I am ZayZee

2009-10-24T22:03:00.000+01:00

Been a long while I was here. Thanks guys for ur kind and encouraging words. I'm very good and have moved on. I should do blog round soon.

I Was Robbed

2009-10-01T16:40:00.005+01:00

Sunday began as any other day. I went to church, from there to the salon and back to Abeokuta, just in time to watch the finals of MTN Project Fame.

Afterwards, FFF's neighbours from the next compound, who are my collegues at work, came over with another of my male colleague who came to visit and we were all gisting in my crib. I was in the kitchen cooking a native soup that my colleagues were waiting to taste. Besides, my male colleague was waiting for the rain to subside before going home.

One of my neighbours came to borrow my umbrella and said his friend, who was visiting will return it to me soon. It was 8pm.

Then someone knocked. Normally, I will ask from my window who it was before opening the main door. Better still, if I am alone, and there is light, which there was, my curtain will be down, and I wouldn't answer anyone who knocked, because we all have keys to either the front door or the back entrance, and when my curtain is down, you wouldn't know if I am in or not.

But while my male colleague was checking to see through the window, I already opened my door because I was staning behind it.
"Who?" I asked.
"It's me Sola," he answered.
"Who is Sola?" I asked. I didnt know the name of my neighbour's friend, and because of the light inside and outside, I couldn't see properly through the partial glass on the door because of my own reflection.
"It is Sola, open the door na?" he sounded a bit irritated I was still asking and that made me embarrassed because I then believed it was my neighbour's friend who was to return my umbrella. So I opened the door. He entered and I looked at him and my eyes followed his hand to his pocket as a gun came out and two other guys with guns entered behind him. I died.

My first instinct was to scream to alert the others. But I didn't. As I was pushed towards my room, I was thinking and praying. When I stepped inside, I tried to shut the door on them, but they were stronger. They asked the four of us to lie down. I was still standing. My three colleagues were already flat on the rug. I didn't believe it was happening. Then I was told again to lie down. I knelt down first, as I watched two of them descend on my wardrobe. The third one carried my two laptop bags to the bed. One of them went into my kitchen and turned off my gas. At a point, I was lying down too. But I was not quiet because I kept calling on Jesus and the Holy Spirit and the robbers kept screaming at me to shut up.

It was when one of them came to me and started dropping my ear rings on the floor around me, and a second one stood over me, touched my waist, where my jeans stopped, that it occured to me they could rape. I kept quiet and started to pray inward.
I was asked to get up and take them round all my neighbours. I tried to plead and I was slapped thrice. My face still hurts.

It was a terrible night. They found some rooms opened with easy access, and broke down doors, where the occupant was out. They left with laptops, every phone, money, perfumes etc. And they left scars on us all.

I kept questioning God why He didn't interrupt the operation. I kept asking Him to and He was quiet. That was how I felt. And remembering that I was the one who opened the door, I die all over again. But later, we all thanked Him, the incident took place when it did, else it would have been worse. I have a neighbour who always sits outside at night to make calls because the service is poor in her room. What if she was outside?
What if we were seeing off our male colleague who came to visit, and we were stopped by the robbers, who actually parked their car under a tree, watching the house? What if it was another neighbour who had a visitor too, and she was seeing him off? What if they had followed the neighbour's friend back, who was returning my umbrella, and I was alone? What if when it happened, we were all alone on our beds? As of when it happened, every one of us were not alone. We all had visitors. There are so many what ifs, but I feel terrible.

FFF had left for Lagos the day before, and her neighbours were with me. Later we discovered the robbers went to their compound first, seeing no one, they came to ours.

I do thank God for preserving our lives. All the material things lost can be replaced. All my stories and projects on the laptop, He will inspire me again to write better ones. But I feel very bitter because I lost so much of my office documents, including the flash I use as backup. I feel really bad and so confused because it was just two months ago I had a terrible accident and the car has been written off. I had recovered fine from the trauma of that accident believing God preserved my life for a purpose. And then getting robbed in my home where I should feel safe?

I try not to think about it, but when I close my eyes, I see the hand that went into the pocket and returned with a gun. And when I remember how one of those guys stood over me, I fight to breathe again, because I cannot imagine what I would have done if rape had been the story. I wont be here typing this.

I do thank God, but I'm still very shaken. Don't know if I can still remain in Abeokuta. And I am asking God to please help me. I don't want to crash. I'm so close to the ground.

What’s a Life Worth

2009-09-26T20:46:00.001+01:00

The dialogue below is once upon a chat with my brother, on yahoo messenger, last year.

Me: how far?

Brother: was attacked by armed robbers on my way home on Thursday

Me: hmmm. Ur phone again? (I asked this because my brother is so glued to his phone. He lost it one night when someone just reached into the car he was sitting in, in traffic, collected the phone while he was trying to place a call, and robber disappeared. My brother saved and bought same phone again).

Brother: u won't believe they shot the driver and the passenger beside me

Me: what happened gist me

Brother: I took a bus from Orile. It was late and bus was scarce. I closed late from work.

Me: did u lose ur phone

Brother: so at Alakija some boys entered

Brother: they told the driver to stop the bus at Finiger bus stop (that bus-stop on Badagry express is one dangerous place that no bus ever stops there once it's 6pm).

Brother: but the driver refused so they shot him when he was on speed

Brother: so the bus swayed from one side of the road to the other

Brother: nearly killing all of us. so they told all of us to bring our phones and money out. the guy with the gun was sitting two people after me. so he collected phones from the guy close to him and came over to the guy close to me. while he was hesitating, he was shot in the stomach. by then I was confused of what to do cos I had already hidden my phone in my shoe and if I bent down to bring it out they might think I am hesitating too. so I just left myself to my fate. and guess what? The guy with the gun left my row and went to the next. I could not thank God enough

Me: hmmm

Brother: on the next row they broke somebody's head with the butt of the gun. so after that they left us

Me: u should thank God

Brother: so people were shouting at the driver to move

Me: driver that was shot?

Brother: when we checked him he just leaned on the steering wheel moaning, so I jumped through the window and ran all the way home with my phone safe and I was not hurt but my shirt was stained with blood.

Most thieves will kill for anything. Human life means absolutely nothing to them. We are in that period of the year when killings and robbing increases. So everyone, be careful. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

A Display Of Love

2009-09-15T09:26:00.001+01:00

It was a Monday night and my friend O was at the wheel. We hadn't seen in a short while so I was spending two days with her at Lekki before I left Lagos for Jos. To avoid the mad traffic on Lekki express, we entered Lekki Phase 1 and was soon trying to connect the express. There was a short traffic leading to the express. Suddenly, the Nisan Black Jeep beside us made to enter our front. O didn't let her because the Nissan's lane was moving, faster than ours, and O didn't want the young girl at the wheel of the Nissan to frustrate her own movement. When we moved past the Nissan Jeep, the two girls in the ride looked at us and we at them. Then I noticed her plate numbers 'JESUS LOVE'. I said wow. Almost immediately, we nicknamed her Jesus Love.

A few distance to the roundabout, Jesus Love went past us cause her lane was faster and she entered our front and got on the express and back to her lane. We laughed at the way she went past us, like she was proving to us that she could cut us off. Back on the express, we were back in traffic but our lane was still moving, as we approached Jesus Love, she decided to leave her lane and come in front of us, but O was a better driver and O's Land Rover brushed Jesus Love's mirror.

A bit free of traffic, Jesus Love sped up to us and started raining abuses on us, just as she cut into our front and stopped. But O already predicted her move and was out from behind Jesus Love and moving. It was so funny because Jesus Love was trying to prove something. She should have entered our front before we came up close to her. But because she saw us that close, she decided late, just to block us, because O didn't let her into our front earlier. So it wasn't O's fault that Jesus Love's Mirror was touched, though not damaged.

So I told O what I have heard about supposed missionaries. You have a bumper sticker that reads 'obey traffic laws' and yet you break them. The examples I can give are much. Anyone seeing a JESUS LOVE plate number, would expect a better display of character from our Nissan driver.

When Jesus Love drove up to us again, she and her friend still raining insults on us, we returned by hailing her. 'Jesus Love. Are you showing the Love of Jesus?'She was a bit taken aback but not put off, the insults continued and she wasn't watching her fast driving, cause she had worked herself into such agitation that even her friend who started calming her down, didn't succeed. Next thing we heard, Jesus Love rammed into a car in front of her, whose booth flew open on impact, that car hit another, which hit another.

In a split second she was out of her Jeep at the same time the driver of the first car she hit got down. Jesus Love was storming towards him and pointing at us who were gone but watching from the mirror that we were to blame. What? I would have loved to see how that ended, but we couldn't cause traffic.

It was so very funny and I can't capture it in writing. But what in essence I am saying is, we should mind the image we try to give ourselves outside. With our bumper stickers and personalised plate numbers, let us try and practice exactly what we are preaching.

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner!

2009-08-07T12:58:00.001+01:00

First of all, I want to say thanks to you all for the wonderful comments you left on my last post, thanking God with me for His mercies and goodness.You all have a very wonderful weekend filled with showers of blessings from God.

Okay, my recent update is here!

The Crash Picture (I Saw Death Yesterday)

2009-07-27T14:55:00.008+01:00

read the story below.

I Saw Death Yesterday

2009-07-27T11:43:00.002+01:00

I saw death yesterday, but God has better plans for me. He finally made me believe that there is a reason why He has been keeping me alive. It wasn't my first time driving down that road, nor second, nor third.

I can't thank God enough. I am still dumbfounded the accident happened, but to God be the glory. I was driving with three passengers and we are all alive. Only the person beside me had minor injuries and he has been discharged.

I am alive and I am proclaiming that the Lord is good and faithful. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

MARRIAGE SOFTWARE

2009-07-20T08:28:00.003+01:00

My boss forwarded this mail to me, it is so funny and at the same time correct that I decided to share. Enjoy.

MARRIAGE SOFTWARE

This is what a guy wrote to a systems analyst (Marriage Software Division):

Dear Systems Analyst,

I am desperate for some help! I recently upgraded my program from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0 and found that the new program began unexpected Child Processing and also took up a lot of space and valuable resources. This wasn't mentioned in the product brochure.
In addition Wife 1.0 installs itself into all other programs and launches during systems initialisation and then it monitors all other system activities.
Applications such as "Boys' Night out 2.5" and "Girls 5.3" no longer run, and crashes the system whenever selected. attempting to operate selected "Saturday Rugby 6.3" always fails and "Saturday Shopping 7.1" runs instead.
I cannot seem to keep Wife 1.0 in the background whilst attempting to run any of my favourite applications. Be it online or offline.
I am thinking of going back to "Girlfriend 7.0", but uninstall doesn't work on this program. Can you please help?

.... AND THIS IS WHAT OUR ANALYST SAID:
Dear Customer,
This is a very common problem resulting from a basic misunderstanding of the functions of the Wife 1.0 program.
Many customers upgrade from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0 thinking that Wife 1.0 is merely a UTILITY AND ENTERTAINMENT
PROGRAM.

Actually, Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM
designed by its Creator to run everything on your current platform. You are unlikely to be able to purge Wife 1.0 and still convert back to Girlfriend 7.0, as Wife 1.0 was not designed to do this and it is impossible to uninstall, delete or purge the program files from the System once it is installed.
Some people have tried to install Girlfriend 8.0 or Wife 2.0 but have ended up with even more problems (See manual under Alimony/Child Support and Solicitors' Fees).
Having Wife 1.0 installed, I recommend you keep it Installed and deal with the difficulties as best as you can. When any faults or problems occur, whatever you think has caused them, you must run the C:\ APOLOGIZE\ FORGIVE ME.EXE Program and avoid attempting to use the *Esc-Key for it will freeze the entire system.
It may be necessary to run C:\ APOLOGIZE\ FORGIVE ME.EXE a number of times, and eventually hope that the operating system will return to normal.
Wife 1.0, although a very high maintenance programme, can be very rewarding. To get the most out of it, consider buying additional Software such as "Flowers 2.0" and "Chocolates 5.0" or "HUGS\ KISSES 600.0" or "TENDERNESS\ UNDERSTANDING 1000.0" or even Eating out without the Kids 7.2.1" (if Child processing has already started).
DO NOT under any circumstances install "Secretary 2.1" (Short Skirt Version) or "One Nightstand 3.2" (Any Mood Version), as this is not a supported Application for Wife 1.0 and the system will almost certainly

CRASH.
Thank you.
System Analyst
Regards,
--

Oh Yes I Did

2009-07-09T10:35:00.002+01:00

I turned a year older on Sunday. I don dey young dey go o. Anyway, I thank God plenty for the many blessings in my life. For all the testimonies He has given me. For preserving my life and being ever faithful. For the Holy Spirit's guidance and direction when I found a scorpion in my kitchen sink. For giving me the strength to kill it before it hurt me. He never lied when He said He will give His angels charge over me. God has been good.

For keeping me sane when Satan tried to attack my mind and belief recently, wanting to steal my joy away. But thank God, because His gifts add no sorrows.

Thank you Lord again for your protection all through my many trips on the busy highways with bad roads, and under heavy downpours. You were in charge of my life and being faithful that accidents will not be my portion.

Thank you Father for many more blessings. They are much. If I pause a moment, I will remember more. Like that night I was so confused and lost and depressed and You sent the phone call that changed that situation. Can You remember that? Of course you can. And while I'm talking about this, please please please, I need some inspiration and motivation to write some really good stories. I unblock the writer's block in Jesus name. And while we are on this still, PHCN Lord, let them cooperate. Whenever I write 'The End', then they can do whatever they feel like with the electricity supply. And on this still, let notable politicians keep having reasons to come to Rock City, for one party, or book launch or celebration of life or whatever. You know when they come, we have uninterrupted power supply to prove the Gbenga Daniels administration is wonderful.

And thank you Lord for giving Zayzee Limited its very first writer. We will shake the world when that publication comes out. And while we are on this, help me find favour with my would-be investors. You know people need to read that book. Yes. Thank You.

And thank You his test results came out as AA. I wasn't scared cos I knew You are in us and with us. And had that result come out AS, then I woulda done another and it woulda come out AA, and I woulda known You have changed mine or I never was AS. You cure HIV/AIDS, genotype na small thing for You to change.

And of course I thank You plenty plenty for my driving skills. I know You are definitely with me all the way. That reversing to climb a hill, we will master it like we have mastered the rest. You too much.

This new year that has begun, it's You and I all the way.

WITH PEOPLE LIKE THIS

2009-07-01T18:00:00.001+01:00

"Her mother started to scream in the night. When she got to her mother’s room, she met the woman vomiting blood and immediately, she was rushed to the hospital. Hours later the family was told there will be an operation."

I met OG on June 10, less than a month ago. She had come into the office for an interview to fill the position of Office/Domestic Assistant.

We interviewed her and decided to give her the job and she resumed work Monday, June 15. She was told to bring in her credentials and referee forms, already filled, so her file would be opened. OG was hardworking all right. If I had any problem at all with her, it’s the fact that whenever she spoke to me, I had to strain my ears to hear her, she never speaks loud enough, not even on the day of the interview. We strained to hear her that day also. The only person OG could speak freely and audibly to was my assistance, D, through whom she came to work with us.

I got to the office June 19th and was told by D about OG’s mother’s illness. She was discovered in the night. I consoled OG and told her not to worry that she will be alright.

Later in the day, D came to tell me OG wanted to go check on her mother in the hospital. I said no problem. OG came to me to borrow N100 to use for transport fare. She said she will refund when she returned. I didn’t have a N100 change on me so I gave her N500.

OG said she would be back before the close of work. At 4pm I asked D if she was coming back, he said yes. At 4.30pm, I asked D to call her. She didn’t pick her call. When I was about leaving for home, I collected her phone number from D. He said he would go visit OG and her mother the next day.

Saturday morning, I called D to find out when he was going over to OG’s mum, so we could go together, since I had no idea of the place. D’s phone was switched off. I called OG. She didn’t pick. I tried later in the day, same story. D had forgotten his phone charger in the office.

Monday, she came to work and apologized about Friday. She said her phone was stolen from her. She returned my money to me. I wanted to ask her to keep it, but I didn’t. OG said her mother was still in critical condition and the doctor said she had to be transferred to the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan for operation. I felt bad because she was feeling down. At a point I asked if she was crying because she looked like it, and I told her not to worry that her mother will be fine. She should trust God.

Tuesday, OG took permission to take her mum to Ibadan. I was in my boss’ office and heard her tell OG that from the description of the illness, it might be a spiritual attack and they should take the woman to MFM for prayers. Even my driver had advised OG that she should go take her mother from the hospital and not waste unnecessary money, that native medicine would cure her. I remember asking OG what exactly was wrong with her mum, and she told me she didn’t know the name of the illness in English. Okay.

She was absent from work on Wednesday, meaning she had gone to Ibadan with her mum. In the evening D told me she called saying she was back in Abeokuta and will come to the office. No show.

Thursday, she was absent from work, and D called the number she used the previous day. The guy who picked said she wasn’t around. On Friday, I told D to go find out what was going on. He didn’t know where she lives, that she had just changed accommodation and was about changing again. What?

Before close of work that day, D told me he got through to her and she said, she didn’t want to work anymore because she wanted to take care of her mother.

I felt there was no problem with that. But courtesy demands she comes into the office to inform my boss. Besides, she signed an agreement of six months probation.

Two days ago, Monday, My boss called me from Lagos. After we finished discussing, she asked after OG and I told her chick said she doesn’t want to work anymore.

My boss said she behaved badly. She asked me to tell D to get her to come in because her agreement contract stated a month notice on either side, or forfeit a month’s salary. So either she gives us notice or she pays a month’s salary. It is the company policy. In the case whereby this isn’t done, D, who brought her, would pay the cash.

D definitely wasn’t happy about the whole thing because OG was his church member. It was that day I knew that the address she gave us was unreal.

Yesterday, I came into the office and a whole lot of drama had occurred.
D told me the night before, he called the guy, whose phone OG uses to call D and begged the guy to take him to where OG lives. On getting there, D met a woman outside and told her he was there to see OG’s mum who is ill.

The woman said she is OG’s mother and she isn’t ill. D was confused. He asked the woman if she wasn’t transferred to Ibadan for operation. Woman said no. Then D told her everything and the woman was screaming. She promised to visit our office next morning to see my boss, which she did and I missed that. According to my boss, OG’s mother is very young and healthy. Why all the lies then?

D later told me that OG asked him for a loan of N10, 000 for her mother’s treatment and he said he didn’t have. So OG went to my boss and that was when my boss told her to take her mum to MFM. And later my boss told me she had planned to give OG N5, 000.

And I kept wondering why she did all that? OG had even moved out of her mother’s house months before. Why tell such lies about your mother who is very alive and healthy? Is she wishing her mother good or bad luck? I’m still in shock.

A Day With Jay Jay Okocha

2009-06-22T15:19:00.001+01:00

I have committed the greatest crime against myself. My disappearing acts have become so regular and I know you guys are tired of my apologies.

Na work and time cause am o! I dey tour every nook and cranny of Ogun State as if I be Britney Spears. Anyway, I hope you all have been fine. I will surely do my blog rounds. I know I have missed a lot, so na system I go use meet up.

Me and Rock City and Gbenga Daniels are very fine and looking forward to welcoming another blogger down here to rock with us.

Meanwhile, I met Jay Jay Okocha who turned into Mikel Obi. The drama unfolded one Saturday at Ogba. Me and Mr.'s (I avoided typing caveman because I need an appropriate name. We are not cave people. Abi Bible say the tongue is like fire and what we say tend to become reality. We are not cave people o and I am no longer a militant).

Okay, me and Mr. Uzezi's sister. Hissssssssssss Scratch that. Me and Spezzy's sister (Spezzy used to be Caveman. Now we have a name) had just left a wedding in Ikeja to pick up her wedding gown from 'Bride's and More' (no be advert be this o. But for those getting married soon, Bride's and More is where you should go. It's opposite Mr. Biggs on Allen Avenue, and another is opposite Excellence Hotel, Ogba. The service they render is off the hook and the CEO is so nice and attentive to her brides to be. And they have good IV cards too).

Sorry for my rambling about. We left to Ogba to pick the gown, and on our way to the Allen shop for the other things, we met Jay Jay Okocha. We wanted to navigate away from the Ogba road and met this commotion. Fine Boy Agbero and his people surrounded a Bentley. The Car was so fine I couldn't take my eyes away.

We were wondering why they wouldn't let the car go, and my driver said it was Jay Jay Okocha. Now, why that would catch our attention, I don't know, but we moved on and soon realised the Bentley had been released and was coming behind us. Told the driver to park so the car could go before us. I wanted a good peep at Okocha. As we stopped, Bentley too stopped and parked. We turned our heads, stretched our necks to peep at Jay Jay. The driver said, it wasn't Jay Jay, that it was Mikel Obi. So we were still stretching our necks. What is the difference between Jay Jay and Mikel? They are both footballers and earning thousands of pounds weekly abi? And we haven't seen famous footballers before. So we had no way of knowing if we asked for autograph, pounds will follow. It is possible abi?

While the driver quickly got down from the car and walking towards Jay Jay Mikel, Spezzy's sister and myself were waving frantically, giggling like some pikin i don't know. Next thing the Bentley driver's door opened and Jay Jay Mikel got down. My driver stopped in his track. Almost immediately, a chick got out of the car from behind and started harassing Jay Jay Mikel.

We were such mumus that all we could do was get out of there, drive away to finish our business of the day.

The Agberos stopped the Bentley because the car was fine, and they needed coins. It wasn't Jay Jay or Mikel at all. The guy driving had the bushy Mikel's hair, and dressed the part. But he was just a driver driving his madam and her friend, or oga's madam and her friend out.

I'm sure the two chicks would have wondered what was wrong with us.

Formula Four Driver

2009-04-26T17:32:00.002+01:00

I have become the most unfaithful blogger, I know. But trusting the family I have here, I am confident of being forgiven, else you won’t be reading this post. Abi?

I sure missed everyone and the style of writing that set each blogger’s post apart from the other. I can’t categorically say that I am back fully to blogging, due to my schedule at work, and a small writing contract I just picked up, and the loads of books waiting to be read, but I’ll do my best.

Okay, let’s get to my latest gist.

One Sunday in church at the car park, my friend had just parked when a Starguard (unit in charge of traffic in church) guy told a woman to park properly, so other cars could be parked. She quickly let down the window and told the guy she wasn’t a formula four driver.

That same day, I got a past message from church and in that sermon there was something about the difference between men and women when they drive, and how a woman would make a three point turn where a man would make just one. And men will be complaining about that. In a nutshell, don’t try to make someone into yourself. People are different. Don’t try to make me into the expert I am yet to become, because I am just a beginner.

This girl here is gradually becoming an Abeokuta chic and I don’t know if I like that at all. Imagine me looking forward to my weekends in Lagos, then weekend comes and just a day in Lagos I can’t wait to get back to Rock City. One major factor for that change is the fear of Okada and containers. And what I feel I might turn into if I don’t flee Lagos and the roads.

The only time I dared to drive outside in Lagos, I bashed my car. I never bash anything for Rock City o, na only ditch I don fall inside, and motor no get scratch o. Common small bash give me scratch. And that scratch turned me into a fine car sadist (excuse the word). Yes. Before, I used to admire fine cars that are obviously new. Now what I do when I see them is look at the body carefully for a scratch. And seeing one just makes my day; a confirmation that we in the club are much.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t make driving in Rock City for a learner any easier. The hills in this town are killing. The sharp bends, corners and alarming slopes on my way, makes Lagos roads a welcome paradise. What’s more, too many people are moving down to Rock City and congesting the roads for me. I love Lagos, but can we leave Lagos and the cars in Lagos so I can drive properly?

Accepted that I no longer am blowing off fan belts just to move a car; my heart still races when I have to go from gear 2 to 3 (I’ve made the mistake of moving from two to five before), after that, I can take you on a ride provided no check points or junctions to stop me sha, especially on a hill, else to move forward again, na back car dey roll go.

I know I will get there. After all, my friend drives a manual and she even travels from Lagos to Asaba, driving herself, and she moves smooth. She no get two heads. Yes, whenever I am about to give up and tell the driver to take over, all I need do, is remind myself of C, and how perfect she is with a manual car, and I get uplifted. And soon enough, while I’m chancing tankers and containers on Lagos roads, I’ll try not to pick up the language of most Lagos drivers.

So, if any of you need a formula four (or is it five) driver, I’ll deliver you safe and sound. My rates are considerate.

All that said, I’m looking for recipes people. I’m trying to acquire the
characteristics of the Calabar woman in the kitchen. Anyone you have please; no matter how simple, don’t assume I know it, just drop it for me. And does anyone know how to prepare any meal with very little of no oil at all? Recipes please.

You all have a blessed week. And did I say my Caveman had to remind me over a month ago that we were a year old? Hmm! A year! No wonder my knees don’t go weak anymore, and all the butterflies in my stomach have died out of hunger for rush.

Ghosts???

2009-03-31T21:14:00.001+01:00

When you hear ghosts, what exactly comes to your mind? Does a shiver run through you? Do you get goose pimples? I have watched movies like Ghost and Ghost Daddy before. Real fun, but then when it is real life, it definitely is no fun.

Let me tell you a ghost story.

Been ages I updated. So much to do that typing a post seemed like an additional burden for someone like me whom writing comes to naturally. The Lord will help me.

It was a beautiful day once upon a time. Really can’t remember the day of the week, and I had boarded an Oshodi bound coaster bus from Agboju, or Festac 2nd gate, along Badagry express way. And just as we were about to move, someone realised it was a straight bus, and because he had to stop before Oshodi, he begged to be let off. Trust passengers to talk all they want and ask if he was deaf when the conductor was singing Oshodi straight.

He got off, and because we were still at the bus stop, someone else entered and took his place. As we were about to move again, a woman from the back hollered she had to get off. Now the confusion in the bus started.

She begged and even offered to pay, despite the fact that the bus had not moved. Someone said she should be let of quick, since she offered to pay.

So she came down. We don’t know if she paid. And we didn’t move immediately because the conductor suddenly disappeared.

When he reappeared, he was laughing. He told who ever cared to listen, that the woman got off because she saw someone through the window. And when she got close to the guy, she packed sand from the ground and threw it at the surprised guy she obviously knew, and started screaming and crying that she was told he had died. Obviously, was he a ghost, maybe the sand would have made him disappear.

As we moved on towards Oshodi, I just knew I had another blog material. Actually, this really isn’t what I am supposed to blog about. It isn’t the turn of the ghost post, but I just need to get it out and away. I really have lots to blog about o! Should I do it all together, it will be so random, and probably will be the longest post ever to be blogged in the history of blogville.

I have become so crazed, that any little thing that happens around me, I just smile and say ‘I will blog about this’. I have used this phrase so much that my siblings now ask me if it is everything that happens around me that I blog.

To an extent the answer is yes, because when this next event occurred, I knew I was including it in my ghost post.

It is hard to say for sure where I was coming from; I really can’t remember that clearly. But again, I was in a coaster bus (I should stop entering these buses except the ones in my church). We were on the road that leads to Alaba International Market, Ojo. There was a bit of traffic, and I figured I could kill two birds with a damn stone, so I quickly alighted, leaving my bag on my seat and ran down the road to see someone in a shop. The traffic was a standstill, and I was sure to get back on the bus before it moved. So engrossed I was that I didn’t realise the traffic was free, and by the time I noticed, the bus was way ahead. Christ! My bag!

I stopped a bike, and told him to follow the bus. So the chase began. We chased the bus all the way out of the road into an empty road that led to a vast opening of land, we got to a gate and the bike said he couldn’t go in, and because the bus was stopping, I got off and went in through the gate, running to catch up with the bus. Just a few feet from the bus, it disappeared. And I saw my bag on the ground, resting on a bed of sand.

Yes. The bus disappeared before my eyes, and my bag, with a fall, hit the sand. Trying to comprehend what has happened as I bent to retrieve my bag, I noticed it. My bag was on a grave. I was standing on a grave. The name indicated a woman’s grave. The bus driver had been a lady. And every other person in the bus, just like her, were ghosts and they were returning to their home, the cemetery.

I was in a cemetery. And from then on, it appeared as though that particular lady driver of the bus always came around to play with me and friends. We knew she was dead, and it didn’t bother us. At some point, I woke up. It was a dream, and it was a kind of dream I have never had in my life. And it was still the middle of the night, so I prayed. I cancelled the spirit of death from around me and friends and loved ones. I prophesied long life for my loved ones and friends, I committed everyone into the hands of God. And I felt calm and I went back to sleep.

If it was you, what would you have done?

I have come to understand a truth as I continually grow in my faith and relationship with God. Visions come in different ways, mostly through dreams. We have the power to stop something negative from happening in our lives if we open our mouths and pray and prophesy because as the bible says, what we bind on earth is bind in heaven, and what we loose on earth is loose in heaven.

Being a Christian doesn’t automatically translate into not praying and not asking and not seeking, because we feel God knows what we want and how to protect us. He wants to hear us commune with Him, ask Him to do so and so according to His will. And immediately we ask, He sets in motion answers to the requests in His own time.
Growing into a deeper relationship with God comes with severe trials, temptations and attacks from the devil just to discourage us. But with God’s grace, we overcome he that is in the world.

I just feel like encouraging someone. There is something you really need, that God also feel you really need, and He is waiting for you to earnestly ask Him, so He can give it to you.

I also want to encourage someone who just discovered a relationship with God. Look beyond the problems that will come and with the help of the Holy Spirit, see the results God has given.

Yesterday I felt something. This morning, I felt it deeper. And finally I think I have stumbled upon the real reason why God brought me here to Abeokuta.

Please pray with me, that I will not falter, or be discouraged.

WONDERFUL

2009-03-05T22:42:00.001+01:00

Blogville rocks! In this amazing world, I got the best shrinks money can’t afford. Thanks everyone for the advice. Thanks for making me see the disguised blessing. I never thought of it that way.

Okay, now that the predicament is out of way, Abeokuta is in the way. Read my update here!

TWO MOTHERS’ PREDICAMENT

2009-02-24T08:26:00.000+01:00

When I did my two truths and one lie post, I ended by saying I had tons of gist to blog. This post wasn’t one of them. Truth is, I never knew I would ever do this post, and I really don’t know why I am doing it, because though I have always been me on this blog, this is the most personal post I will ever get to do. So don’t be surprised if one day I decide to take it down. I feel very vulnerable.

The trick question wasn’t meant to be in my two truths and a lie post, but somehow it ended up there, and somehow, here I am typing this very difficult topic in the middle of the night when all are asleep. And for once I wish I were an anonymous blogger because this is something I do not talk about. And there are less than five friends who even know about this truth.

Yes I have two mothers; the one who gave birth to me, and the one who brought me up, whom I call mummy till date.
I guess due to my two mothers’ predicament, I have subconsciously programmed myself to not wanting ever to have a big wedding, when eventually I am getting married. Neither do I want a party for my traditional marriage. I just want the dowry to be paid quietly in the sitting room and each family goodnight and welcome to a relationship.

I have said at times, that I don’t want to have a high table at my reception where there will be a chairman of the event and so on and friends ask me if I am crazy. But I have reasons you see. I have always wondered which of my mothers’ will play mother of the day? Biological- Who doesn’t know who I am or how I became me? Or Step- Who though, not the perfect mother, is the only mother I know, who brought me up, who is responsible for the person I turned out to be today, who together, we went through the laughs and the cries of changing times that shaped our family?

And even though mother one was absent due to no fault of hers at all, I hate the idea that the glory should be hers when I’m getting married. In the same way, I hate the emotions she will have, if she is denied a position that is rightfully hers. And is the position rightfully hers? I hate thinking about it.

During the traditional marriage, when mother of the bride is called for recognition, who goes? At the wedding reception, when mother of the bride is called to the high table, who goes? Her or her? When it’s time for bride’s parents to take a pose with the couple, how many people will be in the pix? Four or five and who stays on which side?

Females look forward to getting married and planning their weddings and enjoying that D day. I am not. Can we just skip ‘that day’ and let the holy matrimony begin?

Mother one, aka biological mother, is a stranger to me. We had just the first six and a half years of my life together. I don’t know this woman, but the thought of her pain makes me hurt. I don’t even call her mother or mummy or anything. It’s only some few months back we started a telephone relationship. And in six months we have spoken 3 times. I do not look forward to the calls, but do it out of obligation.

I do not have a relationship with her. None whatsoever. I avoided attending my beloved paternal grandmother’s burial, because I knew she would come to see her kids after over a decade, and I didn’t want any long time no sees. Not because she did anything wrong, but out of nervousness. I wasn’t sure how I would behave and I definitely didn’t want her to feel hurt or bad by the reception.

And years later precious granddaddy Warri died, and there was no escaping that burial at all. And she came like I knew she would. And I was indoors and mother two instructed me, to my fury, to go serve mother one refreshment. What did I do wrong that day? And later my dad as first son was dancing and been sprayed money and me as his first daughter was by his side dancing and picking monies from the floor, mother one came and started spraying me. I refused to watch the video coverage. Because I don’t want a remembrance of what I must face tomorrow. And most especially because of her expression; the joy in her eyes which translates into ‘this is my daughter’, it breaks my heart.

Unfortunately, this cup wouldn’t even pass after the days before marriage which I dread. If it would, I will bear it and make sure I enjoy my day. But there are other days which must run into weeks and at least a month right? I’m talking about the bride mother’s visit after she has had a baby. Who will come please? Her or her? Simple. I am having all my babies abroad and not coming home till they are two months old.

But before I face that, the main day must be dealt with. Do I just carry these anxieties till the day passes. Or does anyone have a plan that will save my sanity. I really don’t want to hurt any of my mothers. What do I do?

And The Lie Is?

2009-02-17T21:17:00.002+01:00

Despite the fact that I really don’t like this tag thing, I think this is one of my most enjoyable post because of the comments. I liked the guesses made and the reasons given why some answers were favoured as the lie.
I honestly wish I could withhold the suspense of revealing the truths and the lie, but strangely, even me, Uzezi, is waiting for this post. I think I must be going crazy.

Okay, no more long story, let’s get down to business.

My Caveman is a blogger.

We have some investigative reporters in blogville who know how to research this and find out if it’s true or false. And there is a particular blogger who knows himself, and knows this answer to the very bottom because he always suspected. Finally, his curiosity was satisfied when we minus me visited his office. Do you know what it means for a guy to tell you that your Caveman is a cool dude? I talk too much.

Number one is very very true. And I’m on a mission to stop him from blogging, and I really don’t know why I’m doing that.

I have two mothers. This one is very easy now, blogville. Naturally this is the perfect lie. Nobody has two mothers. Except Uzezi that is.
Number two is very very true. I have two mothers. I will leave the explanation for my next post.

Now you know the lie.
Subconsciously, I must have made some bloggers, who must have seen my latest comment on Writefreak’s thankful Wednesday post, think that I actually am a mother. I saw Writefreak reply my comment and ask if I had a 13 year old? I laughed like crazy. Then I scrolled up to read the comment I left, and instead of saying my 13 year old sister, I said my 13 year old. Lol. Imagine making such a mistake just when I have a lie I need people to figure out. So it was only natural for Writefreak to guess this as true.

I do not have a 13 year old, neither do I have a 7 year old. I do wish I had though, I tell you. My sister who turns 13 in April looks so much like me that had I had a child as a teenager, she would have been perfect.
And I have a 7 year old sister who looks like me too. I call her my baby. Actually, in the early days of Caveman and I, I told him she was my kid. He was sold. He believed. God, how I enjoyed that trick. He threw questions that I answered calmly. What made it so believable for him was that he was surprised I had a sister that young. Why didn’t you marry her father? He asked. God. Remembering that play is cracking me up.

Number three is my perfect lie. Though a lot of you wanted me to be a mother, worry not. God will answer the prayers at the right time.

PS: Every blogger is forbidden from missing my next post. Till Then I remain

your's sincerely.

Cavewoman.

Let’s See

2009-02-15T21:07:00.001+01:00

Aloofar had the guts to tag me. I’m only doing it as a special birthday present for him because he had the audacity to drag his mum into labour on Feb 14, when she already had other plans with her husband for valentine.

So let’s see who has the audacity to figure out my one lie and two truths. And please I really can’t tag anyone.
So if I break the rules, forgive me in the spirit of love.

My caveman is a blogger
I have two mothers
I have a seven year old daughter

PS: I have gist o. Seriously. Plenty. I just have to get this meme out of the way for the gist to come in. And I pray that gist comes in this month, and that I won’t disappear from blogville.

I’m Sorry Guys

2009-01-19T11:24:00.007+01:00

It’s a new year and I promised a new dawn to my blogging, but I haven’t updated. Shame on me. Just a lot of things tying me down right now. Work and other stuff. I promise to do better blogging once I’m fully settled in the rock city. And I haven’t even moved yet.

What happened to many bloggers who have suddenly disappeared? Well, not so suddenly but gradually rather? And others going private? Please I need all the invites o! I didn’t cause trouble on any blog so please.................... Too many have gone private I can’t even start mentioning them.

There is a new blogger Her Story who left a comment on my last post, I went to her blog and was disturbed. Concerned should be the right word. Please guys, just visit her and let your God given wisdom help you leave good comments that will make her see reasons differently and lean on God. If she found me on blogville, then she found some of you too, but I still don't see anybody's comments there.

And I said in my last post that I was deleting aroundlagos. I fitn’t do it. Don’t ask me why. So it will stay there for now. Will probably take Standtall's advice and rename it to cover the nation.

Okay, I just discovered I am ranting.

By the way, those of you in Nigeria, have you flown Dana Air? I have four times now, and each time, I was impressed. The passenger next to me yesterday from Abuja was flying it for the first time. And read this:

Him: have you flown Dana before? (We hadn’t taken off)
Me: yes.
Him: I’m really impressed.
Me: you flown it before?
Him: no
I laughed.

Him: no. From all I have seen. When I paid, I asked for my money back because I wasn’t sure. And it’s a 6pm flight. I wanted to go for another airline that had a 5.20pm flight, but the guy there convinced me and see, we are leaving early. The 5.20pm passengers for the other airline are still waiting for the plane from Lagos. Dana is early.
I start laughing.
Him: no don’t do this. You are saying they come late too?
Me: not really, but the first time I flew them they were over an hour late. But they are good.

He nodded and I returned to my book as we prepared for takeoff. When the plane was in the air-
Him: wow. Very smooth take off. Did you feel that?
I nodded.
Him: Jesus, I am impressed. Really. Smooth. I don’t mind doing free advert for them. I will tell everyone I know who is travelling, fly Dana.
An air hostess was passing and he called her.
Him: I’m really impressed with your services.

Hostess: (smiling like they teach them to) thank you.
Him pointing at me: I was just telling her I will advertise you guys for free. This is nice.
Hostess seizes the opportunity: you can feel out our form in the seat pocket in front of you.
Him: I will surely do.
Later, they served refreshment. When his pack was dropped, he opened it and went
Him: wow. And their refreshment is a better too.
I opened mine and looked: this is actually smaller snacks then they give.
Him: (amazed) you mean it’s usually more than this? Ha Dana has won.

Later, air hostess comes to ask if we care for tea or coffee.
Him: ha! You mean there is more? This is too much. Complete three course meals. I’m definitely telling everyone.
He finished his meal and filled the form and handed it to an air hostess. ‘They will do well,’ he said. ‘I just hope they leave the fare at N16, 200 for a while.
Me: they will. Because right now, they have competition. Afrijet is 16k, Bellview is 16k, Virgin Nigeria is 15K...
Him: (screaming) what! Virgin is 21k.
I said no that I flew it in the morning 15k and was shocked. Maybe they are doing a promo. (Aloofar should know)

So me too don do free advert for Dana.
To finish this Dana talk, the landing was as smooth and yes my neighbour was impressed.

Did I mention earlier that when we just took off, one disturbed man was making a phone call in the air? All the guys around him plus the one by my side so yelled at him till he cut it off and turned it off in embarrassment. Orie Fokasibe him.

And talking about Orie Fokasibe, LG, you should be proud of me o, I don decode the meaning just for you. Went to buy the whole Yaba market with my friend from SA who is returning soon and left with Orie Fokasibe for anybody that got in our way or anything we didn’t understand. Including taxi getting a flat tire. Orie Fokasibe means your head dey for there. Your head o!

Let me make you not laugh. Last Sunday, I begged my friend and namesake to help me perfect my driving skill. So we went to Ojo military barracks and I started to impress him. He probably forgot I said I had been learning at the prestigious Nigerian school of Motoring where I even bought a text book and while we learn driving four days a week, we do theory one day and the questions are not easy at all. One guy that was graduating was asked. ‘You are on high speed on the highway. Then you see a road block, and the only place you can pass will soon be blocked because on the other side, a blind man and a dog are crossing the road. What will you do?’ guy thought of it a long time and said he will hit the dog. He made us laugh a lot that day. But he was graduated.

Anyway, I parked and Uzezi was lecturing me on cars and all sorts when another learner came. I was in the middle of the road and we told her to take the other side, she did. The next time she came back, I had moved and come to stop by the side and she wanted me to move again, so Uzezi said I should go forward for her. I turned the key, it started, and it stopped. Three times. So Uzezi said I should step on the gas when it starts again, so it wouldn’t go off. I don’t know that style. I’m still a learner. So it started and I stepped on the gas it all the power in me and it went VOOOMMMMMMM then a loud noise and I panicked. He said the fan belt has cut meaning we can’t go home. We opened the bumper and it was two blades of fan that collided with the cone and they all cut. Can you believe that? Learners hit things and drive off the road and all sorts. I blew a whole fan! God, I am good.

And my laptop almost crashed o! I was enjoying my daily dose at Bossip two days ago and clicked on a link to read why Kim Kardasian was too lazy to take off her shoes according to step father. I thought her stepdad Bruce was saying, not knowing step father or step daddy or whatever is a porn site o. Closed it and it started popping up in numbers. Almost gave me a heart attack. If my brother who is into IT had not been home, na another grammar I for dey write o!

See me o, I just wanted to say forgive my not updating and I don do over 1320 words already. Nobody wants a long post on a Monday morning. Good week everyone. I’m surely looking forward to an awesome one. My countdown for Mr. Caveman’s arrival has moved from days to just hours away. Oh Goddddddddddddddddddddd. I’m singing Jill Scott’s ‘Is it The Way You Love Me Baby’ all through.

A LOT OF THINGS

2009-01-08T10:18:00.001+01:00

Happy New Year everyone. Hope you all had amazing celebrations. And that your seat belts are ready for the journey that will take us to the last day of this year. One of the things that occurred to me early this year is that not until 2012 will we have February 29. So we are a day short this year. Let’s do all we can do to make up for more than that one day.

Okay, on to my post for today.
I have two blogs as some of you know. This one, and aroundlagos (see it on the sidebar). I love aroundlagos a lot, but somehow, I let it rot away without updating it. I have decided to put it down, so I won’t have to say (it was so much easier when I had one, like Solomonsydelle. But seriously SS, do you mean the blogs or the kids? Blogs and kids are more than one for you).

Another lazy reason for dropping aroundlagos is the fact that my location has changed. For some months now, I have been commuting Lagos-Abeokuta, my new base because of work. In a week time, I would have moved fully to Abeokuta for another chapter in the book called Uzezi: from dawn till date.

Anyway, I couldn’t come up with a name that will capture both Lagos and Abeokuta, so it’s bye to that blog. If you follow that blog please jump ship. Everything I have to say about me or Lagos or Abeokuta or whatever, I will say here. And there are lots to say about Abeokuta.

Lagos is a Yoruba state, just like Ogun state. Here in Lagos, I can get away with not knowing how to speak the language regardless of the fact that I was born here and all my life has been here. But my new job entails that I work with communities in both urban and rural areas. There is no way I shouldn’t speak the language.

Imagine my organization was going to have a meeting with community heads, and I was in charge of that. God loved me so much that He made my boss available on the meeting day. And every single discussion in that meeting was in Yoruba. I just positioned myself at the door welcoming people. And I was called to introduce myself. I started and one elder went ‘speak Yoruba’.

Hey Oluwa. Anyway, I’m learning, which is exactly what I told them.

And I am serious about learning o, I already bought a Yoruba dictionary to show my seriousness. I am soon shopping for Yoruba home videos that are not subtitled. I will conquer the language in Jesus name.

(Don’t wonder how come I don’t speak the language after all these years in Lagos o. I was born in Ajegunle. And in the compound I grew up, the only neighbour we had were Isoko like us. The houses around us had Ijaw, Kwale, Hausa, Urhobo, Ibo and Isoko people. I remember only one Yoruba family. And then, it was easier to learn Isoko on my street than any other language. And there is school where you DARE not speak vernacular.
So off to Satellite Town we moved, where everyone minded their businesses in fenced houses and spoke the Queen’s English. And off to boarding schools in Delta and Cross-River-State. So Yoruba and I were constantly kept asunder, not knowing I will have to unite with the language one day forever).

But I’m getting there. God bless the dictionary and the Yoruba songs in church and Gbemisoke gospel blues. I am determined you see, if my last name will change from Isoko to Yoruba. Although that isn’t a condition. He speaks more Hausa than Yoruba anyway.

So if you know Abeokuta every well, tell me the must visit places. My very first day there I discovered Iya Sunday; most popular buka. And the meals are more expensive than fast food joints.

Did I say my Caveman is arriving soon from Gambia? I’m so excited the countdown has begun. If he forgets my blender and artwork, he is going back. Okay, I’m off shopping.

BACK WITH YOUR ANSWERS

2008-12-25T15:03:00.004+01:00

It began once upon a time that I became a blogger. As you all know, I didn’t go with a pseudonym, because I sensed that this could be a medium for me to express my creativity and prepare myself for my future as a writer. What more, I came into this blog world as a journalist and as a journalist; there is nothing that is much more important than your name. When I came here, I wished to increase the number of people who read my write ups in the newspaper. In those days, because I reported the ARTS, I used to blog some of my write ups and interviews which had already been published.

For those who don’t know, my name is Uzezi Ekere and I am 28. My favourite food is Starch and Banga soup. Although I had a science background and even got admitted to study Medicine at UNIBEN, God saved me that misfortune and Mass Communication became me at the Lagos State Polytechnic. I love to write and that is the greatest talent that I have which I treasure deeply. I wish I could paint or draw - I have a great respect for that class of artists.

My writing took me into journalism but I never intended to stay put for long. Even though I have said I will always be a journalist - and I am going back to it soon, though no more reporting – I am a person of many ambitions, and being adventurous helps me to pursue these ambitions. This of course is the reason why I went from being a journalist to being a marketer, even though it was really very brief.

I love honesty and admire honest people. I am not a secretive person, and I am truthful to a fault. There is nothing I wouldn’t share with the person I love. It’s better when it’s in the open. That way I know where I stand. Why live in fear of ‘will he find out?’

I am also quiet. As quiet as I am – though my friends say quiet does not define me – I can be crazy. Back in school then, there was this guy in my class I really liked. I flirted with him so much with text messages and he never found out it was me, though we were friends. I made him believe it was a friend of mine, and even told him once to watch closely on a certain day that he would see her with me because she really wants me to introduce them. That is naughty. But I guess my naughtiest deed was when as a columnist in a national newspaper, I made my readers believe I was a lesbian, when I wrote a lesbian series. Christ! The calls I got, and still get!

As a child, I loved to play. In school or out, I am queen of the play ground. So it really is very frustrating when someone tries to tie me down in the house so I don’t have time to play. In those days, when my dad was leaving for work, he would give me and my brother homework we would do after school so we don’t go out to play. 50 maths questions, 50 English language questions, 50 quantitative analysis questions and 50 verbal questions. All these from one mighty book meant to prepare us for common entrance examination into secondary school.

One fateful day, I got a revelation. By mistake I noticed that the answers to all the questions in the book are at the back. My misery ended. And play continued. After school, all I did was copy all the answers. They were all objective questions with options and what I submitted to my dad was the options, already shaded the way it is done at the Common Entrance exam. One day, my dad was marking my work. He was surprised I got a particular answer right, and called me to come and do solve it for him to see how I arrived at the answer. That day I was caught. And was beaten. Take that for a favourable event in my childhood. And then I grew up. Fast forward to 2008.

Yes. I should say that 2008 will remain the year that I will never forget in my life, because this is the year that everything started to make sense for me. This eye I actually fixed fake eye lashes. At the salon, they were glued to my eye lashes. Never again. Although I achieved 70% of all I set out to achieve this year, I have no regrets for the remaining 30%. This year gave me my favourable event as an adult yet. When I flirted unabashedly, I must add, with one very tall, handsome guy, that I was determined to have....... and I got him. Not just for the year, but forever. Wow! At times it pays to be bold. You just have to do what you have to do. How’s that for my motto in life? And if relocating to Gambia is what I have to do, then so be it.

A new year is around the corner and like everyone else, I have plans. I have more than three big projects I’m working on for 2009. If at the end of 2009, you do not read about me in the papers, or hear about me on the television or radio, then my plans failed. But they won’t fail in Jesus name, and I won’t reveal them here yet.

The purpose for my life is the most important thing to me. I don’t want to die without achieving God’s purpose for creating me. This year, I was truly blessed to discover God the way I never had before. I came to Him because I was fed up of doing it on my own and carrying the burdens and depending on mortals. I needed comfort and I needed unconditional love and I needed direction. Most importantly, I needed a relationship with God. Today, I have a different view of life, than I had during the first four months of this year. I realised that being born again is the best thing that could have happened to me, and I don’t miss the old me. I am not ashamed to talk about Christ because where I am today, is the biggest testimony in my life. At the beginning of this year, I never dreamt I will be where I am. I have entered into a covenant with God and the only power strong enough to tear me out of it, is God. But why would He tear me out when I can be a medium for Him to let people know about how good He is?

In ending this year, I am proud to say that the Young Professionals Impact YPI, the NGO I belong to, did tremendously well this year. First we had our Project Desiree to raise funds to sponsor orphans. And like Obama, Yes we did! We adopted three five year olds in an Orphanage, by taking on their educational responsibility till they finish schooling. We had a fund raising dinner last week Friday to support educational facilities at the Heart of Gold Hospice Home. And again, Yes We Did!

God is awesome. He gave His Son, the One who negotiated a better ‘covenant’ for us with His Father, by offering His Life, so we might live.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4: 16

PS: Incase anyone is wondering, I just answered the questions from my last post. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.

IT IS TIME

2008-11-25T05:09:00.006+01:00

I wanted to delay this post because once I put it up, it means as from my next post, I am fully back to blogging.

Okay. Blogville. This is where one door closes and another opens. This post makes me 100 post old. Yes. It's an anniversary.

So I'm off to figure out what my return will be all about, because, I haven't got a clue. I don too make mouth.

There have been lots of changes in my life lately, so I want my blogs (uzezi and aroundlagos) to be affected also by the changes.

And in the spirit of anniversary, you are free to ask me one question you have always wondered about me, and I will do my best to be honest. 30+ actually gave me that award as a honest blogger o! lol.

Alright. See you all on the other new side of me.

PS: This blog have always allowed anonymous comments, but anonymous questions won't be answered.

Not A Man

2008-11-19T22:28:00.002+01:00

My Return is two post away from this one. God don't let me be lazy.

Now to this post.....
After Obama won, Naapali robbed it in on how Obama’s convoy passed in front of him and stuff like that.

Last week Tuesday, I got a chance to do likewise so I could blog about it.

The German president was in Nigeria visiting and that Tuesday morning, the president left Abuja to visit with Gov. Fashola of Lagos state. From the international airport road down through Mobolaji Bank Anthony Road, into Toyin and then Allen and all the way to the Secretariat at Alausa, the German and the Nigerian Flags where together, designing the roads as they were tied to poles. I had gone to GLO’s office for something. When I was leaving, the party started.

The LASMA bike guys were out and parading. Sirens were on full blare. They cleared the roads that the Germans and their Nigerian escorts will take.

So I stood, cos I wanted to see. I hated the fact that my camera was so far inside the travelling bag with me. Had I gotten a picture, I would have done better than Naapali.

The nutshell is that I saw the German president as all the cars actually passed less than ten feet away from me. Better still; the windows weren’t so tinted, so I saw to my satisfaction.

Later in the day, I was having a very delicious lunch with a friend and couldn’t resist feeling so important and recounting how the German leader passed by me.

‘I actually saw him,’ I said. ‘The windows weren’t so tinted.

I was about to say another car carrying someone who must have been the German first lady was directly behind the German president’s car when my friend looked at me and said...

‘Uzezi, the German president is a woman’

LISTEN

2008-11-05T16:54:00.003+01:00

where the hell have you been? That seem to be the question that i am asking myself. Did i just blog to say blogville is the most wonderful family, and the next minute i am MIA?

I dey o! just things here and there happening. Very plenty exciting things going on with me and in my life, plus the fact that GLO is trying to frustrate me with their internet connectivity. God pass dem.

Anyway, I am planning my return. This is not it. the post after this one wont be it either. neither is the one after that. But it is near and you will know when I am fully back in the bossom of blogville.

I am still praising God for what He has done for America. They think Obama has inherited a failing economy. Well he has. But i believe that the failing economy of USA will be Obama's victory. God uses afflictions to lift the unexpected people and bring glory to Himself. That is what will happen. In the midst of the celebrations, there are the ones waiting for Obama's failure. Just so the race can be mocked. But God has spoken and it is final. He uses the little things, to put to shame very great things of the world. In Obama, the strength and hands of God is going to work like the world has never seen it before, because at the end of the day, God's name must be glorified.

And He is coming here too. Yes. God is coming to do the same in our beloved Nigeria. The economy of this country will work. I dream of the day Americans will want to have their kids here, just so they can be citizens of this great nation Nigeria. I pray I live to see the day.

Our God is an Awesome God. The 'In God We Trust' that the Americans chant, has never been meaningful as it will be henceforth.

I have said my piece.

This Is Not An Update

2008-10-14T09:54:00.004+01:00

Alright blogville, sit tight. I have just boasted about you guys, so make no one disgrace me o!

A friend of mine just sneaked into blogville's and even I was unaware, can you believe that?

His page I'm sure will be a welcome inspiration centre to me. And I'm sure to you too.

Anyway, Telekinesys reside at Notes To My God

A Wonderful Family

2008-10-03T23:07:00.002+01:00

We are different
From backgrounds diverse
And even in times
Described as terrible
And from a place
Labeled as corrupt
We have a bound.

We are generation today
Tomorrow to make
A better place
We strive towards
Because in us
Determination is defined.

From near and far
We came a family to make
In a place called blogville
Where freedom is born
And identity is discovered.

Dear blogville,
Before I found you I found me
But of you I know
My life wouldn’t be same
Had I through life
Past without an encounter

Different identities
You brought me across
Friends you found me.
More than in reality
I have in blogville,
Friends.

Dedicated to you reading this post.

© Uzezi Ekere
Oct. 3rd 2008

Telling the story of how blogging became a part of my life isn’t important anymore. In those first times, I use to wonder why people don’t read my blog and leave comments. It was sometime late last year and early this year that I began to discover other blogs and others began to discover me. You could imagine my excitement then when I see: ‘2 comments need moderation’, which means I probably wet my panties if the comments were higher.

And then I did the stupid short post about deleting my blog and got over 20 comments and nodded: ‘yes, I have arrived’.
Then I use to wonder how bloggers did it to get over a hundred comments, and concluded that just like life and business, only the tough survive. You just have to be so interesting and worth reading and blah blah blah.

This business of only the tough and interesting survive blogville even led me to create another ‘bad’ blog that only two people knew the truth about the author. The blog plus its name plus its post were so bad and (x) that me as Uzezi couldn’t go there to leave comments for other bloggers to see (and the post were all fiction incase you start calculating ok).

Anyway, all I’m trying to say is that, blogging today for me, has become another way of expression. A place where I can share whatever and get various views. In many blogs, I have learnt stuffs that I never would have learnt in a hundred years. In this place I have developed friendships that will last a long time.

It touches me a lot, the care and support we show when one of us is down (illness - uzezi, jarrai, fantasy queen ……………………- depression……………………….., heart broken ………………………….. etc), the joy we share when one of us is happy (getting married – oluwadee………………………, engaged – florida………………………, birthdays – bumight, aloofar………………..promotions – afrobabe……………………… etc) the advices we offer when one of us is confused (too much money as salary – doll, too many toasters – Aphrodite). The list goes on and on (the dots are there for you to fill in the gap. I want to post this now, so I can’t think).

How do you describe the kind of support we have in blogville? I don’t have the words. Just recently, I blogged about YPI (Young Professionals Impact) and the fact that we were doing a fund raising for an event.

You guys surprised me. From within and outside the country. Every kobo I raised came from this family of people I have never met. And because of your charitable effort, and other good Nigerians, the educational responsibilities of three orphans (all 5 yr olds) have been picked up by YPI’s Project Desiree, and by God’s Grace, these 3 will be the first university graduates of Project Desiree.

I am so proud that I belong to this family. This is a family that will become an institution tomorrow. An institution that will give our country and continental role models that we will be proud of. This is a family that is ready to change the perception of Nigeria and Africa. We will make it.