With great embarrassment it occurred to me that I have neglected to share a few rather large updates in my life abroad. My excuses, though not very convincing, revolve around being busy and then the subsequent traveling I’ve done. It’s better then my “I’m supporting the writers strike in America” excuse at least… But fear not you “what’s new junkies” I’ll fill you in now.

Firstly, I no longer inhabit the little house at 5 Beech Grove alone. And before you ask, no, I’m not referring to my dear Penny. I am referring to Luke, my roommate. He moved in almost two months ago and instantly the house finally had this lived-in feeling. It’s much more cozy, as well as being much more warm since I now have someone to spilt the heating costs with.

Luke is a swell Polish lad who is studying English here. He is a bit hyperactive at times but I think it’s merely a result of the insane amount of coffee he drinks. He is the only person I know who drinks coffee as soon as they wake up as well as just before they go to bed. Coffee is his water… it’s ridiculous.

To be honest we rarely see much of each other but I kind of look at that as a good thing because we both then have this sense of independence. It’s almost like we live alone even though we clearly don’t. When I do see him however it’s difficult not to give advice. As a product of his age (18) he makes rather foolish decisions. But I’m resolved not to play mother and roommate so I leave him be… for the most part anyway.

The other big new is that I got a job! About bloody time I know… but good things come to those who wait, and I’ve waited. Now I’m happy to announce that I am a barman, which is precisely what I wanted to do in England. Before I came I just had this romantic notion of pulling pints in some traditional pub and making chit-chat with the locals, or wiping down the countertop with a towel that can normally be found slung over my shoulder, or saying things like: “what’ll it be today ‘enery? The usual?”

My job sadly is nothing like that. It’s this modern place; just built actually, that is more focused on mixed drinks then pulling pints. The good news about that though is that anyone who comes to visit me will get to try all the drinks I’ve been learning to make. Fun little numbers like: The Mclovin, a mixture of Jonnie Walker, Xante, lime juice, vanilla syrup, and apple juice. Or the Suki-Su, or Dirk Diggler, or even the Fu Manchu. Plus I plan to use this experience to possibly get a job at one of the traditional pubs later on this year.

And finally that last bit of big news is that soon a short film I made will be shown at Hull Screen Cinema. It’s going to be playing before Wes Anderson’s (only one of my all-time favorite directors) Darjeeling Limited. Needless to say I’m completely thrilled at the idea. Now I just have to finish a few parts in it…. eep!