I have taken in upon myself to be as awkward as possible on the Tube; it is such an interesting place. In the mornings, it is very common to have a face smashed into someones armpit or to have a chin jammed into your back but heaven forbid if eye contact is made! Therefore...for those of you who know me...it's the perfect time to make things awkward! A simple smile directly into someones eyes and a friendly, "Good Morning" evokes a response more awkward than any I've ever experienced. Passengers quickly look away with a face filled with confusion and uncomfortable tension. It is a truly beautiful moment.
All that is left to complete my commute is to count the number of Beats headphones being worn and who the awkward person is receiving dirty looks for disturbing the silence broken only by "Stand clear of the closing doors! This train is ready to depart! MIND THE CLOSING DOORS!"
In tribute to those loud, obnoxious yet amazingly awkward headphone wearers...I dedicate this post to relevant and ironic songs that play in my head...
For my wonderful mornings of awkward encounters, I dedicate this beautiful song of complete randomness: Bicycle Race by Queen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lKwmMjcWfQ
This week, I was able to do something that I have never done before...I went to the ballet. Even for growing up dancing, I have never been to a live show. I have been considering attending since I arrived and since Swan Lake has been showing at the Royal Opera House, I knew I had to see it. On an impulsive moment, I made my way down to Covent Garden early to pick up a same day ticket. The opera house only had 60 of these tickets and I came very close to missing one. However, I bought a standing ticket for only 10 quid (my new favorite term for the pound). The show was amazing. Although I couldn't see the full state from top to bottom, I was so close to the dancers. It was absolutely gorgeous. The moment was one of complete show and gratefulness for the opportunities that I am lucky enough to experience.
It typical 'Taylor' fashion I almost missed the 4th act. In my curiosity I was wondering around the theater and went to look at some of the original costumes on display. Little did I know that the obvious thing to do would be to take my ticket. The door man was kind enough to let me back in after my eyes about popped out of my head in a look of terror. I was able to see the Odette and her Prince reunite.
For my perfect first ballet experience, I dedicate this song of beauty: Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4 and also my favorite piece from the ballet itself: the waltz from Act 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lANZUesf3xU
This week also reaffirmed my feeling of happiness at my internship. The people there are fantastic and so great! Heather, a wonderful woman who I wish I knew better is heading to Africa for a six month sabbatical. She will have an amazing time and it was so touching the way the office came together to wish her well! After a cake and bubbly farewell in the kitchen we finished up our work and went to the local pub to send her off. It was a great change to get to know everyone and I cannot believe how lucky I am to be working with such amazing people. I can't wait to continue building these relationships.
To my coworkers who truly inspire me and to the organisation that does great things for great people, I dedicate Big Boss Man by Jimmy Reed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XklUL-3v9Dc...I sure did find me a good Big Boss Man.
I was able to spend the end of the week with the wonderful Angela Ianniello. It was great to see her and to catch up on all things wonderful, bland, and fabulous. We had a great time in Camden Town and back at the flower market. I cannot wait for her to be back in a few weeks and to bring that crazy cat Lady Cat-alie with her! KITTEN!!!!
I have so many visitors that I will be reunited with soon! I am also so excited to welcome TJ and miss Hannah from Montana next week! I am selfishly keeping them to squeeze all the information on their take over of their host countries (they're so wonderful how could they not take over!?) It's bound to be an amazing time! My old man is also coming in a few weeks! This is literally making my ears twitch because I am so excited. All those years of talking about this history and he finally gets to see it! I am honored and so proud that I can be the one to experience this with him.
As the second half of this journey begins, I become that much closer to seeing the rest of you from home! I am so excited to see you all and to be able to share London with you. But to be honest, I know that the real reason you are coming is to see MEEEE! Honestly, it's a little creepy, but I suppose I cannot deny you the life altering benefits that a glimpse of me will add to your life. To you travel hungry and Taylor obsessed crazies...I dedicate Mariah Carey's Obsessed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1Yt0xJKDY8
Sunday was Alexa's birthday. Believe me, there is nothing more that makes me more proud, emotional, annoyed, homesick, and utterly giddy about my little sister turning 18. It makes an older sister just want to roll her eyes for the heck of it...don't ask how my mom feels about it :) But in all honesty, I am so proud of her. She is going to be start an amazing stage in her life and I can't wait for the belated celebration that will be coming soon on my return. Those of you that know my sister will already know this, and for those of you that don't...you will appreciate this anyway:
She rocks
She rolls
She's got polish on her toes
But when the day is done
She can be a lot of fun
I love her oh so much
Even when she throws a punch
She can't really hit that hard
But I'm good at playing the victim card ;)
This poem's not that good
But I hope you understood
That my sister is the best
Much better than all the rest.
To my sister that I love so so so soooo much! I dedicate Sisters by the Hanes Sisters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTef_onLNnw
I will end this extended post with saying that Winter has hit. This past weekend was freezing! I heard that the time has come when Londoners stop checking the weather and just assume that it is going to be terrible. It is time to whip out the scarves (oh wait...I wear those even when it's not cold!) and to accept the fact that I will probably not feel my nose or toes for the rest of my trip. However, Oxford Street has strung its Christmas lights and that yearly buzz of excitement and jolly anticipation has begun. The only thing left to do is suffer through Halloween and avoid all associations with that stupid day.
I would like to end with my favorite song. To winter, my favorite season for songs, and the person who loves all music of this time as much as I do, I dedicate Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOMmSbxB_Sg
Cheers!
PS. If anyone is bored or interested in what else is on my YouTube playlist this week:
1. Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY
2. Crying on a Suitcase by Casey James http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMO9tdrcoyQ
3. The Parting Glass by The Wailin' Jennys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4egb2gpIg4
4. Two Out of Three Aint Bad by Meatloaf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8JA9Qs2Mho
5. Psycho Killer by Talking Heads http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ6fjGS1lRg
6. Hard to Love by Lee Brice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0liNLHmvKY
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