Goodbye!

 

As you can see I haven't posted on here for a very long time! I've spent the summer in New York and what a great time I had. I've also done something that I said I'd never do and that's return back to studying. I've found my passion in life...relationships. I'm embarking on a Counselling Degree and have launched a new blog. Check it out here http://thereal-talk.blogspot.com/

Week 39 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

I've got 3 weeks to go. I can't believe how the time has flown by. I find my self wishing it would slow down as I've still got so much to do. I still need to acquire a large suit case as I refuse to pay £32 each way for extra luggage. I need to book my travel insurance and try to raise at least £700 for spending money hmmm.

I will complete my show reel tomorrow. I just need to try and find a music bed to put underneath and smooth out the finishes. I'll continue to cold call producers and radio stations. The more I do it the easier it has become. I no longer feel the nerves when hearing the over seas dial tone wondering what I'm going to say. If they say no, it's onto the next one. I always said that I wanted to be pushed out of my comfort zone (be careful what you ask for) and it seems this trip is going to do just that. I'm going to have to try and set up some meetings whilst out there and drop off my CV to as many media outlets possible. The thought alone daunts me but it has to be done. I don't have much choice as I still haven't found any concrete work. It will be good experience for me to be honest. I'm also going to try and get on to some chat shows the Maury Povich show, Steve Harvey show etc. It's all research for my upcoming blog and counselling degree which starts in October.

What do I want from my time away? A good experience which I know I will gain, to meet new people, to socialise more, for my confidence to grow to name a few. I know this is going to be one of the best summers of my life.

Week 38 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

I'm still yet to secure a work placement. I've been speaking to some family members and they seem to think that something will turn up whilst I'm out there. I've continued to put the calls in as e-mail can be a bit too long winded. At least with a phone call you'll get an immediate response. It's sometimes tricky trying to fit in phone calls around and after work. Especially with the whole time difference etc.

Am I excited....yeah I'm getting there. I'm a little apprehensive with no proper work to do as of yet. I pray this changes before the end of July. My heart is still set at doing a few days at Hot 97 (maybe this is the problem). I guess it's because I had so much planned. By this stage I'd expected to have a few work placements secured. A lot more money put aside etc. It just goes to show that no matter how much you try sometimes things don't always go to plan.

4 weeks to go.......

Week 37 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

This week I've pulled my socks up and started to call people/companies. It's a life long dream of mine to work at Hot 97 as well as meet Diddy. If I met trust me I'd probably faint!

So I've started to stalk the folks over in New York. I've been calling several different urban radio networks. The problem is I can't seem to get no one. I know who I need to talk to they just never seem to answer their phone. I know persistence is key and I will eventually get them.

I can't believe I've got 5 weeks left to go, where has the time gone? I've still got to book my travel insurance, buy a large suit case, finish my show reel, amened my CV, continue researching entertainment stories, try to put aside as much spending money as possible. Oh the list continues and my head is beginning to hurt. I must confess I haven't used my time as wisely as I should. Although it's not too late and it all depends on how constructively I use my time from now on.

Week 36 of My Journey Getting To New York.

I've been researching all the events, places I want to go too this week. As well as all the things I can cover whilst doing my entertainment slot whist in the states. I'm actually really looking forward to it! Whilst this is supposed to be a working trip, i still want to get to enjoy the city.

I just need to pay another £100 towards my rent and everything will be paid for. I still need to buy a suitcase, but the way my finances are looking I may have to borrow one. I need to get my travel insurance and put aside some survival money. This trip is not about shopping not one bit. The way things are looking I'll be eating pizza slices every day.

I really need to get back to searching hard for a placement and as time is ticking I'm going to have to change my approach.....clearly! I KNOW I will secure one. It may not be in the form or the kind of placement that I endeavour but I will get one.

Week 35 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

This week I finally booked my flight, hallelujah. My friend kindly gave me some of his air miles, so I get to fly with Virgin. I'll probably be broke for the remainder of the month, but my flight had to be booked. Plus it's one less thing to worry about financially.

I've also been given the opportunity to do a weekly entertainment slot from New York to London. This will be fun and exciting and will also push me out of my comfort zone. Although I don't enjoy the process this is what I definitely need whilst in America. I'm still determined to find a placement but in the mean time I'm going to see what work I can do for outlets her in the UK whilst away. Not only does it build up my confidence and skills but also my CV.

Again this week has been productive in light of advice and friendly pointers that will most definitely help my time away be more productive. If there's one thing that I'm praying for is that my trip is not wasted and that I don't come back with any regrets.

Week 34 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

This week has been so busy, I didn't complete half the tasks I was supposed too, story of my life! I still can't believe I haven't secured a work placement. Not good...not good at all. I can't help but compare how easy it was to get a placement last time. All I can is step my game up and trust in the Lord.

I must confess my finances aren't looking to great at the moment. It looks as though I'll be eating pizza slices and bagels during my stay in New York. Who knows I may even loose some weight the rate things are going.

There is still so much for me to do, book my flight, sort out my insurance, buy a suitcase, FIND A WORK PLACEMENT, do a whole heap of research. Time is well and truly ticking but I seem to work better under pressure. Then again I'm going to have too as  really don't have much choice.

Week 33 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

This week was a real eye- opener and a bit of lesson learnt. I was given the opportunity to go and intern at ITN in Washington for 3 months this summer. Whilst I know this is a once in a life time opportunity, I really don't have the money to go. I'm still trying to sort things out for New York and after much deliberation I missed the boat.

The key factor for me was money as I have to pay rent on my flat here as well as accommodation in Washington. This would have probably resulted in me getting a loan/credit card......my worst fear. However my friend informed me that if used wisely it would have been a good investment. I'm not sweating it because if it is God's will then I will get to go and work out there. I'm going to New York for 5 weeks which in itself is a great opportunity and I've made a great contact with the producer from ITN. I'm aiming to go out to Washington for the day and have a meeting with him.

This slight diversion has reminded me that I need to stay focused and sort out this New York trip. It's also enforced that I am more than capable to provide a good service and has given me a confidence boost. I'm really glad for life's lessons as they give you the knowledge, experience and confidence for next time.

Week 32 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

This week has been good for my confidence and a reminder that God is working on my situation. There have been little specks of light here and there to remind me that God is in control.

I continued to e-mail companies and I received some good responses, not necessarily yes's but enough to remind me that I'm more than capable of providing a good service whilst out there. I will tell all next week as then it will all make sense, plus I would have made some decisions. A friend kindly advised me that I can offer up my services and do some broadcasting, interviews whilst out there and send them back for work. I must confess this idea never crossed my mind. I really struggle to think outside of the box sometimes.

I put a little bit of money aside as I really need to book my flight. It just goes to show that no matter how much we try, things don't always go to plan. I know my flight will be booked soon and I just pray that I have enough money to get few the 5 weeks whilst out there.

Week 31 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

This week I've continued to e-mail/ call companies to make them aware I'll be in America during the summer and can I come and get some work experience. You'd like to think that me offering my services for FREE would cause a stampede and that people would be fighting over me lol. Well it's just not the case!

I had put my hopes on doing a couple of weeks at The BBC in Washington and after chasing/stalking/e-mailing the producer for weeks on end. I got a response this week saying there are no openings oh well another one bites the dust. I will be contacting him closer to the time to give it one last shot. It's not about putting all my eggs in one basket. I just would have loved the chance to see Washington and experience working out there for a week. My main focus for the next couple of months is to lock down a placement....YES I CAN!!!!!

Week 30 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

Can you believe I only have 11 weeks to go before I fly off too...concrete jungle where dreams are made of....there's nothing you can't do- whoo! New York I'm coming baby lol.

This week I sat down and made a 11 week plan/checklist as there is still a lot that needs to be done. The most important is to find a work placement, set up as many meetings as possible, book my flight, sort out my insurance to name a few.

However I managed to put down a substantial amount of money this week- thank God. This has allowed me to pay off my rent on the apartment in New York, thankfully that is now out the way and one less thing to worry about. Booking my flight has been delayed as the apartment was more of a priority. It's always nice to get the most expensive thing out the way first- right?!?!?. Plus I'm still hoping that they'll be some miraculous deal where flights are £400 (side-eye)

It's so funny how you can save money when you have a goal in mind. I really need to get my savings in check on my return form as this trip has proved I can save when pushed too. I won't lie the next few months will be extremely tight and I'll probably have to eat beans on toast but it'll all be worth it in the end. At least I can say I did something big for 2010.

Week 29 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

My bad I forgot to do my post until mid week, so I've sneakily uploaded it now. This week i started my Psychology course...what has this got to do with my trip to New York?!?!? I don't know but I wanted to drop it in lol. Plus I'm sure that studying the human mind, sciences and emotions will only help further me in my career, increase my confidence and help me within some aspects of my trip abroad.

I've been fretting quite a bit over the last few weeks and I don't know why? I've found myself comparing this trip to my time away two year ago. At this stage my work placement was secured with such ease. I got a flight for £300. Accommodation was confirmed, it was central and provided breakfast and dinner. Things just seemed that much easier last time round and so much more cheaper. No doubt this trip will be just as good if not better but in different ways. I am hoping to book my flight next week as prices are slowly creeping up.

Week 28 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

I managed to put some money aside this week- whooh hooh! No doubt I won't see any of it, as my flight will be booked within the next two weeks. It still feels good to be able to put a little some thing away regardless of the amount. I really need to earn some more money and have started job hunting again. Lord help me puhlease!!!!!!

This week I've been reflecting on what it is I'm trying to achieve whilst in New York. It's all good me saying I want to go out there to work, but what is my goal? I need to sit down one evening in silence and do some brain storming hmmmm. I know I want to be pushed out of my comfort zone, after being stagnant for way too long now. Not only is it boring but also very frustrating. I want a challenge and I want to work in a new area other than the media. I guess the thing I want the most is to go out there and give it my best shot. After that there's nothing more I really can do. I don't want to come back with regrets like last time. Shoulda, woulda, coulda can be left to the likes of Beverly Knight- thank you!

Week 27 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

I haven't done as much as I'd wanted to this week apart from e-mail a few more contacts. I don't feel guilty either to be honest. I've been so consumed with life in general, ideas for my new blog, devising ways to make extra money etc, stressing about life that NYC preparations have fell to the way side a little.

That's how life goes sometimes and I just can't be bothered to beat myself up about it. Been there done that way too often and as we know it doesn't help! I'm still yet to book my flight and it seems there is no way of me avoiding paying up to £600. (Note to self don't go to New York peak time again). My finances aren't looking to great at the moment but again I can't be getting stressed about it as it's not going to help the present situation. I have to remind myself that this whole experience is taking me out of my comfort zone and the ride is not going to be easy or comfortable.

Hopefully this week will be a bit more productive and I'll have more to report back next Sunday.x

I'm Leaving.

As you can see my blog posts have become less frequent. This blog will be no more as of the end of April. Fear not though, I'll be launching a new blog during the 1st week of May. I'll still keep you updated with my journey getting to New York other than you won't be hearing much from me until the launch date. I'll keep you posted!

Week 26 Of My Journey Getting to New York.

This week I've been so consumed with a new project that I'm working on EVERYTHING else has kinda been neglected. I've continued to contact companies and I've pulled my finger out and started to make more phone calls. It's not that bad really although some managers are hard to find but persistence is the key. What's the worst they can say apart from NO!

People have been so responsive it's quite encouraging and one company may look promising as they haven't said no to my request but they want to know a bit more about what I do, where I'm staying etc. If they can't give me work I want to at least secure a meeting.

I'm starting to get a little excited now, especially with the arrival of spring. Lord knows how hot it's gonna be in NYC.

I'm Now Reading.

I must confess I really enjoyed 'Twighlight'. So much so that I brought the sequel 'New Moon'. No doubt I'll be buy 'Eclipse' too when I get a chance.

Next on my hit list is 'The Kite Runner'. After reading 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' I fell in love with the authors style of writing and the issues he tackles in his books.

This challenge has been really good for me as it's pushed me to read/buy more books. I doubt I'll read 25 books this year, which I must admit was a little unrealistic. As I don't complete books that quickly regardless of how engrossing they are. However I'm definitely reading a lot more than I used too and there's nothing better than reading a book you just can't put down.

Week 25 Of My Journey Getting To New York

Week 25 already- phew! I received my new passport yesterday whoody whoo! On a side note I really want to start travelling a lot more and Brazil is next on my list for 2011. I've been talking about going there for way too long now. 

This week I've continued to e-mail companies and people have been so nice with their responses. They've advised me on the best person to contact and to keep them updated with my progress.(Note to self I must keep in touch and maybe meet up with them whilst in New York). I still haven't received the three important words yet.....yes, but i know I'm putting myself out there so it will pay off eventually.

I hold my hands up I didn't finish my show reel but I did start it. The reason being I don't like the material I have or maybe I'm just making excuses lol. Maybe I'm being too picky but I know the standard I want it to be. I'm going to sit down again this week with a clear head and try again.

This month I must book my flight and I need to put a few hundred pounds away. As I need to pay the remainder of the rent on the apartment by the end of next month. Let the games begin!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish List

Ankle Boots £75  £35 (Office)

 

Seamed Button Sweat Dress £20 (Warehouse)

I tried this on and it looked so nice on but I'm on a budget sniff!

Lace Button Back Top £15 (Warehouse)

Oversized Neck Poncho £17 (Warehouse)

Oversized Shirt Dress £20 (Warehouse)

Double Button Crop £15 (Topshop)

Maddox Woven Buckle Shoes £30 (Topshop)

Cargo Pocket Leggings £22 (Topshop)

Multi Stud Pyramid Clutch Bag £30 (Topshop)

Week 24 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

This week I will finish off my show reel as it's been pushed to the side a little. It's been a hectic week and juggling everything has been a challenge.

I've more or less ticked everything off my February check list. My passport's been sent off for renewal that's one less thing to fret about. I haven't saved as much money as I intended but I haven't got time to stress about that, there's bigger fish to fry.

I've consistently e-mailed companies and am finally getting responses (persistence pays off) not necessarily what I want to hear, but a response is better than silence. Some have said I need to be a student to work for their company that's a very common thing in the states. I think they get merits or something *shrug*. Others have stated that I've missed the date to work/intern or that it's a bit early to secure a date at this point and they'll get back to me. I still need to broaden my search which I will start to do next month.

I've also started to look at flights as that has definitely got to be booked by the end of April. My gosh flights are soooo expensive but what do I expect I am travelling peak season. The cheapest flight is about £530 that's a lot considering I could go in September for £300 never mind. A friend has offered to give me some of their air miles enabling me to fly with Virgin (we all know Virgin is best) so I'll save just over £100. I'm still open to fly with a cheaper air line and if I see a good offer I'll jump on it .

I feel there is so much to do and time is flying. However I know it will be worth the tears, prayers, sacrifice, the fear of not knowing what will happen when I get out there and what awaits for me when I return. It's a challenge and an adventure I won't forget, plus it'll probably be one of my best memories for 2010.