Happy Anniversary to me...



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.

What I am missing right about now (....from the states)

1. Margaritas! I mean really good ones, made with fresh fruit and quality tequila. Admittedly, I also miss the really cheap, extremely alcoholic, pint sized ones that I used to share with friends after work in Portland where you only needed one to provide devilish inspiration or an excuse to make out with a stranger. And of course, really good Mexican food.

2. Halloween. October has always been my favorite time of year, ever since I was a child. Planning my costume and trick or treating was way more exciting to me than anything received at Christmas, especially when you figured out which neighbor had the good candy and didn't give you apples! It's slowly catching on here, but the only one who comes knocking on your door is the guy checking whether or not you have a tv license.

3. 30 Rock, and other tv shows that I get to see about a year later.

4. Sushi. Really good, cheap sushi. Specifically, Mio Sushi.

5. Nordstrom Rack (or the ability to find good, quality shoes for less than £90).

6. Proximity to NewYork and New Orleans.

 7. Buttermilk cornbread. I have yet to easily find cornmeal here. Or buttermilk.

 8. My friends! I have been fortunate enough to see quite a number of my dearest friends here. I have realized that the world is a much smaller place than I ever imagined it to be, and those that mean the most to you will find you no matter where you end up.

9. Pumpkin spiced lattes.

What do you mean you like it? (.....or my tempestuous love affair with London pt. 1)

Much like any love-hate and erstwhile manic relationship, such are my feelings about London.  On any vibrant, sunny day I am in love - the architecture (everything's so old!) the diversity (bonjour! dzien dobry! sat sri akal!) the fashion (I don't know how can she wear that and make it look chic but she does!) However, when in a matter of hours my blissful sunny day becomes a dark, cold, damp evening and I am getting on the tube at rush hour, I could very well throw myself in front of it. There's no avoiding the surge of bodies clamoring for less than ten inches of personal space. You'd think it was the Titanic. So when London is pretty and accomodating, I love her. When she is selfish, depressed and refuses to give me space, I want to end it.

So as a companion piece to my first blog about living here, here is my ongoing list of what I do love about living in London (and in no particular order....!)