had just come into the room after talking to her boyfriend, ex-boyfriend??, i don't know the whole story. When she came in I jumped awake and she was like "It's just me!" I'm sorry she had to see that haha
It's just something that I have to deal with occasionaly, kind of like when I turn too fast or someone drive me takes a curve or turn too fast and I have to grab onto something in fear that the car will flip. I think it comes with any traumatic accident. It was WAY worse directly after, but i'm basically completely fine about it now.
I'm trying to think what reminded me of it though. I think that something subconciously reminded me of the accident, but I have no idea what it was. Oh well!!
Another thing that didn't help me sleep, but was kind of a welcome distraction, was a drunk dial from some friends back home. They are marines on leave and celebrating the 4th of july (or just reasons to get drunk) all weekend haha I basically talked to them for awhile just about what i'm doing here and whatever their drunk minds could think of. They passed the phone around and I got to say hi to quite a few people, it was really nice to talk to them, even if it was 6am here when they called haha
I went back to bed until 12 so I think I'm ok! And later today we're all going to Hyde park to eat food and hang out to celebrate the day and rub it in the faces of the British. There are so many americans here, i don't think it will be dangerous haha
Ok I'm gonna go get some lunch or something. I just needed to type out my thoughts! This blog is kind of therapeutic!
Meredith
Friday, July 2, 2010
Slight Lull
There comes a time in every girls trip to London where she starts to get really frustrated with the people around her. It's not anything that the people really do. Well... it IS what they are doing but it's not their fault that it frustrates me. It's the fact that I am consistently around the same people all the time that cause the grating annoyance. I feel bad about it too, because I can't really control it and I don't want to be rude or mean about anything, but I can't help but want to get away from everyone. I think it's time I start alternating who I hang out with and then occasionally going off to explore on my own just so I don't get annoyed with anyone.
It's kind of great being here in other ways too. I'm really discovering things about myself that I need to work on. Like I mentioned before, I need to learn to think before I speak a little more. Although, I don't think there is anything wrong with the things I say. I'm never truly malicious about what I say and most of the time they are either true or just my opinions, which shouldn't be suppressed anyways!
Another thing I think I need to change about myself, which kind of contradicts my bluntness, is that I need to stop being afraid of debating my arguments. When I'm blunt, it's usually just my opinion about small things, but ideas and decisions I cave on. I do bring up what I think, but when people tell me I'm wrong, which they usually do (another thing that's starting to grate on my nerves), I just give in. I don't always think I'm right, which is why sometimes I don't have problems caving, but it would be nice if my friends would occasionally consider what I'm saying instead of constantly shutting it down. Sometimes it's better if they do shut it down, which I understand, but sometimes I think I do have truly great ideas. And I'm not the worst at scheduling things...
Oh well. Work is finally picking up. I think that they are starting to trust me with more information and are teaching me things. The people I work with are starting to have real conversations with me too, and they invite me out with them! I think things there are great! I enjoy getting away from the apartment when I go to work too. I think it's such a busy yet casual place that it works for me. I also met a famous person!!! Well he's famous in England, not so much in the United States.
His name is James Corden. He's a comedian here from a show called Gavin and Stacey and he host this live World Cup after show. I haven't watched either but that's ok! I know most of what I know about him from what people at work have said and from reading about him in the newspapers and magazines that I read at work. He also performs the World Cup single, Shout, with a guy called Dizzee Rascal (i think?). He was really funny and seemed nice. And it was definitely not a star struck moment like it was with Matthew Morrison and Chace Crawford, because I don't really know who he is! haha This British stars thing is working out ok. I can see them and talk to them at work and not seem unprofessional.
What a lucky break!!!
Ok, gotta go to the London Natural History Museum. Later!
Meredith
It's kind of great being here in other ways too. I'm really discovering things about myself that I need to work on. Like I mentioned before, I need to learn to think before I speak a little more. Although, I don't think there is anything wrong with the things I say. I'm never truly malicious about what I say and most of the time they are either true or just my opinions, which shouldn't be suppressed anyways!
Another thing I think I need to change about myself, which kind of contradicts my bluntness, is that I need to stop being afraid of debating my arguments. When I'm blunt, it's usually just my opinion about small things, but ideas and decisions I cave on. I do bring up what I think, but when people tell me I'm wrong, which they usually do (another thing that's starting to grate on my nerves), I just give in. I don't always think I'm right, which is why sometimes I don't have problems caving, but it would be nice if my friends would occasionally consider what I'm saying instead of constantly shutting it down. Sometimes it's better if they do shut it down, which I understand, but sometimes I think I do have truly great ideas. And I'm not the worst at scheduling things...
Oh well. Work is finally picking up. I think that they are starting to trust me with more information and are teaching me things. The people I work with are starting to have real conversations with me too, and they invite me out with them! I think things there are great! I enjoy getting away from the apartment when I go to work too. I think it's such a busy yet casual place that it works for me. I also met a famous person!!! Well he's famous in England, not so much in the United States.
His name is James Corden. He's a comedian here from a show called Gavin and Stacey and he host this live World Cup after show. I haven't watched either but that's ok! I know most of what I know about him from what people at work have said and from reading about him in the newspapers and magazines that I read at work. He also performs the World Cup single, Shout, with a guy called Dizzee Rascal (i think?). He was really funny and seemed nice. And it was definitely not a star struck moment like it was with Matthew Morrison and Chace Crawford, because I don't really know who he is! haha This British stars thing is working out ok. I can see them and talk to them at work and not seem unprofessional.
What a lucky break!!!
Ok, gotta go to the London Natural History Museum. Later!
Meredith
Monday, June 28, 2010
Been Awhile
Ok... so a few things have happened since I posted last.
- Sickness
- Bath and Stonehenge
- another slew of interesting outings with friends
I was really sick, annoyingly sick from allergies, or atleast that was the conclusion that was reached. I woke up one day not feeling so well, but went to work anyways because I don't get to work that much and want to miss nothing. Well by 11 I was feeling really dizzy and just plain rotten and by 1 or 2 they had decided to send me home. No one else at work wanted to get sick haha
The only sad thing about the situation, other than the grueling sickness, is that it seems so easy for the company to process without the interns. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm simply a temporary person and therefore not that invested in the inner-workings of the company. This makes me much less important. BUT, it would be nice to feel important instead of just "oh go home, we can go on without you, no problem"
Oh well! That was on Weds. Thursday wasn't any better to be honest, but life goes on I guess. By Thursday night things had cleared up a lot with some medicinal help and I was able to go out with my friends. To be honest, I don't remember much about Thursday night. It was eventful but not at the same time if that makes sense. We went to a place called Tiger Tiger, which was fun. I encountered a strange man... who was apparently an oragami master. Well he started talking to me and then folded a napkin into a rose. This could've been charming, but he didn't smile at all the entire time. Just folded the flower and gave it to me. I said thank you and took it and took a picture with him, which he also didn't smile for. Then, the strangeness continued. He asked me if I wanted him to sign the flower. There was no indication that I wanted him to considering after the pictures I just turned my back and started to walk away. Apparently he won an award in 2008 for oragami, according to his agent who was standing right next to him.
Note to all men in bars. If you make an oragami flower for a girl, don't ask if she wants you to sign it. Buy her a drink or ask her to dance... that's the flow of things! And the only way a girl wants you to sign it is if she asks. Walking away doesn't mean, talk more I think you're famous!!
Then we went to O'Neils where I ran into... wait for it.... hot australian!! His name is actually Jarrad, but I have nicknames for everyone I've met here, it's just easier that way. It was very random but it was so much fun! He danced with my entire group of friends and then his friends joined us. It was like a giant dance party, and what was better was he didn't try to grind with everyone. It was like, old school moves. The Lawnmower. Sprinkler. Running Man.
That's right. We're cool.
Friday I had a business class, snore. And then I went to the The Museum of London. Oh. My. God. Best museum ever! It was so cool. There were interactive parts of the museum and special exhibits and modern art and such. I took a survey to see what job I would get in the 50's and it said stock broker. So I "applied". They rejected me! Fake job application rejected me because I am a girl. Mean.
After the museum I went to lunch with hot australian. Had the best food! The only awkward thing is that we were sitting right in front of a screen playing the World Cup, so everyone else that was there was staring at the screen and therefore us the entire time. Once the conversation got going it wasn't a big deal though.
After that we went to Regent's Park, which was fun, but let me tell you, there are some very heavy PDA people in parks. One woman was practically mounting her boyfriend, i hope that's what he was.... interesting life Londontown leads.
You might not hear much about hot australian though. He is going to Spain for the running of the bulls and is going to get "kabobed" or so he says.
Saturday was the best. We went to Bath and Stonehenge, both amazing but one was only amazing for 10 minutes!
Bath is beautiful. Not the actual Roman Bathes, which are cool in their own right but not completely preserved that well. To be honest, I couldn't really tell what was what in the Roman Bathes except for the main bath and the hot spring. The rest was in pieces and completely crumbled, which I guess is how history should be.
The city itself was great. They had gorgeous buildings and cute little restaurants and shopping, really good shopping. Not that I went shopping and I probably won't go back but still. If you go to London or England or whatever, GO TO BATH!
Stonehenge was fun too but only because Brooke was there. Brooke is another friend I met who goes to KU. We basically walked around the rocks... oh I'm sorry, Mystical Magical Rocks.... and took pictures at every angle. Then we got bored and took pictures of our shadows as hippies and then us as hippies and then an actual hippie. There was also a Stonehenge Biker Gang and a rope around the entire rocks that we snuck over. That's right, we're bad. The bus ride was probably the worst just because it was so long. But I watch the Breakfast Club so it wasn't so bad.
Saturday night I went out too but that might need it's own post. Such interesting people you meet.
Sunday I went to Hyde Park and heard PAUL MCCARTNEY play. It was so amazing. It was... Legen..... wait for it.... Dary. I don't know why but I felt the need to pay homage to Barney from How I Met Your Mother. Anyways, we just say outside the main gates, because it was £220 to get in and that wasn't gonna happen. We through a football around and had a little picnic, it was really relaxing.
Ok, even though this is kind of out of nowhere, time to end the post... I gotta go back to work :(
Have a good day people!
Meredith
- Sickness
- Bath and Stonehenge
- another slew of interesting outings with friends
I was really sick, annoyingly sick from allergies, or atleast that was the conclusion that was reached. I woke up one day not feeling so well, but went to work anyways because I don't get to work that much and want to miss nothing. Well by 11 I was feeling really dizzy and just plain rotten and by 1 or 2 they had decided to send me home. No one else at work wanted to get sick haha
The only sad thing about the situation, other than the grueling sickness, is that it seems so easy for the company to process without the interns. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm simply a temporary person and therefore not that invested in the inner-workings of the company. This makes me much less important. BUT, it would be nice to feel important instead of just "oh go home, we can go on without you, no problem"
Oh well! That was on Weds. Thursday wasn't any better to be honest, but life goes on I guess. By Thursday night things had cleared up a lot with some medicinal help and I was able to go out with my friends. To be honest, I don't remember much about Thursday night. It was eventful but not at the same time if that makes sense. We went to a place called Tiger Tiger, which was fun. I encountered a strange man... who was apparently an oragami master. Well he started talking to me and then folded a napkin into a rose. This could've been charming, but he didn't smile at all the entire time. Just folded the flower and gave it to me. I said thank you and took it and took a picture with him, which he also didn't smile for. Then, the strangeness continued. He asked me if I wanted him to sign the flower. There was no indication that I wanted him to considering after the pictures I just turned my back and started to walk away. Apparently he won an award in 2008 for oragami, according to his agent who was standing right next to him.
Note to all men in bars. If you make an oragami flower for a girl, don't ask if she wants you to sign it. Buy her a drink or ask her to dance... that's the flow of things! And the only way a girl wants you to sign it is if she asks. Walking away doesn't mean, talk more I think you're famous!!
Then we went to O'Neils where I ran into... wait for it.... hot australian!! His name is actually Jarrad, but I have nicknames for everyone I've met here, it's just easier that way. It was very random but it was so much fun! He danced with my entire group of friends and then his friends joined us. It was like a giant dance party, and what was better was he didn't try to grind with everyone. It was like, old school moves. The Lawnmower. Sprinkler. Running Man.
That's right. We're cool.
Friday I had a business class, snore. And then I went to the The Museum of London. Oh. My. God. Best museum ever! It was so cool. There were interactive parts of the museum and special exhibits and modern art and such. I took a survey to see what job I would get in the 50's and it said stock broker. So I "applied". They rejected me! Fake job application rejected me because I am a girl. Mean.
After the museum I went to lunch with hot australian. Had the best food! The only awkward thing is that we were sitting right in front of a screen playing the World Cup, so everyone else that was there was staring at the screen and therefore us the entire time. Once the conversation got going it wasn't a big deal though.
After that we went to Regent's Park, which was fun, but let me tell you, there are some very heavy PDA people in parks. One woman was practically mounting her boyfriend, i hope that's what he was.... interesting life Londontown leads.
You might not hear much about hot australian though. He is going to Spain for the running of the bulls and is going to get "kabobed" or so he says.
Saturday was the best. We went to Bath and Stonehenge, both amazing but one was only amazing for 10 minutes!
Bath is beautiful. Not the actual Roman Bathes, which are cool in their own right but not completely preserved that well. To be honest, I couldn't really tell what was what in the Roman Bathes except for the main bath and the hot spring. The rest was in pieces and completely crumbled, which I guess is how history should be.
The city itself was great. They had gorgeous buildings and cute little restaurants and shopping, really good shopping. Not that I went shopping and I probably won't go back but still. If you go to London or England or whatever, GO TO BATH!
Stonehenge was fun too but only because Brooke was there. Brooke is another friend I met who goes to KU. We basically walked around the rocks... oh I'm sorry, Mystical Magical Rocks.... and took pictures at every angle. Then we got bored and took pictures of our shadows as hippies and then us as hippies and then an actual hippie. There was also a Stonehenge Biker Gang and a rope around the entire rocks that we snuck over. That's right, we're bad. The bus ride was probably the worst just because it was so long. But I watch the Breakfast Club so it wasn't so bad.
Saturday night I went out too but that might need it's own post. Such interesting people you meet.
Sunday I went to Hyde Park and heard PAUL MCCARTNEY play. It was so amazing. It was... Legen..... wait for it.... Dary. I don't know why but I felt the need to pay homage to Barney from How I Met Your Mother. Anyways, we just say outside the main gates, because it was £220 to get in and that wasn't gonna happen. We through a football around and had a little picnic, it was really relaxing.
Ok, even though this is kind of out of nowhere, time to end the post... I gotta go back to work :(
Have a good day people!
Meredith
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Just Thoughts
Hey all!
I'm actually at work right now, but everyone is on a conference call so they told me to take a break and answer the phones if they ring. They are not ringing.
These past few days have been mighty painful... I have hay fever apparently. It's giving me head, nose and throat problems but I'm apparently not sick enough to call in to work. So I must slug through the day, almost useless. People at work are sympathetic though, so it's not so bad. And I have had some pretty good work samples during my time here so that's really good, and I still have a month and a 1/2 left! So i'm assuming that means I'll get many more samples.
I think I have gotten over the shine that is London. Don't get me wrong, I am still completely enjoying my time here and I know it's like no place I have ever been (well except I've been here before, but if you talked to my parents I wasn't really here :)). I think it's just that I have seen most of the tourist sights in the city and now I am simply living, which I think is even better than being on vacation. I know how the tube works and what to expect with weather. I'm used to the accents and the cultural differences. It's like everyday life. I think that's makes it more of an experience.
I know I'm not completely on my own, what with my parents financial backing (which I am feeling largely guilty for and trying uber hard to not take advantage of, which is difficult in london!), but it feels like I'm truly experiencing life after college. What's even better, I'm succeeding! I'm challenged but not so much so that I'm struggling and getting overly frustrated. It is proving my theory about my life correct, although I don't do horribly at school, I will thrive more in the real world where intelligence needs to mold with street smarts to have success, which I think I can do well.
This is not as fun as my other blog posts, but I think it was a good revelation for me. I came here partly because I needed to get away from many aspects of my life at school, and now I know it was perfect timing. I am sincerely happy with where I'm going with my life. That's the best thing about coming here, discovering that.
Ok, breaks over. Cheers!
Meredith
I'm actually at work right now, but everyone is on a conference call so they told me to take a break and answer the phones if they ring. They are not ringing.
These past few days have been mighty painful... I have hay fever apparently. It's giving me head, nose and throat problems but I'm apparently not sick enough to call in to work. So I must slug through the day, almost useless. People at work are sympathetic though, so it's not so bad. And I have had some pretty good work samples during my time here so that's really good, and I still have a month and a 1/2 left! So i'm assuming that means I'll get many more samples.
I think I have gotten over the shine that is London. Don't get me wrong, I am still completely enjoying my time here and I know it's like no place I have ever been (well except I've been here before, but if you talked to my parents I wasn't really here :)). I think it's just that I have seen most of the tourist sights in the city and now I am simply living, which I think is even better than being on vacation. I know how the tube works and what to expect with weather. I'm used to the accents and the cultural differences. It's like everyday life. I think that's makes it more of an experience.
I know I'm not completely on my own, what with my parents financial backing (which I am feeling largely guilty for and trying uber hard to not take advantage of, which is difficult in london!), but it feels like I'm truly experiencing life after college. What's even better, I'm succeeding! I'm challenged but not so much so that I'm struggling and getting overly frustrated. It is proving my theory about my life correct, although I don't do horribly at school, I will thrive more in the real world where intelligence needs to mold with street smarts to have success, which I think I can do well.
This is not as fun as my other blog posts, but I think it was a good revelation for me. I came here partly because I needed to get away from many aspects of my life at school, and now I know it was perfect timing. I am sincerely happy with where I'm going with my life. That's the best thing about coming here, discovering that.
Ok, breaks over. Cheers!
Meredith
Friday, June 18, 2010
Ok people, CALM YOURSELVES!! Some people spend time living instead of reading blogs all day JEEZ!!
soooo anyways what am I supposed to be talking about? I don't even know what I told you guys and what I haven't but I'll just start with after the world cup night.
I have just been working. A LOT OF WORKING! I enjoy it so much. It's one of the best jobs. All I do is handle aspects of many celebrity lives. I go through magazines, talk about doing something you love, and look for their pictures or mention of their names and scan it into the computer. Then after I've read all the magazines and scanned everything, I take on the slightly more involved jobs that the publicists give to me. I've booked cars, flights and taken phone calls from the occasional celebrity *COUGH* Cat Deeley and Bill Nighy*COUGH*.
Right now I'm working on these endorsement and event projects. They aren't seriously complicated but they take up a lot of time!!
I basically go through our archives for online and print press clippings of specific events or endorsements deals and make them into a book. The one I just finished, two days later, was about a deal Cat, yes just Cat :), has with a London jewelry line called Links of London. I had to organize and format about 60 or more pages of pictures and press mentionings of her wearing the jewelry or mentions of the deal. I think it could've been better, but it was my first one and Anna, the woman I was doing it for, said it looked "Brilliant" so I'm happy.
Right now I'm working on a Louis Vuitton store opening. It's a much smaller book but it's harder to find the clippings because all the archives are organized by name of celebrity instead of event. So instead of checking out one person, I have to go through all the files and pick out the pictures of each client that attended. I think this one will be much better on this one just because I have practiced. Wow almost spelled pratice with an "s".... that's a sign of fatigue I think.
Ok. Here goes the one moment of complaining. It's much more legit than butter, don't worry. There is this receptionist at public eye, and in general, she is a sweet and fun girl who helps out everyone, but when it comes to the mail, I'm sorry "the post", she drives me crazy!!! It's like the post is her one time to truly hold her small bit of power and use it. Because I am the only one that is ranked lower than her in the food chain at work she works that power. 4:45. Everyday. She calls me, even if I'm doing two or three other jobs and acts like me not getting the post out will end the world.
"Meredith can you get the post down by 5? It really needs to go down," she says as she watches youtube videos of our clients and eats her lunch. "Yeah, let me finish this one thing and then I will."
"It really needs to go downstairs now. The Postman comes at 5 and that's in 10 minutes"
Ok, I understand some of the mail is for celebrities or their events. But COME ON. It's the freakin mail. If it's so important, stop having your tea and crumpits and go yourself!
Ok. Done.
So I promised I would tell you about the bars. I truly don't drink that much even though I'm not officially of age haha I'm still to paranoid. Now that's not to say I don't accept a free drink, cause you bet your ass I do!!!
Let me tell you! I don't know if it's the American thing, because they LOVE LOVE LOVE our accents and the way we draw out our r's, or if I'm just that confident, but I get some serious free drinks! When I watched the World Cup, I got three from one group of guys. They weren't cute and I whipped out my fake boyfriend to get them to go away, but they still bought me drinks.
It's not my fault that they didn't care about the boyfriend thing. It's their perogative haha Sorry mom and dad. I haven't given my phone number out to anyone so I feel like I'm following the rules. If they refuse to accept no number exchange, I take theirs and then never call. Kind of brutal but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do to get people to go away sometimes.
I also met a cute Australian bartender named Jared. Think we're gonna go back to his bar too because there are darts and he would give me drinks half price haha. I like being foreign. There are so many perks!
Ok. Now for the REALLY exciting night. Last night, Thursday night, we went out to watch the Lakers game at 2 in the morning, i know it's late but it was so worth it! So we get to the Sports Cafe, like the only place that plays American Espn games, and it's a 5 pound cover. We decided that none of us were big enough Celtics or Lakers fans to worry about it and we started to leave.
ALL OF THE SUDDEN! The paparazzi pop up and we're wondering who it's for. They walk up and are like Gossip Girl star! But the car drove away.. it was weird. But I saw another car and inside that car, I saw a specifc head of curly hair. That's right! I recognize Matthew Morrison, aka Mr. Schuester, by his hair! So he gets out and just casually walks into the bar with some chick, don't worry she didn't seem that important, and a bodyguard.
That was all we needed to decide to go in. So he is already upstairs in a glass walled bar area and gone. So we are standing ont he stairs and just hanging out and watching the game and all of the sudden AGAIN, Chace Crawford walks into the bar. His bodyguards are walking ahead of him and parting the crowd like the red sea, priceless. He looked a little worse of the wear though, maybe it's all the pot haha
That's one thing I don't understand. How do you get arrested for pot and then one week later end up out of the country??? Maybe they didn't charge him. Who knows.
And on that thought provoking question statement, I'm off to take a nap before watching the other English World Cup game. Good night one and all
:)
soooo anyways what am I supposed to be talking about? I don't even know what I told you guys and what I haven't but I'll just start with after the world cup night.
I have just been working. A LOT OF WORKING! I enjoy it so much. It's one of the best jobs. All I do is handle aspects of many celebrity lives. I go through magazines, talk about doing something you love, and look for their pictures or mention of their names and scan it into the computer. Then after I've read all the magazines and scanned everything, I take on the slightly more involved jobs that the publicists give to me. I've booked cars, flights and taken phone calls from the occasional celebrity *COUGH* Cat Deeley and Bill Nighy*COUGH*.
Right now I'm working on these endorsement and event projects. They aren't seriously complicated but they take up a lot of time!!
I basically go through our archives for online and print press clippings of specific events or endorsements deals and make them into a book. The one I just finished, two days later, was about a deal Cat, yes just Cat :), has with a London jewelry line called Links of London. I had to organize and format about 60 or more pages of pictures and press mentionings of her wearing the jewelry or mentions of the deal. I think it could've been better, but it was my first one and Anna, the woman I was doing it for, said it looked "Brilliant" so I'm happy.
Right now I'm working on a Louis Vuitton store opening. It's a much smaller book but it's harder to find the clippings because all the archives are organized by name of celebrity instead of event. So instead of checking out one person, I have to go through all the files and pick out the pictures of each client that attended. I think this one will be much better on this one just because I have practiced. Wow almost spelled pratice with an "s".... that's a sign of fatigue I think.
Ok. Here goes the one moment of complaining. It's much more legit than butter, don't worry. There is this receptionist at public eye, and in general, she is a sweet and fun girl who helps out everyone, but when it comes to the mail, I'm sorry "the post", she drives me crazy!!! It's like the post is her one time to truly hold her small bit of power and use it. Because I am the only one that is ranked lower than her in the food chain at work she works that power. 4:45. Everyday. She calls me, even if I'm doing two or three other jobs and acts like me not getting the post out will end the world.
"Meredith can you get the post down by 5? It really needs to go down," she says as she watches youtube videos of our clients and eats her lunch. "Yeah, let me finish this one thing and then I will."
"It really needs to go downstairs now. The Postman comes at 5 and that's in 10 minutes"
Ok, I understand some of the mail is for celebrities or their events. But COME ON. It's the freakin mail. If it's so important, stop having your tea and crumpits and go yourself!
Ok. Done.
So I promised I would tell you about the bars. I truly don't drink that much even though I'm not officially of age haha I'm still to paranoid. Now that's not to say I don't accept a free drink, cause you bet your ass I do!!!
Let me tell you! I don't know if it's the American thing, because they LOVE LOVE LOVE our accents and the way we draw out our r's, or if I'm just that confident, but I get some serious free drinks! When I watched the World Cup, I got three from one group of guys. They weren't cute and I whipped out my fake boyfriend to get them to go away, but they still bought me drinks.
It's not my fault that they didn't care about the boyfriend thing. It's their perogative haha Sorry mom and dad. I haven't given my phone number out to anyone so I feel like I'm following the rules. If they refuse to accept no number exchange, I take theirs and then never call. Kind of brutal but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do to get people to go away sometimes.
I also met a cute Australian bartender named Jared. Think we're gonna go back to his bar too because there are darts and he would give me drinks half price haha. I like being foreign. There are so many perks!
Ok. Now for the REALLY exciting night. Last night, Thursday night, we went out to watch the Lakers game at 2 in the morning, i know it's late but it was so worth it! So we get to the Sports Cafe, like the only place that plays American Espn games, and it's a 5 pound cover. We decided that none of us were big enough Celtics or Lakers fans to worry about it and we started to leave.
ALL OF THE SUDDEN! The paparazzi pop up and we're wondering who it's for. They walk up and are like Gossip Girl star! But the car drove away.. it was weird. But I saw another car and inside that car, I saw a specifc head of curly hair. That's right! I recognize Matthew Morrison, aka Mr. Schuester, by his hair! So he gets out and just casually walks into the bar with some chick, don't worry she didn't seem that important, and a bodyguard.
That was all we needed to decide to go in. So he is already upstairs in a glass walled bar area and gone. So we are standing ont he stairs and just hanging out and watching the game and all of the sudden AGAIN, Chace Crawford walks into the bar. His bodyguards are walking ahead of him and parting the crowd like the red sea, priceless. He looked a little worse of the wear though, maybe it's all the pot haha
That's one thing I don't understand. How do you get arrested for pot and then one week later end up out of the country??? Maybe they didn't charge him. Who knows.
And on that thought provoking question statement, I'm off to take a nap before watching the other English World Cup game. Good night one and all
:)
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Best Week of My Life
This is been the most amazing week, and not just because I'm in London (but that is the majority of the reason :) ). I think I have experienced more incredible things in this week than the past year, maybe two, combined! I love it here. I would happily be able to live here. There's always something to do, someone to meet and places to discover.
Last time I wrote on this thing I had had a tour of select parts of the city. Well since then I have explored the depths of some other areas of the city. On Wednesday I had my interview. It couldn't have gone better!!! It really wasn't an interview to be honest, more like a show around and introduce you to everyone meeting. There are only two concerns that I have with they job, and they aren't necessarily about the job themself but about how it will fulfill requirements. For the job I need to gain experience through writing and presenting my work in 5 or 6 samples to my advisor and teacher rep for the class. As far as I'm informed, this job will be more about observing and doing minimal work within the company. More like scanning and errands than writing. I will inform them that I need to write, but I'm worried that I won't be able to provide enough samples. I don't want to have this experience and do well at it and not get the credit I deserve!
Although that would happen to me, if anyone...
The errands seem, not daunting, but time consuming. It's Devil Wears Prada Type stuff. There will be 2 other interns, english interns, that will help with the workload though, so hopefull that will help. But with the writing samples I think it might hurt me. They have been taught the proper UK way of writing things and therefore, might get the opportunities more than I will. I think I can make myself seem more appealing in that aspect though. I hope!
Other than that, I'm excited!!! I hope I meet someone famous.
After the interview, I met up with Michael and Brittany and we walked to Hyde Park as part of an academic scavenger hunt. We had to find certain monuments or locations and write small papers about them. We decided on the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park and black telephone booths and then a bridge I had already taken a picture of. Hyde Park was BEAUTIFUL!!!! It was like Central Park but bigger and better. And possibly with more birds. There was an INSANE amount of birds in this place. At one point we had to walk through a mob of birds and I thought I was going to get attacked by a goose.
Now, people laugh when I think that's going to happen, but let me tell you, it HAS happened before. There was a park behind a movie theatre and there were insane swans that semi-lived back there. One time my family decided to visit that place and someone, possibly me or my brother, provoked these things into a psychotic frenzy and they just chased people down! So don't laugh when I saw swans and geese will attack!!!
Anyways, the Peter Pan statue was amazing. I love peter pan, I even tried to fly like him once. That ended badly. And there was this little boy wandering around the statue, he just fit in so well to the story of Peter it was kind of magical to see.
On Friday, I had my first business class seminar at the French Institute. It was typical of any business class. Interesting in some parts and boring in most. Luckily, the speaker knew the information he would be sharing was going to be lost if he didn't keep us awake and had little tricks to help, so it wasn't that bad. After the 2 hour class we had to go to a cultural event, in this case the National Portrait Gallery.
Don't get me wrong, the art and portraits in that place are incredibly done and probably very important. But with the exception of a few older paintings and the contemporary art, I was bored out of my mind there. All the older tudor style and revolutionary paintings looked EXACTLY the same. Old men and women, with their families posing in weird positions, with white hair and not smiling. The only good moment that came out of seeing those paintings was when my other friends Ashley, one of the sweetest and most good-natured and pure person EVER, said "I wish I lived back then, when it was seen as posh to be white and fat!"
Classic.
The portraits of Diana and her sons were so sweet. It was a moving reminder of that history.
On Saturday, I attended the Queen's birthday parade and watched the World Cup. The Queen's birthday parades was actually kind of cool! I thought I would be bored out of my mind, but the people watching was very interesting. So many different tourists from all over the world. Although, some of them were incredibly rude, but that just made it a little more interesting to see people's reactions to them. We were only three people back in the crowd so we got great views of everything! I say we, because I was there with some other friends in the EUSA program. Lea, so cool and very social (and she played polo, which I find awesome), Brooke, so sweet! she is so genuine too, Sarah, she is like my kindred spirit in the way that we both have energy and no need to please anyone and Marjorie, she's a little quiet but when she says something, it's something you like to hear. Anyways, the parade was slightly repetitive but always fun to watch just because I like the guards so much!
If it wasn't illegal for me to try and jump over the fences and make them laugh while on horseback I totally would have. But, alas, it is. Basically the parade was guards marching, band guards marching, guards on horseback, guards on horseback with instruments and playing and then PRINCE WILLIAM (so pretty and charming and pretty looking) and Camilla. Then MORE guards (SHOCKER) and then the Queen!!
I. Saw. The. Queen.
She didn't look happy to be there though. I think it's cause she didn't know I was there. I should've made myself more visible. hmmm. I'll work on that.
That was fun, but that night was much more fun. The World Cup. I am not a soccer fan, and really don't expect to ever be a soccer fan, but the culture that comes with soccer here is mind blowing. These people are truly insane. But it's so fun to see. And it took us FOREVER to find a pub that was showing the Cup and let us in without reservations, but we did and it was so fun. I got three free drinks!!! Even though we tied them, which made me think I'd get attacked haha
After the World Cup we went out to more bars. I'll write blog on the bars later, I'm sure I'll have plenty to say!! This one has been too long for my taste though. Plus, I got my first day in the real world tomorrow. Wouldn't want to be too tired for that!
Have a good night London and world!
Meredith
Last time I wrote on this thing I had had a tour of select parts of the city. Well since then I have explored the depths of some other areas of the city. On Wednesday I had my interview. It couldn't have gone better!!! It really wasn't an interview to be honest, more like a show around and introduce you to everyone meeting. There are only two concerns that I have with they job, and they aren't necessarily about the job themself but about how it will fulfill requirements. For the job I need to gain experience through writing and presenting my work in 5 or 6 samples to my advisor and teacher rep for the class. As far as I'm informed, this job will be more about observing and doing minimal work within the company. More like scanning and errands than writing. I will inform them that I need to write, but I'm worried that I won't be able to provide enough samples. I don't want to have this experience and do well at it and not get the credit I deserve!
Although that would happen to me, if anyone...
The errands seem, not daunting, but time consuming. It's Devil Wears Prada Type stuff. There will be 2 other interns, english interns, that will help with the workload though, so hopefull that will help. But with the writing samples I think it might hurt me. They have been taught the proper UK way of writing things and therefore, might get the opportunities more than I will. I think I can make myself seem more appealing in that aspect though. I hope!
Other than that, I'm excited!!! I hope I meet someone famous.
After the interview, I met up with Michael and Brittany and we walked to Hyde Park as part of an academic scavenger hunt. We had to find certain monuments or locations and write small papers about them. We decided on the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park and black telephone booths and then a bridge I had already taken a picture of. Hyde Park was BEAUTIFUL!!!! It was like Central Park but bigger and better. And possibly with more birds. There was an INSANE amount of birds in this place. At one point we had to walk through a mob of birds and I thought I was going to get attacked by a goose.
Now, people laugh when I think that's going to happen, but let me tell you, it HAS happened before. There was a park behind a movie theatre and there were insane swans that semi-lived back there. One time my family decided to visit that place and someone, possibly me or my brother, provoked these things into a psychotic frenzy and they just chased people down! So don't laugh when I saw swans and geese will attack!!!
Anyways, the Peter Pan statue was amazing. I love peter pan, I even tried to fly like him once. That ended badly. And there was this little boy wandering around the statue, he just fit in so well to the story of Peter it was kind of magical to see.
On Friday, I had my first business class seminar at the French Institute. It was typical of any business class. Interesting in some parts and boring in most. Luckily, the speaker knew the information he would be sharing was going to be lost if he didn't keep us awake and had little tricks to help, so it wasn't that bad. After the 2 hour class we had to go to a cultural event, in this case the National Portrait Gallery.
Don't get me wrong, the art and portraits in that place are incredibly done and probably very important. But with the exception of a few older paintings and the contemporary art, I was bored out of my mind there. All the older tudor style and revolutionary paintings looked EXACTLY the same. Old men and women, with their families posing in weird positions, with white hair and not smiling. The only good moment that came out of seeing those paintings was when my other friends Ashley, one of the sweetest and most good-natured and pure person EVER, said "I wish I lived back then, when it was seen as posh to be white and fat!"
Classic.
The portraits of Diana and her sons were so sweet. It was a moving reminder of that history.
On Saturday, I attended the Queen's birthday parade and watched the World Cup. The Queen's birthday parades was actually kind of cool! I thought I would be bored out of my mind, but the people watching was very interesting. So many different tourists from all over the world. Although, some of them were incredibly rude, but that just made it a little more interesting to see people's reactions to them. We were only three people back in the crowd so we got great views of everything! I say we, because I was there with some other friends in the EUSA program. Lea, so cool and very social (and she played polo, which I find awesome), Brooke, so sweet! she is so genuine too, Sarah, she is like my kindred spirit in the way that we both have energy and no need to please anyone and Marjorie, she's a little quiet but when she says something, it's something you like to hear. Anyways, the parade was slightly repetitive but always fun to watch just because I like the guards so much!
If it wasn't illegal for me to try and jump over the fences and make them laugh while on horseback I totally would have. But, alas, it is. Basically the parade was guards marching, band guards marching, guards on horseback, guards on horseback with instruments and playing and then PRINCE WILLIAM (so pretty and charming and pretty looking) and Camilla. Then MORE guards (SHOCKER) and then the Queen!!
I. Saw. The. Queen.
She didn't look happy to be there though. I think it's cause she didn't know I was there. I should've made myself more visible. hmmm. I'll work on that.
That was fun, but that night was much more fun. The World Cup. I am not a soccer fan, and really don't expect to ever be a soccer fan, but the culture that comes with soccer here is mind blowing. These people are truly insane. But it's so fun to see. And it took us FOREVER to find a pub that was showing the Cup and let us in without reservations, but we did and it was so fun. I got three free drinks!!! Even though we tied them, which made me think I'd get attacked haha
After the World Cup we went out to more bars. I'll write blog on the bars later, I'm sure I'll have plenty to say!! This one has been too long for my taste though. Plus, I got my first day in the real world tomorrow. Wouldn't want to be too tired for that!
Have a good night London and world!
Meredith
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
I HAVE ARRIVED!!
Why hello there London! So good of you to have me! I finally arrived in London yesterday, and after a day of travel, jet lag and adjusting, I must say that I am EXTREMELY happy to be here.
The plane ride wasn't that bad at all, because I was in business class (Thanks Mom!!! and your frequent flier miles!!!) I sat next to this nice gentleman who was a lawyer. And I speculate, part of the Italian Mafia or something. Definitely a crime boss type guy. Super friendly but DECKED OUT in jewels. He had like huge diamond encrusted bracelets on both wrists and a big diamond ring and a necklace, it was insane. He slept most of the ride, with his mouth WIDE open, but he didn't snore so i didn't mind.
I, instead of sleeping like i should have, watched three movies and dozed in and out. I watched Percy Jackson (good), Orson Welles (very entertaining) and Valentine's day (my fall asleep movie). They kept me pretty occupied, as did the food. The food was better than some meals i've had on the ground, which i find shocking. For dinner I had Mango Chili beef and potatoes and really good bread. Except no extra butter which is so not cool.... And a total LIE
You know how I know, because I had a croissant for breakfast and they gave me more butter!!! But i let it slide cause i also got fruit and Special K cereal for breakfast.
Once I got off the flight I took a car to my apartment. Immigration was a breeze, guess I don't look like a terrorist! My driver was really cool but a horrible driver. It could be the left side of the road thing or something, but the driving over here scares me so much! And their news is kinda weird. The biggest news story on the car ride was about a fox.
Apparently a fox climbed into a house through an open window and bit two twin baby girls. Now i know this is awful, and they have every right to report it, but the guy talking about this story was a little insane. Some people called in to state how hungry foxes were and claim that they feed them and they aren't dangerous. The reporter BLEW UP!!! He started asking them things like "you feed the foxes? do you aid and abed (abet?) terrorists too??"
Come on man... foxes are not terrorists.
Finally I got to the apartment, I was the first one there so I got the pick of the beds, so i chose the non bunk bed one. My roommates are really cool though, such different people. Brittany is really fun and way more in shape than I am. She actually went out running last night and got lost! poor girl.
She ended up running like 10 miles instead of the planned 2 just trying to find the apartment building. I hang out with her a lot on the tours and eating and such.
Carly is so cute! she wears really great clothes and is really outgoing, but she came with a bunch of friends, so i haven't gotten to get to know her through hanging out quite yet. But i'm sure we will a couple times through the process.
I have my "let's make sure you aren't a psycho!" interview with my placement company tomorrow. It's called Public Eye Communications Ltd. It's a publicity company that represents a bunch of tv, movie and theater actors. There are some really famous ones like... ahem...
Hugh Laurie
Rupert Grint
Bonnie Wright
Michael Sheen
and much MUCH more!!
I'm so excited to work there! it's like my dream job. It could include events like premieres or movie screenings or interviews or photo shoots. I don't know if i'll get to attend any of those but i'm crossing my fingers!
I actually figured out how to get there while on a tour today in the center of london. We took a THREE HOUR walking tour of london, that actually turned out to go much longer because of rain and general curiosity. The tour guide was HILARIOUS. and if I must be honest, a little horny.
We had these guys from USC, goofy but way good looking guys, and they didn't have umbrellas. So the whole time, they are getting soaked by the rain, and enjoying every minute of it, might i add. Well we are under a bridge waiting it out and she is just FAWNING over them.
Quote: "You know, you boys remind of me of Jane Austen characters like Darcy with your muscles and your rain soaked tshirts." It was PRICELESS. Of course being the good looking boys they are, they took it in stride and accepted their compliments gladly.
The city is fantastic. I really am SO happy I get to live here for two months. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about the job, but right now it just seems like a wonderful plus. The real treat is that I get to leave work everyday and walk through a beautiful city. or go to a pub. or watch the world cup with a bunch of drunk British men! That's on saturday btw ;)
Ok i need to go sleep now. I'm insanely tired. Good night one and all!
Meredith
The plane ride wasn't that bad at all, because I was in business class (Thanks Mom!!! and your frequent flier miles!!!) I sat next to this nice gentleman who was a lawyer. And I speculate, part of the Italian Mafia or something. Definitely a crime boss type guy. Super friendly but DECKED OUT in jewels. He had like huge diamond encrusted bracelets on both wrists and a big diamond ring and a necklace, it was insane. He slept most of the ride, with his mouth WIDE open, but he didn't snore so i didn't mind.
I, instead of sleeping like i should have, watched three movies and dozed in and out. I watched Percy Jackson (good), Orson Welles (very entertaining) and Valentine's day (my fall asleep movie). They kept me pretty occupied, as did the food. The food was better than some meals i've had on the ground, which i find shocking. For dinner I had Mango Chili beef and potatoes and really good bread. Except no extra butter which is so not cool.... And a total LIE
You know how I know, because I had a croissant for breakfast and they gave me more butter!!! But i let it slide cause i also got fruit and Special K cereal for breakfast.
Once I got off the flight I took a car to my apartment. Immigration was a breeze, guess I don't look like a terrorist! My driver was really cool but a horrible driver. It could be the left side of the road thing or something, but the driving over here scares me so much! And their news is kinda weird. The biggest news story on the car ride was about a fox.
Apparently a fox climbed into a house through an open window and bit two twin baby girls. Now i know this is awful, and they have every right to report it, but the guy talking about this story was a little insane. Some people called in to state how hungry foxes were and claim that they feed them and they aren't dangerous. The reporter BLEW UP!!! He started asking them things like "you feed the foxes? do you aid and abed (abet?) terrorists too??"
Come on man... foxes are not terrorists.
Finally I got to the apartment, I was the first one there so I got the pick of the beds, so i chose the non bunk bed one. My roommates are really cool though, such different people. Brittany is really fun and way more in shape than I am. She actually went out running last night and got lost! poor girl.
She ended up running like 10 miles instead of the planned 2 just trying to find the apartment building. I hang out with her a lot on the tours and eating and such.
Carly is so cute! she wears really great clothes and is really outgoing, but she came with a bunch of friends, so i haven't gotten to get to know her through hanging out quite yet. But i'm sure we will a couple times through the process.
I have my "let's make sure you aren't a psycho!" interview with my placement company tomorrow. It's called Public Eye Communications Ltd. It's a publicity company that represents a bunch of tv, movie and theater actors. There are some really famous ones like... ahem...
Hugh Laurie
Rupert Grint
Bonnie Wright
Michael Sheen
and much MUCH more!!
I'm so excited to work there! it's like my dream job. It could include events like premieres or movie screenings or interviews or photo shoots. I don't know if i'll get to attend any of those but i'm crossing my fingers!
I actually figured out how to get there while on a tour today in the center of london. We took a THREE HOUR walking tour of london, that actually turned out to go much longer because of rain and general curiosity. The tour guide was HILARIOUS. and if I must be honest, a little horny.
We had these guys from USC, goofy but way good looking guys, and they didn't have umbrellas. So the whole time, they are getting soaked by the rain, and enjoying every minute of it, might i add. Well we are under a bridge waiting it out and she is just FAWNING over them.
Quote: "You know, you boys remind of me of Jane Austen characters like Darcy with your muscles and your rain soaked tshirts." It was PRICELESS. Of course being the good looking boys they are, they took it in stride and accepted their compliments gladly.
The city is fantastic. I really am SO happy I get to live here for two months. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about the job, but right now it just seems like a wonderful plus. The real treat is that I get to leave work everyday and walk through a beautiful city. or go to a pub. or watch the world cup with a bunch of drunk British men! That's on saturday btw ;)
Ok i need to go sleep now. I'm insanely tired. Good night one and all!
Meredith
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Bad Government...
So I had to get my fingerprints recorded and my picture taken this past weekend for my Visa application. I really didn't think it would be that bad, maybe a little bit of a line what, but your basic small line, information form and semi-awkward moment with the official who takes the picture and fingerprints. Let me tell you, the government has insane rules for simple fingerprints.
I arrive, on time might I add, which is an accomplishment in itself for me, and get through the security ok. The lady who went through my purse was kind of obnoxious but in a "doing her job" sort of way. She didn't HAVE to unzip every compartment of my purse but I'm over it. There is basically no one there, which is exciting cause I had an hour long drive to get home and didn't want to stay long. So I go up to the counter, present my passport and my paper that they required and I get this look. It wasn't an "are you stupid?" look so much as an "I'm really sorry I have to say this to you cause I don't know if you're psychotic and evil" look. The man tells me that I have the wrong paper, the RIGHT information but the wrong type of paper. Tell me how that makes sense?!?!? They don't need any other names, numbers or dates, but it's in the wrong format and on the wrong type of paper. Were this an assignment for class I wouldn't complain, but really America? You care what kind of paper this stuff is on??
I'm not really a confrontation kind of person in these situations, so I just tell him that that's all I got and could he accept it or not. He told me to find a library, an hour away from Lawrence, and print off the right piece of paper in the right format. Normally, this would be no problem, but I wasn't in my town and I had no earthly idea where a library was.
GPS TO THE RESCUE!
The library was a mile away and really easy to spot, so I had no problem with it. However, I get in there to see 20 computers but all with limited access. I needed a library card to get onto the computer. I get another look. I could probably make a collection of the looks I recieve on a daily basis. I don't mean basic looks of happiness or sadness or excitment. For some strange reason, these unique looks of sarcasm or judgement are reserved for me. This woman, a little older than your average bear, already had a natural way about her that made you want to avoid her, but I was stuck. She processed my information, questioning me about having Laurie as a last name, why I was in Kansas City if my lisence said Texas and what possible use I could have for a library card in this area. Finally, she gives up her vendetta or denying me a card and gives me one. I am now the proud owner of a library card for a random library I can't remember the name of!!!!
The moment has finally come, and I get the right piece of paper. I return to the office and get my purse searched, yet again; each pocket opened, yet again. I approach the desk, give my RIGHT piece of paper and am accepted into the world of the US Government. Whoopee.
The actual process of fingerprinting wasn't as awkward, although the computer screen (no ink! yay!) kept rejecting my fingerprints which caused a bit of a self-esteem complex. The guy who processed the fingerprints told me stories of the weirdest people to come through the office.
One woman apparently met a guy online and was getting her Visa so she could go to London and marry the internet man of her dreams. Wonder if that worked out. No really!! I do!!! Another man had decided that he wanted to be in the European film industry. Oh, but not just any film industry, this guy wanted to be an adult film start. That little tidbit almost made me not want the guy to touch my hands anymore.
The drive home was pretty boring and the rest of the weekend as well. This was more of a venting entry than anything else, or maybe it was a warning. Whatever it was, comment below!
Meredith
I arrive, on time might I add, which is an accomplishment in itself for me, and get through the security ok. The lady who went through my purse was kind of obnoxious but in a "doing her job" sort of way. She didn't HAVE to unzip every compartment of my purse but I'm over it. There is basically no one there, which is exciting cause I had an hour long drive to get home and didn't want to stay long. So I go up to the counter, present my passport and my paper that they required and I get this look. It wasn't an "are you stupid?" look so much as an "I'm really sorry I have to say this to you cause I don't know if you're psychotic and evil" look. The man tells me that I have the wrong paper, the RIGHT information but the wrong type of paper. Tell me how that makes sense?!?!? They don't need any other names, numbers or dates, but it's in the wrong format and on the wrong type of paper. Were this an assignment for class I wouldn't complain, but really America? You care what kind of paper this stuff is on??
I'm not really a confrontation kind of person in these situations, so I just tell him that that's all I got and could he accept it or not. He told me to find a library, an hour away from Lawrence, and print off the right piece of paper in the right format. Normally, this would be no problem, but I wasn't in my town and I had no earthly idea where a library was.
GPS TO THE RESCUE!
The library was a mile away and really easy to spot, so I had no problem with it. However, I get in there to see 20 computers but all with limited access. I needed a library card to get onto the computer. I get another look. I could probably make a collection of the looks I recieve on a daily basis. I don't mean basic looks of happiness or sadness or excitment. For some strange reason, these unique looks of sarcasm or judgement are reserved for me. This woman, a little older than your average bear, already had a natural way about her that made you want to avoid her, but I was stuck. She processed my information, questioning me about having Laurie as a last name, why I was in Kansas City if my lisence said Texas and what possible use I could have for a library card in this area. Finally, she gives up her vendetta or denying me a card and gives me one. I am now the proud owner of a library card for a random library I can't remember the name of!!!!
The moment has finally come, and I get the right piece of paper. I return to the office and get my purse searched, yet again; each pocket opened, yet again. I approach the desk, give my RIGHT piece of paper and am accepted into the world of the US Government. Whoopee.
The actual process of fingerprinting wasn't as awkward, although the computer screen (no ink! yay!) kept rejecting my fingerprints which caused a bit of a self-esteem complex. The guy who processed the fingerprints told me stories of the weirdest people to come through the office.
One woman apparently met a guy online and was getting her Visa so she could go to London and marry the internet man of her dreams. Wonder if that worked out. No really!! I do!!! Another man had decided that he wanted to be in the European film industry. Oh, but not just any film industry, this guy wanted to be an adult film start. That little tidbit almost made me not want the guy to touch my hands anymore.
The drive home was pretty boring and the rest of the weekend as well. This was more of a venting entry than anything else, or maybe it was a warning. Whatever it was, comment below!
Meredith
Thursday, April 1, 2010
EXCITING NEWS!!!
So exciting news for me!! If you haven't already heard, I am off to LONDON this summer! I am going to work and live in the center of the hustle and bustle of the city for two whole months, June and July. I'll be completely alone over there too, which is kind of the most terrifying and most exciting part. Sure I'll be able to talk to people via Facebook and cell phone from time to time, but for the majority of the time, I will have to meet new people at work and people within the study abroad internship program. Making friends has never been an issue for me, and I figure I'll be focusing on other things like work and school and tourism to worry about not making friends, so I'll be ok!
The process to get there is a pain in the ass though. There are so many hoops to jump through whether it's the passport, which luckily I already have, the money, which my parents are providing for me cause they love me and i LOVE LOVE LOVE them for this, or the visa, which is such a complicated process, there are so many steps to simply get my butt in London. It'll be worth it, don't get me wrong, but really? Do I NEED to scan my face and fingerprints into the system just to prove I'm not a terrorist. I sleep with a stuffed dog named Buffy sometimes and watch bad teenage soap operas, the only threat I have to London is possibly spreading childish practices across the nation. What can I say? I like to hold on to my youth!
Currently I have paid for my Visa but I still have to collect all the items to send to the country to get it completed. It's a long process, and it's annoying to me and my parents. They keep getting e-mails from me, "Here's ANOTHER list of things you need to send me. Have fun!" I'm sure they enjoy it. But hey, at least they will be rid of me for two months. I might even come back more mature than before with a cute British accents. One can only hope!
The only sad things about this trip involves my friends. I didn't see many of them over Spring Break and going to school in Kansas makes it hard to get back to Texas to visit. I'm gonna miss Sara and Trent's wedding!!! I think that is the worst part. I mean I don't generally enjoy weddings, not that they aren't pretty and sweet and all, but I am not a dress and heels and formal person and I don't cry. That doesn't make me the best wedding guest, but I really wanted to see Trent, my prom date HELLO, and I love Sara now so of course I wanna support her. I might even like her more than Trent but SHH don't tell him that.
Also I'm not gonna get to see my best friends Sam and Brit and I won't get to see my family at all except for the two weeks before and after, but my mom wants to possibly visit before or after so that cancels another two to four days. I love my friends and family, and I'll miss them, but I have the rest of my life to spend time with them and I doubt I will have this opportunity again.
Ok I am definitely typing this in Public Relations class, not a smart move but it helps me stay awake ;), so I should go and focus. Comments? Questions? Complaints? Talk below!
Later,
Meredith
The process to get there is a pain in the ass though. There are so many hoops to jump through whether it's the passport, which luckily I already have, the money, which my parents are providing for me cause they love me and i LOVE LOVE LOVE them for this, or the visa, which is such a complicated process, there are so many steps to simply get my butt in London. It'll be worth it, don't get me wrong, but really? Do I NEED to scan my face and fingerprints into the system just to prove I'm not a terrorist. I sleep with a stuffed dog named Buffy sometimes and watch bad teenage soap operas, the only threat I have to London is possibly spreading childish practices across the nation. What can I say? I like to hold on to my youth!
Currently I have paid for my Visa but I still have to collect all the items to send to the country to get it completed. It's a long process, and it's annoying to me and my parents. They keep getting e-mails from me, "Here's ANOTHER list of things you need to send me. Have fun!" I'm sure they enjoy it. But hey, at least they will be rid of me for two months. I might even come back more mature than before with a cute British accents. One can only hope!
The only sad things about this trip involves my friends. I didn't see many of them over Spring Break and going to school in Kansas makes it hard to get back to Texas to visit. I'm gonna miss Sara and Trent's wedding!!! I think that is the worst part. I mean I don't generally enjoy weddings, not that they aren't pretty and sweet and all, but I am not a dress and heels and formal person and I don't cry. That doesn't make me the best wedding guest, but I really wanted to see Trent, my prom date HELLO, and I love Sara now so of course I wanna support her. I might even like her more than Trent but SHH don't tell him that.
Also I'm not gonna get to see my best friends Sam and Brit and I won't get to see my family at all except for the two weeks before and after, but my mom wants to possibly visit before or after so that cancels another two to four days. I love my friends and family, and I'll miss them, but I have the rest of my life to spend time with them and I doubt I will have this opportunity again.
Ok I am definitely typing this in Public Relations class, not a smart move but it helps me stay awake ;), so I should go and focus. Comments? Questions? Complaints? Talk below!
Later,
Meredith
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