Grant Me This One Weekend, Please

I should have updated yesterday, but I didn't. Like I mentioned in my last post, the verastic dot com that you see here today, you will soon see it no more. 

On that note, grant me this one weekend to work on this blog. So much to be done. I'm only e-moving. But it feels like I'm moving physical luggage from Point A to Point B. Everything is disorganized, and I don't know where to put what. Grant me this weekend to work on this blog. I could update and give you a shabby post, but you deserve much more. Just this weekend, please.

And I will be back by Monday by God's grace. If you come here and it says the site does not exist or something like that, fear not. It will be back on. And I hope you'll like what you see.

Have a great weekend.

If you miss me, you know where you can always find me: Facebook and Twitter.

Verastic 2.0

Very, very soon,

I mean, really soon,

The verastic dot com that you see today, you will see it no more. It'll be gone forever, and be replaced with a brand new Verastic dot com 2.0. I'm moving to WordPress.  It's hard to admit, but I have outgrown Blogger. So on WordPress, I'll blog more often, reveal myself more often, get to know you better, and hopefully ... well, I won't tell you about my plans to extort a 2012 Range Rover Sport from each of you.

But before I move, keep these dates in mind, please:

January 14th: This is the most important {Repeat: MOST IMPORTANT} date in the Verastic history. Thia was the day - 21 years ago - when yours truly was born. [Insert: Pinocchio nose]. It's coming up --- again. And in my usual kind spirit, I'm letting myself receive gifts from you generous folks. You may visit my wish list for ideas. And no, I do not wish to discuss the fact that I have turned 21 more than once.

January 26th: Verastically Livin' Blog will be five years old.  Five! Of course, we won't be celebrating it by just saying "Yay, happy birthday." This year, I did a giveaway. It was a book - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's book, "The Thing Around Your Neck." Next year, however, well ... stay tuned for the giveaway. But know this, it'll be bigger and better, and you don't want to miss it.

February 14th: Don't panic. I'm not requiring that you go to Jared and buy a pair of diamond studs - although, that would be nice. A girl never tires of receiving these things. Oh, wait. I've never received a pair of diamond studs. Well, a girl never tires of wanting to receive one.  But most importantly, Show Me Your Love will be right on! And this time, it will be even better! Where are my hot, sexy couples? I need those pictures. More details coming up soon.

P.S. The new verastic {AKA Verastic 2.0} will have more features. Prepare to be prepared  to be prepared to be dazzled.

P.P.S. In case you have not noticed, today is the 14th of December .... exactly one month to my birthday. Woot, woot!!! Where's the surprise party??

P.P.P.S. I need to contact my church. They still haven't put my birthday under the website's "Upcoming Events" column. My birthday is an event, darn it!

P.P.P.P.S Don't even get me started on the US Government, their refusal to make January 14th a national public holiday. I mean, come on! 

Vera Ezimora on Facebook ||| Vera Ezimora on Twitter

Let's Go There ... Again!!!

It's that time of the year again. The Nigerian Blog Award is bizzzzack!!  Before I tell you why I deserve to win, I just want to thank everyone who nominated me. I am very, very grateful --- especially seeing as I did not even know that nominations were already in session. If I had known, well, perhaps, this post from last year will give you a clue about what I would have done.

Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Yours truly - yes, the one, the only verastic blogger, has been nominated in five categories (and I did not even have to fight for them), and here are the reasons why I should win all the categories I was nominated in.

1.  Best Daily Read: Pick a day --- like today, and I'll give you something good to read.    

2.  Best Use of Media/ Including Social Media: How many other blogs do you go to where you can both read, hear, and vote?  On Verastically Livin, you can!  I mean, super stars have been created on the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio! Okay, maybe not  super stars exactly --- but somewhere close. Oh, but it gets better than that! Verastically Livin' also has a 'Prove Your Like' Facebook widget. If this is not head-turning, gotta-vote-Vera-in cool, tell me what is.

3.  Most Humorous Blog: Wasn't it I who came up with the secret formula to fix this so-called economic recession (by seducing men and producing baby girls)?  Wasn't it I who told you of the Priest who inquired of my stance on oral sex?  Wasn't it I who told you that Turai Yar'Adua vanished into thin air after thanking me for my alleged prayers?  And  wasn't it I who told you just how hard men have it? It was I, was it not?

4.  Most Unique Voice: Who, me? *Looking around, confused* Oh, my. How I have longed and waited to hear this. I have a unique voice?? Finally, someone sees [hears] it! People have been falling in love with everyone's voice but mine. I mean, just this Saturday, all my co-hosts [Aribaba, NaijaBloke, and BDON] shamelessly fell in love with Life of a Stranger's voice --- right before my very ears! So, yes, if not for anything else, I need this award to validate me. 

5.  Nigerian Blog of the Year: There are two reasons why I qualify to win this category (i) I'm Nigerian (ii) It's the year 2010. Oh, I have a third reason ... (iii) I'm better than all the other nominees. Yes, all nine of them.

But just in case you need to be persuaded just a wee bit more, here's my history with the Nigerian Blog Awards.

2006 [The first ever Nigerian Blog Award]

• Blogger I'd Most Like To Meet ---> Winner
• Funniest Blogger --> Nominee

2009 [The second Nigerian Blog Award]

• Best Everyday Read --> Winner
• Most Likeable Blogger --> Winner
• Blogger Most Likely To Become A Celebrity Off Blogging --> Winner
• Funniest Blogger --> Winner
• Bloggers' Choice Award --> Nominee
• Most Creative Blogger --> Nominee
• Dedicated Blogger --> Nominee
• Most Likely To Become A Talk Show Host --> Nominee
• Most Popular Blogger --> Nominee
• Most Stalked Blog --> Nominee

By now, your hands must be itching to vote for me. Of course, of course.  Voting commences on the 31st of May right here. Friends, let us remember that this is a war, an unfriendly war, where we must do all that we can to make sure that I win.  Anything and everything that can be done to stop my opponents must be done  --- including, but not limited to holding other opponents and their blog(s) in hostage until the voting season is over.  Alternatively, you could demand that their names be withdrawn from the contest. Doing that will earn them their freedom.  Henceforth, anyone who is not Vera Ezimora is an enemy, and must be treated as such. Yes, in all categories where Vera Ezimora/Verastically Livin' is nominated, blind your eyes to all other nominees, throw e-eggs at their blogs, and cajole them into vote for Vera Ezimora instead.

Voting commences on the 31st of May --- right here.

Motherhood Inc.

It'd be awfully strange if we do not have one - a Mother's Day celebration, I mean.  Sunday, May 9th 2010 is Mother's Day in the U.S. of A.  To commemorate this day, verastic dot com will be having another blog event, like the Valentine's Day one - except for mothers this time.

Everyone who has or had a mother, everyone who has or had someone like a mother,  everyone who is or was a mother, and everyone who is or was an expectant mother is welcome to send pictures.  Send them to project@verastic.com by Sunday, May 2nd 2010.  Perhaps, the flyer and video below would entertain you better.  Enjoy.

Show Me Your Love: A Valentine Blog Event

Welcome to Show Me Your Love: A Valentine Blog Event

Without further ado, let the showing of love begin.

Ayo and Lola

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

For three years, Ayo and Lola worked together without speaking to one another because Ayo was shy. They later met at a training, and that was where the talking began. But it was not love at first sight. They started by borrowing office materials from each other. Ayo and Lola got married in 2008, and now have a bouncing baby girl.

Their union is the myth buster, Ayo says. There's no such thing as becoming less efficient or less happy once you're married. He has become happier, more efficient, and everything in between since he met Lola.  Lola loves everything about him, she says. She loves his wit, his intelligence, and his love for God. Their determination to grow their love, and their mutual goal of being happy has sustained their relationship.

For Valentine, Lola is sure they have no plans.  Ayo, however, says the plans are under wraps.

Leo and Rosie

Location: Maryland, U.S.A

Leo swears they met in 2005.  Rosie insists it was actually in 2006, because in 2005, Leo was pursuing her incognito.  That, as far as she's concerned, does not count as meeting. Leo and Rosie got married in 2007; they now have a son.

A funny couple, they are. The success of their relationship has been based on a little bit of honey, and a truckload of bullsh*t, You just have to learn how to mix them all up. That's a technique Rosie learned from her co-worker.  And then, there's a whole lot of communication, of course.

For Valentine's Day, Rosie plans on babysitting --- unless, of course, Leo has special plans for her.

LanreTall and KemiGold

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

2005 was the turning point for Lanre and Kemi. They bumped into each other in the hallway, although they didn't drop their papers, the way it happens in movies.  A week later, they met again, and have been together ever since. They are now engaged.

One of the things Lanre loves best about her is her playfulness and talkativeness. Sometimes, he has to beg her to be quiet, but that's all part of what makes him love her so. Clearly, he also loves carrying her. Their relationship has succeeded largely because of trust.

For Valentine, Lanre and Kemi will start their day by going to church, and after that, they will go see a movie - although they haven't decided which one. From there, they intend to go back home to take part in an event that we all are not invited to.

Busola and Francis

Location: Maryland, U.S.A

The year was 2005, and Busola was in a long distance relationship with a guy in Nigeria.  When a mutual friend showed her picture to Francis, he decided he wanted to meet her.  A relationship was the last thing on Busola's mind because, well, she had a boyfriend in Nigeria.  It's 2010, and they're now happily married with one son.

Francis has a good heart, she says.  She loves how he always makes hers and the baby's safety and wellbeing his priority.  God plays a major role in the success of their relationship.  Busola and Francis have learned how to be patient with each other, savoring every little bit and piece of their relationship.

For Valentine, the baby will be having a one-on-one time with his Grandma, while Busola and Francis enjoy a romantic dinner at home.

Bola and Watta

Location: Maryland, U.S.A

Theirs is the case of boy meets girl --- the African rendition.  This here, is the tale of the Nigerian boy who met the Sierra Leonean girl, and together, they created Love In West Africa.  It all started in 2008.

To keep their love young and strong, this Nigerian and Sierra Leonean have learned the priceless virtues of communication and compromise.  It doesn't hurt that they always do things to make each other happy.

For Valentine, they plan on going to Las Vegas, Nevada for five days.  And no, they do not need our company.

 Kunle and Deola

Location: Maryland, U.S.A

Kunle and Deola met in church in 2005. Deola had said out loud that she needed someone to teach her how to drive. Kunle, in his infinite kindness, offered to do so. The day he shamelessly stood in the mall and sang out loud, "Don't you wish your boyfriend was hot like me?" Deola knew he was the one for her.  There isn't anything Deola does not like about Kunle.  They got married in 2009.

Two things - however simple or complex - make their relationship work: God and hot, passionate sex.

For Valentine, their plans are too erotic --- even for Verastic dot com readers.

Jonathan and Chichi

Location: North Carolina

When Jonathan lost his father in 2006, he never thought the unfortunate incident will cause him to meet the love of his life.  A friend of his came over with a stranger, a stranger that brought him a delicious meal. That stranger was Chichi. He took an interest in Chichi, but Chichi dodged him -- till 2008. And now, well, take a look at the picture. She's not dodging anymore.

Jonathan and Chichi have both had their share of life. They do not sweat the small stuff. Only big stuff need apply. They have a strong foundation, and they know they have to make this work.

For Valentine, they plan to take it easy by going to church first, and then, watching movies for the rest of the day.

Justice and Ugochi

Location: Florida, U.S.A.

Justice and Ugochi met in 2004 through Ugochi's cousin. At the time, Ugochi was not looking for a relationship, and besides, Justice lived in a different State. Four months later, Ugochi got a surprise call from Justice. He had gotten her number from her cousin. She rejected his proposal for a relationship, but it's 2010, and they got married in 2009.

Their relationship is solidified by mutual respect for one another, communication, forgiveness, and God.

For Valentine, they plan on going to see a movie, taking a professional picture, and then having a dinner date.

Bunmi and Kunle

Location: Maryland, U.S.A

Bunmi and Kunle met in 2003. She left her home in New York to attend a graduation party in Maryland, while Kunle left his home in Maryland to attend the same party. Fate happened.  Or maybe it was cupid. Either way, they are now married with three beautiful princesses.

Bunmi and Kunle realize they're both different, and they do not try to change each other.  With God as the root and foundation of their relationship, Bunmi and Kunle have learned to trust each other wholly. Bunmi is the CEO of an online retail shop, T and T Fashions, a business she named in honor of her daughters.

For Valentine, they hope to be indoors. Perhaps, they might be snowed in. They plan to be creative.

Evans and Yvonne

Location: Around The World

Evans and Yvonne met in the University in 2005.  But they lost contact. Three years later, they met again. They have been inseparable since then. 

When two people who reside in different Continents are as in love as these two, laughter is a necessity. And so, Evans and Yvonne do a lot of laughing to keep their relationship going.  It also helps that Evans is very patient with Yvonne -- especially during her diva moments. Communication goes a long way to keep them on the same page at all times.

For Valentine, Evans and Yvonne would be having a cyber date.  They're thankful for the internet --- and for webcams, of course.

Oma and Chris

Location: Maryland, U.S.A

Their story began in 1995, while they attended College.  Two years after they met, they got married. Fifteen years and four kids later, their love has become even brighter. Oma is looking forward to growing old and grey with Chris.  Oma is now the proud owner of Livi's Fashions and Bridal.

Apart from the familiarity they share, love, understanding, and communication have all been contributing factors to the success of their relationship.

For Valentine, they plan on going out for dinner --- without the children, of course.

Olumide and Timbo

Location: London, U.K and Maryland, U.S.A

Olumide and Timbo met in 2009.  They met through her best friend in Nigeria.  Timbo's first attraction to Olumide was in his written English. It was in his punctuations, the commas being in the right place.  She has the in-factor he wants in a woman, he always says. And he never stops calling her his Mrs.

Communication is very strong in their relationship. Distance may be far, but that doesn't stop these love birds from talking everyday. Timbo loves how goal-oriented he is. He's cool-headed and mature in his thinking, she says with a wide smile plastered on her face.

For Valentine, they'll be spending the day talking on the phone. And in between, perhaps, Timbo will take some time to take a whiff of the roses he sent.  They're an assortment of colors. There are many shades to Timbo.

Fred and Magalie

Location: U.S.A

Fred and Magalie, the final couple for this event, met in 2000.  He approached her with a funny line, and since then, Magalie's life has not been the same.

After being apart for three years, they now realize that there is no one else in the world for them... but themselves. And that is how they have kept their love going. Their picture is a portrayal of their feelings, for each other, and for their relationship. It's them against the world.  It's Magalie confidently, reassuringly resting on Fred. And it's Fred's arm being right there when Magalie needs it. It's them both.

For Valentine, they plan on spending the day on Skype.  They do not live in the same City.

This concludes the Show Me Your Love Valentine Blog Event for 2010.

Special thanks to all the couples.  I wish you the best Valentine Day ever, and may your love grow from strength to strength.  Come next year, may we all be favored to come back here and celebrate your love once more.  Thank you for all your support.

P.S. All comments are very appreciated, but please play nice.  I apologize in advance for any not-so-nice comments I would have to delete J

 Happy Valentine's to everyone!!!

...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.

The Secret To Perkier Breasts

I usually don't like to divulge such verastic secrets, but hey, it's a new year, so why not?  In my birthday post, I mentioned that my breasts are now perkier.  JustJoxy asked what my secret is.

Please read carefully, so that you, too, may enjoy of this bountiful joy:  Take your clothes off.   Done?  No, no.  Please, don't take a picture and send it to me.  Now, take your bra off.  Done?  Good.  Now, listen read carefully, and follow these steps:

1. Stand in front of a mirror (one that can get your entire upper body).
2. Look at your breasts and take a mental picture of them.
3. Now raise your hands --- slowly.
4. Keep raising them.  Reach for the sky.
5. Now look at your breasts again.

Voila!  Perkier breasts!!!

Note: Keep hands at the reach-for-the-sky position for continuous perkier breasts.  Yes, that means you should keep your hands up there for as long as you want to see those perkier breasts.

P.S. This secret recipe to perkier breasts is strictly for women.

P.P.S.  Yesterday's show about romance and finance was hawt. If you have not heard it, just click on the player by right sidebar of this blog, or click here.

P.P.P.S.  Pictures for the Valentine Blog Event - Show Me Your Love - are still being accepted.  Send pictures to project@verastic.com  You can read the details here.  Call/text 1.443.934.9039, if you have any questions.

P.P.P.P.S.  Verastically Livin' Blog will be four in two days [January 26th]!  Are you ready for the giveaway???  Starting from Tuesday, January 26, you'll be given the chance to win the giveaway.

P.P.P.P.P.S.  Next week on the radio, we'll be talking about cohabitation.  How beneficial - or not beneficial - is it to live with your partner before marriage???

P.P.P.P.P.P.S.  There's a new poll.  Go vote.

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S. Soooo.... how about those perkier breasts??? J

Show Me Your Love + Giveaway

Christmas has come and gone.

New Year's Day has come and gone.

And though it's hard to believe, my birthday has also come and gone.  Thankfully, however, I'm kind enough to receive late gifts from my birthday wish list --- at no extra charge!

The point is that we're moving on.  In five days time - Tuesday, January 26th 2010 - Verastically Livin' Blog will be four years old.  Four!!  Can you believe it?  When Verastically Livin' turned three last year, I gave everyone the option of asking me any question they wanted to, and one week later, I answered them all.

Well, that's not going to happen this year.  Instead, I'm going to be doing a giveaway!  Yeap, you read right. But before you get overly excited, it's just a small giveaway: a book.  It's Chimamanda's book, "The Thing Around Your Neck."  The post will go up on the 26th on January, and one week, later - the 2nd of February - a random commenter will be chosen as the winner.

Show Me Your Love: A Valentine Blog Event

Although I've mentioned this on Facebook and Twitter, I've not really mentioned it here - what a shame.  This year, Verastically Livin will be having a Valentine Blog Event, and the theme is - you guessed it - Show Me Your Love.  Fortunately, all you have to do is - you guessed it again - show me your love.

E-mail pictures of you and the one you're in love with to project@verastic.com.  Include your names, location, what you love about each other, and of course, what you plan to do for Valentine's Day.  You're welcome to include any other information.

Come back at midnight on Valentine's Day and see the pictures --- right here on Verastically Livin'

Deadline for submission: Sunday, February 7th 2010

P.S. Please share this post by tweeting it, facebooking it, or simply e-mailing it.  You can click the envelop at the bottom of this post to e-mail it.

P.P.S. Verastically Speakin' airs on Saturday - Romance Without Finance.  It'll be co-hosted  by Ikedot and Nkechinyere.  Don't forget to vote on this week's poll.

This Is It

For 2009.

This year, like all the ones before it, has been unpredictable.  I want to tell you about how I had good times and bad times, how I went to bed crying and woke up laughing, how I got so frustrated so many times that certain things were not how and where I wanted them, how I sat in my car and cried to myself, and to God, and then, wiped my tears and came inside the house with a counterfeit smile plastered on my face because I did not want mom to be worried.  I want to tell you about how I stayed financially-challenged throughout the entire year, but somehow, I always managed to make it by, and at the end, I even had some change.  But I won't tell you these things.J

Today is the 29th day of December.  In two days, the year will be over.  Still, I am expectant.  There are things I asked begged asked and begged God to do that He has not done, and since, to Him, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day [2 Peter 3:8], I'll keep my hands open for His blessings and favor.

As I reflect on the 116 posts I put up this year - the post you're currently reading makes it 117 - I cannot help but reflect on the state of my mind when I put those posts up.  Here are some of them, in chronological order: I think about my post on February 2nd, the one where I celebrated my blog's anniversary by answering everyone's questions.  And I think of Valentine's Day, a day that started out being as plain as Thursday, a day I planned on staying home and saturating my mind with Nigerian movies that test and insult my intelligence, and a day that ended up being the best Valentine's Day of my life.

And I think about April 1st, and how I blogged about my engagement, the one that never happened.  I enjoyed the comments so much that I almost forgot I was not even engaged.  Sometimes, my ring finger feels empty, as if something is missing.  Strange.  How can it miss what it has never had?  And I think about May 7th, the day I blogged about the shoes that fit.  That was the day Mr. Shoes got his famous name.  I love the name, by the way.  

I think about the launch of my online radio on June 23rd, and I think about the fickleness of my voice and the anxiety of my heart, and I cannot help but smile at the overwhelming support I received that day, and all the days that have followed.  And I think about July 5th, and the emotions with which I blogged about the home-going of Mommy Shoes (Mr. Shoes' mom) who left us on June 20th.  It was with sadness, reluctance, grief, anger, and an understandable but questionable sense of betrayal by God that I put that post up.  

And on October 20th, I blogged about the 17-day fun I had with Mr. Shoes, the private resort he took me to, the Shawarma Pita I tasted for the first time, the almost-revolting tall cup of tea he made me drink because of my cold, and my inability to pass said cold on to him (Oh, I didn't mention this inability in that post).  And finally, on December 4th, I featured a few generous vendors who offered some wonderful discounts on their products.  It was my first time featuring vendors, and by God's grace, I'll do it again.

I apologize for the rather extensive post.  The point of it is to say Thank You.  Thank You for all your love and support, and to show my appreciation, I now present you - yes, you, dear reader - with this certificate of appreciation (click on certificate to magnify it).

***See you in 2010!  Happy New Year!!!***

SexLoveBlogsVerasticTigerWoodsNigeriaRadioExesCallersMarriageDiasporaMr.ShoesVirginityAffairs

That's as random as we're going to be on Saturday on Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio.  Whatever it is you want to talk about ... bring it on!!!  It's the last show for 2009, and I guess it's my own little way of saying thank you to everyone.

So, whatever it is you want to talk about, let's talk about it!  On Saturday, December 19th 2009, the show will be random.  To minimize confusion, the show, unlike the title of this post, is called Randomisity - Phase 1 (It's phase 1 because sometime in the future, there will be a second phase --- of course!).  Ray and NaijaBloke will be co-hosting with me.  I hope I'll be safe.

It's a two-hour show.  Let's call it the season finale, shall we? Call in and talk about whatever it is - perhaps an unresolved issue from a previous show?  A question about one of my previous posts?  Tiger Woods and his many concubines?  Yaradua --- the President ... or the snail?  Marriage?  Singlehood?  Nigeria?  Sex?  Relationships?  Bloggers?  Previous co-hosts?  Want to be a future co-host?  Facebook?  Verastic question - whatever that might mean?  Food?  Ray's password?  What I want for my birthday (January 14th)?      Money?  Career choices?  Nollywood?  Suggestions for 2010?  Maybe you just want to sing for five minutes?  Or perhaps, recite a love poem or read a love letter?  What is it???

Whatever it might be, you have five minutes of our time.  So, think wisely before you call.  Think about the exact thing you want to talk about because when your five minutes are up, we have to move on to the next person.  Two hours may seem like a long time, but considering the history of this show, two hours will go by like two minutes.

Can't call in but want us to discuss your question/issue?  E-mail it before Saturday.  E-mails will be addressed on a first-come first-serve basis. <<>> radio@verastic.com.  Alternatively, you could text it 1.443.934.9039

P.S. If you cannot listen via the web here, you can just call the number > 1.646.929.1905 < and listen.  I won't put you on the air unless you actually want to speak.

P.P.S. However, listening online does have its perks: the chat room! They're crazy in there.

P.P.P.S. Some people have been asking what shows are coming up in 2010.  Everything listed on the left side bar [that has neither been scheduled nor crossed out] is fair game.  So, if you're interested in co-hosting, e-mail me >> radio@verastic.com

Talk to you at 10am U.S. EST time (4pm Nigerian time) on Saturday, December 19th 2009 here.  Call 1.646.929.1905 to join the conversation.

Ho! Ho!! Ho!!! Merry Discounts!!!!!

Conceiving the idea of offering discounts was a lot more fun and a lot easier than actually putting it into action. I had big dreams and grandiose plans. Oh, well. Each of the following vendors have given these discounts out of the goodness and generosity of their hearts. I did not twist their arms. Okay, maybe a little. The things I do for you. Here goes --- in alphabetical order...

A Heart To Mend: Love Happens by Nkem Okotcha

This is an e-book by our very own blogger, Myne Whitman [Nkem Okotcha]. The book is regularly sold here on lulu for $9.99, but for this weekend only, Myne Whitman is discounting it to $5.99. A Heart To Mend: Love Happens is a business thriller and romance, set in Lagos, Nigeria. To read the synopsis and/or order a copy, click here.

Funmie's Avon Shop

Avon has good stuff ... at affordable prices. And Funmie's Avon shop has Verastic prices = even more affordable prices! Personally, I love Avon's eye shadows. But take a look around. If you have not shopped Avon in a while, you'll be pleasantly surprised. They have broadened their horizon; they now have a lot more items: for both men and women! So here are the details:

• Mention Verastic and either receive FREE shipping, or Funmie can personally deliver your products to you - if you live in the Baltimore/DC area. Does anyone else smell a rat in Funmie's alleged nice offer to personally deliver???
• Place an order of $49.99 and above by December 31st and receive a separately mailed FREE gift.
• The last day to place orders in order to receive them in time for Christmas is December 16th.
• Contact Funmie >>> Funmie@verastic.com <<>> 1.410.497.7671

One3Snapshot

Culture. Art. Expression. That's their slogan. You don't have to look too far or too long to realize why. If a picture speaks a thousand words, then these three pictures from One3snapshot should speak three thousand words. And you know what's so cool about them? They'll listen! Send them your design project, if you have one. In case you can't read what's on that white tank tee above, it says, 'You never imagined I'd get this far.' Tell me: how many people are you just itching to say this to? Am I the only one who wants to rip it off that model's body and keep it for myself?

• Save 10% at checkout with this code: VERASTIC

Sparkle Fashion Store

Ever visited a store and wanted everything ... as in everything??? Sparkle Fashion Store really sparkles! From hand bags to bracelets to necklaces to hair accessories. Sparkle Fashion Store has them all --- and I want them all. So many styles and colors. Considering how beautiful these items are, you won't believe how ridiculously affordable they are. If this were a brick and mortar store, I would go in there and get lost in it. Mr. Shoes will never follow me in.

• Save 5% on all sales of $25 to $70 >> Discount code: Vera5
• Save 10% on all sales of $75 to $200 >> Discount code: Vera10
• Save 15% on all sales of $201 to $350 >> Discount code: Vera15
• Save 20% on all sales of $351 and above >> Discount code: Vera20
• Contact: patricia@mysparklejewelry.com <<<>>> 1.973.704.9651
• Also, become a fan of My Sparkle Jewelry on Facebook.

The White Dress Shop

Every woman and her cat has heard that she should own a little black dress. But what about a white one - whether little or not? What are you going to wear to that all-white party? Sometimes, stylish and white become mutually exclusive --- but not at The White Dress Shop! It's a good thing they don't stop at dresses. The shop goes on to blouses. And coats. And skirts. And accessories. And vintage jewelry. And even colored wildcard outfits! So what are you still waiting for? Come on down!

• Receive 15% off all orders from now till December 31st with this coupon code: TWDS09 (It's a zero between S and 9).

.........My sincere gratitude to all the vendors.

And, of course, to all of you ... readers and listeners. What would I do without you? Oh, yeah ... I'd sleep! It's past three in the morning!

****************************************************

Is it safe then to say that at the mention of my name, prices will fall off? Ho! Ho!! Ho!!! You should try using my name at Shop-Rite and Bloomingdale's. Let's see what will happen.

On that note, please vote in the poll. And meet me here tomorrow morning for show. It's past 3am. It took me four hours to put this together. Sweet dreams, folks! Talk to you tomorrow morning (Saturday, December 5th 2009 at 10am U.S. EST./ 4pm Nigerian time) HERE.

It's The 3rd Day

It's the third day since I last updated [on the 24th]. According to the unwritten - well, they're written somewhere on the blog, but they're not written on stone ... obviously - rules of Verastically Livin,' I'm due for an update today. Problem is, I'm not quite sure what to blog about.

Perhaps, this qualifies as one of those random posts. Yeah, you know the ones where you start off believing you have nothing to blog about, and then you begin to write about how you have nothing to blog about, only to end up with an entire post about how and why you don't have what to blog about --- but will go ahead and mention a few random thoughts anyway. Yeah, this is one of those.

On that note...

• I bought a water bottle from Wal-Mart that takes 2.2 L of water [which is equal to 8 glasses of water]. We are recommended to drink 8 glasses of water per day, so I figured I'd give it a try. Sooo not easy! Been walking around feeling like water-filled balloons are dancing around in my belly. I'm pretty sure that if you poke my belly with a pin, you'll be able to host a pool party.

• Have you ever felt like so many things are just going on at the same time? Ever knelt down to pray and not even known what to pray for or how to pray for it? Ever wished you could confront God face-to-face and ask Him some personal questions, but then, as quickly as that wish came to you, a thought popped up in the back of your mind, and you say to yourself [or maybe out loud], "God forbid! I don't want to confront Him. I'll die the day I see His face?" No?? Just me then. Okay.

• "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow/ Because He lives, all fear is gone/ For I know .. oh.. oh.. oh.. He holds my future/ And life is worth living just because He lives..." It'd be a lot easier for me to embrace the future if I know what it has in store for me. I sing that song to make myself feel better. And no, I am neither depressed nor contemplating suicide, thank you very much. My confusingly identical twins still have to be invented and born. Am I looking forward to that or what???

• Speaking of the invention of children, I look forward to that. The process of coming up with different ways and styles that are most suitable for the invention of said children has to be pretty darn interesting. [Case in point: I heard that when the woman stays upside down immediately after the act of invention, it better increases the chances of a successful invention]. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, move on. You'll know soon enough.

• Switching to yet another random topic: yesterday on Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio was off the chains...and I'm not just saying that because I'm the host. Oh, what the heck? That is why I'm saying it. But it really was off the chains. This time, I'm serious. Topic was Be Lucrative Or Die Trying. Click HERE to listen. Okechukwu Ofili and Iceberg Slim co-hosted. At the end, we played Iceberg's new song, "Nigerian Girls" featuring Sauce Kid. Good stuff.

• Back to this future thing ... I approach it with some trepidation. I need things to be stable. If you were to ask God what Vera is thinking of Him, He'll say, "She thinks I'm the unstable one, but has she looked at herself lately??? I'm the Unchangeable Changer!"

• Speaking of that name, "Unchangeable Changer" ... for the longest time, I couldn't make sense of it. I thought it was another ludicrous name/phrase Nigerians had come up with. You know how we are. I get it now. He's the God who changes things, but He never changes. Oooohh. Cool beans!!! God is such a cool Man!! [Sorry, I can be slow some times.]

• Next week Saturday, we'll be asking [on Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio] 'Who Is A Submissive Wife???' I'm working on getting a second co-host. In the meantime in between time - gosh, I love saying that - why don't you do help your sister out again? See the poll on the top right sidebar? Yeap, that one. Tell me what you think. When you're done, click HERE to set up you reminder for the show. It's going to be the same time on Saturday, Oct 3rd at 10am U.S EST/3pm GMT. E-mail radio@verastic.com for comments/questions/suggestions.

• Blogger really needs to come up with a way to attach music to a post. They want me to do podcasts and all that ish? Seriously??? I just want to attach an mp3 file! Bear with me. Enjoy this video below. It's not an actual video. It's Iceberg Slim's song. It's the only one I could find on YouTube. Wasn't my favorite choice [seeing as Sauce Kid was spelled as Sauce Ki ...right there in the first two seconds of the video. Driving me nuts, I tell you.], but I had no other option. Does anyone know an easier way to attach songs? I think Wordpress does a better job at this. Come on, Blogger... you're better than this!

... And I thought I had nothing to blog about!JJJ

I Need A Personal Assistant

Job description:

• Update Verastically Livin' every three days.
• Reply comments [on Verastically Livin'] as they come in.
• Hunt down and harass people till they agree to co-host Verastically Speakin Talk Radio.
• Schedule shows on Verastically Speakin Talk Radio.
• Reply all e-mails (on Verastic, Facebook, & Twitter).
• Take and return phone calls.
• Reply text messages.
• Compose e-mails when needed and keep the readers informed.
• Keep the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio Facebook Group updated.
• Approve all my friend requests on Facebook.
• Poke back all my pokers on Facebook.
• Put up polls on Verastically Livin for upcoming shows on Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio.
• Constantly think of show ideas.
• Think of the best suitable co-hosts for each show.
• Write my book.
• Do my school work.
• Feed me.
• Rub my back.
• Moisturize my lips every two hours.
• Remind the "administrative assistant" [aka Funmie] that today is Thursday, and she needs to follow Miss Jayla on Twitter for tweminar.
• Do my hair. [It's currently a hot mess].

I'm drowning here. 24 hours are hardly enough hours in a day. 48 hours, maybe. Thank you all for the lovely comments in my previous posts. I'm sorry I have not been able to respond to all of them. I have read them all. I always do. Time has not really been on my side.

On that note, Funmie has really assumed the position of Administrative Assistant [stop laughing]. She has been a tremendous help so far, but there are still some things she just can't do. Anyone thinking what I'm thinking? Stop thinking what you're thinking, pervert.

So Funmie has been really helpful anyway. I sent an e-mail out to a whole lotta people about upcoming shows, and the response has been encouraging. Thank you. We should be able to respond to all the e-mails by this weekend. I now qualify for the we thing. I have always found it strange when a solo blogger refers to him/herself as we. I've thought that to be the early signs of schizophrenia. But in this case, we really does fit the case. We as in Funmie and I. Whenever I am unable to handle it, Funmie will take over. Fear not, she's got the Verastic training too - whatever that might be.

Just to remind you --- notice the poll on the right sidebar?? That's for the upcoming show on Saturday. If you have not taken the poll, please do. It'll help us. Also, there's a long list of upcoming shows on the left sidebar. I hope you'll be interested in co-hosting. If so, let us know. Gosh, this is sooo cool! The whole use of we and us. Read the previous post for details on co-hosting.

Well, off I go to bed. We will get back to you. Alright Vera.... put a cork in it. Soooo not funny anymore!!! Do not despair - whoever said you're despairing? - I still remain the sole updater of this blog.