London Re-Bound

It's been awhile since I've posted in this blog. I have been so busy building my other two blogs, working on my website and writing my book that I actually even forgot poor Dear New York existed!

Shame on me...

However, for those keeping up-to-date with me on here - my more personal blog - I have a few things I'd like to share:

• Kristinbergene.com - has been revamped, cleaned up and is now a very appropriate hub to my online life. I have a few more things in mind that I would like to add, but for now I am 100% pleased with how it's turned out after today's hardwork. Take a look and let me know what you think!

• My Return to London - My flight back to London is this coming Tuesday, 17 January. I'm leaving the good ol'east coast around 8:30pm and will land in the UK at 8:30am. You can just think about that time change and how it's going to kick my @$$ this coming week - I sure am. I think this is a good place to also mention that I've yet to start packing and that I've grown accustomed of going to bed around 2am - aka 7am UK time = screwed.

• New Year's Resolutions - I have this horrible idea of keeping track of my resolutions this year by posting them publicly online. I figured the guilt of showing the world my lazy side might keep me motivated to not let that puppy out this year. I'll be talking about how I'm going to try and keep a written journal, eat healthier, get more fresh air, finish the manuscript for book one in my trilogy, finish the illustrations of my children's book and many other things. You'll see in more in my up-coming posts. 

• My Book - I've made great progress on my book this week. I found strengths and weakness within it, and used both accordingly. Of course this is mainly thanks to a few great readers that have so lovingly volunteered their time and sanity to put up with my list of questions and dive into multiple drafts. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

Well, that's all I have to say for now! The next time you hear from me on here I'll most likely be back in the UK - unless I need a distraction from packing and getting organized over the next day. 

Also, if you're wondering - I always have a list of my other blogs and websites in the column to the right of this post. All you have to do is scroll down a bit to see my writing portfolio, my art design portfolio, my last travel blog and even my twitter account. OR you could bookmark kristinbergene.com and get to any of them at anytime - including this guy!!! 

I continue to wish you all a happy and healthy new year!

xx, Kristin

Here's to 2012!!!

Cute, Cute Kochanie - 16 February, 2011. 

But on other news, I had a really wonderful 2011. Many productive experiences that I think will aid me in my future goals and many connections internationally. It is all I need to inspire myself to continue working this hard in the coming year:

• I got great experience that killed two birds with one stone at a newspaper - The Freeman's Journal. I learned a ton about publishing, and continued to develop my graphic design skills. 
• I had the chance to say goodbye to my best friend Kochanie, and was very lucky she passed before I left the country - it is still a raw and painful subject. 
• I continued my graphics experience at a custom t-shirt shop in Cooperstown - which was both fun and exciting. There is nothing better than the opportunity to tell off a tourist, or even reward them for considerate actions towards the locals. 
• In September, I got on the plane and landed in London. So far, I have put in three months to my degree and I could not be more happy with my decision to attend Kingston University. 

A new journal for new year - which is
something I've never done before.
I am using it to write down and
keep track of my resolutions. 

January 1st is a great day for reflection - but not just of the last year. I found myself flipping through old photographs on facebook, going back quite far into my past. My first months in London, the last year living at home, my last term at Oneonta State, studying abroad in London for the first time, and all my continued and beloved years in undergraduate. Each picture put a larger smile on my face, and I found myself longing to see old friends and feel the comfort of walking the grounds of Oneonta's green campus. I left this trek into my past with one, solid emotion - What a good life I've had. 

I have really enjoyed life, and I plan on continuing that habit. But, of course it is a challenge for anyone to accomplish anything without support - any type of support. 

My family and myself on the day I
graduated from Oneonta State - 2010. 

I am aware that not everyone is as lucky as I am to have the support of my family and this Christmas break has been the perfect reminder. The thing about family - that I believe should form some unwritten law - is their unconditional support. I do not even like to think of where I would be right now without them all holding my hand. Most likely, I would not be in London or trying to become a writer. 

The thing is, you can pick your friends, but you cannot pick your family - and that is only right. Family is supposed to forget, forgive and love. If this was not a rule than there is no chance my sister and I would have a healthy relationship, but thanks to the knot of family, we have a brillant relationship. It is the same knot that I feel when I get stuck in my writing, the pressure of our mutual commitment to each other and our goals. I can write, and I cannot fail when I know they are there to push me over the looming humps on my way. 

So, on that note: 

This letter shows why I need a blog - So, people can read what I am saying and I can edit easily.

"It will MAKE everything more meaningful!"

Alright 2012 - I don't want to kick your ass because that just seems kind of mean and underserving. Instead, why don't we mutually agree that this year will be as wonderful as the last - if not more wonderful - and we help each other get to the end successfully.

Though, I would like a job around September, so I can start paying back my student loans - in case you were wondering.

xx, Kristin

BIG NEWS

Today I signed on a flat.

In the center of Kingston, London.

That
            is
                      ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xx, Kristin

THANKS MOM AND DAD FOR THE POPCORN!!!

Norbiton Train Station - towards Kingston.

I am much worse at updating this blog than the one I kept in 2009, I wonder if that means something - haha.

From the last time I posted I have accomplished quite a list of activities - if that is what you want to call them, haha. I had a conference on publishing at Stationer's Hall, I dorked out with Ruth in various geek shops in the center of London, I went shopping for warm clothes, I wrote a paper on production in publishing - which required me to take books from the library - I agreed to attend the mid-night premiere to see the next Twilight movie, I emptied my fridge and have not restocked it, I booked a spontaneous trip to Wales for their Christmas events, and I got a ton of popcorn in the mail from my parents - etc, etc...

In other news, NaNoWriMo is going terribly and I do not know when I will focus on that. Maybe today, before class, and while finishing my laundry, packing and preparing for tonight. Also, I have yet to find a place to live, and I am completely unable to keep up with my incoming emails - so much stuff, all the time. Thanksgiving plans have failed to move forwards, and I am not really motivated to work out the kinks without help. BUT the golden light at the end of this tunnel is -

I AM GOING TO WALES THIS WEEKEND. 

(Cardiff to be exact). 

Mentally - I am still doing really well, and I am really loving everything about being here. But do not worry, I am super excited for Christmas and to see my family and friends. Also I am super excited for New York Pizza, wings and an antipasti salad - So, if someone wants to put that order in for me? All the doubts I had before coming are gone now, and honestly I cannot even remember the details of those extreme moments of panic - I am sure they are in this blog somewhere.

Ruth and I at M&M World, London. 

Sure, I do not know what will happen once I get my degree.

But, I have a plan, and I know what I would like to happen.

But that is all in the future, and there is no point is killing myself today about what will happen in a year. A year ago today, I had no idea I would be back in London. I had the plan of moving to New York City, or Boston - maybe even Seattle - after getting decent experience at The Freeman's Journal. Working towards a degree in publishing and creative writing was not even a real consideration and it took a few more months to bring me to that single decision. Which is silly of me after all, because I love books, so working with them is just the correct answer.

My point is, right now is really good, and in one year the most important thing will be that I am still able to feel confident and happy. That is really the most important thing for anyone. If all I have in one year is the memory of this experience, and the knowledge I have gained, I want that to be enough. However, I am sure my dedication to carving out a niche for myself, and my stellar work ethic will continue to pull me through.

And on that note,

Myself, new winter gear
and a poppy. 

THANKS MOM AND DAD FOR THE POPCORN. 

(It's one of my favorite foods). 

Here's for constant optimism,
xx, Kristin

'Kristin Bergene' & A NEW BAG!

So, I accomplished some things today. I accomplished getting out of bed. I accomplished getting into Kingston to accomplish some schoolwork. I accomplished making it my class on time at 18:00 (6pm) and I accomplished some stuff to help market myself better.

Our lecturer today was talking about social media, and frankly it brought me to the conclusion that I am not doing enough - cue laughter. I have no idea how to market myself, and I really never considered that it was something I should be responsible for. However, there was a very good point brought up which was if you have a pre-existing group of followers you are more likely to be published. This includes self-publishing, which I may just have to give a shot - eventually. Anyway, this has me planning out a new marketing strategy which involves making 'Kristin Bergene' the product I want it to become.

Once Jane from The Office (US) said: "Dress for the job you want." In a way that is what I am trying to do, I am making my name recognizable as a brand. A brand of what?

That is still to be determined.

But today I worked towards my newly organized ambitions - not new ambitions, just reorganized. I have two blogs for my professional life, two blogs that I have failed to touch seriously once arriving here in England. Today, I changed their URL's to a more appropriate name.

They have now become:

• Writing Portfolio: http://kristinbergenewriter.wordpress.com/
• Art Design Portfolio: http://kristinbergeneartdesign.wordpress.com

With their new names, I hereby swear to market them the "right way" - as opposed to just having them there in the background. I will dedicate at least one hour a week to spreading the word on 'Kristin Bergene' - which I think is plenty enough time for one week, considering I am still doing my masters. 

My responsibilities are slightly overwhelming. It seems this easy / fun blog is my best source of stress relief that can be played with between serious responsibilities. Well, this blog, traveling into London's center and shopping - speaking of which...

LOOK A NEW BAG!

I thought a sleek bag like this would be perfect to get me in the right mindset of a professional. As I stared it down, I imagined going on interviews with a pencil skirt and this guy. It seemed like an unbeatable confidence booster - mostly because both my planner and kindle fit inside beautifully, along with all my other crap.

Bring it on world.

xx, Kristin

Adjusting

Adjusting - or if you can call it that.

I have been so busy in the last couple days I do not even know how long I have been in Kingston. Socializing, starting a bank account, socializing, enrolling, dealing with small details of being a postgraduate student, socializing, trying to find a good cell plan, and socializing -It is no wonder I cannot keep track of the days. I am almost certain I have been here a month, surviving on peanut butter and toast.

I am certain it has been a month.

Although, that may also play into the part where I have been here before, making me comfortable and confident as I walk the streets - Still possible I get lost though. Knowing my way around has made the prior list much easier on my brain. I knew where the Lloyds bank was that - with some advice from new friends - I chose to open my account in. I knew where all the cell phone places where. Most importantly, I knew the short route between all those places and campus as I ran in circles with my head spinning today - Even if sometimes I forgot to use them.

Anyway onto what I have accomplished -

• I have enrolled into the University, getting my ID card and all that lovely official stuff.
• I have begun to complete my bank account at Lloyds for my loan money to be dropped into.
• I have begun research into cell phones, even thinking I have found the right plan for me. 
• I have finally glanced over my timetables.
• I have continued to search for flats, getting a few really decent options but more indecent ones. 
• I have met up with many of the people I found on facebook before coming to Uni and more. 
• I have taken a tour of Kingston - because I thought it would be fun... it was.

All I have left to accomplish -

• Actually finish of my bank account.
• Finish off the cell phone.
• Find a flat to live in - and hopefully soon.
• Get organized to for my courses.
• ACTUALLY GET INTO LONDON! This I might run off and do on my own, just to have a good, old fashioned moment. 

That is all I can think of anyway.

OH - on account that I am required to head to a pub down the street and continue socializing, this post will be completely and entirely unedited! Socializing Calls.

xx, kristin