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.