Movin' on Up?

                So Thursday last week was a BAD DAY. If you ever decide to pick up everything and move away from everyone and everything you know, you will have many BAD DAYS. I definitely have in the last three months. I mean, everybody keeps living their lives without you, your pets die (which you will never get over, by the way), and then there’s the whole money thing. Oh, the money thing. Being an adult is so hard. Nobody ever tells you that. Well, they do, but you don’t listen. Because you’re taught from everyone from people older than you to your school that you will be successful right away. Guess what? Not the case. Especially when you move to a new country. In Canada, you go to school and then you get a job. That’s how it works. But the UK places emphasis on work experience, not your education. I may have spent 5.5 years in university. I could re-enact the Cold War and have the Soviet Union win. Hell, I could probably have found Bin Laden. But as far as England is concerned, no work experience means no job. It’s been a stressful few months. I’ve had to do work I’ve never wanted to do. I made it twenty-three years without doing such work. But you can’ just sit around doing nothing.

                At the beginning of this month I registered with an agency that specializes in providing admin and reception work. Not great, but not hospitality at least. The interview went well (because I give good interview) and I was super optimistic. They implied that I’d be working every once and awhile, but for a week or two at a time, so I planned on using that money for rent and expenses and my money with my current job (which I would do evenings and weekends) for fun money. As with most things in life, it didn’t pan out like that. I didn’t hear one word from them, even when I tried to contact them. I pretty much gave up all hope and continued my fruitless job hunt.

                The last two weeks were hard. Really hard. I had shifts cancelled left and right. I was always waiting until the last moment before I’d be confirmed for work. I could only depend on one of the operations managers (a perk is being ‘favorited’ by a company or manager so that you can see those shifts and think ‘at least I’m guaranteed some hours this week’). It’s just not fun. You’re looking at your bank account multiple times a day, trying to calculate what you need to get you to the next payday, where most of your money will inevitably go to bills before you even hit Monday. I’d had several stressful days over the last couple weeks, usually caused by cancelled shifts. But on Thursday, it was because I was realizing I was about to get back-to-back tiny paychecks. And you can’t pay rent on tiny paychecks. You can’t save tiny paychecks. I had all these high expectations for myself and I felt like I was falling short on every one. So on Thursday, my mother told me if things didn’t get more regular I may have to come back to Calgary. I would hate that. I would feel like a failure. So just the mention of it got me even more upset. I had to go to work and I was still all emotional the entire way there.

                Then, something crazy happened. I was waiting with my co-workers outside the venue when my phone went off. It was someone from this agency I’d interviewed with a month ago. She told me she was recruiting for a position. It pays more and it’s full-time hours. Unfortunately, it’s also something called ‘temp-to-perm’, which basically means I work week-to-week and maybe one day they’ll offer me a permanent contract. But it’s definitely better than what I’ve been doing and is at least more secure for the time being. The recruiter called back awhile later to tell me they wanted me, and that I would start Monday. This could not have come at a better time, truly. Funny how things work out that way.

                So today I started this job. I was nervous. I barely slept last night. Sarah and I tried to have a relaxing evening yesterday watching Gossip Girl and not thinking about it but it was unavoidable. I had no idea what to expect. It wasn’t like I’d had an interview or anything. I had Googled the company, because that’s what you’re supposed to do, but that doesn’t tell you if the people are going to be nice, or if it’s hard work. I tried to go to bed early but I didn’t fall asleep until at least 1:30am. From there I woke up every hour and tossed and turned all night. I had to be there for 9:30am (usually 9am but because it was my first day I was meant to start later so they’d be set up and ready to go for the day) so I woke up at 6:50am because I overbudget for travel time. I slept in an extra ten minutes and I was still ready to go thirty minutes early. Which I actually liked. I was able to watch some TV and calm myself down a bit before heading out. The night before I went from being fine to getting more and more nervous the later it got. This morning I was nervous but also excited. This was to be my first office job. My first job without a uniform. A totally new experience.

                I arrived at the location half an hour early, as I’d planned. I waited outside the entrance for a bit. I noticed people had to enter a code to get through the gate. At which point, of course, your brain goes ‘oh, crap.’ I had no clue where I was supposed to go so I snuck in behind some people only to find myself in a courtyard with still no idea where to go. I saw a stairwell that people were using keycards to get up. I had no idea what else to do so I called the company. So awkward. Turns out I went through the wrong entrance and one of the employees came out to rescue me. Fortunately, the guy at the desk next to me apparently did the same thing his first day. It’s a logical mistake to make…Screw you, Google Maps.

                The training went fairly well I think and everyone seemed really nice. They all know each other better than they know me, but that’s to be expected. They were still very friendly. I found out most of them started as temps before moving into a permanent position at this company so that bodes well, fingers crossed. It’s weird, working in an office for the first time. I have a desk and a computer. There’s a kitchen. Like, an actual kitchen. With not just a freezer and a microwave but an oven. People literally cook themselves chicken up there for lunch. There’s also a staff room with a TV and books and a guitar (!!!). And you get a lunch break. That lasts an hour. What is this nonsense? I don’t think I’ve ever had an actual lunchbreak. It’s always been more like ‘go cram food down your throat while you have a chance’. And the job is 9:00am to 5:00pm. Like real people! I might actually be able to go out and do stuff!

                I was back home by 6:15pm. It was crazy. Sarah and I went to the library so I could pick up some more books. Then I made us gnocchi for dinner and we sat on the floor (we still don’t have furniture) and watched – you guessed it – Gossip Girl. I actually felt like an adult today. I’m not out of the woods yet, by any means. My current job is by no means assured. I’m still going to be a hobo for at least the next three weeks.  But it’s something and it came along right when I needed something to make me feel better about my life choices. We’ll see how I adjust to this new development.

In Da Club

                On Friday the stars aligned and Sarah and I both had the night off. I had worked a day shift (so rare for me) and Sarah’s night shift, unfortunately for her, got cancelled. I got back around 7pm and we had some pizza and watched Gossip Girl for awhile. As per usual, the characters on Gossip Girl went to a nightclub. I mentioned how I wanted to go dancing and Sarah agreed. There’s a really popular club, Faces, five minutes away. So we made a spur-of-the-moment decision to go.

                Have you ever noticed that when you have to get ready for work or something it takes an hour? But when you decide to suddenly go clubbing you’re dressed, made up and out the door twenty minutes later? Weird how that happens. We headed to the club where there was already a line at 10pm. And all the girls were gorgeous, dressed to the nines. Part of me is shocked we even got in. It’s not like Calgary: even the bouncers were wearing suits and bowties. It also turned out to be ladies night so we got in for free! Note to selves: if going to Faces, go on Friday.

                The club didn’t live up to my expectations originally. This is one of the most well-known clubs outside of Central London. In Calgary I went out all the time but I haven’t been to a nightclub in London since I moved here. And you walk in and there’s literally two bars, a huge VIP area you can’t even get into, and the tiniest little dance floor. It was underwhelming. But then, around 10:30pm, the walls opened up to reveal a much bigger area!

                The music wasn’t great. It was a lot of dance and house music, and then switched to rap. I can get down with rap (they played Niggas In Paris which is like the greatest song of all time and everyone knew all the words and it was awesome) but at clubs I tend to prefer Top 40 and classic pop hits and stuff. Singing along while dancing is really fun. Don’t ruin that for me, Faces! So the music isn’t as good as Calgary. But the décor? Absolutely. Calgary’s clubs basically look like a plain box with some lights and bars set up. Faces is really swanky looking. Overall it seems like a pretty decent club. It’s surprisingly cheap and looks beautiful.  I just don’t like the music. But the important thing is IT’S ONLY FIVE MINUTES AWAY. So once we got bored/Sarah had to work really early we just left. No $40 cab ride, no night bus adventure. Walked home and were back by 1am.

                And now I’ve got the club itch out of my system. At least for a little while.

Nerding Out

                So I took Friday and Sunday off, initially in the hopes of attending Wireless Festival. That didn’t work out, of course, but I kept those days free because I really, really needed a break. Friday was a pyjama day. I literally did not leave the flat. It was great. I got some serious TV watching done. I did work for almost nine hours Saturday, but Sunday brought with it another day off. Unfortunately, Sarah was working. But my friend decided to come up to London for the day and keep me company.

                We met at London Bridge at lunchtime and headed to Nando’s. Obviously. We had the strangest waiter who was really nice but wouldn’t stop talking to me about Canada and Nando’s and random stuff. It was really funny. From there we walked to the Tower of London. There must have been five million marathons going on because everyone seemed to be wearing a t-shirt supporting some cause or another. We had also forgotten that it was a Sunday. In July. There were a lot of tourists around the Tower of London (especially Tower Bridge) but surprisingly less than anticipated in the actual tower. Of course, because of my super awesome Historic Royal Palaces membership card I got in for free.

                We walked around the tower for a bit while I basically gave a guided tour because I’m a huge dork and spend way too much time there. We couldn’t see the crown jewels or the torture exhibit because there were huge lines. Because everyone loves diamonds and violence, I guess. We did take a Beefeater tour because you can’t go to the tower without taking one. It was hilarious, as per usual. I actually learned some things I didn’t already know, like about the tower’s architecture. That’s what I enjoy about the Tower of London: I learn something new every time I visit.

                After the tower we grabbed a few drinks at Wetherspoon’s before going our separate ways. When Sarah got back she and I watched Gossip Girl, as per tradition. I really don’t know what we’re going to do once we’ve finished the show. Our lives will be empty.

                On Monday I worked, but I had a day shift, which was unusual. I’d been meaning to go to an event hosted by Britbound for awhile, but they either didn’t interest me on days I had free or I had to work during social events that I did think I would enjoy. As it so happened, the stars aligned and I got my work schedule early enough to realize that I could go see Julius Caesar at The Globe. They took care of the booking fee so tickets were only £5. I was a little nervous before going, because I was going by myself and I wouldn’t know anyone and how would I find them? My brain was going crazy.

                I received an email saying to meet at a pub called The Anchor at 6:45pm. I knew there weren’t very many people going but I wasn’t really sure what to look out for. Fortunately, Marie-Clare, the Britbound employee who organized the event, arrived in a jumper with the company’s logo on it. I walked over and started discussing Shakespeare with them, because obviously we all had that in common. She had to leave and head to the theater early to make sure there wasn’t anyone waiting there, but did tell me if I was ever thinking of going to another play to let her know because she’d like to come. I really liked that. It’s cool when you don’t know many people that everyone is willing to just do stuff.

                While I was sitting around I met this Canadian girl named Mina and we talked for awhile. I didn’t talk at all to the other people going. Mina and I headed to The Globe together and I’m glad we did because we never found the other people from our group. We were ‘groundlings’ which meant standing. I had stood for a performance once before, several years ago, and it was a struggle. To be fair, Henry VIII isn’t exactly the most exciting play. I figured that now I’m more used to standing for long periods of time, maybe I could do it. Would I have preferred a seat? Yes, who wouldn’t want to sit down? But did I survive standing? Yes.

                It was a sold out performance so it was pretty crowded, but we were back enough that we had a good view of the stage. The actors are also always coming in and out of the audience which was a funny way to get jostled around during the show. Julius Caesar actually means a lot to me, even though it isn’t one of my favorites. That’s because it was the first Shakespeare play I ever read, when I was eleven (I was a weird kid, alright?). It was the play that started it all and I’d never seen it performed on stage or as a film.

                I have seen many a Shakespeare play performed on stage during my time. I have to say, this may actually be the best one I’ve ever seen. Julius Caesar isn’t exactly riveting and it really depends on the acting and the actors did not disappoint. The actors playing Cassius and Mark Antony were excellent but the real star was Brutus. He looked and acted the part, and Brutus isn’t exactly the easiest role to play. They also used vocal harmonies in a really unique and interesting way and the dance they do at the play’s end (because back in Shakespeare’s day they had to get all the dead people off the ground to prove they weren’t dead and so people would tell their friends it was good rather than super sad) was hilarious! It was traditional Renaissance stuff but they kept adding modern moves. I swear I saw some twerking in there.

                Overall it was an excellent evening and definitely makes me want to attend more Britbound events in the future. I’m starting to settle in and relax more. There’s no point living in London if I’m not doing cool stuff when I get the chance. And what a perfect way to start actually getting out and doing these social events than a Shakespeare play?  

Throw Me Down in the Lazaretto

                As you can probably tell from the lack of posting anything for the last little while, I’ve been quite busy. I’ve only had two days off work in the last two weeks. I’ve taken today (Friday) and Sunday off. I thought about taking yesterday (Thursday) off as well but ended up working in the afternoon. Why? Because there are three concerts occurring this weekend that I would kill to see. Realistically, however, I was never going to afford to go to all three of them. I did, however, end up making it to one of them and I’m really glad I did because I definitely would have regretted this particular concert.

                I love concerts, as anyone who knows me is aware of, but it’s been awhile since I saw somebody in concert I haven’t seen before, the last being Taylor Swift last June but I don’t count her because I went to see Ed Sheeran. Twice. So let’s say Mumford & Sons in May was the last band I saw for the first time. Of course, this weekend in London, there were three people I hadn’t seen live! On Thursday the absolutely amazing guitarist Jack White (from The White Stripes, if you don’t know) was playing the Hammersmith Apollo. On Friday, Kanye West was headlining Wireless Festival, and Bruno Mars was headlining Sunday. Let it never be said I have a specific taste in music.

                I was planning on doing my Stubhub trick like I’d done with One Direction, but these concerts were very popular and ticket prices did not drop like I was hoping. Earlier this week I began to accept the fact I probably wouldn’t be seeing any of the shows, but there was this nagging feeling. It wasn’t for Kanye West, whose music I love but is a complete tool, or Bruno Mars, who I was hoping to see to make up for last year’s concert being cancelled. It was Jack White. I have loved him since The White Stripes. I love his solo stuff even more. And he’s so eccentric you never know when he might suddenly retire. As it got closer to Thursday and I watched the number of tickets available on Stubhub drop and drop, I got more and more disappointed.

                After work on Thursday, there were only two tickets left and they were expensive. And then a lot of stuff came together. First, I made it to the bank in time (like, they literally stayed open an extra two minutes to help me – thank you so much Gants Hill branch of Lloyd’s!) to put money on my account, just in case a ticket became available. And then, the venue itself, Eventim Apollo, released one ticket. It was the purchase price. Not as cheap as I wanted, but not as expensive as Stubhub. I wouldn’t have to go to Oxford Circus to get the ticket; I could pick it up directly from the venue. I had to do it.

                As soon as I had the ticket confirmation, I was so relieved. I really don’t care if I see Kanye or Bruno Mars. But Jack White… I respect him so much as a musician. I would have regretted not seeing him, especially in a venue like the Apollo (for you Calgary people, think of it like the Jubilee: beautiful building, great acoustics, big show yet intimate). I had gotten dressed before buying a ticket, just in case, so I was able to run right out the door. It was funny being at the Apollo, because when I work outside of London that is always the meeting point. I am very well-acquainted with the front steps. It was a much different scene that day, though, because there were hundreds of people lined up, waiting for the doors to open at 7:00pm. I got my ticket from the box office and joined the line.

                Yes, I went to this concert alone. My friend Alessia wanted to come, but only if tickets were £30. This morning, when tickets were not that cheap, I let her know. Maybe another time. This is hardly my first time alone at a concert. I’ve seen Ed Sheeran and Paul McCartney alone, so I’m used to this. You’re listening to the music, anyway. Inside the venue is quite nice. It probably only holds about 2000-3000 people and there’s literally couches surrounding the entire upper bar area. The seats inside are nice. Think theater, not concert venue. There’s not a bad seat in the house, which I always love. Apparently Jack White does too because at one point in the show he talked about how he just came from Glastonbury and it was nice playing a show where the audience wasn’t a thousand feet away.

                I have no idea who the opening band was. Probably someone from his record label, Third Man Records. I can’t decide if I liked them or not. They were kind of like The Sex Pistols meets folk rock. It was weird. Jack White came on right on 9:00pm with Sixteen Saltines and played for two hours. It was not the greatest concert I’ve ever been to (that honor is a toss-up between Paul McCartney and Mumford & Sons) but he is, without a doubt, the best guitarist I’ve ever seen. He combines his insane guitar sound with drums, bass, keyboard and violins to make the most interesting and unique sound. He played many songs, including some of his White Stripes and Raconteurs hits. He did, however, miss out on some of my favorite songs, like Freedom at 21 and I’m Shakin. There’s some White Stripes stuff I would have liked to hear, too, but, as I have mentioned, I am actually a bigger fan of his solo albums. His performance got more and more passionate the further into the show. The 45 minute encore was just non-stop energy, finishing with Steady as she Goes and Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground. But what I loved the most (see what I did there?) was that my favorite song of his, Love Interruption, was actually the best song in the concert, too. It’s not often that my favorite song is also the best live, so that was nice.

                After the show I was waiting for some of the people to get on the tube because I hate crowded transport when I realized I was standing near where the band would be leaving. I was unable to resist waiting with people. I met the drummer, some comedian who plays with Kasabian, and model Cara Delevigne. I never saw Jack White, because I really needed to make the last train, which left at 12:19AM. I have no clue if he ever came out and I don’t want to know. I’ve learned there’s nothing scarier than being in Hammersmith and hearing the train station broadcast ‘this is the last train to Central London’. Close call.

                So yeah, it was a great concert and I’m glad I went. I would have been kicking myself forever. Hopefully I will get the chance to see him again. As for Kanye West and Bruno Mars?  You can’t have everything. They’ll be back, I’m sure.