Je-Nay

I couldn't tell you how many times I have heard my name in a Forrest Gump style 'Je-Nay' since I have been in America!

Soccer season is over now and although I have been playing leisurely, I have also been running to keep my fitness levels up. After a lazy break I felt the need to act like Forrest and run last night, I usually decide before I run how far I will go, a mile or two is typical. But last night I just ran. No lap counting. No nothing. Just me and my iPod. I loved it, I'll do it more often. Things are usually more fun when you don't have a set plan. I hope that's the case with graduate life too, as I'm still not 100% sure where I am going and what I am doing.

The Ice is this Thin....And you're Skating on it Laddy!!

A huge fan of the Mighty Ducks Trilogy, (the third was somewhat of a let down but I'm letting that slide) I got into roller blading when I was 9 or 10 and subsequently ice skated once or twice.

Over the Thanksgiving break I went ice skating again, the feeling of going on to the ice was unpredictably strange. No longer as confident in my skating abilities, I was slightly nervous as I stepped onto the ice. Scared...but of what? falling? failing? It didn't take long until my apprehension subsided, in fact, just one collision with the ice and my confidence flooded back. Before long I was skating backwards, and traveling at much higher speeds.

I guess the point of this blog entry is to express my feeling of relief, after making a mistake, I learned from it quickly and became much more experimental and free as a result.

Black Friday

It is a tradition in America for big sales to take place on what is referred to as 'Black Friday', the day after Thanksgiving. Many malls opened at 4 or 5am, enticing consumers with great deals and persuading them that they NEED this TV, handbag, dress or whatever other material object you may choose.

I'm all for a sale. But isn't it interesting how stores have managed to convince us that it is so important to buy their products at such ridiculous hours? So materialistic is the world in which we now live, that it's scary how we easily neglect the more pressing issues.

A tragedy occurred in a Long Island WalMart store when Jdimyati Damour was trampled to death by a stampede of shoppers. What kind of people trample on others just to get a sale item? I think this incident says something about society and our need for change. Barack...sort it out will ya! ;)

S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G.....We're Shopping!

We all know that when the Coca Cola 'Holidays are Coming' ad hits our TV screens that Christmas is here! I really enjoy late night Christmas shopping: The cold, the crowds, the lights and the music all make me smile. Yet I do so much of my gift buying online now that the experience has changed somewhat :( Amazon is a usual for me, but what's their problem? It's great that they look at my buying trends...but where do they get off telling me what THEY think I should buy!!?

It's quite unexplainable, but when I was younger I used to LOVE shopping for stationery!!? Having an exclusive pencil case, nice pens and a quirky rubber was great.... life's simple pleasures.

Reasons to be glad

Isabel Losada wrote the book '100 Reasons to be Glad', which I really enjoyed. So much so that I created my own book of reasons, taking time to think about all the good things we have is an important aspect of life that I would recommend to anyone.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and although I don't exactly celebrate this particular holiday, I will be giving plenty of thanks over the break.

Pokemon

Was sick back in the day!

Throwing out the Rule Book: Jenny Lineker

Over the past few years I have come to the realisation that I play by the rules way too much! There's nothing wrong with playing by the rules, but sometimes deviating away from them and modifying them for your benefit is a wise idea. From now on I am going to consider taking a few more risks, of course I won't have total disregard for rules, but it is ridiculous that I have been playing football for over 11 years and have never been booked!

Be a Dreamer

I was talking with my friends about dreams last night, in particular recurring dreams. I have one, not had it for a while now but every so often it comes back to me and is sometimes slightly modified.

In the dream I am at a park with some friends, we are just walking around and it's quite busy. Then we walk to a quieter area and come across a hill. My friends all begin to climb and I know that I'm going to find it hard so start to panic a little. I keep trying to climb the hill but slip and lose my footing every time. I think in the end I make it but it's always frustrating!

Perhaps the dream represents my fear of failure, and not being good enough, striving but not succeeding! Or....it could mean I'm not destined to be a hill climber...one of the two.

Wake up Mr West...

So many people I know have just been to see Kanye West's Glow in the Dark tour in the UK! So jealous, really wish I could have gone! :( After I graduate I plan to make a conscious effort to go to more concerts, I love live music!

Wal-moke

I went to the cinema last night and saw a new style of commercial. It was an advert for Walmart and Coca Cola all in one, couldn't find the video online but it was strange to see. The bright blue of a Walmart bag and the vivid red and white branding on the Coke bottle really stood out. I have never really noticed much TV advertising for Walmart before, but I guess their efforts are linked to the introduction of their new logo and slogan. The 'Save Money.Live Better' tag which replaced the renowned 'Always Low Prices' message, relates to audiences in this time of a poor economy.

That got me thinking about brands with successful slogans, and deciding if ever, when to change them:

Calrsberg - Probably the best beer in the world
Orange - The future's bright, the future's Orange
L'Oreal - Because I'm worth it
Gillette - The Best a man can get
Rice Krispies - Snap, Crackle and Pop
Pringles - Once you pop, you can't stop
KFC - Finger lickin' good

To - do

I like to be pretty organized most of the time, I like to do things sooner rather than later too. Some days I make to-do lists, setting out what I need to achieve that particular day or week etc. What I always find funny is that I start every list with the same task: 'Get Up'...providing I'm not dead, this one is easy for me to do, so I can always cross something off my list straight away! It's strange how the human brain works and the feeling of satisfaction I get from crossing off the first item of my list!

Yes We Can!

I was really pleased that Barack Obama won the Presidential Election, I watched the results as they came in online and then on TV. It was such an exciting time to be in America, and his speech was impeccable, I knew as I watched that history was being made and it would be one of those 'where were you when..?' moments.

So America has its first black president. Doesn't it?

No...it doesn't. Barack Obama is bi-racial, born to a white mother and black father. He's just as black as he is white but people fail to see past his darker exterior and for ease it seems, call him black. I'm not bothered, I just wanted to point it out :)

I wish him the best of luck and really hope he can turn things around for the US, these were some of my favourite parts of his acceptance speech:

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn -- I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time -- to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth -- that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can

Sweet Tomatoes

I went to one of the nicest places to eat this weekend. Sweet Tomatoes is an all you can eat buffet style restaurant with soups, salads, moderate pizza and garlic bread slices and then ice creams and small cakes for dessert (because even healthy eaters have a sweet tooth at times!)

There was just something about the place I really liked, the simplicity of it and the obvious focus on the importance of good nutrition.

I went to Chilis last month and was impressed with their dessert offerings actually, they do pudding shots, whereby your favourite dessert comes in a modest shot glass for $1, satisfying hunger yet not encouraging overeating. The issue of obesity is inevitable in today's society with the huge portions we receive, free refills on sodas, not to mention the rise of the 'computer kids' who would gladly spend 7 hours on GTA 4 rather than engage in any form of exercise.

The Life of a Southpaw

This is an extract from an article I read, I'm left handed so it interested me:

It's not easy being a lefty.

Statistics show left-handed people are more likely to be schizophrenic, alcoholic, delinquent, dyslexic, and have Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as mental disabilities. They're also more likely to die young and get into accidents.

:(

But I haven't been discouraged, it seems that some lefties have done okay for themselves, here are a few examples:

Bill Clinton
Matt Groening
Noel Gallagher
Oprah Winfrey
Michelangelo
Larry Bird
Bobby Fischer

CAPs UnLoCK

Don't you JUST HATE IT WHEN YOU ARE SO FOCUSED ON YOUR WORK THAT YOU SIMPLY STARE AT THE KEYBOARD WHILE TYPING, CONVINCED EVERYTHING IS GOING WELL...UNTIL.....you look up and see that you accidentally left CAPS on!!!? I consider this to be a common problem...maybe it's just me? But why isn't there a way to undo it!?

It's Just Me, My Test and I

My friend once told me how she loves to take tests, at the time I thought she was crazy but as I got older I started to understand her reasoning more. Not saying that I LOVE tests but there is something about studying hard, obtaining knowledge and then imparting it for a couple of hours; provided you do well it's quite a therapeutic experience.

One of my lecturers refuses to use the word 'test', it sounds quite daunting and as she realises it causes people to be anxious, she much prefers the term 'Celebration of Knowledge.' We are given 'candy' and encouraged to 'celebrate our own knowledge' (a great euphemism for 'DON'T YOU DARE CHEAT!' if even I heard one.)

The Art of Persuasion

I will be giving a persuasive speech in a few weeks, the topic is my choice. I have pondered ideas for a while but wanted to stay away from the whole 'I'm hear today to persuade you to....

• Quit smoking
• Always practice safe sex
• Vote for McCain/Obama
• Recycle'
  

I did consider discussing the possibility of lowering the legal drinking age in America to 18. Although not a seasoned drinker myself, I think that prohibiting alcohol until the age of 21 is quite ridiculous, it adds emphasis and mystery to the whole drinking culture, which many are already keen to explore. I believe the law fosters immature behavior at times, reducing the required age may solve some of these problems. This may appear hypocritical coming from an English student whose home nation is renowned for its production of young binge drinkers!! :S

I am going to aim to persuade my class to read 'The Last Lecture' due to my feeling of its importance to all students and others alike. I wanted to challenge myself, getting 30 college students to get excited about reading a book will certainly be difficult!

Annecy, France

I've booked my flight, and will go to Annecy in December!! I'm so excited to experience a new culture; although constantly surrounded by internationals at my current location, I'll be thrilled to actually visit France. Being in Florida for 8 months of the year makes you appreciate cold weather a whole lot more, I look forward to wrapping up in a hat, scarf and gloves on my trip!

Just a Game

It's my last year of playing soccer in the US and I'm sure I'm going to miss it. My last official game will take place next week, I hope to continue to play, but I know for a while I'll miss the highly competitive environment I have become so accustomed to. In a game against our local rivals a few weeks ago, 2 goals in a 4-0 victory had me high in the sky! There a few feelings quite like being 'in the zone' during a game.

I love seeing passionate and enthusiastic players and always try to be one myself. I hope to take my competitive attitude and use it in the career I choose. They say it's just a game but I do think it has been more than that for me, playing football has allowed me to escape and express myself in ways other activities won't allow.

It's all in the Details

I believe that I pay particular attention to detail, I can almost always tell when someone I know has had their hair cut, changed or even slightly trimmed. What can I say?...it's a gift! I am also really fussy when it comes to spelling, punctuation and grammer.....;)

I am the same with logos too, it's strange but the other day we drove past Best Buy and I couldn't help but think they were in desperate need of a logo change...to my surprise the next day I heard they had a new image! Pepsi have also decided to make a slight adjustment to their logo, had I not read about these changes I am sure I would have identified them pretty quickly. I like to notice slight differences and evaluate their impact.

Best Buy's new look will work well for them I feel, a more modern approach and the inclusion of the iconic tag will ensure its success in the marketplace.

Healthy Packaging

I am always intrigued by the way brands re-design their packaging to make their product seem 'more healthy.' The increased use of white is a favoured technique for many, it just simplifies the whole look and makes the consumer feel like whatever they are eating/drinking is good for them. Such a basic psychological trick but it seems to work every time! Colour connotations count for a lot, here are a few examples:

Homecoming Queen

A couple of weeks ago I was crowned Homecoming Queen at my school (much to my surprise.) It was an honour of course but it wasn't something I had ever given much thought. I actually felt sorry for the other girls who made it to Homecoming Court, mainly because they seemed so into the whole thing and probably really wanted the title! Then there was me, a little foreign kid who knows nothing about the custom and its relevance.

I then read this article on 'How to Become Homecoming Queen' to see how closely I had followed the guidelines:

A lot of girls dream about being that girl who gets to be homecoming queen. Make that girl be you!

1. Be nice to everyone. Homecoming queens are voted by their peers, so if everyone likes you, you have a good chance of being chosen. That means being nice, not fake. If you're nice to people but then talk about them behind their back, they still won't like you. Even if everyone else around you is saying bad things about someone, say something like, "Guys, I hate talking about people, could you please stop." This way, you're not being rude to them. Keep up the "ultra-sweet-can't-help-but-love-me" attitude and you'll see a difference.
2. Be attractive and well-groomed. Looks count. You don't have to be model-thin or anything, but do try to look attractive. Keep your hair nice, wear trendy clothes, and have clean and straight white teeth. Just pamper yourself and be beautiful!
3. Try enhancing your look. Your look should be natural without looking like you've tried too hard.
4. Try not to act slutty. Obviously, you'll lose respect, votes, and you'll be getting the wrong type of attention.
5. Flirt! You want to be the girl everyone loves and this includes guys. If you have a boyfriend though, don't flirt, that'll just get you a bad name. Regardless, remain equally friendly to everyone.
6. Keep your grades up. Again, this will just get you respect and people will like you more. Remember that keeping your grades up is important so you'll even get to that homecoming. You may lose votes from those who consider those who slack academically "losers".
7. Be yourself. In other words, don't let others tell you what or who to be. If you're shy, still be yourself but try to relax and be more outgoing. Shy girls don't get voted to be homecoming queen. Learn to be assertive and confident.
8. Be comfortable everywhere you go. Try to relax, be more outgoing, and have fun around people. There's no reason why you should be nervous - try to see everyone as friends and treat them like it.
9. Be known. Get yourself involved in a lot of activities. That way, you know a bunch of people. Join other extra-curricular activities in your school like dance, basketball, soccer, etc.
10. Hang out with everyone, unless they are into drugs and other bad things. Make an effort to get to know everyone, but don't become friends just to snag the homecoming crown. Be friendly, relaxed, and open.

I don't think I deviated too far from the suggestions and will definitely look back fondly on the experience.

Halloween Horror Nights

I will be attending Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios soon. I have been to the event every year since I have been in Florida and have never failed to be petrified yet! Although the people dressed up in their elaborate costumes can't touch and harm you, I can't help but feel that I should take an extra pair of underwear! (Just in case)

The theme for 2008 is Bloody Mary, one year it was clowns! I enjoy going on the rides especially, but the haunted houses are like torture. It doesn't help that 300 other students from school are in the park trying to scare you at every opportunity! When I leave the park my body finally, after being tense for hours can relax! But it's always a good night! In a funny kind of way.

IHOPe IHOP Makes it to England

There are so many places to eat in America compared to in England. I will miss IHOP the most when I graduate, the International House of Pancakes is open 24 hours and tastes best any time after 1am! I would love for the chain to make it over to England, yet currently the only places embracing all 24 hours in a day in the UK seem to be Tesco and Asda :(

Hey Teach!

My uncle was a Maths teacher and my cousin is now also into teaching. When I was young I originally wanted to be a nurse (I can only imagine it was because it was one of the few occupations I knew... I am incredibly squeamish!) Yet as I got older, the idea of being a teacher appealed to me more; after spending many years in the school system though, I came to the conclusion that KIDS ARE MEAN and was soon put off the idea.

I just find it amazing how many people think or suggest that I become a teacher, friends, family and people who I barely even know! The fact that I attended high school everyday for the 5 years doesn't help my case, it seems like I couldn't get enough of it. I'm starting to think that staying in bed and watching Trisha for one day wouldn't have killed me.

.......Anyway...I can't be a teacher....I'm left handed and always rub my work off the board as I go!

To Laugh or Not to Laugh...

I was thinking about it the other day, and I like the way comedy is going. My favourites are The Office, The Mighty Boosh and Flight of the Conchords. Comedies that really push boundaries and challenge the audinence's ability to see humour in controversial situations excite me. The abstract approach of Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt has definatley sparked a new style, I have heard countless impressions of 'Old Gregg' in America, much to my surprise. The recent publication of 'The Mighty Book of Boosh' looks to be interesting, the art is very original, as are the costumes featured in the show.

It must be said that there are some comedies that I cannot stand...The Catherine Tate Show and The Kevin Bishop Show are painful to watch. Sketch shows like these are often difficult to pull off, Trigger Happy TV being one of the most successful.

TGIW!?

Something that has always intrigued me is 'that Friday feeling.' For most people it's the prospect of two days off work and a weekend of freedom I imagine. You can usually sense a Friday by people's behavior, we have been conditioned to believe in the Monday to Friday working week, I wonder if that was to change overnight how we would adapt. My friend from Saudi Arabia told me the other day that in his country they observe a Saturday to Wednesday working week, it almost blew my mind! It's scary how rigid my thinking was on this topic, I'm considering mixing my life up a bit!

The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need

I read this book last night, written by Dan Pink, it's the first manga business book. I really enjoyed it, the distinguished approach to offereing career advice is what makes it work so well. The story follows Johnny Bunko, an accounting major with a passion for creativity, as he searches for a more meaningful life and career. The book details six lessons, which can be used in all areas of life:

1. There is no plan.
2. Think strengths, not weaknesses.
3. It's not about you.
4. Persistence trumps talent.
5. Make excellent mistakes.
6. Leave an imprint.

Colour Preference

When people ask me what my favourite colour is (this doesn't happen as often this blog post would suggest), I usually answer 'blue or green' very unemotionally as I never really give it too much thought. Yet after closer evaluation, I have decided that my favourite colour is PURPLE...so underrated I feel.

I have a lot of sympathy for the colour brown...not sure I have ever met anyone whose favorite colour is brown....my search continues...

The Winner Takes it All....

I played in one of the most frustrating 'soccer' games of my life on Sunday. A conference game which ended at 1-1 after normal time. A good result for us against strong competition..... but that wasn't the end of it.

The normal 'league' games in our conference go to over time if the result is a tie, we ended up losing 2-1, with just 40 seconds remaining in the first half of extra time! Such a shame for us, the game got me thinking about the American way of life. It feels as though America likes to see clear-cut winners and losers. Nobody wants to see two teams tie.

Being a loser didn't feel great. I'm sure the drama of over time thrilled the crowd, but it left me feeling bitter and disheartened. I guess this approach helps to breed true competitors, a survival of the fittest method, the desire to succeed becomes even greater.

The History of the adidas Predator

Although I am traditionally a Nike boot wearer, I have always been interested in the latest adidas Predator designs, I can't help but feel that football boots are gradually becoming 'too flashy.' The image here shows the history of the Predators, my favourites are the 4th, 5th and 6th pairs (starting from the back.)

Logo No-Go

The conference in which I currently compete is now called The Sun Conference, having recently changed its name from the Florida Sun Conference. I was browsing their website today only to notice that the new logo is uncannily similar to that of The Sun newspaper's!? A dramatic change from their old logo, I wondered what had inspired the choice...

The Power of Advertising

My mum worked in advertising for a while and never stopped saying the phrase 'the power of advertising', it always made me laugh. I have always been interested in advertising and think that I really experienced its power one Saturday morning while I was in high school.

I had had a late Friday night and mysteriously woke up early (too early for a weekend), at around 7.30am, there was an advert for Twix on TV using the slogan 'Twix: It's all in the mix'. The ad showed the way the product is made while a smooth musical groove played in the background. It's strange because I really didn't feel that hungry, but I practically jumped out of bed and walked to the local shop for the Twix that I was now desperately craving! To this day I can't really explain my actions....we had food in the house, it was a cold morning, and I was probably tired enough to fall straight back to sleep had I given myself the chance.

It made me think of subliminal messaging and advertising, here are some notable instances:

Before the re-election of French president Francois Mitterrand in 1988, a subliminal picture of him was mixed in the title sequence of French national television daily news show, and it appeared for several consecutive days

The subject was also prominently featured in the 1999 film Fight Club. Pictures of the main character, Tyler Durden, flash onscreen at various points during the earlier parts of the film, before Durden is introduced. Also, Durden is shown at his job as a projectionist, splicing pornographic flash frames into a film he is showing.A picture of a penis flashes before the end credits.

During the 2000 U.S. presidential campaign, a television ad campaigning for Republican candidate George W. Bush showed words (and parts thereof) scaling from the foreground to the background on a television screen. When the word BUREAUCRATS flashed on the screen, one frame showed only the last part, RATS. The FCC looked into the matter, but no penalties were ever assessed in the case.

Red Alert!

Just went to get my laundry and saw a grey squirrel shuffle past me. Then the idea hit me that I may never see a red squirrel again in my life!! It's already been years since my last encounter with one (I can't recall dates and times.) Due to a huge decrease in numbers in Britain particularly, I doubt I'll get chance again. This makes me sad....had I known the last red squirrel I saw may be the last red squirrel I saw, I would have saluted him and most likely shed a small but genuine tear!

B-E-A-Utiful

Beauty is such a subjective matter; there are many things in life that I consider to be beautiful that surely others would find hideous!

The most beautiful place to go where I currently reside is here...

You can lose yourself at the dock, and sometimes that all you want to do. I will miss this place, but hope to find others just as beautiful in the future.

Mixed Chicks

Being a mixed chick myself, boy was I happy to hear that a range of shampoos and conditioners had been made for people like me. In a world where many things are clear cut with the whole black and white divide, I was impressed with this attempt to involve and include those with a multiracial heritage! Granted, it's taken too long for something like this to be available on the market, and it still isn't as widely available as desired but it's a start.

Say what!!?

I am taking a Rhetoric course this semester which covers public speaking for various purposes, I gave my first speech yesterday in class, an informative piece on English culture. I touched briefly on some statistics then discussed food, music, art, sports and fashion.

The opening to my speech discussed the fact that since I have been in America I have heard a number of ridiculous statements and been asked some equally strange questions with regards to my country of origin. Here are some examples:

You're from England? That's quite a big city isn't it?
Do you know the Queen?
Do they have black people in England?
Where in London are you from?
Did you know English before you came over to America?

:)

To some of these questions, all I could do was smile really!

Barack to the Future

The first Presidential Debate took place tonight between Barack Obama and John McCain, I caught some of it on TV. Unable to vote in America and having yet to vote in England I still take an interest in these political campaigns and policies.

The way the campaigns are run in America baffled me at first, I was unaware that candidates could speak so freely about their opponent. One foot wrong in the past or present could end election hopes for either party. I would like to see Obama win, yet fear that the pressure on him to change the country and its economic state quickly would be so immense. I'm sure he is aware of that...I just can't imagine why anybody would want the responsibility of running an entire country!

Obama's Pastor Jeremiah Wright was filmed making some very controversial statements about 9/11, Hilary Clinton and America, which created some problems initially. Sure, Obama will lose some votes simply because he is black, but so too will McCain for being 'old', I believe the election will be excrutiatingly close and look forward to the results.

Astronomy

As part of college in America there seems to be more of an attempt to give students an all-round education, which is an aspect of the system I really like. While studying for a business degree I have taken art, humanities, political and now a scientific course. I am enrolled in General Astronomy this semester which I was quite skeptical about at first, yet after a few weeks of class I am starting to really get my scientific groove on as it were. Many students don't take such courses very seriously but so far I have been intrigued by the material, and while I may not use it directly in later life, I feel like it's good stuff to know and interesting to learn about.

Here is one of my favourite pieces of knowledge so far:

The ancient Egyptians (3000 years ago) knew that a year was 365 days, but only observed a 360 day year, with each day representing 1/360th of the circle made by the sun. This is the origin of the 360 degree circle. The Egyptians decided not to count the remaining 5 days, and instead spent them partying.

In your face

I was lucky enough to visit a good friend of mine in Boston in March. A great city, I really liked everything about the place...except for the cold weather at the time. There were a few things I noticed while I was there:

There are so many zebra crossings!! Nobody paid much attention to them though, so crossing the road was like being in a live game of Frogger!

America runs on Dunkin'! Dunkin' Donuts is on every corner in the north, most of the people I hung out with were always craving that next caffeine boost, such a fast paced lifestyle compared to the senior citizens I am used to kickin' it with in Florida!

The North Face brand and logo is thrust in your face at every opportunity, I couldn't turn around without seeing someone wearing a North Face jacket or hat, it amazed me that a brand could be so prominent throughout a city.

Turkey Time

The best part of my summer was undoubtedly my trip to Turkey for 2 weeks! Had an amazing time and so much fun. Made me want to travel round Europe a whole lot more. The boat trip on the Mediterranean and indulging in a mud bath were my favourite parts of the holiday. We were also present when Turkey made it through to the semi-finals of the European Championships which was incredible...shame England couldn't have done something similar :( I would love to go back there one day.

Let's watch a mooooooovie....

I tend to watch quite a few movies over the summer and this one was no exception. I am a big film fan but have a tendency to fall asleep halfway through....mainly because I start watching them @ around 1am....must change that habit! Some notable ones I have seen recently include:

Wall E- A great job by Pixar, I was truly captured by the story and really liked the soundtrack.
The Dark Knight - The best of the Batman films so far, Heath Ledger was amazing as the Joker and deserves all the recognition he receives.
Pineapple Express - Just a funny film...if you like that sort of thing.
No Country For Old Men - Fantastic visuals and suspense, a great piece of cinema.
In Bruges - Not usually a huge Colin Ferrell fan but this film impressed me.

But by far my favourite film of the summer is somewhat of a 'hidden gem', a documentary called The King of Kong. It follows the lives of two hardcore gamers, Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe as they battle to hold the high score in the classic arcade game Donkey Kong.

Cans Festival

I spent a day in the summer at the Cans Festival in Waterloo, thought it was a great idea and was visually very impressive. A whole tunnel was allocated to graffiti artists to do with the space whatever they pleased (they would not be prosecuted for using the space.) The images were inspiring, I took Art at GCSE and A Level but sort of lost interest (and time) when I came to university. I received a sketchbook for my birthday and have since been drawing a little more, its a passion I would most certainly like to have back!

Soccer Mode

So I'm back in the USA now playing soccer and studying. I am very passionate about football and if you ever catch me in 'soccer mode' you'll wish you hadn't. I have liked playing over here in America, the style of play is slightly different but on the most part I think it suits me. One thing that has bothered me since being out here is that all the Americans call it 'OFFSIDES' as opposed to 'OFFSIDE' and for the life of me I couldn't tell you why! Plural? Why? Just why!!!?

FFC

Fried Fish Curry? Funny Folks Centre?....Football Fans Census....This is where I interned during the summer, @ their office in Central London. It's a football research company and I was lucky enough to get some experience in sales and marketing there from May-July. I really enjoyed my time at FFC, it solidified my interest in marketing and advertising. I was not as keen on the sales aspects of the job, but lessons learned will no doubt aid me.

I worked from 10am-6pm...sounds appealing? It wasn't ideal for me! The fact that most shops on Oxford St open @ 9am ensured I spent far too much money on clothes before work had even started! The internship was unpaid too which didn't help my situation! But I truly enjoyed the hustle and bustle of fast paced city life, I travelled in from just north of London so my days were a bit longer than usual. The journey to and from work usually amused me, I love awkward situations, there's almost no better place for them than on the tube. Discrete stares, sweaty commuters and crazy drunks pretty much sums up an everyday underground trip.

When I began blogging I was very much confused with my future, this position gave me some sense of direction of where I want to be next year once I am a college graduate. I am currently considering pursuing a postgraduate degree in Marketing but am also going to apply to some graduate schemes at organizations that interest me. I had two interviews for positions over the summer and was offered both which was a great feeling, it gave me confidence in my abilities. I have yet to face a great deal of rejection in my life but imagine that once I start applying for more jobs rejection is inevitable. I am looking forward to facing such challenges and beginning a new chapter of my life.