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Sorry for my tardiness…

Hello world,

I am sure it is easy to tell that I have not added any new material on this site for a while. Well following my wonderful trip to Jamaica I had plenty of time to write and I took full advantage of this. However the wordpress for blackberry app on my phone has frozen. I noticed before the freeze that I could not even send the completed ones to the site as I have done on so many of my articles so my intention was to copy them manually but alas, now that I cannot even get into my wordpress I will have to re-write the articles again and hopefully I will not miss anything out, that would really get my goat! so bare with me I’m playing catch up now, boo!

Sorry for my tardiness…

Hello world,

I am sure it is easy to tell that I have not added any new material on this site for a while. Well following my wonderful trip to Jamaica I had plenty of time to write and I took full advantage of this. However the wordpress for blackberry app on my phone has frozen. I noticed before the freeze that I could not even send the completed ones to the site as I have done on so many of my articles so my intention was to copy them manually but alas, now that I cannot even get into my wordpress I will have to re-write the articles again and hopefully I will not miss anything out, that would really get my goat! so bare with me I’m playing catch up now, boo!

Something new indeed!

So this week I have been delighted to get a call from my ArtsFestFirst friend and have the first meeting for her show. I shan’t say much more concerning the project itself however because we have only just begun and confidentiality issues etc.

I’m excited! I’m really excited. Since leaving uni and getting so many knock backs in the beginning and loosing my confidence, I feel alive again. It sounds soooo cliche doesn’t it? But its true. I was never cut out for a normal job. When I say normal, I mean the 9-5 and rota-based, and I don’t use the term to diminish these roles. They are neccessary and integral to our society. But, they take a certain kind of stomache to be able to injest the package.

I am a creative soul. Always have been. I’m the type that is awake at night time because my mind won’t let me sleep with ideas and fantasicalities. I’m the type that comes in early and leaves last for any project/cause I believe in. I do research, I get excited about the poitential. I work in any weather (and living in the UK be assured, I have!) And I travel to the strangest corners if my heart is in it. I am sure most people would say that they are the same and perhaps they are, but this part if my essence means I am effected emotionally if I am not able to fulfill the things that I love. I am not happy in my day job and my creative senses are tingling something rotten for my return to theatre. I am emotionally attached to the work that I do and it effects my actions too. This may be my biggest weakness but it is also my strength. So if I am to take advantage of that strength, I want to work where I can allow my fire to burn and indeed, add more fuel.

When I did work experience at school for two weeks at the Brasshouse Language Centre in Birmingham, I had my first taste of a normal job and by gum I knew then I was moulded differently. I have never lost my voice in my life. Even when I get a cold my throat is hoarse and the only result is my already deep voice gets deeper. Everyday from 9am to 4pm I lost my voice. Maybe it was earlier, maybe a bit later pending on my punctuality or the exact second when I would leave the building to go home. Monday to Friday on both weeks I lost my voice. It came out as hoarse whisper and even when I pushed to get some sound out it was barely audible. I wasn’t ill, infact on the odd lunchtime when I met my best mate my voice was fine! Even she gave me the I-believe-you-kinda-but-I-don’t-really-believe-you look when I explained my plight to her. But everyday my mentor, Anke, a German teacher there, baffled with other teachers over my mysterious voice loss. In fact, now I think on it, she hesitantly suggested perhaps I was not suited for a normal job in the first place. And you know, it wasn’t till I told this story to my new colleague that I myself realised that it wasn’t confined to the Brasshouse but all jobs that have a fixed (and rather reptitive, I find) schedule. I know this now.

So now the meager embers have been blessed with more fuel and I am more than ready to make this fire roar.

So I’m going to Jamaica next week and even though I was beginning to think it was coming at the wrong time due to the job offers for stage I have been getting via stage jobs pro recently. But the beauty of this new opportunity is that I can get some vital research done over there so instantly I am useful on this project.

I’m very much connected to the themes of this project also. I can relate to it personally and understand what the thought tank that is my Directorm I won’t keep on about the project as the information I can give is limited and I know the frustration in having things dangled in the forefront of your attention. I just want you to feel my joy, even if I can only give a portion. The long and short is, I’m on fire!

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Everything Jamaica it is!!!

Ok, so I’m going to Jamaica in like, a week! Due to other life events I haven’t been able to make much time in my mind for it. The upside is that I paid for my ticket a couple months ago and last month I finally got my faculties together to sort out my expired (and lost) passport! That’s two thumbs up for me as I like to ponder on any decision I make (sometimes for way too long!), which kinda makes me a lastminute.com kinda gal. Anywho, a sturdy heads up from my travel-family meant I got a good price.

In coming to my senses last weekend (meaning I actually consulted my diary on how long I had left!) I realised I haven’t done ANY shopping for this trip, I haven’t even made any lists for the kinda shopping I need to do! I think this is the point where ones pondering becomes straight procrastination. So I’ve got to get my derriere into gear!!!

I guess I’ve kinda been avoiding the whole saga. The truth is, I’m a lil wary about going. Why? Because EVERYBODY has an opinion about Jamaica and what I should expect when I go. Not to mention all the negative press from those who have been before me. Don’t get me wrong, there’s more good than bad – but there’s still alot of bad. The thing is, I know what hype does to a places reputation. Mine, for instance, has had alot of bad media attention. The latest big thing being the riots that happened a couple years back and all the other little side-stories involving violent murderation were scattered throughout the media to seal the badass deal. So I am always wary on what I am told also..

That is why I am accompanying my friend and her family I guess. They have been a few times and we will be staying with their family over there so alot of my fears are gone because of this. You know what though, why am I even scared. I am really just being silly. Everyone loves going to Jamaica and its not all guns, drugs and illigitimate children. I’m going to understand the culture more, to taste the food that every Jamai-quaintance boasts about ever so loudly upon their return to the UK. I’m going because that it where both my parents started their lives and I want to see  where they were. I’m going for the beautiful views because i know for a fact that TV does them no justice. I’m going because it is a part of the world and I am determined to see as much of it as possible. It’s about time I got my courage on!

Anywho, the long and short point I am trying to make is that I need to pay attention to the details that are important to my survival on this trip from now on. I have to get a new set of funky eyebrows [my new favourite accessory!]. I need to get some sort of sunblock supply. I need a pedicure , ones feet are dreadfully negelcted in this country if you’re not careful. I need an adaptor because I don’t know what I’ll do if I have no means of charging my phone and camera! And most importantly I need clothes! A steady wardrobe of unpredictable-weather clothing is now the bulk of my day to day attire so this is perhaps the most important. I also want an amazon kindle, I figure I havent read a good book [rather, I haven't really had the time to] in such a long time and three weeks is plenty to re-establish my love for reading.

Oooooooo, most excitingly I am getting my hair dyed blonde!!! This may seem like a silly thing to say but consider this, I am black firstly so it’s a very big thing. And secondly I have only died my hair once before, ever, so equally a big deal. but I am also getting blonde extensions so I don’t really have to do much with my hair whilst I am out there.

I am actually quite excited now, but it hasn’t hit me yet. Once I can start ticking some things off my lastminute list I’ll feel like it more real. In the meantime, if anybody has any words of encouragement I would be most greatful. OOO and if anybody knows about any gyms I can attend anywhere in Jamaicas [as I have alot of travelling planned] I would be much obliged. I’m trying not to kill my gym-appetite while I am out there.

Ok, over and out for now then!

WOOHOO JAMAICA!!!!

Something old, Something new

Ok, so the weekend is over and I am back to work…

O yeh, my current day job. I am a Nursing Auxilliary for the NHS in the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

I would like to take this opportunity to explain my role, for those whoe do not know. It is not easily defined or categorised and is ever changing according to the trust…who am I kidding? It changes as the money changes.

In a normal shift I make hot drinks, serve meals, assist with patient personal care, take down dressings, re-do dressings, top up facilities like gloves and aprons, take blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, stool/urine samples, mrsa swabs for screening, escort patients to theatre, change bed linen, escort patients to various scans/imaging procedures, carry out last offices… The list really does go on. Then, according to how we wish to further develop we can attain skills.
I personally can now, take blood (phlebotomy), take blood sugars (BMs) and will soon be able to cannulate (insert an iv) and understand tracheostomy care.

By the 16th of sept I will have finished my course for Band 3 which will upgrade my ranks, not to mention my pay packet.

Honestly I have always been intrigued by this job since I started on August 10th last year. Everything was new to me as I’d had no prior training, nor any knowledge of the other roles in a hospital, other than the nurses, doctors and specialists.

Of late, however, the theatre has been calling me. To the point of almost not caring about my job in care! We used to be at Selly Oak Hospital, which is where my initial intrigue was rooted. But it seems that when we left, a lot of the most important factors in care got left behind too – ready for demolition.

Its events of late that have really helped me to understand why people don’t want to work, especially if it is only a means of financial gain. I am not saying I would rather be on benefits, I am just rationalising as much as I can in a situation where I feel irrational.

Long story short, I am itching to get back to theatre and writing is going to start me off. I am still going to finish all of my study commitments and have something else lined up before I leave but by gum I’m leaving! So watch out world here I come!!!

My ArtsFestFirst: And Finally

I should be giving you a rundown of my Sunday escapades for the Fest but honestly, I was knackered. By the time I woke up I was already on the verge of being late for the belly dance workshop I wanted to attend and when I went to consult my trusty FestGuide I could not find anything for the venue inside which made me question its real existance.

Upon my disappointment I remembered I should eat something before I go which lead me to having an extensive conversation with my grandma – who is presently staying with us (whom I’ve never really known, but getting to know now!) – which pushed my eta back further.

Anywho, I shan’t give the rundown of events for the day because the long and short of it is, I’m knackered. Its Sunday as well.

I am disappointed in myself tho because the Sunday was pretty much going to be a day of theatre for me and I could really get my teeth around. But I have decided I would instead throw myself back into the scene, attend way more theatre, and send my reviews to papers to get my real name ‘out there’. Naturally the full versions will always be on this blog but I want to write for a living now, so please hold while I get my foot in the door!

My ArtsFestFirst: Aston Performing Arts Academy aka APAA

I bustled into the Town Hall for a medley of songs from the APAA. We have history. For I am one of the original members of this Academy when it started some years back.

I attended weekly to study my saxophone. That beautiful academy was a haven for me and I loved having an outlet for my sax. I also got to learn the steel pans in soprano and alto, as well as the bass steel drums. The choir was also another class of mine and we harmonised wonderfully in that group. So when I spotted one of the founders on my mosey through the stalls, Angela, it was like another push to get back to my musical roots and I was glad when she urged me to come and see what they were about now! I could not reject her.

Arriving minutes before the due time to start, I stumbled upon the end of their soundcheck. Time keeping was never that tight for performances from what I remember – but that was due to the fact the academy was just finding its feet. But things always go wrong with live technical performances so I cannot judge on this.

Twenty minutes later and the introduction began. The musicians were already on stage – a piano, two guitars (bass and melody), and drummer and two saxophonists. I was disappointed as we had played with a large orchestra back in the day, but glad that the saxophones still remained nonetheless.
Enter the choir dressed in red and black, looking good people!

The choir presented an array of feel good tunes. A portion of old-school renditions, seasoned with gospel and salted with r’n'b. There were minimal breaks between the songs, I expect, to soak up as much performance time as possible in their limited fourty-five-minute slot. But the great thing about that is keeping the energy going., and we loved it!

I was baffled by the two members set apart from the main choir. Clearly the more powerful voices in the arrangement, but why set them at the back? I think unity is tres important in a choir and that was for a reason carnsarit!!! Anywho, I’m still impressed by the standard of the performance, you go APAA!

In conclusion, I could pick at everything that, technically, could improve the performance but it would be pointless. The song list was excellent, the delivery was refreshing, everybody looked like they were really enjoying the performance they were giving and the energy was immense, it flooded the audience. Plus, these are young people, mostly – although the official age range was 12 – 30something! Haha.
The closing tribute to Micheal Jackson, Thriller was spiffing! With a musical interlude accompanied by the backing duo the main choir leaves the stage and returns in costume to do the breakdown, Thriller dance! I was actually quite jealous that they knew the moves, only because I haven’t learned them yet, but now I have them on camera, I’ll be a pro soon! Bwahahahaha

For your energy, enjoyment and entertainment, APAA, three and a half thumbs up!

My ArtsFestFirst: The Breakaway!

Ok so I know I’ve had a schedule, and have even changed it a couple of times but honestly, I just want to go where takes my fancy. I’m the creative type after all! And by gum if I cannot be in my element and run off on a flimsical whim whenever I feel to, we’ll..that’s just proposterous!

So, in light of my new found rebellion I walked. I collected leaflets, I spoke to people, I filled in forms and received a pedometer, various info packs, a trendy-looking magazine and various freebee trinkets.

Then there was the crafts section. Yesssss!!!! I saw many children and parents occupying the table spaces so I kept my distance at first. I wanted to do something but would I be in the way, not having any children on my own, nor an excuse…? I decided I would commence the hover manoeuvre so I began to look at their literature and display on the make shift wall space. I picked up the leaflets and finally stood over the table by the facilitators looking intrigued until somebody addressed me.

When offered after a short while I did the classic ‘Am I allowed? and added, I don’t have any children with me!’ luckily she chuckled and invited me to sit down. It was a badge making craft by the people at craftspace.com (bare with me if this is incorrect). I proceeded to take instruction and draw my lil design onto the thick sheet foil square. I handed it back for the finishing touches and my trendy new badge was born!

I promptly attached it to my coat and moved on to the next table, deploying operation hover once more. I am summoned to an empty seat a ‘Hello, have a seat’ and a ball of moulding clay. I immediately proceed to roll, flatten, smoothe and carve a tiny collection of items. I spend a good while here, I feel like a child again. At school in my own corner making various ornaments – yes I am introverted mostly, but I have learned ways to interact with the outside world! Garsh I love clay. I finish and arrange my pieces on a box corner, take my ticket and leave it in the care of the representatives so I can catch a must see. The best thing was, they had hand wupes provided to clean your hands, good form!

My ArtsFestFirst: Belly Dance Fusion

Well, I once again entered the M&A and made my way with my friend to the round room.

Two foldy seats were conveniently empty close to the entrance ;) and although the place was buzzing and all the other seats were full, nobody had occupied these yet. As if they were waiting.. So I humbly accepted and began to dig in my boombag for my trusty camera.

I’d been rather excited about getting some belly dancing love as lately I haven’t been able to part-take as much as I’d like in a regular belly dance fixture in my schedule. Anyways, the blurb on this was enough to catch my further attention, et voila! My camera battery was fully charged and the memory was clear, ACTION!

Promptly, the introduction began, the music started and she was ready. Alexis Southgate began her belly dance fusion, which was basically belly dancing done to a non-belly dancing-esque type of music. The music itself was more of a fusion though – was a lil bit drum and bass, a lil bit dubstep, a lil bit metallic and a lil bit retro. I must say, I subconsciously began bobbing around when some of those beats kicked in, I do listen to this kinda music anyways so I had no particular objections.

There were little magical moments in her poignant connecting pops and shimmied with the various buzzing and riffing climaxes the music style had to offer. And she did a mean hip drop where the bass boomed, its always good to have your basics on point, you go girl!

Her outfit was also a quirky refresher on the traditional belly dance attire. In keeping with the relevant crop-top and long flowy skirt – stomache exposed, naturally – Southgate wore a gothic alternative. Dark burgundy draped with black lace. And a mis-representative black bindi at her third eye-thats her forehead, betweem the eyes, fyi. I had to discuss my distaste with my friend who agreeingly disapproved also. However, it was a nice touch and I can understand its necessity. Southgate also donned, dark smokey eyed make up with that deep burgundy lipstick. No coin belt or coin attire, but that impressive bangle arrangement sevres her well.

I was glad to see she had the authentic belly dancing belly! She wasn’t some over-toned gym-freak (I love gym freaks though, don’t get it twisted!). All my belly dancing research has helped me to understand the nature and origin of the dance is to celebrate femininity. It is the dance of the womb and a good stomach is the main attraction. Heck, it has been nicknamed, renamed and therefore nownamed Belly Dancing so if that’s not maths, I don’t exist. Not to mention, when done with a good tummy, the belly-roll is mesmerisingly hypnotising and gripping to no end. I found myself hooked on a number of occasions, I had to remember I was filming!

The last dance had a good traditional piece of music to it and the movement seemed to shine just that more brightly as she performed now. I did find this the most aesthetically pleasing and she smiled throughout.

As a performer, Southgate was obviously somewhat versed in doing it well. She worked the room, gliding both sides and pausing for the various cameras held up throughout the room. Not to mention, making good eye contact with members of the audience. I see she also had a fan club/support group in the audience. Fellow belly dancing ladies who were clearly also performers at other venues/times during the Fest as they were in full costume. At first, I thought they may be performing too but it was apparent they weren’t after a few songs – even though I half hoped they would right till the end.

And with that, it was finished. A healthy applause and a standing ovation from some in appreciation and a gleaming smile in thanks from Southgate. So, its her friend filming and listening to my comments eh, ah well I wasn’t rude, lol. I stop my filming at a good interval and pack to take my leave.

Check out the video if you haven’t already. I apologise for the heads in the footage, I had to sit back down as many people were behind me and as I had a seat, I thought it a bit inconsiderate.
For being new and interesting, despite my personal taste I give this performance Four Thumbs Up!

Seriously smelly guy, you STINK!!!

Yes, I am going to have a little rant about smelly people. I think it’s time I did since it is some thing that effects all of us – well those who (still) have the luxury of being able to smell.

First, let me break it down. We’re all human and smell is a vital part of humanity. We live and die by scent, it can turn you on, or turn you right off!

I mean, I will follow my nose when a good smelling person is about. I remember once standing in a chippy packed full of people on a saturday night (or a Sunday morning, rather). I am standing next to a rather tall fellow and my goodness did he smell good!!! Now my extra surprise was that it was the end of the night and he smelled boxfresh!!! I’ve always wanted to use that word, lol and in my utter surprise I had to let him know!
Well, he had to crouch down a little to be able to hear me, which just shrouded me in his beautiful stink more, and back he had to get a lil closer, he had to return the compliment! Naturally!

Anyways that is one good example, I have more, but it’s not that time, and I particularly appreciate when a person of slightly taller statute smells good, the shorter population commends you, taller person!!!

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty. Bad smells!!!

Let me just say here, I am a Nursing Auxilliary and I work in a hospital. It is the home of bad smells! I have now been there long enough to tell the difference between rotting flesh and necrotic (dead) flesh even though both are pretty darn hurrendous. I am around bad smells for a living and at work, I do not mind. There is a legitimate reason for these bad smells, and by gum at least those people are in the right place!

So, smelly people of the outside world, what is your excuse???

Now I recall a time in my life when I was so ‘ depressed’ that I did not wash/shower for the best part of seven months – true story. I did have a tidy however, and changed my clothing to stop suspicion. I did ask close comrades about my odour and I was never, as far as I know, offensive to another nostril during that time. They could have been lying to me, but I was sure to ask my sisters – who never miss an opportunity to point out my bad points, so I am confident of their honesty. Go team!

Anywho, I can appreciate others may not have been so willing to cover up and that is their journey, and I may also add the mentally challenged and the drunken and drug abusing souls lost in those stupors, you are also not part of this immediate context.

No, these people are not under subjection here.
I am talking about Mister Narstee!!! Who gets up at some point in any day, in the clothing he was wearing the day before. He eats, he shits, he pretends to be busy doing work (work that is never completed nor will ever be because he will move onto the next project before finishing properly).
See, Mister Narstee thinks he is a perfectionist. Which is why he won’t finish. It won’t be good enough for his standard so always stays in that, nearly finished limbo.
Mister Narstee is really rather ruddy intelliegent too, but so arrogant with it that he thinks he is more intellectual than he really is.
Mister Narstee is so sure of himself that even when in conversation about a smelly person he will agree, so even an expose like this, he would be chuckling along obliviously about some other punk. No Mister Narstee, I mean YOU!!!

In your home he will occupy one corner, as well as your settee, and it will be the messiest (not to mention smelliest
) corner of your home.

This Mister Narstee even has the ordasity to wash his hands before meals – although the jury is still out on whether or not he does so after toileting (he leaves too soon, some would say).

Mister Narstee has never had his own place, and is a reluctant applicant to the process. He is also very well travelled as he has occupied the settees of most of his circle of friends.

Mister Narstee is not afraid to ask for help, but if you make the silly mistake of giving yours, expect that to mean doing it for Mister Narstee – ha! You fool.
Mister Narstee is also full of surprises. Just when you’re at the end of your tether with his stench, he takes a shower!!!

Am I talking about someone? Yes! However this is not based on one individual. It is my experience of a few people like this over my short lifetime so far. And no, Mister Narstee has not stayed at my abode, I couldn’t have that shoddiness in such close proximity!!!

Hmmm, even I am feeling sorry for Mister Narstee so I will shift my focus.
What I’m getting at is the mentality of such an individual. Who thinks the world owes them something but is fundamentally too damn lazy to take
what they’re ‘owed’.

It’s the sheer ignorance in which they operate, a guise, if you will and they are so wrapped up in there own infinite amazing wonderousness that us innocent bystanders have not only to endure there smelly odour, but a stinking attitude to boot!!!

Come on smelly dude aka Mister Narstee, FIX UP!!! The world is already at a shortage of decent men, and while you have the potential it is obvious that you cannot see past the end of your own nose – not to mention smell further than your own stench! (Every pun intended!)

*sighs* rant over, for now! Even though I could go on…

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