04 June 2009 - Cross Roads

So I am at a cross roads. I have to make decisions regarding my next move. I can not believe how time has flown. It seems like I have just arrived. Part of me really wants to remain in London. I feel that there is so much that I haven't done. I had a couple set backs earlier in the year. But, I have come out of it renewed, strengthened, and revived. The other part of me does misses my life back in the States. The one thing that I have learned and which was solidified, is that I need to fall back and let GOD do his thing. I don't know about you, but I have made some choices which I thought made sense, but actually were no good. So, I am continually learning to yield to the Divine Creator's will and purpose for my life.

So the big question - Am I moving back stateside or will I remain in London. The answer - I really don't know. I am keeping my options open and yielding to what GOD says I must do.

It is the unofficial summer here in London. However, to be honest, it doesn't feel like summer to me. From what I am told, it really doesn't get extremely warm in London. So it's to basically wear your summer clothes now, or you never will. So, I am pulling out my summer gear whether or not the weather warrants. I'll just make sure I carry a "jumper" ( English term for light sweater, pull-over, or cardigan) with me at all times.

As a totally unrelated topic, Selfridges is celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Anyone who knows me, can attest to the fact that I have been known to partake in a bit of retail therapy from time to time. And Selfridges is one of my favorite department stores here in London. It reminds me of Bloomingdales back in the states. Most visitors to London tend to be more taken with Harrods. In my opinion, Selfridges has a bit more edge and youth appeal. As part of their 100th anniversary, Selfridges has commissioned several designers to do limited edition items. So you can buy Selfridges 100th Anniversary Levi Jeans £200 ($300) or even the Limited Edition Selfridges 100th Anniversary Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag £1,700 (see picture above). In additon, Selfridges is launching a Louis Vuitton concept store. It's almost like a LV museum. The store has this display of all these Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy Bags which are put together like an art installation. It's quite cool to see for those who are into Louis Vuitton.

Anyways, enough of the vapid banter. All is well, and I will update my blog once I get a clue about what my next steps. Hasta La Vista

25 Mar 2008 - Have I Gone Too Euro

All in all, things are going well. Early in the year, I had some personal challenges/setbacks (or putting a positive spin on it opportunities to build character). I am still not out of the forest, but I do see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Life will always put stuff in our paths, but it's really about how we overcome the obstacles and incorporate the learnings into our lives. As a result, I have learned a lot about myself and had reinforcement that I am so blessed. My friends who in essence are my chosen family, love me without judgement. They were so supportive throughout one of the most difficult periods in my life. So shouts out to my friends down in BK and my loving Baby Sis Dakeya - thanks for your love, support, and encouragement.

So my family is doing well, in fact I just booked my ticket to visit them in May. Luckily, my family lives in Miami, so I can incorporate some fun and sun into my visit to my family. My friends are also all doing well - some are doing the school thing, others are advancing in their careers, others are pursuing their passions, and others are just working on themselves to become better people.

As for me, I guess I am doing a bit of everything mentioned above. It's funny, yesterday after work I went by Harrods (why not) to do some window shopping. I saw nothing in Harrods that tickled my fancy so I decided to walk home. I live about a 20 minute walk from Harrods. On the way home I walked into this store and saw a pair of khakis/chinos. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not exactly a khaki kind of guy. But these were made of very nice fabric and had a great sort of European cut to them. In other words they were skinny khakis. I tried them on and really liked them. The were reasonably priced so I purchased them. On the way home, I thought to myself, 6mos ago I would have never purchased these skinny cut trousers. But now, I actually fancied (my ode to English vernacular) the skinny cut trouser and found them to be quite pretty flattering.

Then I had another thought, "Am I Becoming Too Euro". In as much as I have always loved clothes and dressing up. I am still a very baseball cap (Yankee fitted size 7 3/8), sweatpants and sneakers kind of guy. Anyone who has spent any time in Brooklyn knows that a fitted, sweats, and sneakers is the requisite uniform amongst guys across all age groups. It's just one of those cultural things. Since my arrival in London, I really haven't donned my fitted. I have never worn sweatpants in public. And sneakers, I wear very infrequently. In fact, when I have worn sneakers they have been Converse or some variation of very Euro-styled Puma or Addidas. I guess, I have become a full-time clacker (ala the Devil Wears Prada). None of this was intentional, it just sort of happened. Europeans do tend to dress up more than Americans. Hence, I can sort of understand why they find us a bit too casual. Perhaps our casual attire permeates into our attitude toward life. Hence, why I can understand why some Americans may find the English to be a bit uptight. I guess I am somewhere in the middle because I see both perspectives.

Anyways, this was a random observation which I made about myself. Nonetheless, I should be updating my blog more frequently and writing about more light and airy kind of stuff. I thought the stuff I was blogging about was getting kinda heavy.

I am off to NYC and Germany in the coming weeks. I will be sure to update the blog. Talk to ya'll soon.

18 Mar 2009 - I just figured out how to post pics - My spring wish list

OMG, I just figured out how to post pics. How cool am I!! Now watch out for pics to be posted into my blog. It's on an poppin ya'll. I know this was senseless and stupid update, but it made me feel good. BTW, I have my eye on the bag pictured to the left. I know it's monogram and some may think it's played out, tacky, guaudy, austentacious, but the bag sort of speaks to me. It's like a male Speedy. Classic and timeless. I can use if for my work stuff, gym stuff (if I joined one), and even weekend stuff. Anyways, it's on my wishlist for the spring (along with a few other items). Everyone stay Blessed, Beautiful, and Balanced. Holla at ya boy!!

16 March 2009 - A quick update

Alright, it's been a while since I've updated my blog. All in all, things are good. I ran into a couple challenges, but I see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Right now, I am at a bit cross road. After having been in London for 6 months, I am now contemplating my next move. I am thinking that I would like to hang out in London for another year or so. So, I have put in out into the universe that I want to live in London for another year. I don't think that I am ready to return back to the states. I just need to pray and let GOD lead me. But, I think London would be a good look. I really don't have much else to report.

Stay blessed and pray for me as I'll pray for you.