Friday Ramblings: The One About "Gratefulness, Unexpected and Failure"

Rambling is defined by Webster as:

·      passing from one topic to another

·      using or containing more words than necessary to express an idea

Reality is defined by Webster as:

·      the quality or state of being real

·      a real event, entity, or state of affairs

·      totality of real things and events

·      something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily

-Isms are just my own colloquialisms .

“I am on a rollercoaster just going up, down, sideways and upsidedown. I am going to puke quite soon ”

— Who the hell asked you to come to the theme park though?

I cannot stress just how crazy this week was, but I can tell you the order was: Late Nights, WTF Facebook Follows, Unexpected, Gratefulness and Failure. It was not in that order but shit it might as well be…

#Fuckyducky

The Failure Part

I am not sure how to say this, but I do feel like a failure. I also found myself slipping into self-destructive mood. 

“You know, I do not drink or smoke. But shit when I hit that “SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BUTTON” … You would ask, WTF are you drinking, taking, or smoking???”

— All me and All truth

“Sober as a Judge but never Drunk as a Lord...”

— Grew up in a former British Space, I really speak like this in real life

I am not able to raise the money needed to get my business visa to set up the business. I tried so hard, but just not fast or hard enough. I should be doing better than this, I am not moving fast enough. I am a tortoise on a path with cheetahs passing me by.

(Lane Posters)

The Gratefulness Part 

Getting someone to recommend me to do a PSA that got me some dead presidents in my wallet? Our interaction was just once at mixer for people with no capital trying to do business in Korea. Well it is true, first impressions matter.

I am beyond grateful
 

My local barrister celebrated his birthday, but saved a cake for me. I was surprised and touched, I mean it is his birthday not “our birthday”.  Despite not speaking English and my no existent Korean, he is always kind to me. I have never walked into this café without them beating me to say 안녕하세요! (Hello, Annyong). I always make sure to say (Goodnight Guys, Thanks for Everything).

I am grateful for consideration from new friends and warm smiles.

Remember last Friday, I was not sure about rent. I was able to secure funds for rent.
I am beyond grateful

I ate fresh food for two days….
MY SOUL MADE OF FRUITS, VEGGIES AND APPLECIDER VINEGAR IS GRATEFUL.

Getting my portraits emailed to me by a gentleman that has photographed four Korean Presidents. I was so beyond humbled and grateful. Tiny me compared to giants.

Grateful Tortoise among Cheetahs
 

Beyond Grateful

My childhood mate donating to my gofundme page. She stays in Los Angeles, I am grateful for 2 cents. That place is so expensive, I think it is because they just want people to run into traffic. Anytime we are asked, how long have you known each other? We just start laughing uncontrollably. We always tell people, we have kicked it from the womb… you cannot go back than that!

I AM GRATEFUL

The Unexpected Part

Did I mention my childhood friend from L.A donating?

“ L.A ain’t cheap bruh….”

— Said Everyone in Los Angeles

I was told something unexpected, I was told that as a child “You were so bubbly and happy”. It was unexpected because to be honest this person meant well. I know their heart meant well. I was few seconds from breaking down. It means that I have practiced the art of pretending the pain from a very seriously fucked up first 10 years of life to an art. In my darkest moments, I receive the most compliments. I often think everyone must see I am cracking but Nah… “Fatimaah you are amazing, how did you……”

I am grateful because it means that even as a kid, I was just fighting you know??

 

Uncle Bob once said …. (You may not mention Mr. Dylan)

The Jollof Empire

My Jellof Rice friend that seems to insist that I am going to be fine because shit, his Wolof and he said so!!!   I love Wolof people you hear me? I mean my love is outside of the Jellof rice. I swear it is, they come close to my Zulu people that I love today, tomorrow, yesterday, and forever..

Greatful to Jollof Rice and Origins

Speaking of a Jamaican

I am sure my soul and uncle Bob’s people are forever intertwined. I do not know how this works in my life, however I know this to be true as love.

I have never had a difficult chapter in life without Jamaicans and neighboring islands as my safety net. I really believe that the struggles of blackness in America was not so hard on me because Uncle Bob and Family have always been there for me. I saw that African-Americans from the States would get punches, but those guys just came in no matter the space (North America, Europe, or Asia), like

““You are okay, eye ear you”.”

— Rasta Man

They took some of those hits of leftover colonialism for me and so my tears became laughs that made my belly hurt. The Jamaican brother, I met that schooled me on other options with this business.

Uncle Bob did tell me to be a Buffalo Soldier

Stream/Download Legends (Deluxe edition) here: https://BobMarley.lnk.to/LegendDEID Music video by Bob Marley & The Wailers performing Buffalo Soldier. (C) 2003 Universal-Island Records Ltd.

Grateful for Uncle Bob, his children and neighbors. 

THE WTF FACEBOOK FOLLOWER

I was told time was a great healer this week after I expressed my shock state of seeing this name on my laptop screen.

Time might be a great healer for you! The other person might still see you and think, BULLSHIT!
Nothing Personal….
 

I was in a state of shock because our last interaction was just BAD. I mean all versions of terrible.

This was a “friend” to my maternal family, and her interactions with everyone has always followed with the words “crazy, madness and my personal best I just don’t understand” ….

The younger me would have sent a message like:

““I see you are following me, please don’t and Oh if I forgot to mention... You are a very horrible person and should %^&K off. Have a great day”.”

— This was before I met Black Jesus, Buddah, Mohammed and Krishna, What is tuly up my hommies?

I think people  can be so rude you know? You must always tell others to have a great day.

“. Manners, Where are your manners??”

I did not send such a message. I imagined just how strange/brave/everything that says this shit is not comfortable it must have been for her to click that button. I wish her well, peace and great moments of joy in life.

…..STILL WTF FACEBOOK FOLLOWER, I  AM GRATEFUL  

   ... I AM THE FOLLOWING LIFE BELOW       

I am/must be graceful as the giraffe 

Diplomatic as the Elephant

Deadly as the Blue Octopus, I learned and still am learning this stage of me. 

This is my shadow, you must know of my heritage to understand the connection of the Elephant & Mermaid. 

Sometimes or maybe all the time

This is because of the box below

So because of this, I often wonder......

But that is beauty in not having all YOUR SHIT TOGETHER...

Amazing requires Courage....

LATE NIGHTS & COFFEE
 

Until next Friday Ramblings, Cheers to the bloody weekend!

Friday Ramblings: The One About the Lost, Found and Cared for………

Rambling is defined by Webster as:

·      passing from one topic to another

·      using or containing more words than necessary to express an idea

Reality is defined by Webster as:

·      the quality or state of being real

·      a real event, entity, or state of affairs

·      totality of real things and events

·      something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily

-Isms are just my own colloquialisms .

This is me fellow Jupiterian from cell to this form. I am aware that there is no life in Jupiter for those that do not see. However this is not my problem. 

Lost

I lost my debit card, oh that sucked so bad.  I was lucky enough that it was mailed to me from the states. My very good mate sent me some cash to eat something because I had no cash. Arrrrrgggggh... I  had maybe $2 in cash so yeah It was just honestly depressing. 

I thought, I was lost finding on an out, but I might have a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong shot in getting something towards the right direction.  

So fingers crossed.....

....BUT WHAT IF I FAIL, I DON'T KNOW HOW I MADE IT THIS FAR...

SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA.....

“Rent Money - Nope
Research Money for Bugs- Nope
Food Money- I mean like Bread and Coffee.... SHIT I AM HUNGRY FOR MY COMPANY”

— Water & Cassava

“...SHIT....No Rent Money, No Food but company recognition.... Sure, I got this...

I CANNOT BE HOMELESS IN KOREA.... Are there any social programs for Americans that are two seconds from having their asses dished out to them!! #KimchiDiplomacy
”

— Water & Cassava

Found

So funny enough this week, I got lots of positive messages from so many different outlets on the importance of staying and moving forward. My article on Libya was popular on Linkedin. I wish you could find fear and toss it to an ocean, in my case...The Pacific Ocean.

My old classmate told me of some funding from Queen Mary,  I will try my luck

“For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge from me to you:
I have sarcrificed so much..
I don’t have a place to go back to
I don’t have anything to fall back on...
..... I am honestly every version of that acronym(NO THAT’S NOT WHAT THE WORD MEANS... BUT JUST LET ME BE GREAT)”

— Water & Cassava

Cared for……

KIMCHI 아줌마 (AJUMMA)

So, there are three ladies at the grocery store across from me. We speak kimchi, no English or Korean here. I am grateful for just how they make sure I get my Kimchi and encourage me to try different Kimchi. They always smile and look forward to interacting with me. I am grateful because I worked retail and after the sale, no one needs to be that kind.

THE BOYS, PASTA & KORCAINE

“Respect Word Play....”

These young guys cook real Italian. They enjoy traveling and use to stay in Australia. They are always so warm and kind to me. They always give extra something or a deep discount.  I am grateful that they always make sure to interact and laugh with me.

“Man may survive on Coffee alone”

— Every Coffee Lover

The Coffee Market

 I will take another picture later, it is pouring....

The Coffee Market is a café by my area that I use as my office. The staff always greets me as soon as I walk in. I am grateful because now I can order coffee and drinks in Korean.

Arthritis

I was diagnosed at 16 with juvenile arthritis. So far, I would like to say ... I am kicking that ass. However, during colder days or when I am very stressed... I am in pain… that shit hurts. 

Some mornings depending on my stress levels or the weather, I must stay in the shower just a bit longer with hot water on my poor hip bone and short leg. 

“.......A SHORT LEG?? LIKE YOUR LEGS ARE ......”

— Yes one leg is longer than the other

So those that know me well, will tell you one leg is longer than the other leg. The shorter leg and that hip bone can be so painful (Water Therapy one day!!). 

My father and my pediatrician told me that everyone has one extremity longer than the other. I think they were trying to make me feel better.

…..Eeeeemmmm,  I mean one leg is shorter than the other. You can not spin that mennnnn.
My pediatrician was really unique in her own way, I mean she just really had this way of making me understand my body was mine and I needed to take good care of it. She would ask about my grades, school and everything. I will speak of her more often on Public Health Wednesdays. 

“Do you know my siblings and my dad made fun of my short leg?
I mean it was not funny.... Actually it was funny…. I always start laughing when it comes up... ”

— You gotta laugh it away

My way of dealing with this from teen to now:

Fresh Foods (I DO NOT EAT JUNK or MAMMALS)

No smoking or drinking.

In the states, my routiine included:

Gym

Weights

Sauna  

Steam room

Whole Foods and The Farmer's Market 

Here in Seoul, I walk at minimum 5 miles a week to 15 miles a week. I drink at least 1.5 liters of water everyday or every other. 

I hate the words, I suffer from (disease/illness). It is such a terrible thing to say to someone. We LIVE with....   

“I also worked in Public Health for close to a decade, I am very particular on ILLNESS. WELLNESS is all that matters.... I in llness means I... but WE in llness MEANS we are in this together. ”

— I bring that BBC, PBS, MTV to Public Health Engagement

So

I live with Arthritis, and I sleep on the floor because it is heated. I am grateful for heated floors

I hope so....See you next Friday Ramblings

Friday Ramblings- The One About Uncertainty

Rambling is defined by Webster as:

·      passing from one topic to another

·      using or containing more words than necessary to express an idea

Reality is defined by Webster as:

·      the quality or state of being real

·      a real event, entity, or state of affairs

·      totality of real things and events

·      something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily

-Isms are just my own colloquialisms .

What did you miss so far?

On the Stage

Introducing the Audience to: African Gastrodiplomacy and Soft Power

In many ways that I say “YESSSSSSSSSSSSS”....I feel so unaccomplished like NADA. I arrived here the last week of April and this makes me 6 months old in the city of Seoul. I am like a 6-month-old unable to communicate verbally, I still do not speak Korean. Yet with a strange WTF form of assimilation, I understand the following Korean:

Coffee Shop Korean
Grocery Store Korean
Cab Driver Korean

I would not know how to tell you how I got here. I HONESTLY do not know. I think not knowing but understanding that I have nothing to fall towards drives me and honestly scares me to pieces. I was told that I looked so good, few days back and I thought to myself

“I AM NOT TO SURE HOW YOU SAY THAT, I AM BARELY SURVIVING HERE. I DO NOT NETWORK QUICK AND FAST ENOUGH. I CAN’T HANG OUT BECAUSE WELL I HAVE NO MONEY. ALL I HAVE ARE MY DREAMS.… DREAMS DO NOT PAY RENT”

— Person behind Water & Cassava

THE CASE OF $%^K BOYS....

I have dealt with so called men that are made not of heart, drive and soul but of misogyny and chauvinism. I was told by a #$%* boy that I should get married and have children. My husband would take care of me and I guess my degrees and professional background would just collect dust. However, after trying to oppress me, he wanted me to hear about the oppression “his people” are currently facing. 

He shared why I could not make in Korea in this order:-

I am not married to a Korean
I do not have a Korean boyfriend

“I DID NOT LEAVE THIS GREAT LAND”

— So I was born in Texas...

“OR THIS LAND THAT BIRTH THIS BLUE BOOK”

— Made of Corn Bread, Blue Corn and Beans

For a penis
 

“What does it say about the value of a woman in your society, if just their p&#$ is of value. I hope you did not think that was a bit harsh.. After all this guy here said.....”

— Water & Cassava

Anyway…..

The Better Together 2017 Event

I really cannot stress how moved I felt that I was invited. I spoke about Africa soft power within the context of Gastrodiplomacy. I was put in a hotel room!!!! How could this be?? ME????? I met some good people like set your soul on fire good. I have one more event coming up and I will be done for this year. I will post that on ESE & SEGYE this Sunday.

I get scared so many times because again, I left a job for uncertainty …..I really believe this could work, I mean really work you know?

The Korea Peninsula & Me

What can I say?. Honestly, I am more scared of Washington, D.C than the major players over here. I feel safer here than I do in the states, I know that makes no sense to someone not over here or invested in Asian affairs. I love Asia like people hold on to the idea that Jesus was not a colored man killed while unarmed. I am on a roll so just keep reading…

Beauty & Uncertainty

I am not to sure why some men think complimenting my or any woman’s aesthetics is the way to go. It makes me want to punch someone in the face…. I am not impressed by your aesthetics, I never asked you to be pleased or even compliment mine.  I do not say, “Oh you are so handsome and tall”. I am here for business, I do not care if you are handsome or tall.
 

Okay, I compliment tall people, everywhere I go. This is because I am tall, and I am awesome. I am 5ft 11inches and I feel my fellow tall people should see each other and acknowledge our height. I am also aware that there is a chance, I have a reverse napoleon complex. I just personally always saw myself as a giraffe. I was always complimented as a child on just how my neck was like a giraffe. I wanted to grow up just like giraffe!

While people might think giraffes are gentle giants, which they are so gentle and beautiful. Please understand a giraffe will kill you or any mammal with one kick. I grew up in Africa, what in the hell did you want me to be? Barbie????

Survival & Uncertainty

I do not know how I eat, pay rent and just live. Ahh to be fair, I really live on coffee and a bagel. I love Coffee, I do not understand the logic of people that believe Coffee can not be food. 

High in antioxidants and just makes the whole world better!

I am so scared of failure and just everything in between and sideways of my journey right now. I believe in #cassavadiplomacy with my heart and soul and I just know this could work!!

Shit I need to figure out rent and…….

See you next Friday Ramblings…..

Public Health Wednesday(PHW)- The Bubonic Plague visits Madagascar

WHAT EXACTLY IS BUBO??

“Bubo comes from the lymph node becoming inflamed, tense and painful. ”

— Water & Cassava

CDC: PLAGUE 101

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/

THE MORE YOU KNOW.... 

    THE WHO & FUNDING FOR THE PLAGUE

http://www.who.int/emergencies/en/

http://www.who.int/emergencies/en/

Madagascar is trying to contain an outbreak of the highly contagious plague. At least 30 people have died in the past two months, and almost 200 suspected cases have been reported. The government has banned public gatherings in the capital, in an attempt to stop the disease from spreading.

These are the expected countries most vulnerable to the plague. 

CHINA'S MEDICAL DIPLOMACY

Four Chinese medical experts have arrived in the African nation of Madagascar to help it fight a plague. Hundreds have been infected since the outbreak began in early August. At least 120 people have died. A more dangerous form of the bubonic plague, the disease is rare, contagious and often spread by coughing.The Chinese experts will provide medical training to health workers there.

FATHER TRADITION, YOU ARE KILLING YOUR CHILDREN

“Famadihana: In Madagascar people dig up the bodies of their ancestors and dance with them. Depending on the family, this ritual takes place every 5-7 years. ”

— Water & Cassava

The act of Famadihana is also contributing to the rapid spread of the plague. Please visit this link to understand, why this ritual is so special to our Malagasy friends. This video includes dancing with a corpse. 

“The outbreak is never the issue. It is the rituals and culture of the people that make it worse.”

— Operator of Water & Cassava (Last life worked in the applied health sector for 10 years)

   THROWBACK TO 1600'S EUROPE

This is a doctor and his anti bubonic plague suit. Some treatments this particular doctor offered patients: Putting frogs and leeches to the bubo, can you imagine just how healing that would feel?

This was another remedy to help infected patients, Bloodletting

Would you like to take a course on learning about the Plague and the realities that first responders face

See you next PHW

Cassava Tuesdays: Sega Branding of Mauritius

“Red- Freedom and Independence
Blue- Indian Ocean
Yellow- The new light of Independence shining over the island
Green - Agriculture of Mauritius and the colour of the country throughout the year”

— Mauritian People to the World

Capital: Port Louis
Languages Spoken: English, French, Creole and variety of Asian languages
Religion: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam,  Buddhism
Prime Minister: Paramasivum Pillay "Barlen" Vyapoory

President:  Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

“Mauritius ranked # 50 out of 176 countries”

— Corruption Perceptions Index 2016

Currency: Mauritian Rupee

“Mauritius is one of the most stable and successful economies in Africa with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 11.8 billion and per capita GDP over USD 9,400. ”

— export.gov (2016)

We must take a moment to remember, our friend the Dodo. The Dodo was a unique bird because it was only found in the country of Mauritius. Hunters from other spaces and hunting in Africa will forever be the death of our ecology system. The Dodo became extinct in 1662.  

BRANDING IS NOT SOFT POWER

Our 5th country for Cassava Tuesdays will be the Republic of Mauritius. Mauritius is home to over 1.3 million people and belongs to quite a few intergovernmental bodies such as: Mauritius belongs to the: Small Island Developing State (SIDS), The European Union (EU), the World Trade Organization (WTO), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and South Africa (COMESA) and the United Nations (UN) and maintains strong economic ties with the BRICS.

The small island country of Mauritius is actively working on branding tools. We will discuss nation branding today, this is not the same thing as soft power. It is an arm of Soft Power but not Soft Power. Do you need a refresher on the term Soft Power? Simply go back to any of our entries: Mulday, Cassava Tuesdays, Public Health Wednesdays, or Silk Road Thursdays. 

“Applying corporate branding techniques to countries. ”

— Nation Branding

nation branding visuals

WHAT DOES MAURITUS HAVE SO FAR AS AN ASSET?

• Political Stability
• Economic growth 
• Investment & Secure Friendly
• Bilingual Workforce 
• Open market for foreigners and talents
• Multiethnicity 
• Ocean Statehood *(I will touch on this another day)
• Intergovernmental Relations (I mentioned that earlier)

TOURISM ECONOMICS: BRANDING TOOL #1

The white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Mauritius lure tourists from around the world. The tourism sector is vital to the island's economy and this year is set to grow again. CGTN's Clementine Logan reports.

HOW DO WE VISIT, ARE YOUR SKIES REALLY FRIENDLY?

Remember in an earlier entry, I stressed the importance of "Flag Carriers". Check out the last entry on Ugali meet Kimchi. The Airline of a country must be safe, attractive and sky friendly. 

“Flag Carrier Safety: Have you been banned from the safe skies of another country?”

— Water & Cassava

 BRANDING TOOL : AIR MAURITIUS #2

Air Mauritius is accessible to visitors from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This is also strategic based on their economic ties. The airline is IOSA-certified (IATA Operational Safety Audit) airline and approved by EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). Secondly, using an airline as a branding tool only works if your regional neighbors also respect your brand. Read this letter below to understand the role Air Mauritius will have in Ghana’s new brand. We discussed Ghana on an earlier entry. You will have to read that to appreciate this letter. 

Thirdly, The brand must be respected internationally, read this letter below to understand KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air Mauritius new partnership. Make sure to read this letter with the background of branding and soft power. 

HOW ATTRACTIVE ARE you?

Did you know that Air Mauritius has helicopter services? By services, I mean premium services. 

What about Air Mauritius holidays?

Do you have a in-flight magazine? In-Flight magazines are there to sell the "BRAND", "PROPAGANDA" of a country, city or region. It is a very impotant tool in the visualization of the country's brand to the passenger. Check out the bilingual Air Mauritius's Islander Magazine

BRANDING TOOL: CULTURE #3

What is Sega? Sega Music was created by the escaped slaves, it was their expression of all their new and old experiences.

There is also a new trend of blending sega, zouk and reggae, check it out! 

BRANDING TOOL: LOCATION, LOCATION #4

BRANDING TOOL #4: REGIONAL INFLUENCE

Mauritius is hosting the first African economic platform forum. It's aimed at economically transforming Africa through industrial development and intra-Africa trade. The two day forum is being attended by heads of state and governments from across Africa. CGTN's Girum Chala is in Mauritius following up on the latest

BRANDING TOOL #5:  CONDUCTING BUSINESS MINUS THE HASSLES 

This is just the beginning of Maurtius! I hope you appreciated this example of branding . 

See you next Cassava Tuesday