A Pearl of Friendship

This arrived for me in the post yesterday and yes that is a jumbo jar of Jif!  

My dear friend Laura sent it to me and it truly made my day.  Inside, as you can see is a funny little card, the AMAZING jar of peanut butter and a Justin Bieber notepad...why Justin Bieber because that is how Laura rolls, she knows how to make a girl smile.  She is an incredible friend.  I'll come home from work on any given day and find a brightly coloured envelope in my post box from her and it always happens at the exact time I need a little boost.  "It's like she has ESPN or something" (Mean Girls reference anyone?)   Needless to say...she rocks my world!!!!

Salty and Pearl at the Globe Theatre

Lacing Up My Trainers...Again

I've started running again.  I feel like I say this a lot and I probably do b/c I start and stop a lot.  I started up again in January and then I got a terrible cold which put me out of commission for about 2 weeks, then I lost all motivation once I got healthy.  A whole month went by and I read this...

This is what got my ass back in gear.  I started running last week and although I'm doing a little bit at a time, I'm still doing it because...

I'm pseudo in training for a 10K. I haven't signed up for one yet, but that is my main goal.  I'm only up to 2.25 miles (that was this evenings workout) and while I do have to stop and walk a little bit I'm still building up my stamina.  I find, while it is still a big challenge, I'm not hating it like I used to.  I don't love it...but I'm not cursing my head off the entire time.  I'm pretty proud of myself.  I'm not sure if I have mentioned this in the past, but I'm the girl who used to fake asthma attacks to get out of running in gym class...I don't have asthma. It worked though, never in my entire school career had I completed a mile.  And look at me banging out 2 miles after work...BOOM! 

So I will leave you now with these words of wisdom...

Bloggers who Brunch

On Sunday I did something that was a bit out of my norm...I went to brunch with a bunch of strangers. OK, some of them weren't complete strangers given that I have gotten to know and adore them via the bloggersphere, there were a bunch of girls there that I didn't know at all. Let me tell you, it was one of the most fun times I've had since I moved to London.

The lovely Melissa, from Beantown Prepster fame, organised this brunch for all us ex-pats bloggers at Automat in Mayfair.  The food was delicious but the company was to die for!  As I said, this isn't something that I normally do, go out and meet a bunch of people who I don't really know. However I couldn't be happier that I did and that I met a group of such wonderful women.

Photo stolen from Melissa (blurry due to the waiter)

Who was in attendance?

Back Row (L to R): 

Selena: Blog- Oh the Places We Will Go Twitter-@SelenaThePlaces

Jackie: Twitter-@JackieLikesTea

Jennifer: Blog- And Now We Are Six

Betsy: Blog- Betsy Transatlantically Twitter-@betsyinlondon

Jessica: Blog- Lovely Jubbly London Twitter- @lovelyjubblyldn

Melissa: Blog- Beantown Prepster Twitter- @beantownprep

Tiffany: Blog- Kitchen Conversations Twitter- @tiffanyjmo

Ashely: Blog- A Hop, Skip & Jump Over the Pond Twitter- @HopSkipJumpAsh

Front Row (L to R):

Trinity: Blog- Girl Meets London 

Wendy: Blog- That's What Wendy Said Twitter- @WhatWendySaid

Me :)

Anne Taite: Jumped the Pond Twitter- @UKAnneTaite

These are all my wonderful new friends, whether its in real life or via Twitter and our blog.  I can't say it enough, how happy I am that I went on Sunday and I'm really looking forward to seeing them all again!  Anne Taite and I are practically neighbors so before she heads back to the States *sniff sniff* she and I are going to try to plan some park dates!  

Lastly, if you follow me, you should follow their blogs and on Twitter...just saying!

#MarchPhotoADay

I'm totally stealing this idea from Melissa over at Beantown Prepster, lets just say she inspired me to be creative.  You can follow along with my photos on my Instagram (jmcnamara78) and see how creative I get.  

Also, as of today, Google Friend Connect will be peacing out, and I'm in fear of losing any of you non-Blogger followers.  So, see that little widget over there----------------> telling you to follow me on Bloglovin' click on that and join. I'm not the most technologically savvy person so I haven't added an RSS Feed.  I'm working on it though.  Hopefully that will happen soon.

Lent...

I'm not really a religious person...ok I'm not religious at all. However with yesterday being Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent it got me thinking.  Usually people give up vices at this time of year, but at the time I realized it was Lent, I had already cursed a blue streak and was drinking a large mug of coffee. So much for giving something up.
But, I remember a conversation I had a few months back regarding this and someone said that they have a friend who instead of giving up something, they spent 40 days trying new things.  I thought, you know, that's a good idea!  Since yesterday what have I tried?

Day 1: Blogging with only a photo as my inspiration (yes I realize this is a stretch, but it is something new!) 

A Redhead In Style

Day 2: Capers

So far so good... I'll be sure to keep you updated!

Change

I used to have this quote written on my mirror and I think it needs to go back up there.  

I've recently been stuck in a rut of negativity and excuses.  I've been a 'pity me,' 'my life sucks,' 'nothing is going to get better' kind of Jean lately and that Jean is no fun...I know first hand.  

I made a resolution this year that I would be aware of the good things in every day.  I bought this journal where I would write down at least 1 good thing that happened each day. I started it off with a bang but recently, when I started getting stuck in this rut each day it became a struggle to find something good.  I need to get back into the positive thinking.  As soon as things start to fall apart I start to fall apart with it.  Its not good.  

So I'm putting it out there.  I need to turn this around. Be thankful for what I already have and not bitter for what I don't have.  Things are not going to change if I don't change the negativity.  I need to get this through my head.   

Today, although its a bit chilly out, the sun is shining and London looks promising.  Its the start of a new week and that means I can start with a clean slate right?  As I said...I'm putting it out there.  Sad, lonely, self-deprecating Jean needs to jog-on and I need to find the girl who people like to have around.  It wont happen over night, but it will happen!

Wasted Talent

I'm an artist. I started dancing when I was five then traded in my ballet and jazz shoes for music books and singing lessons. I traded those for scripts, late nights rehearsals and line learning.  I went to university for theatre, then in my late 20's, early 30's I started taking more classes at an acting studio in New York.  I also wield a mean make-up brush and worked professionally as a make-up artist for some years. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I'm pretty good at both the acting thing and the make-up thing. But...all of my talent is going to waste.  I sit behind a desk 40 hours a week, answering calls and the only acting I do is pretending I work for the company I answer the phone for.  I keep asking myself "Who am I? What am I doing with my life?" I feel like I lost myself somewhere down the line and I'm not sure how to find my way back to myself.

I'll be honest, I'm not sure if I really want to pursue my acting any more. I don't really have the drive and ambition. Not to mention career-wise I like the stability of a getting paycheck every month. I want a career and I want creativity.  Is that too much to ask for?  I feel like it is.  I feel like I have turned down the wrong path somewhere.  I'm not saying its London at all. London is probably the best decision I have ever made. It has forced me to take responsibility for myself and my actions.  But right now I am struggling.  I'm an artist. I thrive on being creative and being around creativity.  My job doesn't allow me any of that. Its an office job, in the most boring office on the planet and it pays me peanuts so I can't go to the theatre or the cinema or exhibitions I would like to see.  I need that outlet and its been taken from me.

I need your help my dear friends.  Suggestions? Connections?  Can you help a girl out?

Remember Me

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Yes, again I've fallen off the blogging wagon.  I'm really wanting to get back on it, however I'm just not sure I live a life of much excitement.  I'm kind of lacking in what to post about.  However, lets play catch-up.  I know I blogged a bit about my Christmas and New Year but lets back track.

Lets start with October...at the end of October my friend Deb was in town to run the Bupa Great South Run with Tom and Michael. We took the train to Portsmouth early in the morning, they ran 10 miles and I stood on the side of the road cheering them on. I was so proud of the 3 of them to have not only finished the run, but all of them did it in amazing time.

Michael and Tom post run

The 3 runners on the beach in Portsmouth

At the beginning of November it was Guy Fawkes Night and we had a bit of a party.  Our last Guy Fawkes Night we had a group of people over, but this year our flat was FILLED with people. It was incredible that we could fit 30 people in the flat.  In typical fashion we had a lot of food and tons of good times...it even ended in a dance party!

Part of us in the park

Some of the others in the park

Firework cupcakes

Boom boom boom

Even brighter than the moon moon moon

Old roomies

Old and new

Dance party

Then Tom's birthday came along.  It was a fun night of friends, food, dancing and drinking.  

Look at that cake!

Happy Birthday

Classy act

In late November, I did yet another very British thing. I went to the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury Racecourse with Tom, Michael, Harry and Charlie.  I had been to the races only once before but that time I was out in a field with hundreds of other people.  This time I was in the premiere enclosure where I could see the excitement...and I even placed a bet. 

In the enclosure

Fun day at the races

Then came Christmas and New Year.  As I mentioned, I went to Cornwall over New Year and it was so much fun and very relaxing.  We went to The Eden Project on the first day and went ice skating.  The second day we were off to very quaint village called Polperro, then had an incredible team cooked meal that evening before heading into Looe for a fancy dress New Year. Our last day in the cottage was a lazy day where some of us went to the beach for a walk and later we watched films and ate.  It was such a wonderful mini holiday!

Look at those biodomes

They attacked me b/c I'm the best skater

Polperro

Polperro again

Fancy dress in Looe

Watching the fireworks!

There you have it...this is what I've been up to over the last few months.

2012!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Ok, so I didn't actually spend New Year's Eve in London and see the above spectacular, I was away for a few days on the Cornish coast in a village called Looe...I will write all about that later.
But for now, we are 4 days into 2012 and so far so good!!!
I really am looking forward to this year and I am compiling a resolutions list as we speak.

How was your New Year?

Merry (Belated) Christmas

Hi friends, I'm back!
Where have I been, well I've been around, I've just been busy.

Christmas was just the other day and it was my first Christmas not being home in Massachusetts.  This year, due to financial issues, I spent Christmas in London.  Before Tom left for home he and I had Christmas at the flat.  We made dinner and opened presents while listening to Michael Buble sing to us.  Tom really spoiled me which gifts but the piece de resistance was when I opened a book on Paris style and inside was a EuroStar voucher for me to go to Paris.  He knows I have been trying to go to Paris for over a year now but haven't been able to afford it and now he had made it possible! What an amazing flatmate!!!

For actual Christmas, my old NYC roommate, Caroline, came over on Christmas Eve and we spent the night eating, chatting and practically falling asleep on the sofa at 9:30pm...we're so rock and roll!
On Christmas day, we woke up, had a small breakfast and opened presents over coffee.  Caroline was very generous giving me a bunch of bits and bobs but one was my favourite lip balm ever...Fresh Sugar.  At 11am we headed to a friends place in Chelsea for pre-lunch drinks and for lunch we had a very British Christmas meal with goose, roasted veggies and stuffing with Christmas cake and brandy butter for pudding. After sufficiently stuffing ourselves we walked back to Battersea and called home to speak to our families.  We then spent the rest of the night curled up under blankets on the sofa watching Harry Potter.

Yesterday, Boxing Day, Caroline made a delicious french toast breakfast and we sat around in our pajamas for a while.  We decided to take a short walk in the park before she headed back to her flat and I spend the rest of the day just doing some housework and trying to finish the scarf I am knitting for Tom.

It was a very nontraditional Christmas this year, but it was nice.  Of course I missed being home and getting woken up super early by my nephews who are beside themselves with the excitement of Santa having come.  And I did miss the full Christmas dinner that we always have, but all in all it was a lovely Christmas and I'm happy to have spent it with friends.

On Thursday morning I am off for a few days as I am going to Cornwall for New Year with friends. We rented a cottage and I am really looking forward to a fun filled 4 days away.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and on that I will leave you with a photo of our tree. Her name is Sandra Sharon (don't ask about the 2 names) and she is beautiful!