Day 17 (May 30 2012)

Short entry for the day. Stayed in and worked on job hunting.


On the Plus Side: I secured a job interview next week in Beaconsfield - at a social media/mobile company called GiffGaff.  It would be for a Community Manger/Educator role. I haven't really been sent a job description - but it sounds quite good. I learned about this opportunity through my Twitter actually. A Community Manager from there started following me and we chit chatted.

My next is a phone interview I have secured - (actually for today May 31)
On Twitter I follow an ex recruiter - who I have been quite chatty with. He has offered lots of advice.
He passed along my details to Quad London - another social media company in London. So I really hope that goes well for me.

Followed up with recruiters and some agencies.

Saw a movie tonight with Craig. Orange Wednesday - so it was a free film for me. We saw the Dictator.
Couldn't stop laughing.

Day 16 (May 29, 2012)

Boo I still can't try to sleep in - oh well. Got up and had breakfast. Craig left for work and I decided to hang out in Durham for the day. I wrote out a to-do list for my day and I first started out responding to emails regarding job opportunities - then I took a little break and did some cleaning - went to town to pick up one of my tops that needed stiching - got some lunch. Took some lunch home. Cleaned more of the house - applied for jobs - did some networking online and had Chicken burgers for dinner. So yum! With a bit of mayo on them. Scrumptious!

Day 15 (May 28, 2012)

Alarm goes off - Yep! Its nearly 6am and I have to get up. Took shower and got dressed. Thankfully last night I put out my clothes. Left the house at 6:30 to get the bus - thankfully I had enough coins to pay (I forgot this was Rush Hour so more money). Lucky enough I was able to get on an earlier London Kings Cross train :D - I had my own table which rocked! Funny enough the coach (carriage others may say) I was in had 20 school children - so that was quite comical. Sadly I forgot to bring a book to read - so I paid a little extra money to have wireless for 24 hrs. This gave me the chance to connect with more UK folks through my Twitter network - check emails and look at job positing online. I arrived a little after 10am - so it gave me plenty of time to catch the tube to Edgeware Road. At 11am - I was to meet Rhea O'Connor (@rheaj) - She is a Minnesotan like me! Studied abroad here then fell in love and worked here. She offered me some great advice about the SM scene in London - talked about au pairing opportunities etc. Funny enough - she is actually moving back to Minnesota for a year with her husband. It was really fun meeting her. After that I had time to chillax for awhile til I my 2pm networking gig. But I decided why not just head to the Covenant Garden area and have some lunch or so as I would already be there on time. Once I arrived - I sent a text to @AdrianMelrose that I was early but wanted to let him know where we could meet. Funny enough he was at the dentist earlier and was going to go home - but because of my text he was in the same area as me :D
We went to a cafe and had a great chat! He told me about SalesForce - how I could look into learning about their products and taking an exam - we talked about au pairing - and just had normal chit chat.
A really great guy! Plus he lives on a farm and has ponies for his daughters - I have always wanted that! Dad why didn't you get me a pony for a birthday gift?After we said bye - I had a few hours to travel about to different tube stations - Leicester Square - Piccadilly Circus - Oxford Circus - Maida Vale. Just went exploring - tried to find libraries but it didn't really seem to work out. Checked Twitter a few times and learned about new job opportunities. I am in contact with another recruiter. Then I headed off to Paddington area to meet Ben. His train came in from Reading at 6ish. So then when he came we went to Garfunkels - we split a BBQ pizza. Talked about our days. Was really great seeing him again. Then we headed on tube back to Kings Cross. Had a drink - then it was time for me to head back to Durham. We hugged and said bye but see each other soon ove course. The train ride seemed like it took forever! Got in almost before 11pm and Craig was waiting for me at the station.

Today was a great day - long but really fun.

Day 14 (May 27 2012)

Another beautiful day! Woke up early and had to get iPad out to see who won Eurovision. Can't believe Sweden won. I guess Europe thought they were the best {http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SCb0nrjVno} - went back to sleep. Had breakfast and applied to a few jobs. Today was big F1 day in Monaco - so crazy was busy for a few hours in front of the TV. Today was a good day for staying in - as it was gorgeous weather outside. Spent a few hours in the sun - had a nice dinner now watching England football game.

Off to London for the day to do some networking. Hope it helps me out.

Day 13 (May 26 2012)

Saturday has finally arrived! Yes and its F1 qualifying for Craig. For some reason I haven't been able to sleep in recently as the sun always shines through the bedroom. Well I guess that means I might have to go to sleep earlier. Today was also laundry day - so Craig put in a big load before we left. This morning we went to the post office to pick up his package - then swung into town for a few hours (I have a top I needed to drop off that needs stitching) - had Starbucks - went to Boots to purchase SPF and Aloe Vera - then walked along the river. Really relaxing. Came back home - job hunted for awhile - helped put laundry on the clothes line. We then spent some time outside drinking white wine in the sun. Had a nice dinner {Chicken Kiev, Rice and chips} with water. Then I was a bit bored and wanted us to go out tonight - was thinking on the lines of ice cream but places were shut already. So Craig decided for us to get in Scarlett and head off to Seaham. Once we returned back we tuned into Eurovision {an abomination singing contest in Europe}.

Day 12 (May 25 2012)

So today I decided I was going to stay in and just job hunt the whole day. Sorry everyone this is a short post but my day wasn't really exciting.

Day 11 (May 24 2012)

Last half day in Reading. It's good to get away for awhile and see new places but always good to get back to central base (Durham). Woke up and started packing. Dropped off Ben's friend Paul at college - and took bus into town.  First stop was Debenhams as Ben needed a new belt. Then we headed to the train station - stopped at Subway for breakfast. Headed off to London Paddington for a few hours. Once we arrived we took the tube to Embankment - near the London Bridge. Walked around a bit then had lunch at Ping Pong which was a really great location. Once we immediately sat - our waiter came to our table to put out some sauce and accidentally some of it got on Bens' jeans. So we got a free meal out of it :D
Then we walked around - I had to buy ice cream because the weather is like high 80s. Took tube to another part of London - I wanted to go to phone shop to see if I could change my plan. Stopped to get an iced Chai Latte (was melting yesterday while wearing jeans). Did more walking around then took tube to Kings Cross.
Took train back to Durham - seemed like a LONG ride home.  Took bus to Craigs house - unpacked and watched TV.

ZZZZZZ.....................................

Day 10 (May 23 2012)

Can't believe the week is half way over. This morning I took the train to London Paddington to meet with another recruiter - he was very helpful. Gave me some great leads and is going to get in touch with some people that might be of interest to me. After that - I took train back to Reading. Ben picked me up then we left for Wokingham where my next interview was at 4pm. We went there a bit early so had time to stop and grab quick lunch. Interview was great. http://www.volume.co.uk/ is the company - they didn't really have any positions open at the moment but they wanted to meet me. Great company but they don't seem to be usually social media much. Afterwards Ben picked me up. Went out for dinner with his friend. Watched some TV - I did some more job hunting - sat out in Pauls garden. Ben took some photos of me - Thought I would share them on here.

Day 9 (May 22 2012)

Good morning Tuesday! I can't believe I have already been in England for a week. Well today Ben had to work - so he dropped me in Reading for the day. I first started off having a nice breakfast at Cafe Nero - then I went around to 3 temp agencies to sign up (when they really asked me to send my resume via email) - which was fine. I then spent most of the day at the Reading Central Library which gave me an opportunity to apply for jobs - relax and stay focused. Ben then met me later in town when work finished. Had a nice meal out. Went for a walk around town. Then to bed.

Day 8 (May 21 2012)

Got up around 6am - quick shower and got my interview outfit for London job ( actually its with a recruiter). Finished packing my bag (the one Aunt Jane gave me) as im staying over for a few nights in Reading (a friend of mine lives there) - Craig dropped me at the park & ride - then I walked to the train station from town.Train was delayed for 40+ minutes - so hopped on a train to York thinking it might be faster but I got on the same train I was suppose to get. Felt like I was sitting there forever! Got into London around 1:30 so decided to take tube for my interview. Was quite easy only 2 stops but he never mentioned how long a walk it would be - so silly me here I am still in my COACH shoes and getting lost. Met with Damien - went over my cv - talked about job market - made suggestions for changes of CV etc. Left at 4 to go back on tube. I must say I'm quite proud of researching my trip ahead of time as I had to change tubes once. Took train from Paddington to Reading. Quick ride only 20 or so minutes. Then I was greeted by Ben at the barriers. Walked a bit to The elevators. Hopped in his car then went back to his friends house - stayed there for a bit then changed for dinner. We ate At an Asian restaurant - had potstickers and pad Thai. Went out for a walk + drink. Met up with some of his friends. Got back in an had a family email me about an au pair job (free housing!) based in surrey - 4 kids but £125 a week plus they'd pay for my phone so I'm waiting on their reply. Had another woman ask me if I wanted to temp au pair in Aberdeen but I replied back no as I'd have to start from scratch again and it's so far away! Night

Day 7 (May 20 2012)

Good morning & happy half birthday to me - yep I'm 28 1/2. Spent the morning watching a TV program about 3 single women & men come on this show to date - but they are in the dark so they have no idea what each other looks like. Interesting show . Took a shower then had a quick breakfast. Decided to hang my clothes outside as the sun decided to she its face today. I was telling Craig I'm bored today so we decided to go for a Starbucks run. We then left & found out the park & ride wasn't in operation so we drove off to Durham city centre with the top down. After Craig expertly positioned the red sports car into the car park using nothing but a flick of his wrist and the hand brake. We then walked into town and promptly made our way to the coffeehouse. We ordered our drinks to go - I had a fight with a barista about getting my order wrong. We then walked by the river Wear. After walking around town we heading home. Once back we sat outside in the garden on our laptops. This gave me plenty of time to apply for jobs and one of them is at Durham University (where I'm living w Craig) - then Craig came out w a huge bowlful of noodles mixed w peppers - chili - chicken and cream. So delicious! But too huge portion. I then suggested we go for a walk to burn off dinner. Off to bed - interview w recruiter in London on Monday

Day 6 (May 19 2012)

The weekend is finally here! Slept in for awhile then got up. It was a laundry day - so we didn't go out of the house til around 1pm. Because I am quite freezing a.k.a. 'Ice Queen' (Craig calls me that) - we decided to head off to Metro Centre to buy myself a hoodie + lunch too! Once we got there parking was quite a challenge - took awhile to find a spot because everyone was apparently out shopping as well. Parked and went inside - first stop was Primark (similar to Ragstock meets Urban Outfitters) where everyone is swarming like mad trying to find bargain deals on clothes. Thankfully Craig didn't go far as it was a complete zoo! - Sadly all the hoodies were nearly gone as they are pushing out summer clothes. So we continued our hunt and went to a trendy shop called SuperDry. I saw great hoodies but they were starting out at £50 which I thought was very expensive then I saw the word SALE - I tried on many sizes but found a bargain Orange one for £30. Afterwards we went to Starbucks and enjoyed some coffee/chai latte.  We then had a late lunch at Wagamama. Left to go home. Watched TV. Had some garlic naan bread and went to bed.

SideNote: Sorry this blog post is delayed but the internet went down Saturday evening.

Day 5 (May 18 2012)

Woke up at 7am. Took a quick shower and got breakfast ready. Today I am going to Manchester for networking and to apply with some temp agencies.  Lucky me Craig was able to drop me off at the bus stop. Got on the train and had to change over in York. Arrived to Manchester around 11am. Went straight to a coffee shop to get on my iPad2. I was suppose to meet a friend for networking at 12.30 but he had a busy day at work - so I was on my own for awhile. Decided to apply at 2 temp agencies - Adecco and ManPower. Then at 1:30 I met Ian (http://www.kingfishercoaching.com/ - we are connected thru Twitter and he really stays connected in the digital space. We talked about job resources - people who I can contact etc. It was very helpful! Afterwards I just did a small amount of shopping. Took the train back to York and connected on another train to Durham. Got home around 7 and had a yummy dinner consisting of chips, roasted pepper and courgette rice, and chicken kiev. I demolished everything. Now Craig & I are just watching TV.

This weekend I am going to send out more emails. Reconnecting with my LinkedIn network and trying to tap in it to see if they might have leads.

I am so ready for the weekend.

Day 4 (May 17 2012)

I am finally able to sleep til 8 - no more waking up at random points in the morning :D
Today was my first day on my own - Craig went back to work. So I had my luck of having the house to myself :D - had shower then breakfast. Really wanted to go to Newcastle today - but the weather was all rainy and I didn't want to walk to bus stop - so I stayed in all day applying to jobs - got another interview lined up for next week with a recruiter :D. Off to Manchester tomorrow to network with friends and stop at some temp agencies. Weather this week has been quite chilly - wish I had brought my UGGs.

Good night.

Day 3 (May 16 2012)

Woke up around 4.30am (getting over jet lag). Nice to sleep in. Found out Craig took the day off. Ate breakfast - had a phone call from a friend of mine I follow on Twitter and he told me about a possible job opportunity (being a nanny for a 7 yr old girl) - so I sent him my CV to pass along to the mother and I hope that works out (FREE ROOM AND BOARD :D ) - Got dressed and went to B&Q (Home Depot) with Craig to get paint for the fence in his garden. Then we stopped at Boots as I needed shampoo, conditioner etc. Went back home - Craig painted while I was unpacking etc. Had a sandwich for lunch with OJ. Because I have an Orange Sim card - (Orange Wednesdays 2 for 1 at cinema) we went to see the new Johnny Depp film called Dark Shadows. I really enjoyed it! Came home - had dinner then went for a walk. Watched Apprentice then went to bed.

Day 2 (May 15 2012)

Flight arrived around 8.40am. Usually when your flight lands they connect you to a terminal to walk into - well to our surprise we had to get off the plane outside and take buses to entrance of airport.  We all had a little walk to go before immigration (still hard when you have bags on both sides). Luckily enough - once I arrived to immigration/customs the non-eu line was shorter than EU nationals. So that made the process faster/quicker. Picked up my bag and changed clothes (as it was colder weather outside and I was wearing sandals). Purchased a single train ticket to Durham - should have purchased a few weeks ago - shocker 55 pounds. Train ride was good - had my own seat.
Arrive to Durham at 1 - Craig picked me up. Thankfully I didn't pack any heavier for my suitcase or it wouldn't have fit in Craigs' Mazda sports car. Went into city center for awhile to deposit money - get some lunch - and just walk. Came back to unpack. Went for a walk in the evening. 

Day 1 (May 14 2012)

Another sleepless night due to all the excitement of traveling back to England. This was my first morning to sleep in *as Friday was my last day for nanny/dogsitting job. Finished packing - it's so hard not to know what exactly to pack if I do secure a job in time. If only I had a luggage electronic weigher.
I visited my grandma (nina) and my Uncle Bobby in the morning which was really great + I wanted to drive again. Once I came back home - got all my luggage ready and headed off to Pittsburg Blue at Galleria with my parents. Had a lovely lunch outside (85F) - I split a cheeseburger with mom :D
Afterwards mom drove us to DQ quick and we got baby dipped chocolate cones (mmm). Then we went home for awhile - headed off to the airport. Security was dead easy. It's quite hard as a woman traveling with 3 bags - but I have managed. Connected in Philly at 7.40pm ET and my Manchester flight was scheduled to leave at 8.40ET. Very annoying our flight came in on time - but silly me not doing any research of Philly airport I had to run to the gate. Yes - I was sweating holding my duffel bag and laptop bag on my shoulder. Thankfully I got there in the nick of time - but there were 2 older ladies who had to come far away and one of them was asthmatic. I am planning on sending a complaint to US Airways because they hardly helped people with connections to get there in time -- the man just said it was a walk (but seriously how long?). Flight was good - sat by a nice couple in their 20s. Chatted with them. Tried to sleep but that didn't work.

Signing off ::waves:: 

Welcome

Hello everyone!

Hello!  my name is Katie and I’m a British girl trapped in an Americans body. Thanks for visiting my blog. I assume you are here because you have at least a passing interest in me and my journey.

Or maybe you’re like me, you have a huge passion for another country. I am proud to be a Britophile.

You may ask what does that mean - here is the definition:

   "a person who greatly admires Britain and things British" Source: Merriam-Webster

My blog will be a daily journal of my career search in England. I have over 2 1/2 months  to secure work and I know I can do it!