Letter from Kenrick Mark (33rd Edition)
Letter from Kenrick Mark
Dear Esteemed Readers,
In one of my earlier letters, I listed the cooking shows I watched while I was based in London. At that time, I forgot one of the names. Last night, I was watching the Bare Pantry Show, and Barbara was speaking about the cooking shows she has watched, and mentioned about the ‘old’ show she loved — Julia Child. That was the name I forgot. Julia’s amazing personality, and direct interest in baking breads and cooking exceptional dishes was second to none. She always captivated me! By the way, the Bare Pantry Show has down to earth Mukbang presentations too! Since it’s primarily Belizean dishes she displays on her channel, I felt connected while watching her shows, in London. I spoke to Barbara once via Twitter and once via Facebook. Her entire family has that ‘Je ne sais quio’. I love their shows!!!
Some nights, I woke up around 12am or 1am. Perhaps it was the noise from outside — a drunk guy, or a passing automobile. I usually drank water, and went back to sleep. Some nights I had wonderful dreams! Then, there were crazy dreams — about being back all the way in Belize, or fighting a battle in dreamland, or delicious food on display but unable to consume it. There were a few times I dreamt of my assignments being incomplete by the due date, and I started to worry even more. For me, there are many times when I dream, and it does happen in life. Furthermore, I can foresee many events/activity that happens around me. I believe I have a sixth sense. Growing up as a kid, I always had those moments of seeing what would happen before it happens (usually at home, school, or anywhere I am). Until today, there are many important things which happened, which I saw or knew before.
I woke up at 8am on Monday morning, November 2nd. My birthday was on November 4th. I don’t fancy celebrations much. In the past years, to celebrate my birthday, I had a youth advocacy campaign, and a fundraising drive for my foundation in Belize. I utilized the celebratory day as a platform to help others. I always consider myself as a underdog, not the spotlight. General Elections in Belize was also slated for Nov. 4th, and the political parties were campaigning — meeting with the people, and visiting the TV Shows to discuss their plans for national development. I would usually scan the news after its posted on Channel 5 and Channel 7’s website. I only read the news I deemed important to my professional development. I spoke to a few of my comrades in Belize about the political campaigns, the plans, and the messages being delivered. Each of my comrades had their own respective, more so bias, approach on issues based on their political alliance.
I had some chocolate muffins for breakfast. I loved Sainsbury’s muffins. They were moist, ‘chocolate rich’ and even had semi-sweet chocolate morsels. When I go shopping, I carefully looked at the types of breads — white, wheat, seeded, vegan, dairy free, fruit-filled, oatmeal, et al. I wanted to try a few, but wasn’t sure of the taste, and didn’t want to waste money. I looked over my schedule for the day. I had Foundations of Scholarship class in the afternoon. So, I showered and went to library to read/review/research.
I arrived at library 10 minutes later, and went to the section with the PR books. Thankfully, a computer station was available. I began to read a book on critical analysis. I needed more information to do an upcoming analysis for a term paper. I read the book thoroughly, taking notes when necessary. I realized that if I don’t equip myself, I will lose. After this, I took a break. I had a chocolate bar, and walked around the library (the level I was on). I spoke to a couple students whom I met a few times in the library. One was Asian and the other was Indian. After the 10 minute break, I went to read some papers I had on my log. I read some articles written by James Grunig. I also reviewed sections of past presentations I didn’t understood. I took many 10 minutes breaks after each hour. I enjoyed these non-academic time! I walked around, I talked to others, I felt happier (smiling).
I went to class in the late afternoon. Professor Kristen was very gracious and understanding, and delivered good presentations. She taught us more about critical writing techniques, provided more links and articles for us to reinforce the skills, and gave jokes sometimes. We had a full class, and learnt a lot. Honestly, I didn’t grasp everything. So, I always had to go back to my notes on moodle.
Class was over an hour and half later, and we all went downstairs on the elevator (well, 4 at once). I walked home. The streets were semi-crowded. I believe many students who attended the University of Greenwich were always around — going home from school, going out to dinner, purchasing groceries or necessities, or just for a walk. I stopped by McDonalds for 2 chicken sandwiches, 2 portions of fries and a milk shake. This order was available in 10 minutes. There were always long queues in McDonalds. I believe many people enjoy the food, and it’s very reasonable. I always saw familiar faces (from school, or people I saw around the Greenwich area) in the queues. I watched cooking shows, and ate my dinner. I knew I was gaining weight. I could feel it. Thus, sometimes I only ate fruits for lunch or dinner.
Sometimes, when I was in my room, I felt depressed. I guess it was natural, missing my family and comrades back in Belize. Some nights I would just lay on my bed, and think. I thought of Big Falls, and my family. I thought of my future. I thought of furthering my studies. I thought of living in England permanently. I thought of decadent homemade Belizean food and desserts I loved. I thought of my comrade from Belize City. There was just much to think of. Thus, I got depressed many times, and even more after the end of May, 2016.
I’m quite exhausted for tonight. I will continue my journey in a next edition of Letter from Kenrick Mark.
Sincerely yours,
Kenrick Mark
