One week after arriving back in England

That's right it's now a week since I landed safely in England after a relatively stress free flight. People keep asking me how it is to be back but that's a difficult questions to answer.

After a week back I don't know how I feel to be here. It's like waking up from a coma I imagine, where America seemed like an elaborate dream and I've woken up in England where everything is the same except for some small changes. I've so easily just started seeing my friends again, driving around, catching trains, haircuts, shopping; it just feels like waking up again. I can definitely force myself to think about the things I miss about America and feel sad but I think I'm just coping like anyone would and trying to look forward. That part of my life is done now and if I don't move on I wont be able to function. Anyway it's not like it used to be; now I know it's just a text, a skype, or a plane ride away. It definitely helps knowing that it's not goodbye at all, just a see you later.

It's interesting to try and work out where my sense of belonging is. I feel like I belong in my home town of course, but as soon as I leave and go outside, I feel like a tourist, like this isn't my country anymore. I feel like an outsider. I've had to do some really crappy drives into London for a football (soccer) coaching qualification and as soon as I leave home the roads feel alien. I'm getting frustrated, worried, and stressed more easily than I used to. I could always navigate the roads in England so easily, but now it all feels strange.  I went to London last night and just felt like a tourist the entire time. It all felt new. I was enjoying even the smallest things that a real Londoner would probably never notice. It was like looking through a brand new pair of eyes, and while it was enjoyable, it made me feel like I didn't belong to those places. Not yet anyway.

The transition has left me a little shell shocked to say the least, and so instead of freaking out I'm just not sure how I feel yet. I think I'll be able to better answer that question in October once I've started working, so for now, stop asking pretty please.

Luckily for me I have an 8 week distraction coming to stay with me over summer. She'll land tomorrow and it'll be my turn to look after her outside her home country. It's going to be so interesting to see an American view of England. We'll also be heading to Europe for 3 weeks and so if you want to keep up with our progress you can at: http://cheekymonkeystoureurope.blogspot.co.uk/ We'll be heading off in just over a week! I'll also be getting her to write a few posts about her experience here and the things she finds interesting so watch out for those.

That's all for now, take care x

One day morreeeee...

So it's true, tomorrow is my last full day in America. On Wednesday I fly out at 5pm and arrive back in the UK at 1130am. It's so strange to think that this time I don't have a return flight booked. It's strange to think I will be in the UK until Christmas, until my 24th birthday, until next year. My time in America is over and it's all starting to hit me when I think about it that way. I can think of a million reasons I'm sad to leave, but the fact that I'm not coming back in September hurts the most. 

That's not to say I'm not excited to go home. It will be nice to settle back into my old life even if that does feel so alien to me right now. Summers in England can't be beaten and so I'm very excited to get back to that. And after all, it's the World Cup this summer, I can't imagine a better place to be to enjoy it!

These past weeks since graduation I've been lucky enough to be based at the Allen household. It's been so great to just have a 2 week vacation before it all gets crazy again. I've done everything I can to stay away from thinking about school or work or you know, the future. That's been made much easier with such great hospitality, and of course the opportunity to sun bathe by the pool and read. I started (and finished) the Maze Runner trilogy in preparation for the release of the movie. Its so nice to read because I want to! 

Our view from the Drive-In

This past weekend I think I might have had one of my more American days. After a standard day by the pool we went to Hometown Buffet. I really don't know how to explain this to my UK friends, except maybe imagine a Chinese buffet but with no Chinese food. There was salad, tacos, pasta, pizza, roast type food, and a range of desserts. I really enjoyed it there to be honest. I think it's known for being a relatively cheap eat but it was good for the money, and we actually only paid 84 cents because we had a coupon/voucher. 

After food we went to a drive-in cinema. We took a big truck so that when we got there we could set up chairs and blankets in the truck bed. It was a really unique experience and I won't forget it. Also the drive-in plays two movies, so we saw Xmen and Spider-Man. I won't lie, even though I love Jennifer Lawrence, Xmen wasn't as good as I'd hoped. Spider-Man though, that was good, but a sad ending which you'll be fully ready for if you read the comic books. With two movies we were there until 2am which was kind of exciting. 

Calico Ghost Town

Last week we took a trip to Calico Ghost Town. It's an old mining town basically but it looks like an old western town like in John Wayne movies. If you've read my previous blogs you'll know that anything that looks like a movie set is pretty much a good time for me. 

That same week we took the dogs up to a trail in the mountains. It was very pretty and we saw a snake! We had to walk around it just in case it was a bad guy snake. Which reminds me, I always forget how many lizards there are here, and then I spend all my time trying to catch them. I also saw a black widow spider this week, and the bins were raided last night by a bear. Basically I'm happy to be alive. 

So all in all it's been a nice relaxing last few weeks. I feel fully detoxed and ready for my next adventure. I think I'm a little anxious about heading home and starting all over again, especially with my accent/verbage. I've already been called out for using words like soda, vacation, movies, sweater etc. Please be nice to me UK friends, I've had to pick up American words to get by so don't be mean! 

This is all for now, I will continue to keep you all updated! 

Take care and stay safe x

Finals, Graduation, and Goodbyes

Unsurprisingly this past week has been full of apprehension, nerves, a little guilt, and overall a lot of emotion. How Americans annually squeeze in final exams and graduation in the same week I don't know. I am truly exhausted mentally, physically, and yes - emotionally. For your reading pleasure I have a post in two parts: The first will follow my usual form as I provide commentary on my experience of American culture. In the second part I would like to extend a farewell to those friends I am leaving behind. Therefore this post will likely be long and yes, emotional, and so I will adequately signpost so you may skip to the good bits.

Part 1

Before finals week hit, I managed to get to SF one last time. We hired bicycles and rode across the Golden Gate bridge which was great but very exhausting, especially on such a windy day. As we made it to the other side I particularly wanted to find the view they'd used in the film The Internship (seen right). It was also recently used in the show Parks & Rec (also right). We found it, up a very very steep hill. I can say that those picnic benches aren't there but that little fence is! It was very exciting for me as a film buff, I always love to go to movie locations. It was a nice way for me to say goodbye to San Francisco. I do love the city and so I hope it's not too long before I get to go back!

So after two years of my Masters education I finally reached finals week. Having chosen to write a thesis I had no exams and instead I had a final presentation for my sociology class on Monday, and had to defend my thesis on Wednesday. Both were successful leaving me with a pretty good GPA (in fact even having a GPA is pretty cool) and leaving me free for 4 days of awards and recognition and "looking to the future" and goodbyes. I even managed to gain a few awards myself which I still don't understand - I don't get academic awards, I'm always the "most improved" or "best attendance" or "most sporty", never academic, so to receive recognition for 'Outstanding Research' was (and still is) a big surprise. 

The big graduation day was Saturday. It was different to graduation in England, or at least it was different to my undergraduate graduation. Firstly, I get to keep my cap and gown - can't wait to use it for HP costume parties. Also, I became aware that my undergraduate university was much bigger than here because everyone graduated on the same day. Split into two ceremonies, the first was mostly speeches, anthems, nostalgia and inspirational chat, where the University President conferred our degrees and we moved our tassels to the left (to the left). The second was for specific schools where you walk the stage in which we had a hooding ceremony.

It dawned on me very early how strange it is that we hold onto such traditions as graduation, especially with what we wear and the mace's that get carried around. I started the day feeling like I was in the Great Hall at Hogwarts about to hear who won the house cup, and I ended the day expecting the professors on the stage to hold hands in an act of rebellion against the Capitol. Everything at graduation ceremonies seems so strange and fictional - and it angered me that of all the traditions we chose to keep and those we chose to forget, that making people sit through hours of bad public speaking is still something we like to do. 

While I enjoyed my day, I was very cynical throughout of course. It was very American. We listened to the National Anthem and we thanked the troops. Random people congratulated me (shouting) as I walked around in my gown. The choir even turned the traditional university song into beat boxing at one point. There were many moments where I thought, "only in America". This was especially true for the presence of Fraternities and Sororities. I've gone most of my two years avoiding these groups but on this day I had no such luck. Every now and then I could smell alcohol on someone, and sure enough the individual wore a sash identifying them as a member of one of these groups. Now I'm not saying don't have a drink on your graduation day, but I am saying "don't show up wasted at 9am and behave like a douchebag and ruin everyone's day".  I used to belong to a club the would pride themselves on their ability to drink but we didn't need to show up to our own graduation wasted. If you can't enjoy something without being drunk you should probably check yourself. Also if you can't find it in you to behave like an adult for graduation, you probably shouldn't be graduating. 

Also as I mentioned previously, when I walked across the stage we had a hooding ceremony. Basically, someone dresses you. I don't really know how else to describe it. Just one of those weird traditions I guess, but basically I had to carry my hood around until I got onto the stage, shook hands with a lady, and then a professor put my hood on for me, then I walked off. Weird. Also funny when the short professor has to hood the tall basketball players. 

Finally to conclude, graduations (not just American ones) are weird. Idiots have to drink to deal with the weirdness. Masters and PhD students feel old compared to undergrads and get mad at them being drunk and not behaving like adults.

For my last full day up North we had a nice brunch with friends. I figured I should end as I began by eating a breakfast burrito - but actually knowing what I was getting in for this time. Later I wanted to grab a nice bottle of wine for a gift so we made a big trip out of it. It was especially fun to enjoy it with my friends before the goodbyes started. We stopped at a few vineyards for wine tasting and it was such a beautiful day to do so. The vineyards are so pretty and the people are so nice - wine tasting is definitely something I wish I could have done more of during my stay. 

Part 2

So now I want to move away from this past week, and look back over my past 2 years while being a GA and completing my Masters. When I got here I was scared, lonely, and homesick. A year later I was still homesick, but I wasn't scared or lonely anymore. Eventually I started to feel at home. Everything finally clicked. Then in no time at all I find myself here, about to fly back to England with my adventure nearly over. My time here has been truly life changing - I understand what that means now. I needed these two years to grow up, mature, and find out who I was. I needed these two years to learn about people, about cultures, and about the good in the world. My eyes have been truly opened, and I am a different person now. 

I could talk forever about what I have gained from my adventure, but whats important now is that acknowledge those people who have been integral to my time here. The people who have helped me, supported me, educated me, and made me a better person. So without further ado, I have written a message to each of you to say thank you. Not everyone listed here will find the link to my blog so please forward it if you can:

Mellissa, Tori, Maggie, Anthony, Tasha: My Sports Ped students. Thank you so much for being patient with me and for not laughing at my cultural differences. Thank you for giving me a space which was safe for me to learn without judgement and thank you for making me feel needed as a teacher. It is true that without such understanding students that I may not have made it to the end of this journey. I have enjoyed watching you all grow over these past two years and I am excited to see where you all end up. I will miss working with each of you. Thank you. 

Kama, Gabby & Fogey: My Softball buddies. I won't lie to you, when I started out here I knew nothing about softball or college sports. Throughout my time here you have taught me all I need to know about those two things. Although you have also been much more than athletes to me. You have each showed me kindness, intelligence, and happiness that I hope to emulate in my future. I have felt that throughout my stay, if I ever needed someone, you would be there. I value your friendship and I hope that we remain in contact. Thank you. 

Carmen, Mike & Mike, Brett, Vince, Renee, Curran, Cory: My sociology class and friends. It has truly been a pleasure to know you all. You have all supported me and been silently guiding me throughout my stay here. You have all given me confidence in who I am and restored my faith in people. You reminded me to see the best in people. I have learned so much from each of you and I will carry those lessons with me every day.  You are all good people and I hope to know you for many years to come. 

Ben: You have been the comic relief that I have needed in this crazy country. Thank you so much for laughing at stupid things because it meant I could laugh with you. Thank you for not making ignorant jokes about my accent/country, and instead just the rare intelligent ones. Thank you for giving me a job because I have loved every second of working at the games - it really enhanced my experience here so thank you so much. Most of all, thank you for just being a good person. From the moment I met you to the moment I said goodbye you were the same, unwavering, good person who I met two years ago. Being around you just makes me automatically happy so thank you for that because there were many times when it was really needed. Thank you. 

George: I truly regret not knowing you better. I have loved spending time with you these past two years. We have had some great times together and your presence has been  a real joy and pleasure. You bring humor, happiness, and kindness where ever you go, and all those great times we've had as a group wouldn't have been the same without you. Thank you. 

Gregg & AJ: I have missed you both so much this past year and so to think I am now leaving the country without seeing you both is very hard for me. Your friendship in my first year here was a real blessing and, perhaps without realizing it, you kept me going when there was no one else. You are good people and I wish you all the best in your future together. Thank you so much. 

Blakely: It truly sucks that we only got to spend this past year together, but I have to say, I have loved having you as a roommate. You are fun and honest, and I love that about you. You are not hiding anything, what you see is what you get, and I value that so much. I will miss living with you so much, and I am so sorry that I have to leave after such a short time together. Thank you so much for being awesome (and clean). 

Julie: I am so unhappy that we only got this one year to spend together. My friendship with you and Jaf this year has been the final piece to the puzzle. Being able to spend time in the office and at home with someone I can talk to so easily, someone I respect, and someone I can relate to, has been really huge for me. I began to enjoy my job and life here on a new level and that was all down to you and Jaf. I will miss working with you and I will miss living with you. You are a great person and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you. Thank you. 

Kortney: It is no understatement that I would not have been able to do my job without you. Everything I needed to learn to do my job, I learned from you. You have taught me what quality teaching and coaching looks like, and you have taught me to be a professional. Every reward or recognition I receive for my job in the hesp department should come right back to you, because I could not have done any of it without you. You also gave me a safe space to vent, and more importantly be myself. I respect you so much and I know that you will do great things. The future of USA soccer is in your hands and I am excited to see your career unfold. You have truly helped me in a way that I cannot thank you enough. Please keep in touch. 

Killick: I have already written a goodbye to you once, and so to avoid repeating myself I will just say this: you are responsible for all of this, and now I see how life changing it all was. Thank you. 

Jafra: Jaf you are a unique individual. I don't expect I will ever meet anyone like you for the rest of my life. I do not know anyone who has a passion for life the same way you do. Your positivism and drive to seek out knowledge has motivated me to be better. I hope for the rest of my life I can approach things and think "what would Jaf do?". You are a good person, perhaps the best. You have the ability to light up a room as well as send a group of people into deep critical thought. You are destined for great things, and I'm excited for the day I can point at my TV and say, I went to school with him. Thank you. 

Gina: I will never forget my first week here, being told over and over again about this awesome person I had replaced and how I had 'big shoes to fill'. For a kid who was fresh of the boat, that was the worst thing I could hear. Although now I can forgive them all, because they were all right. In fact if anything they understated what a truly awesome person you are. I have learned empathy and kindness from you, two things that come so naturally for you. You made me feel welcomed and supported, and most of all, wanted. You took me under your wing and supported me like a parent (or maybe a cool aunt or something). Those first months here were so difficult for me, and I am so grateful that you were there. Thank you for your continued friendship and support.

Lizzie: So to bounce off Gina's paragraph, I will never forget the first time we met. That same week you said to me "you know that girl Gina that everyone keeps talking about, that's my girlfriend". My first thought was "there are gay people here", and my second thought was "be cool". Lizzie you welcomed me with open arms from day one. I literally wouldn't have made it here without you. You're fun to be around and you took good care of me. You made me feel wanted and like I had friends. You're friendship kept me going. You have provided me with amazing experiences and stories I will cherish forever. You helped me fall in love with California. There is no way that this is goodbye because there is no way that I will allow myself to not see you again. Thank you. 

Megan: Maybe I'm biased, but the fact of the matter is that I genuinely wouldn't have returned to America in January '13 if it wasn't for you. I wouldn't have lasted these two years, and I wouldn't have finished my masters. I wouldn't be here right now, in Southern California, writing these nice things. I wouldn't have any awards, friends, stories, or experiences. You saved me from myself and you showed me that I can always be better. You helped me be brave and you also let me be scared. You kept me here and it was amazing. You provided me with experiences beyond my imagination. I have learned so much from you and I am a better person because of you. You are a good person, such a genuinely good person, and I am the luckiest person in the world because you stuck around. Thank you. 

Thank You

To all of you, don't be shy, if you ever need a tour guide in London or a place to crash don't hesitate to ask. I can't write thank you's to everyone, but to all those not mentioned above, each of you has shaped and impacted my life in a positive way so thank you.

I have two more weeks in the USA and then a packed summer awaiting me in England and Europe. Following that I will be coaching youth sports until I save up enough money to enjoy a vacation back out here! 

This is not my last post, I have a few more in me so this isn't goodbye to my American adventure just yet!

E x

Nobody likes you when you're 23...

...or so the Blink 182 song goes, what's my age again?

That's right, it's a year since Taylor Swifts 22 song was stuck in my head and that can mean only one thing; I'm now a legitimate 23 year old. A second birthday spent in beautiful California which is an improvement to my 2 previous birthdays on tour. It's nice not to be punished for being born. 

My birthday was actually a week ago but thanks to sport in the USA I was able to work 2 softball and 1 volleyball games instead of celebrating. It wasn't all bad though; I had a really lovely birthday breakfast with my roommates which involved cinnamon rolls and plenty of English tea.

As a compromise I celebrated my birthday this weekend and was very lucky to be treated to a day at the 'ball park'. I went to a Giants game basically (Translation: San Francisco's Premiership Baseball Team). We got the train into SF instead of driving like we usually do. It was actually a really nice way to see parts of the Stockton-San Fran journey that you don't see from the freeway. The views weren't much except maybe the UC Berkley towers but to see such varied houses, roads, and factories was nice. It just goes to show there's still so much to learn about places. This is definitely noticeable when you ride through some of the more sketchy parts of Oakland. You think that places like that only exist in movies like Coach Carter but being 15 minutes from Richmond you realize how accurate that representation of socially deprived areas actually is.

The game was great. Well actually there was only 7 hits so it wasn't a great game to watch in itself but that didn't really matter. It was a beautiful day and I had my doubts about sitting through 9 innings of baseball but it was surprisingly really fun. I bought a t-shirt of course, and so I sat there in the beautiful sunshine watching the game and drinking a beer. I could totally understand why this was the "American pastime".

On the way home we stopped at Texas Roadhouse, the restaurant we went to for my birthday last year. It's so funny looking back at my initial reaction to this place how it all seems so normal to me now. We had steak, BBQ chicken, and ribs. We were so full when we got home we couldn't move for hours. That combined with the sunburned faces meant we were asleep by 9:30pm.

Today was another beautiful day of sunshine and so I've just been relaxing in the sun following the busy week. I'm certainly going to miss this beautiful weather. I'm going to get out in it as much as possible for my last 5 weeks here.

A couple of things I noticed this week:

Bumper stickers. I know that's strange but it dawned on me how some Americans can be douchebags with their bumper stickers. This is not really a thing in England which is why it seems so strange to me. Basically, there are people in America who will have maybe 4/5 bumper stickers on the back of their cars with their political stances on things. Firstly, bumper stickers are a nightmare to peel off, they loose colour in the sun/rain, and they make your car look kind of messy and untidy. That's perhaps my own personal opinion and each to their own I guess but secondly, the 'political stances' I speak of are not necessarily "I'm a proud Democrat" but are more specific to certain social issues. The one's that shock me most are probably the anti-abortion ones and maybe the anti-gay ones. I'm not surprised that people think this way but I am surprised that they feel the car that drives behind them should know about it. Get your political views out of my face. Even the more liberal pro-equality stickers irritate me now because I want to drive around without thinking thank you very much! There is literally a war-of-the-bumper-stickers happening and I truly do not understand it. How important do you think your opinions are that you feel you need a sticker for your car? and why your car? Why not a tattoo or a sign on your front door? I DON"T GET IT. Someone please explain this to me (without telling me it's your constitutional right because I swear fkgheubrgjlegnepkvm)

Another thing I noticed this week is my reaction to puddles. Again, weird I know, so let me explain. In England, when you go outside and see a puddle or that your car has drops on it, you assume it rained. In California, when you see a puddle or your cars has drops on it, you assume the water sprinklers have been on. It's so strange because the first few times this happened I was confused because it seemed to be raining overnight in California a lot. Recently we had a few weeks of rain and now we're back to the sunshine. On Wednesday when I saw a puddle I had to consciously remind myself it hadn't rained and that the puddle I stepped over was from a leaky sprinkler. Seriously, I've been here two years and my brain is still playing catch up.

Finally, I realized these past few weeks how much better at customer service roles Americans are. Now I used to work in a bunch of kinds of customer service so I wouldn't say this lightly, but Americans are just way better at it. After a few restaurant/Starbucks/store visits I noticed people in these roles in America are much older than at home. In England these roles are mostly taken by students and the oldest person is the manager. Not in America. In America most servers are older. This is their full time job and they enjoy it, and that makes a huge difference. I literally remember being the worst waitress in the world as a 15 year old, and here I can ask my server what's good and they know and they are usually right. I cannot tell you the amount of times I've had crappy service in the UK compared to here where it's only happened once and that's because she was an inexperienced kid. It's not just in these areas actually, my doctors for my broken wrist, and people in call centers, all awesome. Maybe I've just been lucky but I'm not looking forward to taking my American friends to English restaurants after this.

Anyway, I graduate on May 10th. That's less than a month now and I will officially be a Master of something. I fly home two weeks later. I will try to get some more blog posts in before my American adventure is over but there'll be plenty to write about when I get home I'm sure!

Hope you are all well, stay safe!
x


P.S. This was on Parks & Rec this week and I can't think of a better representation of America:

Spring Break! Woop Woop!

So this week has been Spring Break! Woop Woop!

For Spring Break we booked a hotel in Reno, Nevada, for two days of Snowboarding! We left on Monday, and after 2 hours of driving we were in the snowy Sierra Nevada mountains driving through beautiful scenery. When we arrived in Reno, named 'the biggest little city' I understood why it's commonly compared to Vegas. It's a lot like Vegas with its pretty lights and hotel casinos, but much smaller. Our hotel had 2 floors of casinos, one with beer pong, and the 17th floor (our room) had a great view of the surrounding mountains! Also our room had a King bed so wide I could lie across it - it was as wide as I am tall!

The first day of snowboarding, was my first day of snowboarding ever. Never touched a board. So it will be unsurprising that I spent most of the day on my bum. In fact getting up was probably the hardest part. Then add trying to get off a ski lift with one foot in your board and the other out! Getting off the lift without falling was probably my best achievement on day 1!

That night we went to a true American steakhouse, Ruby River. The whole restaurant was decorated with cowboy stuff, boots, hats, holsters, and then 30 minutes in cowboy looking guys actually showed up for a meal. It was awesome, and I don't think I've ever tasted steak so good.

We had every intention that night of playing beer pong in the casino, but we were both so tired from snowboarding we played cards instead. I had to ice all my sore muscles!

It got interesting the next day. I finally was able to snowboard down the mountain without falling and so we were up and down the mountain pretty fast. We decided to move up higher after lunch for longer runs and I was doing pretty well considering it was only day 2. As soon as we decided we might go a third day, disaster struck. My board caught the snow throwing me back. Stupidly I put my arms out to catch my fall, and in doing so felt the worst pain in my wrist. I wont lie, I cried for about 5 seconds in the snow before I checked for swelling and movement. My hand and fingers were fine, fully functional, but the swelling on my wrist was growing and I couldn't turn my hand over. I iced it with some snow and convinced myself it was fine. We boarded down the mountain with me full of fear in case I fell again. At the bottom Megan convinced me to seek First Aid, and the first aid guy would send me to hospital. I was so gutted. I didn't want to go to hospital. It didn't hurt if I didn't move, I was fine.

Yeah so that didn't happen. Megan made me go to the 'Emergency Room'. This was about to be a crazy American experience for me. Firstly, I had to work out how my insurance worked. I knew I had insurance, but that was about it, so for 20 minutes Megan is talking to phone robots trying to figure out how much an xray's gonna cost me. Then I checked in to ER and waited in a relatively empty waiting room for 5 minutes. I was seen by a nurse who asked a hundred medical history questions and checked my blood pressure, and then taken into a private room in the ER ward. I was told to get on the bed and was so confused I asked if I should take my shoes off. She put a blanket on me, got a pillow for my arm, and propped the bed up. As she left she pointed out the TV. No joke, I was in bed in a private room with a TV within 15 minutes of arriving. In a bed - it was my arm that was hurting - why was I in a bed? Over the next 2 hours I would have nurses, doctors, and xrays. Also it turns out they do the xrays with you still in the bed - I didn't have to move. I thought you had to put your arm in a machine or a hole in the wall over something. Anyway it turned out I'd broken my left wrist. They sent me away with a temporary splint after I handed over $150. I wont lie, I feel like I got what I paid for. I was treated like a little princess. Although I won't hear one person complain about the NHS because that's free and I can't afford to break any more bones in this country.

That night we went to a really posh restaurant (kind of by accident) and there's me with a bandage up to my elbow in the only tshirt baggy enough to fit over the splint. We looked so out of place. The portions were so tiny! Although, the food was awesome and there's something to be said for sympathy. It didn't matter how dressed down we were because I looked so pathetic. I kept getting looks from people like "aww bless little baby broke her arm". In fact since then I've had so much sympathy from people working in restaurants and shops, in fact one store worker helped us to the car with all our shopping. Completely unnecessary but I'll take it.  

So anyway yesterday I had to get a cast. First broken bone I've ever had, so first ever cast. While the insurance makes the paperwork and phone calls very complicated, it does mean I got to choose Blue for my cast! So now I'm walking around looking really cool with a blue cast on my arm. I'm yet to know how much that's going to cost me though.

So in all, a relatively successful Spring break. I learnt to Snowboard and gained 4 weeks in a cast with a broken wrist!

I'm updating my blog and can't think of a witty title...

So it's February 17th, Monday night, and I honestly don't know what to write about. My mum read my academic blog today and said it wasn't as fun as this one so it prompted me to write, although I usually have a subject to write about.

Well here goes...

Ellen Page came out. That happened. I know some of you won't know who that is but she's that actress from Juno. She was in Xmen too. At first I didn't care so much but when you watch the video, she articulates her feelings so well it's just a good video to watch if you've ever felt a little trapped maybe you can relate.

Ok I've thought of something to write about now.

So this week a professor asked me what I've missed about England, and what I would miss about America.

What I've Missed About England (not inc. the people):
1) I think Public Transport has been the one thing I've missed the most, and constantly. In England you can get around easily without a car, but in America you can't at all. It's such a crappy thing to miss, but I guess you don't know how much you need something until it's gone. Seriously, buses and trains, I miss them.
2) I miss British Television for a few reasons. Firstly because we just have some really great shows that you can't get here. Mock the Week is just one example I can think of right now. Secondly because in England you get "prime time", and here you don't. With a country that stretches three time zones of course its hard to pick a good time to show your best shows, but I'm not willing to stay up til midnight to watch Saturday Night Live.
3) Perhaps the most important one to me is that I miss being able to go to a local pub. With everything so spread out in America there are no pubs/bars that you can just walk home from, and there's no taxi's either. If we go drinking, somebody's driving and that's no fun. At home you can get a cheap taxi or walk home from your local, and if you can find a Wetherspoons the drinks and food cost nothing either!

What I Will Miss About America (not inc. the people):
1) I think the first obvious answer is the weather. Being in California means you get tanning time in February, and it's truly the best feeling to be in shorts and a shirt each day. The sun makes you happy and comfortable, and I will definitely miss that.
2) The food. Yes it is true, British food is bland and there's a reason why our National dish is curry. Right now I cannot think of anything worse than past, beans, and cheese, and that used to be something I'd eat every day. Here in California we have the privilege of a range of Mexican food that you don't get in England. It's good to taste what you're eating. I will miss spicy food. I will miss tasty food. But hopefully I can bring things back to England with me.
3) The sport. Yeah I'm sorry I'm not even embarrassed, I will miss watching American football. It's a good spectator sport and  like to have it on TV. In fact in America there is always sport on TV. Any time, any day, there is sport on, and I will really miss that. I don't even like to watch sport that much, but there's something about American sport that means it's easy to put on in the background and give it half your attention.

There's definitely a version of these list's that are a million times longer but the main ones are here. And let's be real, the America list should probably say "California" because it's not the same everywhere in America.

That last point has reminded me, I've really loved watching the Olympics these past weeks. I love that it's always on TV and I love the Olympics after working at the 2012 games. I'm really jealous that team Canada is at these Olympics and they don't need my help, and I'm really sad I'm not with them. Instead I'm supporting them all the way, especially since GB aren't very present in these games anyway.

Other than that, I feel like I have nothing more to share. My life has been all about being stressed about work every day, and this weekend I've finally taken some time to breathe.

Oh that was the other thing. I've reduced my Facebook. I mean I tried to delete it but it turns out you can only deactivate it with it sat there waiting for your return. So instead i haven't deleted it, just deleted everything on there. So yes I will check it for messages every now and then but other than that you need to text me because I truly truly hate Facebook.

So, I will update you when I have more to share, but for now this is it!

xx

The Final Fight to California: This Finish Line's in sight

Yesterday I flew back to California for the very last time. I have 4 months until graduation on May 10th. After that I'll be done, my California adventure will be over, and I'll have 30 days before the US Government will kick me out the country.

It feels weird with the end so close yet so far. Realistically 4 months is nothing and it is going to go very fast, but then I think about all the things I have to do in those 4 months and it doesn't feel close being over at all. I have a new sociology class to start and finish, my Thesis to complete, another semester of Tiger Pride, and new class of undergrads in my Tennis Activity Class. That's not to mention any extra work I might try to publish. So it's not that close to the end at all.

I've spoken a lot in the past about transitions between here and the UK and I think that's because they're the feelings that feel most alien. In my last blog post I mentioned how I'd got back to the UK with my USA head still on, and now I'm experiencing the exact opposite. It seems that it can take as little as 4 weeks for me to settle back into one of my two worlds, and now I'm back in California I'm struggling to think like an American. It really is a mental thing too because physically nothing feels strange or new, I've just fit back into my old routine here. Mentally though I'm finding it hard to prepare for the upcoming semester. I imagine it's like swapping between driving a car and a bus. After a driving a car all your life, driving a bus might be hard at first, but eventually you learn and get used to it. So I imagine I've been driving a car for the last 4 weeks, and now I'm back in the bus. I can physically drive the bus with ease, but mentally I'm all over the place for a bit until I'm used to it again.

I'm going to stick to what I said before Christmas, I feel like I belong in two different worlds now. This is a problem though because the two worlds are so different. It's always been hard in America living without some of the good stuff from England, but these last four weeks in England I have missed certain things about America. The food here is great and always having sport on tv is definitely something I love, but then five minutes in the car here and I'm reminded that I much prefer British roads and British drivers. I don't want to insult my friends but California drivers aren't exactly defensive drivers, and I'm certainly nervous in the car!

Looking back I did have a great Christmas break, and not because I did anything particularly awesome, but because is was perfectly normal. I did get to take my mum to the Harry Potter studios, and on the same day my family and I saw Catching Fire at the cinema, so that really was one of my best 2013 days. Otherwise I just enjoyed the day-to-day. Walking my dog and watching British comedy shows and eating home cooked meals. It was just great to live out a normal few weeks.

As far as New Years resolutions go I did change my approach to making them. This year instead of trying to do more of something like going to the gym for example, I actually picked out one of my worst behaviors and I'm aiming to reduce it! I'm a worrier, and I worry about money and my future everyday. I'm fairly sure that worrying so much about these things is actually stopping me from enjoying my life. So my new years resolution was that for 2014 I am not allowed to worry about money. This is my year off. If I'm poor then so be it. I don't need a well paid job for a few years and so I'm not worrying about it. I'm going to coach when I get back and that's all. I'll worry about the future in 2015. This year is my chance to chill out and enjoy life. So I call upon you all to HELP ME! Any time you hear me worrying about money or getting a job or my future YOU MUST STOP ME!

My flight was not the best yesterday. There was a lot of turbulence and I was ready to live out Episode 1 of Lost, expecting to find myself in purgatory disguised as an island paradise with Dominic Monaghan. The food was awesome though, that was good. I also got to watch Don Jon (not recommended for the easily offended), The Internship, and We're The Millers. I loved all of them so if you need a recommendation go with one of those.

I think I'm beginning to ramble so I will stop there. Thanks everyone in the UK, especially my family, for making my Christmas break so perfect! It was just what I needed. And here's to my sprint finish here in California!

I hope you all have a great start to 2014! Stay positive (especially in the upcoming crappy January and February that everyone inevitably has)!

Home for Christmas: Some Christmas Teachings

So yes, this time last year I arrived home for Christmas just I have done this week, although it's fair to say it doesn't feel like the same experience. For those of you who keep up with my blog, you'll know my visit over summer was eye opening. How I'd become truly Americanized and that I'd started to miss things in the US a lot more than I had ever expected. Well its fair to say that that's still the case. I am now using words like "sweater" and "soda" with much more commitment than ever before. In fact typing on an English keyboard as I write this is slowing me down immensely. To be fair, the little English things are less of a novelty now compared to summer. I think I've now fully accepted I belong in two worlds. So with that in mind, it seems silly to repeat myself from last Christmas, and instead perhaps I will share some free wisdom's that I have come across from my experience. There are 5 items altogether. These may come across a bit ranty but that's because I am passionate about the topics. I wouldn't bother writing about it if I didn't think that at least some of it was worthwhile. I have inserted some images to make it less painful.

Higher Education:
Firstly, I'm not sure if I would recommend higher education. Granted I have learnt so much in such a short space of time, but that's the problem. I can now fully appreciate the term "Ignorance is bliss". Let me explain. My current education involves higher level psychology and sociology, particularly within the power of the media and the representation of minority groups (well actually everyone). As a result I can no longer live my life in peaceful happiness. Every TV show, movie, news broadcast, social situation, and conversation, I am plagued by the knowledge and understanding I have of how every word and image effects the world and effects us. We are all products of our society and yet we all believe we are free to choose our own destiny. I can't bare it. I can't bare knowing what I know.
For example last night: I can't bare to watch The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug to see that there are only TWO black people in the entire movie. TWO. Are you seriously telling me, Mr Jackson, that a black person does not emulate the perfection of the Elves? Can you tell me for a fact that if Middle Earth DID exist that the only black people would be two peasants that live on a lake? Another example: Every time I hear someone casually use the words 'retarded' or 'mental' or 'gay' or 'n***er' or 'bitch' or 'slut' I cringe because they have no idea the power of words and how they are shaping the world around them. And sure, I could rant about every television show and every movie and every conversation in the same respect, but here's my real problem: If I'd gone to see The Hobbit two years ago, I wouldn't care. Two years ago I could sit and watch television and have conversations without seeing all the bad stuff. I was ignorant to it all. So now I wonder who has it better? We all look down on people who drop out of school, but perhaps they did the right thing, because at least they're happy.

Parents
This category has come from my experience away from my parents. I know I've mentioned it before, and I know we are all thankful for our family on the surface because it is socially acceptable to do so (sorry but it is). So how many of you can say you've sat back and thought about how much time and money your

parent/s have put into keeping you happy? How many holidays, dinners out, nice cars, or spa days they could have had if you weren't around? And now with more of us living at home because of the cost of living starting out, how many of you are living with your parent/s for minimal rent, and how many of you actually go home over Christmas and pay for the food you eat? It's sounds idealistic perhaps, but it's hard to look away when you realize the sheer scale of it. I'm not pointing fingers, but merely stating something that I can now see clear as day. My trip to America would not have been possible without my parents. I plan to do my very best to pay them back. And I think the world would be a better place if we all took more time to thank our parents.

Pets
Yes yes ok I'm sorry, I've ranted a lot. I just wanted to share something I read about dogs, and I think it applies to most pets to be honest: "He may only be a part of your life, but you are everything to him". Pets are incredibly valuable to us and they bring so much joy and happiness. It's so easy to forget that you are all they have. I'll never forget that quote now I've read it, and so even though its rainy outside and I have a bunch of chores and a thesis to write, I'll make time to take my dog out for that extra walk. Right now my dog is barking at Kung Fu Panda.

Books
When I looked back on 2012 I had so much to be thankful for. I had graduated, we had the jubilee, the Olympics, I moved to America, and of course my health and my family. I knew that 2013 would struggle to follow. I have had an amazing year and seen basically everything California has to offer, although I think looking back I will always thank 2013 for rekindling my love of books. This year I read The Hunger Games trilogy and fell in love with it. I have become a Hunger Games fangirl and I think I like it more than I like dinosaurs. I've been captivated by the stories, and with the movies coming out I couldn't be more thrilled. Before you laugh, the trilogy helped my through the hardest time of my life, and so there's something to be said about losing yourself in another world. I also read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It's a must read to anyone who considers  themselves a know-it-all, because I assure you, you don't. Finally, I am now reading Wooden. Coach John Wooden is something of a hero in the world of American basketball and perhaps that won't interest any of you, but he's lived a successful life, and that should interest everyone. So what's my point? Book are getting lost in the world. People stopped reading, and so people stopped learning. I have learned so much from these 5 books in the space of one year. Books are education, and books are entertainment. It seems that instead people care more about Facebook, vine, snapchat, and instagram. Those sites provide short term happiness and are only telling you that your friend from school who you don't talk to anymore tagged herself at winter wonderland and has a new boyfriend. Get off Facebook and read an actual book. And I know you use Facebook because that's how you got this link. Stop it.


Christmas Cards
So my final food for thought is about Christmas cards, and it actually ties in with the Facebook thing. So my parents currently have window shelf of roughly 30-40 Christmas Cards. The majority were sent through the post although the neighbors would have just posted them by hand. My parents also sat down the other night, wrote all theirs, and posted them the next morning. Here's the thing though. I'm 22, my brothers nearly 20, and we have friends old enough to use the postal service and afford it. How many Christmas cards do you think we have received? 1 each. Both hand delivered by our Grandma, from our Grandma. Since when were our parents more popular than us? Do you have to be married to merit a Christmas card? Do you have to live at your own address perhaps? If you're reading this you're probably around my age; do your friends send you Christmas cards? I remember buying a 100 pack at pound-land and writing one for every kid in my year group, including a number of kids I didn't even talk to. So whats different now? And let's be honest, I think we know what it is. I'm gonna get a group text on Christmas day from a few of you aren't I? Maybe even a Facebook message. Call me traditional, but IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY! GET YOUR FACE OUT OF THAT SCREEN AND READ A BOOK! Wait I mean TALK TO YOUR FAMILY! Ok I sound old, but I don't care. One day I'll be the only adult who writes a Christmas card to my friends and family, and it'll be my own rebellion against the (anti)social media generation.

The End of My Blog Post
So if you're reading this you've either skipped to the bottom of the page or you've endured the full force of it. If it's the latter good job, I'll write you a Christmas card. I'm sorry that this didn't follow suit of my usual blog posts, but these are the lessons I have learned from my travels. I've had to learn the hard way, and I am giving you this information for free. Merry Christmas.


From your very grumpy friend x

Christmas already?

So I really have to apologize. It looks like the last time I wrote was at the start of the semester, which  was probably the last time I had any free time. This semester has been pretty busy, especially with my Thesis work taking all my free time, I really have had a limited social life. It's all been one big blur to be honest. As a result I haven't been contacting my UK friends at all really, so I am really sorry about that. Especially Kayleigh since she had a birthday 3 days ago! I hope it was awesome buddy!

I suppose looking back over the past weeks, I only really have had two big milestones.

Firstly, Catching Fire was released. It's fair to say I'm a big fan of the books, so to see the movie twice at the cinema that weekend was so great. Imax definitely blew me away too. It was hard to come away happy though - I won't post any spoilers - but the ending of course leaves us hanging big time, and having read the books I know it's a long time now until good things happen again. They did do a good job of adding plenty of comic relief through out the movie though.

Secondly, Thanks Giving. This was my second Thanks Giving ever, and I was once again hosted by the lovely Allen family. This time though we certainly had more guests than last time, which made it all the more entertaining. What can I say, the food was great as always, in fact I hope I can get some of those recipes! It did rain for some of our stay, but otherwise the south California mountains were as beautiful as always.

I have had a few day trips to speak of. As you may have seen on my Facebook, I was very excited to have seen Paramore live in San Jose. That really was amazing. I also visited Sacramento for the first time a few weeks back. I was especially excited to visit Old Sacramento, which felt very western with their Saloons and horse drawn carts.
The Christmas build up has also started, although it doesn't feel very Christmassy with the sun in the sky each day! This past week the weather has turned much colder, to the low temperatures I know all too well from home. I've certainly been wrapping up in the layers these last few days!

I really wish I had more to talk about, but my head has been buried in my books unfortunately. I will be flying home for Christmas on the 14th December - once again my parents generosity has gone far beyond my expectations. So for those of you reading in the UK, I'll see you soon! And those of you reading in the US, have a good Christmas and I'll see year in the New Year!

2014. Jeeze.

America: Round 2

Today I woke up homesick and so I realized it was probably time for a blog update.

As you saw from my last post I spent nearly 8 weeks at home in England. It was a well needed break and I couldn't have had a better time there. I simply spent 8 weeks relaxing and living the British life. It was perfect. Most importantly I learned how lucky I am to have the friends and family I have. Many people will come in and out of your life, but those select few that stick around - even when you move out of the country - I owe them so much.

Coming back to Cali was an easy transition. When I look back to January, the two return trips couldn't have been more different. Last time it took a lot to get me on my feet again. I was battling incredible homesickness and was miserable. I've never been so unhappy. This time it was different though. This time I merely had the time difference to get used to, and thanks to the wonderful hospitality of the Allen family I didn't need to worry about anything else. Nothing seemed different or new and so I simply fit back into life here like I'd never left.

It wasn't long before I found myself back into university life, and this term feels like the busiest I've ever been. With teaching classes, working in Athletics, completing my masters, and the self-inflicted coaching observation hours and book reading, I've been working non stop. I get up, go to work, go home, go to bed. I'm barely awake for any social life after that. All my efforts have been on simply day to day functioning, and that often spills over into the weekend. I flew in on the 17th august which means I've not been back a month yet, and it feels like so long since I was at home in England with my puppy.

Needless to say I get very little time to think about anything else, which means Sundays are my down days. Sundays I get space from school. Sunday's I wear my Brunel hoody and stay in my Pj's. I wake up, have a proper cup of tea, and make egg burritos. I Skype my parents on Sundays. We might go to the store or go to dinner, but mostly Sundays are for doing nothing. Tonight we're going to watch the 49ers game at our friends house. Sundays are the days I try and get my head around what the hell happened this week, and to remember where I am and why I'm here. Unsurprisingly that means - Sundays are my homesick days.

As crazy as it's all been I can easily see how fast I've had to grow in such a small space of time. I keep thinking back to last year and where I was this time last year. In fact this time last year I was probably still hiding in my bedroom at weekends, not knowing people and Skyping my parents alone and scared. Those first few months seemed crazy. Yesterday I was trying to remember what I used to do on weekends at Brunel. I don't remember. It feels like a lifetime ago. It's a weird feeling when a place like Brunel, that felt so much like home and such a big part of me, now just feels like a memory from when I was a kid. That hurt more than anything because I still have so much Brunel pride, but I don't feel a part of that place anymore. I feel like a different person now, so for me to go back and pretend like nothing has changed would be a lie. I never expected to feel that way.

My brother is starting his second year of uni now. I can't believe it. I feel like I'm missing out on him growing up.

It's not all misery though, and to pretend like it is would be over dramatic and unfair. After being here a year I know how it all works life in America is finally easy. I have some really great friends and as a result I get to do things like wine tasting and go to fundraiser dinners. I love what I do and I'm learning so much everyday. I can see how I'm developing from undergrad to masters. I work hard as a teacher and I get a huge sense of achievement when one of my students learns something! When I look back at interviewing for this job I really didn't know what to expect, but if I'd imagined the best possible scenario, I am living it now.

Before I finish rambling, I would like to publicly thank Kayleigh for inspiring my blog today. After 11 years and from thousands of miles away she is still supporting me. Thanks Kays.

Oh also! My last post sent my blog above 1000 veiws. Now I'm fairly sure even my mum doesn't have time to read my blog 1000 times, so to who ever you are, thank you for reading. My blog is well needed therapy for me, as well as a piece of mind knowing I can keep my friends updated with my little adventure - so thank you very much for reading because it really means a lot to me. As a reward to you all, here are some gifs of cats which I think are really funny.

No Place Like Home

After coming home for Christmas I figured the whole process of 'coming home' this summer would be a similar one. In fact it was very different. Not because of the weather (although coming to England to more beautiful sunshine was a plus), but because I'd been away longer. When I came home at Christmas, I'd been in California for just over 4 months. It was still new to me, and coming home was a well needed break. This time though, I'd been away 6 months. Not only was it a longer break, but it meant I'd been living in California for 10 months now, and I hadn't realized how "Americanized" I had become.

In 10 months I'd gone beyond the novelties and the obvious differences in language. I was full-on thinking like an American. I now have full understanding of Cali life, school, sports, food, politics, social life and was living it completely. I was visiting places in L.A. and the Pacific Coast and not grouping myself with the other tourists there. I know how to send mail, pay in a check, pay for a meal and how much to tip. I know when's the best time to drive and what the traffic will be like. I know how to get to San Francisco and how long it will take and where to go, as well as knowing where San Jose, Santa Cruz, Sacramento and San Diego are and what's there. I started watching sports center, started caring about the 49ers and the NFL draft, and felt guilty for liking The Heat (basketball) when everyones hating on LeBron. I naturally say 'soccer', 'yard', 'freeway' and 'sweater'. In ten months I have changed and my brain is split into two worlds, and the more you learn, the more difficult it is to interchange between them. I no longer feel like a British kid writing about how different America is. Now, I am writing about how I came home and saw the UK like a tourist for the very first time.

It happened immediately as I got off the plane. It was sunny so that didn't feel alien to me, but after 2 minutes in the car I started to notice things that had always been there before. Sure, driving on the left side of the road took a little readjustment but I was ready for that. What I didn't expect was to notice how green everything was. Miles and miles of green fields and trees. Then the condition of the motorway, and how smooth and clean the roads were. Then how long the journey took; I was home in 30 minutes. A 30 minute drive will get you to the cinema in California, and no where near an airport. Then I noticed the postboxes, bright red and dotted so randomly around the town. Then the cars parked on the road because not all houses have driveways here. The roads aren't wide or straight, but curved and narrow. There aren't any trucks, but instead white vans. It took me a week to settle back into life here and to remember how to "be" British.

A few weeks later I found myself in London for dinner with a friend who I had missed so so much. As I waited in Trafalgar Square I took numerous pictures of Nelsons Column, the National Gallery, red phone boxes, and the Sherlock Holmes pub. I became a tourist in a city I used to visit every other week.

At first I thought I was just 'thinking like an American', but I wasn't thinking about America at all. Instead I was just seeing home as an outsider and appreciating what we have here. I hear so many Brits complain about the country and I used to be one of them, but now I can see the good we have beyond my home comforts. Now I can see why people travel from around the world to visit us, and why so many people will break immigration laws to come live here.

I've been back nearly 4 weeks now. I've truly experienced the good and bad in both places. I've experienced the home sickness and missing friends at both ends. It's a strange feeling to feel like you belong in two completely different places, and it's especially scary when you have to start thinking about your future. Who knows what will happen from here, but for the first time I have to start thinking that America might not just be two years of my life anymore.

Finally, on a slightly unrelated note, I would like to end on a request to all my friends and family. Please don't ask me "so how is America?". What kind of question is that? A person who has just spent 10 months in America can only answer you with a written essay, AND THIS IS WHY I HAVE A BLOG. Be specific god dammit! Otherwise you'll be getting the generic "yeah its good, the weathers nice" response.

Peace out and thanks for reading.

Schools Out! (Nearly...)

Hi Everyone! So I know my blog's this side of Christmas have been few and far between and for that I do apologize!

Since my Birthday over a month ago things have relaxed. The Spring term ended three weeks ago meaning I have officially completed my first year as a graduate assistant! I think overall everything worked out, even if it was a hell of a learning experience. As far as my GA responsibilities go I am mostly free until August, just some loose ends to tie up.

Since spring term ended I have actually been taking a Sport Psychology "Summer School" class. Each Summer school term only lasts 5 weeks, meaning I have class every day. It's been incredibly intense, but with only that to focus on (and my Thesis as always) I've developed a good daily routine. Gym in the morning followed by class, followed by swimming/sunbathing at the pool, heading home for a nap and eventually completing my work or readings for the next day. Its been pretty relaxed and I've certainly started getting the Cali tan I've been working for since I arrived!

Having said that, school dragging out an extra 5 weeks has stared to take its toll. When I've got summer plans, particularly my plans to fly home, it's hard to enjoy the things keeping me here. With 2 weeks left of summer school I'm hoping I can hold on a little longer even with the home sickness starting to hit me.

These last few days in particular have been a real struggle. Firstly, the brutal attack in London really hit me. You never know when you might lose some one you love, and I've never felt a more compelling urge to be closer to my family and friends. Then secondly, while I hope they all enjoyed their final week, all of my friends leaving my old uni have been documenting their goodbyes all over Facebook. It's difficult to read when I have so many great memories and friends moving on to bigger things, there's a part of me (and I'm sure all alums) that wishes I could have been there. Lastly, you might remember the friend that came to visit me who had been attending Oklahoma State? Well he's now back in my home town celebrating with our old school mates. Again another difficult thing knowing he's home now and I'm not. Don't get me wrong, I'm not wishing away my time in the States, but I am very homesick!

It's not all bad though. Two weeks from now Summer school will be finished and I'll be free, driving down the coast of California heading for L.A.


A few weeks ago I also had an awesome opportunity to go and play some hockey with some college teams!
It was so amazing to pick up a stick and play after nearly a year out of the game! Apart for some clear fitness issues, and unfamiliarity with the heat, I think I managed to keep up! We played on a high school American football pitch as you can see below (the size of high school sports facilities still blow my mind). It was rubber-crumb turf so it wasn't too difficult to play on, and 7-a-side so we didn't collapse in exhaustion. You can see from the picture it turned out to be a rare cloudy day which was a real blessing for me since I'm used to playing in more harsh conditions (rain, hail, snow, ice). We got a few rays of sun later in the day to make up for it.

So, I'll be flying home for the U.K. at the end of June, and so this may well be one of my last blog entries for a while! Anyone at home, I have 6 weeks in England, you can buy me a drink ;-)

Take care everyone!
xoxo

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22...

As the Taylor Swift inspired title would suggest, I recently turned 22. For me this is a personal tragedy as I no longer can be considered a young person despite my intellectual maturity of a 12 year old. Regardless of my hatred of turning 22, birthdays are usually eventful, and so I do actually have something to talk about finally!

In true adult style I initially celebrated my birthday two days early since my buddy wouldn't be around for the real thing. That Wednesday night I was finally taken out for a steak. If I know anything about American stereotypes, I know that I was long over due for my first massive all-american steakhouse. After a 30 minute drive we arrived at a Texas Roadhouse. The car park smelt like heaven. I'm a steak lover, I would've been happy sat in the car park. Anyway... My initial thoughts as we walked through the restaurant is "why is the floor such a mess?". Brits beware - this will blow your mind - each table had a bucket of 'help yourself' monkey nuts, the idea being that once you finished eating the shells are just thrown onto the floor. Do not underestimate how messy this made the walkway. With a crunch crunch crunch we were sat at our table where I was presented with my own monkey nuts. I couldn't do it. I was surrounded by people throwing shells on the floor, that's what you do, but I just couldn't. Instead I did the British thing and made a tiny neat pile of shells on my table. We ordered cocktails, it was a special occasion after all, but these cocktails turned out to be mini-fishbowls disguised as glasses. I should've guessed really. Oh and they don't measure spirits in this country. 16oz of rare steak later I'd truly experienced my first American Steakhouse. It was pretty awesome, even through the anxiety of being socially required to make a mess in a restaurant.

Two days later I finally had room to eat, and I turned 22. Again, in true 22 year old style I was working on my birthday. I'd actually not told anyone it was my birthday, but of course thanks to the salvation that is Facebook, everyone knew by midday. Thank you all for the birthday wishes, and to the boys in my office who even made a last minute birthday card. I had every intention of cycling home at 4pm and curling up in bed at 6pm just like a old person does, but luckily I have friends who knew I belonged in a bar that night. After ditching my bike we drove to Chile's immediately. Restaurant bars are truly magical places. You think you're safe because you're in a restaurant, but 2 beers and 3 cocktails later you realise you're stumbling around people eating a nice meal. Needless to say, I love drinking with friends, it was a really perfect birthday, so thanks!

Since then not too much has happened in respect to events. I do owe you and old story though. Roughly 4 weeks ago I was lucky enough to have a buddy from school from my home in England come visit! He's studying in Oklahoma at the moment, but over Spring break he came to visit California, and me! I showed him around my university and office, but the it was the trip to San Francisco that's worth talking about. Firstly, it was awesome to have a kid from my home town out here. Finally someone who I can just talk to in my native tongue, and talk about home with someone who knows it, and compare American stories! It was like we we're 17 again and driving to South-End for the day! It was also the weirdest thing ever. After a great day of seeing the sights, and watching the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge we headed to the Warf for dinner and drinks. It wasn't long after we ended up in a club in the Castro and we were both doing our cheesy moves on the dance floor - just like the Disco room in Oceana 4 years ago. It was so life affirming to have him there, to remember home and to see how far we've both come. It was awesome.

I think that's all my stories for now. I did recently discovered that I'm not bad at basketball - thanks Miss Thorogood, that's all you - although I did also discover I am too small for basketball after I was knocked on my back and had the ball bounced over my head. I am still in pain from those 30 minutes.

The weather is beautiful here, and with the school year coming to an end things have started to relax. In currently sat in the outfield of the softball pitch at school waiting for the game to start. To my family and friends at home: everything great here, and I'll be flying home for a few weeks this summer in July!

Hoping you are well and thanks for reading!

Finally a free weekend

It wasn't long until the Christmas break was well behind me and my head was back into work. This time with double the work load and a part time job to add on to the daily run of things. A work load that included my Thesis, the proposal of which was due yesterday, hence why I've finally got a free weekend. Prior to now, if I did have any spare time I should have been using it to write - not that I was necessarily, but I certainly didn't have time to blog.

It's funny, the things you do when you finally don't have work to worry about. Today I actually did a tonne of washing and cleaning and enjoyed having the freedom to do it. Since when were domestic chores fun? I drank a lot of tea too, but other than that I couldn't tell you what I've done with my day and it's almost over. I suppose this is what happens when your best buddy flies to Texas to play softball (selfish).

The weathers warmed up again here. Despite the snow in various parts of California, we didn't see any of it, and the past week I've been back into my shorts and tshirts. It's a strange thing, being sat outside at 5:30pm, watching the sunset and writing my blog post. I don't think I can say I ever got to do this at home, not so casually anyway. The sun shines in England and everyone rushes out into their back gardens to make the most of it. I just needed a place to sit, and more often than not, outside is a viable option. I no longer feel the very English urge to "make the most of it", when "it" is shining all day every day.

I'm actually sat here waiting for my unis basketball game to start - no, I am not here as an avid supporter of American sport - this is the part time job I mentioned before. Somebody thought I should be given the responsibility of working the personal points and fouls board at games. I assure you, it is as stressful as it sounds, particularly when you're other friends are getting to sit there and answer the phone only 3 times a game. But hey, I can't complain I need the money, and I'm not that bad at it now I understand the rules fully. With that said, I'm starting to understand the Softball stats pretty well after watching the numbers changing online. Perhaps I am getting engulfed into the American culture more than I expected; but then I cringe through the American National Anthem as they play it at every game, so there's plenty of British in me yet.

So this week I got a real reality check of how people in this country really do not walk anywhere. It's a daily task of mine to walk to a local Elementary school, a 10 minute walk away, and 5 of that being to cross campus. It's a tragedy that of the 9 of us required to attend the school, I am the only one who walks there. I'm sure it takes longer to drive, so I don't really understand this logic. Mentioning this to people in conversation, I discovered people will drive from one side of campus to the other which was even more mind blowing. This campus isn't a big campus. What the hell people. My friends genuinely feel guilty when they can't drop me at my office door - I'll walk the 5 minutes across campus! Seriously! It's more than just a walk too. When you take the time to walk somewhere you get some thinking time, time to disappear in your headphones, time to appreciate the things you pass by every day. Today, I walked a route that I am usually in a car for, and I saw the tallest palm tree I have ever seen in my 21 years of life. I drive past that tree every other day, and that's the first time I've seen it since August! Probably California's saving grace is the number of skateboarders around. Sure, the majority of people drive even the shortest distances, but there must be more skateboarders than walkers. Anyway, rant over. That's just reminded me of the leaf blowers here, but I wont get started.

In the last few weeks I've started up a show on my uni's radio station. I needed a creative outlet since I don't have a hockey team to focus on any more, and it didn't take long to come up with the idea. Now every Tuesday I bring 6 songs of British origin to battle with my buddy's American rubbish. I think we got 9 listeners one evening, that's our record anyway. While you're all missing out by not listening, we have too much fun to care whether we have listeners or not, and I am learning. Actually it would be really awesome if you could like us on Facebook! (http://www.facebook.com/kpacbattleofthebands) We do a vote in track each week, UK vs USA, so it'd be awesome if you could like our page and get listening and voting each week. It's an hour long, 7-8pm (Cali time), so if you get the chance you can listen and watch us on a livestream video. It really is awesome and I'd love to start sharing it with more people. We want to hear from people too! What you want to listen to, and if you have any requests that fit in our categories then let us know. Right I'll stop repping my radio show, that can get boring.

I think for now I'm out of things to write about. I've really been too busy to have a life. I know there are some of you reading who I still haven't text back, and so for that I am really sorry! It's been that kind of month I'm afraid, but I promise to get on top of my communication business!

Enjoy February people!