I am now part of a new team at Aquent Studios focusing on connecting top-tier 3D talent with major game studios here in the Seattle area. While being in the gaming industry myself, I was excited when Aquent presented me with the opportunity to apply my experience to recruiting. My expertise and knowledge of 3D brings a fresh and new approach helping both the client and talent like never before. Finally, a 3D recruiter that has been in production, shipped numerous AAA titles and *really* understands when it comes to both the clients and talents needs!  

After 4 years of Living in London; I'm back in the USA! It's great to be "home" but it's certainly taken some adjusting. It's true, everything here (in the states) is so BIG: the stores, the parking lots, the cars, the food portions, the streets...you get my point. I can also tell you this, "visiting" a city and "living" there are two completely different things. I wouldn't trade the experience of living abroad for anything, but I certainly found it "challenging" at times. It's a fantastic city to visit with lots to do and see, and if you've never been, then by all means, GO!

London is a city with a certain "buzz" all it's own. And by "buzz" I don't mean actual noise levels and the way people interact (OK, the only time it's quiet is when it snows or when families/kids are gone on "holiday"). One thing you'll notice, when you take the Tube, NO ONE speaks to each other. Oh sure, there is the occasional "sorry" or the person talking on their phone like they're the only one on the train but in general, no one talks to each other. Instead, they sit in there own world, emailing, texting or playing games on there phone and generally keep to themselves. It's just the "English way". At times it can be quite odd, especially in a city of  approx. 9 million people!

 The Duke pub - 2 min walk from our house

One thing you never run out of in London is history. There is history every place you look. At times, this can be quite interesting, other times, just plain frustrating. Remember, "history" usually means "the date something was built or when something happened" and when you're talking about an infrastructure as old as London's, you're going to run into problems. On the plus side, it's great to be walking down a street and seeing buildings that are 400 years old and just "feel" the history of the area. Or walking into an old Pub for a pint that is 200 years old; what fun!!

to be continued...

ATTENTION! I apologize for the dead "portfolio" link. To view my video games portfolio, go here: portfolio

Last home trip...

view from the dock where I was staying. you won't see this in London.

After almost 3 weeks in the US, I'm back in London. Funny but I often forget just how incredibly different the two places are (gee, really?)!

I was staying with friends on Lake Sammamish and noticed that the Bald Eagle population has really recovered from even just a few years ago; I must have seen a least one each day! The silence and calmness of the water, the Cascade Mts even the rain in some way, just felt like home. It is such a contrast to the noise and busy pace (stress) of London. In some odd way, I missed the hustle and bustle. Maybe knowing that this was my last home leave gave me new perspective. Don't get me wrong, I still prefer the US and PAC NW but I now, in some way, I can see how people enjoy the pace of a big city.
So, my time here is quickly coming to a close. I know there are going to be things I didn't realize I would miss. Maybe the noise and stress of this city? Picking up broken pint glasses off my front porch? I doubt it. The thing I will miss most is the friends I've made and people that I have met during this crazy EXPAT "adventure".

May

During the month of May we traveled almost every weekend. We hit Budapest, Cologne and Torino Italy (for the Giro). I think we where trying to fit as much travel in since our time here is closing in! To say which one was my favorite is tough as all European cities have their own charm. More info and photos to come....

During our stay in Italy, I became ill w/a 102.7 temp and aching something terrible. What I didn't realize, was that the worse was yet to come. When I got back to London I went to the doctor and was told I had Chicken Pox. Great. Over the next week or so I was the sickest I have EVER been; 104.2 temp, I lost over 7 lbs in 6 days, body aches beyond belief and more. there was one day I don't even have any recollection of, none. If you are an adult and have not had Chicken Pox or been inoculated.....do it! Get the vaccine as it is an awful experience as an adult.

Florida

We just returned from 12 days of vacation in Florida. I find it's always tough returning to London after enjoying the conveniences of America but returning to rainy, grey, cloudy skies and 45f temps after the warm, sunny skies and 85f heat of Florida was especially hard this time!

We stayed at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, FL. The Diplomat has some great history and is a wonderful property, the only problem this time is.....it was crowded! Not only where there multiple conferences but it was Easter weekend. The pool and rest of the hotel was PACKED! Regardless, we still had a great time.

I also picked up my new 2012 Cannondale Supersix EVO Ultimate. Even though I was only able to get in approx. 120 miles I can tell you, the EVO is a truly amazing bike! Everything the press has said about it is true. This is my 3rd SuperSix and it is by far the BEST one. Period. I have never ridden a carbon frame that is so compliant and supple yet super stiff. I love this bike! Bone stock weight (w/no pedals) is 11lbs 13oz. A bit heavier than I had planned but still plenty light. Watch this space for more photos and a full review...

I think the best 2 days where going out with friends on their boat and then an Easter BBQ. Spending quality time w/friends you haven't seen in a while is always great!

After Miami we packed up the rental van and headed to Orlando where we stayed at the Swan hotel (Disney property). The girls went to Disney the first night then the next day we spent the day at Universal Studios,  Adventure Island. Although the new Harry Potter exhibit is very nice, the best ride/attraction by far was Spider man 3D. Evidently, the projection system and animation was (very) recently upgraded and re-animated and the end result is truly STUNNING! This is a MUST SEE if you go to Universal. "The Hulk" roller coaster is also NOT to be missed!


We are now back in cold, wet, windy, London. Leaving the warm sunshine and friends in Florida was particularly hard this time. Not much longer and we will be back in the USA for good as our adventure is quickly coming to an end.

update 2012

Wow! It's been some time since my last post.....too long! Let me see, what has happened since 2009? Lots and lots of travel but most important, we extended our stay here in London. What was supposed to be 2 years was extended to 4 and we are officially moving back the the US in August 2012. It will be bitter sweet, that is for sure. I will miss the friends I have made here in London along w/the "buzz" the city offers and also the easy access to beer; there are pubs everywhere, including 3-5 w/in 1min walk of our house. Jasmyn's school, Pippa Pop-ins has also been a wonderful experience. She is at the top of her class and reading at a 3-4th grade level in the States, yet she is only 5 years old. Well done!

For more on my experiences and thoughts on living in London, check out the links to the right.