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