In recent months (well, in 15 months...) I haven't bothered to blog. I've been living life in London and traveling on the odd occasion instead. I won't catch you up on the past, but rather focus on the future.

I'm moving to New York.

From the Big Smoke....

To the Big Apple...

I'm excited but also incredibly scared. For a long time now I have been waiting for my next 'big adventure' (moving to London being my last big adventure - and that adventure is now over 4 years old).

Despite pinning for adventure and for change I am finding myself in need of suppressing the fear and anxiety which has mixed itself in amongst my hope and excitement for the coming months. I've grown to love London - its winding streets, cobblestones, mixture of modernity with antiquity and mostly, the people.

This poem - which I first heard at a friend's wedding last year - has encouraged me throughout last year and, at the moment, is one which I am currently clinging to. I'm not sure who wrote it, but they are a wise person indeed.

Risks

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool,

To weep is to risk being called sentimental.

To reach out to another is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk showing your true self.

To place your ideas and your dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naive.

To love is to risk not being loved in return,

To live is to risk dying,

To hope is to risk despair,

To try is to risk failure

But risks must be taken,

because the greatest risk in life is to risk nothing.

THe person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing.

He may avoid suffering and sorrow,

but he simply cannot learn, feel change, grow or love.

Chained by his certitude, he is a slave;

he has forfeited his freedom.

Only the person who risks is truly free.

All of my adult life has been lived in London. So I will take the lessons I've learned with me to New York and hope that they serve me well there.

These lessons include (among many, I'm sure):

Every woman should own Red Lipstick - wearing it will transform your face, your mind and your attitude.
Never. Never, ever, ever mix vodka, champagne and tequila on the same night. Ever. (also, red wine is delicious.... in moderation....it also stains pink dresses and white shirts when spilled....)
On that note - when one has spilled Red Wine call Abi Lafontaine. She will come successfully to the rescue.
Traveling regularly to Europe (and on the odd occasion to New Zealand) makes life worth living, but is terrible for your savings account. My financial advisor, if I had one, would have had a heart attack by now...
Ireland and Northern Ireland are two different things. Don't confuse them. On that note - if you are Scottish (or Welsh) you, apparently, are not English.
Canadians are actually ok (and can be very wise). Especially Korean Canadians who are named Brenda.
If you are a Christian and don't know who Matt Redman is, just smile and nod and agree with what everyone says until you figure out on your own who this man is.
All the Brits (Scotts, Welsh, Irish included) secretly LOVE Americans. Deep down they are all just jealous of us and would rather be in L.A than in London.
And finally....

What the British say	What the British mean	What others understand
I hear what you say	I disagree and do not want to discuss it further	He accepts my point of view
With the greatest respect…	I think you are an idiot	He is listening to me
That's not bad	That's good	That's poor
That is a very brave proposal	You are insane	He thinks I have courage
Quite good	A bit disappointing	Quite good
I would suggest…	Do it or be prepared to justify yourself	Think about the idea, but do what you like
Oh, incidentally/ by the way	The primary purpose of our discussion is…	That is not very important
I was a bit disappointed that	I am annoyed that	It really doesn't matter
Very interesting	That is clearly nonsense	They are impressed
I'll bear it in mind	I've forgotten it already	They will probably do it
I'm sure it's my fault	It's your fault	Why do they think it was their fault?
You must come for dinner	It's not an invitation, I'm just being polite	I will get an invitation soon
I almost agree	I don't agree at all	He's not far from agreement
I only have a few minor comments	Please re-write completely	He has found a few typos
Could we consider some other options	I don't like your idea	They have not yet decided
Correct me if I'm wrong	I'm right, don't contradict me	I may be wrong, please let me know
Up to a point	Not in the slightest	Partially

2 months to go. I'll be stuffing my time with as many London icons which are feasible to see and experience between now and my departure.

Cheerio ol'Blighty. I'll be back.