travel – Page 8 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

My Weekly Update – Just Write!

Published on June 10, 2012June 11, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

JuNoWriMo

It was really all about writing last week. I have been debating whether to release any excerpts from my WIP from Junowrimo. But, it just isn’t ready yet. Or, to be honest, I am not ready,yet. However, to avoid being labeled a big tease, I will give you a little insight into my first novel.

Tentative Title: I’m Coming Home

Main Character’s Loves and Hates:

Sydney Smith (I know, I really need to change her name. This isn’t an autobiography. May change it to Emilynn) – More on her description later.

Loves: writing, traveling, tattoos, mexican food and days where no one telling her what to do or asking her to do stuff for them.

Hates: Negative people and people who make statements about people that sound like a compliment, but are actual an insult. Ex: When Sydney ask her boss, Linda what she thinks for the new guy she meets, Linda said, “John is really friendly, he flirts with everyone.”

John Alexander Osha, IV – think of Bryan Greenberg’s character in Prime mixed with Jude Law charm (without the English accent)

Loves: computers, playing golf, watching basketball, hip hop and cute girls with tattoos

Hates: Girls who don’t realize how amazing they are and people who have an over exaggerated sense of themselves.

Linda Ryder – Picture a mix of Chris Everett Lloyd’s athleticism on Kim Zolciak from Real House Wives of Atlanta body. Fake hair included.

Loves: expensive stuff, young men, and being famous

Hates: Buying things on sale, procratination in others (has no issue doing it herself), and people who don’t give her credit.

Trina Watson – Picture your best friend who always tells you the truth.

Loves: her cousin, telling the truth and alcohol which she can’t have because she is 5 months pregnant.

Hates: Sydney’s boss, Linda

Alex James Ryder – good looking guy who doesn’t think he is (don’t you hate those types). A voice of reason; clean cut golf pro type. Addias golf shirt and pants by day. T-shirts and cargo shorts by night.

Likes: teaching golf, playing golf, talking about golf, watching golf, his friends and the F – word

Hates: people who are dishonest and people who take life too seriously

Setting: New Orleans, Louisiana – specifically at a golf course and in several locations in the French Quarter

Genre: I have no idea. I do know it is not science fiction or horror. Two people fall in love in the midsts of some funny situations and someone doesn’t want them to be together. You tell me?

Ok, that is all that I am authorized to reveal at this time. Maybe more next week.

Writer Wednesday Blog Hop

I decided to base a short story on my novel for Writer Wednesday Blog Hop that I may or may not incorporate into the story. I received some great comments in regards to that story that I want to share.

Nicole had this to say – “Great post!!! And God I could relate. To the feeling she had about wanting to feel special to the early morning walk. I loved it!!

Anna said, “Your story gives me such a good feeling, almost like something beautiful is about to happen. And of course, something does… I think I would love to read your novel if this is just an excerpt from it:)”

*I told Anna, she gets the first copy.

Check out Carrie and Anna‘s take on the same photo prompt.

Thanks so much for the great feed back.

New Followers

I wanted to say thank you to my new followers as well. Go check out their sites, there is some great stuff out there in the blogesphere – the first time I have used that word.

Chrissy50

This Week’s Schedule

Monday – My Interview with JuNoWriMo host and participant – Anna Howard

Tuesday – Movie Quotes

Wednesday – Writer Wednesday Blog Hop

Friday – General Blog Post

Sunday – My Weekly Update

*And be sure click the Sydney Aaliyah Writes page for daily updates on my JuNoWriMo progress.

Z – Zacker, Not Slacker

Published on April 30, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle4 Comments

I found myself perusing the Urban Dictionary (Webster’s is where squares go to find words) looking for a Z word and came across the word “zacker”.

Definition of “zacker” – a real bad ass. I love that.

“A real bad ass” is what I am feeling like right now because I finished the A to Z Challenge.

Zacker. Yep, that’s me. A real bad ass.

I finished and I am so proud of myself. I did it and I think I did it pretty good.

I tend to be one of those type of people who don’t all the time finish what I start. Or, I start something with enthusiasm and determination and then finish it at what I can only describe as “half assed”. *My blog isn’t typically filled with suck explicative. Sorry!

When I graduated from high school, I couldn’t wait to go away to college. I was super excited go to a school out-of-state that none of my other high school friends were going to. I was going to have the perfect college life. Life was full of promise and possibilities.

First semester, I had a 3.7 grade point average. Second semester, 1.7 and academic probation. I gave up and moved back home.

After my first year of law school I was in the top 1/3 of my class at Georgetown. I really wish someone had not told me that 3rd year students just need to show up for the exam to graduate. That is pretty much what I did. And, graduated in the bottom half. My rationalization: “Someone has to be in the bottom half.” I missed out on so much.

Let me pause here for clarification: I did go back to school. Florida States University – Go Noles! Georgetown doesn’t usually accept college drop outs.

I did have the opportunity to actually enjoyed the fact that I graduate and still no one has called me to ask for my diploma back. The celebration was short lived because then I had to get back in study mode for the bar exam. Need I remind you that I haven’t really been in a class all year. Long story short (to late – Clue Movie reference) I didn’t study like I should have and failed it. I haven’t try it again.

I have been writing all my life, but am reluctant to call myself a writer. All stories must have endings and I am too afraid to start writing my novel and not finish. It can’t be another thing that I give up on or don’t finish. I am not ready to fail at this yet.

But, finishing the A to Z Challenge has given me confidence, motivation and a little swagger as well. I am a bad ass. I can do this. I can finish something.

Hell, I am so bad ass I can finish anything I put my mind to.

In May, I will be outlining my novel and starting in June I will tackle another challenge. I have joined JuNoWriMo and have challenged myself to write 50,000 words in the month of June.

I am really excited to get this challenge underway and like the Zacker (not slacker) that I am, I have not doubt I will knock this challenge out the park.

Congratulation to all of you out there who finished the A to Z challenge. Thank so much to the organizers and for all those who stopped by and commented on my blog. I found some great blogs to follow during this challenge as well. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Y – Yilpi Marks

Published on April 29, 2012April 29, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle5 Comments

A trip to Australia would not be complete without learning about the aboriginal people and aboriginal art. You can find examples of the art on every cup, bag, pencil, and t-shirt in every souvenir shop in Sydney.

I knew very little of the culture and the struggles of the aboriginal people before I went to Sydney. To be honest, the reason I even paid attention while there was because I was looking for some inspiration for my next tattoo and the designs and colors of aboriginal art is amazing.

But, I decided once I returned I would read about why their art is so prevalent in the modern society of Australia.

I came across Yilpi Marks and her art while doing some research. I saw her art and was instantly hypnotizing by the color and movement.

Like most aboriginal artist, Yilpi learned about the Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories which is reflected in her art by her parents and grandparents. Dreamtime Stories is a creation mythology reflecting the Aboriginal hunter-gather lifestyle. It tells the stories of their ancestors.

It is inspiring how this art has giving the aboriginal people the opportunity to preserve their heritage and cement their legacy as a significant part of Australian Culture.

Thanks to www.aboriginalartstore.com.au for the great information.

V – Virgin Atlantic Upperclass

Published on April 25, 2012April 25, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle11 Comments

Are we boarding yet? No. Man, I can’t wait to get on this plane. Look at it. This plane is huge. I bet it could fit about 300 people in it. 300 people like sardines. But, not me. No, not this time. I get to sit in first class.

Oh, I ‘m sorry, here at Virgin Atlantic it is referred to as Upperclass. Mr. Branson, the owner of Virgin Airlines is a little different. He is British after all. “Virgin Atlantic Upperclass.” What are the other passengers called Middleclass and Lowclass. Yeah, that’s it. Just this morning, I was Lowclass and now I am Upperclass. Who says money can’t buy you class?

Great. She is about to make an announcement. Here it is. “In a few minutes we will begin boarding flight V200 to Sydney Australia. We will start with Upperclass passengers first.” Yes, that’s me. Upperclass gets to board first. Yes. Wait, she is still talking. “At this time, we would like to welcome those passengers with young children or those who may need a little more time to board.” What? I though upperclass boarded first. You mean children and old people have more rights then “Upperclass.” Wait a minute, Syd, don’t let this go to your head. It is just a seat on a plane. Yep, a seat in “Virgin Atlantic Upperclass”.

“Now welcoming Upperclass passengers.” Yippee. I get to board upperclass, thank you very much. Why has my brain turned my inner voice into an elitist British aristocrat? I seem to be walking a little taller down the jet way as well. Some might say I am even strutting. I kind of feel like a runway model on a catwalk. Perhaps a model for a DVF show (Diane VonFurstenburg for those not in the know). I bet she rides in “Virgin Atlantic Upperclass” when she crosses the pond.

Is my imagination getting away from me a little?

“Good afternoon, welcome to Virgin Atlantic, may I see your ticket?” Reality. Why does she need to see my ticket? I bet she thinks I couldn’t possibly be sitting in Upperclass. Well, I am Missy.

Oh, wait, the stewardess asks to see everyone’s ticket. Oh, and she is escorting me to my seat. My full on lounge seat with foot rest. My seat which fully reclines into a bed. My seat that has more buttons then a panel in a cockpit. This is awesome. Oh, and she is asking me if I would like a drink before the plane takes off. “Would you like some champagne?” Hell yeah!

God, I love Upperclass. Nice touch, Mr. Branson.

These seats are so comfortable and the champagne. So, good! I feel like I have this goofy grin on my face. But, so does everyone else. Must be how we are supposed to look sitting in “Virgin Atlantic Upperclass”. Or I could be drunk.

Wait, I need to pay attention to the safety features. Maybe there are different rules for the passengers in “Virgin Atlantic Upper Class”. Um, no not really. “In the event of a crash, blah blah blah.” It is all the same. I guess if the plane where to crash, classes wouldn’t matter. But, when they announced my death it would say, “Virgin Atlantic Upperclass passenger, – – – died in a plane crash.” Ok, that is a bit morbid.

The plane is taking off. I think the take off is smoother in “Virgin Atlantic Upper Class”. Definitely smoother. No really, it is.

The stewardess hands me a menu. Not your typical beef or chicken choices. It is a full menu. The type of menu that top chefs would envy. There are entrees, not an entree, entrees and a choice of appetizers and desserts as well. I choose the salad. Then the ravioli. And a cheese course for dessert. But, of course, a cheese course. There’s that British dudes voice again.

Oh, and did I mention the selection of wines. Yes, they have a selection of wine. “A nice German reisling would go great with the seafood salad.” The waitress/stewardess actually said that. And, German reisling is my favorite wine. Wow. “Virgin Atlantic Upperclass”. It’s like you knew I was coming.

Now that dinner is over, I think I will get a little sleep. But, wait they have movies. Tons of movies. I haven’t seen that or that or that. Damn. I need to get some sleep, but I could also catch up on all the movies I have missed in the last 5 years. Ok, one movie, then I will see how I feel.

Ok, now time for bed. How do I work this think again? Damn. Didn’t know I needed my pilots license in order to work the bed. Oh, yeah, I have to actually get up. Well, not everything is done for you in “Virgin Atlantic Upperclass”. So, I hit the button. That is so cool. For some reason, the movie Transformers pops in my head.

And, it is comfortable, too. If I was over 6 foot, might be a tad tight. Perfect for my 5’7″ frame. Not much elbow room and it will take some effort to flip over, but what am I complaining about, I am in “Virgin Atlantic Upperclass”.

9 hours later

Who turned on the lights? Are we in Sydney already? She is handing me another menu. Oh, it is time for breakfast. Omelet or pancakes? Coffee, tea or a mimosa? Mimosa, please.

Mr. Branson, again, nice touch.

The descent and touch down again, so smooth.

“Thank you for flying Virgin Atlantic,we hope you will join us again.”

In “Virgin Atlantic Upperclass”, anytime.

P – Population

Published on April 18, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle8 Comments

I am always curious about the population of cities I visit. Mainly because when I moved to China, I was fascinated and shocked about the fact that within a 150 mile radius of where I live is the entire population of the United States. Let me spell that out for you. Within a 150 mile radius there are more than 300 million people.

That is just amazing to me.

There are 10 million people in the city of Shenzhen, where I live; 25 million in Shanghai, my favorite city in China, 19 million in Beijing and 8 million in Dongguan where I work. In all there is a total of 1.3 billion people in China. That is a hell of a lot of people.

So, when I heard about the population in Australia, this time I was shocked and fascinated.

There are only 22 million people in all of Australia; 22 million. In a place that has a land mass bigger then the United States there are only 22 million people.

300 million in the US and 22 million in Australia.

The US doesn’t feel overcrowded. At least not where I am from. I figured that Australia would be even more spares. Although 85% of the population live within 50 km of the coast line. In a way it just doesn’t feel like there is a lot of people in this city. We went to play golf today at The Australian yesterday. A private club that was established over 130 years ago. Even though it was raining, we were the only people at the course that day. Even in the rain, you would never find an empty golf course in China or the US for that matter.

Having dinner at any major restaurant in any major city in the world and you would need to make reservations at least a day in advance. For some restaurants you need to make reservations weeks in advance. We had dinner at one of the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. It is called Manta. There was no one at the restaurant. We got right in.

In general, it feels like fewer people are in this city and that is a strange felling for me after living in congested Southern China.

But, there is one other population fact the I believe Australia has every other nation beat. There are more sheep in China then people. I am talking 4x more sheep in Australia then there are people. If the sheep every got together and wanted to take over, they would have no problem.

Moral to this story, keep the sheep happy.