Meeting Students

Today I met a few of the MA students at the Institute. Only one was doing my particular MA! She's straight out of undergrad and is also an actor which is awesome. I bonded with three gals specifically. Two Americans and one Australian. We laughed practically all night. Sadly they aren't in my degree but they seem freaking awesome to hang out with. I am currently reading a book entitled "What Good  Are the Arts?" It's hard to comprehend and I have to finish the whole 300 word book by Wednesday. This doesn't include the two other books I must read for Thursday and the blog I have to comment on by Tuesday at 9 am. I'm in for a world of hurt this week. No going out Monday.

I have to get my ID and Visa checked on Monday. Going into Birmingham should be fun...NOT! Ta Ta for now...will let you know how it all goes when I have time to write!

Cheers!
Octavia

New Chapter, For Reals This Time

I again, need to work on this blogging thing. I also really don't like my format anymore. Should probably change it at some point. I am about 3 1/2 days out from leaving for my big move to the UK. I leave Thursday via Virgin Atlantic and hit London by Friday. I've got a packed two 1/2 week once I'm in country! Over the weekend I've got to unpack and get situated and on Sunday I have a mandatory meet and greet of some of the current students. Monday is Orientation and then I have to hop on a train and head to The University of Birmingham to get my ID and my visa checked as well as stuff for getting a bank account/doctor.

I'm pretty terrified I'll admit. This is probably the biggest, most stressful thing I've ever done. In the end it will be worth it though. I think the whole moving across an ocean is a big deal in itself. Plus, I'm dealing with shipping hell and the fact that I am only bringing one piece of luggage, a carry-on, and a big arse backpack! I hope to update you guys again right before I go. If I don't, you guess will get an update once I've moved into my flat...hopefully I can post my Friday night. I look forward to my roommate and the fact that I don't have to take a single piece of public transportation to do the things I wanna do...i.e shopping and the like. Except for the occasional train rides to Birmingham and other stuff for school. I also should probably not be typing and instead should be reading. I've got three chapters left of this one book and then need to start on another. Then after that book is done it's two books for my History of Shakespeare in Performance class, but thank God those are only like 4 chapter in each book! #gradschoolproblems

So Ready To GO!!

It's hard to stay focused as an actor when you so desperatly want to head home and be with your dog and your mom. My NORMAL life sounds so amazing right now. I like London, but I don't love it. I've put on weight....the people I find rude....and a plethora of other things.  How do you find what you want in times like this? The program has been good, had to make the best of it in some situations. I've learned a hell of a lot about myself and what I need to work on as an actor. The idea of being in my own bed is kind of fabulous...so is working out...

One Week Left

OMG I haven't posted at all! Here I thought I'd have time to write about my time here in London but I've just been too busy! I've got one week left here with LAMDA. As much as it pains me to leave, I am really happy to be going home. I can't wait to go back on a diet and workout regularly. I also miss my dog and my mum! I feel like I have to do a big blog post as soon as I get back with pictures galore. For now, I just let all of you know that I'm alive and I'll post more in the coming week or so!

First Week Finished!

Ok blog readers....I am back! I have honestly been so busy with school and sightseeing that updating has been tough. Also, let's not forget I've been exhausted. So the first week was fun. We had two days of class and then spent the other three, Wed.-Fri. in Stratford-Upon-Avon. I have so many pictures I can't include them all here. Stratford was truly magical. I count my blessings everyday that I get the chance to get my Masters there!

Here is me at Anne Hathaway's Cottage!

I walked around town on Wednesday and we had a Shakespeare Workshop as well as a chance to see the Rape of Lucrece at RSC. It was a poem of Shakespeare's that Camille O'Sullivan(sic) had turned into a one woman show essentially with music and the text. It was hauntingly beautiful. Thursday we went to Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare's Birthplace...we also saw Henry IV Part 1 for a matinee and then Henry IV Part 2 in the evening. Needless to say it was a hell of a lot of Shakespeare, but my god was it good! I understood every word and enjoyed almost every minute of it! Friday we went to Warwick Castle...here's a photo:

Look...it's so pretty. I'll call it...the Octavia Castle!

After a lovely tour of the castle on Friday, we headed back to LAMDA. I had a really wonderful three days and wished I could have stayed for longer. I also toured his grave as well and took some cool pics and ate great gelato. That weekend I did something but honestly I've already forgotten. I'm honestly SO exhausted that I feel bad for not updating this but there are some nights I just don't go on my computer. Another blog post about this week were we met our directors, took some movement, fought some people, as well as sang and danced will be uploaded tomorrow...aka Thursday. For now, enjoy photos!

I obviously like to steal stuff...I look so forlorn

OMG was this like Shakespeare's house!?

Nothing says fun like taking a "selfie" with a wax figurine. I seriously thought they were real for a bit...VERY creepy.

On that note...Octavia...OUT!

Cheers!!

Still no baggage

I'm fairly upset at how British Airways and American have handle the whole baggage debacle. It was supposed to arrive at LAMDA yesterday but they delivered it like at 10 pm so no one was there to receive it, so now it's back in their facility and I have to call at 9 in the hopes that they will ship it to my living situation and not the school...which my stupid ass should have done in the first place...yes I am an idiot and this is my fucking karma.

So here I am, running out of clothes and spending my money on shit that I already have. TOILETRIES! At least I was able to shave and buy listerine. It's the little things I tell ya! Now if only I could have my blow dryer, my complete works, and my clothes...we'd be golden. I leave tomorrow for Stratford so I hope to God it arrives today. The lady at BA told me that they may be able to deliver by the afternoon or early evening which is lovely. Here's to hoping folks. Well, I'm off to go have some porridge (sipping some PG TIPS as we speak).

Today is a full day of Shakespeare and I'm running on 4 hrs sleep. Lord help me!!

Delayed flights and Lost Luggage

Here I am in London about to start my first day of classes and I have a carry on with like only two pieces of real clothes and some workout stuff and a few toiletries...read makeup! Inside of my luggage...that didn't make my flight to LHR...I have clothes for my mini trip this week...stuff I need to shave and bathe and my hair dryer!!! Also my complete works of willy shakes which has all my notes and I would be so sad to lose it...also my designer duds

Sorry about the style I write from my phone very early in the morning and don't wanna wake my roomie...she's cool. Fingers crossed it arrives at my school today!!

Two Sleeps...OMG

So here I am, two nights out and a part of me wishes I were sleeping in my bed forever and the other just wants it over with. I think I just want to get through immigration and then I can breathe a sigh of relief! I've managed to pack only one suitcase which is overweight but as my bag is free I am happy to pay the 60 bucks for being over 51 pounds hahaha! I've also got a carry-on and a backpack which is heavy as hell because I have my complete works and my computer, plus notebooks and shit. I've also learned that shortly after arriving I have only two days of classes and then they ship our asses off to Stratford for some workshops with the RSC, plays, and tons of Shakespeare.

On another note I hope my roommate is cool. She better know how to clean...she also better be cool with not vomiting on the floor because she can't make the toilet...but I digress...I secretly hope she'll do awesome things with me. Like go to Sir Ian McKellan's pub because I don't want to go alone. Maybe, I'll just find an awesome gay friend. Every girl needs one of those! Anyway I probably won't post much after Friday...at least not until I get in country and get settled. I DO have blogger on my phone so maybe I shall post something quick from the airport! Premium Economy baby!! Oh please who am I kidding, it's just glorified economy but I get more leg room and pitch, plus a better dinner menu. PLEASE GOD LET ME AFFORD AN UPGRADE! FYI I don't slum it...I CAN"T slum it...well I could, I just choose not to. I'm a pretty pretty princess!!!!!

FINCH OUT!

Cheers,
Tavia
xoxox

Some ? days and counting...

I've lost track of days. So I spoke with my Dad and it looks like paying for grad school tuition is easier than I thought! YAY. Still I have to prep for it while in London which annoys me. As for the whole Tier 4 visa process. F THAT! It's complicated and annoying. I've wrote a lot on this piece of crap called the visa but there is so much convoluted BS that it's driving me mad. It'll get done, but for now...ugh why can't I have a twin!!!

I've been getting clothes together and taking care of stuff. Still drinking wine...would you expect less!? Come on...My writing style is nuts. I sometimes wonder how I will ever mange to get an MA but it'll happen. For now I just write stream of conscious style and say screw it. I also think I'm taking too much luggage, but I've never been one for under packing. Just ask my exes...pretty sure I always had too much when I spent the night! LOL

On another note, I like how everyone is gearing up for the World Cup. When I was living in DC, you'd most likely find me in an Irish pub where they would be showing the games. Now that I live at home and am too busy to go out, I won't be watching it. Although I will root for England in spirit! I feel my love for soccer would be exponentially greater if I were in country...alas....not....yet.

As I prep for my leave I wonder about the weather. I've been in heat for a while now and have no concept of sweater weather....cue song...ya'll. I have clothes from DC but I feel like my blood has thinned. As soon as I hit 70 degrees my body goes " OH SHITE!" I'll probably languish in the cooler weather but it'll probably take a week to get used too.

I'm also working on my diet. I have a feeling once I go back vegetarian or semi veg in London I expect to drop about 5 pounds within the first week or two. Thank goodness! I don't have much to lose...if any...maybe toning up...yay gym on my living premises. Overall, I'm so close to my goal I can taste it!!!

Cheers
Tavia
xoxo

Ummmm in like 12 days I shall be on a plane...

So I have incredible anxiety right now. I have NO idea why. I should be excited about this whole trip...I mean I am, but for some reason I am terrified. Maybe it's the fact that I'm leaving behind the life that I knew. I don't know. I am sure all of this drama will go away when I'm in country. I also have to deal with the fact that my tuition for grad school is due soon and I have to leave that in the hand of my mum to make sure it's all squared away. This scares me...not that my mum isn't capable, she is, but I like to do it all on my own and I can't now.

Everything will of course fall into place, it has to, but for now it's scary as hell. I've got everything in order except for my camera which I will probably get right before I go. I think my ultimate fear is getting to immigration and them saying "Sorry Ms. Finch but we can't let you in." I worry that they'll say I don't have enough money or I don't have the right papers. I am over thinking it...it's what I do. I hope that while I am overseas I can focus on letting my overthinking tendencies go. My life right now isn't exciting and I don't have cool or cute pictures to show you.

I never knew that I had this fear in me. I always used to jump right in. For some reason, starting this new chapter in my life, terrifies me.

Cheers
Tavia
xoxo

23 days until London!

It's time to update all of you on the shenanigans that have been happening in my life. I am under 3 weeks out until I hope on that plane for fancy London town. As the days get closer, the more I have anxiety, like drink myself into a drunken stupor to alleviate the stress. Just kidding...I don't drink THAT much...well at least I don't think I do! My mum told me today that apparently my generation is the largest group of wine consumers. I believe this to be true. I love wine. People should pay me in wine. I will act if someone gives me wine...or vodka...preferably top shelf vodka. I'm fancy like that. I amuse myself because I don't mind drinking cheap wine but I only like expensive vodka. Here, look at my wine and my cool Ed Hardy glass:

I've used up a lot of my ink, printing out things, class schedules, things to give immigration so I can get my student visitor visa stamp, airline stuffs...you know, the usual! I should probably start doing laundry and pulling out my clothes. I still have to go buy a camera and some random toiletries. Very exciting. I'm beginning to realize how much I am going to miss my pup. Little Foster won't know what hit him when I leave. I've already informed my mum that when we Skype she has to put the dog on!

I'm still learning to blog and I hope to get better at it! I follow a lot of people who are quite good and their blogs looks so fancy and cute. They also include WAY more photos. Prepare yourselves readers for pics of food, booze, London, and me doing crazy yoga in random spots around London...it's a thing.

I've also decided to implement the name change. No longer Jennifer...soon to be Octavia...might as well start fresh with people I don't know. Below you'll find Foster, he's a silky terrier and my little fluff nugget!

Cheers!
xoxo

42....41 days!?

I'm almost to a month out...how in the hell does that happen...oh right..life. I am scared to death. Not about going per say...but about making sure I have everything...making sure my life prepping for my Masters is golden. I've been battling my stress fracture...making sure i'm in top shape but it is damn hard..I miss running, but another form of cardio is going to have to take over. If only I could eek out like 8 pull ups...I'm at about 4 chin ups...that's good right!?

With the idea of almost being overseas it's terrifying...I have had my unconditional acceptance offer already but I am still waiting on my CAS...I would like it sooner rather than later...ya know!? Here's to hoping!

I give you a picture of yoga as I have nothing else...and maybe my dog...LOL

60 Days

Yes, you read that right! 60 days until I leave..or more like 59...as on the 60th I'm traveling via jet plane. I have so much fear and excitement inside me. I've gotten pretty much everything I need for this two month jaunt. All that's left is a new camera, some PJs, and school supplies. I've received my Apostille Transcript from Rollins and that is being sent of to the University of Birmingham this Friday. After I do THAT...I should receive my CAC, which I need to start applying for my student visa. I've got two credit cards...FINALLY. I also should probably schedule to get a few new passport photos taken...maybe after I get a hair cut. It sometimes feels like there isn't much left to do, but I know I probably should go over my list again. I just hope and pray I don't get stopped for being in the UK this summer...the Border Agency said I didn't need a student visitor visa, but I figured I should come prepared with the necessary documents.

I think in hindsight I'd be less stressed about the Master's stuff if I wasn't going to London this summer. I would have MUCH more time to actually apply and I wouldn't be in the UK and could have the visa in ample time. INSTEAD...I have about 4 1/2 weeks to get an expedited visa and that scares the ever-loving you know what outta me! I know LAMDA will be a great experience and I can find my love of acting again. To be honest, it's fallen by the wayside. I get this way when I haven't been performing in awhile..the "mojo" should come back right away!

On top of everything I've managed a stress fracture. I was in a boot for about two weeks and now i"m in sneakers. No cardio of any kind for about another two weeks...I count the brief walks with my dog and the fact that I lift weights as my new cardio. I miss running, but honestly after this, I think running more than a mile is gone. I have to take up biking, rowing, or the elliptical.

I hope to post more in the coming weeks...thanks for sticking with me. I promise to post pictures, but right now no one wants to see my ugly mug. And on that note, I'm back to finishing up AHS: Coven. Jessica Lange is FIERCE!

Cheers!
xoxo

I got into graduate school...now for visa hell!!!

I should say to all I have been accepted to The Shakespeare Institute, getting my MA in Shakespeare and Creativity!!!! My degree is through the University of Birmingham and I will live in Stratford-Upon-Avon!!!

Now for my anxiety...Nothing says pure terror like the thought of applying for a student visa. I mean the kind of terror that gives you anxiety, sleepless nights, and a penchant for drinking tons of wine. I'm MONTHS out from attending graduate school but I'm already hitting a snag in my stride.

Not sure if any of you are familiar with the visa process but you can only apply no more than 3 months out and should leave at least 6 weeks before you fly out. I am in the UK from June 21-Aug 16...I need to begin class in Stratford Upon Avon Sept. 29..I obviously need to fly in before that date to get settled into my flat or housing situation. That leaves less than 6 weeks, in case you guys have trouble with math ;) I DO!! I know things work out in the end but I'm stressed about it. I was hoping to have my biometrics appointment done before I left in june but that is just not possible. That's fingerprinting and pictures done via an immigration office. I suppose I owe the British Consulate a call on Monday to try and get some peace of mind. Doubtful...maybe I need to start seeing this glass half full instead of empty! Also I maybe need to formally accept my acceptance offer....send them my transcript from Rollins....and in turn get my CAS (needed for Visa). Someone get me a xanax....

PS pics of the school and stratford to come...or ya know...just google it ;)
Cheers!!!

3 months out...or something like that

So I am about three months out...give or take...for my trip to fancy London town. I've been reading a lot of blogs on both London as well as my program and Nido Notting Hill. They are giving me sheets and pots and pans and stuff but that's about it. And anyone that knows me, knows I don't stay in hotels so I am bringing another pair of sheets. Also, Europeans don't believe in flat sheets...wtf!? So I am bringing zebra twin sheets and a turquoise blanket so i don't really have to deal with their duvet. UGH it gives me nightmares. Also I need to bring hangers...get my own damn toilet paper (better bring a roll)...cleaning supplies...a second pillow (yes I know I'm weird)...all sorts of random shite. A lot I will bring. HELLO WALMART! Some I will buy over there on my first day in the city and my first week.

I've also run into the issue of not being able to find black leggings. It's still spring people! What gives? I need these leggings, hell I might fight someone to the death in a Forever 21 just to get the last pair...better be in my size! I've already figured I am bringing one big arse suitcase and one slightly smaller...plus a carry-on leather piece and my backpack.

Food will also be an issue for me. Not only will I be sharing a flat with some unknown person..which is fine...as long as they are clean, but we have to share a mini fridge and a tiny baby freezer. I will come back uber skinny unless I make up for it in cider, fish and chips, and sunday roasts. Pretty sure it'll be PB and J's, crisps, and a snack bar during the day for lunch and something healthy for dinner. I'm one of those individuals that isn't too into pasta...I like other carbs, like french bread!

I'm pretty sure I'm ready to get the hell out of dodge, i.e this state of Florida. Maybe I should book my plane ticket already! 

Finally have a gander at those crazy sheets and blanket...not to mention my neck pillow for the plane. I kind of like animal prints.

Cheers!

London Prep

It's amazing how you go through an old blog and you read all of the crap you posted and it seems so silly. I deleted a lot of stuff and may delete more. I also laughed at seeing how back in 2010/2011 I was going to study at LAMDA...i.e apply but never got around to it. Life, a major surgery, shows, etc. Now here I am at 27...soon to be 28 and I finally got in. Yes, I wish I had applied when I was younger, but then again age has its perks ;). I've learned that although you may have paid your tuition and housing there is still a hell of a lot of stuff you need. Sheets, blanket, pillow....clothes....writing stuff...a backpack. Like what is my life!? Yes I can buy a lot of things in the UK but it's EXPENSIVE! Oh and I need another suitcase...because this girl doesn't travel light...although I may have to. SAD PANDA.

Currently looking into flights and credit cards and all that jazz...very exciting huh? Also don't expect this blog to be grammar perfect. I'm an actor, not an english major. SORRY!

Cheers!

Bringing this blog back!

It's been several years since I've blogged. Life always seems to get in the way. I have moved away from DC and back to Florida for the time being. It's been...interesting to say the least. I DID get a cute little dog named Foster who is the love of my life and is a pain in the butt. He's cute though.

To those who do not know, I am leaving for London in June to study at LAMDA. That is the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, wherein I will be studying Shakespeare and his contemporaries for 8 weeks. FUN!!!! This blog will now be about my adventures leading UP to my trip, as well as those two months and maybe a week or two more to travel...if I'm lucky! ;) So stick around and I promise this blog will be great.

Cheers!
Jennifer xx