My Issues are showing

Time for a new look

2009-07-17T11:20:00.004-04:00

Who says MAKEOVER!!
After 4 years of blogging (and several months of slacking off from blogging) it's time to reawaken my blogger's spirit. Me want custom template!
I'm taking suggestions so please leave your recommendations in the comments.

Let's not make any more promises -

2009-07-15T11:18:00.004-04:00

But we can make commitments. Want to see me lose 100lbs in 365 days? Think I can do it or do you think I'll fall on my ass? Only one way to find out. Follow me at my new blog Reduced to Ashes and give your two cents.

Ad Fridays part 1: Coca Cola Superbowl

2009-02-06T15:32:00.003-04:00

See! I'm keeping my non-promise.

Where do we go from here? Updates and Opinions.

2009-01-29T12:26:00.009-04:00

A New Year.

So it's 2009... THANK GOODNESS, 2008 was a little much. This may seem weird or fortunate (depending on your preference for half full/half empty glasses) but I've never had to deal with death before. Not a family member, friend or even a pet. Suddenly, a friend, relatives of friends and 4 of my dogs die. Practically one after the other. That was a bitch.
I also had my fair share of brushes with crime. I've had a laptop, 2 phones and a puppy stolen. WTF!
All in all, I'm glad 2008 is over and done with. I have much to make up for in 2009. Fate OWES me.

A New Job
I am now officially a copy writer at a local ad agency. Yay me! So, from now on, I will be posting ads (not my own - just the random advertisements I like) every week. Maybe on Fridays. Not making any committment yet.

A New Outlook on Life.
This is the first time since I haven't made a New Year's resolution. And I did that on purpose. Partly because one gets tired of feeling guilty when unable to keep them and partly because I wanted to surprise myself. So I suppose, in some twisted way, I did make a resolution: Surprise me. Probably the most interesting one to date. Hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Not to mention a new President in the U.S.

As much as I hate to jump onto this Obandwagon, you can't help but be excited about things to come. What exactly does having a such a (seemingly) eloquent, compassionate, driven and charismatic leader in the White House do for the rest of the world, not to mention America itself?

Besides having shook things up quite a bit, you have to hand it to the newly inaugurated Pres for giving America quite the face-lift. It's almost like (and this has nothing to do with 'Bama being black) he pimped a whole nation. Technically, nothing has REALLY changed yet on the inside, but on the outside it's a completely new kettle of fish.

I both admire and pity him because of the weight he now has on his shoulders. High expectations of millions (even billions) of citizens and non-citizens. The sad part is... he will NEVER live up to them.Pardon my pessimism, but starting out on such a high note only makes it easier for him to disappoint many people. But I'm glad that he has been able to give a nation, and quite likely, a planet, hope for the future. That change is coming and is inevitable. The question remains to be answered though, if we are all ready. Even though he won't be able to achieve all that he has set out to achieve, I do look forward to seeing what he will.

On that note, thanks for listening. Talk to you soon.

Sol :)

bump

2009-01-07T17:58:00.002-04:00

Guess who's back.

My, my... I have missed you. We have so much to talk about.

See you soon.

So some dipshit

2007-03-24T09:21:00.001-04:00

Hacked into my account and I didn't have access to my blogs for a while. But thanks to GOOGLE and their awesome customer service I was able to get my babies back! YAY! Snaps for Google.
I started a new blog in the process as well and I have many plans for it but it is under construction right now so I'll reveal the link in about 2 weeks.
TTYL.

MySpace is the devil

2007-02-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

As is Hi5, Facebook and all other social networking sites that there are out there. I hardly ever use them but I always seem to be "found" by:

A date I've ditched some time in the past wanting to know what happened;
A unusual ex boyfriend who leaves cryptic messages as a profile comment;
Some lecherous old man wanting to do dirty things to me.

Needless to say, messages from them vary from the mildly entertaining to the simply disturbing.

I honestly do think that MySpace is an unrelenting black hole of procrastination as, curiously, when in log in (however rare that is - *cougheveryotherdaycough*) I never seem to be able to log out for at least an hour to an hour an a half. Now why do you think that is?
The last time I logged in I swear I saw Tom grow horns.

I SWEAR!

A Review of Sorts

2007-02-06T08:07:00.002-04:00

I'm not a cinematic expert of any kind, I don't even qualify as a movie buff. I'm just a person that enjoys the cinematic experience, to sit down and take in a good flick. So here goes nothing.

Solace Reviews: The Pursuit of Happyness.

I'm not entirely certain that this was an apt name for this movie. Yes, our hero (or anti-hero) Chris Gardener (Will Smith) does relentlessly pursue a better life by fighting tooth and nail for a new career but is that really happiness?
I give it 3.5 out of 5.

The Plot in Summary:

Chris is a struggling salesman who is looking for something better. He has a wife and 5 year old child Christopher (Will Smith's actual son, so there was no stretch there). One day he passes by a brokerage firm and sees happy looking people all what we assume to be brokers and he decides he wants their happiness.

His marriage has failed and his wife has left him and Chris insists that he keeps his son, his wife obliges. Chris has very little funds but big ambition and is able to enroll in a salary-free internship at a large brokerage where the success rate is one in 20 every 6 months.

He makes a decision to pursue a dream (some may say at the expense of his son) as the 2 member family goes through numerous seemingly insurmountable trials and tribulations to make the situation work.

My Opinion:

The movie was beautiful for what is was. Will Smith's acting was good but as I said I am not an expert on such things. In my general opinion, enjoyment of the movie depends on your own perception of happiness as it can be construed in 2 ways.

1) Either Chris is a champion of a man, father and intern. A victorious underdog in a cruel world who moved mountains to get where he is for the betterment of his son's life and by extension his own.

OR

2) He is a conceited, self-serving monster of a man who puts his own whims and fancies over the well-being of his son.

I think it's a bit of both.

Chris did indeed move mountains and you really respect him after all he did to make things work. You cried when he cried, you hurt when he hurt and you were happy for the fleeting moments he was. But there were little moments when you wanted to hate him. There were parts of his life that you wish you could shield his son from, like the incessant running. I do not think he was a self-serving monster of a man, however, there is a time in your life, regardless of the responsibility of children, you do need to do some things for you... if only to maintain your own sanity (however threadbare it may be).

All in all, a feel good movie with some soul. Not the best but not the worst either. It all depends on your Perception of Happyness.

Shy Sensei

2007-01-30T20:39:00.000-04:00

So my Japanese professor is a trip. So cute, seriously and no not in a lustful, girl crush kind of way. She's cute like a kid is cute. You seriously want to pinch her cheeks, when you can understand what she's saying.

I suppose Japanese women on a whole are shy and she definitely epitomizes that for me as when ever she laughs or makes a joke she covers her mouth. It's completely adorable.
And no, her teeth are fine.

This is my third week of class and I must say it's very intriguing, trying to understand a language and the culture behind it all. I'd love to go there some day. All in good time.

So I've been busy

2007-01-30T08:47:00.000-04:00

... but not so busy that I couldn't update. We'll just blame that on laziness and lack of motivation. But I've been up to quite a bit since you've read me last.

I'm married for one....

*PSYCH*

God, that never gets old.

But, no Mr. S and I will have been together for almost 3 years and though we have our ups and downs, neither of us will be going anywhere very soon.

I am still doing Marketing, started Japanese Classes and will start A+ Classes soon. Yes I am becoming a veritable techie rather than junkie but it's a start

I also am trying to teach myself web design so expect to see some changes around here later one

Also, I am becoming a bit tired of talking about myself (yes, narcissism can only get us so far) so, I'm planning on doing some reviews soon but no promises there. You know how fickle I can be.

And that's about it for now. Until later, gator.

Trini Artists come out of their shells.

2006-12-06T09:27:00.000-04:00

ScribbleFactory

Some Trinidadian artists on display.

Be sure to check out the viewer art section as well.

Ask Solace: Taking my own advice.

2006-12-03T00:37:00.001-04:00

I'm an encourager, a pusher, an advocate of ambition and all that is good in others. I am always willing to help, I am always willing to go that extra mile (for others) and am always willing to sacrifice my own happiness for the happiness of random people.

So why can't I do all these things for myself?

Some days I feel like a chronic fuck up, other days I feel as though I own the world. I am a self starter but I am a great procrastinator.
I have ideas that can move nations but I fail to put word into action. Why?

Why can't I teach myself the things I teach others? About life, love, success and all its secrets. Why can't I serve the cake and save a piece for myself?

Dammit!

Still Alive

2006-11-29T03:09:00.000-04:00

Haven't had too much to blog about recently... and I still don't so this is pretty much a mini update.

I am going to school again, still doing marketing.
Mr. S and I are still together, doing wonderfully though we argue a lot now. But still good.
That's about it.
That's life.
C'est la vie, full of ennui. (Ha it rhymes! Take that Poet Laureate!)

Looking for some hobbies... suggestions?

I fed up

2006-11-02T17:53:00.000-04:00

Yet another child raped and murdered.
Yet another do-gooder killed.
Yet another smelter being opened.
Yet another disgruntled Trini staying silent.
Ah forking fed up.

But what should I do?

What would Manning say flying around in his swanky new private jet? Let them eat cake?

Chupz!

I re-invent myself more than Madonna does

2006-10-23T18:00:00.000-04:00

So, I left my job, again, to finally settle down and finish my studies. It's kind of bittersweet because it was a great job and I hope to go back someday, but it was fucking with my education and homey don't play that.

So I start new classes next Monday, I have new books and I am otherwise elated. I'm really good at starting things.. I'll give myself that, it's the finishing that is the pain in the rectum.

I spent all day studying today that felt really good. Like I'm going somewhere. I just hope I can keep it up for the entire duration of the classes because, unfortuantely with me, I miss one class and I am gone forever. I completely lose interest. Strange but true. Somedays I feel as though I have no willpower left.

Another new beginning may be starting soon. I am planning to do the A+ Certification soon. Classes start either in November. I'm not doing it with work in mind (though I know it certainly helps to have it as your salary is bumped up quite a bit) but for my own personal curiousity. I hate having to depend on people to fix my problems for me (technological or otherwise) so it will be a good skill to have under my belt.

Also I have to go restart driving classes. The pedestrian scene is not the flick and I am applying to UWI for the January semester.

All in all, I hope to be out of the house for a loooong time.

Spank me

2006-09-12T11:33:00.000-04:00

I'm a bad blogger. So very erratic, but you love me anyway.

*fondles blog fondly*

So, what's been up? Nothing, actually. I've been working... and scratching and being very, very lazy and I like it. Contemplating a lot of things and just being introspective. I've spent a lot of my time observing the everyday happenings of Trinidad and Tobago... including the political aspects of my country (which I will not comment on for a while until I observe a bit more).

One thing I have noticed is the penchant that us Trinis have for "Ole Talk". Ole talk is basically good natured gossip (most times) and is prevalent among both sexes. It takes place anywhere more than one Trinidadian is and is beloved by all (even though many deny it).

I've learned many things while tuning into ole talk among older people, little pieces of wisdom that will stay with me for years to come, proving that it isn't just for entertainment. In fact, lasting friendships and bitter enemies have been made because of this tradition. It is both a cure for boredom and a source of information. From the corrupt politician who uses it to spin a web of falsehoods to the beggar who often has conversations with himself. Even I find myself engaging in it daily, even on this blog.

It's amazing the topics that can spark lively and lengthy discussions as well. From politics to doubles. From women to clothes, the subject matter never seems to run thin. I remember as a child watching the older one talk, listening intenly as laughter erupted,evoked by some "rude" or suggestive comment and me, lauging as though I knew what was funny. Of, course this would end in me being chastised and told to stay out of the affairs of "big" people (that piece of advice has stuck with me over the years and I still feel strange interrupting conversations when my elders are present).

School days were the best by far though. Debates over the superiority of girls over boys were the discussions that caused the most controversy and often ended bothe sides soaked to the skin from a water fight *reminisce* The battle of the sexes still rages on to this day.

Ah, the joys of being a Trini.

Between a rock and a hard place

2006-09-08T16:06:00.000-04:00

I have a big decision to make.

I have to leave my job to go back to school. What's the problem? Well, it is probably one of the best jobs I have ever had. Regardless of how much I complain about the late hours and the constant back on forth, I like the excitement and I get a rush when I see an Ad I have done in print, heard it on the radio or see it on television. I am definitely advancing in the field and can see myself being here long term doing something I like to do: Writing, Conceptualizing and Strategizing. Mind you, there are days when I would pull my hair out and I too get the Monday blues but I think its worth it. I love the challenge it offers everyday. And I am learning so much.

On the other hand, I need to go back to school. I promised myself I'd finish my degree and learn at least 3 languages by the time I was 25 and I only have 4 years left. My education is so important to me but I am so easily distracted that it's hard to stay focused. I've tried working and going to school part time but it is too much for me at this point in my life. Unfortunately, I don't yet know how to be that driven and I often just get demotivated and quit. I want to do so many things that I can't yet decide on one so I think I need to do them all just to satisfy my thirst for knowledge and the only way to do that is to leave. I need that time to figure myself out.

*sigh*

Beware. A rant is coming.

2006-09-05T09:35:00.001-04:00

Greendot, my ISP, is the forking WORST! I have been trying to upload a live performance of Skid'Nevely forever... well for at least 2 weeks and have NEVER been able to finish because the connection is so unreliable. It is a 2 minute clip that is only about 45 megs, so why is it taking so bloody long to upload. Today, I decided that I would sit at the desk and wait for it to finish. After about 2 hours... yes 2 fucking hours, the connection timed out on the main page so I had to start all over again. It was at 89%. Motherfuckers!

Shit man! If I didn't despise TSTT so much I would have switched providers. BITCHES!!!!

ARRRGGGGHHH!

*sigh* I feel better now. Greendot MC.

The joys of Trini Rock.

2006-08-17T16:25:00.000-04:00

I've been busy as a mo fo lately with work and life in general. So sorry for not posting as often as I should. *Have a cookie*

So.. what to blog about today? Well, I have recently been going to a lot of local rock concerts lately. Now, Trinidadian Rock is a growing artform. There are quite a few bands but many of them are not my style, the ones that are, though, I love. So, in no particular order:

Incert Coin (yes with a 'c'):
Awesome band that I think has international potential. They've been around for quite a while (about 10 years I think but don't quote me on that). In my humble inconsequential opinion, they have great music: intriguing lyrics and a damn good sound. Plus, James ( the lead singer) has an amazing voice and a great stage presence, something that is hard to fake. I've been to many of their shows and they have never failed to disappoint (except last Friday when they didn't play at Steps anymore.. WTF happened guys?). To hear their music, check out their site as well as their Myspace profile..

Jointpop

Mr. S introduced me to them. He has good taste too. J.pop isn't like any of the other bands I will blog about today. They have something special. They've been around forever and I have alot of respect for them. Their sound is very unique (more indie than anything else) as is the band. So professional, so centered, so focused: I am very surprised that they haven't hit the big time yet. I've only been to two shows of theirs but they have blown me away everytime. Their music is so well thought out. Sometimes comical, sometimes serious but always awe inspiring.... One of my favorite songs is "Let's pray for Rock and Roll number 2 on the Juke box). Take a peep at their site which is very cool as well. Oh yeah, Myspace.

Vox Deus

Formed in 2002/2003, these guys have great energy and a crazy sound. They seem a little rough around the edges but it works for them. Their lead guitarist Nicholas Khan is really good (coming from a novice in every sense of the word this may not be the greatest compliment but the man f-ing rocks it hard). Their vocalist Matthew Coelho has good stage presence and a killer grunt. Performances are unfortunately sometimes inconsistent but they are worth the wait. Here's their Myspace profile.

Tripped and Falling

Punk and powerful. A great live band with high energy and even higher potential. Their song Ashes and Ember is one of my favorites. I don't have to say too much about them cause their music speaks for it self. One thing I will say though is that they always seem to get better with time. Kudos Guys!TAF Myspace

Orange Sky

One of the more popular bands in T&T, I have a special place in my heart for them. They were my very first concert and it was all history from there. An interesting blend of reggae and rock, these guys are really good and .hurray for them, recently signed, I expect alot of good things from them. I have nothing bad to say about them at all. The music is mellow and chill and friggin awesome. Play me "Alone" or "Real Love" and I am good for the day.Just go see.

Skid"Nevely

An unsual fusion of Steelpan, calypso and punk, Skid"Nevely sound the most like Trinibagonian Influenced rock, though their founding member Andrew McIntosh is from St. Lucia. They are definitely original and I like that about them not to mention the bandmates seem very down to earth as well. Very good in concert and recorded, they have a consistent sound and you can tell some of the members are classically trained. Overall, a tight band. As usual... the Myspace profile

Some others worth mentioning:

Blood Red Clover: Lead singer has a great full voice.
A moment of silence: Wham dey Bob?
Everything is Eventual: WTF Music. Funny as hell.

For more information and links to bands on the Trinidadian Rock Scene go to Island Noise

Memories of the Muppet Show

2006-08-08T21:11:00.000-04:00

They really need to put this stuff back on the air.

I am a coward

2006-08-08T15:44:00.000-04:00

And a beach bum.

I ran away. I couldn't do it. I couldn't go to church with Mr.S' mother, I made him get me out of it. Apparently, I wanted to go to the beach more (either that or I am demon spawn and cannot set foot inside a holy place). And frankly, I'm glad I did. So there!

I still have to go with her this Sunday though. Mr. S sucks at lying.

Maracas is the flick.

Making nice with Mumsie (in Law)

2006-08-02T14:51:00.000-04:00

I made it past noon! Mostly because I got there at 4 p.m (late.. as usual) but I swear it wasn't my fault. My favorite cousin (Ms. C), yeah.. the same one who has better luck with the ladies that I ever will, came along with me for moral, or in this case, mortal support.

After getting there way too fashionably late and losing the ability to filter into the crowd unnoticed, Mr. S' dad decided to give me the grand introduction by getting the attention of the WHOLE family and announcing the late arrival of Mr.S' girlfriend. As embarrased as I was, I gave a quick smile and a weak "Hi" and made my way to the back of the room. His family was sweet to me though even though there was limited interaction due to the fact that I was hiding in the corner the whole time.

It was by far one of the most interesting Family Reunions I have ever been to... considering I've only been to about 4 in my entire life that isn't saying much. Apparently, as Mr. S kept reinforcing to me, the family is very distant. Many of them have never even met so they were going around the room making introductions and short (in some cases long and tearful speeches ending with the expectations for the family and what they would like to do for future family days. Even I was forced to say something about myself in front of the whole family. I can't even remember half of what I had said but I do remember a quip about our (Mr. S and I) difference in age. He's six years older than me. I let it pass.

Nearing the end of the family day, I went in search of his mum so that I could introduce her to my cousin (she did not greet us at all). I finally found her alone at the door and did a cheerful introduction only to recieve a grunt of acknowledgement in return before she turned her attention to someone else. I was completely fazed by this and my cousin forced herself to curb her tongue as she revealed to me later on.

I have tried everything under the sun to get to this woman but this was by far the worst reception I had receieved. Usually she says hi and immediately interrogates me on my church-going habits of which there are none. I could lie and say that I went but I refused to do that. Finally, at the end of my rope and coming up empty with ideas, I decided, after much prodding from my cousin to go to church with her next Sunday.

Now, I am a religious person.. to an extent. I believe in God and pray often but I do not go to church. I cannot stand listening to hours of a pastor droning on and on about this and that. But that's just me. To me, religion and my beliefs are personal. But.. I digress.

It seemed to prod a response from her finally as she started making conversation with us (my cousin and I) about getting Mr, S to go as well and about our personal lives. How swiftly attitudes can change.

By the way, if you are wondering where Mr. S was in all this... he had promptly made a beeline to the children's corner and left me to the wolves. Bad Mr. S! No booty for you.

All in all, I'm now stuck with a church date with Mumsie. YAY! *grumble* Oh well, Mr. S is lucky I love him so much.

That Dreaded Family Reunion

2006-07-31T16:51:00.001-04:00

It's finally here... this thing I have been dreading forever. It's not my family reunion, of course, it's Mr. S' (my boyfriend of 2+ years). I got away for more than 2 years having to deal only with his dad (who is adorable) and his mother( who scares the living daylights out of me).

I have avoided all the rest of the family (with the exception of his cousin's wedding last year ...or the year before) beautifully for 2 WHOLE YEARS but now they will all be there, to my xenophobic dismay, to prod and poke and kiss and cajole. I can barely wait for the probing questions that will be fired at me like machine guns in a war-torn country. The forced smiles and awkward silences for a whole day.

Maybe I should start writing my last Will and Testament cause I'm not so sure I will survive past noon.

Did I mention I hate family reunions, especially when it comes to Potential In-Laws?

Any advice?

Solace's Trip to the zoo. Boredom is a hell of a thing.

2006-07-30T10:14:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the pics in a handy little strip. Click on the ones you like for a larger image.

More videos coming as soon as photobucket (and my crappy connection) can upload them.
*sigh*
Disclaimer: I suck at taking pictures so if they are blurry or anything of the sort you know why.

That Lazy bastard

2006-07-30T09:37:00.000-04:00

I went to the zoo yesterday on a whim with a friend of mine. The animals seemed to be very animated as the following video will show. Unfortunately, the Emperor Valley Zoo (in Trinidad and Tobago) is pretty small and a bit depressing as my friend Tish pointed out but is still a nice place to go whent there's nothing to do. More Pics and videos to come later in the week.

This is the first time in all my years going to the zoo that I have EVER seen this lazy dude get out of the water. EVER! Click to see it.

Now forgive all the "ohmigods" but I am scared shitless of those things; caged or otherwise. Don't know if you'll understand the accents.