IMP0SSIBLE T0 IGN0RE: July 2011

Me & Jessica standing behind the Lake at the Secret Garden Party 2011

Hello again && WELCOME to my show! This is my time to vent, shine & act stupid in front of BILLIONS of readers (lol). Hope you are ready to read my experience at the Secret Garden Party!

This year, I had the privilege to work and attend this amazing festival in Hungtindon, two hours away from London. You can't imagine how nervous and excited I was. My first festival, working and meeting over thousands of artists, hundreds of journalists and photographers - being over 25,000 people attending this special event. There were writers from BBC, Vogue Magazine, Times Magazine and so many more!

The purpose of this festival was to bring everyone together for a great time. A time to be yourself, meet new people and BE FREE! There were no such thing as class here. No high, middle or low, because you're all the same.

The music varied from Techno to Reggae, so if you loved music, you loved being here. Lots of live music everywhere! Trust me, I was in the zone!

As soon as I arrived, I was blown away! There was nothing but beautiful scenery, with art work EVERYWHERE. Venues everywhere with musicians performing every hour. This event proved how much I love music.

Where I stayed!

Finally unpacked my things and adjusted to where I was sleeping. Being at a 4-day festival, I had no choice but camp just like everybody else. Being a first time camper, I was really scared. But it wasn't that bad after all. I stayed in the Boutique area that cost over a thousand pounds with bedding. I know! Not really camping. But for me, it was perfect!

Inside my tent! My bed is on the right!

I was so happy to bring a sleeping bag! It was freezing outside! Luckily, the bed was very comfortable, I made everything work!

The Lake! Pretty init?

Working everyday, I finally got the chance to meet every company I emailed the entire summer. Being overwhelmed a few times, I finally adjusted to the weather, sat back and enjoyed myself. Even during rainy days - people still danced and made the best of everything. I was really impressed! There were no issues to worry about. Everything was perfect!

Working in the Media Tent, we had the best view! Got the chance to meet and listen to local artists - it was mind blowing! The Big Stage was only a couple of feet in front in front of me, so I didn't have to worry about bring my glasses (lol). I saw artists such as Mystery Jets, Blondie, Leftfield, and Hall of Mirrors.

WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!

The night life was even better! Venues were free, inviting everything with legs to come. I've met people from different backgrounds with the best stories. There is no other place this would of happened!

I can't really explain all the details about this festival because it was something you have to experience for yourself. Hope this was enough to know I really enjoyed myself! Here are some pictures of my week!

What I saw from the Media Tent!

Jessica!!!

Me in my tent!

Pretty!!

Me and Jessica by the Media Tent

Me and Jessica after the Burning of the Fly!

Me and my IceCream! I don't play! Don't mess with me & my food!!

Me and Jessica looking like beautiful!

This was the best cupcake I've ever had!

Yeah! I was convinced to buy one!! lol

Guess who came to visit? Oasi

Look at all of the wristbands we had to wear!

I couldn't do this for 12 hours!!

Awwwww!!!

Couldn't say it better myself!

Picture Taken by Sarah Griggs

Hello family & friends! Boys & girls! Old and young! White or Black. Pink or Purple. Fat or skinny! (lol, okay Im done)! I hope all is well with you, as it is for me! It's been a wonderful journey thus far, and I would love to share about 3 weeks of blogging that I've missed!

(Whispering)I believe the day was July 1st! What a pretty day it was. Sunny with rolling skies of cotton ball clouds roaming in the air. The temperature was about 37 degree Cels. Me, Jessica & Kristen decided to take a stroll around the park. First stop, Abbey Road! I'm not sure if you all are familiar with this street, but a musical group from the 60's walked on this road, in the land we call London. This group is known as the Beatles. Our group is known as the LJK! (pronounced as el-jay-kay). La'Shana, Jessica & Kristen! Ever since we walked on this street, it became very famous. Infamous really! They take pictures and people get tattoos. It's really amazing! Look at us below!!

Jessica, La'Shana & Kristen

At this time, we decided to sign autographs and take lovely pictures. ( I hope at this point you know I'm in a hyper-silly mood. I'm not really serious ).

Lovely init?! (init = "isn't it" in the states)

I came home after a lovely dinner (date), and was introduced to our new house pet. Apparently she was here before us. HE/SHE name is Star. Say hi!

Boy, ain't I a stinker.. I don't understand why I am so hyper. You know me! I'm ALWAYS doing something stupid!! This is why you L0VE ME! Don't deny it!

Later on that day, we ran across a sports bar! So exciting. We have a Taste card which gives us 50% off of our food. Off of the ENTIRE BILL!! I spent like 4 pounds for dinner and 3 drinks. About $7.00. Then we walked around, and decided to go home.

The next day, Kristen invited us to a friends concert that was touring in London. It was the Jimmy Barnes Show! Not really into rock music, but I really enjoyed myself. The drummer was amazing and a recent Berklee graduate! (whoot whoot).

After forgiving everybody for the beer spills, we went backstage where we hung out with the bang and talked. About this time, I was ready to eat and go home. So I stopped at the first place I saw (McDonalds) and went home.

Fourth of July came and nothing was planned! At this time, I decided to go bowling. I won 2 games out 3 (I wish). I won 1 game out 3. It was soooo horrible! It doesn't matter because I still enjoyed myself. Next time I go bowling I will invite my uncle who will beat you and me both! He's a beast!

My flats hanging out at the beach! Xann, Alyse & Jessica!

If you didn't know, we have a beach in our backyard. A wonderful time to relax, talk and vent. Usually some of the boys come by (from our program) and we'll hang out, have a couple of drinks and eat. I will miss this beach!

I've never been into Jazz until I graduated Berklee. All my life I've been classically trained but sometimes, listening to it is overwhelming. So, I went to Ronnie Scotts (a famous Jazz club).

Me & Sarah

The next week, I was overwhelmed with work and school, so I decided to over dress and go dancing with the girls. We ended up going to a club that played techno (o_0). Really disappointed, but I made the best of it.

The next day, everybody but me, Nia, Jessica & Sarah decided to go to Ireland. This was the opening of Harry Potter 7, Part 2 - so you know that was on my to go list! HP7 in LONDON? "IM IN THERE"! Shockingly, I stayed awake throughout the entire movie and loved it! BEST ONE EVER!!!

Me, Jessica & Sarah

Patiently waiting!

Funny how we were "too early" for the 12am show of Harry Potter. Usually in the states, it's a BIG THING. Go to the show 2 hours early, get in line and get a seat. We did this in London and waited 1 hour and 40 minutes before people started to show. smh.

Me & Jessica

I'm sorry if I push you away from reading my blogs, but none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for GOD. & I know I'm all over the place with my stories, but I've been so busy! I literally forgot to blog for 3 weeks, so I'm trying to sum it all up in one blog!! Please forgive me!

(Continuing on)...

I've been truly bless & I have one person to thank! It's so hard trying to figure out British folk. One minute I'll think they're upset, but really they are in the best of mood.

I received an email from my boss (at my intern) saying how she liked me. At this point, I was full of joy reading only positive things about me and my career. I was asked to be her assistant until I left. At this point, I was breathless. Working for a woman who worked over 20 years at EMI Record Label, and left to start her own business & organization. I was then asked to come with her to the Secret Garden Party. I was told that this would change my life. The Secret Garden Party is held in 2 hours away outside of London & is known as one of the biggest festivals.

(Told you I had so much to share)

Another day, I decided to get dressed up & go out. I went to dinner with Sarh & Jessica, called the boys and got ready for an interesting night. At this point, I've gotten over everything and moved on. "It's time to live my life while I can - life is too short".

Sarah, Me & Jessica!

Shoes on point right? I think we covered them all!

This day, a random guy approached me with one of the best deals ever. A chance to go to 3 clubs for 10 pounds. This included drinks and all. Soooooo, we took it and started our night. First stop was the Oxygen club. Then we went to Sound night club. I fell in love! This club had the best music! From R&B to Reggae! Apparently my roomies hated it because guys kept "creeping them out" as they would say, but I say tell them to back up!!! & REALLY MEAN IT!!!

Leaving the club, we ran into the M&M factory where Chris decided to make a scene and propose to Sarah! He got down on one knee, told her he loved her and asked! She said yes and screamed! She screamed, I screamed! We screamed! lol. People clapped and then we ran out. That was the funniest thing I've ever seen!

Me, Chris, Sarah & Jessica!

Right before the proposal!

After Chris proposed (hopefully you know it was a joke), we ended up going to Gem night club. I was told I looked amazing (yes, I'm going there - you know who you are). From then, it was fun! Met a handsome young fella who was American! One of the most intelligent men I've met thus far.

Now I already know what your thinking. BUT I believe I'm grown & young. And it's funny cause he's kept my attention thus far. I loose interest real fast. Trust me!!! Keep up the good work sir!! lol. Love how we see eye to eye on things. School, religion, goals, etc. Yeah yeah yeah! I like you. So what!! YOU DO TOO.. lol

(0kay, I'm done cup caking folks)..

The next day, I was invited to go to the London Bridge Experience. Not knowing it was something like a haunted house, I went in showing my brave side. "ohh my god", I screamed! It was so scary! Walking around in the dark, trying to find your way out. Then running away because your being chased away. Never again!! This was Osai's (guy I met yesterday), plan to get closer to me. You know when guys take you to scary movies & then you jump on them and get closer. Yeah, thats what he did. He knew what he was doing! (lol). After peeing my pants, we went out to dinner.

Erykah Badu Concert

Finally on my way home, I was convinced to go to Erykah Badu's concert the next day. So I woke up Sunday morning, went to church with Nia and went to the concert. I am really impressed with the churches here. I've never shouted & danced a day of my life in church. Not until I came to London. Ever since I've been here, my personal relationship with G0D has grew. I LOVE IT!!

Next stop, Erykah Badu's concert. It was soo WONDERFUL! Love how music takes you so many places. I'm glad I was invited.

Me & Osai at the Erykah Badu Concert

A couple of days later, me and the rommies decided to go see Bridesmaids before me and Jess left for Camping. Finally time has arrived and I will be going to my first festival in London. It is the Secret Garden Party 2011. Stay tuned for that blog!!

Bridesmaids was amazing. I love how realistic the movie was. I actually could relate to it. I just can't wait 'til it's my time for marriage. Wow! Did I just say that?

Anywho! It's about that time lovers!! I hope you enjoyed! Stay blessed! Love you!!

(More pictures)..