It's cold and rainy you say? NOT HERE!

Today was a short work day. We did one site visit and I am beginning to see the inevitable problems working here. Cultural disconnects abound and I wish I was properly trained to handle them. Sometimes (all the time) I wonder what Dr. Carr would do to get the material across in this instant. He has the experience relating in school administration and I just know that he could do this much better in his sleep.

Today was my first day driving on the right side of the car on the left side of the road. Really, I think this makes more sense and the US should just switch all of their streets to do the same. NOW. Please and thank you.

My supervisor left the lights on in the car (in the daytime) and the batter went dead so we had to call for a ride. Poo poo.

For all those who I said I'd email, I'm going to get to it soon.

It's rainy season here, so its been pretty wet out. But the good kind of summer showers that make you wanna.... (in janet jackson voice) well, you know....

I am waiting for my phone(s) to charge so I can head to the mall and see what dey talmbout out dere.

wish I had some homeys here with me....

but alone it makes me feel like How Stella Got Her Groove Back....

oh and I could so work internationally. i dig this.

happy birthday fela & my day 1 in tobago

Right now, I am sitting on the patio of my hotel room at the Bacolet Beach Club Hotel in Tobago, West Indies. It's dark. I'm listening to "watergetnoenemy" by Fela Kuti. I hear the subtle nestling roar of the Atlantic Ocean. It's warm, not humid, very comfortable.

The atmosphere.... is serene.

Today was my first full day on the wonderful island of Tobago. I am not going to talk about my job on this blog, because it just isn't necessary....but trust, I have plenty to say.

1. I got to Philadelphia Airport yesterday and the airline told me that my ticket was voided. 60 minutes before I could get on the plane. *jaw drop* I called my office crying because everyone who could help me was in Tobago...with non working US cell phones. Long story short, they managed to reissue a ticket to me 20 minutes before the plane took off.

2. The airline lost my luggage. My body was in Tobago, my luggage was in New York. I confess, last night I took a shower because of all the grime of the day and had to bareback the next day because I didn't have any luggage. Luckily I threw a dress in my carry-on. I considered it inappropriate for work, but my colleagues who are not LIKE ME said it looked great. Hey, whatever works.

3. I got my luggage.

4. Yall remember this episode of the Cosby show? Part 1 Part 2 Cliff talks about the dinner he and Claire had on their honeymoon at the Callaloo Pot. He sings about it all throughout the episode. "Callalooooooooo!" I take you on that television journey because today I had CALLALOOOOOO with my dinner and it was absolutely delicious. I am sure I will have it again before I leave. Oh and I had the best dinner ever: grilled lobster, grilled shrimp and steamed swordfish with cassava on the side. yuuuuuuum!!!!

5. I got invited to a party in Trinidad by this guy on the plane. His mom works at one of the places my job partners with in Tobago. Small ass world.

6. On first look, people think I am the local escorting the people here from my job. Sorry bruh, I aint from here....but I'll kindly respond to your advances cuz it's only 10 days, its beautiful here, and odds are i'll never see you again.

7. I think I'm from here. I could stay here, no bull.

8. I got someone to buy me lunch. I don't get that kinda play in Delaware. I can't even buy a dude dinner there. #iknowimhotidontneednobodyindelawaretotellme

9. Cable television, local Miami news and local New York news. I don't get it.

10. Best news of all, I havent spent a single dime here. Not a single cent since I was at home Tuesday and ate Olive Garden with the roomie. Loving every minute of this.

11. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FELA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you can call me 868-398-0468 from a UD telephone if you really need me.

much love, admiration, respect to being in this space

Tobago - Day 1

Today I get on the plane and ride into the sunshine that is the wonderful island of Tobago. I will be spending ten days and eleven nights on the island with my job. My plan is to update this blog once a day, God willing. Pray for safe travels.

THIS IS IT!

BLOWN (retitled)

i cant help
but to be and continue to become
the woman
God intended me to be
i have no control of mine
or your
destiny
yet i feel compelled
to feel a certain way
about certain people
if i respect u
i show you
if i admire u
i show you
if i love you
i show you
even if you dont
care, wish, desire
to see
it hurts.
its a blessing
and a curse.