Spare me the drama

It's not you, it's me.

Classic.

But seriously, I hope you can forgive the radio silence. Perhaps it even came as a relief, in which case sorry that it didn't last any longer, but for now welcome back to the ramblings, musings and sweet nothings of my irreverent blog. A lot has happened since June. What an understatement. We came out of lockdown. I got fat off Rishi's sweet eat out scheme. I hugged my family for the first time in over 4 months. And as of 3 weeks ago I started Drama school. If these are not sufficient excuses for my little indiscretions and my wavering constancy as of late, then read no further as the ice only gets thinner (and the connections more tenuous).

I think one interesting fallout from this whole Covid-19 debacle is that my sense of adventure is now so readily engaged that even a trip to the pub or a staycation feels like the wildest of explorations and a real flirtation with danger. But then I suppose there has been little else to quicken the pulse in these strange times, so if a slightly frantic drive down the M25 is as good as its going to get, you have to learn to make the most of these things. In fact I think I may have got somewhat addicted to that particular high, as I hurtled back and forth said motorway almost every other weekend with a family trip to West Sussex, weekend get togethers on the Kent-Sussex border, a mini-break in Oxford and a delightful cottage holiday in the quaint town of Chiddingstone Hoath (no, I didn't make it up, and no, it's not like Hot Fuzz...well, not exactly.)

However, as of early September I have begun to grow new roots in London as I left Oval behind and headed West to the wonders of Chiswick. The mid-September sunshine gave me the benefit of falling in love with the river and the rolling greens before the Autumn wet and wind descended. Nevertheless Chiswick is now crowned with the burnt orange of crisp leaves and aglow with the promise of the season. Although I would still like it to be sunny and warm again pretty pretty please.

I was drawn to Chiswick for reasons other than the poeticism of its pavements and the running of the river, as it is the home to ArtsEd, where I am now an MA student in Acting. My commute is embarrassingly short, clocking in at just shy of an 8 minute walk. And yet, somehow, I always end up leaving in a hurry. This may have less to do with my poor time-keeping and more to do with the sweet three-legged dog, Archie, who I now have the pleasure of living with. It is an impossibility to leave the house without having given him a cuddle in the morning, and I seem to perpetually underestimate just how much of a cuddle he is going to demand (and how much of a cuddle I really need deep down but won't dare admit to myself because otherwise Archie would end up licking up my salty tears from the edges of his dog-bowl). Anyway...that's a separate issue...

But the house in Chiswick is delightful - hosted by the eminently patient and kind Kevin and Caroline. And it is the perfect base from which to begin this next - and very real - adventure in my life. Which brings me to what you've all been waiting for: the drama! I started on Wednesday 16th September, full of nerves, excitement, terror, fear, joy, confusion, crumpets, and a whole host of other profound thoughts, feelings and emotions. Did I mention nerves? Anyway, as is often the case, it turns out all my fears were entirely unfounded and everyone on the course seems eye-wateringly lovely, mind-bogglingly talented, and earth-shatteringly easy to talk to. Okay the last one there is a wee bit melodramatic, but can you blame me?! I haven't been able to perform in ages and now my appetite is well and truly whetted.

Classes have ranged from the emotionally draining to the rather ridiculous, encompassing everything from blowing fake bubbles for half an hour to walking around the room...again...and again...and again. But all bathos aside, it really has been completely exhilarating, exciting and perhaps at times overwhelming - but only in the strictly positive sense. However, what is an acting MA without a little added drama? Give it up for Mr Covid! Yes corona has managed to crown even the most wonderful of life experiences with just a small shadow of doubt and discomfort, as we are forced to keep at least 1m apart at all times and to wear masks during all our classes. And as of a few days ago Covid had the gall to send us all home for 10 days of isolation. Nevertheless, there is always a silver lining. My back is feeling blessed to have a break from all the bending and breaking, and they do say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, so I don't doubt that we will be seeing the Catholic centre where we train (and each other) in a whole new light when we return. Not in a weirdly biblical / enlightenment sense, more in an 'I've missed you surprisingly much' sense. Even the crappy heaters and the excessive water coolers. Everything and everyone has its place.

I've realised this post is littered with a sort of vagueness that would usually frustrate me as a reader, but I am sparing you some of the detail so that I actually have something to talk about when I see you in real life (notice the optimism of not 'if' but 'when'). I have learnt the hard way that by putting all my best stories into my blog, I am often left with nothing original or exciting to regale my friends and family with. So, henceforth I will try and be just a little selective. Especially now that by definition I am seeing no one new and doing nothing except eating and sleeping (well, what has changed I suppose?). Trust me - and if you know me at all, you'll know this is true - I will be making up for every day in isolation, and every social occasion ruined by Covid in style just as soon as it's safe and as soon as I can.

And I know that you know - wherever you are and whatever you're doing - that we'll be toasting to new and better things and times spent together in celebration soon. Before you know it. (Christ, there's a lot of 'knowing' in this final sentiment isn't there?!)

Keep chirpy and stay chipper, and keep cha-cha-chaing

Cheerio, for now xxx