3/19/07 LINKS and stuff!

What a rough 2 weeks this has been. For the first time in a long time, I didn't get some stuff in or do as much writing as I had planned. I still have the Amy Winehouse review to hand in and the Robin Thicke concert review (he's a great performer)...I must focus and get caught up. Anyway, this week I did 3 small Sound Advices for Citypaper, one which is a Gospel concert. I'm happy I got to squeeze that in - I never have done one for the paper before - wait, maybe a looong time ago. Of course, people are complaining that I didn't include Outerspace as performers - damn...always complaining about something! Also, I am helping out the good folks over at 215hiphop.com. It's a hip-hop website for the Illadelph region. It's called Wordplay and it's very simple and stupid questions that I ask of local personalities affiliated with the hip-hop community. I figured it would be fun and effortless...and so far, it has been. The first one is with my dear friend Reef the Lost Cauze, who is a phenomenal MC. PHENOMENAL (www.myspace.com/reefthelostcauze) - that is him pictured above. So, enjoy reading that also. I am working on something for Geoclan.Com too. They are good people trying to make change in the world, so when asked to help of course I said yes! Okay, off to do some real work. It's spring!

215hiphop.com, Wordplay with Reef, 3/21/07:

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wreef-the-lost-cauze/#more-104

Philadelphia Citypaper, Beats and Rhymes, 3/22/07

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/03/22/soundadvice

(scroll down)

Philadelphia Citypaper, Drake, 3/22/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/03/22/soundadvice

(scroll down)

Philadelphia Citypaper, Smokie Norful, 3/22/07

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/03/22/soundadvice

(scroll down)

Links 3/5/07 - Citypaper Music Issue :)

*I had to do a manual update on this blog and it is frustrating me!*

Anyway, this week is the Citypaper Music Issue, which is why I didn’t write anything last week. I really wanted to represent in this issue. I was surprised and delighted when both local artists that I chose got picked to be featured, Happ G/Jake Lefco and DJ Skeme. I picked them both because they are extremely hard workers and really are talented. I haven’t written about either and thought they deserved it. When you are told to pick 2 artists, and you know about 100…it’s a grueling process! Added to that, I consider them all friends, which made it even harder. Plus, Happ is a critic. I love him, but he notices everything, so I knew I couldn’t skid by with something mediocre. With Skeme, it was hard not to portray him as just a Break DJ, because he’s so good at that. Plus, I did his article second, and time was pressed. During intermission of Color Purple in NYC on Sunday, I busted out my pad and pen and was writing it. Alas…they are done and I am VERY please with how they came out, and the photos, which are by Michael T. Regan. Hopefully this will help build up Citypaper's reputation in the hip-hop community! Next week I’ll be doing some concert and CD reviews I think, so look out for them. Until next time, Deesha

Philadelphia Citypaper, Jake Lefco and Happ G, 3/8/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/03/08/moment-of-trooth

Philadelphia Citypaper, DJ Skeme Richards, 3/8/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/03/08/the-essential

Links for week of 2/19

I am exhausted today - had to be to work at 645am! But, it's Thursday and that is my favorite TV night, so I'll be vegging out. I had a great time teaching last night. Teaching dance to adults isn't as hard as I thought it would be :). Anyway, while my boss is in the meeting still, I have some person work to sneak in, so I will hurry this up. Only one thing this week at that is the legendary DJ Scratch at Fluid. I want to go, but you know I get tired when it's time to get dressed. I'm getting old! Next week I have 2 concerts, which means 2 reviews and the music issue for Citypaper is coming up and I'll get to write about a local MC that works his ass off, so I'm excited. Anyway....

Philadelphia Citypaper, DJ Scratch and DJ Ultraviolet:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/02/22/dj-scratch

And look, there is a Jamiroquai toothbrush out. CRAZINESS:
http://www.hasbro.com/toothtunes/default.cfm?page=Products/Detail&product_id=18817

And while I'm on the Jamiroquai topic, my fellow fan, Jonas from Sweden won a day racing with Jay and going to the March 7th concert - damn him! I can't really think of anyone else that is more deserving. He's a devoted fan who has put so much money into the band since 1993 and is such a good dad and husband. Have fun Jonas!

Until next time, Deesh

Lookie Here - Links for 2/12/07

Work has been uber busy this week, so I have to keep this short.

Lily Allen impressed me with her concert. I wasn't too impressed with her attitude or her album, but I was proved a little wrong. I wouldn't go see her on my own, but I really had a wonderful time. She's so cute with her dancing. The pictures aren't good because we were on the side and up a bit, but it was a great spot. Thank you Chena for taking me! The other write up is small. Dope party which I will be attending this weekend - dancing all night to the sounds of 9th Wonder!

Until next week, Deesha

Lily Allen Review, Giant Step, 2/12/07 - http://www.giantstep.net/features/166/
Lily Allen Pictures: http://s55.photobucket.com/albums/g146/deesh34/Lily%20Allen%2021207/

The Brown Sugar Party, Philadelphia Citypaper, 2/15/07 - http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/02/15/soundadvice

Writing Links for 2/5/07

...I have to rush this blog today because I came in to work early to get things done and I only have a few minutes, so here goes. I am a bit sore from teaching dance last night and I don't know why..anyway - This week I had 2 writings in the lovely Citypaper. One on Lily Allen and her Monday show and the other on a local hip-hop show. The Lily Allen one was a bit tough, because to tell you the truth - I think she tries too hard to be tough, when all that is unnecessary. But, I wrote it anyway. Then the local hip-hop show changed venues at the last minute because the original venue (5 spot) burned down. That almost didn't make it in the paper with the change, but it did.

Next, I need to pay a bit of respect to the people that have directly landed me in this writing spot:
Funk Wizard Snow from PhillyHipHop. com...I had my first articles there in 2001 or was it 2002? Thank you Snow!

Next is Aine' Doley or Applez to many of you. She and I were just fellow writers, not really friends, but when she left the Citypaper she let me know to go for the job and get paid for writing. That was about 2 years ago and I'm still at Citypaper. Thanks Aine!

Next is Adam from Giant Step - When I opened my mouth about the Jamiroquai promotion, he approached me real calm on the side about doing some writing at Giant Step. Down the road, Michael, Mehmet and Maurice have all given me that opporturnity to keep it going. Thank you all!

There are more, but those are the basic 3 for right now. Respect.

Links:

Philadelphia Citypaper, Lily Allen, 2/8/07 (Note the Jay Kay reference...Long story of how that got in there)
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/02/08/lily-allen

Philadelphia Citypaper, Class of 1997 Hip-Hop Reunion, 2/8/07 (Awesome picture of Hezekiah):
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/02/08/soundadvice

Until next week..xo

PS. Does anyone even read this? hahaha :)

1/29/07 Writing Links

...since I had the health issue the past week, I only wrote one thing and it was short. I have a few coming up in the next couple of weeks, but can only handle 1-2 a week anyway.
Sidenote: I just entered this competition to win tickets to go see Jamiroquai perform at the end of February/early March either on the 'Gig In The Sky' plane or in Athens, Greece. With what money? And after Lovebox this summer and my fall 2005 Jamiroquai overdose, I don't think my boss will go for me going again. Ahhh well, a girl can dream!

Philadelphia Citypaper - Bodyrock 2/1/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/02/01/soundadvice

Writing Links for week of 1/22/07

...look at me keeping up with the articles! after that citypaper burndown article last week, i was drained, so i didn't take on many assignments. this is the only one for this week. I was at this party for a few reasons....to review it, see Norman Jay and celebrate my 29th birthday! Enjoy.

Giant Step Review of Norman Jay DJ set - 1/15/07
http://www.giantstep.net/features/157

Tracking the Writer In Me...

Okay, I've decided to start posting my writing links again because well...I need to keep track of them online. I have the clips, but that's about it. It's really a shame because I did so much writing at the end of 2006 for Giant Step (www.giantstep.net) . I will try and remember and post the links here. Check out the link I bolded (hint...it's Jamiroquai related..haha). I do reviews, show write ups and interviews. It's a bit easier with the Citypaper links, because I have the invoices, but the others..ummmm....Anyway, I'll update this weekly. Enjoy and remember I'm not a writer. I'm just a lover of music and am literate, so I put the two together and get this....Check my myspace also if you feel like it: www.myspace.com/coveryourlover.


The most recent first.

Philadelphia Citypaper - Burndown AllStars - 1/18/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/01/18/battletested

Philadelphia Citypaper - Loft Market - 1/11/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/01/11/on-the-dl

Philadelphia Citypaper - Best Albums 2006:
http://www.citypaper.net/music/top10/2006/

I'll make this easy for you -

1. Jamie Lidell Multiply Additions (Warp)
2. DJ Jazzy Jeff Hip-Hop Forever III (Rapster)
3. Los Amigos Invisibles Superpop Venezuela (Gozadero)
4. Robin Thicke The Evolution of Robin Thicke (Interscope)
5. Various Artists Dave Chappelle's Block Party (Geffen)
6. Tortured Soul Introducing Tortured Soul (R2)
7. Carol Riddick Moments Like This (Axis Music Group)
8. Alice Smith For Lovers, Dreamers, & Me (BBE)
9. DJ Spinna Intergalactic Soul (Shanachi)
10. Nina Simone Forever Young, Gifted & Black: Songs of Freedom and Spirit (RCA

I reviewed 3 of those albums for Giant Step:
Robin Thicke - 10/2006 - http://www.giantstep.net/features/136/
Jamie Lidell - 8/2006 http://www.giantstep.net/features/87/
Alice Smith - 9/2006 http://www.giantstep.net/features/114

Philadelphia Citypaper - Tremors - 12/20/06:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2006/12/21/tremors

Philadelphia Citypaper - London Meets Philadelphia - 12/14/06:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2006/12/14/soundadvice

Giant Step - Jamiroquai High Times: Singles 1992 - 2006 - 11/22/06:
http://www.giantstep.net/features/144/

Philadelphia Citypaper - Last Emperor - 11/21/06:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2006/12/14/soundadvice

Philadelphia Citypaper - Beats and Rhymes - 11/16/06
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2006/11/16/Beats-and-Rhymes

Philadelphia Citypaper - Square One - 11/16/06:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2006/11/16/soundadvice

Giant Step - Interview with Mojoe - September 2006:
http://www.giantstep.net/features/116/

Giant Step - Interview with Omar - August 2006:
http://www.giantstep.net/features/104

Writings for week of July 10, 2006 and some before

Write Up in Citypaper of Brand New Heavies Philadelphia concert:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2006-07-06/musicpicks4.shtml

Review of Brand New Heavies Philadelphia concert on 7/7/06 (with photos):
http://www.giantstep.net/news/194

Passing of Syd Barrett:
http://www.giantstep.net/news/188

Lovebox:
http://www.giantstep.net/news/174

I was supposed to have a write up about a Hurricane Katrina benefit in the Citypaper today, but it wasn't there....hmmm....

Okay, more writing posts to come :)

*BLOG CHANGE*

I don't think anyone really follows these ramblings anyway, and I'm not the type to spill guts in a blog anyway. The internet isn't as big as people think! I originally re-opened this blog to track my Europe trip and it was great to share that with you. There is so much I didn't share, and it's not because I didn't want to, I just got lazy with words and it all happened so fast. I sent an email to most of you with photos documenting the trip, so that was your photojournal per say.

But I realized that I don't have a place where all my writings can be read. Oh wait now..I'm not going back in the archives and posting all those articles, but from here on out, I will use this space to post them up. Some may be interesting..some may not be..but hey....I want to share them with you!

I'll do it weekly, so at the end of this week expect the first batch of my creations. They won't be long. Some will be reviews, some interviews, some event write ups, blah, blah, blah...just enjoy!

Oh damn, this means I have to change the description of the blog! :)

don't take this so seriously

I realize that I've been lacking on eating vegetables, so I'm making broccoli. I don't know why this is, when I love veggies and I'm used to eating them everyday.

Anyway..you know what's funny -

When people tell you to get over "it" when they aren't the one going through "it". I mean...really. No one has said this to me or I'd punch them in the face. You know sometimes violence is so the answer. I kid, I kid!

As I said, don't take that too seriously.

6am

Why are people up at 6am? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY on a night I didn't take any Tylenol PM!
aghhhhhh!

I was awoken by lots of people walking down the street. They sounded like something was wrong, so of course I get up and look to see if something was really wrong. They sounded like young girls, but I heard and saw nothing when I got up.

Until about 5 minutes later. I heard someone say, 'I can't believe this is happening at 6 in the morning'. I have no clue what happened, but I wish that lady would go to bed, as she is currently making too much noise outside.

Police cars everywhere and an ambulance. Which means EVERYBODY in the neighborhood is woken up and goes outside to see whats happening. So by this time, there is commotion in the street from the authorities, plus everyone half awake in pajamas speculating what's going on. I didn't go out there, because I was to lazy to put on proper clothes.

The police are gone, but now everyone is kind of awake. Just right now, some lady yelled down the street to another lady. I'm saying....it's ass early, go back to bed people please!

I love living where I live, and would never change city for suburban life, but damn..this 6am shit is ridiculous. And of course you don't want to tell the people to quiet down, then everyone on the block hates you. Oh, I'll shut up and stop complaining. In a way it is kind of nice to know these peole are so nosy. That way if something happens around here and to my house, I'll know that someone will let me know. I feel safe - It is a beautiful Sunday, I got a lovely email this morning and it's alright now...and I took my scarf off to see my hair and it is beautiful still - I got it done yesterday and you know how sleeping is a test. You wake up the next morning and rush to see if it still looks good - I passed the test.

Going back to bed now....

...there's no place i rather be - than this journey of discovery

...june 9, 2006, sola and i, london uk
*
wow. just wow. for those of you who don't know, sola is and has been the percussionist in jamiroquai for many a years now (that's jay slang). he is originally from nigeria, but raised in europe. i interviewed him for cover your lover - such a deep soul. he is a wonderful talent, but even more a very humble and kind man and on june 9th while on my vacation, i had the chance to take a lesson with him. his teaching style is loving, but serious. his craft isn't to be laughed at...you dig?
first let me point out, that drumming isn't my thing. but sometimes i see the guys drumming when i'm dancing and it always intrigues me. and i figured this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to drum with a member of my favorite band. all of a sudden, i heard the RENT song in my head, 'forget regret or life is yours to miss'. so i talked to claudia and we decided to do it..YIKES! i'm thinking sola will say that he doesn't have room because he has more serious percussion students, but he was more than happy to squeeze a lesson in for each of us.

so i decided to do it.

the day comes and it's hot as hell in london. i'm sweating like crazy and lost looking for the studio thinking 'oh great, i'm going to smell like sweat when i get there.' after help from some lovely people, i found it. i walked in and sola had his back to me just drumming away on his own. i didn't want to interrupt, so i just stood behind him and waited until he broke his vibe. and then i said hello and he greeted me like an old friend 'oh deesha', and gave me a big hug (this wasn't our first meeting). awww...but that sentimental moment lasted for like 2 - 3 minutes.

it was time to work.

he started with simple exercises (palm - tip) and basic education surrounding the congas, etc. he explained the origin of them and we started to do an exercise which is the foundation of playing. 1-2-1-2-1-2...over andover again with both hands. i was embarrased, i sucked really, but i think he could sense i was trying and he kept saying 'it's okay, let's do it again'. i was all good up until the very end of the exercise when we did these things called 'triplets'. i kind of lost it there.

then we did some rhythm type exercises and he would play them with me and i'd be fine and then he'd stop and i got lost, but i found my way.

up until this point it was just he and i and then my dear friend david came in..oh great - another person to be embarrased in front of! but david didn't laugh at me. just took pictures. i still say he should have gotten on the drums! claudia and her sister came in a bit later in time for her lesson, but i wasn't embarrased really, and i knew that her turn was next. i just stayed focused!

the hour went so, so fast - really. and it was hot as hell in there. sola told me to watch my form in the mirror and i could see my sweat. ick! at least he knew i was working hard. he would break into these percussion numbers defining the difference between African, Carribbean, Latin and European style of drumming. i could actually hear the difference. amazing...

we didn't talk about jamiroquai at all besides him recounting how he warms up on tour. i wasn't there for that. this was my time to be a student of sola's, and as a student you sit, learn, shut up and observe...all with a smile of course! we laughed a lot and he is a funny man underneath it all, who just likes sharing his gift and making those on the other end feel good about it. he spoke of the great percussionists that he looks up to - again, presenting himself as humane and not better than anyone else.

i couldn't thank him enough for taking the time to spend with me. it was this man who i had watched drum for years and years, but it wasn't like that really - i'm a huge fan, but i know when to be humble and when to go crazy. he was just sola to me. the talented and blessed sola.

by the time my hour was up, i was ready to be done. my arm was red and my hand! it was claudia's turn and she did lovely, she really did!

since returning home, i've done the exercises on the counter..just incase sola calls me up on stage to take his place (he joked about that) during a gig. i have to be ready! i honestly don't know what he thought of me drumming. i don't think i'd want to know! i honestly think he was a bit easier on claudia and i than he would be someone who does this for a living or has percussion as a passion.

it was wonderful and invigorating...an experience i will remember as long as my mind and spirit will allow me to. there was nothing else i had to concentrate on but finding that beat. this was my stillness in time. 'right on' sola...
********
edit - i sent him an email thanking him and attached the pictures and he says this...

Hey thank you! Deesha!it was wonderful to see you again and I thoroughly enjoyed the "maiden voyage "into the world of percussion with you!Hope you're working on those "palm/tip" excercises!Enjoy Lovebox!PeaceSola

solstice

today is the first day of summer...the solstice i think it what it is called.

i'm currently listening to the new york jamiroquai 2005 gig. good times, good times.

but my song of the day is dj spinna and n'dea davenport - where's your love? it's so dope. to listen to it, go here: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/1025 and scroll to the bottom and you will see the song listed. click on it and that launches the jukebox...the song just goes with summer. kind of like 'why don't we fall in love' by amerie 2 years ago, or was it 3?

anyway, i'm feeling a bit ehhh at the moment. at work - it's quiet, everyone is at a conference that i didn't have to go to! but thinking about independence and people and getting back what you put in to either a situation or a person. not expecting anything back, but respect, but when you don't get that respect...ahhhh, you get pissed off. and no, i'm not talking about love relationships. they are so unimportant in the game of life. actually overrated to me. the relationship you have with yourself is far more important.

but i remembered why it is that i don't really ask anyone for anything at anytime unless i really, really need it. because it's easier to just do things myself. really it is. and i learn. i am very blessed that i know how to survive on my own - you know. i don't need to ask anyone for anything really and that feels good, really good. it's a blessing and a curse i suppose. i actually have some type of sympathy for those that depend on others financially, emotionally or whatever. well, the financial part is tricky - if you need help, you need help and that's okay. i'm speaking of depending on someone to buy you things and keep food in your mouth. not speaking of married couples and such, but more of people who are just lazy. well, the emotional part is hard to escape, but i beat into the girls (students) heads that they need to take back the power of having someone else direct their emotions. or stop the power from being overturned. as i type this 'so good to be real' by jamiroquai is on my radio. they should have made this a whole song.

this is way to deep for a freakin blog!! hahahaha...here's something to lighten the mood - i put garbage down the garbage disposal forgetting that it's not working..ewwwww!!!! i had to dig it all out with a spoon. so not sexy!

okay, next post will be about drumming with sola, i have to get back to the lovely department of finance and accounting!

peggy just brought me up a big bag with a big D on it. it's cloth..i love it. gift from her and her daughter. it's very cute...see, sometimes i love this job.

back to it...xo

so much to say, so little time

...there are all these words inside of me itching to get out about my trip. i am going to use one of the phrases i hate: i just don't have time! i feel like i need to properly sit down and type it all out and i haven't had a few minutes to do so.

matter of fact, i have to run now..finishing up a CD review that is overdue. have to send pitches to my editor, which i have to be super nice to right now because i just found out the brand new heavies are coming down the street from me in about 2.5 weeks...so if i am in good graces with music editor, i will perhaps get to interview them. fingers crossed.

so yes..i have to run and i must be at work early tomorrow.

it's all good. these are all reminders that i am still alive and blessed..it's - all - good.

say what?

this will be brief, but my landlord came in yesterday with the painter to my old place and they were talking about painting the walls. i was confused because i'm moving this week afte he told me he was demo'ing this place. and i was crushed..i love my apartment.

well, i said 'well, why would you paint the walls if you are knocking it all down?' do you know what this MF said to me? 'oh i decided not to do that. just paint walls and replace appliances and re-rent it at a little higher rent. WHAT?

so basically i could have stayed here. moved for a month while he did that and then moved back and the price of rent is still going to be cheaper than where i'm moving. he's lucky that i didn't punch him dead in the face...

i can't wait to buy my house next year!

anyway, that was a brief interruption in the blog...more on my european trip this week...

GO ENGLAND!

that would be referring to the world cup....craziness those brits over there about the games. it was great to be a part of the british 'football' experience.

my place doesn't smell like rotten indian food (i forgot to dispose of some in the fridge before i left...oops)!

...i just arrived back in philadelphia. its 1030 pm
my landlord has been in here getting the place ready for demolition, which means dirt is everywhere, but he made sure to not touch my stuff...

but guess what? by "accident" he turned off the hot water.
ha! you know...i don't really give a shit right now, because i'm so damn tired and he is going to fix it tomorrow. it's all good, he's a good 'lad'. and you know how i feel...there are people who live daily without cold or hot water, so i am blessed and will shut up. he also said i might not be able to move into the new place until next week....cool, i need more time anyway :)
and i had to practically cuss some man out at mcd's tonight...welcome home to me.

as i looked at the philly skyline, i felt good to be home, but know that this won't be my home for much longer....more later.

i am exhausted, and there is so much to detail about the days in europe.

so much. full of love and laughter and friendship and discovery....

the drumming with sola was amazing...i won't cheat the experience by trying to talk about it when i am so tired, so for now, i will say goodnight and get some rest.

keep your eyes here for details.

my soul..my soul has been satisfied. but still craves more.
the inspiration i received across the ocean.

oh wait, i said goodnight

mayo, mullets & crisps

oh my gosh - it's friday already. my time is going here so fast, i hate that. well...people here love mayonnaise. i don't know what it is. when i go to eat somewhere (jan just mentioned it..SEE!) there is always, always, mayonaise. i don't understand. i couldn't find tarter sauce somewhere, but there is loads of mayonnaise and this other stuff that i don't even know..it's like orange and in a tube, but not ketchup. then there's mint sauce for lamb....WHAT? funny.

and now mullets...i don't get it either. i'm not a fashionista, but who told people to start wearing mullets again? WHO? i want to find them and harm whoever that person is. so many boys and a few girlies have mullets. it's funny. if i went to work like that, beavis and butthead would never stop laughing at me. they would behind my back, but not to my face. but yes...this whole mullet thing has got to die NOW!

toledo's arrived yesterday. it was great to see them in LONDON. sofia was so excited to be here, but not more than claud. i love that family and i got to meet her sister from DR!

today we drum with sola. my nerves, my nerves :)

and i found out my friend paul is in the hospital. so, instead of hanging out, i will go visit him in a hospital here. at least it isn't major, but still enough that he is in the hospital. something about kidney stones. i was really looking forward to see him.

last night was hilarious. slapstick silly. i sat up with jan and stephan..and we laughed until about 3 or so in the morning and get this - stephan cooked us dinner. men in kitchens - yummy!! but it was a german dish. don't know what it was called, but it was delicious. we are still laughing this morning...i couldn't find the bathroom, my wig wouldn't come off (it's really my hair) and no one ever brought me 'crisps'...DAMN THEM! but it's good to just be silly. it was great seeing them.

well, i must shower and then head back to the city to drum...

wait until that blog comes along....

i love my trip :)

NO RAIN IN LONDON!!

i have yet to experience one of these british weather days.
matter of fact, i wish it would rain..it's hot as hell. but i'm loving it.

today i ventured off the beaten path. wanted to see victoria park and also visit some of the young mothers in south london. what gems they are. they told me that the sexual education in schools is lacking here also. so, it's not only america it seems. i also want to visit an AIDS center that i was told about. on the way there in a few.

i could have stayed in all the tourist spots, but what is the fun and culture in that? exactly none! erica and i sat and drank and ate last night. she gave me her employee card, so i got to go on the london eye for free and will visit her at the wax museum later. ooh, what time is it?

anyway, this trip is fantastic. claudia and her family will be here tomorrow morning! i will go to manchester to see sam and buddha and then off to paris and then back to london.

i love to travel.

i called my boss though yesterday to make sure that afternoon meeting he had went okay. not that i think he can't function without me, but i worry all the time. this trip is teaching me not to.

and i've been not spending money...hell yeah!! except these damn internet cafes! actually, they are very cheap.

okay, so i've gotten all the 'main' tourist stuff done. and i actually managed to find some dope britich graffiti - these kids have got a sick hand. alright, back in the sun....

no worries babe...no worries

me and the queen

i am currently at an internet cafe outside of buckingham palace.
so yes, i am in london. this city is beautiful.
the flag is waving, which means the queen is home!!!
i am thinking of my work though and hoping my boss makes it through this thing he has this afternoon. i do miss them, but not enough to want to go back.

taking lots of pictures.

this morning i got a toothache OUCH!
my hotel is very nice.
i almost got hit by a car a few times....damn them driving on the OTHER side of the road. i just follow the crowd.

never wear flip flops to walk around. my feet are the color of the flip flops. hahaha.
i am having a great time. it is very clean here and the men are fun to look at. they all look like they are trying to be america's next top model. perfectly spiked hair and the fashion to go with it.
the people here have been sweet. except one guy who told me to go the wrong way to buckingham palace!
i've been on the double decker bus and the tube.
met up with my friend stephan to have a pint and now off to see erica!

and there has been no rain! how exciting.
anyway, i walked through hyde park today playing jamiroquai on my ipod. can i be any more cheesy, and i thought of the stories z told me about living here.
oh that z...creeping into my brain! ugh.

anyway, i must run. i am having such a GOOD time and it feels good not to have any responsibility. not even to another person. they say you should vacation alone once in your lfie - i so, so, so agree....feels so good...