Back to Blackpool

Most Americans visiting England will (rightfully and thankfully) never visit Blackpool. 

I, unfortunately am on my way there for the second time.

Blackpool is the British equivalent to Atlantic City. Tacky, scuzzy casinos and bars, beaches that look more like ponds, and lots of pleather, bad bleached hair and lipliner... 

It also happens to be where the magicians choose to congregate. 

I should be thankful, because this town has forced my boyfriend to cross the ocean and visit England twice this year. The only downside is, I end up in Blackpool with him.

The first time he had to go, I figured I'd rather be in the worst town in the UK with the one I love than in London alone. So I tagged along. 

I felt that way before I'd actually been to Blackpool. Now that this is my second time going....alone in London doesn't sound all that bad.

But alas, I head to Blackpool for the second time, and to my third magic convention this year. 

I never thought  I'd be able to make that statement. 

Or that magic conventions were a real thing.

On the brightside of this journey - I booked myself a ticket in First Class on the train, and I am finding the experience completely enjoyable. 

The dimly lit first class cabin has cushiony, extra large seats, little reading lamps, free WIFI, and apparently a puddings trolley from which I may take as much as I like. Same with wine!

Maybe this trip isn't so bad afterall! It would be especially lovely if the gentleman to my left was not strangely chugging Ribena and making awful slurping sounds. Hopefully his stop is soon. 

I have been waiting for this week to be over since I woke up Monday morning. Knowing Josh is in England but not in a close enough proximity to cuddle is very disheartening. Enduring the 60 degree and rain weather Mid-July is even more disheartening.

I am so sad that I can't wear any of my summer clothes. Sundresses makes up about 75% of my wardrobe, so it's really becoming a problem. I want to wear my florals and pastels instead of blacks and greys. But no sooner do I attempt to leave the house without a jacket, than I am marching back inside to grab it. I've noticed nearly every photo that exists of me from the past 7 months I am in a green safari rain jacket that I wisely purchased before coming here.  One might think I was simply posing in front of various backdrops instead of actually visiting these places since I am always in the same outfit: jeans, oxfords, sweater, rain jacket. 

So I couldn't resist buying these jeans at Anthroplogie yesterday. They fulfill my desire to dress in floral, yet are practical for the elusive "English summer."

Citizens of Humanity Mandy Jeans

It was a good week at work. I finally accumulated 10 punches on my frequent customer loyatly card at the cafe in the building which warranted me 1 free brownie. I also got my second giant check of the month, putting me well above my sales goal. This week I also celebrated 1 year in the working world. I began my job on July 11th, 2011, and never thought I'd make it July 2012, but here I am. I remember sitting at my desk that first day, and honestly fighting back tears. 

"This is my life now," I thought. Joining the working world and becoming a contributing member of society was truly a horrible realization for a girl who lives for fun. But I've made it. And it hasn't been all that bad....

My window from my desk looks out on the Thames. I get a month's paid vacation days. I get to leave the office at 5 on the dot and don't have to come in until 9:30. Yesterday I spent an hour helping Kate Hudson with her flat in London. I get to go to Monaco Yacht Show in September, where I plan on be-friending the largest yacht-owner there and conning them into taking me for a cruise. And turns out, I nearly trippeled my sales goal for my first year -  so I guess I'm good at all this, even though I find working (in any capacity) rather painful. I got several calls from my Manhattan co-workers wishing me a happy 1 year on the job and expressing their excitement at my impending return.

So to celebrate one year on the job - I'm going on holiday!

After Blackpool, Josh and I are going to the Greek Islands. Back to our little island we discovered and the enchanted little villa there we like to think of as our vacation home. Back to drives around the island on a 4 wheeler, dinners of lamb kleftiko and feta cheese, and spending all day Mediterranean sea-side reading wonderful books and bronzing ourselves silly. Oh, it's going to be a glorious week. 

I guess never really glad a clear vision for what I wanted my adult life to be like. I didn't, and still don't, have a 5 and 10 year plan. But if you had told me my life would include attending magic conventions with my boyfriend, daily trips to the pub with my English mates, and discussing interiors with one of my favorite celebrities - I would have laughed in your face. 

I never pictured myself in London, and definitely not doing what I'm doing. But it's sort of fun that I ended up here, somewhere so unexpected. It reminds me that truly - anything is possible. You never know where life is going to take you. And for all my whining, I'm so glad I took this crazy job and moved to England. It was scary to make such a rash decision without really knowing where life was taking me -  but as October approaches, I'm starting to get excited and wonder what adventure is in store for me next. 

I always thought I wanted a life plan - but instead I've realized I don't mind flying by the seat of my rose-print pants. Not at all.