Before I left Vancouver, I had an amazing job, but decided to travel at the tipping point of my career. Shame on me? Since moving to London, I’ve been relentlessly trying to break into the Marketing / PR Industry to no avail. Today, after a giant slice of humble pie, I dried my tears and hit the street to hand out cvs to local clothing boutiques. I think it actually paid off. I have some leads and finished my job hunting day with a really decent conversation with a vintage store manager. I guess a clothing shop is going to have to do until the Queen calls.
I decided to celebrate my mini victory by buying a tiny bit of ‘extra’ groceries-fresh basil, eggs and avocados [these are luxuries to me now]. As I made my way home, passing pub after pub heaving with world cup football fans, I realized that I haven’t given myself a minute to enjoy the beautiful weather. As soon as I got home, I changed into shorts[!], for the first time since Thailand, and headed for Victoria Park.
I can’t believe how close it is to my flat. I’m so silly. Why has it taken me two months to wander over? Work and crappy English weather-that’s right. None the less, I lied in the baking sun for a couple hours, listened to my ipod on shuffle, and re-introduced my skin to vitamin D.
Today was a good day. I even have freckles to prove it.
~Josie
Black Thought of The Roots
A little known fact about Neil Hillbrandt: he is an amazing DJ. Not to sound completely biased or anything, but he really is quite good. He knows how to rock a dance floor. This, in turn, has brought some attention in the last year or so all leading up to last Wednesday April, 8th. He opened for The Rootsand Tokyo Police Club at the AMS Block Party good-bye party. Approx 5,000 kids show up to this show and it’s always a great time. Also, I must give props to his partner in crime Hana. They totally killed it!
Neil & Hana at The AMS Block Party
Since Neil is so famous and popular, he was allowed to bring in a bunch of his friends to the VIP backstage for free beer and eats. We took FULL advantage of the situation and I accidently found myself in the trailer of the first opening act
Pacific Division drinking Hennessy and shooting the shit with my boy Mike.
Pacific Division
Sometimes I love Vancouver.
~Josie
Leslie and the Ly’s
Not really ‘travel’ related, but definitely blog worthy. Neil, Nathan, Johann and I went to see Leslie and the Ly’s last night at The Biltmore. Hands the down the best show I’ve seen in a while. Two ‘Tigresses’ stage dancers, gold sparkle shoes and tons of new dance moves.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you better check her out. I think I’m in love with her.
~Josie
Today was pretty radtastic. I checked my VISA and saw that my British Passport fees have been charged!! Meaning, the potential 6 week process has began to take place.
It was confirmed that I am going to be an audience member on the Oprah Show when I’m in Chicago in April. She’s not really my thing (obviously), but it’s still pretty cool none the less.
And! And! I got a big fat check in the mail (ok not really, but any free money is awesome). BIG(ish) MONEY!
I heart beer and beer hearts me! (Picture Unrelated)
~Josie
March 26th, 2009 §
Neil $3, Josie $Priceless
On Sunday, March 22nd, Neil and I had our garage sale. We made almost $600! Thanks friends and strangers that bought our swag! My goal was $1,000, but that was setting it pretty high. It was weird and kind of unsettling to sell possessions that I have cherished for years, but on the other hand it was relieving to purge. I find that most people, including myself, collect things that we never use and even forgot we owned. Working in the clothing industry for almost 10 years has really beefed up my wardrobe to somewhat of a ridiculous point.
We were planning on having a second sale closer to June, but our roommate just notified us that she is moving out a month early. Which in turn, means that Neil and I are leaving a month early. So, we’re going to be having another sale sooner than we expected. Buy our shit! That pretty much sums up my sale strategy.
So from May 1st -June 21st we need to couch surf. Bleh and Yay(!) at the same time. Save cash money, but live on peoples floors…..
In other news, our British passports have been sent off and I might FINALLY do my taxes that I have been putting off for 4 years. I better get at least a million dollar refund.
~Josie
March 13th, 2009 §
UK Citizenship Certificate – Josie
It’s true. It took Neil and I about two years to get our shit straight, but TA DA! We actually did it and pretty much on our own too. Don’t expect the British Consulate to help you very much. If you are looking to become a British Citizen you might want to start here. Don’t bother calling. They won’t pick up, but this is where you will find the most helpful information.
Then, you will have to spend all of your hard earned money (approx. $900.00) and waste tons of time filling out forms and sending them off. Fun! But, at the end of it all you will be the proud owner of this peice of paper.
UK Citizenship Certificate – Neil
We are well on our way to our long awaited departure. Sunday, March 22nd, we are hosting our first (of possibly many) garage sales to pay for our travels. We’re hoping to raise $1000.00 by selling all off our shit we call home. We’ll update on how it went.
Josie
