To adress katie- Your post was pretty inspirational. I can relate to it in more than one way, Culture shock and lack of confidence was present in my mind back then too.
And do note, before i get the "Haha, you're just saying that cause she's a girl" sort of replies. No. I couldnt care less if she's female. No bias, no special treatment. I can just relate to what she said.
Unlike a lot of people here who've been sparked into magic by David, ive been sparked into it by my Lovely Uncle.
Ive just flown to england, culture shock, no friends, no life. I was sitting at the dining room table, amazed by these plastic cards from my grandmother's Playing card collection. I was trying to build a house of cards. i was clearly not going to accomplish it.
He demolished my futile attempt at it and said "let me show you something." and proceeded to show me a one-ahead principle trick. I was amazed. He taught me the trick afterwards, and the astonishment was gone. Went straight to youtube and learned a couple of things. i was getting bored however. magic aint easy.
I stumbled onto blaine on youtube one day... and i must say, even thinking about it now gives me shivers down my spine. He was something that i wanted to become. The emotions that he inflicts on strangers, its something that i want to do. I had no idea about his drive, background or whatever. all i knew was that if he can make me smile from this little Telly-box, then he's amazing. He gave me the determination to practice, buy books, and learn proper magic.
SNC is over, but i can still post my thoughts cant i? or will this dissapear as well like my previous attempt at SNC? =]
Edit: also, Congrats to Mat