...And The Winner Is...

[Click on award to expand it]

255 comments in, and the winner has emerged.  Congratulations Chayoma!!!  I hope the reward was worth your effort?  Now, all you have to do is e-mail me [project@verastic.com] with an address where I will send your book --- and a hand-written letter from me.  Yes, I didn't mention this part, but I will in fact include a hand written letter.  I hope you enjoy it.  I happen to love writing letters.

Now, I must confess that I regret having only one prize.  Considering how many comments other people left - especially Sassy Trends and Quaggar who left the most comments respectively.  It's ironic that Chayoma won with only one comment, and in that comment, she said, "Wow! This is serious!  I am only putting one comment and one comment alone.  If it was meant to be, it will be."  Chayoma's comment was comment number 251.  However, blogger must have malfunctioned and doubled her comment because her comment appeared twice.  So, when comment number 252 won, well --- there goes "meant to be."

Random comment was chosen by Random.org

I don't have gifts for Sassy Trends and Quaggar, but the least I could do is write them hand-written letters.  So, dear Sassy Trends and Quaggar, please e-mail me [project@verastic.com] with an address where I can send your letter.  I'm sorry you didn't win.  If I were you, I would hunt Chayoma down and snatch the book from her.  I did, naturally, consider writing a letter to everyone who participated, but time has a way of screwing up some plans.  Some day, I promise, I will surprise you.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated.  Your comments were very, very, very well appreciated.  Maybe when Verastically Livin' turns five next year, I'll give out a house instead?  Of course, I have not clarified if these houses will be life-size or monopoly game-size houses.  Time will tell.  *gulp*

 J Thank You   J

Note to self: Next time, don't make the comments close at 11:59pm, so that way, you don't have to stay awake till midnight, trying to figure out the winner --- and then, update your blog.

On The 4th >> Giveaway!!!

It's official.  Verastically Livin' is now celebrating its fourth birthday.  My baby is four years old!  Soon I'll be hooking my blog up with another blog for marriage.  These blogs, they grow up so fast these days.  If I have not said it often enough, I really am grateful to everyone for their continued support.  You have no idea how good you have been to me.  I am most thankful to God for giving me the strength to keep going, so here's to Verastically Livin' becoming bigger in 2010!  Now, without further ado, let the giveaway begin.

What You Get: The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This book has twelve short stories that are sure to keep you turning the page.  I liked some of the stories more than the others, but overall, I loved the book.  Chimamanda just has a way with words.

How To Win:

1. Leave a comment.
2. Leave more comments --- as many as you want to.  The more you leave, the better your chances of winning.

Yes, but read the fine prints:

1. You will have till 11:59 pm (U.S. Eastern time) of February 6th to comment, and after that, comments will be blocked.
2. The winner will be chosen randomly by a random selector, so leave as many comments as you can and want to.  It will increase your chances of winning.
3. You can comment as an anonymous person, however, you have to e-mail me first and tell me which anonymous person you will be.  Example: you could be "Anonymous 222," and then, for all your comments, you have to comment as Anonymous 222.  Why?  That way, I'll be able to know who when Anonymous 222 wins.  If all the anonymous people comment as Anonymous - without specifying which Anonymous they are - I won't know who to contact, or how to contact them. E-mail vera@verastic.com
4. Follow me on Twitter.
5. Follow me on the Google Network
6. The following people will not win this giveaway - even if they participate: Funmie, Busola and her husband, Uju, Deola and her husband, Ibukun, Timbo, Vera Ezimora's parents (who, hopefully, don't even read this blog), Yar'adua and his wife, Mr. Shoes, and of course, one Miss Vera Ezimora.

Note: The preceding list (number 6) is subject to increase.

Honestly Answering

Thank you all for your very ridiculous - I mean nice - questions. Some of the questions made me laugh my head off and some of them made my mouth hang open. As I type this, my mouth is still hanging open. Una get serious audacity o! So because I said you should ask me any question, you think you can now ask me any question abi? What nerves! lol. In order to give you my full attention and not overwhelm myself in the process, I actually started responding to the questions from Monday (Jan 26th 2009). In other words, this is a scheduled post. Now, let the fun begin!

Naughty Eyes: Vera, SERIOUSLY, will you marry me? Before answering, take note that I have no money oh but my mum keeps looking at me and saying: "This boy, I know you have POTENTIAL" Whatever that means...

Vera: Seriously, of course, I will marry you. But you know there is a way to these things. Ur people have to meet my people, and then our people will discuss. lol. Together, you and I can make your potential become actual. :)

OluwaDee: Where will you hide my pegs if you steal them?

Vera: It's quite unfortunate you're a girl. If you were a guy, I woulda hidden them in my bra. Actually, come to think of it...what stops me from hiding them in my bra? Yeap, that's where I will hide them. They better not pinch my nipples. Or else, major law suit! U know I know LusciousRon abi?

Standtall: My question be say, u never anwer the true-lie post. SO, which is which and thanks for abandoning my blog. I am taking it personally!

Vera: Number 1 is the lie. Of course Vera Ezimora is my real name. Number two is true. I really am celibate, and no, it has nothing to do with me not having a boyfriend. I would still be celibate if I had a boyfriend. And yes, it is tres difficult. Number 3 is also true. I was a nursing student. Hated it with everything in me. Coudln't be creative with nursing. They wouldn't let me freestyle with the injection and inject it anywhere...like the eye for example, so I quit. Mom & Dad were supa disappointed. Apparently, dad was hoping on me to takeover his clinic. Me ke? No oh. As for abandoning your blog, honey, would I dare? No!

Xprexxion Magazine: so when are you getting married?

Vera: Mr Xprexxion, sooo not funny! I am not laughing with you. And weldone for that stunt you pulled the other day. I'll be getting married when he proposes. If you know who he is, then tell him to propose ASAP so that you can come and take my pictures.

Folake: Why do you blog and what's your blog(ging) goal?

Vera: When I started blogging, I started because I just wanted to write down the thoughts that were going on in my head. As time went on, I began to blog about things that happened to me. I wasn't tryna be funny; I just wrote things the way I thought about them. People found them funny. Now, I guess my goal is to write humorous events about my life and bring as many smiles as I can to people's faces.........and become rich and famous in the process, of course. LOL :)

Write Freak: So will you consider marrying a younger man?

Vera: Boy! This is a hard one. I'd like to instantly say, heck no! But what if he's everything I ever wanted (except younger than me)? I definitely will not let his age stand in the way. We'll just have to start lying to people (and me) about his age. lol.

Tisha: what is your motivation for life? what is your wildest dream, the thing you want the most but think you will never have?

Vera: My motivation for life? It's quite simple: once there is life, there is hope. Things are not always fruity and fun, but once there is life, one can always hope for a better tomorrow. I have no wildest dream that I think I can never have. There is nothing new under the sun now. As long as I'm not aspiring to get a woman pregnant, I'm sure that whatever else I'm aspiring for, someone has either done it or come very close to it. And that someone doesn't have two heads, so why not me? I aspire to be a national best selling author, a multiple award winning author, a business woman extraordinaire, and one heck of a wife and mother. Za best eva! Besides, with God, everything is possible

Temite: How many lovers have you had? hehehehehe. since i know you wont answer that question, silly girl, I will ask this one...what do you want in Mr. Vera?

Vera: Hehehehe. Dis ur first question get K leg oo. I would have actually answered, but since you assumed I wouldn't, I have no choice but not to. That's what you get for assuming things. As for Mr Vera, lemme bring out my list: First of all, Mr. Vera has to be God-fearing because the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Obviously, that means Mr. Vera has to be an intelligent, wise man. Mr Vera has to have an impeccable sense of humor, he has to be humble, assertive, a man of vision, and of course, he has to be totally crazy about me. Oh, no smoking and/or drinking, please. This is just a summary. The list is wayyyy longer. lol.

Funms-The-Rebirth: Wat's one thing u will like people to see in you?

Vera: In me, I will like people to see God's love and favor. It probably sounds like a cliche, but that is really what I want people to see in me (plus some amount of craziness, fabulosity, sweetness....alright fine, I want people to see the total package, darn it! That includes God's love & favor o!)

Marjoram: What's your favourite colour?

Vera: My favorite color is blue. It became my favorite color when I was in elementary school; and I was in the blue house which was called Lamingo. Don't have a favorite shade of blue though.

Anonymous: (1). How will you define "Intelligence"? (2). Do you think everyone is born intelligent? (3). If yes, why are there some seemingly "dumb" people? (4). If No, How does one develop intelligence? (5) Is academic achievement a measure of intelligence? For example is an "A" student who seems not to study at all more intelligent than a "B" student who has to read extra hard to make an "A"? (6). If you had to choose between beauty devoid of brains and brains devoid of beauty, which will you choose?

Vera: Wow! Loadza questions. I love you, Anonymous Person. Lemme go get a cup of tea; I need to balance well to answer your questions.

1. Intelligence is being book-smart, street-smart, and wise....all rolled into one handsome virtue: intelligence. I'm glad you asked me this because I never really thought about the meaning of intelligence to me.

2. Yes, I think everyone is born intelligent. God is not foolish, and since we were all made in His image, we cannot be born foolish.

3. I am no expert, but I think there are some seemingly dumb people because they choose - unconsciously, albeit - to not make use of their intelligence. They reason differently, and perhaps, factor in things that should not be factored in.

4. All good things come from God. We pray to God for health and wealth, so why not intelligence? If you want more intelligence, pray to God for more intelligence, and then do your part - whatever it might be. If you're looking to be more book smart, then read more and concerntrate more. If you're looking to be more street smart, then you could still read more. Start with the book of Proverbs. Good stuff.

5. Academic achievement is only part of intelligence, so it's not a complete measure. Besides, sometimes a student can Ace a course without putting in too much effort because he/she is naturally good @ it. I, for example, usually excel in writing assignments, courses, and essay questions. I usually don't put too much effort into it; someone else find writing to be the most difficult thing ever. But when I took chemistry, I had to study extra, extra hard to ace it. Some others just breezed thru it.

6. This is the easiest question you have asked. I will definitely pick brains devoid of beauty. Beauty without brains is such a huge waste. Beauty can only take you so far, and even when it takes you there, it won't keep you there. Brains will take you places, keep you there, and open doors you never even tried to get into.

Aloted: Honestly, what vices will you say you have?

Vera: Not a lot. I'm almost perfect. lol. I joke a lot, you know. It's great a lot of times cos I crack people up, but sometimes, people are not in the mood to laugh. (I should mention, though that I have never cracked a joke during a burial, so I'm not all that bad.) Sometimes I try too hard to see the good in people...in spite of all the red flags. It is almost as if I am desperate to see some good in the person. My biggest vice right now is my sometimes wavering faith in God. Sometimes, the mountain just seems too big for God; I HATE feeling this way.

Miss Definitely Maybe: How open minded are you about finding the one, would you seriously consider someone who was blind, etc (seriously)

Vera: I'm quite open minded. I'm not gonna kid myself and say I'm open to marrying a Chinese Puerto Rican who lives in Jamaica and has a child by an Iraqian woman, but you know... I'm definitely open. :) Obviously, I'd prefer that my love not be blind, but if he's everything I ever wanted and blind, then screw that, blindness will not stop me.

Nefertiti: (1). What's one misconception people have about you? (2). How tall are you?

Vera: (1). Because of how honestly I blog about my experiences (with yeye guys), I think I give off the impression that I am kinda sorta mean and maybe judgmental and unapproachable, which is really not the case. At the risk of tooting my own horns, I would like to say that I am very, very approachable and friendly. Alright, do I sound pathetic enough? I also wonder why people think I am a star/celebrity; that too is a misconception. If I am a star, I don't know about it. When I become a star/celebrity, you will know. I will fashy Funmi, Busola, and Uju...right after they gimme my birthday gifts, of course.

(2). I'm 5'5"... although the other day I went for a checkup and the nurse took my height and had the audacity to tell me I was only 5 feet and four-three-quarter inches. Imagine the nonsense! How I go fit explain the remaining inches??? *hiss* Like I said, I'm 5'5". That's my story and I'm sticking 2 it.

Shona Vixen: Considering I've blogged about romance, What's the most romantic thing you've done? and what's the most stupid thing you've done all in the name of 'love'?

Vera: Five years ago, the biggest crush of my life was sent to Iraq (he was in the military). I liked him sooo much. I never liked any1 as much as I liked him. While he was in Iraq, he called every now and then (when insurgents weren't tryna blow his cute butt up); he emailed me frequently, and yahoo messenger was our bestest friend. So the romantic thing I did was every Saturday, I wrote him a letter. It was a letter telling him how things were going, things that happened that while he was away, how I missed him, etc. I never posted any of the letters. I never told him I wrote them either. I intended to give them all to him when he returned. But somewhere along the line sha, things ended abruptly (we weren't dating by the way, just liking each other). I was still gonna give him the letters when he returned, but he pissed me off. In my anger, I ripped them up. I also printed out alllll our chats, and they were a lot too. Yeah, I ripped those up in my anger too. Wish I didn't though. By the way, we're friends now. I mean friends as in just friends. Never even kissed the guy. Ah, if I could turn back the hands of time.... lol. I seriously hope he doesn't read this.

Dumbest thing I did for love? I borrowed money to a boyfriend. He's now an ex. The money has still not been paid; it has gone to wherever unpaid money goes to. Hope he loses tripple that amount from every salary he receives. Yeah, I said it.

The Experiences of an Achiever: have you found THE GREAT LOVE yet?

Vera: No, I have not. The closest I came was my fine military man, but that wasn't even love. That was extreme like. If nurtured, it would have probably become love. But there is no time for coulda-woulda-shouldas.

Just Toluwa: wats ur account # and how do i get ur signature?

Vera: LOL. Let's do this the simple way. Gimme your account number. I'll transfer some money to you; that way, you'll have my account number. Send me a perfume, then I'll send you a hand written thank-you note with my signature.

Temi: how come you have never visited my blog? i'mma paste a link and God help you if i dont see ur comment(lol)

Vera: LOL! My darling, I am sorry ooo! Have I really never visited your blog??? Well, consider than changed. God will not let me incure Temi's wrath.

Fine Boy Agbero: "You promised all d male bloggers one child each, abi? Oya, when I go get my own? And I want am kia-kia o!"

Vera: Fine Boy Agbero, you have to let me know when you want your own. Whenever you're ready, just meet me at my house so we can set the ball rolling. I must warn, we do have strong genes. Your child is likely gonna look like me.

Bumight: when last were u in a relationship and for how long?

Vera: Honestly, this is one question I was hoping I wouldn't get asked. If I could explain it in 'Facebook terminology,' I would say "It's complicated." But for the purpose of Verastically Livin,' the last time I was in a relationship was August 2007. And that lasted for two years - unfortunately. Wish it had ended sooner. lol.

Senator: (1). can u do silly things in a strange place where nobody knows u. (2). How ve u been telling suitor, pls am not interested. (3). what is d answer to your 2 truth 1 lie (4). which of my personal names do u like most?

Vera: Another multiple questionaire, ehn?

(1). It depends on what 'silly things' means. Sorry, Senator, I'm sure my answer is too vague for you, but your question is not totally clear.

(2). When you say 'suitor,' do you mean a man who asks for my hand in marriage or a man who is interested in dating me? I'm assuming you mean the former coz that's what I've always known a suitor as. On that note, I have never had a suitor that is a potential husband. I mean, I've never any1 actually propose to me; I've only had men claim to want to marry me (a week after meeting me). And there are also those who want me to introduce them to my mother. But as what na??? When did we start history that we're drawing map? Ehn to answer your question, I say 'no' as diplomatically as possible.

(3). Please refer to my reply to Standtall (the 3rd question).

(4). @onebox. Too funny

Buttercup: whats the one thing(or things) u wish to do that u've never done?

Vera: Apart from publishing my book & starting my businesses, I wish to fall in love.

Luscious Ron: Happy blog birthday. We should have a mini party abi what do you think?

Vera: You might not consider this a question, but since it ends with a question mark, I must answer. Yes, we should have a mini party. Where will you be hosting it for me, babe? By the way, did you really send me something thru NIPOST? E never reach o! Abi na traffic jam?

N.I.M.M.O: (1). So how has it been? (2). You promised male bloggers a child each, how you gonna do it?

Vera: (1) I'm assuming you're talking about blogging. It's been beautiful albeit many times challenging. There have been countless times that I did not feel like blogging, but I just willed myself to do it because I felt like people were counting on me to read something new. Plus, I paid for my domain name. lol.

(2). The old fashioned way, of course! Just come to my house when you're ready and we'll set the ball rolling. *wink*

Anonymous: Why do you have a P.O. Box or is it a joke?

Vera: LOL. I have the P. O. BOX for the same reason I have an email address and phone number: means of contact. And no, it is definitely not a joke. It works. You should try sending me a perfume to confirm that it's not a joke. *wink*

Doug: Do you have siblings?

Vera: No, I do not. Yes, I know I have never, ever, ever, EVER mentioned that publicly, so go ahead and win the 'Best Revealer of Vera' Award. lol. Didn't want y'll to assume I'm spoilt (which is usually the assumption), but now that you know..... well, just know that my husband has his work cut out for him. I have to be spoilt o! And no, I am not currently spoilt. lol.

Rethots: Why will you not "...answer all the questions to....satisfaction."?

Vera: Because I anticipated that some of the questions might be risqué, so I had to put out a disclaimer. You know now! lol.

Zara (my alter ego): what do u weigh?

Vera: I don't weigh myself. I hear people have heart attacks by the knowledge of their weight. Besides, I think all the weights are broken. Dat's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Anonymous: ARE YOU STILL A VIRGIN?? IF NOT..HOW MANY SEX PARTNERS HAVE YOU HAD??

Vera: Anonymous, answering the question would take all the fun out of it. You can find out for yourself.

Femi B: How are you now?

Vera: This might not be a real question, but my dear, I am fine.

Danny Bagucci: if you had 3 words to describe yourself what would they be?

Vera: Only 3 words?????????? Danny, you wan kill me?! LOL. Okay, let's see: jovial, loving, and a wee bit spoilt... in spite of what I may have told Doug, but sssshhh, don't tell him. [Can I add other words like beaurriful, funny, loyal, energetic, fun, blessed, favored, nice, sweet, kind-hearted, friendly, outgoing, totally loveable..... you understand now!]

Thank you all sooooooooooooo much for your lovely questions! This has been fun. Now I can resume my regular blogging routine. Thank you to all those wished me congratulatory messages too; you guys rock! And thanks to those who sent me emails...you deserve some Verastic hugs & kisses.

P.S. To those who subscribe (or rather attempt to subscribe) to Verastically Livin' through email: after you submit your email address, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure you confirm the subscription. There are a buncha email addresses that are not confirmed. I guess I could email all the unconfirmed email addresses.

This is definitely my longest post. I apologize. See you on Thursday, February 5th 2009.

I Have Been Verastically Livin' For Three Years...

Yes, my blog is three years old today. My first post, Enter Vera was really a short post about nothing, and I wasn't quite sure how I was gonna do this blogging thing. I joined Blogger before Jan 26th 2006, but I started with my other blog where I put up articles. It's the blog where I'm serious - or at least try to be serious. I found out about blogging thru a friend who owned a blog (and has since stopped blogging). At the time I started Verastically Livin', I was not aware of any other blogger - especially any other Naija blogger. Cherub was the first one to leave a comment on my blog. I visited her blog, and va-va-voom, the rest is history. This post you're reading today is a scheduled post. I started composing it on Wednesday, October 1st 2008. 4:33 PM. I should be studying, but hey, I have to plan ahead. lol.

I am so happy that I started blogging. I have never met so many of you, but I feel like we are friends. I feel like we are one big not-always-happy family, and I'm really looking forward to meeting as many bloggers as possible. I have met some of you in person, and I have spoken to plenty more on the phone. Some day, I'll give each male blogger a child. Or twins, if you prefer. I don't know what I'm gonna give the female bloggers yet. I'm assuming y'll don't want to consumate our relationship that way. LOL. I'm really, really grateful to everyone - the bloggers, the anonymous commenters, the non anonymous/non blogger commenters, the readers who never comment, and of course, my wonderful friends Busola, Funmi, & Uju. Needless to say, I'm still waiting for Temite to tell me where I can buy a taser so I can taser Busola, Funmi, & Uju. They deserve it.

To commemorate this wonderful day, I will be bold and do what so many other bloggers like Bumight, Chari, & Buttercup have done and give you beautiful people the opportunity to ask me any question, and I will answer in my next post. BUT I do not promise to answer all the questions to your satisfaction. Example: Asking for my age or picture will probably not be answered properly. I shudder to think of what you will ask. In order to allow lotsa questions (hopefully), I'll let this post run for a week.

I will update this blog with the answers to your questions @ 12 AM on Monday, Feb 2nd 2009.
12 AM Eastern Time, USA
6 AM Naija Time

See you then!!