Alarm Call

Three years ago I took out a credit card, shot an enthusiastic and heartfelt middle finger to my fears and changed my life.

B, a friend of mine who I always felt drawn to for some reason accompanied me from work on the bus back home to Manhattan.

We had a conversation about living abroad in college and how it strengthened our dreams, motivation, courage.

Living in London during my last semester at the University was quite possibly the best thing I've ever done with my life up to this point.

B and I spent the long bus ride resisting the urge to talk over each other as we detailed our respective awakenings during our time abroad.

I distinctly recalled disembarking from that Virgin flight (great airline btw) and FREAKING out when I got to my dorm (referred to as B unit). At first - I was certain that the wall outlet could not fit my laptop cord. After exploring the town for two hours and finding no converters I was so defeated I sat in my bed and stared at the wall for about half an hour. What the hell had i done? I'm stuck here for four months! I have no TV in my room! Just then, this shorter, maternal woman stood by my door way and smiled tea in hand. "I'm Neil's mum."

She was from norther England - and her son who i met seconds after turned out to be a really nice guy.

I kept meeting more and more people and eventually ended up meeting two of the closest friends I have ever had up to this point.

Anyway, we spoke about having the balls to do that. I fought with barely a dollar in my pocket money to make the experience happen. This caused a domino effect which led to having the courage to get a GREAT job after college not just a mediocre one, landing my second job after college in what else international education. Finally - giving me the courage to work my butt off to make it to New York in the middle of it all. That's three dreams achieved just because I can. I can.

I'm probably a walking "you can do anything" ad, but honestly that's how I feel.

And after my conversation with B, I realized why it was that I was so drawn to her. She has the same positive outlook. And you know what? It really makes her shine.

Whatever you want to do, for fucks sake do it. Life's too short, people don't live forever but places will in your memories - only if you go there.