My Retrospective Look On 2011

I've decided to write about my thoughts on 2011. To summarise, this year has been the best one I've lived through yet. I spent a third of it living 3,000 miles away, I met new friends thanks to my Youtube channel and record collecting hobby who are now friends for life (you know who you are!) I started learning an instrument, tried my hand at ballroom dancing - and all of this is what I can think of from the top of my head.

Of course, it goes without saying that there were plenty of bad times but I want this retrospective to be a happy one, because it just seems like my life has exploded with potential and I'm so glad things turned out the way they did.

America

I do realise that everyone is sick of hearing about it, but it just had such a profound effect on my life. It opened my eyes to life outside Lincoln, or even the UK - and it's a big, big world out there. I met people from all across Europe, and over there I lived a lifestyle that I could never do here. Stress free, relaxing, in the countryside.

Perfection was the only way to describe it. Sure, there was plenty of hard times, I can think of a few trips to hospital which come to mind! But whenever I look back on my time there it's just like a good dream, and it's only when I returned to life in Lincoln that I realised how lucky I was to seize the moment and go for it. I will never again get to do something like that, but I'll treasure what it taught me forever.

Looking into the big unknown, Mt. Willard, New Hampshire, USA

My hobby

This just grew and grew, it really did. In the physical sense, I probably have a few more gramophone records than when I started this year, and it did earn me a place on Japanese state TV - but it's what this has brought me in other ways which warrants a spot on this retrospective. Friends, and dear ones too!

When I posted my very first video blog, interest in my channel shot up and I started to receive the odd note from collectors, who I would talk to and exchange music with. Little did I know when I started emailing two in particular that I'd fly 6,000 miles to meet one and go round New York with one, and San Francisco with the other. Rick and Gerhard are like father figures to me - true friends for life.

I also finally met the wonderful Geri, who helped me enormously during my difficult periods in the USA and was so kind to me, and Sean who has an amazing gramophone collection and whom I had some interesting experiences in Albany with!

Not only that, but I met a whole host of amazing musicians, and the lovely Bridget at Whitley Bay this year. They inspired me to pick up a trumpet and start playing for myself, perhaps I'll be back next year jamming with them...assuming people are too drunk to notice the newbie in the room.

Everyone thinks I'm such an oddball for it, but buying that gramophone in 2009 has just enriched my life so much because of the people it's lead me to meet and become friends with - and I'm sure I'll meet so many more people this next year too!

A memorable dinner had this year, with some of the best European and American jazz musicians!

University

This year has gone well. I feel my journalistic capabilities have increased quite a bit, this time last year I never imagined that I would have interviewed Nick Clegg or the Westborough Baptist Church but I did. It's constantly stressful, tiring and the days are long - but if I wasn't doing this then I would have no purpose in life and nothing to spend my time on.

I finished my term in the SU with distinction, and I was so proud when I won the award for "Commitment To The Students' Union 2011", handing over the position to Maryam who I am sure will do a wonderful job.

As university ends this coming year, I face a period of uncertainty in my life. The economy is flat lining and I fear there will be a period of unemployment before I find a job. I'm determined to do my best, however - and I have confidence in my abilities.

Serious journalism in action, RAF Waddington

Friends gained, and other titbits

This year I've been fortunate enough to gain a few friends. There's the new journalism students, jazz lovers from my record collecting hobby and others in between. Unfortunately there are people I've lost touch with, namely most (if not all) people I went to Hall Cross with. I found myself having a clear out this year, thinking that I never spoke to these people any more - and that we all have our own lives to lead now. I dread to think what will happen to most people I know from university now, perhaps I'm too driven and I don't want to look back too much?

Taking up the trumpet in the past month has been quite fun. I have no idea why I didn't take it up earlier, but after seeing the musicians at Whitley Bay 2011 I was inspired to do so. It's terrifically expressive and progress has been pleasing. My aim is to return next year and join in the jam session, with the hope that people will be too drunk to notice the newbie amongst the experienced players!

I didn't find myself a boyfriend, but I decided to just stop looking. I'm actually quite content at the moment to be single. I have barely enough time for myself, let alone someone else! One day in the future I'm sure I will make someone very happy, but for now my focus is on my work and my hobbies.

My 20th birthday party, March 2011

Last year's resolutions and thoughts for the new year.

I'm very proud to report that I fulfilled most of my resolutions last year. I achieved something I was proud of in the SU, got a 2:1, had an amazing time in the USA, meeting new people and enjoying myself more. I still procrastinate but some things don't change.

When I think about the new year, my focus is to keep the momentum I've gained in my life going. I want to keep building on the successes of this year, and learn from my failures. The first one that comes to mind is to keep on learning the trumpet.

I'm determined to get a 1st, but a 2:1 would also be acceptable for me. The main focus this year will be finding meaningful employment, something that's going to be very difficult. The chief concern will be finding a roof over my head if it doesn't work out.

I'm also determined to return to America, however this probably won't happen next year so it will be a long term goal for me. I want to continue to build my Youtube channel, with the hope it could lead to employment if I put my CV all over it!

Finally, I'm resolving to keep the memories of the USA close, the lessons it taught me and how it broadened my horizons.

****

2012 can be a good year, I know it. I want to be writing the same thing at the end of 2012, looking back on how well things have gone. It's just going to take a bit of hard work to make it happen.

Falling into the unknown, and the highlight of my year. Skydiving in Maine, USA

Adventures in America Part 10: Coming to the end of my time in New Hampshire

Today pretty much summed up my time here in America. I woke up early and immediately got on the phone to my insurance to finally be told that they are reimbursing me. After a lazy lunch I decided I would retrace my steps that I first made when I arrived here, by visiting Goodrich Falls.

As I picked my way amongst the rocky path, I was suddenly hit with the memories of my first day here. The excitement of going out in "a random direction", not knowing what was in store or where I'd end up. I was pretty jetlagged and tired but so wide eyed and excited at what lay in store. Goodrich Falls is, and forever will be my first memory of the beauty of New Hampshire. Since I was unprepared for the hot weather, I stopped at the county store up the road and bought some water. Immediately the attendent noticed my accent and we got chatting.

This situation pretty much echoed what happened today - and emphasised the friendliness of so many American people. The ability to talk to randomers up here is something I've taken for granted, so when I went to the waterfall today I met a few anglers and had a nice chat with them.

Eventually I left them and went down to that spot where, 3 months earlier I had reached the waterfall and stood in awe of the beauty of the place. I had never seen anything like it in the UK, and I remember sitting on a rock just watching the water go by, wondering what lay in store for me.

As I sat there today, only much higher up close to the top of the falls, I thought about everything amazing that had happened to me. The people that I've met, and the things I have done.

This was the summer I jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet, the summer I stood on top of mountains and shouted "hello world!". The summer I made everyone on the pirate ship sing "Happy Birthday" for a child on the boat and saw his face light up, the summer where I got a potentially life threatening illness, the summer I spent 4th of July in small town America - and standing for the anthem. This was the summer I got drunk in a field and woke up hungover in Tia's tent, the summer where I screamed so much going down a water slide, and the summer where I rode waves up and down Old Orchard Beach.

I've never been to a place which has been more welcoming, more hot and humid, more extreme and generally fun. Living in New Hampshire has honestly given me a completely new outlook on life. I feel so much more relaxed out here and I am so glad I made the initial plunge all those months back.

In all certainty, I will miss this place so much. The residents here take for granted waking up everyday and seeing nothing but unspoilt mountains, and the general freedom this state permits. I know this country has it's problems, but I know I've seen all the good that America has to offer.

To all my New Hampshire friends: thank you. So, so much. Meeting you all has been amazing, and you've opened my eyes to another way of life. You've accepted me with open arms and shown me so many good times. I will honestly miss all of you, and your comments about how tall I am, my slicked hair and how stereotypically British I am. Despite the long hours, baking heat and tiring conditions - you are what I wake up for every morning and you make my work days fun!

Ahead of me is my time in New York, and California - and then it really is time to stop living the dream and return home.

Have I enjoyed my time here? You bet.

Will I be back one day?

Just try and stop me.

Adventures in America Part 8: Americans' perception of British folk

It's now been over 2 months that I have been working at Storyland, and the more I speak to the park guests the more it becomes apparent that many Americans have some odd perceptions about British people. Of course, this could just be that New Hampshire folk have these odd idea, but I'm assuming it isn't for the purposes of this blog!

1. Britain doesn't exist, only England

For some reason, I have grown accustomed to saying "I'm from England" since most people here assume that England is the entire country. That being said, I can't really blame some of them. England is constantly in the news for political action, the capital is there - and when do you hear about Wales or Scotland in the news? ;)

2. Everyone thinks we all talk like Nigel Havers

Cheerio, pip pip, tally ho - all phrases that American park workers and guests constantly throw at me. It must be a legacy of too many clichéd films where every British character is an aristocrat who talks with the Queens English. Apparently my hair and accent don't really help - I have been told by some Americans that they think everyone does their hair like me, and that we all sound as posh as I do to them. Tia told me "The first time I saw you, I knew you were British". Perhaps I am a walking cliché after all...

3. Everyone thinks we live off crumpets and tea

Another legacy of some truly awful films. Whilst it is true we are a nation of tea drinkers, we don't live off the stuff. I even had some girls go on my ride one day again and again so I could talk to them about London, crumpets and tea. They really couldn't get enough of it! I didn't know whether it was that patronising but I enjoyed it all the same

4. The association with Harry Potter or the Royal Family

I have been asked countless times what I thought of the Royal Wedding a few months back, and my opinion of the Royal Family as a whole. For some odd reason, I also have alot of parents point at me and say to their kids "he's from the same country as Harry Potter". American workers keep asking me to say "Harry Potter" because apparently it sounds better with my accent. I get asked all the time if I've been to London too - it's fortunate I have because I'd sound a bit of a lame Brit abroad otherwise!

5. The misconception we all suffer because of "socialised medicine"

A lot of right wing Americans believe that the NHS is socialist, and that you shouldn't have to pay for the mistakes of others who "drink and smoke themselves to death". The irony of statements like this in a country with a maassive obesity problem is staggering. They find the NHS such a strange system, as they are so used to health insurance

6. People tell me have you heard of "X town" in the hope it will be somewhere near where I live

A lot of American visitors and workers still have close ties to the UK, it's only natural since New England especially is steeped in history from when we settled this country. Yet many guests have a habit of telling me a random place name, hoping it is near to where I live. I also have to explain where Lincoln is in terms of distance from London - because that's the only city they know about!

Rule Britannia!

Adventures in America Part 5: Independence Day

Well yesterday was Independence Day, as if you didn't know already. For me, it was a chance to discover the real America and the patriotism within it. I've already seen the million and one flags that are proudly hung outside houses, schools - we even have to raise a flag every morning on some rides.

It's odd for a Brit to see this. Back home, there's an awkward sense of embarrasment when the national anthem comes on - that droning long winded song, heard amidst small shuffles of people looking around to see if everyone else is getting up or not. We Brits don't do patriotism very well at all.

Patriotism is everywhere in this country, and especially so yesterday. And you know what? I couldn't get enough of it! I do realise that most of my British friends reading this now will be disgusted, but I really felt a sense of belonging when I stood for the national anthem last night. It kind of gave me a sense of unity, the fact that I belonged to this vast nation of people who were so proud for their country.

The carnival atmosphere was an interesting one, I have never been to a proper American carnival and this was pretty authentic. The carnie folk, the games which roped me in and sucked my money away, the cotton candy and slushies - it was wonderful. It had a real sense of community, the whole town had gathered on the grass to watch the fireworks and listen to the music. This was small town America at it's finest.

Adventures in America Part 3:Things that Americans just can't get right...

It's now been a few weeks that I've been living in America and I've begun to pick up on the subtle differences here between the UK and the USA. So, I decided to compile it into a handy list to warn people who may end up here!

1. All Americans drive on the wrong side of the road

Yep, it's exactly what it says on the tin - I nearly got run over in Boston because I walked out into a road whilst looking the other way and unlike New Hampshire, Boston drivers aren't as likely to stop for jaywalkers

2. Baked beans suck over here

Also true, Heinz doesn't exist and it's quite annoying. I can't have beans on toast because they aren't the familiar ones in the UK with the lovely tomato sauce covering them. Bleh, I will have to start eating American foods like bagels or smores!

3. Dollar bills

Coming from someone who is so used to pound coins, the concept of dollar bills is so odd. Having a wallet full of paper notes can get quite irritating when I'm trying to find the bigger notes. Yet most Americans fiercely love their dollar bills.

4. TV without advert breaks

Cable really is king over here. Prime time shows usually have breaks every 10 minutes which can get quite irritating. What's more annoying is that their equivalent of the BBC (called PBS) has adverts too...telling you to donate to PBS. I also really object to the amount of medical adverts on here. It's quite creepy - there are always adverts telling you to ask your doctor for a certain pill. Barry was right!

5. Healthy foods

Yes, it's true. I've found it difficult to find foods that aren't processed. Everything has absurdly high levels of fat and other crap in it - and it's no wonder that so many people are obese here when they combine this with driving around. The only exception to the rule is "organic" food which is quite big at the local Hannafords (supermarket)