Countdown to Paris: Day 13

Known as "the most beautiful avenue in the world" the Champs Elysées has all you need, shopping, cafes, many sights to see and at the end is the Arc de Triomphe.  I love to shop and although I can't really afford it, I do look forward to some wonderful window shopping. But honestly, I can't wait to stroll along such a gorgeous road and take in Paris.

Where else can you find an Abercrombie and Fitch that looks like this?!

Countdown to Paris: Day 14

When in a big city you must take in some of its most well-known sights and something I'm looking forward to doing is heading to The Louvre. If you don't know, the Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa, while she is quite small (so I hear) and always surrounded by crowds of people you can't not go and check her out.  I mean, that would be like going to the Vatican City and not seeing the Sistine Chapel (kind of). So when in Rome...or Paris!

Countdown to Paris: Day 15

I love churches.  I don't really go to church much (with the exception of weddings and such) but I really love churches.  They have such amazing structure and history.  So one thing I am excited to see in Paris the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and I've been told that the view from the top is unreal!  So I'm ready to do some climbing...

Countdown to Paris: Day 16

I have a major sweet too and while I did learn about these tasty treats in London, they are really from Paris. I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the deliciousness of a French macaron...or six!
How good do these look?!?!

Countdown to Paris: Day 17

I leave to go to Paris after work on the 17th of May.  I am so So SO excited.  I've been trying to go to Paris since I moved to London and something has always gotten in my way. Its either been the lack of money, no time, something.  But now it's booked and it's happening! Every day I will post something I am looking forward to.

It goes without saying...

London 2012...99 Days to Go

I don't know if you know, but I am one of the many chosen volunteers to take part in the Opening Ceremonies of the London 2012 Games.  Back in November I went on an general audition (I was randomly chosen out of thousands that applied) and got a call back for a more role specific audition in December.  At the middle/end of January I got the official cast offer letter via email.  It was all very exciting.  Originally I was going to be in a more character movement role, but at the last minute I was contacted about taking part in a more dance themed role.  The former dancer and current fat ass in me said yes. Well, last night was my first rehearsal.  While I cannot say anything about the actual stuff we are doing, I can tell you it's going to be A-Mazing!!!

The whole show is going to be directed by Danny Boyle who I met last night!  What a lovely man.  And the whole show will see viewed by about 4 billion people (that's no exaggeration here people, I do mean 4 billion!) Its so so so very exciting, but I do have a long road ahead of me.  Its been a while since this girl has been at a dance class, I'm a little rusty.  But I am up for the challenge!

Will you be watching?

Oh My Word...I'm Two!

A Redhead in London turned 2 on Sunday!

I can't believe it and I also can't believe I missed it.  I started this blog a few months before I made my move over here, unsure of everything really.  Where will I live, who will I live with, what will I be doing once I'm there...so many questions.  And now I'd like to think I am well immersed (and well adjusted) in my London life. I've got some friends, I've got a job and I've got a great place to live, who knew it would all be so easy.  Ok, it wasn't all that easy, but look at me now!

I'm pretty impressed with my little blog I must say.  In the last 2 years I've have over 10,000 views.  Sure some people get that in a day, but I have to admit given that I mostly just write about something fun I did or what's on my mind right now, people have come to take a peek more than 10,000 times.  Well done me! With that being said, lets hope for another year.  I don't see myself giving up any time soon :)

Accentuate the Positive

A few weeks back I had a major meltdown, we're talking Chernobyl sized, on the phone with my mom.  What set me off is inconsequential, but a lot of things came out in that phone call that made me realize I need to turn things around.  I do not want to be Mary Miserable, someone who always looks for what could go wrong in any good situation.  It's no fun and who wants to be around someone who is worrying all the time?  So in the last few weeks I have tried to make some changes. My mom gave me a real simple solution...stop worrying about everything and a friend told me to make a list of things that I want and start small even if it is something like new socks. So between my (saintly) mother and my friend I've worked on just that.  It also helps that the weather has been incredible in London recently and I've also started running again.  Every time I think about running I think about this...



But you know what...its true.  I go for a run and while I am exhausted, dripping with sweat and the colour of pink highlighter I feel great, I feel accomplished!  


Speaking of running...I've started reading this book

Its hilarious, motivating and very helpful.  I've only just began it yesterday, but I have recommended it to about 3 people already.  If you didn't already know, I pretty much HATE running.  Every time I lace up my trainers I curse my life, but I have to admit I have found it to be a bit easier since I've seen how it makes me feel. Now this book is going to help a bit more I hope.  

Oh and I have some really exciting news...I'm all booked up for Paris in May!  The tickets are booked and this weekend the hotel was booked.  I am beyond excited!  I feel like it was so far away when we booked it, but now its only a month away.  I can see it now!

ps~ I want a large print of this for my bedroom

So I have to tell you all....things are good!  I'm embracing positivity.  I'm looking forward to things and I am not worrying about everything under the sun.  Chin up!

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...