Phil came to visit at the end of January. For the first time, he was in my world instead of me being in his. And it was surreal, in the best way possible. It was marvelous.
We went to Universal Studios. (Including the Harry Potter World, which aside from the ButterBeer was COMPLETELY DISAPPOINTING.)
We went to the Jungle Gardens where we fed flamingoes (including Adrian, the baby I studied my first year for an acting observation assignment) and he held an alligator (named Peter Pan).
We played mini-golf (and I won). And we shopped. And we hung out in the tourist-y part of town.
He met my parents. They came down to Florida to meet him. At the first moment I had with them without Phil...
Mom: Oh, Angela! We LOVE Phil!!! Phil is just great! [Dad's name], Angela wants to know how much we love Phil.
Dad: Did she say that?
Angela: No.
Dad: Well. He seems like a nice, polite, hard-working, ambitious, intelligent young man, and he cares about you very much. We're very happy for you.
We had a picnic on the beach.
We went to the Dali museum.
He saw me act for the first time.
We explored the banyan trees and the Ringling grounds.
We put up a reading of a play he wrote (which was a massive success!!!) and hung out at a bar with the cast afterward.
We had an early Valentine's day.
We felt good and right and happy and comfortable and normal and wonderful.
Since he's been gone, it's been tough. The first week apart felt horrible. Far worse than the previous times we've been separated.
Maybe it's because we're deeper in this than we were before. Maybe it's because we don't know when we're going to see each other again. Maybe it's because once you get to a point where being with someone is normal, it's hard to feel normal without them.
I applied to a job in London that would grant me a 6-month internship visa. I could use some prayers, if you're the praying sort. Or I'll take some good vibes and well wishes if you're not.
If I don't get it... I don't know what we'll do.
The German citizenship isn't happening, and now it looks like Italian may be out as well. The Tier 1 Work Visa for highly skilled migrants (like people with MFAs) has now been discontinued for "overseas applicants" like me.
If we got engaged, I could live in the U.K. for 6 months, but I wouldn't be able to work... and I can't afford that. Which means we'd have to get married super-fast, and I'm not okay with that.
Phil is the man I want to marry. But I don't want my marriage to start as a result of a worst case scenario. "Well this didn't work, that didn't work, and this other thing didn't work. Darn it, I guess we'll have to get married." It just doesn't seem right.
So if anyone out there knows anyone that could help me, please let me know. In particular, I am looking for:
- Immigration solicitors/lawyers
- Members of Parliament, or other officials in the British government
- Anyone in the Royal Family
- Anyone in London who might be able to offer me a job that could get me a work visa
- Anyone in London who might be able to offer me an internship (either paid or with free housing) that could get me an internship visa
- Anyone who is a US citizen who is currently living in the UK on some sort of visa.
- Italian government officials
- Anyone who works in the Italian embassy, even as a secretary
- Con artists, mafiosos, or other unsavory characters who might be able to finagle a way for me to get into the U.K. with the ability to work
That's how desperate I am to get back to this boy.
May you not have to resort to illegalities to get what you want.
~A~
8 comments:
I wish I knew of a way to help you out here, but I have nothing. I'll keep my fingers crossed you get your internship though.
My boyfriend has a british friend who is currently living in New York with an American girl on a visa - but he's basically had to take a sabbatical from his own work to do so, so that's not ideal either. Still, I guess we sometimes have to sacrifice to get what we want in love. Good luck!
I bet you'll figure something out! I'll pray for that too.
Did you talk to Equity (AEA or British)? They might have some tips.
---
What's going on in the picture right above "We had an early Valentine's day."? I couldn't figure it out.
I have a friend from my hometown, Allie Katz, who is currently living in London. This is her facebook if you want to message her on how she got there: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=60702283
Maybe she can point you in the right track. I'll send her a message to let her know you're trying to make your way over yonder if you'd like to contact her for advice. Just drop my name.
I hope this helps. :)
-Angela-
BTW I just sent Allie a message so she will expect contact if you so decide to message her.
Much luck,
Angela
Is there some sort of further education you could pursue in the UK that would allow you to get a student visa? Even if you weren't necessarily planning to do more school, it might be a means to an end.
Whatever the case, I believe wholeheartedly that this is going to happen for you.
I have to admit that my heart always leaps a bit whenever you post something here about the grand adventure that is your life.
I am totally rooting for you and your man, so being the praying sort I will send all kinds of good wishes and vibes your way. :)
Btw you may have seen this but this girl's blog has some resources on the right, anything that helps?
http://www.yankeeinlondon.net/
I put a call out to my Brit friends, so I'll let you know if I get any bites on it.
I do have to ask, and I realize this may come off as a bit bizarre, but please take it in the spirit it was intended, as a question from someone who's floating along not knowing much. I keep hearing "When it's right, you'll know". Evidently, you know, you say he's the one, and I'm certainly inclined to believe you. Any advice on how, exactly, you know that you know? For lack of better phrasing.
-DDB
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