Well I cannot believe that one term has passed already. It seems like only yesterday that I was going to BC for an interview. Well as they say time waits on no man. I have enjoyed my experience thus far, met alot of interesting folks and have learnt many things directly or indirectly from my programme and living with other persons from varied cultural background.
The break we now have is only a break in name, i have two 6000 word essays to do in december while trying to get information for my research paper as well as the prisoner's project i signed up to do while trying to get a break and rest my head before school starts.
I am asking the Lord to guide me with these essays as my confidence is not where i would want it to be due to unforseen circumstances. But all things is possible only if you believe. I mean it is so telling that we have all these positive phrases and promises from God yet often times we fail to have faith that things will work out. I always live by the following that :He doesnt give you more than you can bear and I often say once you put in 100% you will get 100%.
I know things will not be easy and transistion for me has never been smooth with school.....highschool to uwi; uwi to nmls and now nmls to llm. I often cry and ask the Lord why my transistion cannot be fast, why it cannot just happen like others. I would like to leave the LLM not only a better person but with distinction and I am wondering if that is possible everyday. I know that my fear is not that i am inadequate but i am powerful beyond measure. But will my power surface at this point in time? or is my power set for other things, and not now or is my power already here but I just need to embrace it?
Saturday 20 December 2008
Saturday 29 November 2008
Hanging: The human rights debate and the struggle of a human rights student
Recently, there has been great debate in JA about the issue of hanging. As a current student, studying human rights I realised that there is a conflict, a struggle I just cannot grapple with in relation to how human rights advocates have treated the issue of human rights viz a vie the rights of the criminal. Notice I have not used the word defendant as when you are a criminal it means that you have been tried and convicted. Once you have been convicted I still believe that you should be treated humanely, that is you cannot be beaten willynilly or subjected to cruel conditions in prison if that is your sentence. But the issue is where do we draw the line. If the criminal has been correctly convicted what are his rights after conviction? Should he have rights in relation to his sentencing? How do we balance the rights of the victims either the loved ones of the deceased or those who live to recount the events.
I read Mr. Neita's Letter published in the Gleaner November 29, 2008, where he recounted his experience 30 years ago when he was face to face with the nuzzle of a gun when he and his other colleagues were robbed by a group of armed men. His article raised a few interesting points about whether or not Amnesty or Dr. Gomes had ever had any such traumatic experiences. Such a question in my mind raise the inference that since they have not had these experiences they cannot relate to the realities of the situation. It may even be argued that God forbid that any of them should go through a very cruelsome event and live to tell the tale they may have a different spin on many issues they now advocate on behalf of. Remember flo o'occoner where is she now?
It further begs the question of why is it that when we speak of the death penalty it is automatic that Human Rights Advocates think of cruel, inhuman treatment. Some even would like to say it is torture.
The trouble with such logic is that there has been no patent view by these advocates about how we should view on the other hand what the victims of these vicious attacks went through. I am sure that Mr. Neita would view what he experienced 30 years ago as cruel and inhuman. I am sure the little baby who several weeks ago was raped and murdered that such a situation is torture, cruel, and inhuman. I am sure that the plight of the over 900 persons who have been murdered viciously since the start of the year is more than cruel inhuman and degrading once we get into the nittygritty of how they were killed.
My country is getting into a cesspool of killings and tragedies that is stinking more and more as the day goes by. I agree that the Death Penalty may not solve all our problems. It will not solve the corruption problem (as we do not hang the corrupt), it will not solve our economic crisis, or the rise in truancy just to name a few of our problems. But we must start somewhere, since keeping them in horizon hotel (as Mr. Charles stated) is not solving one essential problem. Dr. Gomes and Amnesty apart from advocating for the rights of these criminals why not think about the victims on the flip side for a change. We need practical solutions to our problems and human rights is not a one sided coin. There are many players in the field, the nature of the law in this regard is that it is equal and applicable to all individuals and when you focus on the criminals in this regard what message are you sending to the victims of these henious crimes? What should the mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands of this country who have lost their loved ones to the gun glean from your subliminal message? Certainly not one of hope.
I read Mr. Neita's Letter published in the Gleaner November 29, 2008, where he recounted his experience 30 years ago when he was face to face with the nuzzle of a gun when he and his other colleagues were robbed by a group of armed men. His article raised a few interesting points about whether or not Amnesty or Dr. Gomes had ever had any such traumatic experiences. Such a question in my mind raise the inference that since they have not had these experiences they cannot relate to the realities of the situation. It may even be argued that God forbid that any of them should go through a very cruelsome event and live to tell the tale they may have a different spin on many issues they now advocate on behalf of. Remember flo o'occoner where is she now?
It further begs the question of why is it that when we speak of the death penalty it is automatic that Human Rights Advocates think of cruel, inhuman treatment. Some even would like to say it is torture.
The trouble with such logic is that there has been no patent view by these advocates about how we should view on the other hand what the victims of these vicious attacks went through. I am sure that Mr. Neita would view what he experienced 30 years ago as cruel and inhuman. I am sure the little baby who several weeks ago was raped and murdered that such a situation is torture, cruel, and inhuman. I am sure that the plight of the over 900 persons who have been murdered viciously since the start of the year is more than cruel inhuman and degrading once we get into the nittygritty of how they were killed.
My country is getting into a cesspool of killings and tragedies that is stinking more and more as the day goes by. I agree that the Death Penalty may not solve all our problems. It will not solve the corruption problem (as we do not hang the corrupt), it will not solve our economic crisis, or the rise in truancy just to name a few of our problems. But we must start somewhere, since keeping them in horizon hotel (as Mr. Charles stated) is not solving one essential problem. Dr. Gomes and Amnesty apart from advocating for the rights of these criminals why not think about the victims on the flip side for a change. We need practical solutions to our problems and human rights is not a one sided coin. There are many players in the field, the nature of the law in this regard is that it is equal and applicable to all individuals and when you focus on the criminals in this regard what message are you sending to the victims of these henious crimes? What should the mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands of this country who have lost their loved ones to the gun glean from your subliminal message? Certainly not one of hope.
Sunday 23 November 2008
snow in colchester
It was exciting when i woke up this morning. I looked outside and there i saw some white sheets falling from the sky. I was like WHAT is that!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my lord and yes it was my first snow. I was excited and started waking up everyone in my flat. I was calling out VAl, Mando, Goli~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....................only Goli came out after i banged on her door like a crazy nut case. She looked on me and said huh. I said look pointing like some crazy kid. It is snowing its snowing. She said "comeon, is this the first time you are seeing snow. I said yes. she said ok. I said ok then i gone to take pictures. I attach some pics of my first snow day ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. it did COLDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD nuh wah afterwards though.
Wednesday 19 November 2008
Stomach Bug and all these things. Month 2. Week 10
So it has been a while since i blogged and this is due to one reason only. I was sick for 2 weeks with some sort of viral infection/stomach bug as they call it over here.
Now for some time. Maybe from November 3 i have been having some bad cramps at nights, when i eat or drink. Around the 4th i decided to visit the health centre as it was becoming unbareable, this then set about a chain of events that changed my life for the next 2 weeks.
Day one
1. Went to health centre. First saw a nurse, she asked me a bunch of questions and was typing on her PC. She then gave her opinion of what i had based on questions asked and answered. She then refered me to doctor
2. Saw Doctor. Doctor did same thing only then she feel up mi belly. Then said i had acid reflux and gave me some tablets for it
Day two:
1. In my room trying to work, a piece a pain lick me. Then i felt vomitish. THe pain was persistent and the nausea was getting bad. I was alone in my dorm. All the girls went to class. I had no class it was to be movie day. When i realised i couldnt manage i called keisha, who called her friend to come and see if i was ok. He then inturn called security who called me. This was the convo
"Hey mam this is security are you ok?
"No i am not ok, i am in pain and i cannot manage
Did you go to the health centre?
Yes i did
Did they give u tablets
Yes they did
Then you will be fine Mam, keep warm take care.
Now i was pissed. they didnt help me. I am in pain and you tell me to keep warm. Anyway Keisha's friend came and he was there with me praying with me until keisha came and then she said no you need to go back to health centre. So we went back.
I saw the same nurse who did the same thing and i told her i want to see another doctor. She refused and said what about continuity. I was this short from telling her where to shove her continuity. Anyway i saw another doctor who told me is not acid reflux but a virus from something i ate or drank. But like first doctor he only touch up mi belly.
From these two experiences my view is that would never happen in JA. Even if you tell doctor you head or hand hurt they taking pressure and everything.
Anyway day 3.
Now i start throwing up again and having fever and shakes and bad pain. My flat mate is worried and calls security again. A man comes sees my condition and then decides to call the ambulance. My friend is happy as she says finally the hospital will make a difference. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmm
Well ambulance comes. Parameds come and take me and take my pressure and everything. So far i feel confident about this. Went to hospital and i saw three different nurses who asked me the same question. One of them pissed me off when she asked me if i took any medication for the pain and i told her i dont like taking medication and then she said.............OH but you come to a hospital?
I was this close to telling her about some cloths at Pablo's. She got off the hook only because they took test, urine and blood. Anyway then i saw doctor Guyanese descent and yes he asked me the same question like the 3 nurses.
After 3 hours there, and several million questions later they gave me another set of medication. All now mi nuh tek it not after the first experience at health centre and i was placed on a diet for 3 days. Well for the next week and half i was on this diet because whatever in my system was not going away.
Then i decided to make some contact in Ja and found a friend whose sis is a doc in UK. Good to say she took care of me and reassured me i was getting better. After 5 pounds i am now better.
But i have learnt my lesson
1. Dont dash we u 3rd world doctor
2. British food nasty and mess up my system
3. Health centre want a change and NOW>
Now for some time. Maybe from November 3 i have been having some bad cramps at nights, when i eat or drink. Around the 4th i decided to visit the health centre as it was becoming unbareable, this then set about a chain of events that changed my life for the next 2 weeks.
Day one
1. Went to health centre. First saw a nurse, she asked me a bunch of questions and was typing on her PC. She then gave her opinion of what i had based on questions asked and answered. She then refered me to doctor
2. Saw Doctor. Doctor did same thing only then she feel up mi belly. Then said i had acid reflux and gave me some tablets for it
Day two:
1. In my room trying to work, a piece a pain lick me. Then i felt vomitish. THe pain was persistent and the nausea was getting bad. I was alone in my dorm. All the girls went to class. I had no class it was to be movie day. When i realised i couldnt manage i called keisha, who called her friend to come and see if i was ok. He then inturn called security who called me. This was the convo
"Hey mam this is security are you ok?
"No i am not ok, i am in pain and i cannot manage
Did you go to the health centre?
Yes i did
Did they give u tablets
Yes they did
Then you will be fine Mam, keep warm take care.
Now i was pissed. they didnt help me. I am in pain and you tell me to keep warm. Anyway Keisha's friend came and he was there with me praying with me until keisha came and then she said no you need to go back to health centre. So we went back.
I saw the same nurse who did the same thing and i told her i want to see another doctor. She refused and said what about continuity. I was this short from telling her where to shove her continuity. Anyway i saw another doctor who told me is not acid reflux but a virus from something i ate or drank. But like first doctor he only touch up mi belly.
From these two experiences my view is that would never happen in JA. Even if you tell doctor you head or hand hurt they taking pressure and everything.
Anyway day 3.
Now i start throwing up again and having fever and shakes and bad pain. My flat mate is worried and calls security again. A man comes sees my condition and then decides to call the ambulance. My friend is happy as she says finally the hospital will make a difference. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmm
Well ambulance comes. Parameds come and take me and take my pressure and everything. So far i feel confident about this. Went to hospital and i saw three different nurses who asked me the same question. One of them pissed me off when she asked me if i took any medication for the pain and i told her i dont like taking medication and then she said.............OH but you come to a hospital?
I was this close to telling her about some cloths at Pablo's. She got off the hook only because they took test, urine and blood. Anyway then i saw doctor Guyanese descent and yes he asked me the same question like the 3 nurses.
After 3 hours there, and several million questions later they gave me another set of medication. All now mi nuh tek it not after the first experience at health centre and i was placed on a diet for 3 days. Well for the next week and half i was on this diet because whatever in my system was not going away.
Then i decided to make some contact in Ja and found a friend whose sis is a doc in UK. Good to say she took care of me and reassured me i was getting better. After 5 pounds i am now better.
But i have learnt my lesson
1. Dont dash we u 3rd world doctor
2. British food nasty and mess up my system
3. Health centre want a change and NOW>
Wednesday 5 November 2008
Month 2; Work and Play
Yes I know it has been a while since i have blogged, the work has gotten to me now and since I am on a break I will try and sum of the events that have taken place since the last blog.
1. My assignment question came out. I am trying to attack it rigorously
2. I have been ill: I am trying to try different food, all to my detriment. went to doctor after I couldnt bear the pain any more. She thinks it is some gastro problem and as given me some tablets. If it continues however i need to return. I am praying that it doesnt as the pain/cramps are horrible, cannot function when they occur.
3. Went to Clacton on the sea with my flat mate; pics attached. We went on a ride in the amusement park....hmmmm wrong move. At least it helped destressed
4. My flat mates and I celebrated our first month living together with a nice dinner in our kitchen and we all had to dress up.
5. Went to london for a seminar at a well known Chambers, and then dinner at a nice spanish restaurant afterwards
Well that is all for now.
Saturday 25 October 2008
LLM Party; Day 27
Last night was the second time we had a party for LLM, but this time was different.
1. It was put on by the class for the LLM-IHRL class only (well in theory)
2. We had music
3. Less formal
4. We fit about 30 ppl in a smalllllllllllllllllllllll space.
It was nice and yours truly enjoyed herself to the max with her one pina colada which was really heavy I had it for about an hour. Then a focused on the fizzy drink.s..........sticking to the evil i know.
They had wide variety of music and they played some reggae just for moi and others who knew then songs. Even had some sean paul which everyone danced to.....they made me look like a dancehall queen. hehehe
One thing that was interesting was when i met people and they asked me where i am from; they quickly asked "so u can run" i said no.....then the next question is "ohhh u can dance then" i said no....then they said "ohhh then u can sing" i also said no. This girl said "u not jamaican then" heheheh i laughed and said i have to reconsider that for true as everyone who hear mi speak ask me if i am from the states. STATES!!!!! There is only one guy in my class who said when i first spoke he couldn't figure which country but he knew it was the Caribbean.
Well i hope to post pics of the party soon as well as on facebook.
After went home
1. It was put on by the class for the LLM-IHRL class only (well in theory)
2. We had music
3. Less formal
4. We fit about 30 ppl in a smalllllllllllllllllllllll space.
It was nice and yours truly enjoyed herself to the max with her one pina colada which was really heavy I had it for about an hour. Then a focused on the fizzy drink.s..........sticking to the evil i know.
They had wide variety of music and they played some reggae just for moi and others who knew then songs. Even had some sean paul which everyone danced to.....they made me look like a dancehall queen. hehehe
One thing that was interesting was when i met people and they asked me where i am from; they quickly asked "so u can run" i said no.....then the next question is "ohhh u can dance then" i said no....then they said "ohhh then u can sing" i also said no. This girl said "u not jamaican then" heheheh i laughed and said i have to reconsider that for true as everyone who hear mi speak ask me if i am from the states. STATES!!!!! There is only one guy in my class who said when i first spoke he couldn't figure which country but he knew it was the Caribbean.
Well i hope to post pics of the party soon as well as on facebook.
After went home
Wednesday 22 October 2008
communal living is a hell ofa thing; Day24
So that I don't violate any defamation laws what i have to say on the area will be limited.
It had been so weird for the last 4 days on 13.4, i cannot find my bowl, my friend cannot find her drinking glass after using it 1 hour prior and what took the cake is that my other friend bought a bunch of bananas and some left one for her. AH BOI.
Now it is so weird, the weirdness of which I will leave as any assumptions that will be made can be defamatory. All i will say is 2 weeks prior this problem didnt come up. ....But we decided to conduct our own investigation and urs truly is the head of the cease and desist squad. I am also the Judge and the Jury and morever will counsel the guilty if captured.
Anyway i am getting ready for class and then going to LOndon for a seminar on counter-terrorism. Will tell you how that goes later.
It had been so weird for the last 4 days on 13.4, i cannot find my bowl, my friend cannot find her drinking glass after using it 1 hour prior and what took the cake is that my other friend bought a bunch of bananas and some left one for her. AH BOI.
Now it is so weird, the weirdness of which I will leave as any assumptions that will be made can be defamatory. All i will say is 2 weeks prior this problem didnt come up. ....But we decided to conduct our own investigation and urs truly is the head of the cease and desist squad. I am also the Judge and the Jury and morever will counsel the guilty if captured.
Anyway i am getting ready for class and then going to LOndon for a seminar on counter-terrorism. Will tell you how that goes later.
Sunday 19 October 2008
Jehovah Nissi
It was timely that I was reminded today that the Lord is my Banner. This reminder was done by Pastor Green at Orchard Baptist today. I went with Christian union for the annual church shopping which allows students to visit a different church each week with a view to finding one that you wish to attend on a regular basis and call home.
Well I decided to go this week to the baptist church. It is small and feels so homely and the Pastor is good. He reminds me somewhat of my own in portmore.
The service is very different however, but the message is the same as that is what is important. So today the message was about jehovah nissi. The story was based on exodus 17 verse 8- about 13 about moses, hur, aaron, and of course battle with israelities and the amalikites (think it is not spelt correctly).
I know this masters for me is going to be a battle field, mentally and physically. I am already trying to calm myself and say 'self, what is important is that you do your best' dont over stress it. Once you put out the work it will show. As the song says the Lord always comes through for you, you may not know how, you may not know when but he will do it again. He has done it for me at LLB and at NMLS so i dont know why i am stressing like this already, but my mother says 'a so u stay, if u nah fret u nuh feel good'
Well for anyone who is reading this blog and you have problems not just school anything, remember jehovah nissi.
I will of course attend Orchard again and hopefully make it my second home church
Friday 17 October 2008
Reminiscing about JA
Today got off to a good start, i have choosen my courses and went to my int'l child law class. I had read and felt good when i was able to clearly articulate my points across in the problem question. I know i am going to love this course and i know i am going to do my diss in some child related area.
Went to the tollgate place, took two buses to get ink...........again. I bought two and told my self that is it. If it done it done.
Came back and hold a 3 hour sleep, i was up from 6am trying to do an essay and then went to class so i was tired from the two bus ride. I am now in my room trying to do some more work, work on the essay and then read for classes next week. have to it in blocks as the work for these classes i have mon and thur is soo much. I even registered for a seminar on counter-terrorism in London on wed i hope i am able to make it physicallya nd mentally after this weekend.
Looking forward to church sunday will blog about that one of course.
Anyway today i noticed several things and then started thinking about JA.
1. No robot taxi
2. No vendor when u need one.
3. No mad persons, although i have seen persons displaying 'madish' tendencies. But seriously none
4. The roads are soooooooooooo narrow, they need bougie to come make road for them
5. the roundabouts are round not abouts.
6. the buses make 15 mins journey the most in colchester even though the place is small. so like i am in portmore and i can get a bus straight to NK, or HWT or DT. Here i would have to take somthing from braeton to mall and then from mall to HWT or DT. It sucks.
Went to the tollgate place, took two buses to get ink...........again. I bought two and told my self that is it. If it done it done.
Came back and hold a 3 hour sleep, i was up from 6am trying to do an essay and then went to class so i was tired from the two bus ride. I am now in my room trying to do some more work, work on the essay and then read for classes next week. have to it in blocks as the work for these classes i have mon and thur is soo much. I even registered for a seminar on counter-terrorism in London on wed i hope i am able to make it physicallya nd mentally after this weekend.
Looking forward to church sunday will blog about that one of course.
Anyway today i noticed several things and then started thinking about JA.
1. No robot taxi
2. No vendor when u need one.
3. No mad persons, although i have seen persons displaying 'madish' tendencies. But seriously none
4. The roads are soooooooooooo narrow, they need bougie to come make road for them
5. the roundabouts are round not abouts.
6. the buses make 15 mins journey the most in colchester even though the place is small. so like i am in portmore and i can get a bus straight to NK, or HWT or DT. Here i would have to take somthing from braeton to mall and then from mall to HWT or DT. It sucks.
Wednesday 15 October 2008
miss darling: is this homesickness already?
I went to my bed about 10pm last night as i was tired and wanted to wake up early to attack the reading. It has hot though and no the heater was not on, maybe is hot flashes teking me already in mi young days.
Anyway, i had a dream about my granny, miss darling. That she came to look for me and see if i was ok, that she even slept beside me and said dont worry everything will be ok. She looked young fresh and green too not sickly as she did before she passed. AH boi i was thinking is what this on me father lord, is this homesickness already and she come to take care of me.....this is nor funny.
Anyway had a good sleep after that though i must say. Got up made some nice breakfast and headed to the bank to sort them out because them mek mi waste 3 pounds trying to explain over the phone to them why mi cannot see the proper balance on my account.
Only to go in the bank to find out that the lady gave me the wrong account numbers as being savings and current and thus i have been using my savings account when i thought it was the current. In uk what they call current account is what we call savings account and savings in uk is just a little way of putting aside any extra.
so when u open an account u get two numbers one for saving one for current. U get a debit card which u can use to buy stuff online as well and a cheque book. so now i have to re-adjust my mind and be careful not to mix them up again. mi just kiss me teeth and walk out because the first impression of the bank is never good, but then again even in JA i always had bad experiences with banks.
Anyway, i had a dream about my granny, miss darling. That she came to look for me and see if i was ok, that she even slept beside me and said dont worry everything will be ok. She looked young fresh and green too not sickly as she did before she passed. AH boi i was thinking is what this on me father lord, is this homesickness already and she come to take care of me.....this is nor funny.
Anyway had a good sleep after that though i must say. Got up made some nice breakfast and headed to the bank to sort them out because them mek mi waste 3 pounds trying to explain over the phone to them why mi cannot see the proper balance on my account.
Only to go in the bank to find out that the lady gave me the wrong account numbers as being savings and current and thus i have been using my savings account when i thought it was the current. In uk what they call current account is what we call savings account and savings in uk is just a little way of putting aside any extra.
so when u open an account u get two numbers one for saving one for current. U get a debit card which u can use to buy stuff online as well and a cheque book. so now i have to re-adjust my mind and be careful not to mix them up again. mi just kiss me teeth and walk out because the first impression of the bank is never good, but then again even in JA i always had bad experiences with banks.
Tuesday 14 October 2008
Month 1 of 12; lusy british
Well it is official this is my first month in the UK and i feel real british already.....well not really but felt nice to say that somewhat.
My first two weeks were great thanks to dale, keisha, andrew, keliesha and ingrid. I felt as if i know them for years................well except for dale who i have known all my life. From that experience i can say that good friends hard to find and sometime water thicker than blood.
As evidenced from the previous blogs my time was well spent in enfield and i felt like i was on vacation as opposed to preparing to go to school, but i am glad though i relaxed so that when i start to stress i wouldnt feel like i have been stressing from day one.
My new friends followed me to school and that was great as well. Imagine my two car entourage.
The cross cultural experience has been good; My flatmates are lovely. So far we have been out for drinks and movie and shopping. We have so much fun. It is sometimes difficult with the language barrier as they dont speak good english but i am trying to teach them (as if i have any authority to teach anyone english).
Also not having another J'can (keisha too busy wid PHD) to talk to and stuff has gotten to me several times, but i guess i am trying to embrace all cultures and it has forced me to give up ebonics for proper english. ARGHHHHHHHHHH.
School has been interesting so far. Recent interest is for a class i have to prepare submissions along with 4 other persons in which we say that proposing a law to make homosexuality (being the person) illegal is contrary to human rights. Now poor me, i was like what? worse the african guy ...zimbabwe to be exact says that he has more arguments to support the legislations than anything else. It was soo funny as out group is suppose to be against such a legislation yet we are finding alot of reasons to uphold it, while reading all these interesting cases and documents to see how they rationalise the point that discrimnation on the basis of sexual orientation violate IHRL and that it is even argued that this principle is universal and doesnt matter what ones culture is. Will keep you abreast on the final class on the issue.
The professors are the leading experts in the field and the organisation by admin has been quite good so far. Trying to keep up with checking emails everyday so that i dont miss out on the important academic things.
Now i am on the grind to try and keep up with my classes and for my first assignment due nov 21 . I am also trying to think of my research paper topic which is due dec 11. Earlier i start thinking the better. I think maybe i need to brainstorm issues i am interested in and then formulate a thesis statement around one.
anyway. back to the grind. and looking forward to many more blogs
My first two weeks were great thanks to dale, keisha, andrew, keliesha and ingrid. I felt as if i know them for years................well except for dale who i have known all my life. From that experience i can say that good friends hard to find and sometime water thicker than blood.
As evidenced from the previous blogs my time was well spent in enfield and i felt like i was on vacation as opposed to preparing to go to school, but i am glad though i relaxed so that when i start to stress i wouldnt feel like i have been stressing from day one.
My new friends followed me to school and that was great as well. Imagine my two car entourage.
The cross cultural experience has been good; My flatmates are lovely. So far we have been out for drinks and movie and shopping. We have so much fun. It is sometimes difficult with the language barrier as they dont speak good english but i am trying to teach them (as if i have any authority to teach anyone english).
Also not having another J'can (keisha too busy wid PHD) to talk to and stuff has gotten to me several times, but i guess i am trying to embrace all cultures and it has forced me to give up ebonics for proper english. ARGHHHHHHHHHH.
School has been interesting so far. Recent interest is for a class i have to prepare submissions along with 4 other persons in which we say that proposing a law to make homosexuality (being the person) illegal is contrary to human rights. Now poor me, i was like what? worse the african guy ...zimbabwe to be exact says that he has more arguments to support the legislations than anything else. It was soo funny as out group is suppose to be against such a legislation yet we are finding alot of reasons to uphold it, while reading all these interesting cases and documents to see how they rationalise the point that discrimnation on the basis of sexual orientation violate IHRL and that it is even argued that this principle is universal and doesnt matter what ones culture is. Will keep you abreast on the final class on the issue.
The professors are the leading experts in the field and the organisation by admin has been quite good so far. Trying to keep up with checking emails everyday so that i dont miss out on the important academic things.
Now i am on the grind to try and keep up with my classes and for my first assignment due nov 21 . I am also trying to think of my research paper topic which is due dec 11. Earlier i start thinking the better. I think maybe i need to brainstorm issues i am interested in and then formulate a thesis statement around one.
anyway. back to the grind. and looking forward to many more blogs
Tuesday 7 October 2008
Week 2 of 52
Well so far classes have been interesting, the work to do for them however is alot. I am trying my hardest to keep up and crossing my fingers that i can maintain the pace for the next year.
Came home and cooked some food, and trust me my mother will be proud of me i am getting good at this cooking thing. I made pasta with mince meat. I realise i like cooking and experimenting. I wanted to make meatballs but i did not have some of the major ingredients, anyway i decide to cook the mince lo and behold it turned out to be too salty so yours truly cooked some pasta very fresh to even out the salty mince and it worked........................woiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
While experimenting with the food another person moved into the flat. As such i was trying to show her the ropes and stuff..... so now it is 5 of us, there is one room that is not occupied.
Now i am checking my email and only hear this loud annoying sound. I am frightened and then i only see a lady come to my room and say fire alarm get out now.
People yours truly in her pajama and socks, at 645pm.....so at this rate i either run out in my Pj's and socks or try and fix up i mean is a fire alarm so all the people will be coming out i have to look my darnest best.... just in case. heheheh no offence Omar
The lady adamant that i must come out NOW!!! no fixing up no changeing of clothes nothing. so i slip off the socks in 1 sec slip on my slippers in 2 secs, grab my coat and then set of my keys. Because once the central door to the flat is locked we all up in flat 4 locked out.
While running down the stairs i looked on my feet, oh my lord them ashy i was annoyed no matter how mi lotion them down good good it did ashy in slippers and PJ.
Anyway it was just a drill which annoyed me more because she coulda did give me time fi fix up since she knew it was a mere drill. Which they say happen once a year.....yeah right.
They gave us a lecture on not playing with the alarms and fines they attract of 500 pounds and etc etc. Imagine big UNI people a play wid fire alarm the fine should be 5000 Pounds or them school fee which ever is greater if you ask me.
My poor flatmate all this time is distressed u know the saying think ur situation is bad not until u are confronted with someone in a worse position. Well she ran out in her PJ's too (is a flat thing) and socks no shoes. she said she was frightened she couldnt find her shoes. and then when we came out we were th eonly ones in PJ's everyone dress fi kill or in lounge wear. So we tried to play low key)
Remember the key i had time to take up, good move when we ran back up after the drill i was the only one wid a key, hmmm we would have to wait on other flat mates who not coming back until next hour and half.
well i am off to bed and then getting up to be studious as i possibly can.
Came home and cooked some food, and trust me my mother will be proud of me i am getting good at this cooking thing. I made pasta with mince meat. I realise i like cooking and experimenting. I wanted to make meatballs but i did not have some of the major ingredients, anyway i decide to cook the mince lo and behold it turned out to be too salty so yours truly cooked some pasta very fresh to even out the salty mince and it worked........................woiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
While experimenting with the food another person moved into the flat. As such i was trying to show her the ropes and stuff..... so now it is 5 of us, there is one room that is not occupied.
Now i am checking my email and only hear this loud annoying sound. I am frightened and then i only see a lady come to my room and say fire alarm get out now.
People yours truly in her pajama and socks, at 645pm.....so at this rate i either run out in my Pj's and socks or try and fix up i mean is a fire alarm so all the people will be coming out i have to look my darnest best.... just in case. heheheh no offence Omar
The lady adamant that i must come out NOW!!! no fixing up no changeing of clothes nothing. so i slip off the socks in 1 sec slip on my slippers in 2 secs, grab my coat and then set of my keys. Because once the central door to the flat is locked we all up in flat 4 locked out.
While running down the stairs i looked on my feet, oh my lord them ashy i was annoyed no matter how mi lotion them down good good it did ashy in slippers and PJ.
Anyway it was just a drill which annoyed me more because she coulda did give me time fi fix up since she knew it was a mere drill. Which they say happen once a year.....yeah right.
They gave us a lecture on not playing with the alarms and fines they attract of 500 pounds and etc etc. Imagine big UNI people a play wid fire alarm the fine should be 5000 Pounds or them school fee which ever is greater if you ask me.
My poor flatmate all this time is distressed u know the saying think ur situation is bad not until u are confronted with someone in a worse position. Well she ran out in her PJ's too (is a flat thing) and socks no shoes. she said she was frightened she couldnt find her shoes. and then when we came out we were th eonly ones in PJ's everyone dress fi kill or in lounge wear. So we tried to play low key)
Remember the key i had time to take up, good move when we ran back up after the drill i was the only one wid a key, hmmm we would have to wait on other flat mates who not coming back until next hour and half.
well i am off to bed and then getting up to be studious as i possibly can.
p.s. in pic is a apart of the 13.4 clique...mando, val and I
Saturday 4 October 2008
my first offical weekend in essex
Well the past week has been interesting, the induction was eventful, the luncheon went smoothly and my first "class" was like a refreshers course for me. Dont mind as after four years of being out of school it is like i am lost to the schoolers world.
For friday night i went to bed at 9pm as my agenda was to go to bed early wake up and start reading. Surprisingly enough i woke up early and read my book as planned. Later on i went to the freshers fare and signed up for the travel club, jesus alive club and the latin american club......want to brush up on my spanish.
A part of my adjusting exercise includes alot of observation, at the fare i observed a few persons of the african descent on campus, from the accent i gather a majority are english, handful are africans and then me. Additionally, i realise that english youngsters are rude here. One guy was walking on campus another said "hey you gay" and the guy being called gay, dropped his pants and showed the others his penis and bottom. I was shocked, well yea it small as i would expect, that wasnt the shocking part, but shocked at such lewd behaviour especially on campus, a well renounced campus as essex. But u can take the pig outta the sty but u cannot tek the sty mentality outa the pig.
Thereafter i went to return the webcam; bus trip was longer than usual since they had some football match. Again i tell you the behaviour of the youngsters and when i mean youngsters i am talking under 25's. The older folks are polite and very polished but boi, the youngsters' behaviour leaves much to be desired.
Well i am back in my room now waiting on my block mates, we gonna have some coffee and chat and then do some work.
that is it from me. until then.
love peace.
For friday night i went to bed at 9pm as my agenda was to go to bed early wake up and start reading. Surprisingly enough i woke up early and read my book as planned. Later on i went to the freshers fare and signed up for the travel club, jesus alive club and the latin american club......want to brush up on my spanish.
A part of my adjusting exercise includes alot of observation, at the fare i observed a few persons of the african descent on campus, from the accent i gather a majority are english, handful are africans and then me. Additionally, i realise that english youngsters are rude here. One guy was walking on campus another said "hey you gay" and the guy being called gay, dropped his pants and showed the others his penis and bottom. I was shocked, well yea it small as i would expect, that wasnt the shocking part, but shocked at such lewd behaviour especially on campus, a well renounced campus as essex. But u can take the pig outta the sty but u cannot tek the sty mentality outa the pig.
Thereafter i went to return the webcam; bus trip was longer than usual since they had some football match. Again i tell you the behaviour of the youngsters and when i mean youngsters i am talking under 25's. The older folks are polite and very polished but boi, the youngsters' behaviour leaves much to be desired.
Well i am back in my room now waiting on my block mates, we gonna have some coffee and chat and then do some work.
that is it from me. until then.
love peace.
Thursday 2 October 2008
Inducted into the LLM Mafia
The title may sound mind blowing and you may be wondering what on earth is Luciana talking about, but today along with about 15 other students i was formally inducted into the LLM programme at Essex.
As usual ms previous was early for the induction process which began at 905am but i got there at 8 25 am. This was for several reasons, one i was not sure where the place was and also i am just being me. When i got there i was ok, then i saw several persons streaming in, i started thinking about my LLB and the CLE and started feeling overwhelmed. I started to question if i really belong here and whether or not i can manage what is in store for me. I know i like to read but hearing that an LLM is demanding and after going through UWI and NMLS and the work world and i am wondering if i can really undertake this.
I quickly said a prayer and give myself a small box and said luciana get it together, you must have faith and it is too early for this.
I observed then my classmates, i realised i will be the only browning daughta in the class. There are two browning men and another who seem to have a mix of indian in him. I started to smile so that my face would look inviting. Although i came so early i ended up with a back seat because my usual bladder issues arose at the wrong time. Anyway i got a seat beside some nice people with varying backgrounds, apparently the class is not made up of even 70% attorneys. I am the only Caribbean national also. We have Canadians and Americans and some Latin American counterparts.
Now it was time for the welcome. We were given two big folders and a smaller folder with a million and one papers. In addition we were introduced to the course. Now they have changed the programme for the better they say but the work load is there and even more.
1. PIL is compulsory with an essay (2500 words)
2. Research Paper compulsary with an 6000 words essay and an unseen exam
3. You can choose two courses which also have 6000 words essay or unseen exams
after successfully passing that then you have the dissertation which is 15,000- 20,000 words ( a how much page that?)
anyway so far i realise that i will enjoy the courses because of previous knowledge as well as eagerness to learn those evolving areas I have been reading about day to day in the papers.
Additionally there is a course not compulsory called legal writing for masters students. It is really geared towards persons whose mother language is not english but i am still going to brush up on my well needed grammar. It lasts only for four days first class was today. It was like law and legal systems with a little bit of legal methods and research....LLB foundation courses that is.
Well i am now in my room, going to take a nap and then wake and do some housekeeping and start the ball a rolling by reviewing handouts and choosing my courses.
oh by the way as the class was about to begin we had a fire alarm so imagine that for a dramatic beginning. in terms of the weather the sky was nice and blue, but laud the cold a bite me
As usual ms previous was early for the induction process which began at 905am but i got there at 8 25 am. This was for several reasons, one i was not sure where the place was and also i am just being me. When i got there i was ok, then i saw several persons streaming in, i started thinking about my LLB and the CLE and started feeling overwhelmed. I started to question if i really belong here and whether or not i can manage what is in store for me. I know i like to read but hearing that an LLM is demanding and after going through UWI and NMLS and the work world and i am wondering if i can really undertake this.
I quickly said a prayer and give myself a small box and said luciana get it together, you must have faith and it is too early for this.
I observed then my classmates, i realised i will be the only browning daughta in the class. There are two browning men and another who seem to have a mix of indian in him. I started to smile so that my face would look inviting. Although i came so early i ended up with a back seat because my usual bladder issues arose at the wrong time. Anyway i got a seat beside some nice people with varying backgrounds, apparently the class is not made up of even 70% attorneys. I am the only Caribbean national also. We have Canadians and Americans and some Latin American counterparts.
Now it was time for the welcome. We were given two big folders and a smaller folder with a million and one papers. In addition we were introduced to the course. Now they have changed the programme for the better they say but the work load is there and even more.
1. PIL is compulsory with an essay (2500 words)
2. Research Paper compulsary with an 6000 words essay and an unseen exam
3. You can choose two courses which also have 6000 words essay or unseen exams
after successfully passing that then you have the dissertation which is 15,000- 20,000 words ( a how much page that?)
anyway so far i realise that i will enjoy the courses because of previous knowledge as well as eagerness to learn those evolving areas I have been reading about day to day in the papers.
Additionally there is a course not compulsory called legal writing for masters students. It is really geared towards persons whose mother language is not english but i am still going to brush up on my well needed grammar. It lasts only for four days first class was today. It was like law and legal systems with a little bit of legal methods and research....LLB foundation courses that is.
Well i am now in my room, going to take a nap and then wake and do some housekeeping and start the ball a rolling by reviewing handouts and choosing my courses.
oh by the way as the class was about to begin we had a fire alarm so imagine that for a dramatic beginning. in terms of the weather the sky was nice and blue, but laud the cold a bite me
Wednesday 1 October 2008
Registration at Essex
As I suspected i missed my registration yesterday, all because I am too bright. As i stated the previous blog my registration pack states that School of Law registration is Tuesday Sept 30, Human Rights Wed, Oct one. Now i assumed that since my concentration is Human Rights then my registration is Wednesday, but as another bright friend of mine said to me, 'Luciana you are a lawyer not a human rights advocate, so your registration must be Tuesday'. Although at the time it seemed dumb when he said it, it kinda made sense only after my Admin told me i fall under the School of Law.
Anyway, after bussing some Jermaine Edwards in my room, i got ready and decided to go to the bank first then registration. Then i said since i am in so much do do for missing it yesterday let me go there first. Oh my word the line was longgggggggggggggggg, but the processes was straight forward, all through it i am like please nuh mek mi have no problems or i gonna go patois on somebody as i was too smart and they are too ambiguous so it is not my fault i missed it yesterday.
It was the opposite, it went smoothly i got my card and realised i hate the picture i sent in to go on my card, ohh welll.
Next stop the bank, that went well as well. Then i decided being miss previous to try and find all the lecture rooms that have been assigned as per timetable for this week, I did that and thought good idea ms previous.
At 1pm i went to multifaith room and had free lunch. This was nice as i met new people who are believers, i signed for christian union and jesus alive fellowship which is like an afro-cari christian group. After that i went back to my room for a cat nap and then to the library tour (pic of the outside added)....yes people i am trying to find my way around in the first week so that i am not lost to the business in crunch time. I also went to my faculty and introduced myself to the admin staff.
Well i am now in my room and i am going to sleep early as all that running up and down all over in nuff clothes get me tired and i have a long day tomorrow, induction to LLM, and my first seminar.
rain in colchester
Woke up this morning to some drizzling outside. It was cloudy and by now i am getting use to this as i was told by several people, as one friends puts it, london's weather is bipolar i would say the UK's weather is bipolar.
Well, after getting ready and mapping out in my mind what i need to do, i woke my other flat mate up as she wanted to 'par' wid me for the day. Let me say that so far it is 4 females on my flat and i am the only afro-caribbean. The others are caucasians from varying backgrounds.
So we hopped on a bus and i had googled for a place and we ended up on two buses to find the pc world and all those electronic stores in colchester. I am convinced now that there must be one closer. but it was good for all of us. Oh we ropped in another girl from another block to 'par' wid we.
We reached the tollgate retail park, which is like an outlet and we got to shopping for our essentials. While there i observed that the people love to smoke, everywhere you go there they are and worse they have the new law in place prohibiting smoking inside of public places. So is like young and old alike a smoke. I see old woman who can hardly walk good a smoke. Then what was funny or shameful is a saw a man with a shirt 'blow job is better than no job' i was what the dickons..................
All in all we had a good day, came back to register at the health centre and then for the compulsory talk about living on hall............as if, been there done that already so mi kinda dose off midway...............wid mi mouth open.
After that i saw one of the guys that helped me with my luggage i hailed him and another guy saw me waving and thought i waving to him and came up to me and asked me my name. i said Luciana and then stepped.
While i was outside waiting to see my flatmate who i lost in the crowd, two black girls came to me and asked me of i was ok as i looked distressed, i was tired though from the mornings adventures. I told them i was ok and then we started to chat. One is doing LLB other is doing BS I hope to see them again. After i gave up finding my flatmate i went home and cooked me own food.
My school thrives on email and internet to communicate to staff and students and thus i am trying to get into the frame of checking my email daily. eh eh when mi check me email after that long day, some mix up gwaan and i am thinkin i missed registration for tuesday although i hve two documents which say wednesday and when i went to pic it up i had clarified and they said wednesday , but is my fault, i should have gone tuesday and if them seh wed, a so rather than wait on wed. But i am not fretting at all, because i am goign with my documents to show them that i am not wrong they should have clarified the ambiguity as i am both in law and human rights how can u have them on two seperate dates and then say ohhhh is tuesday.
anyway getting ready to go and sort that out if not i can go and register on friday at 11am at the registry.
see pics of today's journey in town.
Monday 29 September 2008
My first day on campus
Today was a somewhat better day for me. Well i got up feeling much better and also i decided to sort out my financial affairs at school. That went smoothly.
After that i was hungry and decided that i have to buy my own food and cook my darn self because it was the food that made me sick yesterday nothing else.
So i took a trip to tescos, after i shopped i had a trolly full and then had to take a taxi back and it was ridiculous for me to take all of those things on the bus. Anyway took the taxi and thought that the man would have dropped me at the dorm door, eh eh basically, him seh him cannot go down deh so. what made me upset though is after mi struggling with the bags i saw other taxis dropping persons at their door
anyway mi come out of the car with about 8 bags and a mop. lo and behold the lord provided two young black guys to the rescue. I stopped them and asked in my nicest voice if i could trouble them to go out of their way to help me to south courts. Well i found out they lived in south towers so it wasnt that far off, but was a good walk. well i never want them to come to mi room so mi tell them leave it down stairs. Anyway, mi look on the four flight of stairs and said mama mia.
I took the two heaviest to the top and then came back down for the rest. The lord then provided another girl, who asked if i needed help and i took the rest up without having to make another trip. But for that i have to go try out fi them hockey team so itnuh look too bad on sunday. may like it and will help with exercise too.
well. all in all cannot complain about today. the lord is continuing to bless me.
After that i was hungry and decided that i have to buy my own food and cook my darn self because it was the food that made me sick yesterday nothing else.
So i took a trip to tescos, after i shopped i had a trolly full and then had to take a taxi back and it was ridiculous for me to take all of those things on the bus. Anyway took the taxi and thought that the man would have dropped me at the dorm door, eh eh basically, him seh him cannot go down deh so. what made me upset though is after mi struggling with the bags i saw other taxis dropping persons at their door
anyway mi come out of the car with about 8 bags and a mop. lo and behold the lord provided two young black guys to the rescue. I stopped them and asked in my nicest voice if i could trouble them to go out of their way to help me to south courts. Well i found out they lived in south towers so it wasnt that far off, but was a good walk. well i never want them to come to mi room so mi tell them leave it down stairs. Anyway, mi look on the four flight of stairs and said mama mia.
I took the two heaviest to the top and then came back down for the rest. The lord then provided another girl, who asked if i needed help and i took the rest up without having to make another trip. But for that i have to go try out fi them hockey team so itnuh look too bad on sunday. may like it and will help with exercise too.
well. all in all cannot complain about today. the lord is continuing to bless me.
added pics of my room and view of my campus from kitchen
goodbye enfield, hello colchester
So september 28, two car load of jamaicans made there way from enfield, london to colchester in essex to assist me in moving to school. I now i am blessed and as Omar reminded me, the Lord doesnt give me more than i can bear. Another friend reminded me that good friend better than pocket money, and this was proven true to me on sunday.
Firstly God bless CArla-Anne because she provided me with several pounds worth of essential items for my sojourn and i am eternally indebted to her for her kindness. My mother had loaded me up too with my warm clothes and medicine and thus i had 3 suitcases and then 2 big bags from carla, a big box with my cutlery and my laptop which we tired to fit in a honda station wagon. Lo and behold that was not a possible feat. My other friend realise this and volunteered to share some of her load in her car, a much smaller car to the wagon, but the Lord is always good.
Well we fitted the stuff in both cars and made out journey, it wasnt that bad, it was sunny and nice, as GAbby said London's weather is indeed biolar, i think the same goes for the whole of england, as the last 3 days were gloomy and then yesterday was sunny.
Anyway when i reach school, i must say i felt overwhelmed, the campus is massive and we lost like 3 times to find the place where i should collect the key for the room. BUt they had persons in green and signs at different points to help us, but you we JAmaicans we a try find the thing we self. Well i found my block and lo and behold there is no lift for me to go into. THen i am on the top floor, 4 flights of stairs. The ladies we smarter and we drove right up to the door of the flat. The men (that is the station wagon) them park and made a 10 mins walk with all the luggage. Well i am still grateful although they left a bag and i had to trek back to their car for it and walk with it, this lady felt sorry for me and found a young man to assist me.
Well i was in my room now trying to sort out, i finished like 3 hours after with a pounding headache and ayone who knows luciana can guess what happened through to the remainder of the night, i was SICK. Well is either gas sick me or the food i wenton campus and had when i felt hungry, bought some tasteless sick, some fresh rice and potatoes. Well about 8pm i strated to puke. I was frigthened as i am alone, no friends or relatives and i was at my friend who is a nurse for 2 weeks and was good good good.
Earlier in the day i met two flat mates, one from iran one from mozambique. The one from mozambique's english is a tad better than the one from iran. I was helping her to set up her internet and showing her the flat and stuff since i was the first to arrive. Well i had to run to her for help, as i have not gone shopping yet and only have cornflakes and crackers. i had bought some tea from before and was trying to reuse the teabag, but it tasted bad so she volunteered to buy a box for me, but lo and behold the shop was closed and she had to buy a tea, it never tasted good but i drank it for the warmthin my stomach and still grateful for her assistance.
Well i am up now. feeling a tad bit better, eating some crackers and recycled the tea bad. Going to get ready and sort out my business soon.
look out for more soon.
Firstly God bless CArla-Anne because she provided me with several pounds worth of essential items for my sojourn and i am eternally indebted to her for her kindness. My mother had loaded me up too with my warm clothes and medicine and thus i had 3 suitcases and then 2 big bags from carla, a big box with my cutlery and my laptop which we tired to fit in a honda station wagon. Lo and behold that was not a possible feat. My other friend realise this and volunteered to share some of her load in her car, a much smaller car to the wagon, but the Lord is always good.
Well we fitted the stuff in both cars and made out journey, it wasnt that bad, it was sunny and nice, as GAbby said London's weather is indeed biolar, i think the same goes for the whole of england, as the last 3 days were gloomy and then yesterday was sunny.
Anyway when i reach school, i must say i felt overwhelmed, the campus is massive and we lost like 3 times to find the place where i should collect the key for the room. BUt they had persons in green and signs at different points to help us, but you we JAmaicans we a try find the thing we self. Well i found my block and lo and behold there is no lift for me to go into. THen i am on the top floor, 4 flights of stairs. The ladies we smarter and we drove right up to the door of the flat. The men (that is the station wagon) them park and made a 10 mins walk with all the luggage. Well i am still grateful although they left a bag and i had to trek back to their car for it and walk with it, this lady felt sorry for me and found a young man to assist me.
Well i was in my room now trying to sort out, i finished like 3 hours after with a pounding headache and ayone who knows luciana can guess what happened through to the remainder of the night, i was SICK. Well is either gas sick me or the food i wenton campus and had when i felt hungry, bought some tasteless sick, some fresh rice and potatoes. Well about 8pm i strated to puke. I was frigthened as i am alone, no friends or relatives and i was at my friend who is a nurse for 2 weeks and was good good good.
Earlier in the day i met two flat mates, one from iran one from mozambique. The one from mozambique's english is a tad better than the one from iran. I was helping her to set up her internet and showing her the flat and stuff since i was the first to arrive. Well i had to run to her for help, as i have not gone shopping yet and only have cornflakes and crackers. i had bought some tea from before and was trying to reuse the teabag, but it tasted bad so she volunteered to buy a box for me, but lo and behold the shop was closed and she had to buy a tea, it never tasted good but i drank it for the warmthin my stomach and still grateful for her assistance.
Well i am up now. feeling a tad bit better, eating some crackers and recycled the tea bad. Going to get ready and sort out my business soon.
look out for more soon.
Wednesday 24 September 2008
my 27th
So the Lord has blessed me yet again, by enabling me to live to see another year and to celebrate getting older and wiser even though the day was not fun filled as i had expected.
My plans for the day didnt materialize but i was not too sad as i was just grateful for being alive. When i got up the day was gloomy and i felt like just staying in, But elad had to pick up keleisha via the bus and he had not taken the bus before so i indulged him and followed him. Well we took the bus part way and then walked the next 15 mins which was not bad because i have been slacking off my exercise regime for quite sometime now.
It was interesting at first when we went they said ok you are her for keleisha and the lady is like ok i saw you yesterday (meaning Dale). Anyway by the time we were about to go away another lady stopped us and asked us our names. She looked on a paper and said hold on i do not see your name on the list as pick up. We told her the password and she looked on us and then said hold. I dont mean to hold you guys up but i have check this out. I was happy because the first lady just said ok take her without confirming anything.
But the second lady she called kels mother for confirmation and told her that she had to do this as no one informed her that we were coming. I felt better knowing that the second lady ensured that we were allowed to pic her up by the parents and notjust from seeing dale from the day before. Well we went outside and took pictures. trying to upload them but this pc doesnt allow for that...oh well
We did the 15 min walk again and lo and behold the rain started, thank the Lord i was prepared with my umbrella...ella...ella, a. a. a.
We then took more pics whe we reach the bus stop.........we frighten ehh?
The rest of the bday was spent at home watching dvd with andrew and ingrid and then i got a card and wine from keisha....gonna buss the wine sat night before i go to school.
Plan to stay home for the rest of the week expect for fri when i am going to go to the ja high comm for a function.
My plans for the day didnt materialize but i was not too sad as i was just grateful for being alive. When i got up the day was gloomy and i felt like just staying in, But elad had to pick up keleisha via the bus and he had not taken the bus before so i indulged him and followed him. Well we took the bus part way and then walked the next 15 mins which was not bad because i have been slacking off my exercise regime for quite sometime now.
It was interesting at first when we went they said ok you are her for keleisha and the lady is like ok i saw you yesterday (meaning Dale). Anyway by the time we were about to go away another lady stopped us and asked us our names. She looked on a paper and said hold on i do not see your name on the list as pick up. We told her the password and she looked on us and then said hold. I dont mean to hold you guys up but i have check this out. I was happy because the first lady just said ok take her without confirming anything.
But the second lady she called kels mother for confirmation and told her that she had to do this as no one informed her that we were coming. I felt better knowing that the second lady ensured that we were allowed to pic her up by the parents and notjust from seeing dale from the day before. Well we went outside and took pictures. trying to upload them but this pc doesnt allow for that...oh well
We did the 15 min walk again and lo and behold the rain started, thank the Lord i was prepared with my umbrella...ella...ella, a. a. a.
We then took more pics whe we reach the bus stop.........we frighten ehh?
The rest of the bday was spent at home watching dvd with andrew and ingrid and then i got a card and wine from keisha....gonna buss the wine sat night before i go to school.
Plan to stay home for the rest of the week expect for fri when i am going to go to the ja high comm for a function.
Monday 22 September 2008
My first drizzle in the uk
Yeah from the heading it may seem that i have never seen a drizzle before ehh. But i must tell you i am more of a sunshine person than a rain one. That is going to be a struggle for me here since everywhere i go people tell me 'ohh it is always wet in the UK, rain always falling, no sunshine'.
Well after three lovely days of sunshine it was soo horrid to see that i woke up to a very cold, wet and gloomy day. Well i spent all of it in doors between emailing my school to try and sort out stuff and talking to friends. Felt good when KAy called me and we chatted.
I then ate, took pictures of Elad who is obssessed with pictures more than i am. Then i went for a little nap. Bad idea because now i will be up all night. Tomorrow is my bday. It will be my first bday out of jamica since 2001. I am looking forward to it. I am trying to plan a night out with Thals, it is now after 9pm and i havent confirmed with her i am sure she cussing me.
Anyway looking forward to all the calls from my peeps. and even a little card in the mail when i reach school.
Well after three lovely days of sunshine it was soo horrid to see that i woke up to a very cold, wet and gloomy day. Well i spent all of it in doors between emailing my school to try and sort out stuff and talking to friends. Felt good when KAy called me and we chatted.
I then ate, took pictures of Elad who is obssessed with pictures more than i am. Then i went for a little nap. Bad idea because now i will be up all night. Tomorrow is my bday. It will be my first bday out of jamica since 2001. I am looking forward to it. I am trying to plan a night out with Thals, it is now after 9pm and i havent confirmed with her i am sure she cussing me.
Anyway looking forward to all the calls from my peeps. and even a little card in the mail when i reach school.
Sunday 21 September 2008
my trip to central london, and imperial wharf
Well i decided to meet a friend of mine who has been here let me call her T.H. so she tells me to get a train to lancaster gate and go on the victoria line. eh eh when mi reach victoria line close for the weekend. i didnt panic i looked on my map and tried to figure out how to get on another line to lancaster gate.
While doing that i saw some les....i mean women who love each other which is obvious through publioc display of affection that they were doing. ohh well. got to get use to those things soon as well as other freaky things i have been seeing or will see.
Found my friend we went to imperial wharf to this free jazz concert. they had a jamaican band playing jazz from 830pm to 10pm. it was fun, listening to them and watching these people saying that they dancing/whinning.....it was a sight to behold. the rhthym going one way they dancing the other way.....hmmmmm
anyway on our way though to the jazz thing we got lost meet two nice white men one took us in his porche to the destination. i hope my mummy dont see this because she will get worried that mi hitch hiking in a strange land. but u know there is no robot taxi here and everywhere far to walk worse we got lost to go to the wharf. anyway took pics. look out for them on facebook entitled my trip to central london.
While doing that i saw some les....i mean women who love each other which is obvious through publioc display of affection that they were doing. ohh well. got to get use to those things soon as well as other freaky things i have been seeing or will see.
Found my friend we went to imperial wharf to this free jazz concert. they had a jamaican band playing jazz from 830pm to 10pm. it was fun, listening to them and watching these people saying that they dancing/whinning.....it was a sight to behold. the rhthym going one way they dancing the other way.....hmmmmm
anyway on our way though to the jazz thing we got lost meet two nice white men one took us in his porche to the destination. i hope my mummy dont see this because she will get worried that mi hitch hiking in a strange land. but u know there is no robot taxi here and everywhere far to walk worse we got lost to go to the wharf. anyway took pics. look out for them on facebook entitled my trip to central london.
Saturday 20 September 2008
my trip to the mall
So now i decided to visit argos which is 3 mins drive from where i am staying to buy my b'day present which was an arm and a leg camera but worth it to capture all my moments here in the uk.
Anyway lugging wid some other things i bought to catch the bus and deciding to form a queue cause me a learn, this woman from nowhere a try push in front of me.....a caucasian woman to be precise. True she never heard of me.......me come from the land weh we nuh form queue, mi just give her a dutty look and move mi body to the left to block her from coming in front of me.......'Brite'!!
anyway got home good and decided to test out the camera wid elad and keleisha. it was fun. going on the road later to london to some jazz thing. Trying to acquire some culture and class.
Anyway lugging wid some other things i bought to catch the bus and deciding to form a queue cause me a learn, this woman from nowhere a try push in front of me.....a caucasian woman to be precise. True she never heard of me.......me come from the land weh we nuh form queue, mi just give her a dutty look and move mi body to the left to block her from coming in front of me.......'Brite'!!
anyway got home good and decided to test out the camera wid elad and keleisha. it was fun. going on the road later to london to some jazz thing. Trying to acquire some culture and class.
Friday 19 September 2008
sun again and british linguistics
Today was a bright and sunny day. in fact i hand wash some stuff and put it on the line to dry hmmmmmmmmmm we will see howlong it takes.But mi nah lie it did hot i had to leave the coat and wore a merina and a long warm top wid mi jeans and boot.
anyway went to currys and comet electronic stores to get my webcam and my converter so i can soon hook up my laptop and my peeps can see me live and direct.
anyway found out that the british accent is very funny and i soon have to buy one. imagine went on a bus and ask aman if he knows where oakhurts road is and the driver and no one seems to understand what mi saying. i went to the store and had to almost be signing stuff. anyway....emmmm . but the slangs are different. e.g. emmmmm (that is one slang) like emmm mi trousers as opposed to jeans. Mi pants as opposed to mi underwear. Mi fizzy drink as opposed to soda. A flat as opposed to an apartment. (now watch mi looking real close when my friend said ohh that is my flat i use to live in.....emmm i am like huh. i expect to see a flat looking house not an apartment.
any how i am still learning. emmm like pullover as opposed to a bloody shirt. emmmm a tele as opposed a emmm a tv. anyway cheerios folks gonna check some email and watch as the clock ticks away. mi soon nuh have some much time on my hands. anway planning atrip to switzerland as soon as i settle in and visit mybatch mate who is there.
anyway went to currys and comet electronic stores to get my webcam and my converter so i can soon hook up my laptop and my peeps can see me live and direct.
anyway found out that the british accent is very funny and i soon have to buy one. imagine went on a bus and ask aman if he knows where oakhurts road is and the driver and no one seems to understand what mi saying. i went to the store and had to almost be signing stuff. anyway....emmmm . but the slangs are different. e.g. emmmmm (that is one slang) like emmm mi trousers as opposed to jeans. Mi pants as opposed to mi underwear. Mi fizzy drink as opposed to soda. A flat as opposed to an apartment. (now watch mi looking real close when my friend said ohh that is my flat i use to live in.....emmm i am like huh. i expect to see a flat looking house not an apartment.
any how i am still learning. emmm like pullover as opposed to a bloody shirt. emmmm a tele as opposed a emmm a tv. anyway cheerios folks gonna check some email and watch as the clock ticks away. mi soon nuh have some much time on my hands. anway planning atrip to switzerland as soon as i settle in and visit mybatch mate who is there.
Thursday 18 September 2008
the sun
well i woke up to day to elad singing in my ears 'rise and shine and give God the glory' imagine mi still jet lagged and still trying to recoup and still pain up and this dude is singing in mi ears. anyway i got up. i called my mum and o and spoke with them.
then lo and behold i saw the sun. yes it was nice to see the sun after 3 days, hmmmmm imagine when it gets later in the year. anyway gonna go on the road shortly see yah guys later
then lo and behold i saw the sun. yes it was nice to see the sun after 3 days, hmmmmm imagine when it gets later in the year. anyway gonna go on the road shortly see yah guys later
Wednesday 17 September 2008
'De plane land'
Well folks i finally landed. It was a very interesting experience and a half.
First i had to reach airport from 1130am for a 3:30pm flight because virgin seh fi reach 4 hours before and worst with my overwight and all.... Well i reach and worse mi think seh mi alone going to be there. Lo and behold a long line of other persons....were waiting to be checked in.
Anyway mi check in and i waited. and waited the flight was on time. made my way to the security check point. all and sundry was checked. well i hear them seh all virgin passengers go there. One feisty man seh what u seh 'all virgins stand here a dat them seh? this line a fi the virgin them? anyway i ignored him.i got searched went on the plane
When mi go pon the plane i felt like i was in pleasantville. some perky white flight attendants. the women have on nuff makeup and thing and you know the british accent witha pinch of perkiness. anyway flight delayed for one hour. all this time them just a look pon me and mi a look pon them. anyway they finally said 'ground staff ready for take off.' one lady say 'yes unu move from the plane.
and then the 9 boring hours began. i watched tv (with virgin u get ur own tv set) i played game, i slept and still this was hour number 4.......5 more to go. i slept some more and had a dream. when mi jump up mi heart a beat fast, mi start wonder where mi is and then slowly i calmed down.
anyway finally we reach gatwick. lo and behold. they said passengers remain seated. then i see some 50's comeon and look around. go to anice looking young man, hand cuff him and tek him off. i was in shock. anyway sametime mi see the doctor beenie wid some croonies.
anyway now we proceed to immigration...that was boring in itself. this lady start ask mi one bag a question at immigration why mi come uk to study who paying for it and why british council paying for me.
anyway mi answer politely because mi friend ElaD came up last week and shared his experience with them:
'Hey guys jus so you all know I am in England... had the worst time at immigration...the officer thought I was giving her an attitude, but thats because I thought she was giving me an attitude...she told me in her stinkin british accent...YOUNG MAN YOU BETTER WATCH YOUR TONE...yes the bitch was shouting at me...I responded and she asked me...ARE YOU BEING RUDE?...ofcourse I shut my damn mouth after that...she sent me to go sit in the holding area and that she will call me 2 when I am settled down and when she is ready to look over my passport...that white bitch...you guys see why I dont like white people? And to top it off Andrew was at the North Terminal, I came through the South Terminal...yes I waited over two hours for him and thats after a nine 9 hr flight, a flight that was delayed for two hrs in Jamaica because of no bloody reason...then the drive to Andrew's London Town house was another two hrs...So yes I was having a shitty day up until now...but I am good now...Write back all...
Ps. Please excuse my use of the word BITCH...but that bitch sure ot on my nerves...Put a smile on your faces...'
anyway i got out and i saw my cousin who was laughing. yes and after my experience with her i realise why she laughed. we had to take 3 trains with 4, 50lb luggages and a 12 pound pully. yes and that is after a 9hour flight. mi tired all a nuh because after that we had to go back on the 3 trains to get her hand me downs and then come back to where i left the luggage initially. all in all it was good experience and a lesson learnt. look out for my second day which is lunch with the lovely ladys from the british high commission
First i had to reach airport from 1130am for a 3:30pm flight because virgin seh fi reach 4 hours before and worst with my overwight and all.... Well i reach and worse mi think seh mi alone going to be there. Lo and behold a long line of other persons....were waiting to be checked in.
Anyway mi check in and i waited. and waited the flight was on time. made my way to the security check point. all and sundry was checked. well i hear them seh all virgin passengers go there. One feisty man seh what u seh 'all virgins stand here a dat them seh? this line a fi the virgin them? anyway i ignored him.i got searched went on the plane
When mi go pon the plane i felt like i was in pleasantville. some perky white flight attendants. the women have on nuff makeup and thing and you know the british accent witha pinch of perkiness. anyway flight delayed for one hour. all this time them just a look pon me and mi a look pon them. anyway they finally said 'ground staff ready for take off.' one lady say 'yes unu move from the plane.
and then the 9 boring hours began. i watched tv (with virgin u get ur own tv set) i played game, i slept and still this was hour number 4.......5 more to go. i slept some more and had a dream. when mi jump up mi heart a beat fast, mi start wonder where mi is and then slowly i calmed down.
anyway finally we reach gatwick. lo and behold. they said passengers remain seated. then i see some 50's comeon and look around. go to anice looking young man, hand cuff him and tek him off. i was in shock. anyway sametime mi see the doctor beenie wid some croonies.
anyway now we proceed to immigration...that was boring in itself. this lady start ask mi one bag a question at immigration why mi come uk to study who paying for it and why british council paying for me.
anyway mi answer politely because mi friend ElaD came up last week and shared his experience with them:
'Hey guys jus so you all know I am in England... had the worst time at immigration...the officer thought I was giving her an attitude, but thats because I thought she was giving me an attitude...she told me in her stinkin british accent...YOUNG MAN YOU BETTER WATCH YOUR TONE...yes the bitch was shouting at me...I responded and she asked me...ARE YOU BEING RUDE?...ofcourse I shut my damn mouth after that...she sent me to go sit in the holding area and that she will call me 2 when I am settled down and when she is ready to look over my passport...that white bitch...you guys see why I dont like white people? And to top it off Andrew was at the North Terminal, I came through the South Terminal...yes I waited over two hours for him and thats after a nine 9 hr flight, a flight that was delayed for two hrs in Jamaica because of no bloody reason...then the drive to Andrew's London Town house was another two hrs...So yes I was having a shitty day up until now...but I am good now...Write back all...
Ps. Please excuse my use of the word BITCH...but that bitch sure ot on my nerves...Put a smile on your faces...'
anyway i got out and i saw my cousin who was laughing. yes and after my experience with her i realise why she laughed. we had to take 3 trains with 4, 50lb luggages and a 12 pound pully. yes and that is after a 9hour flight. mi tired all a nuh because after that we had to go back on the 3 trains to get her hand me downs and then come back to where i left the luggage initially. all in all it was good experience and a lesson learnt. look out for my second day which is lunch with the lovely ladys from the british high commission
Monday 15 September 2008
my winning weekend
Well after the party "the surprise one" i was still in awe. Grateful for all the kind words and the support. MY little daughter cried and then I cried.
Now Friday was my day to do all i could have done as i said in the previous blog. Saturday however was special. Went to church for my brigade girls and boys to say hi and bye., only to buck up on a surprise party planned by two boys ages 14 and 14plus. It was special to know that hey run up and down begged sponsorship and tried their best to keep it as a surprise. It was touching, the thought and the kind words said by the girls. I hope to have the pictures posted soon. In the night i still went to Port Royal as i wanted some fish and festival which i hadn't had in a while.
I sent out an invitation but only a small group of 9 turned up. It was fab. we chatted, we laughed we chatted some more and laughed. IT was good to see KAmal and Gutzy and TRacey again after my tenure as an ambassador ended last year. After that we all parted I got some nice gifts.
I know i sound dry in this one but i guess my tears are all dried up now. i cried last night. and then when i was talking to my second daddy i felt he sniffles. But man a go be thugs now. I would like Omar to come to he airport, but when i think Omar dont come to the airport because we know u gonna bawl bad bad.
so peace out luv and look out for the next blog
Now Friday was my day to do all i could have done as i said in the previous blog. Saturday however was special. Went to church for my brigade girls and boys to say hi and bye., only to buck up on a surprise party planned by two boys ages 14 and 14plus. It was special to know that hey run up and down begged sponsorship and tried their best to keep it as a surprise. It was touching, the thought and the kind words said by the girls. I hope to have the pictures posted soon. In the night i still went to Port Royal as i wanted some fish and festival which i hadn't had in a while.
I sent out an invitation but only a small group of 9 turned up. It was fab. we chatted, we laughed we chatted some more and laughed. IT was good to see KAmal and Gutzy and TRacey again after my tenure as an ambassador ended last year. After that we all parted I got some nice gifts.
I know i sound dry in this one but i guess my tears are all dried up now. i cried last night. and then when i was talking to my second daddy i felt he sniffles. But man a go be thugs now. I would like Omar to come to he airport, but when i think Omar dont come to the airport because we know u gonna bawl bad bad.
so peace out luv and look out for the next blog
Saturday 13 September 2008
My "surprise party"
I planned a prayer meeting and i invited my peeps who i know would appreciate the power of prayer. all in all it was nice. dwayne did a good novice job.
But my mother she planned a little extra something for me. she invited my peeps from infant school days who i havent seen in a while. she got a cake (although my name was not spelled correctly...urghhhhhhhhhhhhhh) and we had a pre-bday cele for me. it was a sweet and kind thing to do.
well after i tol dmy self i wasnt gonna cry, my little pari mal mal started to cry she told me not to leave her and i was like please mal dont cry u gonna make me cry too. and then and there i started to bawl like woooiii. I am gonna miss her very much. she is like a little taliban but she is a nice little taliban.
On friday my other run up and down were completed. and mi not even a talk about RGD. but all i know is that it has been confirmed in my mind that if u know people in JAmaica even if u reach a place two mins after it close u not gonna go in unless you know someone who can get you in.
Well saturday is creeping up my .....and that too will be interesting. cant wait to blog about it.
But my mother she planned a little extra something for me. she invited my peeps from infant school days who i havent seen in a while. she got a cake (although my name was not spelled correctly...urghhhhhhhhhhhhhh) and we had a pre-bday cele for me. it was a sweet and kind thing to do.
well after i tol dmy self i wasnt gonna cry, my little pari mal mal started to cry she told me not to leave her and i was like please mal dont cry u gonna make me cry too. and then and there i started to bawl like woooiii. I am gonna miss her very much. she is like a little taliban but she is a nice little taliban.
On friday my other run up and down were completed. and mi not even a talk about RGD. but all i know is that it has been confirmed in my mind that if u know people in JAmaica even if u reach a place two mins after it close u not gonna go in unless you know someone who can get you in.
Well saturday is creeping up my .....and that too will be interesting. cant wait to blog about it.
Thursday 11 September 2008
my days ahead
Now all along i was soooooooooooo ready to get up and go. I applied for schools, scholarships, researched my subject area and felt prepared in my spirit and in my heart about this move..............an LLM.
At home now relaxing and sleeping and then reality hits..........in 3 more days i will be on an 8 hour flight to a country i have only read about. I barely know anyone there what am i thinking?
Well i recall starting a blog couple months ago on livejournal that depicted by journey from researching to applying for schools. this blog is different. Like my friend DAve in Japan i will try and document my activities 3 days prior to leaving and my one year sojourn to "civilisation"
At home now relaxing and sleeping and then reality hits..........in 3 more days i will be on an 8 hour flight to a country i have only read about. I barely know anyone there what am i thinking?
Well i recall starting a blog couple months ago on livejournal that depicted by journey from researching to applying for schools. this blog is different. Like my friend DAve in Japan i will try and document my activities 3 days prior to leaving and my one year sojourn to "civilisation"
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