Festivities!

It has been a mad mad couple of weeks for me. Feeling emotionally and physically drained, but I manned the fuck up and continued on. I have all my essays in for next week and so have been trying to make them reasonable... though this is difficult as really all I would like to do is disappear into my duvet of warmth and joy.

It has been bizarre this year, usually I love the snow, I will go out and play in it for HOURS. Last year, Ben, Nick and myself made a full sized igloo in the field in front of the church which took us about six hours. It was amazing. However, this year I am very much more excited by the prospect of a warm fire and preferably a dog curled up at my feet. Does this make me sound old??

Anyay, going home to Kent tomorrow so on Sunday I can walk the dog in the snow, watch my brother's choir do a christmas carol concert and have delicious roast! YUM YUM.
I have been baking this week, I say "I", I definitely had help. But we made mince pies and jam tarts. Also just finished off a chocolate cake from scratch with buttercream.... all by myself. I am very happy. I don't think I have actually made a cake before! hehehe.

I have had mulled wine in plentiful this week, and enjoyed listening to my housemates singing christmas songs around the house. Need to get my self in gear and start the christmas cards (I received my first one on the first!)  and I also need to finish the homemade gifts!

Since I have been at Uni I have made homemade gifts for the family etc. They go down well, so I do not mind, and I enjoy making them. Just I sometimes feel very cheap. Sigh.

This is all I have to report, sounds dull and very everyday, but I am enjoying the little things in life at the moment. Hope everyone stays wrapped up warm, my toes are currently froze as my the boiler has gone. Boo. Stay smiley and GET INVOLVED in Christmasey things. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park here I come!

Big Love

Ems xxx

Upheaval

Isn't it bizarre that in only a couple of weeks, a month, two months. Your entire life can be flipped upside down, changed, only to then later be ripped apart along with your identity and preconceived ideas of your soul.

How can you pick yourself up from that?

You just have to. Somehow.

Night In...

It is Fireworks Night officially and I am in my house. Alone. I am good with this, gonna catch up on my Christmas present making (yet another year where home-made gifts are venturing out). My Fireworks celebrations are tomorrow, with a few friends, nice and lovely and sweet.

Plus I can see lots of fireworks from my window and they look lovely. So excited about Blackheath Fireworks tomorrow, makes me silly excited! I love the smell of them, and how everyone gets wrapped up warm and trying to hold sparklers with gloves... it is just wonderful. I love Summer so much.. but Winter has its awesome moments and this is one of them. Also unlike New Years it isn't bigged up too much and so it usually is a pleasant evening.

When I was little my family would always get invited to big ol' Bonfire Parties for Bonfire Night and it was mainly because he would do the BBQ while we all shivered watching Guy Fawkes burn on the Bonfire and Catherine Wheels fall off trees etc etc.

I did just hear a whole family go "ooooo. Ahhhh" this made me giddy.

Anyway.... Happy Bonfire Night people. (Be Safe)

Love n Hugs xx

It seems that there is never a time when someone close to us is not suffering in some form or another. A lot of my comrades lately have been going through difficult times and my heart breaks for each and every one of them. It is worse when I feel that I cannot be of any use whatsoever.

A lot of the time my sympathies are turned into discipline, a very Get A Grip attitude (GAG - according to Misha). This is where you simply need to deal with it. Whatever it is. Give yourself a kick up the arse and sort it out. Moping around won't help anyone, and will probably just make you fall into some maddened downward spiral of doom... being lost forever. I have done that one. Took me about two years to form some sort of ladder to clamber back up that spiral. I do not advise it to anyone.

However sometimes my empathy takes over, and I truly feel for my friends. I hate when I cannot help and even words cannot comfort in some situations.
If I could save everyone I care for from pain, I would spend my life doing it, I hate it.
Bring back the superhero...

Big Love -  Ems x

68 days

The title refers to when I next go back to America.

Anyway.... BEST DAY TODAY. okay, not the best, but really god. I did miss a lecture because my body is craving precious sleep (she says getting ready to go out tonight). And I missed a training session at work. But, best day.

After missing my lecture I was in a foul mood and angry with myself... but I went to the National Theatre on Southbank to get my entry pass as someone who is between 16-25.  Woo. On the train journey to London Bridge I bumped into Laurence who I haven't seen in about six months. And I just remember why I loved his company! So I was all smiley when I got to the station... then the walk along the river reminded me of how much I love London, and in particular that walk. It was crisp and cold outside and I was all wrapped up and warm an the sun was shining. All the actors and buskers were out and I felt really festive. I felt really Christmassy and it was fantastic. So happy.
I got annoyed that I couldn't order my Hamlet ticket with my entry pass that day, as it takes about four weeks to process... and the only dates they had available for pre-bookings were when I am in America. And I wasn't getting up to que at seven am like the lady suggested. But good ol' Fred used his membership and kindly got me a ticket! YAY. So happy.

Then I met Ella at Bond street, we had a coffee, lots of chit chat. I spent far too much money but on clothing that will keep me warm in the winter. And then I got my nose pierced by a very lovely lady. We had an awesome chat about weird piercing on unlikely people... total use of my imagination. And I am as chuffed as beans. However chuffed beans can get. Plus we have the heating on in the house for an hour, meaning I am writing this whilst not freezing my balls off. Fabulous. And I am feeling positive about some things! woop.

So... just feeling chirpy which is great. Going to dance tonight which is also great. And then much amounts of work tomorrow. Not so great but kinda fun.
Let us hope the good mood sticks.

And I bloody hope everyone else is in a fabulous mood, because it feels lovely. And good moods should be celebrated more often, it is difficult when bad things happen to feel happy for people who are smiling. But we should, and I must remember that when I am feeling blah and someone else is feeling "wahey!"

Big Love folks.

xxx  

Speculative Moments

Those crazy days you get, when you start to think about the various aspects of your life, that just aren't quite perfect, occur far too much for me at the moment. (Surely not Emily, you have loads of Uni work to be getting on with...)

My  reflective days are always filled with thoughts of love, the right thing to do, am i being played etc etc. I encountered someone the other day, who I knew and have known for a long time, and they started up conversation - as you do. But looking back on it, after the moment passed, I realised I was being played with - just as a person.... no romantic notion or sexual intentions, just being played with. I didn't like it much. I was mainly bothered by the fact that i didn't see it. Normally that sort of thing I see a mile off, and play harder and win. (That makes me sound big headed, but manipulation I can do, when I want to.) Clearly I haven't played games for a very long time, and although I love that I used to be awesome at it. I do not want to do it anymore.

This definitely means that I am going to find single life more difficult, but I don't want to be anything but me, and if a relationship is gong to work, they have to know me for me right? Might as well be honest at the start.

In three months time when I find this method isn't working I may try new tactics.... But until then...

love love love for you all...

N.B - to the player (who prob doesn't read this) mu ha ha. I will win! No spite intended.

Reality.

Kind of a elusive title for my blog this time. No I am not going philosophical on your ass, I am just realizing after being home for a month that being back in grey ol' England, being back in the real world, kinda sucks.

Do not get me wrong. I am over the moon to see my family, the famous twelve, the housies, the mad rude and crude staff, the pharmacy and various individuals that do not fit into a group. I love them all. And I have missed them. Being back at work is beyond hilarious just because of how our friendships are all based around insulting each other and acting like idiots. We have so much fun though. The number of "your mum" jokes and "that's what she said" can never fail to amaze me at work. It is nice to be back at Uni, it is something I need to really throw myself into this year, it will make time go faster for when I a not doing things I want or seeing people I want to see. But I am also looking forward to my courses too.

Already booked a ticket to America for the holidays (however this does mean that I am missing out on the snow trip at college - which I totally want to go on with the all-nighter gang). But this makes me happy.

So this is all that is happening in my life atm. Nothing exciting. Feeling a bit lonely, a bit low from post-america blues and continuing onwards with mundane activities!

HOWEVER... this week Diego from South Africa (met him at Camp) came to visit! We took him out to a swanky bar, to club sandwich at the SU, into London and also to my parent's house for dinner. He seemed to have a great time and so did Lelly and I. Lelly was lovely and treated everyone to a meal which was just too amazing - I couldn't finish it because I was FUFTB (full up fit to burst!). It was so weird seeing Diego in England!! He says he will come back and visit which would be great! In the mean time I must do plenty of work.. and stop eating crap. I swear Uni is so bad for me.

Ella and I went to Brighton today to see her brother perform at Concord2. They were totally amazing and they are only fifteen. INSANE. Their band is called Artisans and I suggest looking them up, tey are totally awesome. I had a great time, and the sun was out and soooo warm and I love Brighton so much, I am desperate to live by the sea. I am just so ridiculously happy there.

This is all for today, I am sleepy and have much to do... including writing the Pub Quiz for tomorrow night at the SU. Dammit.

Much love and apologies for the boringness of this current blog. And so much love to Cat Moss one of my favourite girls in the world who is off to Australia, New Zealand and Thailand for a year or less if I can convince her to come home!

Love Love Love

xxx

Blog 15: The Last of America. For now at least.

So on returning to New York… BF and I met up with Morgan, who we know through Ella. Also some of Morgan’s friends… Will, Luke an Mike. We went to the Yankee’s game! It was awesome. I love baseball. Sat in the bleachers …. Fell in love with Swisher and just had a bloody good time. Got cups, hats, hot dogs and ice cream… and of course beer! YUM YUM. I also witnessed three home runs!! The boys were all so very funny together… would have liked to have spent more time with them.. they are a good crowd.

So the next day.. I headed back to New Jersey to Visit the Burrow. I bought flowers and gifts from Virginia Beach for them all. So Kelly, Jes and I went to the Farm and gave Homer (Jes’ Horse) a bath and a general tidying. He is such a beautiful horse! And Jes’ mum is lovely, and so is the farm! We brought Shanna and Gertie with us, who ran around with Scout!

After that we went to Kelly’s “mom’s” house and went swimming! YAY! Shanna left me with a couple of scars… but purely by accident, prob more my fault than Shanna’s. Besides I love her… so she is forgiven automatically.

So then we went to Chipotle to get Burrito’s. yum yum yum.. bloody huge things they were and we got them for free. I am not entirely sure how we wangled that. Partially for my accent, partially because we were all dancing in the que and partially because we are all a bunch of crazies. But free food we got. And it was bloody delicious! I was proper happy with it!

So we decided we were going to meet Nicole after work in the city, so off to McSorley’s Kelly, Jes, Christine and I went! We got the train to the NY and Kelly and Jes did some great stage fighting on the platform… for a little while I was concerned that the general public did just think these two chicks were beating the crap out of  each other! Ha… It was great. Kelly and I came up with a new game on the subway, where we had to subway surf, and pretend we were wearing “bordies” as our Aussie friend would call them! This is all after some preaching fellow in the subway tunnels told us that Judgement day was coming, then specifically told Kelly and I that we were going to hell and it was hot down there. We were okay with this as we had a cup of ice chips and all our favourite people would surely be going to hell too.

McSorley’s is the most awesome little place I have ever known. It is a wee pub which hasn’t been dusted in about 30 years… no exaggeration. When Nicole arrived we ordered twenty beers a round, ten light ales and ten dark ales. Madness. Jes had one and was drunky drunk drunk drunk. I had two and was pretty wankered. Kelly, Jes and I basically had hysterics the entire time. We had so much fun, we got cheese, onion and crackers! We ate the cheese and crackers… left the onion. A fabulous conversation about Gash developed and we embraced the chant “whoever is a wanker.” The great thing about being in a different country… is even if you are drunk and slightly nuts, you can just say.. “I’m from Britain” and it is like all is forgiven. I think some boys at our table were thoroughly frightened.

On the train home from the city my legs were magically covered in pen (I believe I got the pen out to draw on Kelly but it miraculously failed). I had turkeys and gash and wanker written all over my legs. And the I hit my head hard… I don’t remember getting off the train.. or walking to the house. But I do remember Jes, Kelly, Nicole and myself sitting outside on the porch falling asleep but giggling to ourselves! It was an awesome night. Nicole kindly made me a bed up on the couch and I slept like a log!

In the morning, we all chilled and gradually woke up. Then Kelly and Nicole made an awesome breakfast of pancakes, bacon and eggs! Fabby stuff! And I spent the rest of the day listening to Nicole sing and play guitar B-E-A-U-tifully. I love it when they sing.

*** Why do parents call their child’s grandma “grandma”? Does that not confuse the child?? “what she is my grandma and your grandma too? You are my mum but you are also my sister??” WTF??? Just a thought”***

I went back to meet BF in New York that afternoon, were we had dinner in Ruby Foo’s (Yum Yum… I now really want Chinese!) and then off to the top of the Empire State! Mousey had his photo taken at the top of it as well as myself! It was very beautiful… but I hate to say all I could think about was the amount of light pollution it was and the mental amount of energy it was using! It just confused me completely! But it was stunning, and I felt very in awe after leaving.

The next day the BF got up early to get his flight (we had different flights) and I spent the day in NY. Visited Landmarks for a delicious breakfast, went to the Strand bookshop and nearly died at the amazing rare books they have. I could have spent hours in there but my backpack was heavy and giving me grief! Also popped into the Halloween shop that had so much stuff, including harry potter, star wars and LOTR costumes. I want a cloak so bad.

Found a lovely bookstore, with chalkboard in the toilet, I did contribute to the chalkboard and it also had an old typewriter for people to write messages on. Think book stores are possibly one of my favourite places. Chilled out in a Thai place for a little while and prayed for the day not to come to an end because I didn’t want to leave.

When I finally got to the airport for my flight that evening, I thought I was okay, but stepping through security and knowing I couldn’t turn back made me cry so hard. (There was a girl crying behind me too, she was leaving people she loved too) I was a wee bit of a mess.

So on the other side of security I got a manicure ha ha! I felt a bit better. And at the gate I ran into my friend Paul which was weird.. but nice to see someone from Goldsmiths.

The plane was okay… I didn’t sleep – however I did watch The Runaways and Shrek Foerever After. Which I loved! I was sad.. I cried on the plane too.

I got off the plane, and met my parents and my brother. It was so good to see them… but they will always be there (touch wood) I was so sad to leave everyone behind, and I just wanted to go back. I wasn’t happy to be home at all. And mum knew, and she gave me a big hug and said she understood. I love America… I love the people there. And I love England too and I adore the people here, but it really was the craziest thing and the best thing I have ever done. Nothing can compare. I have made what I hope will be lifetime friends and I have a million memories I will treasure.

Now back to reality!

Big Love to those in the US. And my comrade in the UK – and thank you for putting up with my post-America blues!

Back to my old self in no time! 

Blog 14: The After Camp

Sorry about the delay. It has been crazy, and since being home I have had a lot of admin to do. So, Alicia and I were kindly driven to New York, because of Alicia’s inability to walk. So we get to New York and say goodbye to Alicia who is staying in a hotel with her Best friend and her parents. Many tears…. Though I planned on seeing her the next day.

I then went on to an Irish pub for some grub and then got decidedly nervous about not being at camp and gave my self acid stomach. Fun times. Once I had taken something for it, I went to see Chicago. It was bloody amazing. I was so happy. I love going to see things in the theatre.. I get chills up my spine. I want to be on stage with the,. I want to dance and sing along with them and never leave! After that I went to my hotel with the BF. And I slept in the SOHOtel (hahaha) for my first night away from camp in ten weeks!

So the next day the BF and I met up with Ella (who was in NY for one more day!) for lunch at Paul’s which is a pace in The Village that does AWESOME burgers. Very happy Emily. I do believe I took a photo. There was plenty of rain, and after Ella left we met up with Alicia and Sage at a very nice hotel. Sage is to be Alicia’s new housemate in California! And we also met Sj before the embarked on their trip to Boston. The four of us had a lovely dinner at La Mela together in Little Italy and watched the torrential rain pour around us!

We went to South street I believe which was great, and we had plenty to drink… then we all came home and snuggled up in beds. In the morning when we said goodbye, t really didn’t feel like saying goodbye at all. Because I know I will see these people again, because I love them and I wouldn’t let that go by me.

The BF and went to Washington DC by train, four hours, and it was fun. I listened to lots of Missy Higgins and songs that reminded me of camp, like Dynamite!

DC is quite pretty, well certainly the monuments and things. It is all very impressive and there to make a statement. Everywhere in America (particularly DC) seems to be covered in the USA flag. They are everywhere, very patriotic and proud… so they like to show off (in a non offensive way!)It is kind of nice, but because you feel like they are celebrating everything all the time. In England, especially London, you kind of take it for granted as it is built into everything.

Air and Space Museum just made me hyperactive for the idea of being in space… but so sleepy in the Planetarium… so cosy and with Liam Neeson’s voice make me all happy and sleepy. Went and saw Lincoln in his Temple. The Washington Tower which to me is the TOWER OF DOOM as it has the little flashy red ligts which makes me think it is evil and has everyone in some kind of trance. Bit like in the Time Machine. The Native American Museum was by far my favourite, because I loved the actual design of the building and it was just cool. I liked learning about everything, and so many of the displays were so attractive. Loved it. We ordered TGI’s to the hotel one night which was hilarious and awesome at the same time. We also watched Get him to the Greek.. which was pretty damn funny. I want to get myself a furry wall.

Did a bit of shopping in DC, mainly for headphones, because I broke my awesome retro ones, so I had to buy new retro headphones. Yay! I was thoroughly spoilt by the BF. But everything was appreciated.

Next stop was Virginia Beach!! Not going to lie for these four days I literally just slept, relaxed or caught up with my blog. I was so damn chilled. Amazing Holiday Inn… with the best view… right on the beach front, waves were very loud. And there were coffee making facilities! Mu ha ha.

The East Coast Surfing Championships was on that period of time too.. which was so much fun to watch! I got a free drink at a restaurant for say “tomatoes” in an English accent… crazy Americans. I love them. So that was awesome… nice tan and loads of rest. Lovely restaurant called Luna Sea. Stunning and the most amazing steak. I had to be rolled home. There was also a funk festival one evening which was packed full of people dancing… I really missed a couple of the girls at this point because I know they would have loved to have danced like loony people with me!

So we got a domestic flight back to New York.. hate the domestic flights… scary little planes! But Dave and I amused ourselves by basically stringing together a load of Russell Brand and Matt Morgan podcast quotes together. How I miss the Russell Brand show when Matt was on it. The best ever.

Next blog will be New York! Mousey on all travels too!

Love

America. Post Thirteen. Last of Camp

So on the second to last day of camp… I was a mess. I just cried. Nearly all day long, about completely un-camp-related stuff, but really I think it is because I was anticipating the end.

Ron came up to me at the end of the day, to ask me to help wave parents goodbye after the camp shows, which I was totally up for, and wiped away my tears and waved goodbye with the big ol’ foam fingers which I have grown to love… and I was in a much better mood. Then he gathered all the Internationals together and told us how much we had done for the camp and how much we had benefited camp. And that was it I lost it again, and had to cry. Pathetic really, but it has been a strange little bubble of emotion for over two months. Crazy times.

I went and helped Jes and Melissa tidy up theatre a bit, which because of their craziness returned be back to my happy normal state of mind. After I said goodbye to them both, school bus and all, I went with everybody up to Lory’s for drinkypoo’s.

We had a few drinks, I had an interesting shot called a mind eraser. I have no idea what was in it, Todd just gave it to me… yum yum yum. After this I came outside to a continuing game of Horseshoes, which Brad kept winning. All of a sudden Alicia is on the floor and dragging herself towards the seating area. All she was asking for was her beer, but in the mean time her ankle was swelling up having been hit with a horseshoe! What a berk. We put some arnica cream on it, and some ice and elevated it to try and reduce the swelling a bit.

We got Alicia in the car and took her upstairs and into bed with her ankle raised on one of the cushions from the sofa and a bag of frozen peas. No problems we thought.. she’ll be just dandy in the morning.

Not so much. She could not put any weight on her foot in the morning. IT WAS THE LAST DAY, she was crushed, the camp insisted (and rightly) to send her to hospital to get it checked out. Last Day of camp was pretty chaotic. I participated in Dancing with the staff at the morning meeting with Dave and I had plenty of fun, then ran upstairs to grab Alicia’s insurance papers and passport. Then back to the office to try and get the newsletter out for the last day of camp.

Alicia made a couple of phone calls to us from the hospital, and one of them sounded particularly high and hilarious where she was on some crazy painkillers that just made her crazy and sleepy. Alicia missed the most part of the last day of camp by being asleep in Wellness. I had a great day – finished the newsletter, finished the slideshow, mucked around with Jes and Skyler in the office and loads of people brought me food. YUM YUM.

I also got one of my staff T-shirts signed by several members of staff whom have made my life at camp awesome. SO many… too many to mention but everyone knows who they are. Man… couldn’t have been that awesome without some of those people. I could have been having the worst work day ever, and they would have brightened it for me. (this feel very corny of me – particularly as George Michael is playing in the background!) But I do mean it.

And so… after the Last Day of camp, we had the STAFF PARTY!!! Wooo yeah… uh huh. Yes.

We went down to some place that provided us with food (yummy food!) and a dj and dancing etc etc. Was mucho fun. We all danced like crazy people (I think some people may have been under the influence of alcohol.. ahem… Pooley) but yeah we were all a bit silly and danced till we could dance no more. Even Alicia dancing on her crutches.

After all the craziness (and Slideshow) ended we all headed off to Lory’s. I was in a bizarre mood, and was kidly given the opportunity to drive Jes’ car around some of the little lanes. Very odd to drive and automatic AND to be on the wrong side of the car/road all at the same time! Miss my car… a lot. Then at Lory’s we had Karaoke and drinks! I was pretty wasted, except I don’t remember being wasted. Which is a pretty sure sign that I was.

I had the best night that night. It is kind of sad that the best night was on the last… I just felt so at ease, and completely rushed with various emotions. It was quite over-whelming. However I had a smile on face for the entire night, and for the entire morning. Even at eight o clock, when I was curled up on the coffee table half asleep.

So Saturday morning… all a bit hungover, but all feeling incredibly high spirited. Alicia cooks breakfast (OH MY GOD I SHALL MISS THOSE – I always had a good day when Alicia and I had a cooked breakfast. I chopped – she cooked!)

** Usually we would have eggs, bacon, pepper and “zucchini” (courgette to us English folk) **

Speaking of Alicia I just got a text from her saying she has not stopped drinking. LIKE LITERALLY hahahahahahaha. Miss this people crackin’ wise. (Just for you Misha)

We cleaned the flat, then set to work for Randy and Brad, cleaning etc etc. I was of ourse in the office, but cleaning (Alicia sorting through stuff as she wasn’t much use on her crutches ! – though she tried we just wouldn’t let her!) 

Once all our work was done, we collected our sweatshirts, kindly given to us by Randy, Brad and Ron, and packed up for departure. Well some of us did, the boys seemed to have collected all their furniture outside so they could scrub their apartment – they were staying that night. The only person who had already left was Geri, who left early morning to meet her fella in NY.

When my Backpack and suitcase was packed, Jes arrived to take myself and Alicia to NY. (Jes very kindly offered us a lift because of Alicia’s crutches). Saying goodbye, was surreal and horrible. Everyone go a cuddle and a little hug. I did some salmon and cobra moves to drag me out of my tears. Said goodbye to Mer, Randy, Ron, Brad. And then the famous Internationals …

Zander, Lenny, Diego, Ryan, Chris, Elise, Char, Geri, Alicia, Sarah.

Thank you guys for one of the best summers. I genuinely used to hate summers… but this one was sick. I love you all. And my American friends are adored too.

Some of you will know that this is so not the end and you will have to put up with me at some point in the future.

So much love, true f***ing love for you guys.

America. Post Twelve. The Penultimate Camp Chapter

Okay, so Emily’s favourite activity other than sleeping and dancing is… EATING!!! And that is why when I went to STUFF YOUR FACE. I knew I was in for a damn good night.

Jes and I went for “a bloody good” meal of Stromboli and beer, in fact I had cider because they are like the only place I had come across that stocked Magners. Yum Yum… yes Lenny you missed out. Unfortunately cider does tend to go to my head, so I need to apologise to Jes for any of the crap I was talking. However that was easily one of the best nights I had all summer (beer ball is up there too… and the night at Hemmingway’s). On their menu they actually have a boli called “Emily’s Stromboli” which I did not have because it had no meat on it… and I likes me meat. But I couldn’t finish what I did order and I took it home so I could have it for breakfast the next morning. Which I did. Because I am gross.

OOOOOOO Van Halen JUMP just came on my ipod. Happy times… plus me bobbing around on my chair like a bit of a loony. Bloody Hell – followed my T-Pain Chirch, there is a genuine party happening in my chair right now.

On the Saturday night we all went down to the shore with the maintenance guys and Justin to the Tiki Bar. It was so so so good. I had a freakin’ awesome night. Georgie from the maintenance crew was there as well as Alex, T, and Charlie. We sat around and dranked and chatted, and there was a live band on which Georgie and I went and danced to like a couple of crazies. But was great… got rid of A LOT of energy. We preceded to drink some more and then being so close to the sea I went and had a wade in it. We all know that I cannot resist water. Particularly the sea.. and it was night time, and the waves were very choppy which was great and just made me very excited! Also I got some awesome pizza which was very tasty… and Alicia and I may have accidentally tipped the whole shaker of garlic onto our pizzas. Oops.

The next day I was up at eight so I could skype my ma, who I hadn’t spoken to in about four weeks, except for the phone call she made to the office from Spain, which made me all teary and so I had to ask if I could take the call instead of shoo my mother away for being a non-business call! I miss the family mucho, however they all seem fine and my brother has bought a fedora (?) which he now will not take off, and basically he thinks he is the mutts nuts in it. Fair enough. Also my lovely doggie Brucie looks good, and it is cool because when he hears my voice he is all “where is Emily?” (in a bruce/dog voice – not far off a Scooby Doo impression). I ROVE YOU! Hahahahahahaha… I miss New Cross sometimes. Lol.

Anyways!! After speaking to my mother I got picked up by Jes to go to the store to get a load of stuff for the theatre as I promised I would help her out and get ready for the camp shows which were coming up next week. For my help she greeted my still drunk ass with coffee and a breakfast bagel –y thingy. YUM YUM. I was definitely still drunk though. I thought I looked okay in the morning, however when I then saw myself around lunchtime (having fallen asleep in the car a couple of times) I realised that last night’s drunken Tiki Bar make up is never a good look.

I made a wicked Veil for Fiona in Shrek… it was like the most awesome thing that any human being could have ever created… in my opinion. Jes sorta looked at me like I was clinicly insane when I started running around in it saying “I AM A GENIUS.” Because really…. Any silly old sod could have made it. But I was proud, and happy to be involved in something that wasn’t related to the office for camp.

The theatre building “The Playhouse” is pretty cool… I bit grubby, and potentially covered in TB or summat, but kinda cool. It has a bat living in it! Yes – a bat. One of my faves! And also it has so many costumes it s insane.

That evening after some water basketball in the pool I just chilled with the girls upstairs, I wrote a couple of notes to various people. Played on my game. Because I am uber cool and I generally did bugger all. It was GREAT. Perfect Sunday.

On one of the days, Alicia and I got in Jes’ school bus and drove to her house to get her car, where we then listened to Jes and Nicole play awesome tunes and sing on guitars. Seriously I want them to come to London so I can get them playing a GOLD:Unplugged. Would be so good. Alicia and I were sat there with goosebumps. Just awesome. We were sad to leave. But all of us and Kelly who joined us went to Cheesecake Factory for cheesecake and coffee. SO GOOD, though I nearly died from sickly sweet richness and general yum factor.

After that we all went home with full bellys and happy faces. After Wednesday’s Camp shows everyone went to Champs! For a couple of drinks, it was so much fun, lots of dancing. I turned up in a pair of glasses I found in theatre with no lenses… looking like a bit of a berk, but was a great evening. So much fun. I had a massive smile on my face the whole of that night too… not sure what was wrong with me, I was just silly happy.

AND SO… the last few days of camp are coming up in the next blog. I warn you in advance, it may not makes any sense… emotions all the over the freakin’ place.(doesn’t help that I currently have Simon and Garfunkel playing in my ear – although through my sexy new headphones).

Big Love – to every single person that has made me smile!

P.s  - see my real blogsite at:  http://letigreblanc-emsie.blogspot.com

 

America. Post Eleven. I'm Getting there...

I cannot remember how may weeks from the end this occurred but we had a staff basketball tournament. Three on three. I joined a team with myself Doug and Justin. We called ourselves the comic relief team… or two old men and a cougar (Justin’s team name for us!) Lol.

I couldn’t play our first match because I was still working so Liz filled in for me which was good of her. However I played the second two matches. First of which we won and then lost by only the smallest amount. And I got told I played well, which is awesome considering I have never played before. The finals had to be put off to another day because it got dark so quick and there were so many teams playing. However it was a damn good night.

Then Alicia and I went to Jes’ house for a BBQ and to hang out with her housemates – Kelly and Nicole. We had a couple of beers and Jes “Queen of the BBQ” Randell cooked us some delicious food, which Alicia and I greatly appreciated as we were totally sick of Camp food by this point. Grr. Then the introduced to us the greatest game on earth… BEER BALL. No no… it is not Beer pong as I hear you thinking. This is beer ball. A game of violence, skill, brutality, bruising, being covered in beer and potentially bitten. However it had us in hysterics. I went home very beer covered and with a bruised arm. Alicia who has suffered enough bruises this summer, got another two huge ones. Woops.

That night got me back to my happy place. It had been a tough week, a lot of emotional crap going on, and a lot of tension in the apartment… but it really helped. I finally switched back on realising that I was back in America and having a blast. In someone’s front yard having a giggle, not worrying about anything just being happy. With some fantastically awesome people.

Then that Friday Alicia had and appointment and then we went to the Cheesecake Factory with Rachel which was delicious as per… but I couldn’t move and so I had to lay down in the back of Rachel’s car and try and sleep off the full belly problem.

So on Saturday night came the big event… the long awaited night of the Party Bus which we had been waiting for since the beginning of the summer. The big trip to Atlantic city… our chance to dress up all beautiful and sexy get hammered and be chauffeured around like a bunch of celebrities and have the best night ever. All of these things happened. Except the last.

I shall not name any names but someone ruined the evening for everybody. By letting personal feelings about other individual come out and create an atmosphere.. start fights, and then cursing everyone who wants to try and keep the peace. Things got out of hand. And then when we all split up and found various bars or clubs to entertain ourselves. Now myself, Char, Gerri and Diego went to the beach bar. Which was freakin’ sick. We had an awesome time, dancing to awesome music, getting our drink on. I danced so much and was so happy for it.

We came away from that bar smiling as if we had just been told that we had won a million dollars. HOWEVER.. when we got back on the bus everything kicked off again. The rather unpopular individual of the evening had a beer thrown at their face for being just downright rude. This… had it not been involving my friends, would have been highly hilarious. And kind of is - looking back on it.

Poor Charley got back on the bus with everybody being miserable and depressed and sleepy.. and all he wanted to do was party bless him because he missed the big ol’ fight. So it was a quiet journey back home, and none of us felt like smiling or partying. Most of us slept the entire way.

The next day I went to New York… the best friend and the BF were there. Also it was a chance to escape the unfriendly atmosphere that was bound to be hanging around the house. So we went to MoMa the modern art museum and then we went to Central Park where I proceeded to fall asleep for two hours as I had only had like three hours sleep anyway. It was nice just to chill though. Then we wondered around for the afternoon found a nice pub to chill in and talk about how I missed things. But was so happy with other things at camp.

Just a wee blog to update you of that week’s events. SO much more to come. The last two weeks at camp were probably some of the best memories for me. Thanks to the people who made it that way.

So much love. 

America. Post Eleven. I'm Getting there...

I cannot remember how may weeks from the end this occurred but we had a staff basketball tournament. Three on three. I joined a team with myself Doug and Justin. We called ourselves the comic relief team… or two old men and a cougar (Justin’s team name for us!) Lol.

I couldn’t play our first match because I was still working so Liz filled in for me which was good of her. However I played the second two matches. First of which we won and then lost by only the smallest amount. And I got told I played well, which is awesome considering I have never played before. The finals had to be put off to another day because it got dark so quick and there were so many teams playing. However it was a damn good night.

Then Alicia and I went to Jes’ house for a BBQ and to hang out with her housemates – Kelly and Nicole. We had a couple of beers and Jes “Queen of the BBQ” Randell cooked us some delicious food, which Alicia and I greatly appreciated as we were totally sick of Camp food by this point. Grr. Then the introduced to us the greatest game on earth… BEER BALL. No no… it is not Beer pong as I hear you thinking. This is beer ball. A game of violence, skill, brutality, bruising, being covered in beer and potentially bitten. However it had us in hysterics. I went home very beer covered and with a bruised arm. Alicia who has suffered enough bruises this summer, got another two huge ones. Woops.

That night got me back to my happy place. It had been a tough week, a lot of emotional crap going on, and a lot of tension in the apartment… but it really helped. I finally switched back on realising that I was back in America and having a blast. In someone’s front yard having a giggle, not worrying about anything just being happy. With some fantastically awesome people.

Then that Friday Alicia had and I had an appointment and then we went to the Cheesecake Factory with Rachel which was delicious as per… but I couldn’t move and so I had to lay down in the back of Rachel’s car and try and sleep off the full belly problem.

So on Saturday night came the big event… the long awaited night of the Party Bus which we had been waiting for since the beginning of the summer. The big trip to Atlantic city… our chance to dress up all beautiful and sexy get hammered and be chauffeured around like a bunch of celebrities and have the best night ever. All of these things happened. Except the last.

I shall not name any names but someone ruined the evening for everybody. By letting personal feelings about other individual come out and create an atmosphere.. start fights, and then cursing everyone who wants to try and keep the peace. Things got out of hand. And then when we all split up and found various bars or clubs to entertain ourselves. Now myself, Char, Gerri and Diego went to the beach bar. Which was freakin’ sick. We had an awesome time, dancing to awesome music, getting our drink on. I danced so much and was so happy for it.

We came away from that bar smiling as if we had just been told that we had won a million dollars. HOWEVER.. when we got back on the bus everything kicked off again. The rather unpopular individual of the evening had a beer thrown at their face for being just downright rude. This… had it not been involving my friends, would have been highly hilarious. And kind of is - looking back on it.

Poor Charley got back on the bus with everybody being miserable and depressed and sleepy.. and all he wanted to do was party bless him because he missed the big ol’ fight. So it was a quiet journey back home, and none of us felt like smiling or partying. Most of us slept the entire way.

The next day I went to New York… the best friend and the BF were there. Also it was a chance to escape the unfriendly atmosphere that was bound to be hanging around the house. So we went to MoMa the modern art museum and then we went to Central Park where I proceeded to fall asleep for two hours as I had only had like three hours sleep anyway. It was nice just to chill though. Then we wondered around for the afternoon found a nice pub to chill in and talk about how I missed things. But was so happy with other things at camp.

Just a wee blog to update you of that week’s events. SO much more to come. The last two weeks at camp were probably some of the best memories for me. Thanks to the people who made it that way.

So much love. 

America. Post Ten

For Elise’s 23^rd Birthday we went to The Cheesecake Factory which is an awesome restaurant, that no matter how many times I go I still can’t finish a meal – there portions are so huge but yet they are so delicious! How on Earth you are meant to be able to eat a cheesecake afterwards I do not know! I had their red velvet cheesecake, which I was not that impressed with… but I think that it was because it is meant to be a cake…. Not a cheesecake. Apparently, their other cheesecakes are just the best! So that was fun, and then some people went bowling after… but I was shattered and came home to chill which was lubly.

One of the evenings we had a staff volleyball game, and play around on the Go-Karts. So much fun. Volleyball is awesome, also n really played that before, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. After I stopped being a wimp about playing and making a fool out of myself playing something I have never played before I got into it. Though I don’t think it is anything I could be considered a good player for.

Afterwards I went to Lory’s (of course) with the boys and It ended p being myself, Doug and Justin. We had a great night just chatting about random stuff we ad done or witnessed and talking about our feelings about camp I felt thoroughly satisfied with that evening and it is one of those that just can’t be re-created!

During this week I was chatting with Alicia and just felt totally amazed by her and her awesome confidence and outlook on life… We were chatting about various things we used to do as kids, and how we were brought up and stuff and I just felt very comfortable talking with her and stuff… so yay and woop. Strange paragraph, but I just remember feeling happy that someone was there with a similar outlook on stuff!

That weekend I had really chilled weekend… I don’t think I went out or anything. On the Saturday night I had some wine and chilled with Alicia and Sj in some trackie pants. It was great. Seriously awesome. However Alicia and I went downstairs… the outside stairs.. Alicia was in front of me and when she got to the bottom of the stairs, obviously she stopped going down. I also stopped going down and tried to walk on a flat level of thin air and fell down a bunch of stairs. Because I am sensible like that. It was proper funny though. Ha “proper” funny. The Americans find this odd.

Another week DONE

Love Love Love

America. Post Nine

This blog has quite evidently been neglected whilst I have been even busier than the previous weeks. I do not know whether it has been because of the mad amount of work in the office or the insane number of night time work we have had to attend… either way I feel bad for not keeping everybody posted.

One week, Doug, one of the senior members of staff. Suggested that the teens do a trip up the lake in the boats and stop off somewhere for lunch or whatever. So, this trip obviously needed trying out. So Doug, Ry, Sarah, Gerri, Char and myself all set off on the lake in some Kayaks. I have never been kayaking before but I had the best time! I love it so so so much. I really want to go again, and I think I may be doing so this Monday. Which I am greatly looking forward to. It was so stunning to look upon the lake, which was gloriously still and looked like mirror glass. In addition, the actual paddling and stuff is so relaxing and calming. Plus it was on the water, which as we all know I love. Just love water.

I went to the cinema a couple of times that week too, I went to go see Salt with Sarah, Elise, Danny and Rachel. I freakin’ loved it. I mean I love Angelina Jolie because she is awesome and hot and just kinda cool (though the brangelina thing is not nice for Jennifer Annitston- whatever). Then also I went with Sj (Sarah), Ry, Liz, John and Heather to see Inception, which is just a mind blowing film – MIND BLOWING. I would happily go see it again. I cannot believe I haven’t been to see Eclipse yet, I think it is because I am subconsciously saving it so I can subject the BF to it. He he he. I am mean.

After the cinema we went to Chilli’s and met Justin Son for dinner. YUM YUM. The food made me want to eat it all however, I am not capable of eating that much (and I can eat a lot). This crazy and awesome country has made me put on so much weight that I am miserable about it, but I am trying to be good again. The weekends are fine because I am not eating the camp food, however during the week not only am I eating the camp food, which is not the healthiest cuisine, but also I am eating to entertain myself in the office. I definitely need to find something else to occupy my little mind. Being mocked by the aides, dancing like a salmon and laughing about random irrelevant stuff with Jes does not seem to distract my hands and mouth from eating enough!

I will endeavour to work on it! (Maybe another week)  

LOVE x

America. Post Eight.

It has been a little while since I have been able to sit down and type a blog... we have had late nights working pretty much every night for the past two weeks. It has been pretty manic, but I love it. It is nice in the evenings when we work because it gives me a chance to get out of the office and chat to the kids, and meet the parents whom I have been talking with on the phone!
We are half way through our time at camp, and I am fll of mixed feelings! I am happy that we are halfway through, because it is very exhausting here, however I am sad because I do love it. And I love the people that I have met here, I don't think I have met anyone in America who I dislike with a great passion. Even though the days seem so long, the weeks have absolutely flown by.

After a long week last week, we celebrated our employer's birthday, (it was on Tuesday and Elise and I made a cake for him. YUM YUM) but on the Friday night we all went to Lory's for a drinking game. We had separate teams - a drink (regardless of what it was) was worth one point but if you threw up it subtracted five points. The game ended at midnight so whatever happened after that didn't count towards the points! The teams drew at ninety-one drinks for each team, which is pretty impressive . . . especially as I was downing glasses of wine, as I was on Ron's team (my boss) and he was taking it very seriously.
Needless to say, I do not remember much of the evening, and I came home and managed to bring my dinner and all the alcohol back up! woops.

One of the Visiting Nights for the parents was just fantastic, I was ridiculously hyperactive, managed to run around like a loon and take some great pictures of the parents and their kids! Afterwards some the Americans and I went to get Ice Cream... from this amazing place called Rita's. It was so amazingly delicious, and i forgot my camera to take a picture of the dam thing. But the man at the ice cream place also gave me sweedish fish sweets wish were pretty damn cool, but I am afraid that British sweets and chocolate is just so much better. This week having been particularly stressful one way or another led me to open up my  British Dairy Milk Caramel, kindly packed for me by Ella.

On the Saturday night I went to New York to meet Torrey who has been studying in London since January but lives in Chappequa (sp?), so she took me to a fantastic restaurant called Ruby Foo's which is like a chinese place in Times Square... or near abouts, I dunno I get confused. Anyway the food was immense, and their Red Velvet Cake nearly made me die from happiness. It was an intense mouth orgasm. We also then went to meet a couple of Torrey's friends in this beyond American Bar. it looked like it belonged in Coyote Ugly or something... it was just SO American. And I must admit all American guys that I have seen so far seem to be good looking. No complaints from anyone there. ANd the girls are all generally very pretty too... think New Jersey is a very "glossy magazine"/hot beach people look type place. That sentence may not have made any sense.
The Sunday of that weekend was really chilled out. I hung by the pool, napped on the sofa, ordered a dirty sandwich and was very happy and relaxed.

On the Tuesday we had the Internationals versus the Americans Soccer game. Admittedly we had four Americans on our team (though one of the is Zander and he is the international gypsy) and two of them were girls... however these girls were awesome at "soccer" they do play, Alyssa and Ariel! Awesome. I did have a play... I'm no good at football whatsoever, but it was fun to have a run around. I did also make Justin wear a dress for part of the second half, I'm not enturely sure why, but he seemed more than happy to do so. (hahahahaha... later on in the week he wore a leotard and was Beyonce for Lakeview Idol) However the final result was 6-all and the Internationals where not happy about it... and poor Alyssa ten minutes before the end of the game went down on her ankle and severely sprained it. I felt so bad that she was playing for the international team and that was the reason she was down!

ELLA INXS HAS JUST COME ON ITUNES. YUM YUM. ... so slide over here and give me a moment!

After the soccer we headed to Lory's... because that is what we do... I managed to get another load of free drinks from the manager because he is lovely! and we all had a giggle, Diego told me I was a cool chick, and this made me very happy. Not very often do I get a compliment like that so I was very happy about it. I genuinely love the guys, they make me laugh and I feel chilled. Diego just reminds me of my Godmother's kids, like they laugh the same and say similar things and in similar ways, so I feel very comfortable around him... like he is my "bro" as he would say... only pronounced "bra".

On Wednesday I was in a particularly foul mood... but sometime around lunch.. I got a phone call at the office from a member of staff, (this confused me as they should be a work right?) It turned out he was at work... and he was on his cell phone (a camp no no)... "this is very embarrassing, but I need some help. I am stuck in the toilet near the soccer field." I feel bad, but I just had to laugh... we sent someone to rescue them though. I don;t think they will be using the camp toilets again, they definitely will be coming up to the office.

The kitchen team were low on staff Thursday and Friday, so I helped them out for the middle part of the day. It was hot and sometimes demanding, but I really enjoyed myself. I love the guys is the kitchen. T, Alex and Charlie. They are so sound. They had me laughing all day, and we danced around to ACDC and generally just had a giggle. I came back back to the office, sweaty, tired and very smiley. Though I had to change my shirt, because I had made such a mess of my first one.. and I smelt of ovens and kitchens! However I was then madly hyper for the rest of day - potentially freaked some of the staff out for the camp shows and when we went out for SubWay afterwards... I know the fella who worked there was definitely frightened of me.

This Friday night we went out for dinner as a large group at a mexican grill called On The Border. THE FOOD WAS BRILLIANT. My camera had no battery so I made Diego take  picture of my dinner.. it was so good, and everyone was so full at the end and we wanted to just be rolled out of the restaurant.in fact I did have a lie down outside - think Justin thinks I am a nutter. Actually I think most of New Jersey is getting that impression - I am not that mad. just easily pleased and get excited about anything that is possibly amazing. I also foolishly ordered a pitcher of Sangria. IT WAS SO YUMMY - and just reminded me of my mum and dad in spain.
We then headed off to a party at Phil's house, and picked up some alcohol with the money that one of the division leaders had tipped the OT staff with. It was a bizarre party, with under-age drinking, which made my head confused, I felt like I was seventeen again at house parties... because house parties for me now are very different, the excitement of drinking has faded because of my legality (not that I don't enjoy getting wasted - just that it always seems more fun when you aren't supposed to be doing it!) It will be funny though on Monday morning when I see some of them though, it will make me giggle! Nether- the-less it was a good night. Alicia fell asleep on me, and so i ordered us a cab which cost us $45 to get home, and I think he charged us extra because of Alicia's snoring in the car! hahaha.
So all in all... I am still having a great time, Tonight I went to the cinema to see Salt, which I thoroughly enjoyed and it made me so happy. I miss films... I miss LOTR a lot.

I am so cool - ahem!

Missing people a lot this week though... could very much use cuddles and kisses. Miss you all - however I still am not ready to come home.

xxx

America. Post Seven

A much quieter week I have to say... as usual I am eating whilst writing my bloggy blog and today it is delicious chinese food. (chicken fried rice) and it is in one of those cool little boxes that americans get on the tele! I am very happy about it!
Last Wednesday we had a Staff softball game, which was awesome... I had never played before but I really enjoyed it, and so many of the staff have me giggling and are so nice. After the over 23's won (boo) the majority of us went to lory's for a quiet drink. However we started playing Never have I ever.... and I swiftly became quite drunk. Then Doug, one of the senior members of staff introduced us to a game called Thumper where you have to have an animal impression and then follow it with someone else's impression so it continues in a communicative loop. It is so funny.. the aim is to over throw the moose. Beth who was moose for at least an hour was SO difficult to beat... but we finally did it, and we had such a lovely evening. I met some new people and hope to enjoy there company more. and of course I gained a headache. Only for the night though... in the morning I was as right as rain.
There was a CRAZY lady there that night, but she did buy us beer... however she also spent most of the evening pouting, trying to get people to kiss her and getting her breasts out.... and finally climbing over the pool table in the style of a large cat. Another great thing about that night... was Char's comment "What is South America" ooo it made us laugh!

Ever since the other week when I got drunk, various counselors have been running into me at varius points and just talking about Tea and Scones... they may be taking the piss.... but I actually do miss a good cup of tea and a scone! (The tea just isn't the same here!)

On Thursday night Randy (our boss) took us out for a meal... with Ron, Brad and Doug.. other members of the senior staff. We went to a buffet type thing (sorry Misha) where there was just so much food, and it didn't end. I genuinely stuff my face... free food is always good and felt thoroughly satisfied afterwards. I also had a good idea for a writing scheme of mine.... just the little tales that some of the staff... particularly the internationals, tell the kids. Like Ryan tells his kids that he had to fight monsters and beasts to get his greenstone (a New Zealand protective thing I think). Met Regina and Alex at the bar later.. and just had a night of giggles.

There was many problems in the office on Friday, with lack of staff and the massive printer broke. So many issues.. but got through it no problems.

Went to Lory's Friday night, spent most of the night outside... drinking far too much wine and WAY too much tequila. I have become Jen, at the bar's "tequila buddy" some how. I dunno....
However I fucking love the guys we were hanging out with that night and I was in hysterics... Alex tells stories in the funniest ways, everyone stares at him while he talks because he just grasps everyone's attention.

Just an awesome time. SAturday night we went out for drinks in New Brunswick.. which was pretty funny, although I went home early as I was a little tired and just needed a chill out fest. During the day I had my eyebrows waxed with Alicia which made me feel awesome! Sunday we were invited to Phil's with Corey and Cj to watch the football World Cup Final, which was a disappointing match, as we were hoping the Netherlands would win, and Diego would win his bet. We had a game of soccer, I say we... I sat on the side and watched all the boys run around with their shirts off (can't complain) and then we went back to Phil's for an AMZING bbq. His family are just so lovely and kind, and I still can't get over the generosity of people! Plus they have a cute lil' Westie called Sydney who is adorable!

Had visiting nights at camp this week, but two of them got rained off. SO Sarah and I have had some lovely time down at the pool just chatting away. And we had a quiet drink with Alicia one night at the pub. That is all so far.. pretty chilled, but so many giggles.
Don't think I can come home yet!

xxx

America. Post Six. The Jersey Shore (yeah-eah)

Been a bit of a mad week for me to catch up on… so I am using this relatively quiet moment to write my bloggy whilst eating a frozen banana (courtesy of Steph in the office). However I am currently getting a lot of weird looks from the internationals as the way I am eating it encourages the imagination to run a little riot.

Lets start with the traditional food paragraph. There have been some amazing dishes this week… Alicia made everybody the most AMAZING cob dip. Actually amazing, addictive, I would have eaten the whole lot if it hadn’t have been for the fact that I was going out that night. In the same night, she also made a delicious Beef Stroganoff with mashed potato. I was a very happy chappy that night. I have of course taken pictures of them all.

The Sunday after the last Saturday night Lenny Diego and myself headed to Lory’s for a Pig Roast and discussed plans for July 4^th. Alicia and Zander then joined us for some drinkies… but no drunk times after the night before.

Lenny and I decided that after eating so much rubbish that week that really we should try and eat healthily. I think this lasted a day… we did have five dollars on it but neither of us could handle it that week as I was feverish with a cold and Lenny had a “hard” week’s work. Ha.

Thursday night Sam – one of the international boys from the year before came to visit Zander, Diego an Lenny. So most of us went up to Lory’s, including some of the American staff and we got hideously drunk. As most trips to Lory’s seem to end up. Beth and Jen two of the division leaders were there, they are really lovely… and what my idea of what glossy American women look like. And some of the younger staff were there too… and they were great company.. and they even gave me a lift home, they didn’t think it was a good idea for me to walk home alone. When the boys came back to the apartment they were more drunk than I had ever seen them. Zander was hilarious, and was not at all happy if people were speaking when he was. Ha.

Unfortunately the boys got in quite a bit of trouble for letting Sam stay round when really we aren’t allowed guests. However we all got up the next morning and did a long day’s work, which I think proved to our boss that we are committed to the job if anything! I feel that a lot of us feel very privileged and lucky to have work at such a great camp… particularly one which is a day camp and we do not have to supervise the kids overnight.

I won’t go into the other reason we were in trouble… in case this blog is seen by the wrong eyes (unlikely but you never know!).

Saturday night (after our amazing dinner  - thanks Alicia) Diego, Lenny and myself went to the Jersey Shore. (OOO- Pitbull just came on my Ipod – very happy). Roseanne gave us a lift to Danielles family’s Beach house. Danielle is a friend of Diego’s from last year and he spent two months at their house – and they were lovely enough to let Lenny and Diego as well as I to stay at their beach house for a couple of nights.

Danielle’s parents are just the kindest people, so matter of fact but very fun-loving at the same time. (oooo…. The Cribs – Mirror kisses… also making me very happy). Our first night there we got all dressed up and decided to go out.

I felt like I was going to ruin everybody’s night because I didn’t bring my passport with me, I only brought my driving licence, which should have been fine (it is everywhere else) however not at the first two clubs we tried  (Karma and Bamboo) which sucked, but fortunately at Hemmingway’s which was where we were going to try first let me in (because they are normal people) and it was awesome. It was bangin’ in there and we got pretty wasted (well I was at least) and we danced the entire night without stopping. I also embarrassed myself a lot but you know...it was fun! The boys spent a lot of the night queuing for the bathroom (in Jersey Shore the Guido’s need to go to the bathroom more than the girls do – their hair is very important you know). After a boogie and some fist pumping for like five hours we started to head home, stopping at a 7/11 on the way. Where Diego managed to obtain a fifty dollar note in change rather than a five! Rid-ic-u-lous.  When we got home we all crashed on our beds and slept like babies. 

Because we are so used to getting up at annoying O clock for camp we were up at half eight the next morning, and absolutely exhausted.

However we were invited out onto their boat (a very sleek “lifestyles of the rich and famous” type boat). We packed a load of sandwiches (prepared by the girls) and MOUNTAINS of beer (provided by the boys).

I am now listening to Simon and Garfunkel Sound of silence… yes sir. We were drinking beers from 11am and did not stop… there was no water to be had, I am not entirely sure how we made it through the day… it was about 96 Farenheit. MADNESS.

I have never felt so wonderful as I did on that boat, and I wasn’t drunk at this point. It was just so invigorating and pumped up my adrenaline but at the same time it was awe inspiring and beautiful. It was just such a weird mix of emotions. I felt like my heart was jumping out of my chest. I have to live by the sea, I think that it will ultimately just make me the happiest person in the world. I love nothing more than being by the sea, as Ella, Dave and my mum probably know by how giddy I get when I am there.

We went to this place called F-Cove which is full of oter people who have boats, and they all park up get together and have a party and drink and have a great time. We parked up, swam in the water and steadily got more and more drunk. I felt like I was in a music video… so many women in bikini’s and very beefed up men.

It was unreal. I think we were all completely stunned by what we had just experienced. In the afternoon we got back so that Danielle could go to work (bless her). Her dad then cooked the most amazing BBQ ever… my dad would have loved it, I have never seen so much meat on one cooking contraption. We filled our bellies then curled up in the air conditioning for a wee nap. The whole house apparently had a nap, and it was gorgeous, I felt so much more refreshed, and then we started on the beers again. Danielle’s younger sister then took us to the boardwalk, which was awesome, and absolutely packed as it was the 4^th of July… and we watched the fireworks, which were stunning. Along the coast we could see so many sets of fireworks going off.. it was totally bizarre and so awesome.

After the boardwalk… where I experienced FRIED OREOS. YES. So happy. We went home and crashed. I laughed so hard this weekend because we just had so much fun.

After another early rise from us, we all got into the boat again, with Danielle’s parent’s friends. We managed to drink a bottle of tequila and have so many more beers. At the F-cove this time we had a party… we had many tunes playing on the stereo (particularly usher and Lil Wayne). Diego got a hilarious video of us all in bikini’s (particularly Danielle’s mum and Peggy) dancing like babes on this boat. So surreal.

When we got back it was time for us to go home, as we needed to be back, and Roseanne had work the next day. She was so sweet for driving us there and back. Roseanne and Danielle and all Danielle’s family are just amazing people – made us feel so welcomed and were so happy to share their experiences with everybody. They just enjoy life, and it was amaze. Sandra also told me I had beautiful eyes which made me feel special (compliments from parents are always the best). I consumed more beer this weekend than I ever have in my life…. I can’t explain how lucky I felt to have experienced it all… particularly with the awesome people I spent it with.

When we got home, Diego, Alicia and myself went to Lory’s for a Sunday dinner and a couple of beers Alicia told us all about the other international’s trip to Philadelphia and we shared our stories.

We got a bit merry and then headed home for sleep time… all ready for another tough week at camp! Going to be 100 Farenheit all this week. Bugger.

Sorry it has been a long one…. Just so much to tell. So many funny memories, impressions of friends and drunken moments that I won’t forget.

“If you ain’t a Guido get the f*** out of my face”

America. Post Five

After the eventful day of New York... it has been a steady week of working hard for the Internationals at Camp.

In the girl's apartment there has been some amazing baking skills being shown off! Geraldine made awesome chocolatey crispy yummy things, Elise made some awesome cookies (which we have a second batch of now!) and so we have been completely spoilt by deliciousness. I have to apologise to all the internationals because cooking really isn't something I do that well - I do the eating part amazingly however.

I did however make an awesome sandwich... with the leftover "patties" as the americans call burgers... I had those, an egg and some yummy bread ad ketchup. YUM YUM. it was that good that Lenny made his own version (but cleverly put in two eggs as opposed to my one).

Zander's brain confuses me... he LITERALLY has so much damn knowledge in his brain I am not sure how it is possible.... he is admittedly very easy to wind up... but I don;t think there is a situation where someone could catch him out because he just know too much.

In one of my blogs earlier I should have written about the Fireflies, because they are so damn cool. As soon as it gets dark you can see little tiny flashing lights everywhere ad you can even catch them. They are so so so cute. and magical! Mum would love them. except for when she got too close to one and realized they are just insects with crazy bottoms that flare every now and then. SO CUTE.

At the weekend after a night of mellow drinking at Lory's (not so mellow for Alicia who forgot to pay her tab), Ryan, Lenny, Danny and I went bowling. Danny is a member of the bowling place so got us two hours of bowling for thirty dollars. nice. We played four games.... and yes yes I won two. Because I am ace! Ha. and totally kicked Lenny's arse (he is competitive) in the first game where I got 146 and in the last game I won by one point. It was beautiful! Anyway... twas a good afternoon!

we also saw Danny;s house.. which was HUGE and amazing... couldn't get over it!

On sunday we watched the game (England versus Germany) and I laughed my head off at how appalling England is... and how our fans support the most over-paid bunch of idiots ever. I just don;t get it. They don;t want to win...because they have nothing to prove to anyone because hey are paid too much for having crappy celebrity lifestyles! pff. I am done complaining.


Love love love

xxx

America. Post Four. New York.

A little story about a whale a fish and a crab....

Last Sunday most of the Internationals at camp went to New York, we all travelled in together but went our separate ways when we got to Penn station as we all had different things that we wanted to do. Sarah, Ryan and I wanted to go see some of the sights in Lower Manhattan. When we first got to New York we had a look outside and a quick peek inside of the Empire State Building. I didn't go up it this time as I am going to save it for when I am in New York for five days or so.
Literally within five minutes of being in New York we passed about six Irish pubs, my Dad always says that if you out all the Irish pubs over the World back in Ireland it would sink.

Sarah and I lost Ryan for a coupe of minutes, and then he came running out of a pub... and we agreed it was in everyone's best interest to go back inside the bar and watch the New Zealand game. We found a New Zealander in there and there were also a group of very noisy Italians.... who I am not convinced have ever been to Italy. Matt (the New Zealander) was hilarious.... and very much into the game. When New Zealand and Italy were drawn and there was still i love sandwiches  time left Ryan was shaking like a leaf. Bless his cotton socks... it was so sweet and funny.

So when the final result was a draw, Ryan was beyond ecstatic as it just was not expected of New Zealand at all. It was the perfect start. After the game... we stepped outside and it was so sunny and warm it was unbelievable seeing as it had been raining beforehand. We were proper happy and giggly skipping around the streets.

We decided to walk to lower Manhattan via fifth avenue... this of course lead us to the Museum of Sex. Bloody hilarious place, with a very impressive dildo sculpture. We only went around the shop section, admiring the books, postcards and vibrators.

Whilst walking towards China Town, we bumped into a a lady who used to go to the camp we work at fifty years ago. Mental. anyway... the heat got ridiculous towards the middle of the day so we found ourselves a lovely little Chinese place in China Town and met the others there for lunch. It had Air Condition and was freakin' DELICIOUS. very very yummy. It was called 69 and awesome.

the conversation between Sj, Ryan and myself just progressively got more and more rude and sex orientated. Not entirely sure why, just the way things went.... but it did result in several bouts of the giggles.

After Chinese, because of how hot it was we decided to get the free Statton Island Ferry there and back... to get a looky at the Statue of Liberty. Twas weird seeing it for real... and not with some master mind criminal climbing up it with a bomb and with several helicopters shooting at him.... (movies are definitely realistic.)

It cooled down quite a bit, we had a look around ground Zero - and at the little church next to it, which is very sweet. Then for dinner in Little Italy with the biggest damn pizza I have ever seen. I couldn't finish it.. and for me that is very upsetting and weird. I felt like I let Ella down. We then grabbed a cab to Union Square and ran around like loony's trying not to get run over so that we could find a cinema.

We went to see Karate Kid, with Cokes bigger than my head, and it was awesome. I cried from start to finish. Though the three of us got freaked out when we saw that I had a missed call from my boss and one of our housemates. The film finished at midnight (much later than we anticipated) and we then were rushing to get back to the station....

we thought we were going to be in trouble for not being back or for not being contact or something, and then we had the wrong train timetable so had to wait an extra hour for a train home. The the cab man from the station to the house was just rude and argumentative. What a twathead. So we finally got in at 3am and we had to be up for work at seven am... it was not a pleasant morning. Sigh. However it was an AMAZING day and i love how beautiful New York is, I could happily spend many days there just wandering around. It is completely crazy of course, but I wouldn't expect it to be any different. I;m so tired I can't really explain how much  I loved this trip to New York. And I had the best company ever....the whale, fish and the crab actually had the best time. Lots of giggles... and food.


xxxxx