I was born and raised in sunny Southern California, but I live in Nottingham now. Nottingham’s about two and a half hours or so north of London.

This move is one of those things I didn’t know I wanted to do until I did. Someone special said I should move here once and I couldn’t because a) I didn’t know how, b) I had my life and responsibilities pretty set in the U.S., and c) I was terrified out of my mind to even seriously consider it. I’m still kinda freaked out, ‘cause I don’t know hardly anyone here. Top it off, this person and I fell apart some time back and I still had it in my mind I was coming here.

Well on January 1st of this year, it was set in stone. I didn’t know how, but it was going to happen. I decided to apply to university, got accepted, was granted a three year visa, applied for loans (a LOT of loans, lol), and here I am. It was by no means easy, but I did it.

I don’t always like standing out for my accent when I shop or ask directions or something. I feel like many of these people have never heard an American with the exception of on television watching “Friends” or something stupid. It’s a novelty. Occasionally it’s a reason for them to laugh at the way I say things or use phrases they don’t. It annoys me now and again, but whatever.

The hardest part is when I really want something from home and I can’t find it here or when things take forever (nope, no instantaneous check deposits in a bank branch for immediate withdrawal/spending; minimum two to three weeks waiting for internet/phone and that’s IF you’re lucky). I’ll admit sometimes I get really depressed and/or frustrated and want to run home screaming, especially when I expect something “straight away” and can’t have it. I guess I’m determined to stick it out best I can.

I’ve never lived anywhere else before and for the most part, I would advise anyone to at least try it once in their lives. Just to say you did.