Thursday, December 25, 2008

Final Post

It has been a while since I posted about my last few days. They were quite hectic, but as usual God came though and it was something to remember. I was able to pack all my things despite the fact that it seemed otherwise. I was able to cover the cost of shipping my things thought I didn't expect to pay as much. I didn't miss my flight though I was paged and had to run to catch the plane. What's important is that I made it home safely.

My experiences in Barbados have been many. I have learnt a great deal about myself, about the country, about the people. I made some good friends. I was able to pursue my dream. It was bittersweet to leave, because Barbados was a nice place to be. But leave I must and did. But this one thing is certain- it will never be forgotten.

Farewell Bim!

PS: Merry Christmas to all who may read this, and a great year to come!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Sunday Affair

I hoped to have gone to church with the family I normally go with. But I have not heard a peep from them. So I went to another church by myself. This is, after all, the last Sunday I will be in Bim. The service was ok. Had to leave early though.

I left while the Pastor was giving his message. I had a lunch date with two friends (one I prefer to think of as an aunty). It was a nice lyme. Came home after and started packing.

In the night, two friends and I went to St. Lawrence Gap (the "hip strip" of Barbados). There are a lot of restaurant, bars, etc. At first the plan was to go to Cafe Jungle, but I looked at the menu and was feeling for absolutely nothing on it. So we walked a good distance (the 2 girls in shoes that give us height) and we chatted along the way. We ended up stopping and dining at Cafe Sol, a Mexican restaurant. Food was good. I had a mexiBurger with fries and water...thought about ordering some fancy drink but the fullness of the stomach didn't allow. We chilled a bit, had some deep and some light convos and some light attempts at latin dancing (since next door was playing it). We then chilled by the seaside while we waited for our taxi to come.





A pretty good day. Seem to be having a few of those lately. Feels good :-)

Thanks BS and RI.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Saturday All-day Lyming

This morning I went to Lucky Horseshoe to eat breakfast with a friend. Was nice and the wind was rather cool. After that we went into town. She got some of the things she wanted done, and so did I. We then passed by CERMES to drop off the four bags of bottles I managed to collect (which were stored in my room), only to realise we had company, one of who she wanted to ask to do something. So spent a long time there before heading home.

I must mention that I was stood up for lunch for the 2nd time by a group of people. Will not go into the details.



I got home and got ready again to leave. This time another friend was taking me out. She took me to Mama Mia, where we had a really good meal. The evening was somewhat dampened when the man told me I shouldn't have mixed the sauces since its not done in Italy, and had he been the one serving us, the side of tomato sauce would not have been given. Won't get into details, but my friend was somewhat upset about it. We left, having decided we were not gonna buy the pizza we planned to to take away with us.

Leaving there, we went to visit some of my friend's family. Was a nice and hilarious little detour. After that we went to Lord Wilaby's Tavern, where I had a BBC (Bailey's Irish Cream, banana and coconut cream mixture). It was really nice. And no alcohol to be drunk from! We chilled there a bit and chatted, then headed home.





I was out for pretty much the entire day, and I had a good time. Thanks to MW and SY for making the day good.

Friday, December 5, 2008

TGIF!

Today I was to wake up at 7.30 am to be ready for 8.30am to head out to do my business on the road. Somehow I just couldn't get myself out of the bed. So all that was pushed back an hour. Went and did a bank draft for the money I did not use for my research. Handed it in along with the receipts and photocopies of them.

After that, I headed to town with very little money since I left all my cards at home unintentionally. I did some window-"shopping", and then met with my friend who was taking me to lunch. On our way to the Red Bamboo, he saw two other of his friends, so he invited them as well. It was a nice lunch. The food was good and filling, and the company and conversation were good.





After that, I went to get some pictures printed. Ended up waiting for OVER AN HOUR and ended up leaving them to catch the bus to go home. I tried to keep telling myself that these things happens to build my patience...working on it. Got home dog tired! Still a good afternoon though. Thanks VP.

Later in the evening after some rest and a shower and clean hair (which was a spur of the moment decision since I was just gonna wait til next week n go to the hairdresser), I got dressed and went out with another friend. We first met in J'ca, but reconnected in Bim. She took me to TGIFridays since the other place she wanted to take I will be going Sat'day with another friend. But it was a good decision. I had chicken quesadillas with sour cream and salsa, etc, (the latter stuff being a waste except the sour cream) and I enjoyed it (to my surprise). The virgin daiquiri had much to be desired...perhaps less sugar would have helped greatly.





Dessert was an oreo ice-cream. The damn thing was so hard I had to stab at it. I ended up ditching the oreo and eating the ice-cream in the centre. Figured that was wise...maybe a sign too. It was giving me heart-burn and a work-out that I didn't need. Plus I didn't want to pay for any broken spoons! Thanks JW.



It was a good day. I guess good-byes don't have to be as sad as that one I had with my landlady yesterday. She had to be away and won't be here when I leave. But perhaps it's full-circle since she wasn't here when I came. Hmm...

PS: I still have not gotten the ok to go home, which means I don't have my ticket either. But I will still consciously try to go with the flow. Things will work out...

Thursday, December 4, 2008

They've Started

Goodbyes...I don't like them! But they are necessary for whatever reason.

Wed night I was supposed to go out with someone and company, but they cancelled. I ended up going out with another friend. We went to a movie and oh my goodness!! The thing was horrible! Beside the swearing (unnecessarily so) and the crude nature, it was pointless to ridiculous. I thought it would have been a good since Brad and George were in it! BIG mistake. And since it was a spur of the moment lyme, we didn't check the reviews, etc. The company was good. Got to know a bit more about my relatively new friend and vice versa, so it was a good lyme none-the-less. Thanks DB.

Thurs I had lunch with another friend (former classmate). We went to a really nice place called Il Ferno which is Italian. Was a good lyme- company and atmosphere and the view!!!





The day was somewhat spoilt because I felt sick after we ate, but I think it was due to the chinese I had at the movies the night before. Was suspicious of it, but ate it anyways. Feeling like you wanna throw-up can dampen any lyme. But I felt better, and we were still able to chill and take in the scenes. And the talk was inspiration for his gift which I got afterward. He helped me a great deal with my project, so I figured it was appropriate to say thanks in a tangible way.

In the night I was to go out with YDS project team. Turns out they were tired and couldn't make, and they assumed I had nothing on Sat. So no lyme. I was actually looking forward to it, but alas! Instead, I stayed home, sent some important emails, sorted through some documents that I will be leaving, etc. So still a productive day.

The rest of the week is pretty busy. More details after the fact.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Depending on People

The more I experience in life is the more I realise I should be less inclined to depend heavily on people. Somehow I end up being disappointed or hurt or upset.

It seems the date I was hoping to go is not gonna happen. Communication has not yet been sent to the relevant authorities from UWI, which means more delay. But instead of being upset, I'm going with the flow. Things happen for a reason and I intend to make the most of them things, whatever they may be.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

It's In!

Tues, December 2, 2008, sometime after noon, I handed in my research paper officially. It was such a relief. It also felt surreal. It's another step in the journey to return home and somehow it hasn't quite sunk in.

I came home, ate the lemon chicken that was lacking lemon, but was ok none-the-less, and celebrated by myself. In the evening, I went to my last YDS meeting. It was productive so I was happy about that. Came home, ate some more, watched tv...with no guilt...well just a little.

The week ahead is going to be hectic. I have people to see, money to return, things to finalise, and PACKING! Should be interesting.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Chilled Ice

Today I am working (forcing myself...whichever) to finish my paper to have it handed in by tomorrow. I bought a Smirnoff Ice a while back that's been chilling in the fridge waiting for that day. And some chocolate cake mix waiting to be baked, perhaps some ice-cream (if I get around to buying it).

Tomorrow will be a great day! I am working on being more accepting of rain in all forms, so Lord, I'm trying, and believing...and waiting for even more!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Good News

Today (well yesterday technically) I got a call from PIOJ to say I did well in the interview and they were impressed so they are looking forward to seeing me for the second one. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. I kept going over bits and pieces in my head and the various ways I could have made the interview better. But I am happy I did well to be one of three. I told my supe about it and he wasn't surprised...neither were others I told. So it seems I am the only one.

I now have my work cut out for me. I have to finish my paper, and then pack and also prepare since I must be even more prepared for this 2nd interview than the first. I'm trusting di Faddah to help me so I believe I will do well...the only question therefore should be "who did the "wellest"?".

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Part 1. Check. Part 2?

I had a week to prepare for an interview for a possible job back home. And I tried to make sure I was as prepared as possible. So earlier I had my first (prelim) interview.

I was rather nervous. And they did ask some deep questions. And some not so deep ones. Yet I cannot gauge how I did. They gave questions, I gave answers. There were just a few times in the just over 17 min when I blanked for a few seconds, but I recovered enough to venture an answer. They asked me about myself- what makes me tick and what I enjoy doing. And there are SO many things I could have said, but they all came to me after the fact. And at the end I asked them questions...and they kept asking if I had any more. And I kept wondering if I was missing something.

The first face to face interview I had was really bad, and I only realised in hindsight. And I keep hearing over and over if there is anything you want to ask. And I hear myself saying no. So that experience has me wondering if I am missing something. But I am trusting God to know that if that job is mine, I will have it despite the hiccups.

So now I wait a week to hear their decision. And I also wait to hear from my supervisor who still have not returned my draft with comments. They asked me when I will be home, and I had to guestimate; I did let them know that it was all dependent on my draft though.

Is a second interview in my future? It's in God's hands now. And time will tell.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The View

Yesterday was the first trip by the YDS to determine their package. Long story. Not getting into it. Anyways, our first stop was the Animal Flower Cave. WOW! The views were absolutely breath-taking! I don't think the pictures did them justice, however. The wind was also quite nice, and at one point I just had to let my hair flow with it. That's what combs are for, right?!











We didn't actually go into the cave since we'd have to pay. We decided we'd return another time, perhaps with more people. But I was satisfied with that view.

We left there and went to see Picotenerif (think that's the spelling)... not quite as close as we'd hoped, but we could still appreciate the beauty of it. We left there and went to Cherry Tree Hill with more beautiful views, and then we passed by the Wildlife Reserve (for information). Then we headed home.

I continued my preps for an interview I have coming up. A friend from home helped me with a mock interview that...let's just say didn't go well. But I persevere and I intend to be ready for it when the day arrives. I know God will come through for me as He always does.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Status...For Now



Guess which one I am?

Sunday, November 9, 2008

A Hike and a Lyme

Friday I had all intentions of going on the road just for going out sake. The dark sky coupled with some rather unique conversations online postponed that plan. No horrors. I'm used to staying home so the house-rat had little problems.

Saturday morning I woke up to be ready for 7 pm. It's hike-time! And this time I did make it despite 2 previous attempts. Due to communication issues, we ended up leaving late and with the tour guide having a different view of what was actually to happen. Minor matters.

The hike started in Shorey Village after an hour's driving. Geesh. Bus parked, potty break (for me), and a long journey ahead, we started the hike. We passed down a road with houses before reaching an area with none, a "river" and some bush (low) before reaching the sea.




From the start of the trip, I felt the warmth of the sun. It was rather warm. So with little shame left, I backed out my umbrella. The dainty comments never phased me. So there were little times during the hike that I didn't use it, because there was VERY little shade.

The view at the beach was absolutely beautiful. Breath-taking if you will. And yes, I did have my umbrella on the beach...we were just passing through though.



We passed many scenes along the way, ranging from scenic views to human destruction of beautiful earth.





Of course we had to pass through bush so I got prickly things on my clothes. The picture is showing some of it. There was more. And no, not cool. But I had help picking them off so that was nice.



Throughout the hike, I shared my artificial shade. One of the hikers felt sick at one point and it came in quite handy. One thing I didn't like about the hike was that the group was split more than it should have been, with some lagging behind and others going too fast (including the tour guide who doesn't seem to believe in walking slow). The hike ended with tired and thirsty people. We stopped by a mart and got some drinks while someone begged a ride for the driver to go get the bus (clearly we're tired!).

I came home in rain. I bathed, ate some good food (chicken strips I forgot I bought and only remembered because I was taking out something to thaw for dinner...sad, I know) and scrambled eggs and bread. Aahhh. Then sleep, glorious sleep! But it did hot so it was not as comfortable as I'd have liked. Did Chinese food in the evening (home-made, and wasn't as good as it was intended to me...still learning).

Sun I went to church at Chapman St in the morning, and a lyme (suggested by yours truly) in the afternooon. It was cool. Started a Scrabble game, ate some good food (maybe too much), and chilled a bit. Came home, called home and just chilled for the rest of the day.

A pretty good weekend.

PS: Congrats to all who graduated this weekend at Mona, with special mention to my cuz (mi proud bad...sniff...) and Dr. Hamil and Dr. Coke and neighbour. And all who I forgot (haven't taken the gingko in a while- sorry).

Sunday, November 2, 2008

New "Toy"

Yesterday I had planned to do a solo stint at the movies (double feature) but then a friend asked me if I wanted to practice some songs with her. I was cool with that. I went by her (she wasn't well) and chilled with her. After she felt better, we did some searching for songs we could probably do at church sometime. And I learnt something new. Youtube has karaoke stuff. It never occurred to be look for it or anything. But a light went off in my head- new hobby for new-found bumlife (though shortlived). We did recordings of 2 or 3 songs. Decent in some parts, hilarious in others. I came home and had to try this out. So I started recording my own stuff. Not much, but it was fun!

Today I went to church at Chapman Street. Was a good service. Got home, stuffed my face and tried to sleep. A certain seeker of God knows what decided to call me and wake me up so sleep was shot thereafter (thanks...I will keep reminding myself "revenge is mine, saith the Lord"). I watched a movie, read some more of my book, and also read couple chapters of the Bible (all before and/or after attempting to sleep). The rest of the day included watching more tv (mindless entertainment if you will) and singing!

PS: No, I am not posting anything on YouTube! They're for my purposes only...and I prefer audio alone. Not into the video thing.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Waiting...patiently?

More and more I am longing for the day when this blog will no longer be used for posting but as a way to look back and remember the times I had in Bim. I feel as though home with all the issues I will face is where I want to and need to be, and I am anxiously waiting for the day when that becomes a reality. December is fast approaching, and I am happy...I hope I can pass the time away without getting too frustrated.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

October Lyme at Home

Yesterday was the annual October lyme. It was good to see everyone again...and hear them. I'm sure it was a weird lyme for most involved considering I joined in via webcam, but I am happy they still made the effort to accommodate me. (Thanks guys).

I think my biggest problem with the lyme is that I don't think I contributed much. I had so much moving around in my head, but nothing at the same time. I felt blank, almost like conversation was a new language I was learning. So I was more content yet uncomfortable listening in. Sigh.

Hopefully next year is bigger and better. And different.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Session at UN House



Today the YDS had a working session at the UN House. I was designated scribe. I only hope I took decent notes. The first half was not recorded cause the thing just neva record it. But the second half was taped (and I didn't have it so maybe that's why). 

Thought the session was productive and good. Hope things work out for them.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

COG Concert

Today I went to church at Salters. Usual place. Service was ok Lesson was on Ps 121. Good passage. Sunday school lesson was from the same place. Got home about noon.

Ate lunch. Tried to sleep. Watched a movie. Tried to sleep. Got good news about Kitty. Tried to sleep. Eventually got up, got dressed, and went with Billie and new friend to the Church of God concert of which I forgot the name. It was decent. Could have done with a bit more tweeking, but hey! It's not everday the COG gets youth putting on productions such as this with the intention of selling it. 

Afterward, we chilled a bit. Passed by Chefette where new friend treated us girls to food (mine a kids' meal) before dropping us home. A pleasant evening afterall.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Weekend Happenings

On Thursday I decided I was going to finally buy a webcam. One that I will actually get since two previous purchases online proved futile. I called around and found out the prices. I looked at the sky, and decided I shouldn't. But then after a while I thought I'd make it an adventure. So I got dressed and took a bus to Oistins. It was about an hour on a bus, but it was the sight-seeing (if you wanna call it that) that took up my time. I found the place I wanted, went to another store and bought a cheap, no-good headphone which I am bitter about, then headed back home.

Friday I had lunch with a friend who's going back home to SVG. I ended up shopping- a dress and shoes. The shoes I needed and got at the duty free price since my friend bought it for me and I paid her back. The dress I perhaps could have done without but I liked it very much, and my friend thought it looked good too, so I took her word for it. I think I got a fair deal too. I came home and slept, then went to campus for "Second Chances", the play and concert put on by the J'can student asso. It started late as usual. But it was pretty decent. My headaches came back, so that was slightly distracting. Got home about 1 a.m.

This morning I was to go hiking. But having got so little sleep, the headache stayed with me. I opted to pass. I was kinda looking forward to going so that was a bummer.

Tomorrow I am going to church in the morning and then to a COG concert in the evening. Should be interesting.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

JASAC week so far

So this week is JASAC week- Jamaica Association of Students at Cave Hill. It started decently with a church service on Sunday, which I attended. Monday (Heroes' Day) was a flag raising ceremony at 6 a.m. which I did not attend. Today was the culture and food day. Disaster is a word I would like to use to describe it.

On Sunday, I volunteered to help out at the cultural showcase. My shift was 2 - 3 p.m. I got there and started to hear all the "mishaps" happening with the food. I wasn't overly comfortable with the whole situation either, but hey. After my shift, I decided to try and get some food cause now mi ungry! I go into the place, seems rather disorganised and food didn't seem to be available or ready. Ok. Left for a bit and went back. Decided that since they had nothing I wanted (chicken), I was gonna get soup. So I paid for soup. As I was waiting to get said soup, a man, clearly J'can, started to cuss. Instead of serving me my soup since I was standing in front of him and trying to get his attention, another man (server clearly) decided to tek on di odda man. Needless to say it got rowdy. I just took my ticket, walked out, and went home. I ate food that I had here waiting for me, no drama involved. I count the $5 I paid but a loss. I didn't think it made any sense trying to get back my money if I couldn't get my food without waiting til they decided to calm down. Not inna dat.

The play and concert is on Friday. They claim it should be good. It better be!