Rosie the Riveter

Hey Everybody, sorry I've been away so long, but I've been wrapping my head (and body) around the fact that I'm once again a working girl! Okay, it's only a temp job and pays a mere pittance, but I really enjoy getting up in the morning, riding the train into Manchester with all the other working stiffs, and then winding my way round to my desk for a productive 9 to 5. It feels good, right. It has however, put me a little off balance time-wise and I need to get a bit more efficient in my tasks and chores. No more daily trips to Tesco for the evening's tea, but we're coming along nicely. And now, once again, TGIF has some real meaning.

Boca Jackpot

Who knew that the way to bring people together is through some old fashioned wagering? Andrew, his daughter and I spent about a week in Florida visiting my family and, during one evening over dinner, my parents talked about this pastor who was trying to improve the attitudes and dispositions of his congregants by getting them to stop complaining. We all thought this a noble but doomed idea because complaining is pretty much a national pastime. In fact, my parents had given it a try after hearing about the pastor, but they lasted only a few minutes (come on, we were in kvetch country).

On the car ride home to our hotel, Andrew's daughter suggested that the three of us engage in a bet to see who could hold out the longest and refrain from complaining. We spent the next hour or so considering what constituted a complaint (criticism? yes; observations? maybe) and how much to wager (10 dollars each; winner takes all). I saw this moment as a spark in communications between us, but I'm sure she saw it as a surefire way to make a fast 20 bucks! Two days later, I was the first to cave when I began to compare the bright, open Florida sky to the dark and gloomy one back home in Wigan. Andrew caved next, while we were in New York, when he became a theatre critic after we saw A Chorus Line on Broadway. Like I said, an easy bet; next time I'm keeping my mouth shut.

Hop Scotch

This week I spent a few days in Scotland tagging along with Andrew, had my first job interview (fingers crossed!), and now we're about to cross the pond for a nice long holiday in Florida with a couple days' bonus in New York City.
See you in a few weeks!!

Payback Playback Theatre

This past weekend Andrew and I saw something a bit different, something I'd never heard of before. We went to see a performance by the Playback Theatre Manchester, a kind of improvisational theatre group where audience members tell true-life stories which are then acted out on stage. Interestingly enough, Playback Theatre was developed about 30 years ago in Dutchess County, New York and now has companies worldwide. Turns out, I needed to come all the way to England to discover and experience this fascinating performance medium! Using talented actors, musical accompaniment, minimal props, and of course the audience's stories, Playback provides suspense, drama, comedy and can evoke even more from the audience. Is there a Playback Theatre near you?

Oh yeah, I was the first person called upon to tell my story (we sat in the first row)... I described why I decided to dress up for the day (see post below).

Dress for Success

Last week on one of my favorite TV shows, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Agyness Deyn, the new model-of-the-moment (who happens to be from North Manchester and is a real cutie) was interviewed. At one point she said something like "don't save your best for best", meaning don't keep your best clothes for only special occasions. At first this didn't really resonate with me, but over the last week or so, I've begun to take it to heart. Since coming to the UK, and because I'm not yet working, my wardrobe of work and dress clothes has remained pretty much untouched. I hadn't realized that not putting effort into dressing has had an insidious, deleterious effect on my outlook. But by taking some care, it's a bit like that expression "today is the first day of the rest of your life", and I've been experiencing an opposite, upbeat and expansive effect. Thank you Agyness, I am now happily dressing myself up every day, even if it's only to go food shopping or to the gym!

Anglophiling

Ever since I was a kid, I loved all things English (P.G. Wodehouse, T. Rex, my 'Hylas and the Nymphs' poster), and now I live in England so it's kind of like a dream come true. But even while living here, I enjoy being transported to other times if no longer places... I just finished reading The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory, based on the life of Mary Boleyn, sister to Anne Boleyn, second wife to King Henry VIII.

Before leaving for the UK, I had some check-ups done and my dermatologist, upon hearing of my love adventure to a new land, suggested I read this novel. For one reason or another I just recently got into it. Now I hear a movie version is about to be released so I need wait only a couple weeks to see this fun and fascinating book played out on the big screen! Popcorn anyone?

Speak no errs

Soon after I arrived here in Wigan, I joined a local speakers' club, the Standish with Wigan Speakers Club, a part of the Association of Speakers Clubs. Back in New York, I was a member of a local Toastmasters International club. Both organizations provide a place for colleagues to meet, in a comfortable and nurturing setting, to practice and improve their public speaking skills.

Moving to a brand new place, I thought joining would be a good way to meet new people and be in a somewhat familiar environment. I'm definitely glad I did; the members are great and it's always an enjoyable evening of fun and learning. Well last week I made my first speech (first with this club anyway) and the subject was... me and my blog! So, in addition to providing a link to my peeps back in the U.S., my blog is also a source for speech-making material. Not exactly awe-inspiring stuff, but it'll do.