So here's the deal, in another life I was DEFINITELY British... There's just no question about it.
I throw my (rough) British accent around in conversations pretty much every single day. I use it so much that for Christmas this year my parents got me a CD set of what is basically the Rosetta Stone for speaking English with Foreign Accents...complete with Cockney AND Proper British lessons. Though a clear gag gift, it might just be my favorite gift I have ever received.
My obsession with the royal family is no joke. I woke up at 4 in the morning to watch the royal wedding with some dear, equally obsessed friends, have seen possibly every documentary/movie on British Royals, have a tea towel with Will & Kate's face on it (thanks Granny!) AND my mom even has the same birthday as the Queen!! (obviously that one wasn't my doing, but it still makes me real happy)
I also have always had a s pecial place in my heart for British film, television and books! I have read every Jane Austen novel more than a few times and seen all the films-which definitely includes those classic BBC versions, duhhh. I'm a huge fan of the British version of The Office, and MI-5 might just be my favorite crime television show (which is saying a lot because I marathon NCIS, Law & Order SVU, Psych & NCIS:LA on the reg). And don't even get me started on my sincere, undying, forever love of Harry Potter. Just to put it in perspective... My house in Texas and now my apartment in LA, both have a bathroom under the stairs which we affectionately refer to as the "Harry Potty" (because Harry lived under the stairs...get it?).
My obsession with the royal family is no joke. I woke up at 4 in the morning to watch the royal wedding with some dear, equally obsessed friends, have seen possibly every documentary/movie on British Royals, have a tea towel with Will & Kate's face on it (thanks Granny!) AND my mom even has the same birthday as the Queen!! (obviously that one wasn't my doing, but it still makes me real happy)
I also have always had a s pecial place in my heart for British film, television and books! I have read every Jane Austen novel more than a few times and seen all the films-which definitely includes those classic BBC versions, duhhh. I'm a huge fan of the British version of The Office, and MI-5 might just be my favorite crime television show (which is saying a lot because I marathon NCIS, Law & Order SVU, Psych & NCIS:LA on the reg). And don't even get me started on my sincere, undying, forever love of Harry Potter. Just to put it in perspective... My house in Texas and now my apartment in LA, both have a bathroom under the stairs which we affectionately refer to as the "Harry Potty" (because Harry lived under the stairs...get it?).
Mmmbop until the day I die), AND the fact that it's so refreshing to see a group of guys my age doing what they love, having a good time and not taking themselves too seriously... You keep on telling the story of your lives fellas, you do you!
But I think, above all else, the thing I love most about the British world is their kindness. Sure, not every British lad or lady you meet will be kind. But it is just plain wonderful to meet polite people who are genuinely pleasant to talk to. In the span of 24 hours I randomly encountered 2 groups of British peeps at work and I gotta say, they have completely influenced the way I will interact with people from now on.
And HELLO! Who could forget about the music? On any given day growing up, you could drive past my house and see the entire family dancing around to Queen, The Who or of course, the greatest band of ALL TIME, The Beatles. And no Sunday would be complete without going for a drive with the windows down, sunglasses on, and the whole fam belting out "Gloria" by Van Morrison at the top of their lungs. Oh! And speaking of Mr. Morrison, I got to give a shout-out to our family song "Brown Eyed Girl", that we could all basically preform for you at the drop of a hat, family Von Trapp style. It's not just the classics that I love either. Amy Winehouse had an incredible voice and every Mumford & Sons song pretty much speaks straight to my soul. And fine, I'll admit it, I'm a BIG One Direction fan... I blame it on growing up in the 90's with a strong love of boy bands (I will But I think, above all else, the thing I love most about the British world is their kindness. Sure, not every British lad or lady you meet will be kind. But it is just plain wonderful to meet polite people who are genuinely pleasant to talk to. In the span of 24 hours I randomly encountered 2 groups of British peeps at work and I gotta say, they have completely influenced the way I will interact with people from now on.
The first fella, I'll admit, completely charmed the pants off me (not literally, I am a professional!). He came in, very polite, told me the name of the executive he was meeting with, and said "cheers" (in the magical way Brits do:) when I handed him a water bottle. Other people came in and out of the lobby as he was waiting, he gave up his seat for anyone who came in (even though there were more than enough chairs/couches to go around), was quiet in a very echo-y lobby, and smiled to every person that walked by no matter if they were maintenance or a suit. After the meeting he came back to the lobby, shook my hand, said thank you and "catch ya later!" (swoon). As a receptionist, it is surprisingly rare for people to come back to the lobby to thank you for something you did several hours before, especially when they just spent hours meeting with the powerful big wigs upstairs who could have just changed their life. The next morning, 2 pleasant British ladies came in to meet another executive. After calling the assistant to announce they were here, I offered them something to drink as I have done with every other guest. They almost seemed surprised that I would even offer, and when I brought them their water bottles they said "that is so kind of you, thank you". Hearing those words completely warmed my heart. After I started thinking about it, in conversation, interviews, films and what have you, I have heard loads of different British people say, "that is so kind". And to me, that phrase is so much more warming and sincere than "thanks!" or "that's so sweet". I don't know why, maybe it's because it just feels more genuine and it helps you to recognize their kindness in return.
Kindness is contagious friends, the best kind of thing you can catch. And I don't know about you, but if I am going to pass anything along in this world, I want it to be kindness. Maybe it's just the beautiful springtime weather we have been having lately or listening to "Happily" by One Direction on repeat, but I am really excited and happy to make a conscious effort to pass kindness forward, especially in the work place.
All this to say, thank you random British strangers who showed me kindness this week! You have forever influenced the way I deal with people. And thanks for having the most charming accents EVER.
Kindness is contagious friends, the best kind of thing you can catch. And I don't know about you, but if I am going to pass anything along in this world, I want it to be kindness. Maybe it's just the beautiful springtime weather we have been having lately or listening to "Happily" by One Direction on repeat, but I am really excited and happy to make a conscious effort to pass kindness forward, especially in the work place.
All this to say, thank you random British strangers who showed me kindness this week! You have forever influenced the way I deal with people. And thanks for having the most charming accents EVER.
Sorry about the cheesiness of this video...
I just wanted to share my latest car jam with y'all because I actually really do love this song, but this video...rough.
I just wanted to share my latest car jam with y'all because I actually really do love this song, but this video...rough.