7/5/09

I fixed up my room today, aftewards I went to a concert feat Tinchy Stryder, Flo Rida, Kid Cudi, Q-tip and Kanye West. That concert was thickkkkkkkkkkkkkkk madd ppl were pushing and throwing glass bottles like it was nothing. Glad I got in for free, but Q-tip was doing his thing, he was the livest and I like his voice. So did Kanye. My goodness Flo-rida is a big dude upclose.

6/23/09

**Internship**
Today was a funny day, I was contacting courier companies. Some of them were skeptical in providing me their services cause they didn't beleive that I lived in the UK due to my accent. These people here talk madd fast, I felt dumb cause Iwould ask to repeat themselves over and over.

**Movie**
A few co-workers and I went to see the movie "The Age of Stupid" it was very informative. I didnt realize how gas companies especially SHELL corrupt countries. Especially in several countries in Africa and Iraq. The movie pointed ou that Americans consume and wate alot of resources. - I am not surprised. Kind of felt weird since I was the American in the theatre.

There was a girl that was btwn 7-9 years old that made some deep comments. American soilders killed her brother and she has a strong hatred for Americans. " If I meet any Americans, I would kill them cause they killed my brother. " It was sad to see them mimick murdering people. She also hated that Americans throw out their sneakers whenever they would get a scuff on them. " I will wear sneakers until they are torn down." Her and her brothers would repair the bottom of the shoes and sell it in the streets for money.

In Africa, SHELL gas company destroyed a nation. It was disturbing how SHELL would waste gas. Tehy prmised Africa so many things bout lied and became selfish with it. Africans were dying from Typhoid fever and wars. Oil companies would dump oil into the water that would contaminate their fish.
There was a girl there, in order feed her people, she would surf for some fish. Since the oil spill, it was rare to find. That wasn't making any money so she was hustling illegal oil to distribute. In the future she wants to become a doctor to cure diseases. She wants to live the American dream: flashy cars, big comfy home, adequate food resources. Her dream made me think about why my family emigrated to the States.

I didn't realize that global warming is a big issue. It has a huge linkage with hurricane Katrina and the flood in India. A guy in England was trying to get solar panels installed in his city but his community was more focused on sight seeing than their childrens future.

**After the movie**

I went to the bar with my co workers. GOING TO A BAR WITH LONDON CO WOKERS IS A PLUS!!!. Itshows that you are a part of the team, we were talking about the movie. Afterwards I went home and talked to my program partner Sam.


**Moral of the blog**

--WE need to do something about Global Warming, its not a joke. Glad that I learned somethings from LRAM and SEEED in Atlanta.
-- Be thankful of your situation cause other people have it worse
--In a different country, make sure people understand what you are saying! Diff phrase can mess upthings

6/21/09

***Np sister 9***

I meant with an NP sister's sister, Ye!! She took me to a part of London called Brinxton. Its the south east of London. Its more urban and culturally diverse. She was explaning to me the history of it such as the protest thattook place, the council homes aka the public housing. After that, she showed me where they sell natural hair products! Pricey but worth it. I cant' wait to take out these braids and try them out. Then I went to a natural salon beautician, I never been to one before. Its nice and FOR PEOPLE THAT SAYS YOU CAN'T DO NOTHING WITH NATURAL HAIR, you haven't done your full research!!. After that I went home chilled

6/20/09

**Me and Christine***

I went to several markets today with my program friend Christine. First we went to Portabello Market. It is a nice area but the things are real pricey. I would not recommend people to shop there. These people know that madd tourist visit that area and its only opened on Saturdays so they up their prices. While walking, this guy gave me a high five, he was cute so I wasn't as reluctant in returning the favor. We went to another market and that was pricey as well. Last market we went to was the one close by Angel Tube Station. They were selling fruits for cheap!! We went back to the apt and we made Salmon dinner with veggies, we hooked it up!!. I haven't cooked in a while and I may get back into it again :D

**NP SISTER #8***

I met with another np sister, Mariajay. She got us tickets to see Cedrick the Entertainer. That show was funnnnny, I would recommend anyone in seeing him. Afterwards, I wanted to take a picture with him. After much wait, Ced came out of his car and I took a pic with him. I almost got ran over but it was worth it!! :D Afterwards, me, Maria and her friend went out out a Mexican food (Tex -Mex) FINALLY A RESTRAUNT THAT serves big portions. It was a chill night and I was tired :D

Moral of the blog:
-Don't by on impact, window shop first cause you are destined to find a cheaper deal.
-Make your food at home, its cheaper.
- Go to see a Cedric the entertainer event, it is funny

6/17/09

**Sidilla's Flim***



My internship sent me to a company that they are partnered with. Sidilla's films helps them create films, competitions and games to promote on their websites and to contact British celebrities to participate in their organization. I went there early to show good decor :D, however, I got lost. I was within the right neighborhood but the house didn't have the number in the right location. Their neighborhood are different from American blocks. You could be walking up one block and the road changes five times + depending on the Borough. Next door to house 17, I had asked a lady for help. Eventually I was in the right area. While I was at her house, I left my notebook and paperwork. OMG I felt madd lost without it. It had all my info such as blog entries and my internship contact information. My roles: I will be helping them with a viral campaign and I will contact British celebs PR'S so the celebs could be a part of the competition. Afterwards I went home to take a little nap



***Np sister 6****

At around 6:30pm, I met with NP sister #6- Miss. Nic. We went around the London's "EYE" by Westminster Abbey. We went a restaurant there, the food was banging. It was Japanese style. That restaurant must be a popular place cause it was crowded. Afterwards we walked around the strip! WE had good convo talking about U.S/U.K, work ethic. She made a good point, she would never work in the U.S because she doesn't understand why the workforce requires so much work and little vacation time. They wonder why many of us are burnt out!!! We also talked about hip-hop. I didn't know that British artists have a difficult time in shining in the U.K, many of them have to travel to the U.S for stardom : Estelle, Leona Lewis, Floetry and etc. Their hip hop scene is on point. I need to check out their GRIME music!!!Good experience one again.

**** Karaoke****
While I was heading home, I met up with KATE AND SAM again. We went to Millers (another pub). That night it was Karaoke night. I was feeling bold and decided to "sing" FYI I don't have vocal talents at all. I sung ACE OF BASE- ALL THAT SHE WANTS RAY CHARLES- HIT THE ROAD JACK, I had a good time, the crowd loved me especially the energy that I put in. This guy insisted on taking pics with me and my friends. I aint gonna front, I thought he wanted to steal my camera and he called me out on that.

Everyone was having a good time until these two American Girls were upset. Supposedly one of the girls was getting hit on by an older guy meaning the guy was flirting with her. Whatya expect Alcohol+ Pub+ karaoke night= Flirting. It seemed as if they never been around an older crowd of people. She was making US look bad. The sweet person that I am, I consoled her :D. The only way I would understand her sorrow was if the guy tried to rape her. But IMO, it seemed like innocent fun. That girl needs to tighten up cause as a tourist, you don't wanna get taken advantage of and break down in public. The faculty tried to give her the best ways to get home but after a while they had the "fu** it!" attitude and said " you on your own". They have sympathy for women but not like we do in the states.

Moral of the blog: Man up in a different country and have a good time while traveling. also Karaoke is my new hobby :D

6/15/09

***Internship***
We have a newbie that joined SPW/D4L. She seems like a cool person. I emailed all of the potential ambassadors for d4l. I did my official video for LONDON-tour of my internship.. CHECK IT OUT!! http://youtube.com/indeecisive. On a personal level I feel like I am progressing. I am improving on my handwriting, organizational skills, addressing confusion that I may have. and ARRIVING TO WORK ON TIME. I realize that I used to come late to work because I didn't like my job. This internship, I like it alot and if I were to stay longer, I would grow with the company. I don't think I could do grad school no more because the I am feeling the realworld! and weekends off :D.

I like working in a non-corporate environment. I don't feel inferior and I can implement my creative ideas to an upcomming project. I think it is good to have a non-profit org background to further develop a person and making mistake won't cost the company.The reason that I want to do non-profit is because of my future pursuits. I want to become a radio personality. Behind the mic, they participate in alot of community service and non prof projects. I want to make myself more eligible for work. And It really interests me! I went home and did the usual, Homework and internet :D

May 31,2009

** Keeping it short and sweet**

Today was my down time. I was catching up on some homework. I went grocery shopping at Tesco. That store is pretty cheap. I also reloaded my bus card. Don't expect to buy bulks of food here. YOu must buy food every week :(

Pre- London Jitters May 27th 2009

May 27th, 2009
I had to make sure that I packed up everything. I will be in London for two months; Away from my family, family and my COMFORT ZONE and entering a new territory. This process was not easy. I was supposed to be in London last week but those DAMN BRITISH CONSULATE PEOPLE denied my visa. I blame the bank lady at UCF for not knowing what an OFFICIAL BANK STAMP was..dumbass. That denial caused me to change my flight, pull out more from my personal savings.I had to reapply for my visa and had it expedited. Also, I had to way for the EUSA INTERNSHIP program to see if they will still accept me being a late arrival.

I never had various emotions and thoughts at one time. At one point, FED EX lost my second visa package. I even thought about dropping out the program. One of my friends advised me to, but several of my friends, Office of international studies + EUSA people recommended me that I don't do that. EUSA mentioend that I would get penalized. And I already was too deep into the program that it would cost me more if I don't go. the OIS people at my school witnessed my roller coaster emotions and I am glad that I had them as a support system especially DeDe! even hwen I was upset, her figurative language ( "wiggle room") always made me laught.

I knew it was meant for me to go on the trip because I FINALLY RECEIVED MY 2ND VISA!!! They found the lost packaged and I received it fast. Also, I received a study abroad scholarship. Although the trip was quite pricy; I had to pull out a loan for the first time :( , THIS BETTER BE WORTH IT <_< style="font-weight: bold;">

Earliest memories of wanting to go to London
I always wanted to go to London ever since I was little. My earliest recollection of why I wanted to go is when I was 9-10 years old. In Brooklyn, my block had a block party and there was a black girl my age that was there. She was new so me and my friends wanted to get to know her. All of a sudden, she spoke very differently and I loved how she talked. The only accents I was familiar with was Caribbean accents ( Haitians, Domincians, PR, Jamaicans etc). Come to find out, she was from London, I loved how she talked!

Another memory is my brother's ex-girlfriend. Whenever she spoke, I'd get googly-eyed. I freaking loved her accent. And when she talked about her experiences there, it further inspired me to seek opportunities to others. On a side note, whenever you interact with young people, try to leave a positive impression cause you never know how that experience can influence them to pursue other things.!!!

Now back on track...Day of departure (while I was on the plane I wrote this)

I called DeDe from OIS and let her know that I was leaving. She wished me luck. Also a couple of my friends and family wished me luck. I did my last checkup and FREAKING FORGOT MY 16GB MEMORY CARD :( DAMN. My friend Antoinette (hey Ann :D ) gave me a ride to the airport, that was real sweet of her. The British Airways staff and Londoners are very nice. I had arrived to checkout late and they rushed my process so I won't miss the plane. I was sitting next to a father and son that were from London. Me and the father spoke a while. He warned me that Central London is a bad area, filled with prostitutes and crackheads. He made it seem like I never encountered that before. I live in Orlando and there is a block called Orange Blossom Trail and I have seen my fair share of all those kind of people. One good advice he told me was not to take cabs, certain ones are not registered with the government so there is a good chance that I could get mugged and raped :( .

His son does not like airplane food so his dad gave it to me. ( My new best friend). If people want to calm me down- give me food and money and I'll be straight. AGAIN let me reiterate that London people seem nice so far and know their sense of directions. They showed me the ways of getting around to my location. DAMN WHY the airplane ride have to be 8 hours long, but I am glad that it was non stop!!! Most of the people on board were 99% white. It made me wonder on why many minorities do not travel to different countries (NOT INCLUDING IMMIGRANTS). However I didn't feel uncomfortable.!!
My fear!!!!
I am nervous b/c I never traveled outside the U.S as a grown adult. The last time I traveled was when I was four years old and went to France. The only thing that I remember is my Uncle's/ Godfather's Pink bathroom with a funny looking toilet. Since I never traveled outside the U.S I am not used to other countries set of customs. In the U.K, I do not know what behaviors are considered acceptable. I have to get used to how they talk. They speak very fast and have a different accent so i have to catch on to that. Sometimes I have to focus on their lips.
I am scared mostly because I have never been a tourist. The first time I entered into a new environment was when I was 13. I moved from NY TO FL :(, As I mentioned earlier, I never knew that America had diverse accents. So when I moved down here. I would always get questions such as YOU ain't from 'round here, where you from? Omg you're from Ny you think you're all that. Say talk, walk coffee *follow by sets of giggles* and more questions such as " why do Ny ppl do this and that" AND THE comment that urked me the most " You talk like a white girl" ughhhhhhhhhhhhh that mess urks me to the core!! I still get asked in FL to this day on where I am from. I guess I won't fit in with Floridans. O well I'm proud to be a NewYoridan :D.

I will stick out like a sore thumb. I am black, American, and a girl lol. I really can't blend in with my surroundings cause of my acccent. I have to make sure that people do not try to take advantage of me. However ,I am ready to meet new people and enter a new land. I want to hear all of London's music, lifestyle and latest fashion. I am not going to lie, I want to see the flyest guys and they will get my attention because I love their accents. I feel that as a woman of color, it is important to travel. Gaining Abroad expriences is Phenominal and impressive on a resume and it is a boost of personal growth.



Once I land, I do not have time to relax. I have to be on my feet. From the plane, I have to go from the airport to the train to arrive at my student living ALONE! After I briefly settle in, I have to go immediately to my internship. I will suffer from severe jet lag. Remember London is 5 hours ahead of the U.S and I took a 8 hour flight. So I arrived in LOndon at 2am EST but 7AM THEIR TIME.

**Reminders***

-Do not call a British person European, it is real offensive!!!
-If you are planning to do Study Abroad, do your student visas ahead of time, you will save money and heartache
- If possible, take online classes and travel abroad, it'll keep you busy
-Airport food is straight

A special thanks to 2 NP sisters: Bellacranberry and Mis~. Without you guys, I would be London Lost. Can't wait to see my NP sisters!!!!