that super moist choco-chocolate cake

I mentioned the fact that one of my boyfriend's birthday cakes was my grandmother's super moist choco-chocolate cake recipe.

Although I won't be staring the lovely recipe with you (sorry) I will give you an idea of what makes it the cake it is. We made two 9-inch chocolate cakes and covered them with extra whipped chocolate icing (of course some went in between the layers as well). After giving it a fine coating of icing I changed the recipe a bit and instead of making my own chocolate I used store-bought milk chocolate to top the cake with chocolate shavings and had some fun with a Kit-Kat bar for the centre.

Super Moist Choco-Chocolate Cake

I can tell you for sure it was super delish!

photos: random statues

Google really does open up a world of random stuff!

I was helping a friend with a project and found some cool statues....after a while I ditched the project research and started looking for unusual statues. Here's some of the stuff I found. I sadly didn't see the names of the artistes or photographers to give them their credits:

Some of them look so real.....they kinda make me wish I had sculpting skills!

of birthday cakes and bars

My boyfriend recently celebrated his birthday and we decided that this year we would have a night out with some of his friends, family and co-workers, and of course we did all the birthday formalities with speeches and cake.

The location - Macau Gaming Lounge and Bar

When I was looking for a location I was told about a new bar (soon to add gaming lounge) - Macau with pretty good food for reasonable prices. The space was nice and open and all in all the decor and atmosphere is on point. The place was pretty packed for a Saturday night.....considering that they pretty much just opened and in my mind 'nobody know's about them yet.' Clearly I was so wrong!

As expected the food is good, the drink mixes are nice and the prices are very reasonable.....especially in comparison to other bars and clubs in Kingston. Sadly the service was kinda blah, but that could have been because we were a pretty large group, or maybe it's because they didn't expect that big a crowd for that night. On the bright side, the waitresses were polite and that's a major plus considering how lax customer service is generally!

I can definitely say I'll be back there some time to chill and unwind with friends especially with the holidays coming up!


The cake - Sweet Mischief Jamaica

Now my boyfriend loves cake...chocolate cake to be exact. So on the day of his birthday my Mom and I made him the special family recipe for the super moist choco-chocolate cake. But I also needed a cake for the get together that happened on the weekend.

So with a desire to be different and Mommy putting ideas in my mind I got connected with Sweet Mischief Jamaica - a home-based bakery that makes specialty cakes. I send them the info and told them that I wanted to put small pictures on the cake that kinda picked up different things about the birthday boy.

I was  really nervous at first because although I saw their amazing work before, I thought I was asking for too much. When I spoke to them and they made it seem like it was nice and simple...that's where my excitement started. =]

When they delivered the cake I was close to bouncing off the wall. I was so happy with how it all came out that I was tempted to send it to everyone on my BBM list. lol Of course though the way the cake looks is only half of it all.....and for those asking....yes the cake was moist and delicious.

It was definitely worth the price and the waiting, and I know for sure that the next time I need a specialty cake I'll be giving them a call! Come to think of it I'm already conceptualizing my next cake =]

100% ready for the job hunt

In my fr the college graduate post, I mentioned a bit about this whole issue of needing a job and getting on that job hunt.

Continuing to follow my own advice (since that only makes sense), I recently went to drop off a resume at another company that I would love to work at....even though they haven't put out any request for a new employee.

While I briskly went up the stairs to the large glass door that opened up to a number of company offices, I noticed a small group of persons with what I assume were job applications as well. Ok fine I noticed the envelope said 'Attention: The Human Resource Department' and I was honestly glad to see that they weren't going to the same company as I was.

Anywho, the issue wasn't that they were also on the job hunt....because that really isn't a bad thing. The problem was that the way they presented themselves didn't match up to the manicured foyer and 'fancy-full' glass doors or of course the other persons buzzing about during their lunch hour.

Now I'll just clear it up before you start thinking it: I am not stereotyping persons here!

To be honest, I would have dressed like them if I were going to hang out with friends....tank top, shorts and sandals. But....to drop off a job application? ....I think not...

My mother worked as a human resource manager for as long as I could remember. In my teens when I started looking for summer jobs she sat and helped me fix up my resume to make it 'presentable' and was sure to give me basic interview tips and some 'working in an office' tips. At that time, I was a bit annoyed at how meticulous she was when I just wanted a job for a few weeks to make some cash to go out and to buy stuff.

Thinking back though....I am so glad that I have those tips instilled in my little brain. And since I'm so nice....I'll share a few:

Resumes 

Take note of your 'hobbies.' Watching tv, chatting with friends, surfing the net and all other "this is what I do when I'm bored" activities do not count as hobbies! All this tells an employer is: 'when I come to work I plan to sit in the lunch room and watch tv, run up the phone bill chatting to my friend and surf the net possibly downloading random things, chatting to friends or watching movies.' If you don't have what mother called a 'wholesome hobby' (writing, photography, playing an instrument, charity work) then don't put hobbies at all. 

Keep it short and to the point. Your resume should be similar to the book summary on the back of the novel. It should give you enough reason to want to know more (hence the interview). If it's too long, the employer gets bored and you're put in the 'ahm....maybe next time' pile.

WhoAreYou@___.com if your email address makes you sound like an exotic dancer, a drug lord, murder or any other thing that isn't professional then it's time you got a new one. You're safest bet is your name....trust me!

Honesty works best. If you aren't 100% sure about something then it's probably best you leave it off your resume. Clear everything up before sending your resume off to a company....especially your references (if you decide to put them on the resume). Let the persons know that you have listed them as a reference and ask them for the contact information that they would like to have you share on your resume.

Interviews 

Time is of the essence. Being early is something that should go without saying.....so if your interview is at 1:30pm be sure to be sitting in the reception area, or stepping into the office at 1pm. Being on time lets them know you mean business and can hint to them that you'll be on time for work. 

While you wait. Be cognizant of what you do while you're in the reception area. Your phone should be on silent at this point and you should be sitting like you're in an office, not in the living room couch. You can always ask for the daily paper, take out a book to read, or if you feel nervous, try to gain composure. 

Carry everything you sent off  in the package to the employer. It is also a good idea to walk with the originals of your documents so that if you're asked, things can be cross-referenced. Leaving them at home could make an employer feel that you have something to hide, or that you aren't ready for the job. 

Calm, cool and relaxed is the name of the game. You're going in to have someone ask you about the one person you should know most....yourself! It's normal to be nervous but do your best show the boss that you are confident but not conceited.  

Speak professionally and not like you're chilling with your friends. Remember that you're trying to convince someone that you are mature enough and competent enough to do the job. At the same time, you're convincing the person/people that you have the personality that will fit in with others in the company. Don't chat away the time, and save your questions until you are asked if you have any. Oh and for the love of God.....don't have your phone in hand!

Dress code & Presentation 

It all starts when you drop the application off. Yup believe it or not, some companies make note of you from the day you step in to drop off your resume. The receptionist may place a post-it on your envelope noting the way you were attired and possibly even the way you addressed him/her. That means that a smile and good manners could take you as far as an appropriate outfit will. You may be surprised to know just how often a human resource manager fills in at the reception desk.

If you wouldn't go to work in the outfit, then don't wear it. And that applies whether you're going to drop the application off or to the interview. Something too short or too revealing could cut you from the list regardless of how impressive your resume is.

Keep it simple. Yes the loud accessories are in, and you may have 3 piercings on each ear or in some other part of your face, but keeping it simple is the best way to give a first impression. If in the interview you want to ask about the company dress code or regulations regarding same, then that's fine. But going all out could give the wrong impression and can be distracting.

All in all folks.....getting the job isn't going to only be because of what's on your resume. Believe it or not, there is sooooo much more to you getting the job including your demeanour in the interview, the personality that you allow to shine through and pretty much just how well you can sell yourself!

Like I said before, apply for the job even if you don't have all of the qualifications. Your bachelors degree, minor work experience and overall resume may just be enough to get you to round two - the interview. From there you need to sell yourself to the organization and let them know that although you don't have the 'masters and X years of experience in a similar position' you have the willingness, the foundation knowledge and the determination to perform excellently in the position.


Continuing the hunt!

giving thanks

First let me say Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it. I hope everyone has so far enjoyed the day off from work and gotten the chance to get in some family time......before the excitement of Black Friday shopping of course.


Apart from the fact that Thanksgiving isn't really celebrated here in Jamaica, and the fact that there are persons around the world who see the day as 'a celebration of the genocide of the Native Americans' I personally like the fact that it's a day embraces the idea of giving thanks.

I think this is something many of us overlook in our day to day activities and to be honest that's a bit...sad. I'm sure if some of us think back on the day/week/month/year we've had, we remember that accident that almost happened, the situation that could have been fatal or the opportunity that seemed to pop up out of nowhere. Those are some of the things we can be thankful for

Of course there are so many other things as well, basic things like waking up each morning, having food/shelter for you and your family or being oh so fortunate to have a job (yes! so many persons tend to forget that that in itself is a blessing).

Each year around this time, I make a list of the things I'm thankful for that happened throughout the year. It somewhat acts like a year in review for me and sometimes it takes me a while to really think through everything that has happened. At the end of it all though, I can see where I've gotten closer to my goals and it all acts as a little reminder of how blessed I am.

If you're reading this and thinking like other persons I've spoken to, I can imagine that you are probably now thinking that I'm saying all this because of religious beliefs, but honestly I think thanks can be given regardless of the higher being you believe in.

The overall idea is to just think about all the great opportunities, near-miss bad experiences, and just about everything else you've been fortunate to have over the course of the year and give thanks!

Hope you all enjoy the day of food and family, I'll be working on my list.

oh the greatness that is cupcakes!

Today was a good day....I had a super delish cupcake! lol

 Ok ok ok


Yes I'm 21, but I have an extremely active imagination, I love 'kids stuff' and my inner child is quite prominent sometimes.


How does this link to cupcakes? Well one thing that I think can always put a smile on my face is pastry...and more specifically anything that's in a cupcake form.


It sounds a little silly lol but when you really think about it, the cupcake is the perfect amount of cake and sweetness to satisfy that sweet tooth when you're trying to not break a diet.....especially if it's all pretty! =]


Because of my cupcake love affair I just about NEVER miss an episode of Cupcake Wars or DC Cupcakes and when I get a cupcake it really does brighten my day. =]

Whether it's a simple cupcake with basic frosting or it's all extravagant with a theme and all, I just see them a little bundles of baked goodness!

What's actually kinda cute is that the other day I was out and offered a cupcake. After pulling off the paper cup I noticed that the little girl sitting beside me was watching me with this slightly confused look on her face. I looked over and noticed that not only had she taken off the wrapper, but she had broken off the bottom of the cupcake ans squished it on top of the top of the cupcake.

I guess she saw the 'oh that's interesting' expression on my face and she started smiling.

Me: Hi
Little girl: I was looking to make sure you eat it properly.
Me: properly?
Little girl: yes (in that 'duh silly' tone) You have to make it like a sandwich, that way there's no bite without icing. 

This added to my already love-er-ly day! She really made me smile and of course I had to make my cupcake into a sandwich!

I may just eat em like that from now on!

Japan?

I think I''ve definitely been home too much for far too long!

I've been eating more, idling way to much time away and of course sleeping such odd hours that my days get out of sorts. Of course in between all this random madness, I'm shooting at HYPE Tv, attending TEENage Observer meetings and events and project planning.

Adding to this mix is of course the infamous job hunt. While on this continuous hunt, I came across an ad for a one year contract to teach English to students in Japan. The first thing that came to mind was: 'OMG yes! This sounds really cool!

Then I was slowly reminded about a few things; I know not a word in Japanese, I'm a very picky eater, I get depressed and lonely if I'm alone and away from loved ones for too long, and of course the fact that there is still that tsunami and radioactive scare in the back of my mind.

At that point I really began to think about it all. Obviously it would be an amazing travel experience, and why would I not want international work experience......but......am I really cut out for this kind of thing?

From here, a fellow educator (pageant finalist and believer-in-Jamaican-development) came to mind. She had travelled to Thailand for a similar experience and seemed to have had a good experience. So of course I'll be bombarding her with my millions of questions about it all....even if she didn't go to the same country!

To be honest though, I have always wanted to travel to other parts of the world, and after meeting so many amazing ladies from across the globe earlier this year, I've felt event more motivated to get on that plane! I'll admit, the experience sounds good, but going alone seems a bit strange to me.

I have some time for me and my loved ones to think it all through. And of course I say loved ones because my mother dearest and my boyfriend would probably not be too ecstatic about me being away for a year....but I know they would be extremely excited about the experience and opportunities!

Got lots to think about........

fr the college graduate

It's just a little over a week since graduation and I know for many persons the whole idea of 'no longer an undergraduate student' has surely set in.

I'll admit that although at first I really wasn't feeling this whole idea of sitting in the National Arena for hours while hundreds of graduates go and collect their degrees, but in my opinion it was a morning/afternoon well spent. It was probably the last time I would be seeing my 'degree batch' all together at once and for sure it was the closure to my undergraduate chapter, similar to the opening that orientation was.

I really liked the valedictory address and the Utech Choir was really good especially when they sang I Believe by Fantasia (I didn't even know we had a choir lol). All in all, I'm glad I did it and I'm excited to see where this takes me next.

Now.....back to the reality of one week later!

I surely can't complain about how relaxed and carefree my days can be, and how open my schedule is with no worry about tests and assignments.

But.....because I've gotten so used to being extremely busy and having 100 things to do, it really does feel weird to have so much time on my hands. I know there are a number of graduates who like me have been chilling at home and keeping an eye and ear out for a job.

For me it's not too bad, because I have work (hosting at HYPE Tv) everyday, I have my charity projects to plan and I still hold a post on the TEENage Observer executive body. So I'm fairly busy, but not as busy as I was as a student.

I think it's fair to say that although school prepared you for exams and the world of work, it never once mentioned 'coping strategies' for these days at home wondering what's next?

Jobs are like a rare comodity as they either require '2-3 years work experience in a similar field' or 'masters degree in ________'. But let us be realistic...or at least think from the mind of a graduate (this is a nice compilation of the comments I've heard)

Bossman, if me deh a school a learn fi di degree an all me a get a some likkle 2 month internship, where di '2-3 years experience' ago come from? An wen mi a struggle fi pay back di undergraduate money, how mi ago pay for the masters? 

The answer to both questions......I need the job!

By the way....for those who didnt understand that burst of Jamaican patois here's the translation:

Sir, if I've been at school working on getting the degree and all I've been given are 2-month long internships then where will I have gotten the chance to get 2-3 years experience? And after struggling to repay the loans from undergraduate study, how will I be able to pay for a masters degree?

So ya, pretty much a first degree graduate will need a job some way, some how to help build his/her resume and open other doors/opportunities while helping to fund further study if necessary. Or maybe, just maybe more persons need to pool resources and get into that ever so open field or entrepreneurship. Either way, it's for the graduate to make a step and possibly take a risk at attaining the dream he/she wants.

Apply for the job even if you don't have that experience and/or masters degree! You have just about nothing to lose from applying, especially if you can send your application via email (that saves you the print and transportation costs). You may also want to apply for the job that isn't the dream job you want.....believe it or not, many successful persons started at the bottom of the ladder and climbed their way up!

In my world, I've 100% accepted that I can't get my dream job until I get my masters degree. That's something I was well aware of from the day I started college, but that's ok to me, because until I get the $$$ to fund graduate school, there's no reason why I can't continue to build my skills profile and of course gain work experience where possible.

All in all, the goal is to get a job that will either help to prepare you for further study or a climb up the ladder, or to get a 'filler job' to help you make ends meet while you hunt for something closer to your dream.

So the solution to the college graduate woes......get the resume done and get on the job hunt! I'll post a few tips about that soon.

Get going!

do it anyway!

Recently when Education Minister, Andrew Holness was sworn in as the ninth and youngest Prime Minister of Jamaica, he quoted Mother Teresa's version of The Paradoxical Commandments. It's said that the 'commandments' were originally written by Dr Kent Keith, but in my opinion the Mother Teresa version is more 'complete.'

Overall, I think it's a good summary of some of the challenges that many persons face on the journey called life. Especially if along that journey you're working for a change that other persons aren't too fond of.

People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centred...
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives...
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies...
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you...
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight...
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous...
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten...
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough...
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you an God...
It was never between you and them anyway.

Don't let negativity from others change you, and don't let the distractions along the way you away from your dreams.

Kim

testing....

With a whole lot of free time on my hands, I think I'm ready to get back into testing out some inexpensive DIY projects.

About a month ago I made my own cropped top and a number of people thought I bought it in Forever 21. lol I was pretty shocked, not because they liked it, but because my limited sewing skills seems to be hidden. [go me!]

Anywho, It's been quite a while since I've done much of any DIY stuff, and I will admit from now that I know they all won't come out the way I want! More often than not I'll show you how to update a garment or accessory; sometimes I'll make accessories from scratch and other times when I feel moved....I'll sew.

I can promise inexpensive yet good-looking, but I cant promise that they'll all be 'quick fixes'....especially since the one I've been working on took soooooo much patience and time. *phew*

Look out for some DIY's!

does our education system need a change?

While completing my final year internship I got the chance to attend a curriculum development workshop.

During some down time to get the mind off the work to get done, the teachers, principals and the various specialists in their fields took a few minutes to watch this video. It's a animated video that was done to accompany a speech by Sir Ken Robinson who is a creativity expert, educator and the winner of the RSA Benjamin Franklin award.

He speaks about the fact that the current system is designed based on the past needs of our world, and that that with the 21st century upon us we should take into consideration the differences between then and now. He makes mention of how we sometimes alienate students through testing and classification and he makes a connection between the increased instances of ADHD and the rise in standardised testing in the United States.

In addition, he discusses how the education system places more emphasis on standardization than it does on the individual needs and abilities of students. He also spoke on the deterioration of divergent thinking and suggested various things that educators should take into consideration.

As a student I often had difficulties learning subjects and topics that were mostly theory and had little or no technical/practical aspect. During prep and high school some teachers were understanding and accommodative, making adjustments where necessary so I could get it. Other teachers were quick to assume that I just wasn't as 'smart.' When the time came for me to select a university, Utech was the obvious choice, not only because the program offered more options, but also because the university places emphasis on a balanced program mixing theory and practice.

Honestly, my 'unusual learning methods' is one of the main reasons why I entered the field of education. Interestingly enough, in my first year of university I learnt about the different types of learners which opened my eyes and made me notice that I'm not 'unusual'....I'm just a part of that approximate 5% of the population who are kinesthetic/tactile learners! (ie a student who learns through hands-on teaching/learning methods).

Based on my own experiences, knowledge gathered through university and after seeing the video, I've honestly begun thinking about how we really educate our children and whether or not our methods are really effective.

Now in a position to get into the system and help make a change, I've continued to think through some of the things that we probably need to consider changing so as to benefit the students in the 'system.' I haven't gotten there yet, but I know that in time I'll be a part of the movement to change the education paradigm and provide better education opportunities.

Making steps towards the change!

it's in the bag!

Idle conversations result in idle posts! And this post is in fact brought to you by idle conversation.

The topic: what do women NOT have in their handbags?

I'll admit that I'm a girly girl and my bag holds all the items I believe are 'must haves' for getting around day to day. Everyone I know leaves home with a wallet/purse and keys. Most of them also move around with their shades or whatever. Besides the fact that I not only have keys, my purse and my glasses (both tested and sunglasses.....in their respective cases) I know I'm not the only female who goes around with the following items:


- a travel pack of tissue & wet wipes
- small bottle of lotion & hand sanitizer
- makeup & oil blotter pads
- small mirror & hair brush
- nail clip & nail file
- lip gloss & breath mints
- an umbrella
- a pen
- medicine

 Sometimes, I'll also have my planner or notebook and although it may seem like so many things, they all fit and my bag never looks like it's busting out!

Most of my friends are quick to call me for their every need because I have everything someone could need. lol. This is one big differences between men and women (which isn't necessarily a bad thing)...a girl will have everything she needs, a guy will have whatever he thinks he needs to just survive!

They say that the contents of a ladies bag says a lot about her. I guess the presence of tissue, wipes and sanitizer could say that I'm a neat freak....I dont think that's too far off. The medicine could mean I get sick easily....another bit if the truth. My oil blotter pads and umbrella could mean I'm always prepared.....kinda right again. lol

The overall organization of the bag could be linked to how much of a somewhat obsessive-compulsive person I am.

Anywho! Even if it's just one out there, I know there's another fab chica who'll read this and can say she's got all this and more in the bag!

*puts on cool shades and struts off*

Deuces

tweeking your foot candy!

these are just perfect!

At this point you are completely ecstatic about the pair of shoes you have on your feet. They fit perfectly, they're exactly what you want/need/like and they will definitely come in handy.

You've probably even started to imagine the pieces you have in your closet that you could pair the shoes with perfectly....and the more pieces you think of is the less guilty you feel about spending that cash/swiping that card you didn't plan to use. The more excited you get, the more you move about in the shoes; maybe even strutting back and forth in the store. (yeah admit it, you know that's what you do)

Now unfortunately, when you bought the lovely foot candy, you had no idea what they would feel like after a full day walking around in them.....or even an hour of being out and about. They didn't come with a 'carfax' and you've probably become a bit demotivated about rocking your once perfect shoes that have become a not so sweet treat for whatever reason.

So how do you fix this little dilemma? You really can't take it back and tell the clerk that the shoes weren't as kind to your feet as you hoped.....not like you want to give them back.....I mean they STILL are the perfect fit/colour/style....right??

Well, after having this problem myself ever so often with heels, flats, strappy sandals and sneakers, I've gone through a number of experiments and found a few 'foot candy fixers' that seem to work miracles for me.

Problem: it's rubbing the back of my heel/ I'm getting blisters on the side of my foot!
Solution:

       Band-aids are always an option, but they tend to not be very appealing to the eyes and ever too often they lose the adhesive and fall off at the worst times! This may seem strange but the solution is to somewhat stretch the back of the shoe. I used a glass bottle and set it into the back of the shoe so that it takes the shape of the bottle. This stretches the sides and helps the make the back of the shoe more rounded. Yes it may look weird but it works. And yes you may think this is going to make the shoe bigger than your foot, but it's all about how often you do it and how long you do it for. It does take a while to work though, I got my heels to feel better after 2 'sessions' for about 2.5 hours each, my flats have gotten 2 sessions and are still in need of another go.

Problem: these straps/shoes rub at my toes
Solution:
       Beautifully pedicured toes don't ever deserve to get blisters and bruises. Although straps can be simple, sexy or give that nice summer look; comfort is still a big deal. Once again, band-aids could be at your rescue, but depending on the style of the shoe and how it fits you, the band-aid may be of no much help. There are two ways we can solve this problem.

One solution is to push another shoe into the problem shoe. By pushing another shoe in, it helps to stretch it at bit, but the style of the problem shoe may make it a bit hard to get the worn shoe into it. Don't knock it until you tried it though, because it did work when I pushed my flats into my sneakers. This method may take quite a while to work, unless you really stuff the shoe in. Another method to try is to push an object into the top of the shoe to help stretch the area. You want to be careful about that though, short sessions are best (by short I mean about an hour each). Something that you can 'do and leave' is to stick a band-aid with some cotton into the shoe at the points that rub most (this clearly wont work for a strappy shoe though).

Problem: this zipper at the back of my shoes is nipping at my skin
Solution:
       I'm yet to come across a shoe with a zipper that has a nice little protector flap for you heel....but that doesn't mean you can't make one! With a few pieces of velcro and a bit of fabric you can help to not only hide the zipper for you shoe, but also make a softer backing for your heel. How this works is to stick a bit of velcro to the inner and outer sides by the zipper (the self-adhesive velcro is easier to work with). Get a bit of soft fabric and stick the other side of the velcro at the corners of the fabric.  All in all, the fabric and velcro should be able to make a small flap over the top of the zipper and make a softer backing for your delicate feet.  ][ sadly I can't find the shoe I tried this with, but when I do I'll post the pic ][


Now these are the 'solutions' that I've tried for myself and they work for me. More often than not, you would need to use the method more than once to get the result you want. Be sure to not leave them to stretch for too long, because then you may end up with shoes that are too big and that would be worse that them needing just minor tweeking!

Also make note loves, my feet and the way I walk may be different from you. That means that some of these tips&tricks may work like a charm for me and probably even someone else you know, but seem to not work so well for you. As you can see, I just tried a few random stuff and found what works for me, and trial and error is the perfect way to get the perfect thing for you.

By the way, these tips&tricks can also work for men's shoes....but most men probably notice a pair of shoes aren't comfortable and they just stop wearing them! -_-

Anywho loves, let me know if they work, and let me know what works for you!

Happy walking!

i'm doing my part...are you?

If you actually read the 'about me & my blog' page, then you would know that I'm passionate about education, youth development and children in general. I guess you could say I'm one of those hopeful citizens who think that educational opportunities (at least up to the secondary level) should be equally available to all.

There is of course the debate that it is a costy venture to truly give free education. I will admit that I believe that those who can without a doubt afford it, should pay; and I can agree that it really isn't fair for the government to have to 'pick up the slack' for parents who choose to multiply in abundance when they wholeheartedly know that they can barely afford the expenses of one healthy child! .....that rant is for another post though.

Anywho....

In trying to play my part in this 'education for all' fight, I decided that I would start a charity which would help raise funds for school's or specific students in need. With a few more things to iron out, all work is on pause until January 2012.

Until then, I'm doing my part by working alongside the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD) to improve the opportunities available to students at the Danny Williams School for the Deaf.

Many of us I believe take for granted how lucky we are. Probably not remembering that many of these persons (who are usually unable to benefit from all the education system has to offer) don't get to choose how they are born and their disabilities are rarely as a result of something their parents did. In other words.....it's almost a gamble. We tend to turn a blind eye, or do nothing more than talk about how much we want to see things change.

The question is: how much are you doing to improve the life of someone who needs a helping hand?


By the way....I don't count giving a dollar to the guy who begs at your car window, or putting money in the collection pan at church as helping. The former is really just giving him a '1 day money' that probably can't even buy food, and the latter is really your contribution to the church community.

What I'm talking about is you being actively involved in helping someone else and being able to see the benefit of your contribution in his/her life. Or I can spin it and say that you would be able to see the benefit in your country. hmm

I know by now most persons would be thinking that they really don't have the money for it; so let's do some calculations.

If you decide to save $20 a day, then at the end of the week you'll have $140 (adding the $10 brawta that you can probably spare = $150....but we'll work with the $140 for now). Instead of working this by month since some months have more weeks than others, lets work out the total amount by the end of the year. Since each year has 52 weeks, then at the end of the year you'll have $7,280 (and you know if you added that brawta every month you'd have $7,800 ). Now that's just from one person, and it may not really seem like much; but if 10 people give $7,280 then that's $72,800 a year.

It still probably doesn't seem like all that much, but give even a third of that to a mother who is struggling to purchase back to school items for her child so that he/she can be adequately prepared for the academic year. Or hand it all to a parent who's child needs a life-saving operation or has compounded medical expenses from an unexpected birth defect. Yup, that's when $72,000 seems like a gift from the heaven's above!

We often think that we aren't financially able to help, but imagine what can happen if we each take out that $150 each week? The JAD has a student sponsorship program, and I am currently working on various projects, including a merit scholarship for students which will be administrated through the association.

I'm doing my part....are you?

woes of a college student

This time last year I was roughing it through my final year of undergraduate study. I honestly believe that it was the hardest year, because the end was soooo near but then there was just so much to be done. For me, some of my minor courses required so much individual attention that it often seemed impossible to meet all the deadlines.

Thinking back, it was class after class from 8am to hours like 8pm. Then there are the projects that all seem to be due at the same time, and the ones that didn't exist until the 11th week (note that the semester only has 15 weeks). Plus you have other assignments like essays and portfolios and of course tests...all of which you intend to ace or at least get a 'good enough' grade to maintain a good GPA.

Along with this mix of things, of course you have a life outside of school! So there's gym time, sport practice, club meetings, a part-time job or chill time to hang with friends. All together, you seem to need about 8 more hours in the day or another day in the week (preferably one where you don't have to go to school of course).

Sleep becomes a rare but cherished activity, that although needed more than words can explain, one simply cannot attain it. Coffee or energy drinks become a best friend, and ever so often they seem to be of no help!

I know of course that my situation wasn't the worst out there, but I'm positive that most college students can relate to getting to that point where you wish Monday wouldn't come. After a stressful week, Saturday and Sunday seem to just not be enough. To be fair, the school week is five days and the weekend to unwind is a mere two days. Note well that this doesn't take into consideration that you may actually have things to do on one or more of those 'unwind days'.....for example studying which is once again school related.

Adding to this all, we sometimes barely have time for ourselves which shows in the fact that our eyes show signs of a complete lack of sleep. Sometimes too, our friends leave Skype, Facebook or Twitter messages bearing the words:

sup? haven't seen or spoken to u in ages! how's everything going?

...to which we respond....

hey it's definitely been a while. been swamped with work but I'm good. everything good with u?

Of course to add to the hectic schedule, lack of sleep and piles of assignments to be done, more often than not......we're broke. Oh yes, our pockets constantly weigh little, or we experience the hand-to-mouth situation and wonder where on earth the money went.

Ironically, even the part-time job that was to solve the problem sometimes seems to be completely unable to finance our every need. At that time, our inner hustler steps forward. Whether it's a buying and selling kinda thing, making our own products or offering our services for a charge, it's all in the name of making an extra dollar. Even then, after paying for all your basic needs, plus transportation and lunch, maybe a night out to ease the stress, and putting some cash into the rainy-day fund.......we are either broke, or we've got just enough to get us through.

So school becomes not only your main task, but in some cases, it seems to take over your life like a plague to a nation. *sigh*

It's not to say that being able to go to college isn't a blessing. Without a doubt there is no going around the fact that an education helps to prepare us for the working world. Another motivator to keep going is the consideration that our parents (or another family member or our own bank accounts) have sacrificed to ensure that tuition, fees, books and all that jazz are paid for. Of course there's also the fact that there are many others who would love the opportunity but for whatever reason, are unable to enjoy it.

Now that I'm out of school, I notice that all those issue of time, funds and stress aren't as bad in college as they are out of college. The stressful job hunt begins, the hustle quite likely continues (so your pocket can feel a bit loved) and although you have more free time on your hands it still never seems like enough, or it just goes by much too slowly.

What can I say, we all move from college student woes to college graduate woes.....but that's another post.

Toodles