Sometime around midnight. Midnight, a start to a new day, or the end of an old one. It may sound relevant now but I've from what I've heard in the big apple it loses its status. Sounds too well written to start any of my blogs. Thats because it's re-written. 

I love violins, dark room

listen to the start of this...

How great has the weather been these last few days? absolutely super is the average answer, I haven't seen it this good in a few years. 

9 weeks and two days, how mad is that? Let me re-phrase that 9 WKS, 48 HRS. It's not long at all. This Wednesday sees me head for my Visa stamp

Spring Break.

I've been looking forward to this date for a while. Today saw the end of my timetabled University class, so now I've got a few weeks to myself to sort out the pad in NY and get the final few 'i's dotted and 't's crossed. I thought I had a really nice place with my name on it, the location was super, the price was just within my budget and the pictures definitely catered for my needs. Then it went all Pete Tong, the guy who was renting the accommodation wanted 6 months rent before the deal could be sealed...Sh**e.

So with me back on the 'cyber-trek' to find the perfect abode in the City, I reckon I needed some help from people there, as there is only so much you can find out about the area online. There is an upside to talking to actual humans about an area, as google doesn't actually turn around and say 'Hi Sir, I wouldn't be living there as there a while racket from the train, and there's a lot of hoods on that corner'. Thankfully a few people I know and employee's of People's Revolution have said they'll keep their ears to the ground on possible pads for me, and that they are open to give me advice on the right 'block' to live on... Sweet.

TBC.

I started this post on Thursday night, and now it's almost a week later, I've let this one slide a bit probably because there isn't much to write about. Apart from this, I've found that no matter where I travel I always bump into someone, or meet someone from Limavady, and although I haven't been out there yet I've made a contact from Limavady who's been there for some time and settled in very well; Tom Lindsay.

Tom is a film maker, that I met many years ago  and it's great to see him progressing in the apple. He has recently bought a new house, an awesome looking pad in Brooklyn - like something you see in movies, and think, I'd love to live there. I'm sure some people can relate to that. Tom is on my facebook and you can check out some of his work via my profile... Take a look.

I made a very premature mistake at the weekend (note to self: if injured, stay in), I blogged last week that I pulled ligaments in my foot and to be honest it was more than likely a bad sprain as 4/5 days later the pain seemed to ease and walking came a lot easier. So I went out on Saturday night, had a few beers and met up with some people and got chatting about NY which led to me forgetting about the ankle. Then every ten minutes I would get a shooting pain, this process continued for the whole evening... Now I'm regretting putting on my good shoes and trying to act like there wasn't a throbbing pain. It seems to have made my condition worse, and now I'm sat at home, twiddling my thumbs and getting frustrated at the fact that I can't even get in the car and drive... Good times, not.

'Writers Block'

If you're reading this, and are thinking - 'Where is the f*** is the structure?, everything seems a bit jumbled'. Well thats because this post has started and stopped in many parts, so instead of me just starting a new one, I'm going to see this one out.

I added a new line to the title of the blog. A statement. 'I believe that chasing the American Dream should count as exercise', this is so true. I've found that everyday that I've woken up, there is always something to be done on the US front-don't get me wrong it's not a bad thing. Too and from one place or another, the bank, post office, passport office and soon to be the consulate...

Many of you know that I'm a diabetic, so that almost throws an obstacle in front of anyone moving to the US. I inject 4 times per day, through insulin pens so that involves me having to pre-order enough to see me by. You also need to provide documentation from your doctor to prove that you have a medical condition, and some notification that you are carrying around 400 needles with you ;). Common sense I guess.

Well this is Thursday night, and I think I'm going to wrap this one up. I'm meeting with a lady from a Northern Irish media company that may be interested in publishing some of my work whilst I'm out in New York - Could be a very positive step. I didn't publish anything with the Northern Newsgroup this week, but I promise the Limelight will make a super return next week.

A more linear blog coming very soon.

As always, please get in touch: tim.c.ferris@gmail.com.

Peace.

I think songs provide motivation to get ourselves in gear...

I need to be careful how I get this point across, or else people will be saying his head is up his arse...Some probably are already. But there's one song, that everytime I hear it I imagine my flight landing at JFK, seeing the bright lights and letting this new chapter of my life begin. It might sound too cliche, but I don't care it really is the truth...

The song is, 'Tom Baxter - This Boy' (some of you may have noticed it's the title of the blog'. Everytime I hear it there are some things that pop into my head, the lyrics symbolise a story about someone that gets knocked down, and then gets back on track. A philosophy that I believe in one hundred percent, if you want to do something - then do all in your power to get there. The song is also a reminder that life will mess you up sometimes, and that no matter how low you might feel you 'have to stand up'. I'm prepared for a tough time in New York, apparently its expensive, and the work is very challenging but I'll do my best to stay on my feet. If something throws me into a state of doubt I listen to that track and almost instantly the hunger to succeed comes back...Especially with the piano solo. Sweet work.

Click on the track to hear:

Tom Baxter - This Boy

My Guitar signed by Tom.

The obvious link to my thoughts on 'This Boy', is the artist. Tom Baxter, a truly inspirational character, a man that I have had a friendship with for about two years now and a musician that I respect so much. He's definitely had his ups and downs and he has chatted to me about this and how hard it can be sometimes to get yourself noticed. But, Tom is a grafter who knows that what you put in you can expect out. He know's the importance of family values and keeping loved ones around you or at least in your thoughts, and what I like most: is his down to earth nature, something that the music industry lacks in areas! For those of you that haven't heard of Tom, he is a singer-songwriter based in London and is responsible for 'penning' some great tracks such as 'Verona', 'Girl from the Hills' and more well known tracks like 'Miracle', 'Tell her today' and 'Better'. 

My Parents with Tom Baxter.

I know I said that the incoming weeks can only 'Better' things happening, and in theory they will with the Consulate interview etc... But, yesterday I pulled ligaments in my left foot which is a complete shambles, as I've lost clutch control for the car -not good!. It's providing me with late nights that I don't want, aching hands from the crutches, and the really annoying sensation of when you try to run or walk, you take three steps and then the pain strikes...Absolute nightmare!

A highlight to the start of this week is that, Kelly Cutrone founder of People's Revolution in New York has signed a book deal, which should be a great read. And, on a more local scale the new edition of DrinkNI is being printed and will be in pubs and clubs up and down the country. It features stories of drinking, facts about our beloved poisons, reviews of our favorite bars, whacky trivia, and an interview with some up and coming journalist... I've said enough ;).

I'm thinking of publishing an edition of the limelight this week for the Northern Newspaper Group, and ideas or thoughts then, please get in touch as usual: tim.c.ferris@gmail.com or alternatively editor@northernconstitution.co.uk.

I'll speak to some of you soon.

An in-agony Tim Ferris.

Peace.

The Season I've been waiting for...

I guess today is the start of Spring, well we lost an hour in bed giving us a 'stretch in the evenings', it's shame that when I woke up today and looked out of the window there was no sunshine, and no birds chirping it'll probably take our great climate about 3 months to deliver any consistent good weather... Probably the week I leave. But at least I've got New York to look forward to in the better weather...

New York, In Spring.

Last week, as weeks go I'd definitely experienced better. But, things could only get better and they did. I got a date for my meeting at the US Consulate in Belfast.  That's when a visa applicant has to meet face-to-face with someone from the US government, to ensure they are the type of person that they want to let into the US. I'm looking forward to this, as when I get my passport stamped thats the final phase of the move slotted into place. This time 6 months ago I hadn't even thought about moving out, I may have dreamed but to be honest never saw it as a reality. It really is amazing how things change.

The story so far:

December: 

I got the bug for moving away, plain and simple - I wanted out of Limavady. I applied for jobs with publishing group, magazines and other media organisation all over the states, not just New York. Some of them came back promising, others... Well I'm still waiting. I've been writing for print for over two years now, and I really like it, meeting new people and having challenges e.g. setting up interviews... It then dawned on me, why not apply for some PR work. That thought has shaped my move to the states.

January: 

I started applying for jobs around week 2. I searched PR on google, there are alot of companies out there to be fair, too many to start mailing resume's/cv's to. So then I narrowed it down, it was either fashion or music public relations that would suit me down to ground. It's not that I know everything there is to know about fashion, and I don't know every new band coming out, or the freshest sound. What I mean is that I have a passion for these two things, and If I'm interested in them I know I'll do my best to progress.

Booked flights: June 30 (JFK) - November 18 (Heathrow). 

February: 

February 'revolutionized' my hunt for the perfect job in the 'City'. Most of you know who I'll be working for, and the news about an 'internship' came through to me in February and I had it in my sights from then on. I spruced up my CV, tweaked the odd thing to make it more appealing to the American audience, and made contact with the company. I got put through to guy at people's and we talked over a few weeks, and I learned more about the position offered and he obviously learned more about me, It wasn't his position to offer me a place there, but he did all he could by passing info on to the management.

Started seriously looking into appartments/rooms in the city. Nothing is finalised but the view from the window of this place nearly has it sold to me: 

March:

March 5, 6.14p.m: I received an e-mail from the office. They offered me the job, and I can still remember the feeling I got when reading the e-mail. It was only 6 lines long, but I read it in depth over-and-over, I had a mixture of feelings, butterflies and a sense of great accomplishment. It was in black and white that I would be working at one of New York's most successful and well know PR companies. I had previously looked at accommodation in New Jersey and had contemplated the commute every morning to work, but now I really want to live in Manhattan or somewhere closer to the buzz and importantly the office, I guess I'll just have to wait and see how the finances progress over the next few weeks before sending a deposit.

I got a date for my interview at the US Consulate, April 23 2009.

Also, I've joined the NY network on facebook, just to build up a list of contacts, some famous and some not so. It's funny that in Northern Ireland seeing a celebrity can be a massive thing, and meeting some musicians and artists have been highlights of previous years for me. But, what strikes me about New York is that some stars mix in with the 'norms' of society- something that I think is really great. I was reading someone's comments and Kid Rock was sitting at the table next to them at dinner, how cool is that? Add me if you like:

Something else great happened this week, not in a materialistic way though. This used to happen to me all the time, you discover an artist online and then about a month later you hear them on Radio One. This happened to me this week! The artist in question is La Roux.

I recommend you check her out, there's a real electro feel to her music, and If I'm publishing a limelight she'll definitely be gracing the pages.

Well, I must head on. Playing football today, or should I say soccer. Either way, I'll be re-blogging later this week. Remember to get in touch: tim.c.ferris@gmail.com.

The New York Move :  93 days...and counting.

Peace.

So Jade Goody is gone, died on Mothers day and is still leaving a trail of tabloids featuring her story and a celebration of her life, and lets be honest it was a controversial one. She left a 'secret will' with £2 million for each of her sons, £100,000 for kids in India and money towards cancer research...In my opinion the money for the Indian children in the slums was a safe bet as it gives some closure to her 'racism row', but what I can't believe is that Jack got nothing? If I was in

in his position I'd be a bit pissed off. I think he gets a pretty rough time in the press, he's branded a thug and maybe that's for fair reasons... And now he's branded a money grabber for giving tabloids an insight into his and Jade's final hours. Hardly a fair branding considering he got none of her money and rejected her offer of their Essex home. I'm sure he is heartbroken and times our tough. But the papers see it differently, I think its typical of the dicks lining the walls of newspapers up and down the British Isles...

23rd of April is the date I long to get to. It's the one I have in my sights, as in theory it holds the key to my passport to the US.

Not a great week...

It has been a week since I last 'blogged', and it's not because I haven't bothered or wanted to keep things up to date. I have had a bit of a backward week, things which have appeared to be sorted for months have now popped up and new paper work has had to be filed, and I'm sure I have significantly damaged my phone bill with calls to and from the U.S... Thrown into the mix is  a registration cock-up by the university that has added to the rubbish I have had to contend with in order to get a decent nights sleep.

My mobile phone is another 'low-light' of this  week, its only about four months old and the screen has lost life...How bad is that? Took it back to where I purchased and they couldn't help me out at all, typical of many businesses today, you are their best mate when you are taking the contract out but where you have a query or a problem, they are simply disinterested or refer you to someone else. Something that I am not a fan of, I'd love a friendly approach or some advice from someone not looking for their pocket to be lined!

St Patrick's Day was on Tuesday last week, and to be honest I would have loved to be in New York as I had contemplated it for a couple of weeks in February. But I settled for Belfast with some friends that are studying at Queens University. Belfast is such a strange city, there was a lot happening, but I wasn't aware of it until the next day. Some of you who may have witnessed the news reports from the Holy Lands would have saw the rioting between students and the police, just to clear this up, I was not involved - I was enjoying the weather around the back of Elms. People were bar-be-queing, shorts and tees were out, music was pumping and the craic was generally super. 

Students look out at Police, before the trouble 'kicked off'

There isn't very much I can stick in the blog this week, as I have just been doing the 'boring stuff' that will make everything about my stay in the US legal, Although I have stumbled across quite a few blogs that I think people will enjoy. Not one genre in particular just good topical issues, with some fashion and personal views thrown into the mix:

www.thisislimavady.co.uk - This site is written and maintained by a friend of mine. A free lance photographer/ java king, Jason Bell. It may answer any queries as to why you may want to leave Limavady. I'm not talking about the fighting on a Saturday night, this features job updates, and some shock figures about how little there is in the Roe Valley.

www.dianepernet.typepad.com - A shaded view on fashion. This is the type of thing I'll be keeping up to date whilst being in Manhattan. Diane Pernet is a french fashion designer, I don't know whether to just call it a blog because it is much more 'full bodied' than mine. It features Diane writing to her shaded readers, accompanied by great pictures, video and a lot of great links. Definitely check it out.

Diane Pernet - A shaded view on fashion

www.onesentence.org - Most of you that know me, know that I am fan of the thought 'it's the simple things that work so well', this is the case with onesentence.org, it is a blog where people can submit true stories in one sentence. Fair enough some of them you just can't appreciate, but I like the thought of this. 

This is a complexed time to be leaving Northern Ireland, I'm not just talking about the 'credit-crunch' or 'recession' - even though the dollar rate is continuing to disappoint me. I am referring to the current political climate, with members of the armed forces being targeted by the terrorists that should be yesterdays news, people are saying to me 'You're lucky to be getting out now, if all this is going to start again', don't get me wrong I am really looking forward to moving but not for the want of turning my back on what's happening. I have friends and family here too.

To sum up this week, I should have more to write about this week. The weather is great at the minute, so lets pray it stays that way for a while longer! On a sadder note, Jade Goody passed away today, she was someone that we loved to hate - She has left behind two kids, a husband and a good group of friends, my thoughts go out to them.

Jade Goody, God Bless.

I Should have an edition of 'the Limelight' published this week in the Northern News Group papers, if you want to get in touch, simply e-mail me to: tim.c.ferris@gmail.com or alternatively editor@northernconstitution.co.uk.

Thanks.

Peace.