To all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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..

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

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

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

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

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

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