Oh What a Fortnight

Saying Goodbye

In Sally's usual style, my last moments in London were rushed and hazy. Finishing The Last Queen of Paradise on Saturday, I prepared for my Sunday flight to the United States of America. I always find goodbyes difficult, but this one was a promise for an excellent trip and a speedy return. This year has been a complete emotional package, with friends flowing freely in and out of my daily life. I've done some hearty things like travel with my brother Dave, travel to my brother Phil, and plan to travel to my brother Mark. As friends fly in and out of London, I let them ease in and out of my life, celebrating each moment as best I can without feeling overwhelmed.

My time in the States was an enlightening one. I've learned to be comfortable in my independence, so returning and being subjected to errands, group dinners, and cohesive plans was a difficult transition. Seeing my parents was simultaneously rewarding and stressing for many reasons. Firstly, because my vices are inherited. It's difficult enough to see and address problems in oneself, let alone see someone you care about practice the same poor judgment. Secondly, because I want to positively influence my parents' lifestyle choices, but because they raised me, they find it difficult to accept my advice. Thirdly, because riding in a car is now ridiculously claustrophobic, traffic is even more abhorrent, and don't get me started about lengthy trips for daily chores. 

However, I've gleaned some amazing reminders from this trip. My friends are still my friends. It's incredible how much I've laughed over these two weeks, as friends I haven't spoken to regularly have made significant reappearances in my life. Distance does not always make the heart grow fonder, but when it has little effect whatsoever on your friendship, you know for sure it is not a fleeting one. I'm so glad for this reminder. There are definitely goodbyes that may never become hellos again, but that does not mean the quality of the friendship is not still there, still waiting to be ignited. Next I return to the US, I hope that more of these friendships are rediscovered and enlivened.

Wow, I'm speaking like an optimist. And I haven't even spoken about my showcase in NYC!

Here goes. I've improved. I've improved as an actor and singer, resorting to technique rather than worry. Moreover, I've developed an understanding of what I can offer as an artist; sure there are actors who can play any role, but in the three minutes I had to show the New York audiences, I was going to do what I do best. Me. I was sweet. I was optimistic. I was naive. I was driven. Sure, I've been able to play crazy, intelligent and haunted (among other things), but I showed a simplicity - the thing I love to do best. 

Follow that up with a visit to my brand new nephew, Griffin, and I may have completed one of the most fulfilling two weeks of my twenties. I'm pretty proud of that. I'm also pretty proud of the fact that I'm returning to London with unprecedented positivity, to people who love me, to a complete host of new experiences.

Bring on the rest of the year. Also, anyone in London willing to celebrate Thanksgiving with me? We're (i.e. Rick) is cooking TofuTurkey. He doesn't know it yet.