This is a Trinidad ting

Machel Hammersmith Apollo

2007-08-18T12:24:00.000+01:00

I GOING!!!!!!!!!

just bought tickets for me and my friend £30 @ - not bad really. From Fri till about either late mon night or tues I'm in London living large.

happy days :-)

Hi Everyone

2007-08-09T19:09:00.000+01:00

Hello all

I know its been a while. Been pretty busy between April and now. Had a friend staying with me, who has now gotten a job in London and is doing her thing. Started playing a game WoW, which was my previous post occupied every spare minute at home. Facebook happened...., got a new tattoo and I'm growing my hair again.

The time is drawing near I know what my pics are : Mystic, Silver mist & Black magic - watch this space.

Nottinghill Carnival is soon people. Don't know if any trinis abroad or just other people in general will be joining in festivities. Machel is having his concert the carnival Fri Rezzarek fest Mr. Vegas in the Hammersmith Apollo. I should be there, not bought the ticket yet though - £30 early bird, £35 norm and I believe V.I.P is £50 which includes the after party. David Rudder is also having an all inclusive at Little Crott Country Manor (sounds all posh) see www.poisonuk.com for more details. I'm prob mainly going to hit the streets at nottinghill time to get some caribbean food. Can't blame a girl for trying.

So in a couple of weeks time.
Hope Caribana was fun for those of you that participated or went to watch. Uk time next, but I'm sure it won't be as good.

Laterz people - over and out

WoW

2007-06-28T15:55:00.001+01:00

I've also joined the crack addict game. So any european WoW gamers

Jenevieve
Human - Mage
Silvermoon sever

US server

Jenevieve
Blood Elf - Rogue
Shattered halls

I miss Trini talk

2007-06-28T09:00:00.000+01:00

Over the weekend my friend came across this clip on youtube.

"DOH FLIM MEH!"

Man we had a good laugh on this. Now I know it looks bad on the whole worldwide prospective of things, i.e we can't talk properly or we're aggressive or whatever.
But being in England so long, I have to tell you that it was quite refreshing in a sense to listen to this over and over again. I sent the clip to a couple of my english friends who just didn't understand most of what he said. My thing is the way he said it.

"doh flim meh" "You want me to mash it up ah wha?" "what de mudder c*nt is wrong with allyuh?"

especially the FLIM! LOL we real crack up on this one boy.

This morning I was thinking about stuff I miss hearing -

use of word "dread" started using that one the other day out the blue at work not on purpose, but in an email of all things, and had to go through the motions of explaining that one.

yes oui!

Correct is right

Badjohn

Wham now? I jus dey

JAH!

use of word 'de'
use of word 'ting'
use of the word c*nt - now I know is a curse word, here its more or less taboo and I forgot how 'beautiful' it could sound when done correctly i.e like in that video clip. esp with the word 'mudder' infront

use of 'haul yuh..' 'hold yuh...'

etc etc

I normally use maco, lime alot and I'm the steupsing queen. One of my real good friends from up here finally figured out the other day what maco means. Took her over a year though but still. I don't think they get what I'm talking about when I use lime AT ALL! I get questioned on it all the time, but its so natural and righteously fitting I'm not replacing it. The steupsing they all seem to get, and some people have even picked it up - not as good though, they're like doing it at the front of their mouths and that is not working. Although I steupsed at my manager the other day and he asked me what is all that about - I just shook my head and walked away. tut tut

Funny enough my pet peeve is people who can't speak properly. I know we have our dialect and that's fine. But people who can't speak properly when its the 'right' time - actually appaul me, and I start to think that they might be illiterate or something. And I really can't stand it on English people because I feel like this is where the language comes from and there is just no need. Thank goodness none of my english friends speak like that cause they wouldn't be my friends it bothers me that much to hear it.

That's all for today folks - see you next time

Facebook Vs Blogger

2007-06-23T20:21:00.001+01:00

Is anyone else finding they too busy facebooking to be blogging? LOL
Must have been on facebook now for the last 3hours or so - doig other stuff inbetween of course. But my word you could really get caught up on there dread!

Been to watch Fantastic Four and Oceans 13 this week, and can't wait for Die Hard! You'll have to excuse me but Bruce Willis still looks good to me, bald and all. Thank you to the makers of Fantastic Four who saw it possible to make a movie in the 1 1/2 hr time frame. Amen! I don't know why some movie makers think they have to drag out a storyline to 2hr minimum steupse. Oceans 13 was actually better than I thought it would be and I managed to have a little laugh here and there as well..

I am also presently amazed with the speed of my typing.

Been still keeping up the kickboxing and running twice a week. I've been having an extended sleep over as my trini girlfriend is with me and its been GREAT! And I think I will be having more visitors after August can't hardly wait. I get to do all that girly stuff :-) Big up Ran!

Soccermom status to be confirmed July 4th.

Facebook - if you're not on it, get on it.

What's your fine? mine is $415.60

2007-06-09T19:41:00.000+01:00

Stolen from a friend on facebook who prob stole it from somewhere else. If you score under $100 then you prob need to not be knowing me LOL.

Tally it up Post it as..."My Fine Is..."

Smoked pot -- $10
Did acid -- $5
Ever had sex at church -- $25
Woke up in the morning and did not know the person who was next to you -- $40
Had sex with someone on MySpace -- $25
Had sex for money -- $100
Ever had sex with the a Puerto Rican -- $20
Vandalized something -- $20
Had sex on your parents' bed -- $10
Beat up someone -- $20
Been jumped -- $10
Crossed dressed -- $10
Given money to stripper -- $25
Been in love with a stripper -- $20
Kissed some one who's name you didn't know -- $0.10
Hit on some one of the same sex while at work -- $15
Ever drive drunk -- $20
Ever got drunk at work, or went to work while still drunk -- $50
Used toys while having sex -- $30
Got drunk, passed and don't remember the night before -- $20
Went skinny dipping -- $5
Had sex in a pool -- $20
Kissed someone of the same sex -- $10
Had sex with someone of the same sex -- $20
Masturbated -- $10
Done oral -- $5
Got oral -- $5
Done / got oral in a car while it was moving -- $25
Stole something -- $10
Had sex with someone in jail -- $25
Made a nasty home video -- $15
Had a threesome -- $50
Had sex in the wild -- $20
Been in the same room while someone was having sex -- $25
Stole something worth over more than a hundred dollars -- $20
Had sex with someone 10 years older -- $20
Had sex with someone under 21 and you are over 27 -- $25
Been in love with two people or more at the same time -- $50
Said you love someone but didn't mean it -- $25
Went streaking -- $5
Went streaking in broad daylight -- $15
Been arrested -- $5
Spent time in jail -- $15
Peed in the pool -- $0.50 (everyone has when they were a kid...if you say you haven't then ur lying!!)
Played spin the bottle -- $5
Done something you regret -- $20
Had sex with your best friend -- $20
Had sex with someone you work with at work -- $25
Had anal sex -- $80
Lied to your mate -- $5
Lied to your mate about the sex being good -- $25

Blogthing

2007-05-31T18:38:00.001+01:00

'learning' random stuff about self. do silly quizzes on this site.

Quiz: What does your birthdate mean?

***Your Birthdate: July 31***

You're a pretty traditional person. If it's lasted, it's probably good.
You seek stability - both in your career and your romantic relationship.
In return, you're very loyal and predictable. Which is usually a good thing.
Without a partner, you feel lost. Being with someone is very important to you.

Your strength: Your dependability

Your weakness: You hate being alone

Your power color: Midnight blue

Your power symbol: Shell

Your power month: April

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/

pretty much works for me.

Quiz: What kind of panties are you? (LOL)
***You Are Basic Panties***

You are a laid back chick with a real natural beauty.
You can make unwashed hair and minimal make-up super sexy.
Men tend to notice you show the "real you" - and they appreciate it.
And while basic makes boring for some, it looks classic on you.

Quiz 3: What colour car should you drive?

***You Should Drive a Black Car***

You're the type of driver who's totally dominant and even a bit aggressive.
You see the road as a "dog eat dog" world... and you're not about to get eaten!
You like to drive a vehicle that conveys power. Big engine. Big price tag.
You rule the road - and you like everyone to know it.

What Color Car Should You Drive?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorcarshouldyoudrivequiz/

My exotice dancer name is Jaguar
My porn star name is J-ho

Carnival 08

2007-05-31T15:44:00.000+01:00

This option is looking more and more possible. Today, had on the soca again and its almost instantaneous the feeling of wanting to be there all up in it. Summer is more or less upon us (never mind the weather in England)and you know about August time its time to think who to play with. Been skimming the other carnival blogs like Saucy and Kara's because I really didn't want to get too involved from so early on. Having to deal with normal home sickness is bad enough. Went through that just recently.
But as for today I feeling it man. I happy and proud, and could really take on a jump and wine session about now.

Even went so far as to think if I grow back my hair in the meantime now, I could cut it again next year so that I don't have to worry about headpiece.
Lucky for those who have summer carnivals. Caribana sounding like something to contend with. Not sure what I'll be doing for nottinghill carnival, but I will definately try and hit a fete or two. Poisonuk are going to launch their new site on Fri 8th June and they'd have fete info etc.

Will be going running later with my soca playlist whoo hoo

Bad blogger

2007-05-23T23:17:00.000+01:00

I know boy. Just couldn't be arsed lol! Don't want to despair. Been enjoying life yes. I suppose with the weather being better I'm not indoors as much and when I am, I'm busy.
All my fav shows have or coming to an end. I think its only Lost that's left which is tonight. Between now and fall need to catch up on movies too somehow.
Just came off a weekend spa break as well. Those of you who are on facebook can see pics.
Was doing really well with the weight and since Fri managed to put on 4lbs. I don't know nah. but no biggie will sort it.Besides that I feel really good about myself right now cause I know the regime is in place.
Been out alot recently and that's not going to slow down till June kicks in. Life is good.
Its summer people whooo

Fav females

2007-05-04T16:47:00.000+01:00

Madonna
Jennifer Lopez
Kelis
Pink

3 of them are Leo's and so am I.

random I know.

Its just gone 6am. RAH! steupseeeeeeeee

2007-05-03T06:01:00.000+01:00

At about 2.15am my husband got out of bed this morning, and I haven't been back to sleep since. Its going to be a long day. After the clock said 5.00am I thought I'd better get up and be useful because if I go back to sleep I'd be out for the count. STeupseee!
Had breakfast, thought I'd watch latest episode of 24 to help, but that show is just not the same if you're not watching it back to back.

Orange Wed last night and we saw 'Next'. I'm not sure what is going on with Nicholas Cage's hair, (Kara do you?) He looked good in Ghost Rider but not this time. Anyhow if you happen to watch it, I'd appreciate views on the ending.
Actually went to cinema to watch Perfect Stranger but I got there late. steupseee! An actual combination of actors that I would like to see Bruce and Halle. I bet you by next Wed it won't be showing anymore steupppseeeeee. Spiderman this weekend - doing that one family style. And Pirates of the Caribbean at the end of the month can't wait to see Johnny and Orlando for a couple of hours whoooo Lordee.

Weight & Exercise
I've more or less started a running club on thurs even lol. Its cool though. Tonight there should be about 6 of us. I've gotten to doing exercise about 3 times a week now. kickboxing Tues as usual, Thurs running, and one day weekend running. If I run on Sat that would normally be my 'training' for the race for life in July. But I really prefer my Sun eve where I can just incorporate and 'end of weekend take off the junk start the week right' run. I must say I've improved on the distance I can run (or I should really say jog) without stopping. My stomach gets a proper workout from it as well and tends to tighten up- its all good. I'm very proud. Its been great to do it with friends esp where the weather here has been especially nice for May low 20's hitting up to about 26 degrees. Although I have to say in the mornings going to work I put the soca on and try to create a state of delusion and pretend its hot but it doesn't work :-(
Weight loss from 11st 2lbs to 10st 11lbs. Eating better and trying to make the right choices even when I have those let me snack and leave me alone moments. And its working. I could very much see myself doing this every year Apr/ May - Oct exercise, enjoy outdoors and looking good for summer. Winter - relax exercise once a week.
Want to do some swimming next. And def try and get some rackets. I'll try and blag that as a birthday pressie as the procrastination of actually getting around to playing tennis might take that long.
Spa break in a couple of weeks. and we've already planned out how to do the 'bad' and even up with good.

Have a good day people, I know I won't

Bacchanal reach here too...

2007-04-28T14:46:00.000+01:00

Ok allyuh I far ok. I have a friend from trini staying with me right now and yesterday she told me that while she was listening to BBC Radio1 yesterday 'the Akon story' made the news. I know it does involve an international star but all the drama around it still going on and it actually made news here, just yesterday.
And seeing as I'm bothering to mention the story that I know everybody done kill already, I will just say my 2 cents worth. That girl parents see her photos?? and I don't mean just from the club that night omg! I wouldn't be defending her innoncence if that was my daughter/sister after seeing that.

I hope this kinda thing doesn't deterr other int stars from coming anyway.

I also thought Johnny Soong was invincible didn't you? well maybe he is... I'm sure there's another night club just waiting to open up.

New show alert!

2007-04-25T20:30:00.000+01:00

Ok I have wanted to post but have been taken hostage by the show 'Heroes'. Just so that you know.

All these shows will be coming to an end soon enough anyway byt the end of May I would have thought. Then over the summer its time to think about if to play Carnival next year. Although I know that Saucy took a big headstart as soon as carnival finished lol. I'm trying not to get too caught up in it at the moment.

Also to note, I have been running on a regular basis. Yeah! And I have actually managed to shift a couple of pounds, but still just about maintaining that. Yeah again! So for all the people in foreign, enjoy the spring/summer as its here and get outdoors.

And my hair is really working, its been over a month and I still get comments on it regularly. Short hair the official best way foward.

Time for some more heroes now.. got to go NOW, running out of time!

British Citizenship test.

2007-04-12T22:21:00.000+01:00

I passed! I bought the book Sat and somewhere between Mon and this morning I managed to prepare myself.

I had to go to Portsmouth to do test. It was £34 and the test is 24 multiplechoice questions and they give you 45mins to complete it. I will gloat and add that I finished the test and double checked my work with 39mins to spare.

The topics covered in the study guide were:

1 - A Changing Society - basically about how, when, who, why migration began. Women and children in society
2 - Britain today: a Profile - ALOT about the census from 2001. Population, tradition, customs, religion
3 - How Britain is Governed - self explanatory
4 - The Formal Institutions - again government/monarchy related stuff
5 - Devolved Administration - government etc again which also includes the Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland ( for those of you that don't know the United Kingdom/Britain is made up of the 4 countries in one - England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland)
6 - Britain in Europe & the World - Basically about Britain and the EU, Britain and the Commonwealth & Britain and United Nations
7 - The Ordinary Citizen - political rights of ordinary citizens

Not sure why knowing about the population in Wales back in 2001 is relevant, or what relevance knowing when women first gained the right to divorce their husbands in the uk is? But I have learned alot of new facts.

1840's - famine in Ireland
1857- women could divorce their husbands
1882- women could keep their earnings and assets when they marry
1918- women could vote
1928- women could vote same age as men
1948- UK invited people from Ireland and W.I to help rebuild after the war

I also learned about the National days for each country and Patron Saints that go with them. England is St.George on 23rd April.
Learned the difference between the House of Lords and the House of commons. etc etc

We won

2007-04-09T20:25:00.000+01:00

Sunderland wins 2-1! I was sat in the Home supporters only section, so I couldn't express my glee quite as freely. Didn't want anybody to go all Greenstreet on my ass.

I wore my TT flag tee-shirt. Its a top that is the image of our flag in full basically. During half time this guy comes up to me just to make sure that is really a trini he spotted. Sure nuff. He was from TT too there with his kids etc etc. While he was talking to us, my son piped up " I'm from Trinidad too", never mind he was born here, but I'm so proud of him for thinking like that anyway :-)
He gave me his number, so I guess sometime in the future I'll get to know a Trini in Southampton.

Carlos Edwards was the man of the hour, Dwight ain't do nuttin special.

Happy Easter

2007-04-08T12:21:00.000+01:00

Happy Easter everyone. Its been a really good week for life in England. Weather has picked up. My friend from Trinidad has come up here and I've started exercising/training for Race for Life.

It is good to look outside and see sunny blue skies. Its still a trick because when you go outside its still a little chilly, espcially if the breeze has anything to do with it but we're getting there. Hitting 18-20 degrees.

One of my good friends from school has come up here on a working/holiday and she is staying with me for a little while. Its great because I love any feeling of home. She brought me up some crix YEAH! She's not sure how long she'll be because she'll be looking round for a job but more London area. It was lovely to go shopping with female company yesterday. Hope she's enjoying her stay so far.

Between last Sunday and now I've been out running/walking 3 times so far. Didn't manage kickboxing this week but that's no matter. Love exercising outdoors, its very refreshing. Yesterdays trek was the hardest so far. But once the Easter fair on the common goes away it'd be much easier to stick to the route we're used to. In the early stages don't really want to be exercising round the funfair and bouncing up people you know. At least once a week running from now on.

Today making traditional roast dinner as its Easter and all, and as a first Sunday lunch in England for my friend. With a treacle tart for dessert.

Tommorow is the Saints vs Sunderland game and I'll be going to support my fellow trinis, I hope none of them are injured or sitting on the bench. Its our first football game for all of us. I'm really excited.

On Thurs LIFE IN THE UK KNOWLEDGE TEST. Only bought the books yesterday so I have alot of reading and studying to do. I am finally applying for my British Citizenship. Only to make travelling easier on the constant pestering from my husband. That will be another post in itself though.

Hope you all are relaxing and enjoying the Easter weekend.

Quiet weekend

2007-04-01T01:32:00.000+01:00

The boys are away for the weekend at Butlins since Fri. Had my girlfriend over last night after the Steelpan evening thingee. We watched Notes on a Scandal to start off with, and after a few drinks Queens of comedy. I highly recommend drinking and comedy - now that is a good night. Went to bed about 3.30am
This morning woke up watched Hannibal Rising, then Kings of comedy - no drinks this time unfortunately as I had work in the afternoon.

The girlie bit is over now, so all alone. Watched The Holiday with my microwave dinner. Oh my that Jude Law. Sometimes I debate to myself if I did the right thing giving my son the middle name Jude, but when I see Jude Law I KNOW it was correct. Good-looking can bearly describe the man, he is the maning of the word 'dashing'. Who made him.

My mission either for the rest of the night/tom is to watch Apocalypto and Smoking Aces if I get the chance.

Soca lyrics

2007-04-01T01:26:00.000+01:00

Also found this link today. I'm sure it could be useful to alot of people

http://users.newblog.com/trini/

I am the Caribbean police

2007-03-31T23:36:00.000+01:00

On invitation I went to my first outter Caribbean experience last night. A friend asked me if I wanted to come and watch her son play steelpan at a evening event. It was held at the Afro-Caribbean centre and the theme was the abolishion of slavery.

The theme wasn't thrust upon you in such a way that it would make the evening grave which was cool. I have never spent any considerable amt of time listening to pan so this was first. It was kids first, then it went up in age until it got to the adults who basically run the centre. It was much, small stage, Roughly about 10 pans for each performance. There weren't only people of caribbean decent there so to speak. I loved the whole vibe because as I've said before I have to go behind town to really be amongst 'familiar things' ( I am not getting into nitty gritties). And I was behind town.

I know that I'm way too judgemental but I can't help it. But sometimes what concerns me the most about living here is the way that things can be perceived as being a near true representation of what its like to be in the Caribbean. My conclusion is people will never have a clue. I think its fabulous to have things like this around and there is the opportunity for people to take part and be part of things that they miss by trying to re-create and I'm not knocking that aspect of it.
But for the british-born decendants of the Vincy, Jam, Lucian, etc and the english community that are interested in the culture, its an injustice that they aren't aware of, unless they've actually ventured to the Caribbean. Cause they look like they feel like they getting the 'real deal' and that bothers me because it can be easy to disassociate smallness from greatness. So seeing 5/6 people on stage at one time playing VERY OLD standards and Harry Belafonte, Spanish eyes on stage by mostly amateurs prob looks like a true representation.

I sat there last night enjoying my vibe but also thinking, 'man, I wish some people here could see what that man with the pan onstage with Bunji at Ignite could really do'. or let them see what panorama is like or something.

Anyhow, I asked my friend's son what type of pan he was playing because I couldn't remember which is which (i.e tenor pan, bass pan etc). He tells me that he plays the steelpan, he didn't understand the question because to him there is no ans. This prompted me to do some research on google today. And I came across this wikipedia - Origins & Controversy of steelpan which further upset me:

There is controversy concerning the steelpan's origins. Although it is reported that Winston "Spree" Simon took an old biscuit tin, and beat it with a corn cob to form a steelpan, the history of the evolution and development of the steelpan is more complex and nuanced than that. While Simon may have been the first to use biscuit tins, it quickly turned to ash cans and the steel drums made unintentionally available by the United States. Bunches of young African men can be credited with contributing to the steel pan. Only having scraps as their primary resources they used what they had to preserve aspects of their culture in the space of the Caribbean. Clearly being influenced by the mixture of those on the islands along with the desire for African drums, steel pan was formed. The development of the pan took place largely during WWII, the first record of a pan band in the press being in a report of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival in the Trinidad Guardian dated Tuesday, February 6, 1940.

Two Americans, George Whitmyre and Harvey J. Price, have secured a US patent for "the process of formation of a Caribbean steelpan using a hydroforming press". This patent is being challenged by the Trinidad and Tobago Legal Affairs Ministry, since many Trinbagonian drum makers have used similar methods for years.

which prompted me to click on the Soca link:

Soca, or soul calypso, is a dance music that originated in Trinidad from calypso. It combines the melodic lilting sound of calypso (based on the original Steel Pan) with insistent (usually electronic) percussion. Soca music has evolved in the last 20 years primarily by musicians from Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana, and the Lesser Antilles.

The reputed father of soca was Lord Shorty (né Garfield Blackman), whose 1963 recording of "Cloak and Dagger" started the trend. It would be Lord Kitchener who would begin the noticeable and accredited transition and Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, which made soca a West Indian social wave, but the Baha men, Kevin Lyttle,Machel and Walker and others in the 21st century brought it to American recognition.

Like calypso, soca was used for both social commentary and risqué humor, though the initial wave of soca acts eschewed the former. Lord Shorty was disillusioned with the genre by the 1980s because soca was being used to express courtships and sexual interests. Like all things related to sexual freedom, it became embraced because of its ability to reflect what people were thinking and their desires in a society that was sexually repressed. Soca music became an expression of sexuality through metaphors in the West Indies. Soon after, Shorty moved to the Piparo forest, converted to the Rastafari movement and changed his name to Ras Shorty I. There, he created a fusion of Reggae and gospel music called jamoo in the late 1980s.In the 1990's and now the new century Soca has evolved into a blend of musical styles. Machel Montano's collaborations with Jamacian musicians (Ret Rat and Beenie Man),American musician (Walker)and Japanese artists have pushed the boundries of modern Soca.Machel Montano would be the first mainstream Soca artist to sell out venues all over the world including the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Some of the greatest soca artists of all time are Shadow, Lord Kitchener, Mighty Sparrow, Krosfyah, Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, and more recently artists such as Alison Hinds, Atlantik, Machel Montano, Destra Garcia, Shurwayne Winchester, Denise Belfon, and Maximus Dan.

I have a fewer bones with the Soca one and it looks to be recent as it mentions Machel in MSG. The caribbean police is happy with the worldwide recognition that would receive although much more work needed-it gets the job done.

Race for Life - Southampton July 15th

2007-03-27T21:18:00.000+01:00

Tonight at kickboxing I was asked if I wanted to do Race for life. Its a charity event held over summer in the aid of Cancer research UK. Its a 3mile walk/run/jog race that's women only. https://www.raceforlife.org/

I was very impulsive and decided to go with it and I have now registered. Yipee! I do understand the day can get quite emotional as alot of relatives of people who may have suffered from it, take part.

I'm definately up for the challenge and have asked quite a number of people in the last 10 mins or so, not sure how many will actually want/able to. But I think it would be good fun. I'm also looking foward to the training bit.

Anybody who is interested in donating can give me your £££ here.

I have a low target of £50. I also had to pay £10 entry fee and will probab end up with some t-shirt or accessories for the day as well.

Just a thought to share

Why is it still cold?

2007-03-21T21:06:00.000Z

Last week I thought that 'yes, finally' spring is more or less here. I'd stand by the bus stop or on the school playground and I'd feel the warmth of the sun hitting my skin.

That was last week. This week so far we've had some pelting hail stones off and on, rain, cold, 2 mins of snow WTF????????????????????

I had to a whole go back to layered clothes and wintercoat, and even gloves this afternoon, although I wish I wore them yesterday. steupseee.

Not impressed. How does it go from 15-17 degrees in the afternoon last week to 5-7 degrees this week. Not a happy bunny.

over and out.

Checking in

2007-03-19T08:40:00.000Z

I think with nothing in the near future to look foward to its not so easy to post. But I don't want to give up on this.

The hardest thing about being back from home in general is being back at work. Any little shit happens I'm straight on a 'I want to go home' scene. The first week back was very much like that. I was going to work on the bus trying to think of what I'd do if I went back home. Came up with a PA/ landlord - I know what I'm talking about. Have some property in Tobago, develop, rent etc while driving around in the baking sun, go to the beach - BIG DAYDREAMS. I even asked my husband about going back home to live when our son has to switch schools - the answer was I don't know about that = NO! He thinks our only shot of going out there now is to do property development or something. Moving along. Besides the possibility of mas 08' my next trip to Trinidad may very well be in Christmas 08 which is a very long time from now. And that makes carnival more of a likelihood.

Generally I'm back into the swing of things here now. Kickboxing is on the go, still waiting for it to be light a little bit later and a partner for running but that should be soon. Clock will be going back anyday now.
Profitshare came in so I've re-wardrobed YEAH! Cinema is back in full swing. So far Number 23, Ghost Rider, Premonition & TMNT - bring on the rest. March has been busy, I like to feel like I have a life. Dinner party next weekend - how very grown up. Just us mommies & husbands no kids. I think I'll be a little out of my league lol should be fun all the same because the 5 of us get on really well and our kids are really close friends. Ditch the kids, husbands all know each other well(playdate), bring on food & alcohol!
(for future reference;Leo's friends mom's I refer to the 5 of us/them as 'the mommies')

The biggest news is that I've cut my hair in an effort to do a 'Kelis'. I loved the style she had in her Bossy video. I've never had my hair this short and relaxed but I love it and so does everybody else which is cool. Not quite Kelis though but I can flip the long bob bit on either side.

Full mommy mode today. Got to get ready for day out and 3 boys.Laters

Beautiful Liar

2007-03-13T16:43:00.000Z

Has anyone seen the video for Beyonce & Shakira's Beautiful Liar?

It is the sexiest video out right now I must say, I only saw it last night and I'm already addicted.
At first I couldn't tell the difference then I realised it was both of them. Definately worth a look & listen if you haven't already

Triniscene

2007-03-06T21:39:00.000Z

Triniscene.com has carnival pictures up now. Carnivalscene is still taking its cool time but hey. They obviously need to have more female photographers in this carnival industry.

started back going to kickboxing tonight. Got j'ouvert photos today, its not very many so I don't think I'll be scanning those.

Off your high yet?

2007-03-01T22:11:00.000Z

I told my work friends that I'll stop talking about Carnival when it gets warm. They're probably sick of me by now. Wait till I get my hands on my Tribe mag to bring it into work a month later after I've been on holiday lol.

I'm taking a break from 24, on series 3 now - too many late nights with this show.

OMG they blocked access to blogspot.com at work as inappropriate material to access while at work lol.

Slobfest is coming to an end. I fell asleep last night thinking I don't want to ruin the weight I'm at. It'll be spring soon enough and that may be a good time to start running again. I'll have a brand new soca list to exercise too :-) Will definately be starting back kickboxing Tues coming. I don't/didn't have a carnival body. I like to maintain this throughout the year. Plus I threw out all my bigger clothes so there's no room for too much slackness, some but not this week long nonsense I've been engaging in.

Big up to Karabana who's got lots of pics up some of which include the Bloggers lime, bloggers on the road mon&tues and her. Some of the people I didn't get to meet in person I saw on her site. I recommend you take a look if you haven't already.

Karabana's Carnival photos

another good site which I told her about which has loads of carnival pics as well is
Izatrini.com. They have it a bit underwraps but they're really clear photos.

Izatrini carnival pics

Carnival Mon & Tues pics

2007-02-25T20:23:00.000Z

I'm back on my shows now so I wanted to get all this out of the way as its back to work week.

Right! Carnival Mon I was on a serious high, I couldn't come off it when I had gotten home. Carnival Tues morning was slow and painful but the afternoon picked up a bit, but I'm sure that it would have been a better day had we had the time or opportunity to cross the Savannah 'stage'. Yes it made some difference not having a climax and I think that was missed by me at least on Tues. The foreshore jump was great, but for a las lap it was over all too quickly, even though my feet were grateful. As long as I'm hearing the music all is well, take that out of the equasion and = pain and tiredness. It was Me, Destra- Signs, and IP male masqueraders on the foreshore yes and Tribe ones too ;-) oh my word carnival Mon yes Lawd I could only giggle. And I have come to the conclusion that I need to open a Crop Over fund, I have to go see me some bajans *cough cough* correction I have to go experience the Crop Over festival.
Let me not forget to mention the state my chest is in. I'm officially a scabbo lol! Nowhere else got burnt except my chest and boobies. I have tan lines from my bra top on the road but wheey the chest is hideous!

Besides the QPS thing, my other complaint with Tribe is that even though we love the security, sometimes it overshadows the masqueraders. And it was hard to try and jump behind or even alongside the trucks at times. the sections should be behind the trucks not alongside unless stage crossing or for drinks/food. It ended up half the section on one side, half on the next and a lack of conformity. Plus when you chook up on the side you get stuck inbetween trucks not knowing what to wine to. And that is important.

Note I did not have my camera on the road as I said before. My husband who was observing mas from the savannah took pics and because Tribe didn't cross on Tues there are no Tribe Tues pics. But if you're an Island People masquerader it would be worth you having a look to see if you're on my album as there are loads of IP pics from Tues.
I have tried to narrow them down believe me the Tues folder was 500+ pics alone! There are so many beautiful people (male & female), costumes, funny antics etc that I wanted to keep alot of it. So please persevere and enjoy! BTW Red Ants J'ouvert pics will be up at some point but wasn't taken with the digital and will have to develop them, then scan.

Carnival Monday pics

Carnival Tues pics

Fete Pics

2007-02-25T18:04:00.000Z

Pics from Bacchanal Wed, Tribe Thursday & Girl Power are up. They're only really pics of the performers.
If you look at Bac Wed pics you'll see how Destra went on to perform to her usual best after 'said' incident. I don't see why everyone was making a fuss about her att, how would you feel getting hit with one of those foam things while performing? Anyway slight blip, but she continued to mash up de place - haters away!

Bacchanal Wed pics here

Tribe Thursday was my prize fete as I was having such a good time I lost my cell phone going 'down de road'. There was no jamming where I was infront of the stage and my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves when I tell you. They had big bouncy balls going through the crowd, and red devils or jab jabs whatever you call them blowing fire. Curtain crew roll call and who knew that mystery man could put down verse? I love meh boy Iwer. Imij put on a fantastic show as expected, they have some talent in there and we love de Ghetto Flex right! Etc Etc it was real good! who miss loss yes!

Tribe Thurs pics here

Girl Power- Just do it
Bep Bep Bep and expensive drinks. I said this already. I was too tired to really enjoy it so much which is a shame. But it would have been really good if I had the energy. I mean you know what Machel is do to people and I just couldn't make.

Girl Power pics here

Kiddies Carnival pics

2007-02-25T11:10:00.000Z

I'm uploading my kiddies carnival pictures presently. They're obviously partial towards the band my son was in - Spoilt Rotten but I've put them in a seperate folder. I wasn't the photographer this carnival or this trip for that matter. My husband seems to have done an ok job getting alot of the other bands and individual costumes. I haven't seen Gerard Kelly's presentation in the pics, which is a shame as it looked spectacular in the flesh. Obviously Rosalind Gabriel sections were beautiful (I still stand by my decision to have my son play with Spoilt as I didn't like her section for his age but all the older sections were fantastic).

The Red Cross competition in Jean Pierre complex consisted of more waiting than playing. Adam Smith through St. James was pretty good and I can't say that I noticed any kids looking tired etc. Sunshine snacks was a hard day, which reflected in the numbers for Downtown the next day.

Enjoy the pics

Spoilt Rotten

General Kiddies Carnival

Its all over now

2007-02-23T13:51:00.000Z

I'm back in England now. I wonder if anybody else has returned to foreign lands yet?
I really had a time in Carnival and I was peeved that Tribe last lap finished so early as I had just gotten my second wind of energy. Carnival Monday was THE BEST! Had to change from cute shoes to comfy shoes for Carnival Tuesday though. Wished we went around the savannah on Carnival Tues but ah well.
Red Ants j'ouvert put me off j'ouvert from now on, it just wasn't as good as last year. Should have stuck to the sunnysideup plan. Live and learn.
The Carnival has caught up with me finally I am in desperate need of sleep.
Went to Tobago on Ash Wed to get my curry crab which was as succulent as ever. And we even managed to go to the reef the next day.
I bought 2 soca compilations before I left from Just Cd's - so its legit, but unfortunately whatever I didn't get will be pulled from the internet. But I'd love to buy a Destra cd if I can get hold of one.
2008 Carnival isn't completely ruled out but I think if I did I will only do the last week of carnival.

I'm currently holding a slobfest. This involves alot of snacks that I brought back from Trini and watching shows all day long. This is my distraction from getting homesick. I will be left alone.
Work on Mon, I'm going in from 11am finish at 2 how lovely!

Collection last night

2007-02-18T03:33:00.000Z

Allyuh I in the same boat with the big belt just trying it on for my mother to fix if she can. I collectd last night at Cascadia after 7pm as I was advised not go around mid afternoon. We got flagged past Cascadia and I had to park on the road it was still busy. All the staff were cool and to pull the line outside, they guided us upstairs to sit down, where we were kept entertained with a Tribe Carnival video, water and the vital supplies (Crix). Eventually got around to paying that took a while the longest bit. Got costume, they made me try on the bra to make sure it fit good. I having issues with that bikini bottom dread it a bit skimpy but I get a good pair of tights in Samaroos today. I abandoned the kiddies carnival just to go get some. Man I could get on bad in them cause they holding in firm and nice. So thank you too all you mentioning Samaroos nough so that it stuck in my head to check it out. I think they're open tom again and I'm going to check them for another pair now that I'm happy with that one.
I'm out, dying now.

$20.00 for OJ ? nah man

2007-02-18T02:59:00.000Z

I was in GP last night Saucy but aye! Was with husband. And like you, after doing the 'cute' thing 2 nights in a row couldn't deal with the foot ache nah I went in slippers, tube top & jeans. The husband don't drink alcohol.We went to get chits to get water and an orange juice. We asked for the min amt - $20. Gone across by the bar and they bawling $20 for orange juice!?!?? come again? Even my tame husband said instantly "you're joking aren't you?" My girl went back and check $20.00 yes. He is there asking if that sounding right to me. In the end I said just get it and done, What we go do? We in the people party till Lord knows when.
I had parked up by the Savannah and wanted to go check to see how the car was as it was a little pressuh for parking last night. The scanning your face thing I was quite impressed with. Anyhow it had a carnival vendor setting up his bar right where we were parked. That was real nice cause we got a couple of drinks, potato chips and sat there on the bench for almost 1/2 hr just chilling.

Destra& Naya, Kes & Nadia MASH UP! Like they have done everytime I've seen them so far. What is the Flavor Flav thing about? that woke me up for that little 5mins there yes. Now when they said the fete was to finish at 7am I know I couldn't make, but I also knew as Destra already performed that it could only mean one other person was going to be shutting down the party. I feel so bad and ashamed that I couldn't handle it to stay. When I bought the tickets I didn't even know who was performing. I vex with myself a little bit. But my consolation is that once you've seen a band perform once or twie you've seen it all.And listen nah, kiddies carnival band met up for 8.30 this morning.
Last night was the only night so far that I ain't leave the place wet from head to toe. That "down de road" ting is scandalous yes oui- I real enjoyed it in Tribe Thurs. We get on badda than bad in fron that stage Thurs night. I stil find they overdoing the 'we going so' business. Lost my cell phone all kinda ting in the madness. Loss it or somebody raff it cause it had people holding on to the bam bam 'going down de road'
From Wed night- Fri night was a constant 4-5am reach home thing and up before 10am. I jumbie!Suffering!bitching! But was that radio goes on and the soca start I fix!

We on the home stretch now and I hope everyone is having a FANSTASTIC time.
My fetting done now. Its carnival Sat today and i'm cool to just rest up till j'ouvert morning with RED ANTS. See you on the road or by Crobar tom

I miss Thou - Happy Valentines

2007-02-14T20:59:00.000Z

Ahhh finally got to be on internet. I even dreamt that I was posting lol.

ok today is Valentines Day. Saw Bunji & FayAnn down at Starlite Plaza my first sighting. I noticed she had on silver and he has on gold. awww. I was behind her in line at the bank.

It is GREAT!!! to be home!! Can't stress that enough. Husband working on the tan lol

Updates

Been to the Tribe mas camp for the first time yesterday and in person I still find that Imp & Fancy Indian the best costumes on offer, they're so beautiful and even more so in person. The detail is unbelievable, not too much and just right.

i went Alternative Concept on the weekend - that was shit sorry. Well I reach like midnight so it could have been good before then I wouldn't know. I was actually falling asleep on myself.

Going Bacca Wed tonight to see Machel make up for Sat performance, Tribe Thurs tom hope to see you bloggers there, and Girl Power fri. That is my fetting done right there. Playing J'ouvert and then out on the road mon & Tues of course.

Jumbie for Road March! It have too much nice soca to pick runners up.

Allyuh like allyuh self for carnival and please be safe.
Have to see how many blogs I could catch up on in the next 20mins. Hopefully I'll log on soon again

How could I forget

2007-02-07T09:21:00.000Z

Last minute decision I'm going to play j'ouvert with my husband. I'm scrapping the sunnyside up. My eyes feel ok now, I'll protect them as best as I can. See you fellow red anters there.

Pre-departure blog

2007-02-07T06:34:00.000Z

Tomorrow morning I will be off. 5.30am leaving house. AHHH! When we land my first priority is to get some tasty Trini food.

I ain't pack yet, none of us have but I know in my head what going on with wadrobe so it wouldn't take me long. I am not crazy. Today last day of work I think I'm looking foward to getting out of there more than looking foward to Carnival itself!

The show 24 has taken my life hostage I am sad to report lol. And I've seen 3 men from Desperate Housewives in there so far (Rex, Carl, Lynette's ex-boss) wierd.

My objectives today : deal with pain (its that time), Do no work, pick up son from school say goodbyes, make my way through 2 more episodes of 24, eat dinner. Start packing.

I can't belive I'm going to be there tomorrow, its giving me goosebumps as I think about it. Its gone a little colder here again so I've greatful to be fortunate to run away to some hot sun. Trini I miss you, I'm coming home.
I've already started in the works Christmas in Trini 2008.

After collecting costumes on Fri, its kiddies carnival on the weekend. Before I reach late for work and I'm already tempted not to go Lord knows.

Bloggers see you soon...
Icahwait over and out!

Less than 1 week to go

2007-02-02T19:22:00.000Z

Oh gosh my weight anything has failed. Not where I'd like to be or close, could make a dent this week if I really really tried.hmmmnn
Went out mexican last Fri, and last night went to the pub for kickboxing gathering. I think I've just been eating heavy, later than I would usually. Not to mention I'm getting that monthly visitor next week. I am not impressed.

Have been to the gym this week again, and I really worked the stairmaster boy. If you see meh! Had a really nice work out and finished up with some abs and stretching.
But that was Tues.

Found out from kickboxing people that our Wushu class on Thurs was stopped- gutted. And I will definately be going back once I return from Trini.

Seeing as the O.C is finishing at the end of this season, I've replaced it with 24. Addicitive show dread I've been staying up late watching several episodes a night. Making my way through series 1.

that is me. next thurs...ahhh

This Carnival

2007-01-28T15:57:00.000Z

I just had a mini argument with my best friend who is in Trini. She saying that she find and people saying that it not really feeling like carnival this year???
She saying how Bunji ain't really have no hot songs and he pull out of soca monarch all kinda ting. And that the big names besides Machel don't really have any good songs etc.
Tell me it ain't so.

It soon come

2007-01-27T19:01:00.000Z

For those of us who aren't in Trinidad already celebrating, the time will soon come. I know there are a few of us flying in on the same day, less than 2 weeks to go now.
I got my fishnets today and my shoes earlier in the week. I know what fetes I want to go to. And I keeping my waistline in check,every so often go and wine in front the mirror with the ipod. Even my husband went shopping for some shorts. Got more or less everything my mother ask me to bring for her. And I done place my food orders for when I arrive too. We getting there, almost ready. Listening to soca919 as we speak.

I noticed things real slowed down this last week in terms of blogging.
I am ready to take a break from work already I fed up of inside there and that didn't seem to take long. Watched Rocky this Wed gone - besides all the yapping I liked the film. How he had the constant play of the soundtrack in the background (fast, slow, intrumental anyhow you like it) and then during the fight the flicker between colour and black/white for some of the shots was really cool. After the film went into a pub and one of my friends said about the Caribbean Restaurant across the road. I went into get some saltfish fritters. The owener is a Trini lady who was last back in Trinidad back in 89/90. She says her peleau skills are getting better. Well do I need to say what them saltfish fritter tasted like I could barely taste the saltfish. Nevermind! We had a nice chat anyway, lovely lady.
Fri night went mexican with the family man that was filling. Between 3 & 3.30am I was just walking around as I couldn't sleep properly with that full belly nah. Drank lots of water and got another pillow so I was kinda propped up,which helped.

Next week will be a little busy too. Film to see is Apocolypto. Will try and fit Smoking Aces in before I leave.

Have a good weekend

Desperate Housewives

2007-01-20T00:11:00.000Z

For anyone who watches this show - when are Carlos & Gabby going to get back together. They're hooked on each other more than ever. Its frustrating dammit. arggh!

Gymming tonight

2007-01-19T17:50:00.000Z

I had an induction earlier this week. I can't do my normal kickboxing & wushu just yet and probably won't be able to till I get back from carnival. I haven't done any 'formal' exercise since about 2 weeks before christmas.
Besides trying to do some last minute toning and weight loss in the gym I like to know that I exercise on a regular basis.
My running partner is behind this one and we're going together. Should be interesting.

The Eyes

2007-01-16T23:20:00.000Z

Buublenut your comments are much appreciated. Karabana its not as bad as it sounds lol.
I can't say I feel that I've had a big issue with dryness. There were times last week where I'd put the drops in and they'd water so much and sting a little for a minute or two. The redness on my left eye from the clamps is fading. My right eye looks completely normal anyway. And Buuble I do wonder what people make of me when they see me in the ladies pulling at my eyelids getting them drops in. I don't even flinch anymore.

Saturday I had my check up. I was advised that everything is healing normally and looking fine. She did another eye test and again they said it was better than 20/20 even though I don't feel so. I can read the lines but it was hazed a little. Which she explained because of the dryness, the clarity of vision tends to come and go.
She still said to avoid water going in my eyes but I can wash over them closed. I'm no longer sleeping with the goggles. Was real glad to get rid of them.
Sat night I had to go out of town and driving in the night was NOT a good experience. It was raining taboot. The kind of drizzle that blows off and on too. I was squinting the ENTIRE way home and my eyes/muscles around my eyes were hurting me a little by the time I got home.

But good news today is the first day that I felt normal. i didn't have the urge to keep putting drops in (but did at intervals anyway). Also didn't feel the difference in my left and right eye vision either. No strain with lights at work and pc. Not feeling the eyeballs moving about. So I'm hoping I'm entering the good stage where I'm going to start to enjoy it now. 1st good day.

Ketchup

2007-01-14T14:21:00.000Z

I on my last dregs of Mabels ketchup as of yesterday. You know when you have to put that little bit of water in the bottle and shake it, cause it can't flow out. How soon is the flight again?

I like my ketchup a little sweet that is why you would never find me with acidic Heinz ewwww. Heinz just don't cut it. I like my little trini ketchup that will never change. When I can't have my ketchup I rather use bbq sauce. Any fast food place I go into, "you have any BBQ suace?"

I got over the crix thing. Still bring back loads when I go. Nothing here could rival it. Nothing

Found a reasonable tasting hotchocolate at last - Iceland own brand. I like to just add hot water no milk. But I still buy some when I go home esp with marshmellows

Orchards I still miss - I love all the single flavour Orchard drinks. Run through that like crazy when I home. But you learn to live with out it inbetween

But the ketchup will still remain. I hate when my ketchup done. The other things I know will always be short lived.

DB - If you don't like football ignore this post!

2007-01-13T09:16:00.000Z

Oh gosh David is moving from the close proximity of Europe to LA. :-(
Yes i like the Beckhams.
Hopefully he'll get to shine one last time before he has to retire with this move to LA Galaxy. I was sad that he had to leave his 1st love, but glad he leaving the english fans/media 'build em up, knock em down' mentality. Steupse its flipping disgusting esp that its the only culture they seem to have is football? You'd think they'd be supportive and embrace talent at ALL times.
His initial move to Real Madrid just secured his legend status. Have you seen their team? H-E-L-L-O! I shouldn't have to say more. Gutted that he's moving away from that and exiting on a bit of a temp low. But I don't follow club football anyway

There are less than a handful of names that would keep me interested in english football. I'll always have the Italians. And then there's Port, Deu, Esp - Fra & Che in that order. Eng would come after them.

Euro cup 2008!

With no initial plans for me to go to carnival in 2008. I'll be occupying myself with this instead.

:-(

2007-01-11T21:50:00.000Z

It looks like from the previous post that I won't play j'ouvert after all. Gutted!

Well what started it was the worry about my eyes first of all which Buuble made me think of.
Then once I looked at the fete the Sun morning, kiddies during the day. I don't really want to be rushing to take paint off and still have half on and trying to leave the house to go play meh pretty mas. And that will also involve no sleep till Mon night.

Gutted you guys. But its practical. My eyes don't feel fantastic yet. Still trying to be hopeful. Buublenut was it like this for you? I have my check up Sat afternoon. Buuble if you could remember how long it took you drop me a line girl. I trying not to be paranoid and desperate lol.

Fetes

2007-01-11T20:19:00.000Z

:: TnT CARNIVAL 2007 FETES :: Shorlisted

Thurs 8th
TRIBE - possibility I arrive in Trini that night. I did same last year and went so no reason not to do it again. Travelling with family in tow could be tiring though
But I might make the effort cause I ain't see anything that catch my eye that weekend.

Wednesday February 14th, 2007
* Bacchanal Wednesday - Chaguaramas **** more likely

Thursday February 15th, 2007
* Machel in Concert - Under The Trees, Hotel Normandie
* TRIBE Carnival Thursday - Queen's Park Oval **** very likely

Friday February 16th, 2007
* Blue Range Cooler Fete - Diego Martin
* IslandPeople Girl Power - POS *****I want this one

Sunday Feb 18th
*Diamond Vale breakfast party -hmmnnn
OR
Sunny side up All inc – Petit Valley
Sunnyside up looks very promsing. But as a vale girl should I go Vale. My mom's house is close to Sunnyside though and I'll be staying there.

Where's those emails...

2007-01-11T20:07:00.000Z

Friend from work and I are emailing this evening while I've been doing various things on internet. All to do with Carnival. Mostly I was checking out fetes. Anyway here are some of his emails

Email 1
Huw: yeah i do have broadband geek. i remember your magizine from last year, im still not ova that. lol u sound just like a gangster when u say that!

Email 2
Huw: yeah i only looked at the trinidad stuff. well i guess that lot had been drinking loads? yeah u showed me a picture of ur costume, still quite revealing..

(me- this is in relation to that site Saucy was warning us about yesterday.. say no more
)

Email 3
Huw- wat so u have to dress up as a group? men 2??

(me - I just showed him which costume I liked originally i.e Fancy Indian which had a guy in the photo. he didn't know men played too)

Email 4
Huw - when u say play in a band? do u mean instruments? sounds complicated i thought it was just a massive party!

(LOL I can't help but laugh my attempt to explain it only confused him more)

Email 5
Huw - man ur dressing u kid up 2? just destroy any photos before his friends see...!

(me- I showed him Rosalind Gabriel site & Spoilt Rotten to try and see if he could pick up)

Tribe updates updated

2007-01-11T07:50:00.000Z

Bliss - apparently this year is going to have a winter theme, so that should be quite a spectacle if they pull it off right which I'm sure they will. That is for those of you who are still bothered about going.

Have you stopped to ask yourself why Machel not at Bliss? Maybe something to do with the price he wanted to charge? hmmmn

Anyway replacing 'too big for his boots' will be a whole host of other stars at the event this weekend Bunji, Crazy, Destra etc..

Smenita

2007-01-09T23:59:00.000Z

I was just reading Woman Magazine in the Trinidad Express online. Rita Jones is only 23 years old! WOW!
I really took to her last year and i loved her performance at Insomnia. That's another good exercise song. I ran to that song plently over summer. Carnival Feeling was one of those songs that capture the on de road spirit.

" Feel the vibes feel the energy, watch the power take over me, and the people dey in a frenzy dey gone mad...Do you get this feeling?"

Yes I get the damn feeling shucks!

Anyhow I like her song with Bunji - Hardcore lovin

and Bunji& Fay-Ann song awwwww a bit cheesy but awwww.

Zan & Patrice have a song together again and its not bad.

I'm doing my homework but its time for bed now.

Browsing Triniscene take 2

2007-01-09T21:29:00.000Z

OK somebody really needs to advertise the fact that just because it looking a little longer than usual doesn't make it a dress. It still supposed to be a top. Some people rocking it, and the others well made me write this post.

And on the other hand. The colour red is really working. It looks great with just about everything and gives it that extra glam. If you think you were being too cor-ordinated wear something red. I can't say that I've seen it look bad once. Not just on triniscene, but its the going thing here too for a little while.
Just yesterday on my swimming run I saw another mum in a cream cardy, blue slimfit kickflares and some high heeled red pointy boots. It came together nicely. Not something I'd wear to take what was her 3 children in tow for swimming lessons however she looked good.

Personally I don't own anything red. That may change but it may be a very bold if I do.

Back to work

2007-01-09T14:46:00.000Z

Had to happen sometime.

87 emails later it wasn't even 10am yet steupse anyway. Like I said to everyone, I'm only killing time before I'm off again in less than 1 mth now (yipee).

After ommenting on Saucy's post last night, it makes me feel to post some of my own comments here.
Its just that the price of taking part in Carnival is really adding up. I'm not even there yet but I know I will feel it a bit, and still not sure how I really going about things as I've just come back from a holiday anyway. Its only going to be 2 weeks and I imagine that I'd want to party Fri, Sat, Wed, thurs, fri, sat. Now if I was still living in Trini I think it'd be a bit easier to pace myself and you'd really break the bank if you wanted to party round the clock, which I think that most people do. If you think about it the parties is start from band launchings go right up.
But for me this year is about catching up (something I've said before) After all them years of missing it, I have to go full swing this rounds to 'get it out my system'. I feel a bit controversial saying the latter but for me that's how its going to go. I don't have any forseeable PLANS to do it again in 08. So no matter how it happens I'm going to do all I feel I need to do to enjoy myself and make sure I ain't feel like I missing nothing.. I'm not going to make myself skint doing it, it'd be tight but I'd manage because it WORTH IT.
It'll be a special time as its my son's 1st, and the last time my husband was out there at carnival was when we first got together. He doesn't really care which fetes we go to, he'll have a good time at any soca party (he not keen on the machel though). He doesn't even have an idea as to how many fetes we going to hit and I really should let him in on it at some point too. But he doesn't like to hear me drone on about planning stuff.

Anywho, I can just imagine that there are people in Trini right now been paying to going to all these parties and will continue to do so till Ash Wed, liking theyself and I just don't know how its possible. Good for them. Normal people who aren't rich, how they doing it? My situation is I have the avg job, and my husband has a prof career -so where I can't afford he fills in ( and I feel guilty sometimes when those moments arrive however it DEPENDS). How many thousands you need to do everything you want to do in the Carnival season dread? That is like saving from the time carnival done till next carnival.

Which brings me to why I don't think I'll be doing it again in 2008. Where my son is old enough now we'd like to think that a couple of holidays abroad a year is reasonable to us. With those places generally being new to us. Now that we're all going for carnival this year its kinda off the 'to do list' unless my son really begs me to go again next year. I don't mind going off on my own if i'm desperate like I was last year. But I also have to APPLY to take him out of school and they're only allowed to have 10days off for the entire school year, the principal has to agree it. Carnival is always going to be during the school term. Then the other thing is that Carnival is a more costly vacation than it is to go elsewhere. I'd rather us all exp Trinidad at a time when we all haven't been. My husband is yet to exp a trini Christmas ( my family really want him to come for that), or it'd be nice to go out one year for my birthday which is July/Aug time. Maybe we can catch some good concerts and stuff. I hope you'll can understand. I don't want to just end up going once a year for one thing, because its not enough time to do all the other stuff I enjoy when I'm home. 95% of my friends do not like carnival and tend not to get involved. The weekends will be filled with kiddies carnival competitions, nights with fetting, and soon enough it will be the ever glorious Carnival Mon & Tues and then it'd be all over. Too soon.
Trinidad in 2008 is unlikely not written off, but unlikely.

I was also wondering what the carnival bloggers will blog about when the carnival done?

Finally done WDW pics

2007-01-07T21:03:00.000Z

I've sorted our holiday pics for you guys to see. I've put them in my photo album here .

My son is in alot of those pics, he's repping the family.

I've done each park in a seperate folder so its easy to see where we were at the time. There are 6 folders in all enjoy.

Click here to see folders.

Red Ants J'ouvert

2007-01-06T18:02:00.000Z

The theme of the j'ouvert band is supposed to be West Indian (something to do with World cup apparently???) and the cost is $300 as you'd probably already know inclusive of breakfast, drinks, 'cotume'. The only thing I wanted to find out is if they had secure parking anywhere that would be included. I'll put that up when I get the ans.

Prob will end up playing with them but still waiting to see what silver mudders offering

Lasik Wavefront

2007-01-05T10:49:00.000Z

Oh gosh well the worse is done and over with. Where to start?

You HAVE to take someone along with you to the surgery (can't drive, and you could barely open your eyes after its done as your eyelids feel really heavy). Husband came along with me. They did 3 scans first of all, which were the same ones done when they checked my suitability for the op last month. That was all fine and then I had to wait to speak to the surgeon before the procedure as he has the last say to go ahead or not. In the meantime hubby went shopping.

I was in the waiting room for quite a while and hadn't seen the surgeon yet, when this woman who just had hers done came out. I couldn't even look at her, I just started to feel nervous one time. There were a few other people waiting to have the surgery done as well, and 'new eyes' lady was saying to us that it was fine, not to worry etc etc. I got on the phone and demanded to my husband that he come back and wait with me instantly. Couldn't take the anticipation and this woman there with her red stingy eyes. I was shaking inside from the time it started anyway, that kind of nervous inner buzz. And I think that everyone would feel some form of anxiety. One of the women waiting for her surgery said she'd been going to the toilet for 2 days she was that nervous.

Saw the surgeon who looked at my eyes breifly once more and said everything was ok to go ahead. The op takes about 20mins for both eyes if that. The anesthetic is local (drops put on your eyes) and you're wide awake for everything.

It was time and they put me in a chair and put it right down so that I'm lying flat. Started with my right eye first, they put tape on my eyelashes - fine. Put a patch over the left eye - fine. Time for the clamps, well Lord help me! They do advise you that you will feel some 'pressure'. The first metally clamps were bearable- fine. I felt PRESSUH for real when they put the clear plastic looking one over the eye area, then the suction began and so did my flinching. I'm a big baby so I'm sure it was easier for others. But its really those first bits BEFORE they actually start the laser procedure that was the hardest to deal with. It was uncomfortable which they tell you and they do apply the clamps to your eyes slowly. But I personally did not take to them well. And when they started on the left eye it was worse. I was panicky and I wasn't sure if I could see it through. Even though I grabbed on to my stomach as hard as I could and tried to resist when i felt my body wanting to flinch I couldn't stop myself. The surgeon stopped and asked me what was wrong, he kept repeating my name and said he couldn't do it if i It was all VERY embarrassing. I took longer than 20mins needless to say but got there in the end. I thought the surgeon woulda give me 2 cuff and shout at me to stay still lol.

Again to be clear ONLY the clamps gave me 'issues'. The actual procedure and rest of the surgery where they use the lasers and other tools on your eyeballs you CANNOT FEEL A THING! You're just looking up at the red light in the machine. There is a patch over the eye that they're not doing (which your supposed to keep that eye open as well) and its all over pretty quickly once they get started.

AFTER: Had to get my aftercare pack. Which includes 3 lots of drops to be applied 4 times a day; antibiotics, anti-inflammatory & lubrication drops. They also give you these goggles to sleep in, so you don't end up touching/rubbing your eyes while you're asleep. After having my what not to do talk, the surgeon had to give the flap they made a once over to make sure it was ok, then I went home. Had to have sunglasses for brightlight. I couldn't see for shit because my eyes were watering so much and your lids are heavy and naturally feel to close anyway - they advise you sleep for a bit which I did.
By late afternoon I could open my eyes but the vision is blurry a little bit. Today my eyes feel fine, no grittiness - felt a little yesterday. Haven't had any pains at all.
Been to check them up this morning and the optician said that everything is ok and as normal. My vision is more than 20/20 right now but still blurry a bit and will clear up in the coming days. The eyes can heal at different rates just so you know. I can drive once I feel comfortable to do so, and everything as normal except:-

No rubbing/touching eyes for a month.
No swimming, saunas, sunbeds, steamrooms for a month
No contact sports
No getting water in my eyes.
No pressure on upper eye lids
sleep with goggles for a week
Wear sunglasses outdoors/in brightlight
No eye make up for a week
Avoid smoky/dusty places for a week

2007 What lies ahead

2007-01-03T23:46:00.000Z

Another flight out of this cold weather I could tell you that. Its still not too bad though but I can tell there was Gale force winds out there a second ago. To be completely honest out of our 10dys in Florida there were only 2 really nice days. The others were mild i.e a little bit cold or raining cats & dogs. Nothing holds me down though we braved every day that came.

Moving swiftly along. Eye surgery in the morning AH! I'm glad I've had the distraction of the holiday so I won't be backing out of it. 9.30am fingers crossed all goes well. Will report on the results when I get back.

Less than a month till I fly out for carnival now whoop whoop! I've been whooping out loud every chance I get since the last few days. I wonder where I picked that up from. Need to catch up on the tunes. Getting tickets for fetes early o'clock. J'ouvert is the next big decision carnival wise.

DisneyWorld

2007-01-03T23:09:00.000Z

Hello all and Happy New Year to you. Its good to be blogging again, I've been reading all the regulars before I started here. When we were leaving my husband asked me if I could stay away from the internet for so long lol well I did. I should be making up for my messed up night of travelling I'm catching up with everything instead. Husband & son asleep long time now.

WaltDisney was indescribable. We arrived in our hotel late Christmas Eve night so there was only time to sleep.

Christmas Day - we got up early had our breakfast then headed out to Magic Kingdom for the day. Man that was something. It was busy, it rained and rained but the ponchos let us prevail. And then Wishes (fireworks) to finish off the evening, what more could you ask for.

The following days were spent at the other Disney parks Epcot, Animal Kingdom, MGM studios & Typhoon Lagoon back and forth. They were all as exceptional and as special as the next. Maybe with the exception of Typhoon Lagoon - the water park. Blizzard Beach was closed.
Basically we stayed just on WDW. I did manage to get a day & 1/2 of shopping outside on my own, was disappointed I did get all the things I wanted or expected to get. Did manage to catch a Victoria Secret & Old Navy sale though :-)

Highlights -
having bacon EVERYDAY!
All the firework shows. your pores could stay raised for the entire time. Magic Kingdom by far has the best display. MGM's Fantasmic was pretty spectacular (don't sit at the front!) But Epcot's Illuminations was special for me, as the new year was near, at the end of the display they played Let there be Peace on Earth. I haven't heard that since school and it was just breathtaking.
Hollywood & vine diner in MGM Studios- OMG the food was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S and it was a buffet as well which included desserts. So you done know what went on there.

I remember some things from when I went to Disney as a child, but we didn't go to all the parks. So it was nice to do these things with my husband & son as they've never been to America before.
I beeped going through security at Orlando International on my way back. So ontop of all the fingerprinting and arbitory security measures I got frisked down good and proper and seperated from my family as I have a different passport to them anyhow. I didn't let it get me down I actually thought the whole thing quite funny and was laughing as such I couldn't help myself.

There will be LOTS of pics to follow I can assure you.

To all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2006-12-23T19:56:00.000Z

As I listen to Mariah Carey sing O Holy Night its time to bid farewell.

Have a very Merry Christmas, have fun and a restful day (after all the cooking done). Eat a pastelle, ham & some stuffing for me.
Ring in the New Year in style and don't make any resolutions you can't stick to. Have a good time with family & friends and enjoy the season. We all know what comes next...

I'm off to Disney World Caribbean beach Resort for Christmas & New Year and will be back on the 3rd Jan. I suspect I'll have alot of catching up to do when I return.

from me to you Good Night!

Silver Mudders

2006-12-22T17:37:00.000Z

Anyone played with them in recent years? I wanted to find out what their route is mainly. I have emailed them today, I'll see how fast I get a reply.

Browsing Triniscene

2006-12-22T16:44:00.000Z

Babysitting = more time for computing. One child entertains the other.

Anyway back to the topic. I was initially searching for other j'ouvert stuff and I started browsing some of the galleries. First off, big up to the Trini girls most of which are rocking some real hot clothes(reminding me just how much I need to update my wardrobe before I start hitting fete in Feb). But I ain't understanding the men choices. Cause some women that looking real pretty have a real ugly man that hanging on to them. But who is me. Let me shut up with that before I get boff.

Once I started I had to trawl through some of the other galleries.Its me being fas from all the way over here seeing what old faces are up to.
Zan head big dread, cause I know he have two matchstick legs under them big jeans so his head to me looking real big I keep laughing anytime I see him. Like the ras though. Machel have some nice zip ups I'll give him that I wanna know where he shopping. Browsing the triniscene galleries is also a good means of checking out the local ahm *cough* *cough* 'talent' lol but that is few and far between. Hard pickings boy.
Moving along the dancers in Zen have skills, hot clothes and nice boots too. Well at least 2 of them, the other one need feeding though somebody help her.

ok so note to self: new tops, new shoes & pointy ankle boots, crop pants.

now I have to do another post about what I originally wanted to do

Holiday!!!

2006-12-17T16:42:00.000Z

I'm on holiday officially. School is still on here till Tuesday. the diet went out the window considerably. But I don't really care right now. I'll fret when I get back in January.

Next Sunday we'll be off to airport early o'clock. We're flying through Detroit on Northwestern?? Never heard of this airline. wasn't expensive though. Detroit might be really cold, possibly snow I'm not sure. Would be fun if it did snow properly.
Looking foward to vacation now.

and Caisoqueens blog made me miss Trini boy. It was a real sweet blog. I think it captured the soul of any Trini abroad.

My hair is cut short now as of yesterday. It just falls under my ears I love it. Last night was a good night out. Chinese xmas meal. was 5 degrees though. ARRGGHH! we were in the restaurant from 8 till midnightish. Really lovely food.
Today's Chinese was good as well. Its hard eating the same kinda food 2 days in a row. Did my wifey bit for the day. Got rid of the boys and I'm home alone now - RESULT! I'm really really sleepy. I'm talking to my friend & mom on msn at same time.
ITs coming up on 5 o'clock and pitch black outside humph.

I still love Destra, any fete she at, I'll try and be there yes. she have me hooked!

Tribe's latest email

2006-12-13T11:19:00.000Z

I'm sure everbody had a good read. Its good that foreigners could pay towards their costume instead of having to to pay the bulk at collection. Very important I will be looking into the system they're using. I don't have the name in mind now will correct when I get home. I figure its prob similar to paypal I just want to be sure there'll be no charges for doing the transactions on my bank account first (highly doubt anyway)

Tribe not Red Ants holding the Christmas party 22nd Dec as we've all read. Nice lil christmas get together for the masqueraders. Theyre are more or less one in the same running in the same camp but I got the idea it was going to be under the Red ants more than Tribe.

No word on venue for Bliss.

Nice of them to keep intouch awww

2 weeks

2006-12-10T14:39:00.000Z

2 weeks till Florida, 2 weeks till xmas.

I real sleepy maybe I'll catch some z's in a minute. My mother in law is here and i'm just kinda hiding out upstairs biding time lol. Made some lovely tortilla wraps when I came back from church this morning. Been a really good day so far. My son was in a Nativity play at his sunday club. Came home put on the christmas music while making lunch. I now is just time for some sleep dread.

Finishing work this Fri and I will go back on Jan 9th. getting my nails did on thurs for Sat night. Sat cutting hair and ting ting HAH! Need a nice top though.

Blizzard beach looks to be closed for the period I'll be in Disney :-( But on the upside the malls should be open till late. one less park to see, more time I could go shopping.

Have a good weekend. Enjoy the sunshine & warmth for those who are getting it.

Carnival Gossip

2006-12-09T23:22:00.000Z

Now these are just lil bits I picked up while I touched base with Trini this morning. How much of it will come to pass i ain't know, I just sharing anyway.

1. Bliss for 2007 may be in Moka - uncofirmed. they've checked out the area but not sure if they want to use it.

2. Red Ants should be doing a party for Christmas - (if on the day itself or just around Christmas I prob should have gotten more details on )

3. Route - bands should be using the same routes throught town etc, but instead of going to QPs as we know, it might be a matter of going round the QPS, which I have to say doesn't sound like a bad idea. Where they leave off from there is another issue. Ideas being thrown around still, band leaders are still undecided. - Cipriani boulevard, St Clair ave to end up by Roxy, Maraval Road - all which lead off from savannah way. So they should just be having judging points on the road, like how they do on Ariapta ave, downtown etc by the sounds of things.

4. The idea of having make up people on Mon & tues was brought up but is prob not very feasable considering the amount of time and amt of people as well. So highly unlikely. Although my fingers are still crossed for it. :-(

And in general converse the idea of planning & organisation was brought up. In respect to all the up and coming carnival bands (yuh know everybody bringing out a band these days - the more the merrier BUT...)

Carnival Mon & Tues on de road:
Where Tribe tend to be customer focused and listen to the opinions of the masqueraders and learn from past mistakes on how to improve on things. Other bands esp newbies may not realise the amt of preparation it really takes for them to get to that level. New bands want to follow fashion and be 'it' but not really taking into consideration what it takes to get there. When carnival come round they not up o scratch & shit hit the fan. Now I'm not saying that its all bad, I'm sure its good for most of the masqueraders. But good, is not good enough and good in comparison to the likes of Tribe may mean mediocre. This is the consensus from Carnival insider not mine, but I can agree.

Giving people the experience you advertise is hard work and they have to be putting it all in from now. When is Feb? I know that Dream team sticking on certain things, so if they want to really establish themselves and succeed on de road - heads up, eyes open.
I wish ALL the bands the best of course. Carnival is the Greatest Show on Earth not so? Emphasis on Show. The idea is to have alot of bands on the road showcasing their theme, as many as possible to make it interesting. And when new bands do it well,it establishes them for years to come and hence more choice for us the players brought foward.
I just want to make it clear that I am not some pro Tribe fanatic ranting away lambasting other bands (which I haven't). I'm just saying that its Feb soon, we already have the 'pleasure' of the no stage/route drama. Incase of any hiccups with the latter, the bands should make a real effort to come good so that things go as smoothly as possible Mon & tues as they should do anyway. Make it count!

Asses in gear starting blocks please!

Pink@BIC pics

2006-12-06T17:46:00.000Z

Pink pics have finally been put up. I have some wicked video streams as well, but no on the website unfortunately.

Check out the pics, she was amazing! click link below

http://picasaweb.google.com/jknine3/PinkBIC

Its the most wonderful time of the year

2006-12-06T14:52:00.000Z

Ding dong ding dong. Its Dec Hurrah!

I'm loving the season but definately need to me out more to be able to sing while I shop. Wish they had a nice christmasy template I could use.
I love all the old hyms you'd hear in church for christmas. I'd get goosebumps and get all soppy. Band Aid do they know its Christmas could make me cry anyday. How i miss carol service.
I'm going to be watching my son in his school Christmas play tomorrow night should be quite good.

Updates:

Bought my second round of Dove intensive I think its recently started to work.

Going out for meal tonight with kickboxing crew, 10 of us. Someone's offered to pick me up for a change so I don't have to drive either. You know when you always getting laboured with pickups and drop offs. I have to say it is a priority to know that people get home safely when its late at night or if its too cold out to be waiting on taxis or buses.

Went to a Virgin V party this Sat gone. They have some lovely jewellry but very price for just cotume stuff really. I'm not very good with make up and buying it. I do't do the war paint often, mostly when I'm going out and not every time either. That's still the part of me that needs to learn how to be a grown up lady.

The construction of the conservatory has FINALLY flipping started. Whoopee ding! Hopefully it'll be finished in a couple of weeks.

Next Sat & Sun I have 2 meals to go to both at chinese restaurants. I ain't know how the belly go deal with that one.

Seasons greetings to all

Been a lil while

2006-11-30T23:00:00.000Z

Again during the week is so busy. I'm trying to be organised. 1st December tomorrow how the year has flown past, but not fast enough because carnival is a whole 2 1/2 mths (approx) away. Lord knows what is/isn't happening with all that drama but I not going there nah - waiting patiently FOR NOW.

Pink on Mon was absolutely FANTABULOUS!!! It was a damn good show Missy had nothing on her dread. The costumes changes, dancing, remixes, acoustics, ropes with all the acrobatics was real cool. She's hot. I could go on and on about it. I'll get the pics up eventually. Damn it was good!

Saw Casino Royale last night finally. But I think I'd have rather waited until it came out on cable. But the beach shots minus the head I ain't complaining about at all at all.

Now Jumbie had tell me about Crazy song cold sweat which I ain't here yet. But I see he have a remix to Nani wine with 3rd Bass - well I start to wine one time - Big tune. I still can't get I dare u out of my head not that I want to anyways.

Going into manic town on Sat to look in toystores. They need traffic lights in the mall for pedestrians yes steupse I really can't be dealing with that but what I go do? But on the positive side there'll be christmas music all over the place, christmas lights and I'll get goosebumps and start singing under my breath while I'm shopping. I love christmas more than i love my own birthday. Its just the swarm of people that I can't take. I taking the bus cause there is no point in me trying to even park in town. Its been ridiculous since Oct.

just checking in. I gone.

"..tonight I'm in the mood, I want to wine and behave rude.."

All Hail

2006-11-26T09:21:00.000Z

Weather update.

Its been pretty bad since yesterday. Heavy rain,gale force winds and HAIL! Its been hailing heavily on and off since last night. Our garden has a layer of water over it, the roads have big puddles everywhere. Thunder and lightening inbetween as well.

Laser Eye Surgery

2006-11-25T21:11:00.000Z

I'm having it done when I get back in January. I'm still skeptical, but there are so many pros I'm just going to go ahead with it.

They did so many little tests on my eyes to check suitability that my eyes are still wierded out now. As a matter of fact I can bearly see what I'm typing,I'm just winging it. Its just affecting my close up vision for now, it'll wear off eventually.

Anyway fingers crossed it all goes well when they do it, 4th January Optical express. Cost a pretty penny but probably is the cheapest I'll get it with the convenience of having it in Southampton and not having to travel out of town for it.
Supposed to only be about 20mins if that for both eyes.

Wow can't believe i agreed to have it done.

"go-o-o-o go down low and wine.."

Favs for 2007 so far

2006-11-25T00:18:00.000Z

Was listening to some new soca while doing other things this evening and I have to say I've short listed some favs.

the best so far:

First and in the lead ,Destra - I dare you
others in random order :
Nadia Batson - Pon meh backside
Faye-Ann - John Quickie
H20 Phlo & Ms Alysha - go down low
Fireball - What I want (of course) mostly the chorus though. But I can't help but think that it will be killed by the time next yr reach.

Nearly the weekend

2006-11-23T22:32:00.000Z

Lets see what' s on the agenda.
A friend from work saw a pair of shoes that may go with my costume, red ballet pumps that are glittery and I saw a couple yesterday when I went to get my boots too.
Sample below: they're both £19.99 but I'm liking the one below best. I'll hold out to see if I get anything nicer & cheaper in Florida. My costume is Jamette if you can't remember. The shoes the models have on are gold which goes with their beige fishnets. I wanted to ho' it up with black fishnets, but I am wondering if red shoes might be too much red? Would black fishnets do? I'll need some help on this one I think.
Black fishnets red shoes/ brown fish nest red shoes/ ditch the red shoes? Decisions decisions

Half day for me at work tom Whooppee! Instead of reading other posts all afternoon long, I could try and fit in a movie before I do the pick up from school.

Sat I'm having a consultation for laser surgery (eyes) see if they'll quote me an affordable price. Then in the afternoon my son is going to a bdy party and I'll end up hanging around most likely.

My weight is on the decrease this week - *all cheer* been monitering much more and writing down (kev). And most importantly I made it to both kickboxing & wushu this week. *round of applause* Come Sun I will measure up again and see if there is any developments.

My head in a mess and really needs doing. Its just grown out alot at the roots and my next appt is in Dec. hmmmmn. Made all my pre xmas night & pre holiday beauty appts this week too.

The Dove Intensive firmer I have mixed feelings on, but its definately a good moisturizer. I'll save my opinions for when its finished.

the 2 songs constantly stuck in my head this week: Beyonce - Irreplaceable & Billy jean soca song from earlier this week.

OMG PINK on Mon!! Not to be forgotten. don't know what to wear though but still PINK! I saw her at Wembly Arena a few years back. 2nd time around should be even better, Icahwait!

Billy Jean is not my lover..

2006-11-22T20:50:00.000Z

I finally bought my boots HP christie. Whoopee!

Today while walking along my road going home, I heard this car ponging something strange. When I turn my head and do so, is " Billy jean inside the fete..." I buss one big smile.
The rain spitting and somebody ponging a lil soca. Instant pick me up. Very Random though, esp in Southampton.
I know when Kevin Lyttle had 'turn me on' that is all I was hearing last year summer or whatever summer it was. Chavs Ponging hard hard EVERYWHERE, it was just sickening. I can't even go into that because it will be all wrong.

Anyway I got my boots !!!!

Calypso

2006-11-20T22:39:00.000Z

other people's blogs are so inspirational.

I was just reading Kevian's latest blog and went to do some research and instead came across alot of old time goodies. It taking me back all now. You know when back it was mainly calypso and soca was done by the up and coming untraditional types like Iwer, Machel etc

Crazy, Trinity, Drupatee, Denise Plumber, David Rudder, Kitchener, Sugar Aloes, Baron, Tambu, Blueboy aka Superblue..the list goes on and on but some time seems to have forgotten.

Crazy - whatever happened to him? he was always controversial and probably was crazy - I ain't know

Tambu - wheeyyy

Trinity - didn't he have a curry song whatever it was I remember this video on him always showing on tv that I couldn't get out of my head at one point in my life.
and the Denise Plumber video about she staying right here - I didn't understand all the animosity towards her back in those days but never mind.

I had loved "...tiny winy wine yuh bom bom.." back in the day that sounded rude to me lol.
And how many years in a row did Superblue win Road March? He was just banging out tunes dread.

David Rudder - Bahia girl & Bacchanal woman, Hammer his list is endless
I know I haven't mentioned loads of calypsonions but I ain't leaving out Gypsy with that jerri curl oh my word!

Memories of trying to see my dad on tv when his band was crossing the stage. While I was waiting I'd have the radio on in the background jumping & singing like a mad child as you do, while trying to keep time to the music with my pink sandals (when they were undone they made a nice jingly sound). I must have been very annoying lol.

It was just a big up to the ol' school that carried me through out my kiddies carnival days.
Can you really see yourself on the road dancing to some of these tunes NOW? It sounds sooo slow in comparison to the beats we hear these days, its almost unreal. I could see a whole lot of chipping going on but not much else. No disrespect don't get me wrong - maybe as a las lap or when you just need a break from the jumping up & getting on bad scene, it'd make a nice inbetweener. It felt good to listen to them and reminisce for a minute anyway.

http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/vintagecalypso.html

Saturday Updates inc Carnival 2006

2006-11-18T21:43:00.000Z

I've added quite a few new things to photo album. There's pics of visits to Spain & Belgium, T&T pics, Trinidad Carnival 06' and other little here and theres.
Carnival 06' includes some kiddies, Mon & Tues on the road all over the place and Insomnia.

see them all HERE.

Note it had real people in their two piece on Mon eh people. You know the children have what 6 competitions to play in? Allyuh stay right there with expensive costume only playing on 1 out of the 2 days we get. Those 2 days I will be trying to get the most of my $2895 + flights thank you very much. I know most of my fellow bloggers will be doing the Mon wear thing.. I just still can't get my head round this ting yes. But obviously to each their own and its all very interesting to read about and to see and hear what you bought or buying that's all good don't get me wrong but I not in that. I feel strongly about this one.

And just for any spectators out there. I always find Ariapita Avenue is one of the best places to see all the bands that going pass. And its good as easy access to St James and town. I was about to say that is its close to the Savannah too, but we don't really know what happening with the carnival new home yet do we? nevermind

I was listening to some of the soca for 2007 while doing all of this. I SEE MY GIRL DESTRA have a tune out - ...ah want to wine and behave rude..boy bring de wine doh waste my time... I dare you!
I feeling that one. It have a few others too, but the list will start to get too long so I ain't go down that road for now.

As part of the new 5 week plan I will measure & weigh myself on Sundays to track success. I weigh myself all the time, but the measuring I do once in a blue moon. It might help.

Old Hilarians will remember these

2006-11-18T20:15:00.000Z

All BAHS girls should remember these creepy crawlies. They owned the front end of the school especially by the hall. Squished up dead caterpillars everywhere.
I saw a tree full of them by a friend's house last year I couldn't believe my eyes.

London visit Sun 12th November

2006-11-18T12:31:00.000Z

Family went up to London last weekend. Just wanted to show my son the musuems up there cause they're brilliant and very interesting. Basically he just wanted to see dinosaur bones.
Took the train up as we haven't done the train thing in a while, and we wanted to take the tube as well.
There's nothing like trying to get about London. It was a Sunday, but you'd never guess that if you're not used to London. That's the only time I get 'big city awe syndrome' in the UK really. The escalators underground are so steep and you have to walk through all these tunnels and usually its about 2 flights of escalators deep underground. Long and steep escalators, not your regular mall length, its amazing.
It is the oldest in undergound system in the world, and started in the mid 1800's. Which would account for alot of its 'kinks'. Very advanced for that period in history when you think about it.

Our trip was to Natural Science first of all - by mistake. I couldn't remember which one it was. I know Natural History makes sense but never mind. We weren't big on the Science one it was ok, the energy part was really interesting though and lots of stuff to do.
Then we went to Natural History after which is the best museum that I've ever been to. See pics on my PHOTO ALBUM .
Afterwards we saw some ice skating going on. It was gone 5.30pm when we left the museum (which is night time these days) and the trees were all lit up. I felt like I was in a christmas movie or something, it was very majestic. Then we went over to Piccadilly Circus before we headed home
It takes about 1hr and 40mins from Southampton to London Waterloo and vice versa. We got back home just gone 9pm. Was a really good day out.
check out the pics here http://picasaweb.google.com/jknine3/LondonScienceHistoryMuseumPics

5 week plan

2006-11-16T17:48:00.000Z

Checking the calendar today and its 5 wks till holiday time. I have at least one importantish xmas do and maybe I'd like to buy something new. I was doing ok up till last week or so, but I have a visitor that making me crave - I don't care if its the truth or what, that is my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Was talking to my friend at work and I was telling her to come up with a plan. I know what I going to be doing in Florida but I ain't want to risk how the aftermath will look in a costume. so I still need to be under a certain weight to be ok when I get back.
Need more motivation. I haven't been to been to both kickboxing & wushu in weeks, it been one or the other. That was because something has always come up, this week I thought I'd have it sorted but no, pain hit I ain't go nowhere. Not sure if I'm going tonight either.
Definately, definately next week both days.
And Lord knows ever since I found these blasted Walkers baked I've put myself in trouble. These potato chips taste like pringles but they're low fat. (1.5 pts if you had to do it weight watchers way) Scrumptious!!! Need to stop buying them. And you get the same effect like you do with pringles - oncce you pop you can't stop.
I really need to print a pic of my costume and put it up at work for these people to understand it yes.

Will have to keep a weekly update if I remember. I'm not going to buy anything new unless I lose the rest and tone up.
I have a haircut in the pipe line too. A bob - I do it every few months can't handle the stupid long hair business as it in a tuck under everyday anyhow. It only stays good for the 1st week.

ah gone

All of Us

2006-11-16T17:22:00.000Z

Was just looking to see how far behind I am with the show All of Us and I was checking an episode when I saw the name Boris Kodjoe. I saying to myself that name not sounding familiar so I gone to check a pic on IMDB. OMG!! He is def worth a mention. You seeing the state ah dis man Lord have mercy! For a baldie he all that and then some. But his wife is very pretty too :-(

I see Lost is not on till next year now.
Nip Tuck - Christian Troy whoo hoo
Like my Girlfriends of course - it not showing at moment though.
All of Us - I hope they don't drop it anytime soon
My wife & Kids was good too but it done now ent think I've seen every episode of that
Charmed - That was my real show dread. I vex it done. steupsee
Desperate Housewives- real bacchanalist ting
The O.C - Season 4 I'm on it and yes I still like teenage shows & Laguna beach - 'the real O.C' hahahaha which I know i mentioned before that should be finishing soon. Them chirren messed up, and the fellas are such bastards.
Can't forget the Hills spinoff from first eppy of Laguna beach cause I liked L.C. Is it going to have a 2nd season?
Everybody Hates Chris - this is our show ( my son & I) real kicks.
The Simpsons just because you have to keep watching it anyway.

Photo Album updated

2006-11-13T16:28:00.000Z

Lilly Allen pics are on there now. Will add the old Missy ones on there too.

To be added:- yesterdays trip to London Musuems & Pink @ B.I.C when I go which is on 27th a little while yet

http://picasaweb.google.com/jknine3

Post for today

2006-11-12T01:33:00.000Z

I do want to apologise for any typos, spelling mistakes etc in my posts. Most of them tend to be done at some ridiculous hour. e.g it is now 1.35am.

I did have a whole post written about war, in light of Poppy day and the things it made me think about, but deleted it as I thought it'd be too sensitive. I'd have liked it to be enlightening, but it wasn't working and came out more offensive. I didn't want to be disrespectful.

sleepytime now. goodnight.

Don't you just hate Sequels?

2006-11-12T01:03:00.001Z

I'm just looking at what movies we have to watch and I've just come across the Butterfly Effect 2. I mean come on. Butterfly Effect (the 1st one) was a good film I thought. Why is there a need for a sequel? They just taking it too bloody far. Granted that there are some good sequels out there and some you do expect there would be a sequel because it was a big blockbuster type continuation film.
But in alot of cases where the film is just mediocre, what is the point? They just tend to bring it out with a whole cast of poeple that noone has ever heard of. I suppose from the point of view that they get exposed as actors is a good thing, but if the film is crap what's the point? Everybody has to start somewhere I guess.
SAW - was a funny film, SAW 2 - ok didn't bother to watch it as the 1st one wasn't scary, then now SAW 3 and they didn't waste no time on that either ent? Although I saw that 3 people passed in the cinema from watching it? I just can't be bothered, although I eventually will want to see what all the fuss was about. Its just getting on my nerves. Thing is most horror movies aren't that good or scary anyway why are they doing this?
Final Destination lot was pretty good though. I like the Harry Potter, Narnia, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, Superhero blockbuster movies - I like all of these because they are more like a series and you know they're bringing out more to follow up but in a good way. Although I was disappointed with Dead Man's Chest as it just seemed like an advert for the next episode of Pirates of the Caribbean. But to my defense watching Johnny Depp & Orlando Bloom for a couple of hours is worth it. Amercian Pie went too far with American Pie presents band camp. I love the Wayans Brothers so Scary Movies are just fine thank you very much.
But most times I think I rather the cast,crew & producers ask for a donation instead of being pathetic and trying to suck things dry. Its not ok for every type of movie to have a sequel just because everyone else seems to be doing it.

Love film. Given up on horrors.

Couldn't believe my eyes and just needed to rant a bit.

Home today

2006-11-10T14:10:00.000Z

Typical chupidness.
This week I organised a couple of xmas nights out. One of them is for work and I ended up getting up this nice Chinese restaurant in town. Is quite in Dec but places get booked up real quick. Someone went and got a menu and brought it back to work. So since Wed this chinese in my head.
I don't get takeaway often, once in a blue moon if that. So last night man I went and ordered some satay chicken, crispy shredded beef, sweet and sour chicken balls, egg fried rice & noodles.
Had that around 6.30pm. Went to bed just before midnight I was fine. About flicking quarter past 4am my belly is spinnning. Stuepsee. Now I have this acidic taste left in my throat.
To think I wanted it so bad too. Between being tired from broken sleep and the strain on my stomach stayed home today.

Not sure why the satay chicken tasted like curry crab but hey. I love chinese food but I don't have it too much here because it too fresh in a way. And they don't do egg rolls here at all. Sweet and sour is just not the same. Like the one last night all the battered chicken came seperately to the sauce???

Then don't talk bout the indian food. If I was in Trni I not big on it anyhow. But here eng people love a curry. But I fussy and I like the off yellowy/green curry. I don't want it orange and red etc. I'm sure its nice but I prefer to wait till I get home and go in Woodbrook for some. Its like a novelty then. And curry is rice, rice and more rice. The indian food is definately different choices to what we get at home. Yes I stubborn like that.

Hearing parang on Soca 919.

Slow week

2006-11-09T23:17:00.000Z

Is it not Friday yet?
Its been really dragging along this week. So tired all the time. Should talk about the weather, you can't be in England and not talk about the weather, its pretty standard stuff.
Update: Its been up and down this week. Mostly winter coat & gloves, but there has been the odd day or 2 when the temp has been mid teens. And that's really good for Nov.
And Sunshine like there is no tomorrow. If you looked outside during the day, you wouldn't think that it was Autumn, perfect summers day it could be. Then you step outside and ketch yuh ass and the illusion disappears with speed.

Went to cinema 2 weeks in a row now, WOW! I do believe I got a life somewhere along the line. I'm really trying to make the best of Orange Wednesdays as I love movies. Trying to have an Orange Wed 'club' (orange is a mob phone company. They do 2 tickets for the price of 1 on a Wed. Instead of paying £6 something pence per person, we could split that in half)

Missed Wushu to do a 'mommy' book party get together. I'd have really preferred to be at my Wushu class, but I'd have felt guilty.
Christmas do's coming up. I want to start enjoying the Christmas period. I'll have my spurts of excitement inbetween, especially when I have my wierdo carnival dreams. Next time I have one I'll post it. It happens regularly enough. Moving on.
I really like all those old school Christmas songs, hymns & parang etc. Come Dec I'll be dancing in the living room to the xmas tunes of George Micheal, Paul McCartney, Band Aid, Mariah, it gets worse lo. Only the xmas lights on to create atmosphere. Then I'll have to start wondering if its going to snow in Southampton this winter. Will I see snow or will I miss it?

Once I get back from Florida I'll do a 96.1 and do a Soca switch.

With any luck I'll be in London on Sun up at the Natural History Museum & Natural Science if there is time.

Bon nuit

Toronto Lime new soca

2006-11-05T23:23:00.000Z

They real like the Ghetto Flex on Toronto-lime boy. But I can't argue with that, he never disappoints.
Haven't heard the Denise Belfon yet. Was checking out trinijunglejuice for the songs they, then switched over to toronto-lime. So if anyone knows where I can find the new Denise Belfon online I'd be grateful. Other than that I'll have to start keeping soca919 on whenever I'm using my p.c

estrogen riddem - LOL I'm just laughing at the name.

Most of them are ok on the first listen, but then there are a handful that need time to grow on my.

ok I bepping on myself again inbetween typing, that means its beddy time

This is your brain... This is your brain on drugs.

2006-11-05T12:24:00.000Z

Remember that friend egg advertisement? I do. All movie and hooha in the 80's about crack etc and my mother's lectures put me off. which is a good thing.
I know there is weed, then there is drugs. I've neer done the weed thing either. I used to sometimes hang out with guys that were sick on it, selling it and they'd try to get me to do it, but its always been a no no. Although if I know if I go to Amsterdam I will go to one of those cafes.

I've been hearing alot of drugs lately, and not weed drugs, drug drugs. Recreational use of it. There are just normal people hanging around that do drugs on a recreational basis. It still freaks me out. Its just normal? After the Lilly Allen concert had finished I went in the bathroom, and there was a long line, and while waiting these 2 women came out of the same cubicle.. it was either of 2 things I reckon, both of which are uncalled for.

People at work do it - coke I mean, and there is this manager who has openly said to his team that he takes heroin on the weekends????? What in the ? So wierd.
Last night I heard this story which has caused me to bring this up.
At someone's bonfire parties there were little kids about and the adults and parents were doing lines of coke, infront of their kids. eh? And the 3 yr can identify the different between tabacco & weed. She is also the type of 3 yr old that swears - she probably doesn't know how to read or write but she knows all her swear words..
Then there is the case of mother and daughter. Mother is the obviously loose type, nice person, but loose and she sells coke to her daughter. Her daughter is 19, but shit dread I mean, this really unsettles me. I don't know what to make of the situation.
These are normal people, you don't get the junkie vibe when you around them its just wierd.

I don't think I have a problem with people that have (past tense) experimented with drugs, as long as they've left it as an experiement. I don't think I have a problem with weed as its as common as cigarettes ( but should I though, its still drugs isn't it?).
But the rest of it, the last time I checked coke, heroin, crack and e's etc were all ILLEGAL! Did I miss something? Is it bad, am I being prude? What's the big deal?

leaves that funny feeling in my stomach.

Bonfire night - My 4th Anniversary

2006-11-05T12:11:00.000Z

Today is Guy Faulkes otherwise known as Bonfire night, which is my Anniversary. And no not doing anything, had a busy enough weekend.
Fireworks have been going off weeks before today, and most Firework displays happen on Sat night. We'll be doing out fireworks tonight, just the 3 of us. Should be fun. Did a few last night while my son had his friend round just in the spirit of things.

4yrs wow!

Busy Weekend

2006-11-05T11:41:00.000Z

Doesn't happen very often
Fri night:
Husband & I went to Lilly Allen gig at the Portsmouth Pyramids. Support act was ok, not really my thing but their last 2 songs were really good. They were the New Young Pony Club. Their t-shirts were I *love* N Y P C and I thought it was something else, because I didn't hear them announce themselves lol.

Lilly Allen came on after that. It was a short gig from 8.30 - 11. She had an excellent live band supporting her;trumpet, saxaphone etc. Her music has ska undertones and its quite catchy & easily loveable. My husband is the one who loves her music and I bought the tickets as a surprise. http://www.myspace.com/lilymusic
Pics shall ensue

Sat night:
Went out with a couple of friends. Going out here generally means going to a few bars/pub places before you final destination. Alot of bars/pubs have dancefloors and bear in mind that most places in the Uk close at 2am - 90 something %, by law or something. I do know of at least one place in Southampton which closes at 3 can't remember now, not important.
Trendy bars where everyone stands around looking cool, all dressed up, smoking, drinking and talking over the blaring music. I don't get it personally but whatever.
So we went to a couple of these places first off. The one that had a dancefloor had these young girls who thought they were dancing really seductively to the hip hop music, when in reality it was way too much movement to be possibly dancing in time to any kind of music. Sight for sore eyes.
My friends were busting for a pee and there was a queue for the ladies. They then decided to jump in the mens cubicles. One of the bouncers came along and made a big fuss, while they were locked in and then we got chucked out, or escorted out rather. That was a 1st, never been kicked out anywhere before. All in good fun I suppose.
We then headed on to Ocean& Collins which is the best club for music in Southampton that I've found - lady DJ at that too! We left just after midnight though - age is starting to show lol.

Home for Carnival

2006-11-02T17:23:00.000Z

I think Kevin Lyttle sang it best;

Is long time ah been away and ah miss meh carnival, so this year I'm on a plane heading to the festival..
...mas I love you, I can't do without you, for you there's a special place inside my heart..

Ah coming home, home for carnival, tell dem I cah miss the festival again.

Well Trini I love you, I can't do without you..

I am a Caribbean citizen, and I gotta come home, I gotta come home!

That captured my feeling this year when I came back from my christmas holidays in Trini. This song could give me goose bump yes.
Was listening to it on my way home from work today. And that Machel with Dougie Fresh makes me feel positive about things that going on back home. We not giving up!

My mother already sending me emails with ting she want me to bring back for her. She was here just the other day man, for like a whole month. I told her to let me come back from Florida 1st nah, it could wait. You ever see ting so?

I still haven't listened to 2007 soca yet.. - doh stone meh.

The Dove Intensive cream is leaving my skin really smooth and soft, and I was well surprised as I need stronger moisturizers when it gets colder. Yet to see the other results though.

Last night after having my dinner of pasta and mackerel, I went to the cinema to see The Departed. What did I have? Ben & Jerrys cookie sandwhich & and mini pot of cookie dough ice cream. Yummy
Not that I was being that good all along anyway

That is the update. Have Wushu tonight which will help to burn off some of the extras.

It Biting

2006-11-02T06:57:00.000Z

Well it was reaall cold yesterday boy, so like it start properly. I looking outside this morning 6:51 am and it have frost on the shed.
So I will have to start wearing my gloves from now it looks like.
My ears were killing me yesterday morning, that is the worse, standing or walking in the cold, and my ears going numb from the pain of the cold. It takes about 10 mins to thaw out once I reach inside, depending on how cold it is.

At least with the clocks going back its not dark all now. But its nighttime real early, I'll try and clock it today.
But the one positive thing is I don't have to wait soo long if I want to call home, 4hrs behind is good for catching up.

Northern accents

2006-10-31T00:15:00.000Z

That is definately worth a mention. Its completely hypnotising. Its not your typical british accent, far from. Love it, anywhere after middle England, esp Newcastle, Liverpool.
And let me not forget to give special shout out to the Irish & Scottish accents too.

I think the only one I have real trouble understanding is Welsh.

England pics 2000-Present

2006-10-30T16:55:00.000Z

Arranging them as we speak. I've made an album so its easier to view, its too much trouble uploading on blogger.

I've trawled through our million and 1 pics from over the years to pick out some that may be of interest, and to go with my recent post supressing Oct blues. I wish I could share much more, but its difficult to find pics where we're not all over it. No I don't feel like brandishing myself on the internet. So even though I've left out quite a few places ( Manchester, Scotland, Peake Distrcit to name a few) these should be enough to please.

I have to add that these are all our own pics, taken ourselves with our camera - thank you digital technology.

Please check it out. Alexia the countryside awaits you.

Comments on Blogger Please if any. :-)
Goodnight

http://picasaweb.google.com/jknine3/London

http://picasaweb.google.com/jknine3/Bournemouth

http://picasaweb.google.com/jknine3/SouthamptonCommon

http://picasaweb.google.com/jknine3/AroundTheUk

http://picasaweb.google.com/jknine3/WhereILive

Notting hill carnival & Alternative concept 4 2006

2006-10-30T14:58:00.000Z

This was the 2nd time since I've been here that I've checked out the Notting hill scene. The 1st time I was pregnant and it was too much jamming, is more people than anything. You don't move, the crowd moves you.
Went to see Machel & Allison Hinds at Alternative concept on the Fri, headed down to the kiddies on Sunday. That was great because my mom was up here, my brother and his wife came along, and a friend from work with her son. Nice family day out.

The reason I'm putting the Notting hill pics up , its just so that you can have a glimpse of English Carnival, and I thought it was funny that is was supposed to be kiddies day. But if you look you see more adults, and not so young kids along with the odd j'ouvert reveller. The sidestreets had different things going on. Main food area was really really busy, and evrything was really really oily, that didn't stop meh though, was a never see come see situation.
There were some brazillian street dancers doing their thing which was pretty cool

ENjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/jknine3/NottinghillCarnival

P.S Any comments can you post on here, not on Picasa please :-)

HP Christie

2006-10-28T22:24:00.000+01:00

I in love with these now.
Didn't see it in any of the stores in the mall. Not even in the store that I found the shoe in online.
I guess worse come to worse I'll but it online.
My feet too broad for dem pointy pointy ones. This will suit me good.

Check this out

2006-10-28T12:36:00.000+01:00

After reading Saucy blog last night on the 2007 Soca, I went to check out Toronto-lime.
I've known the site before, but I never realised they had soca videos on them too.

As much as I love my Carnival, sometimes I feel like we rushing it. And no I never used to like the soca switch, because it kills all the good soca by the time carnival come round. But when I was watching those videos I ketch the vibes man it was nice.
And the last page on toronto lime has some old school Machel, even too young to soca.

I'll have to put up a link to that one.
Trinijunglejuice is quite good, they missing a few good songs but they have soca from 2004 up. Even the other islands carnival releases.
The other one I like is a soca station I have in my favs at home- but I at work so I'll put that up later.

Saturday working & Hush Puppy boots

2006-10-28T12:27:00.000+01:00

This is the last of my Saturdays for a lil while. Thank goodness cause I can't handle it right now nah. I dead. I just bepping on myself. Really need to stop staying up late.

I had to watch Lost last night and tonight it will have to be Desperate housewives & Nip Tuck.
Can't let another night pass and I ain't watch the Nip yet. Can't get enough of these shows, and a couple others too - Laguna beach and The O.C.
Yes Laguna beach!
I don't watch too much tv, not a big fan of british sitcom or comedies, unless my husband makes me watch it. Some I like but very very few and far inbetween.

Hopefully I'll be in bed before midnight, cause I can't tell you when last I have done.

On another note I want to get a pair of hush puppy boots. Going to try them on when I finish work. They real cute - HP Christie they're called. I'll see if I could get a pic and stick up.
I have a pair of HP boots, because it had my name. Stupid, but who cares. My name is not that common and the boots were nice, that was good enough for me.
This isn't for carnival though.

Supressing the Oct blues

2006-10-27T01:07:00.000+01:00

I don't want to sound like I bashing the people place round the clock. It not all bad. So when I get some time on my hands I want to do a list of the good, the bad, and the wierd.

GOOD/SAVIOURS

Bowling - Something we don't have at home
Feeding ducks & swans in parks by the ponds
Forest - walking through the forest, taking a bike ride through the forest
Theme parks - I'm not a big fan of rollercoasters, but its still nice to be able to have the opportunity. Coni Island doesn't cut it.
Play areas for kids
MTV Base
Trouble (tv station) - where I could find all my black sitcoms cause I love them.
The Beckhams - yes David AND Victoria
Footballers - I shouldn't have to explain why
Martial Arts - not sure if i would have been able to do it in Trini
Close to the rest of Europe
Concerts- the opportunity to see bands & artists that Trini can't bring.
Boots the store - lovin boots
Boots ( shoes ) - now I know it have people who does be rocking the boots in Trini, but it was to hot to be wearing black calf length leather. If its the ankle ones ok

Walking through the parks on my way to/fro work and seeing lots of squirrels
In Autumn when the leaves are blowing off the trees when you walking somewhere.
In Summer when the sun goes down between 9.30 - 10pm.
Job agencies- I know jobs hard to comeby in Trini. Here there are always opportunities.

The countryside is absolutely beautiful. I never expected so much greenery in this country, it was the first thing I noticed. You just expect England to be very close to America, and it isn't. Sometimes its a good thing, sometimes its a bad thing. But you could find really nice massive parks. And I love seeing sheep and horses. Think I'll have to do a seperate piece on beautiful and great places in GBR with pics.

My car. I would not have had the dinero to buy my own car if I was in Trini. And I love my car so much I dream about it.

WIERD:

Beans on toast - I love baked beans, but not on toast!
Speghetti on toast - ahm no.

White boots - I never see it looking right. If Chris Rock had something to say, it would be right up there with clear heels at the ho' convention.
Ice water coming out as your normal tap water
Bank Holidays - The only holidays with names are Christmas, new years, Good Fri & east Mon.
A good night out is supposed to include pub crawling, shouting over the blearing music, and getting shit faced.?? - whatever.

Why stores here only recently (nov05-feb-06) started using pin when you use your bank card to pay for something. We doing that long time. It in full effect since Feb06.

Some laws - if somebody break in my house to thief or God knows, the criminal in question should not be able to press charges against me. *steupseee*

Houses come in about 4 variations- detached (not joined on either side), semi-detached (the house joined to another house on 1 side), terraced (joined on both sides) and bungalows which are all detached I believe but single level houses nah. Colours don't vary much either its usully ugly brick grey or browny colour, or if you paint its usually white, cream. On your street you'll have the same type of houses.
All towns/cities have the same layouts. Same stores. Similar type shops and cafes, tea shops etc in smaller towns. Except London I suppose.

You could just not know your neighbours period.

Old people who have children that don't look after them.

Men that getting their hair did - getting highlights etc. Men who wear tight tight jeans, or bootcut, kickflare jeans.

BAD:

Never enough bank holidays
the cold duh!
Why do films always get released so late here?
And some songs don't even reach - I can't say I ever heard La Totura here yet- that is a real hot song, and is Shakira? They getting better but its still always a couple of months behind for alot of music/artists that aren't from the UK. Unless they real real popular.

Benefits system - People who generally scrounging. And people who plan all their kids so they get more benefits i.e money from govt for free, and don't have to work. Cause its the people that really need it that get less.

The Healthcare and Dental - well I don't even go to the dentist here, I just go by mine when I go home. 3rd world services. Imagine if you gone in the hospital for 1 thing, then catch something else in the hospital cause they don't clean it properly. MRSA. uhgeed.

Living space and parking spaces are small and congested. London and big cities are worse. You'd be lucky in some neighbourhoods if you could park your car infront your own house.
You have to pay to park 99% of places when you go out. After 6pm you should be allright. Its expensive to park. I have my car but I don't drive to work cause I can't afford to pay £5-£6 a day in parking thank you. I catch the bus thank you very much.

No culture unless you could count going to the pub and football as a culture.

Obsession with celebrity to the point where you could build them up, then knock them down ruin lives and they don't care (the media that is). You could be a celebrity for nothing. If i was pretty to enough to go and sleep with someone rich and famous, and then sell the story - that is good grounds for becoming a celeb. Too many Z-list celeb reality shows.

I saw a size 0 in the Gap. and a size 2 as well. ewww. Never saw it in real life, I thought it was only a celeb/Hollywood thing

The bread is go stale fast fast.
Alot of religionless people

Ok so this list isn't exclusive, but those are just some of the things I noticed, and there 's more but it would never end.

Ignorance is not bliss

2006-10-24T14:20:00.000+01:00

Well I don't know who ain't go get vex with this one.

Gone to dinner last night with my 2 friends from work. Nicky and Huw (pron. Hugh). At some point during dinner, Nicky and Huw started talking about Trinidad. I was busy stuffing my mouth. Next thing you know Huw starts coming out with stuff like, " I thought they all live in shacks don't they?"
Nicky looks at my face and I stop eating. Is he for real? This boy don't want me to lunge across that table?

He says that on some documentary around world cup time, that one of our footballers took the camera crew to his parents house which looked like a shack??????? So he thought that we all lived like that. Now I don't know what he talking bout. And why whenever you see they showing things about Caribbean Islands in general, it always looking slummish? They always in town somewhere by the drag mall, or what used to be. Talking to the people who hustling on the streets. Is this how the rest of the world sees us ? its worrying. We have nicer houses in Trini than it have here. Every town looks the same, same shops, same layout, the houses have like about 4 variations, so they tend to look the same too.
I'm still highly insulted, offended and everything else. OMG if he is like that, are there other people out there that think that is how we live?

Oh and I keep getting called jamaican as if I have a jamaican accent. And if its not that I get American. Huh?

And even my mother in law thinks that Diego Martin is some part of Jamaica.
People ask me when am I going back to Tobago? Cause to some people I'm from Tobago, I don't know if they think that Trinidad is in Tobago. This came up in the discussion too. Yes its actually TWO SEPERATE ISLANDS. I love Tobago, but I not from there!! I suppose for touristy reasons on this side of the world you only hear Tobago, never Trinidad.

And speaking of the World Cup, they kept annoying me at work by saying Soccer Warriors. They were pronouncing SOCA as SOCCER - I'm sure you heard it on the tv from the commentators as well. OMG it drove me crazy. I was trying to explain to people at work, its because of the kind of music that we have. They just didn't get it.

My son's friends were saying how its cheating that we have 2 countries vs one for the world cup. 5yr olds were upset that England didn't win over Trinidad & Tobago, and we cheated because its 2 countries. What you say to that? what you could really say?

And somebody just last week said to me, "If you were anymore laid back you'd fall over". There is this we're just laid back, don't do shit. Just smoke the herb, men have ras or whatever. ARHHHHHGHHHHARGHGHHHHH Help me educate these damn people.
Now I know it have some people like that lol, but that is not how the whole flipping country does operate.

Oh yeah and do we speak English? Is English our first language - he ask that too. and I've had other people ask me before. That isn't too bad a question actually. But when he ask that, I was like do I sound like I speak something else. On the other hand don't answer - as he is the one that gave me the nickname Chutney, because he didn't understand what I was saying about JET Li, and thought I was speaking about Chutney.

What a ting. Anyway I've flooded his email with Trinidad pics. STEUPSE!

Girlie Evening

2006-10-24T13:58:00.000+01:00

Yesterday my friend from work planned a girlie evening. The kids away - parents play.
We went out for dinner with another guy from work, stopped and got some courvoisier and a bottle of baileys, then went home put on a Chris Rock dvd. It was a good night. The husband was banished upstairs while we cackled the night away. Good times man.
She sleptover and we gossip all morning long. Good tmes.

Blogging on Fri & Sat

2006-10-21T22:20:00.000+01:00

Ketch meh nen nen trying to blog all yesterday.

We seem to be cool now. So I not hating.

Sat evening giving troble too. It can't be the internet cause everything running fine. So I figure its this site. In the end I had to give up.

Anybody else having troubles using blogger ?

Dove Intensive firming Gel-cream

2006-10-21T22:13:00.000+01:00

Today I've started to use Dove Intensive firming cream, will see how that goes. Will update as I go along.
More or less had a good food day.
Swimming tomorrow with the fam.
Will definately back on track with martial arts this week too. I've been skipping somedays last couple of weeks.

Bought a black jacket finally.

Oh will also be trying out my Roc microdermabrasion kit tonight as well. see how that goes.

Blogging

2006-10-20T17:04:00.001+01:00

I'm getting addicted.

I'm having alot of fun just reading other blogs esp from the trinis in foreign. Big shout out!
Its good to see we all experiencing the same kinda things.

My husband is an englishman, my son born here and I living here over 6yrs now, but it will never be home to me yes. This is just somewhere I live. When I dream 95% of my dreams are of my life in Trinidad.
The day he says lets go live there; I'd be packed and on plane before you say jack robinson.

Its only a few months again anyhow, not that long till Feb. I only talking so cause winter round the corner *shudder*
At work today I had on my winter coat in the office, it so fricking cold on my floor. The other floors ok but oh shit man. People only asking me if I cold. I have on a frigging coat inside, yes I cold!! They don't believe me nah. So I tell a couple of them to feel my skin, and they like, " Oh my Gosh, you're frozen!" Yes I know tell me about it.

Ate like a pig, and talking to my husband on messenger and he bringing me home a doughnut too, he did ask if he should bin it. I said no, I'll have it. I'll probably be oinking later with all them sausage rolls I eat today yes LOL. Its the little mini ones too.
Tom is another day yes. Its that time of the month I doh cater!
I'm a size 10, and a 12 for when my ass have to fit in it too.

Just one more thing - Food Friday

2006-10-20T01:04:00.000+01:00

Its Food Friday tommorow at work. Everybody brings in some kinda food. And by food I mean some junk food shit. cookies, cakes, crisps, sausages rolls, chocolates, doughnuts.. and the list rolls on. ANd the eating usually starts from in the morning as soon as everybody brings their stuff in, or from before if we playing greedy, then till all afternoon.

So I'll actually try and avoid most of it. I have my weaknesses and I'm only human after all. Plus I really actually want to be all up in that, BUT I will try to see if I find some will power on the roadside somewhere on my way to work.

I bought some Doritos I want to try so I'll have them. Went grocery shopping this week and picked up some more of Sainsburys Toffee muffins it was a get 2 extra in the pack free. How could I refuse. By this week I meant yesterday and all the muffins gone. I did share with my son, and by share he had 2.
Its my sweet tooth that gets to me.

The Weather turning

2006-10-20T00:22:00.000+01:00

Its little torrential outside, raining on and off. Lots of pools of water everywhere. Not exactly your trini floods but who wants them anyway. Straying for 1 sec it doesn't have earthquakes here.

As a vest, jeans and slippers girl, it still hard to adjust to layering my clothes properly, and I'm never comfortable when I have to be wearing one set ah clothes.
inside my house warm generally
Outside cold
work airconditioned.

Wrong, strong and Stubborn no ass - in my house in just a vest or jersey and shorts telling my husband it cold, so that he wouldn't mind if I put on the heater.

My skin is go all dry and funny in winter too. The health of my hair, skin and nails before living in this country was pretty damn good let me tell you. You don't even want to know the kinda moaning I put down between Oct and April.
My mother-inlaw come in here the other day bawling how the place hot. steuppse no time yes. If it cold outside, then it cold inside as far as I'm concerned and the heatin going on.
I'm much better than I was in the first 2 yrs I was here, when I'd be cranking the heating right up to 30 and not feeling the heat. I came here in MAY eh. But my husband at the time didn't have the heart to boff me up about it, and endured his nightly headaches. Sorry A.
Definately improved.

A friend of mine came to visit last Oct and she said to me, your house is always feel like it airconditioned so? - no I don't have airconditioning, it was early Oct and we hadn't started putting the heating on just yet.

Next friend I was playing J'ouvert with this Carnival gone there - 3/4am in the morning and we in the lil vest and shorts no duttiness on we yet, and she ask me ' Is this what the cold in England is feel like?'
I jus hadda laugh with that one. No that is what a cool summer's evening feels like.

I must say a special thank you to global warming to making the summers last a bit longer, cause we've had a good run to be now starting to go 18deg cel & under during the day, the nights are like 10-14deg only in this last week or so. We had the occasional bad weather in the summer where it was crisp at times (the BREEZE Lord it don't help). When we were having rains, and thunderstorms earlier in the summer it even hailed a little one day.

I could never sleep properly when I get back from Wushu. Its like 12.45am I deading and I'm sure I stopped making sense a long time ago, as this is an awful long blog about the weather.
Good night!

*This is a Trinidad ting*