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yep. that's a red velvet cupcake
sophiesmom.com |
I can't believe it. Three years ago today I landed at
Heathrow armed only with my favorite vintage furs, two overstuffed suitcases, impractical-for-London-footwear and buckets of naive optimism. I had no idea what was in store for me. And unbelievably, I'm still here!
I would never have imagined that my life was going to be turned upside down in so many ways, and every belief about myself challenged as I learned to navigate the transition from city life in Atlanta to city life in London. And trust me, there are very few commonalities between the two. Nothing unfolded as I had imagined - I found myself discovering a foreign city on my own with little support, no job prospects and an assortment of dubious accommodations. Throw in about a dozen other challenges that presented themselves quite quickly upon my arrival and - Voila - I had more invites to my own pity party than one could imagine.
I have only made it this far because of much needed support and encouragement from my mom and my best friends Sarah, Jeni and Kim. They spent many hours and calling card minutes consoling me, offering advice and the option to return immediately into open arms and spare bedrooms. However, this advice was paired with "Put your big girl panties on and deal with it. You can do this. I love you and I believe in you." For that, I am eternally thankful.
I absolutely don't regret my decision to move here, but it sure hasn't been easy. Yes, there are perks of course - London is unsurpassed when it comes to art, history, fashion, handsome suited and booted men and it's proximity to other really cool cities, but this experience has come with a few bittersweet sacrifices. By far, the best part of living here is that I have met some really awesome people who have made London bearable and most importantly, a once in a lifetime adventure (y'all know who you are).
As I wait anxiously for my
tier 1 visa extension approval which affords me two more years and a path to
British citizenship, I have learned many things over the past three years and here's a few:
1. London rocks and doesn't rock, often at the same time.
2. When the sun is out, London is truly a gorgeous & inspiring city.
3. As much as I fought against it, I do now say things like "rubbish", "whilst", "flat", "bespoke" and a whole string of swear words I won't type here. Yet apparently,
I don't speak English.
4. The most important people in your life will always stay connected to you, and will fly hours to be with you.
5. You will stay connected to only the most important people in your life, and fly hours to be with them.
6. I now know I can do anything and that rocks.
As it's been well over a week since the Queen's Jubilee, and I still can't decide if the experience falls into to the "Amazing! Once in a lifetime! Isn't this simply grand!!?!" category or the "Bah. Should have stayed home and watched it all from the telly." I definitely told myself and anyone else who would listen both sentiments at one point or the other. Setting my royalist vs. republican internal conflict aside, it was a weekend of eccentric and funny experiences (including the little boy weeing on us portion of the program.) Wee aside, there was something quite exciting and moving about the pomp and pageantry of the occasion that united one million people in central London. Here are a few pictures.....
