what I learned in london in my first week...

Never leave home without...
- the tube map - az street guide aka "the bible"
- a jacket / layers as the weather is schizophrenic..sunny, cold, windy...just like washington /home
- obviously an umbrella
-Tube or Oyster Pass which gets you on buses as well.
-lots of money as it flys out the wallet, very expensive but similar to sydney

I am working on banks accounts, getting set up at a doctor, gym, etc. Embracing this time of transition - the excitement bit is the best. I feel like everything will just fall into place...friends, life... fingers crossed. so far again megan has been amazing she reminds me a lot like my aussie sister Jen...sniffle. i feel so grateful and lucky thus far.

Ankle is stiff, annoying but ready to get back to norm. cant wait for bikram yoga!

Its funny as the transition isnt so hard as there are so many similarities with australia. As I did in Oz I am keeping track....here are a few thus far:
- the "boot" in australia was the trunk of a car.....here it is the pharmacy (known as the chemist in Oz)
- not so many new words yet:
US/AU/UK
*lots/heaps/loads
*really/bloody/jolly nice

more to come...

First day of work....check

Well the must anticipated first day of school arrived....and its all good as I knew it would be. But it is always nerve racking isnt it?! I just set up shop and started getting downloaded on my new clients. I will be working on one client that I know inside and out - worked on them before (cant disclose yet as this blog is so public I am sure it would get out...not). However just being cautious as the client doesnt know yet.

Starwood hotels is my other big client. Lots to learn here but eager to get my brain moving again as 3 months off makes me need some intellectual work.

Office is big, open, lots of people. I was impressed with the structure, process but typically slow start was expected (no computer, etc). As expected this is a mix between the States and the Aussie market in terms of work ethic, market size, etc. It will be a challenge. Lots more resources as well which is exciting.
I am positive going into day 2....ready for routine, healthy living (need to lose this "broken ankel weight" as i call it) and starting life :)

I made it to London Town

The last few days at home flew - family time, packing and tearful goodbyes. The flight was soo smooth and was only 9 hours. I got in feeling a little sick and tired - the cab was LONG as there was so much traffic. And they cabs are so funny looking - like little top hats, will post pics soon.

I arrived, met Megan who has helped in so many ways...i owe her. sooo sweet. i saw my new flat which is big and cute! so central london.

I showered and crashed. woke up to meet my new flatmate and watch some tv. This will be my first roommate ever, i think it will be ok. the place is good, easy, he is never home and we have a weekly cleaner which is amazing.

After a nights sleep in I headed out, walked around, got on the infamous tube system...to the Marble Arch where I got on the double decker city tour. got to see all the spots - Big Ben, London Eye, London Bridge, financial district, buckingham palace, etcetc. Oh and I got a phone - good to get connect again. Oxford street is nuts....so many people in london! I met up with Jenn and Conrad at the Slaughtered lamb for drinks and dinner- i work with her in Seattle. Was so good to see a familar face!!

ok first impressions - London is flat! the old buildings mixed with new is very cool, so much history, people people people, the emergency vehicles are funky sounding, and have neon yellow squares (reached by triple 9 not 911, not 000 as in australia) with only blue lights...no red. Massive, not a lot of trees/birds at least where i am now, churches and pubs on every corner...

The jet lag is pretty bad, just sleeping and relaxing until I start work very soon. I was going to head to paris for a few days but decided to take it easy. feeling a cold looming.
Exploring st pauls cathedral and to notting hill today. Everything going well thus far...pics to come soon.

London Work Visa

Now that the Iceland Volcano stopped all air traffic to Europe I am sticking around the States for a few more weeks to sort my visa then go. Was considering to go early travel around Europe then come back for my visa. Funny enough my flight was via iceland, so glad I didnt buy it.

With the London work visa you have to be in your country of citizenship or residence in order to process. It is a little confusion. I am working with a company in London which is hard cause 1 they arent the most responsive and 2 they are 8 hours ahead of us (not easy to find times).

I have to go up to Seattle for Biometrics test - finger printing and eye scan. Then send everything to LA to get approved for Entry Clearance. Hopefully it goes quick, we are using an intermediate company in the US as to help expedite.

Below are some more shots of me and Jackie. Plus a great shot of bucky and his rock, plus beautiful coonie :)

Seattle Night with Kim

Been very immobile - unable to drive as my right ankle is the one broke. My folks have been amazing as usually.

Dad drove me to Kims to seattle, we hung out, took her puppy to the dog park, went to mexican in seattle, to the mariners game and out.

Was ALOT as my first time out - it went ok. I had to crutch it far, embarrassing to have crutches in the bar and was the topic of conversation. BUT great to get out!
Saw some old friend from highschool at the Safeco field, crazy in the 30k people i see them. was great to chat. Derek is healing from an accident as well. SO many people, stairs but i did it!

Went to all the old places. Didnt get to see other friends yet but I might still try to get up there. Really want to see everyone. Just so hard. But now that I am walking now and I have to go up there for my London Visa stuff.

after being here really solidified that I dont think I can live in Seattle again. Atleast not now.

from craziness, to slowing down, to europe

It was a crazy last 6 months - lots of travel to get in before I left, my dad visited, Kim visited, the holidays, and the MOVE. I finally updated my blog with all the pictures and everything. how annoying it is. might do something different to document London.

In 6 months i did heaps of travels, funny when time is limited it gives you the get-up-and-go that you need. I went to Alice Springs - center of Oz, the west coast to Perth and Margaret River, up to the Great Barrier Reef to Hamilton Island, tourist stuff with dad and uncle john, fiji for Becks 30th, 2.5 weeks all over New Zealand for xmas and new years... prepping for the travels and move!!

World wind to say the least....
I was super excited to go home, to have almost 3 months off, I got a great job in London, but bitter sweet as I am leaving Sydney. I cant believe I broke my ankle one week prior to leaving and didnt do any of my travels. But i did enjoy slowing down and doing nothing. Movies, reading, family time and acceptance. I planned that trip for SO long but i know i will get to do it. And I will do heaps of travels in Europe. I lost out on several plane tickets and my vietnam trip was non transferable non refundable. Gecko tours didnt even give me a discount on my next trip or a % off. Like I get it is in their T&C's but come one. BIG lesson = ALWAYS get both health and travel insurance!!!

I got a great job in our London Razorfish office as an Account Director. Will be working on some great big accounts. A friend works in the office - Megan who is incredible sweet and helping me. I will be taking over her apartment which sounds great and central. My first time with a roomie - crazy.

2 goals/things i will do right away in London besides work, travel, meet people and enjoy life. Volunteer Work and Online Dating...

trying to get to Mt St Helens from Lakewood... Australia?!

Mom and i are getting out of the house....going for a drive despite the weather forecast.

I need to get out of the house as sleeping in and wearing PJs gets old.

On the way I searched for Lakewood to St Helens.... and randomly got directions from Lakewood Australia. Taking a mere 55 days and includes a Kayak from Northern Oz to Japan, then another 5k km kayak to Hawaii and yet another to 5k km to Seattle.

Had a great laugh, now its raining....we ate our picnic lunch already in the car. Let the adventure continue....

I MADE IT HOME!

Well after much trepidation over airport assistance, temp cast issues on the plane, 4 70lb luggage check in, upgrade - need for elevation, etcetc. I made it HOME. 24 hours later.

My last day - SNIFFLE.
Becks brought me brunch, after our last game of sequence and a teary goodbye. Caity picked me up, took me to the junction for some final errands, lizzy met us there and help get me sorted and to the airport. IT ALL WORKED OUT. grabbed a bite to eat and off I went. V australia pushed me to the gate and I was first on. Got a great greeting and personal staff to help me to the seat. I was wheeled to the plane and crutch it to the back, where they gave me a whole row of seats so I could elevate.

I was worried how my ears would do, my ankle expanding and sending a bloody clot to my death. The plane was brand new, I played pac man on the take off, with several drinks I was relaxed. I HATE flying.

When I got to LA, they had someone assigned to me. He was super nice. I was worried about the connection only being 2.5 hrs but he took me to the front of every line - customs and getting my luggages from international and to Alaska.

I got to the next flight early. Since I was stuck literally - could go to the bathroom as I couldnt crutch and carry my carry-on. So i asked to hop an earlier flight and got on! Everyone was so nice and helpful. THANK GOD!

I was wheeled out and to my folks - we were in tears. what a great Reunion - i was sooo happy.

Ready to be home, taken care of and heal!

My folks have been great. And I am healing now! See slide show below

Its just so crazy how immobility effects you. You cant do anything, i mean getting on the toilet is hard, showering is impossible, getting something to eat...nope. I got to the Doc ASAP and I will be here healing for some time!

Everything happens for a reason - sometimes the reason is not known and I accept that. I have such an appreciate for handicapped people now and immobility. Watching time go by and a bone heal has tested my patients, acceptance and overall me. I had to pull out of a trip that One I didnt get my $$ back and 2 I have been planning for over a year. China, Borneo, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.....but health is more important. I have good friends - THANKS lizzy who helped me see this.

Maybe if I could walk and drive I wouldve died in a car accident while here...you never know why things happen but they do. And they could always be worse. people keep saying "what bad timing" But i respond what is good timing? I mean really...think about it. It was right when i was going home and what better place to be broken at....a place where mom and dad can help fix me. Which they have. thank god for my family and friends! i feel blessed in every way....

Soaking in da 2 5 3 - it hasnt been easy. Definitely been sad and trying to stay positive. But I am prepping for London now, the bone seems to be healing! EUROPE here i come!!!! May 2010!

This is my parents new House, took many drives, spend many night playing sequence and bingo, eating out and in. I think i watched every show and movie possible. Read books, played Sudoko and got shit done for my next move. see slide show below

Amnesia Flash Back!

My GOODBYE party

I stayed the second part of my last week posted up in Kristen and Lizzy's place. In my nook in their living room. MAN you dont realize what immobility is like until you experience it! it is scary, hard and just horrible.

I found it so hard to rely on people and i am soooo thankful i had such great friends and people. It brings tears to my eyes to think about it - words cant express.

Kristen and Lizzy still throw me a Mexican BBQ my last saturday. we stayed at theirs vs going out as planned. Kristen is my angle - she helped me bath...man being cleaned was amazing. I still cant get my ears wet with my ear issues - she tried to wash my hair with a coffee pot! then paid for me to go to a salon to get it done. How nice is that!! Felt good to be pampered - was hard to crutch it there but it was very close. Lizzy got me the cute flower!

It was such a fun party - everyone was there. The entire party Shot Gunned beer!! it was great - one last one. For those that dont know, it is my hidden talent and was a binding friendship moment on a camping trip down south a few years ago. Ha!

Aranka brought tequila - i dont do shots but we had to do one! It was fun!

Man it was hard to say goodbye, it was all happening. Words again cant express how hard it was.

At one point Kristen got everyone in a circle to say one memory about me. It was a touching moment and highlight of my life. I really found such great friends and people. I feel blessed and always wanted bonds like this. I will never forgot this moment and these wonderful people. I cherish our time we had and look up to each of you in a different way. You are beautiful inside and out. I love you all.

Lizzy that knife is a little big!! lol

ELODIE - i will miss u daily! my partner in work crime
such a beautiful person - hard working, living and loving life to fullest. see u in france in september

maura!! our sushi lunches, wine chats, fashion tips, you are so driven, dont loose touch

Jen, my sister, i miss riding into work in Coops, the advice, the goss, teaching me so much. cant say enough

caity - i miss our bondi nights, rock band, tv, boys, beach, roadtrips, getting ready, rocking out, ahhhh the hang over stories...

Ross! elodies boyfriend...you are such a nice great guy. take care of El.

Drew, Ali and Saunders!!

Ill miss those crazy nights!!

Ali - i know we will stay in touch. i miss our girls nights, good outtings, good luck on the wedding. we will always have hawaii! :) the green floaty and my horrible burn

aranka - the best work partner ever, sweetest dutchie...come to london! i miss u

Mels - my Cho Tai Tee gaming partner, you will always be Champion of the Universe! you showed me sooooooo much about FOOD - girl you can EAT. dont work so much and hope u choose london to work.

Jen + Tequila = trouble. dance party!!

Dr Pongs Party! Lizzy and I....she is coming to London to (well back to london, she is british). glad to know her when i get there

The MEDIA TEAM

Kirsty - my client. we both almost cried, so sad to leave

the trio

Somers - bye!!

ahhhhh Bux (Managing Director of Amnesia)!! i gave him a nice card, thanking him for everything. he took a chance on a small town girl who never flew on an airplane by herself.

We really did some amazing things professionally - growing the media team from 4 to 25...and personally we had some great times!!

Andy!! such a sweet, creative guy. crazy contacts

JCB!!!

the last time the team is together - this is my core team at Amnesia. Thanks for all the hard work ladies, keep on making digital magic!

Part of the Manly Crew" becks and gina!

Everytime I come around ur city BLING BLING. Lizzy just won a swimming competition, she brought home this crazy watch.

Moving Out - Life Changed....a bit

After crazy weeks of preparation, throwing away, nerves around leaving, excitement....a ball of emotions... this was my last weekend in my apartment.

After girls brunch, i moved my stuff to Kristens with the help of becks, lizzy and K. I had cleaners in and while they did their deed I had drinks at revisis with deke and becks...

Then lizzy met up with us at South Bondi RSL. Becks and I were spending the night together to celebrate my bday as she was outta town last weekend. We were going to the out door theater with Take Away din and New Moon. However Jen met me at my house to move my last suitcase...I was RUSHING as i felt bad inconviencing her and I was trying to get to the movie.

The last suitcase just wouldnt move down the stairs, I got in front of it (BIG mistake), yanked it and it came down on me! I feel down the stairs and heard my ankle POP.

The rest is history. Jen rushed me to ER - my god their medical system sucks. Even Jen, an aussie whos dad is a Doc, couldnt believe the nightmare. No communication, we were just left in random places...then one doc waved me over, um dickhead i cant walk!! then after 2 sets of zrays, several docs and getting a temp caste twice...from a doc that never put on on, we were off. Or so we thought. The ER was on locked down due to a crazy. 1am we just sat in the waiting room. However they didnt bother to tell us there is a backdoor way out. ANNOYED.
After getting some pizza, crawling up Jens stairs, we come home to a cockroach infrested place (sorry Jen, she is NOT dirty and never had this before). It was terrible hot with no air con. Lets just say i didnt sleep, pain, bugs, sweating.... let the nightmare begin!

I didnt work the last week. Several peeps seemed annoyed but believe me I would give anything not to have this happen! However I was very positive and now everything happens for a reason. Jen is my lifesaver - she is my aussie sister but she went way above, taking care of me and helping mentally and physically.

I was bummed as this obviously changes everything - my last week I didnt get to go my fav places to say goodbye, the parties, the last work things, and what about my big world trip I have been planning for a year. I just stayed strong, get home in one piece, let mom and dad take care of me - health is number 1! "Bring it on life, Ill see your lemon and raise you some tequila and salt!"

I went back the hospital a few more times to confirm the Talus Dome is broke! Jen got me into work one day to do Hand Over things - however after struggling to get in, they tell me I have to get out of the building!! WHAT - i mean it was very very hard to get there and I had no where to go! I cried and they let me stay (pretending i wasnt there).

We headed to Dr Pongs for one of my going away parties. So hard to say Goodbye! Change is hard. I love all these people, places and its sad to just uproot again. But very exciting at the same time (see going away pics in another post).

This is the view from becks studio!!