On The First Day Of 2010

My readers, friends, and family asked of me, "What do you want for your birthday?"

Oh, come on!  You knew the day was coming; you knew I couldn't celebrate my birthday without giving you the list, the birthday list, the one you have been secretly, unconsciously dying to have.  Yes, that list.  In my usual manner, I have taken the pain to put this oh-so-verastic list together.  You're going to love it!  You're going to be eager to just buy, buy, buy.  Of course, I'll gladly let you buy me more than one gift.  Unlike last year's gift list, this one is not full of perfumes.  I think that's what happens when you grow up.

The List:

*** Update: Number 21 has been purchased.
*** Update: Number 10 has been purchased.
*** Update: Number 9 has been purchased.
*** Update: Number 17 has been purchased.

1.  The Nikon D90.  Ever since I saw Ashton Kutcher in the commercial, I have wanted needed this camera.  Oh, I can only imagine the kind of chemistry we would have.  12.9 megapixels of beauty.  Picture courtesy of Best Buy.

2.  Toyota Rav-4: It was a tough decision, but I decided to only add the Rav-4 to my birthday wish list this year. With the state of the economy, I thought it'd be rather insensitive to ask for a Range Rover.  I'm quite understanding, I know.  Picture courtesy of Toyota dot com.

3.  Motorola Cliq phone (in the winter white color): Both of my phones are a sorry sight.  My blackberry has gotten so bad that it now deletes my call records and text messages.  It's so old that instead of Blackberry, it now reads Blacky.  Picture courtesy of T-Mobile.

4.  Blackberry Bold 9700: I use two phones; they're both equally pathetic.  Trust me.  They're pathetic.  So, this Blackberry will replace my second phone.  Picture courtesy of T-Mobile.

5.  Sony Cyber Shot:: Why do I need this?  Because the camera I own is a D-SLR, so I can't just throw it into my purse and go anywhere I want to.  Sometimes, I'm somewhere and I want to take a picture for the blog, but there's no camera - except the phone camera, and well, I'd rather not use the phone camera to take pictures for my blog.  Picture courtesy of Best Buy.

6.  Sony Reader - Touch Edition: I have tried not to cave into this new technology; I have tried to keep doing the paper thing, but goodness, this is so much lighter.  Picture courtesy of Best Buy

7.  Kindle Wireless Reading Device (From Amazon): I actually prefer this one.  But, of course, I'm totally understanding and flexible. I'll gladly take either the Kindle or the Sony Reader - not both - but I do prefer the Amazon Kindle.  Unless you insist, of course, but please don't.  One is fine, really. Picture courtesy of Amazon.

8.  An external hard drive - 500 GB (Toshiba).  Considering how much I write, it is a shame that I do not own an external hard drive.  Yes, that means that nothing - absolutely nothing - is backed up.  So, if Nwoke Ocha were to decide to pack up right now, that would be it for me.  Picture courtesy of Best Buy.

9.  Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: Believe it or not, I have never, ever read this book.  Sure, I know the story, but that's just because I watched the movie (with Pete Edochie starring as Okonkwo), and of course, many are the things that have been said about this great novel --- and the one who wrote it.  So now, I want it for myself.  Picture courtesy of Amazon.

10.  The Lion And The Jewel by Wole Soyinka: Nope, have not read this either.  *sigh*  Picture courtesy of Amazon.

11.  Cuff Down Ankle Boots from Bakers: These Western boots are made for walking.  I want to walk in them!  Who is buying?  I wear a size 9, BUT let's be safe and go with a 10.  Picture courtesy of Bakers Shoes.

12.  These peep-toe pumps: I don't know this obsession I have with peep toe shoes, but it's gotta stop.  Okay, it doesn't have to stop right now.  I just love them.  What else is there to say?

13.  I want to carry this bag.  Enough said.  Courtesy of Macy's.

14.  Liz Claiborne Marietta sunglasses: Simple.  Not too flashy.  Me likes.  Picture courtesy of Macy's.

15.  A/X Armani Exchange Sunglasses: I love, love, LOVE these glasses.  I love them better than the previous one (number 14).  I can just imagine myself on a hot summer day.  HAWT!  Picture courtesy of Macy's

16.  Efuru by Flora Nwapa.  This, too, is another book that I need to read.  So who wants to help mama?  Mama being me, of course.  Picture courtesy of Amazon.

17.  That Devil's No Friend Of Mine by J. D. Mason.  I love J. D. Mason.  I think she's a brilliant writer.  I don't remember the name of the first book I read from her, but I loved it.  I have loved everything from her since then.  Picture courtesy of Amazon.

18.  Be Careful What You Pray For by Kimberla Lawson Roby: I love her books, too.  It's usually dramatic and family oriented, the kind of stuff that happens to regular people.  It's almost like a Nigerian movie, and by that, I'm referring to the good Nigerian movie, not the ones that insult our intelligence.  Picture courtesy of Amazon.

19.  God Only Knows by Xavier Knight. I have never read anything from this author, but something about the name of the book, and even the name of the author just makes me want to grab it and read it right now.  Picture courtesy of Amazon.

20.  Elaine boots from Baker's Shoes.  I really, really like them.  No, seriously, I like them.  Size 10, please.  Goodness.  I'll look so hot in them.  Don't you think?  Picture courtesy of Baker's Shoes.

21.  Caden peep toe boots from Baker's Shoes.  I have admired these boots from afar, and I have thought to myself, "Why would I need peep toe boots?"  But recently, I saw a pair of peep toe boots that I just couldn't stop looking at.  Hence, my new love for the peep toe booties.  Picture courtesy of Baker's Shoes.

22.  Lancome Teint Idole Ultra foundation.  I've been using this foundation since Lancome jazzed me in 2008.  After I bought their ridiculously expensive eye pencil, I took it back and bought this foundation instead.  It's been love ever since.  Well, I need a new one.  I need it in the Suède 1 (N) color (not to be confused with the Suede On color).  In the picture below, I highlighted the color, and by the left, where you'll select the color, my color is the one with the highlighted (yellow) frame (the last one on the leftest column).  Picture courtesy of Macy's.

23.  Nintendo Wii.  I don't remember if I had this on my wish list last year, but I know I've been wanting this for quite a while.  Well, here's your chance to do me good :-)  Picture courtesy of Best Buy.

24.  Sony - Xplod 52W x 4 Apple: The CD player in my car is crappy.  It's way too sensitive for my liking, but that's only the beginning of the problem.  It goes off right in the middle of the song, and I think it does it on purpose too, because it always waits till the song gets to my favorite part ... and then pffft.  It's off.  Picture courtesy of Best Buy.

25.  Sony Handycam camcorder: Wouldn't it be nice, if I could serenade you with videos??  Exactly!  So this is where and how this camcorder comes into play.  Picture courtesy of Best Buy.

26.  If you feel like none of these is expensive enough, I'll gladly welcome the cash you would have spent on a gift.



**** List will continuously be updated till June 30th 2010.  On June 30th 2010, the new birthday wish list (for 2011) will start being compiled.  Happy buying.

Happy New Year .... once again.

Oh, how could I forget?!  You need my address!

P. O. BOX 7893

Essex, MD 21221

United States of America.

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!!!***

Merry Christmas... And A Nigerian Terrorist???

All day yesterday, I felt guilty: I didn't come on my blog to say Merry Christmas to you wonderful folks.  For Christmas, I had planned on cooking some pasta and calling it a day.  But Aribaba (of Jaguda dot com) happened.  And that was how I ended up cooking another pot of efo soup.  He came with his friend, AK, and well, I hope I fed them well--- although I was unable to provide the fourteen virgins - seven for each - he wanted to serve the food.  I should have taken a picture of the pounded-yam that I ordered them to completely demolish before going home.  Better luck next time.

After they left, the day was pretty much normal, just passing by --- until I heard the breaking news: a terror attempt on U.S. airliner, Delta/Northwest by a Nigerian.  Nigerian?!  Terrorist?!  As in, the suicide kind?  As in, he was going to die in the process?  As in, he was a Nigerian attempted suicide-bomber?  Oh, but this doesn't fit the Nigerian's M.O.

1. A typical Nigerian, even an extremist Muslim one, will not lay his/her life down for any cause.  
2. If a Nigerian would lay his life for a cause, it would be for the cause of money, and that happens when he/she sells his/her soul to the devil for wealth, agreeing to die in a specified number of years.
3. The only terror Nigerians are good at - and I use the word, good, sparingly - is 419.

I have to say, I never really thought I would see the day that Nigeria and terrorism would be mentioned in the same sentence --- seriously. Up until yesterday, the only time I had heard Nigeria and terrorism mentioned in the same sentence was when jokes were made about why Nigerians cannot be terrorists. (Please see number 1, 2, and 3 above).

Twenty-three year old Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab has done us strong thing. I am tempted to start singing, na who born the maga?!  Apart from Nigeria, it seems like every other nation generally sees Nigerians as aggressive, arrogant, fraudulent, sons of you-know-what.  Now, they must begin to see us as aggressive, arrogant, fraudulent, terrorist sons of you-know-what.  Great.  That's just the way to rebrand Nigeria.  Oh, what will Dr. Dora Akunyili say?

I wish, hope, and pray deeply that Abdulmutallab turns out not to be a Nigerian.  I hope he's just an extremist who sneaked into Nigeria and managed to get our passport.  Still, Nigeria has been implicated.  He did board the plane from Lagos, Nigeria.  Speaking of Lagos, CNN ought to learn how to pronounce the word.  It's not Lo-gos, and it's not Lah-gos.  It's Lay-gos, darn it!  They can pronounce Shanghai and Beijing.  Lay-gos shouldn't be that difficult.  Seriously.

So, it's all over the news that Nigeria's airport security sucks.  Maybe this will get the Nigerian government to beef up security?  Okay, fine, you're right.  Who the heck am I kidding?  The thought of flying between States in Nigeria is scary enough; you have to constantly think of the well-being of the aircraft.  Now, we also have to worry about what lunatic they might have let slip by.  Great.

Thankfully, I have a solution: I'm flying in with a private jet!

In Preparation For Marriage (2)

"When a woman puts too much salt in her food, it is a sign that she is in love..."

- Spoken by Vera Ezimora's mom - day and date, forgotten.

While everyone else was baking, dissecting, and eventually, digesting a turkey for Thanksgiving Day, I was busy cooking, and then, eating okra soup.  First of all, I don't eat turkey.  Secondly, I love okra soup - when I cook it.  Lastly, I had been craving okra soup for so long, and Thanksgiving Day seemed like the perfect time to have some.

Dare I say that the soup was oh-so-good!  It was finger-licking, head-spinning, orgasm-causing good.  Yes, it was that good.  I don't know what I put in it, but if any man had dared to eat it, he would have begged me to let him pay quadruple on my bride price.  I did, naturally, consider getting several men to eat it, but the soup was just so darn good.  I could not get myself to share it.  Not to worry, the hands that cooked the soup are neither weary nor limp.  Forget about juju (black magic), this soup, littered with mouth-watering pieces of oxtail, tripe, and goat meat, is the best, safest, most assured way to get that proposal those proposals.

This past weekend, I decided to cook some efo soup; it was my very first time cooking efo soup.  If I had known it was such an effortless activity, I would have done it sooner.  I cooked a rather small pot of soup because it was my trial soup, and I was not sure how it would turn out.  I'm not sure how well to convey the goodness of this soup.  Well, let me put it this way: my mom literally chased me around the kitchen island.  Yes, she wanted more of my efo soup.

My only regret is that I did not cook a bigger pot of soup.  Oh, the other regret is that I did not have any pounded yam, so I had to eat it with farina.  Sigh. Farina just doesn't have the same effect as pounded yam.  It does not glide.  It just passes through.  You probably don't need me to tell you that this soup, too, is a sure husband getter.  And permanent keeper.  I just need to cook both soups, and then, go to a male-infested, testosterone-breeding ground and serve it to them.  Unfortunately, the male bathroom is not suitable.  Some other time, I guess.

I don't typically eat fufu with a fork, but I was typing, so I needed both hands.  Besides, Nwoke Ocha (my laptop) is white.

The last time I prepped for marriage, I blogged about it - In Preparation For Marriage - and at the end of my prep, which was for onugbu (bitterleaf) soup, mom said I didn't do anything, that all I did was take pictures, and that we need to do it again.  I did not agree then.  But considering that I now do not recall anything I may have learned about the principles and techniques of cooking onugbu soup, it appears that we I need to do it again.

Grandma thought my okra soup was a bit salty, although she was the only one who thought that.  Everyone else, especially me, thought it was okay.  Mom thought it was not salty, but even if it was, she had a perfectly good explanation, and that's the quote up there, at the beginning of this post.

My response to mom's comment: No Comments.

Tell Me....

What to blog about.  What do you want me to tell you today?  I actually have a list of things in my head that I could possibly blog about, but while my spirit is willing, my body fails me.  My mind does not want to think, and even if it did, my fingers don't want to type.  My body, would rather do other things, including, but not limited to... and in no particular order:

• Going back to continue Chimamanda Adichie's book, The Thing Around Your Neck
• Putting up that Facebook status, asking people what they want me to talk about in ten hours time on the Randomisity show on Verastically Speakin' (co-hosted by Ray & NaijaBloke).
• Compiling my Christmas and birthday list.
• Finishing that Christmas article...that would have to be published before Christmas, or else it would defeat the purpose of being a Christmas article.  Hmm.  Today is already the 19th.
• Blogging about the e-friends I've met in the past two weeks.
• Replying those e-mails that have been waiting for me.
• Uploading the music file needed for tomorrow's radio show.
• Reminding my God again about my problems.  
• Or reminding my problems again about my God?
• Saying screw it and going straight to bed.

So you see, I have no idea what I should blog about today.  Why don't you tell me what you want to know?  Meanwhile, I'll be on the radio in approximately ten hours.  It's the last show of the year, and it's going to be totally random, so feel free to call in [1.646.929.1905]- for five minutes - and tell me whatever the heck you want to - like maybe what you want me to blog about.

Tell me...

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.

Mr. Shoes Is Having An Affair...

...with Rosie!

The thing is, I don't think she knows about it.

It all started on August 22nd of this year when Rosie co-hosted with me for the Female, Accomplished, Over 30, and Single show.  That was Rosie's debut on the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio.  Mr. Shoes listened to that show as usual, and he loved it.  He later told me that Rosie was his favorite co-host because he liked her voice.

A few weeks ago, we [Mr. Shoes and I] were planning the upcoming shows, and when I mentioned that I wanted to have Rosie co-host yesterday's show [Naija, Here I Come], Mr. Shoes's face brightened up, and we had this conversation:

Him: Rosie is co-hosting?

Me: Yeap.

Him: Does she know I like her voice?

Me: (laughing) Yes, she knows actually.  I told her.

Him: Does she like mine too?

If looks could make pigs fly, the look I gave Mr. Shoes would have certainly caused a scene in a few barnyards that day.

Last week, Mr. Shoes and I were once again planning the shows for the first quarter of 2010 when he recommended Rosie for one of the shows that we need a married person for.

Me: Oh, Rosie won't be able to do it.  She's not married.  We need a married person, remember?

Him: Rosie is not married? *eyebrows arched very high in his forehead*

Me: No.

Him: She's single??? *verbal enthusiasm*

Me: Yeah.

Him: Oh, wow.

(He must have forgotten that the first show she co-hosted was about being single.  Well, so much for the love, Mr. Shoes!  No, I am not jealous.  *rolling eyes at 300 miles per hour*)

I have thought about these occurrences, and I have decided that there is only one way for me to fix it: I'm going after Turtle (Rosie's man).

Dear Rosie, please release his digits RIGHT NOW!!!

P.S. Shows for 2010 are currently being planned and scheduled, and I'm interested in having new voices.  radio@verastic.com

P.P.S. I'm still waiting for those digits, Rosie.  Turtle and I have to talk!

Oh, How I've Been Spoiled!

I stopped by the local 7-11 yesterday to get something when the alarm on my car suddenly went off. To cut the already short story shorter, my car's remote does not work anymore! May I be completely honest with you? Okay, I'll be honest. I cried when I found out. I've gotten so used to just pressing the remote and getting in and out of the car. How in the world am I supposed to start locking the car by pressing the button inside the door and then unlocking it with a key before getting in?

Let me explain: I am not the kind of girl who should be trusted with locking her car by pressing that button. I mean... this is the girl who gets to her destination, puts the car in park and steps out before she remembers that she has to turn the car off and take the keys out of the ignition. Sometimes, I even attempt to step out of the car before putting it in park! So how can I be trusted to press that button when I'm supposed to? I'm so paranoid about locking my keys inside the car. The poor car - whose name is Fotunatus - has been so nice to me, but this time, he's really messed up!

There is obviously only one solution to this mighty problem. Is anyone thinking what I'm thinking? Yeap. I'm glad we're on the same page: I NEED A NEW CAR. The question is WHICH ONE?

P.S. Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio will be airing on Saturday at 10am U.S. EST. as usual. What should one expect when he/she travels to Nigeria from abroad? Heat? Multiple marriage proposals? (I actually like the sound of this ... *coughs*). Sudden relatives?? Or maybe much more. There's a poll. Actually, there are two polls. Vote if you haven't voted. Talk to you on Saturday morning! Rosie will be co-hosting.

P.P.S. If you're interested in co-hosting for 2010, now is the time to let me know. I am currently putting the schedule together. Thanks, folks!! radio@verastic.com

P.P.P.S. My birthday is coming up.

P.P.P.P.S. My birthday is coming up ---- on the 14th of January.

P.P.P.P.P.S. I should add 'new car' to my birthday list.

P.P.P.P.P.P.S. No, I should start by adding it to my Christmas list first.

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S. I will name the new car, 'Serakus.' [pronounced se-rah-koos] I learnt it from an Igbo song.

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S. Per the title of this post, there's actually nothing wrong with being spoiled. As long as I'm the one being spoiled. J

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S. Talk to you on Saturday morning here J

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S. There is no such thing as too many P.S.s --- which is why I have 10. Don't forget to vote.

My Husband Is Pregnant With My Baby

So I was working on my laptop the other day, not paying any particular attention to what was on the television, until I thought I imagined a voice saying, "My husband is pregnant with my baby..." Naturally, that got my attention.

It turned out I had not imagined it. The voice really did say that her husband was pregnant with her baby. The only thing is that the voice belonged to a male. So it was a male then who said, "My husband is pregnant with my baby..." Wait, huh??? You're probably as confused as I was when I was watching it. Let's start from the beginning. Assume that the person who said, "My husband is pregnant with my baby..." is a female - the wife. Yes, I know I'm confusing you, but let's take it from there:

• The female and wife [who said her husband was pregnant] used to be a male, but had been transitioning into a female for the past ten years - hence the female-looking parts and gender role switch.
• The male and husband [who was pregnant] used to be a female, but had been transitioning into a male for the past two and half years - hence the male-looking parts and gender role switch.
• Sooo... the husband in this household actually used to be a woman. And the wife in this household used to be a man. Are you with me thus far? Good.

How then did the husband [who used to be a woman] end up being pregnant??? Well, easy. The woman [who used to be a man] mistakenly got him [her?] pregnant. I say mistakenly because they didn't know it was possible - considering how much hormones they have consumed. The pregnant husband didn't even know that he [she?] was pregnant until seven months into the pregnancy. He just thought he was gaining weight. The couple plans on breast-feeding the baby. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? WHOSE BREASTS??? .... and CAN I WATCH???

I cannot pretend that I understand what it means to be transgendered. From what I have heard and read, I am grateful that I have never had to, do not now, and by God's grace, will not ever have to be confronted with the dilemma of deciding what sex I want to be. I can say, however, that in all things, God must truly take all the Glory. This couple has done almost everything to not be what God made them. I have no right to judge, of course. But it's very interesting that in spite of this, God has made the man do what men do to women when they enter them: get them pregnant. So Who gets the Glory?

This must be God's way of reminding everyone that He is God - the Alpha and the Omega. The Beginning and the End. He that openeth and no one shuteth; He that shuteth, and no one openeth - literally. I've always known that God has an incredible sense of humor. This is just another living proof.

P.S. The husband is now in labor. You should hear him. He sounds just like a woman. I never thought I'd see the day that a man would have labor contractions, breathe through pursed lips, be dilated, push a baby out, and scream 'Oh, God!' the entire time. Oh, that's right. She isn't a man. But don't tell her I said so.

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!

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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.

You Got What For Christmas???

When I was 14 (in Nigeria), my dad went to the store and bought me a Christmas dress - as was the tradition for Christmas and Easter. Big mistake for this particular year. Mom should have gone with him - as she usually did. He came back with a peach and ivory poufy dress. Not only was the dress a mama-tie-me-for-back dress, but it was also a Mary-Amaka dress. In other words, it had a very long belt that had to be tied at the back, and it (the dress) was also very long. Did I mention I was 14 --- and in JSS3 (9th grade)???

My father is the reason why I am now very adamant about letting a man shop for me. He is also the reason why I am now also very adamant about eating a man's food. Memories of my father's burnt-tomato stew and ball-filled pap (akamu) still linger in my mind. Until they fully dissipate, I'll shop for myself, and when eating any food cooked by a man, I'll have Pepto Bismal handy. I feel obligated to mention that Mr. Shoes, however, is a fantabulous cook. If I don't mention it, he'll start whining grumbling.

My mother did not like the dress, but she said I had to wear it because dad had bought it already. That Christmas was just --- just --- I don't even know the word. The entire time we were in church, my head was bowed down in shame; I didn't want anyone to see me in that dress. Needless to say, that was a futile aim. It was Christmas for Pete's sake. Even the witches went to church on Christmas Day, so of course, everyone got to see me in the dress. That was the first and last time I ever wore that dress. It was so poufy that at least one child could hide under me and not be found.

When I think of horrible-gift stories, the humorous story that usually comes to mind is the episode of Cosby where someone - can't remember who - gave Bill Cosby a soap-on-a-rope as a gift. Seriously?!?! Christmas is upon us, so when you're giving someone a gift, think about its usefulness. If you're going to spend money buying a gift, don't you want the gift to be used?

On Saturday, December 5th 2009, I'll be talking about Christmas and gifts on the radio. Be rest assured you'll enjoy the show. But more than that, on Thursday or Friday, I'll update my blog and introduce you to some kind and generous vendors who are willing to give you discounts on their products - just for being Verastic readers/listeners. Thank you!!! Watch this space. As usual, there's a poll for next week's show. It's on the top of the right sidebar.

So tell me, what horrible, totally useless gift(s) have you received?

My Boyfriend Used To Date My Friend.

No, I do not now have, nor have I ever had a boyfriend who has dated my friend. But if I did, I guess that's how it'll slip out of my mouth, "My boyfriend used to date my friend." Perhaps, there are more fanciful ways to put it, but that's not important right now.

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 28th 2009, Mustapha and I will be talking about dating a friend's ex. Is it okay to do so? I'm not going to speak for everyone, but I know that before I took the time to sit down and think critically about tomorrow's show, I had a different outlook. If you had asked my thoughts on dating a friend's ex, I would have said, No! No!! No!!!

But what if you're destined to be with this friend's ex? How do you even know you're destined to be together? What if the relationship with the friend went stale years before you and the ex got involved? What if you were instrumental in the break-up of the relationship? What if the friend and the ex used to be married? What if the friend and the ex have children? What if the friend is now dead? Would it feel better if the friend gives his/her consent? Would it feel better if you and the friend's ex live in a different place - like a different continent?

Someone asked via twitter "Is this question any different from 'would you date your ex's friend'?" Hmm. You tell me ... would it be any different? I'll let you marinade in these scenarios until tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I'm still enjoying my okoro soup - with assorted meats, of course! I'll tell you all about it later - my Thanksgiving Day and my soup, I mean.

If you haven't voted on the poll, there's still time to do it. It's on the top right sidebar.

Click here at 10am U.S. EST (4pm Nigerian time) tomorrow to listen to the show live.

** Next week Saturday (December 5th 2009) is the Christmas show. I'm still accepting ideas for gifts. If you sell a product or service that you would like to offer to the Verastic readers and listeners, e-mail me asap radio@verastic.com

** If you have song suggestions for the show, e-mail radio@verastic.com

You've probably forgotten, so let me remind you >>>>> GO VOTE!!! J

Vehicular Crushes

Anyone that has been reading my blog and/or articles probably knows that I have a certain - let's call not call it obsession - with Range Rovers, but what no one knows is that the Range Rover is actually my second vehicular crush.

My first vehicular crush is the Beetle Bug (Volks Wagen Beetle). I started liking it when I was about five or six years old, thanks to Dad. He gave me a key. I still don't know what that key was for. I now suspect that it was a key to an old car he no longer had. But Dad gave me a key and told me that it was the key to my Bug. I guarded that key with everything I had. It never did occur to me that it was impossible to have a key without actually owning the car. Oh, the gullibility of a child. Since then, I have not quite gotten over it - the car, I mean.

Every chance he got, Dad asked, "Do you still have that key?" And I would run and go get it from wherever I hid it. And when I was bad, he even threatened not to give me my Bug (he made it sound as if the Bug was already parked behind the house or something). I am ashamed to say that I believed this fable for a very long time. I will not say the age, but I was almost an adolescent before I thought critically about my prospective Bug and realized it was not forthcoming - at least not from my Dad.

When I went to Carmax to buy my car, I badly, badly, badly wanted a Beetle bug. But my budget was below the asking price for all the Bugs I found, so I came home with a Toyota Corolla instead. I named him Fotunatus. Don't ask me why. He's been pretty good. Has given me no problems. But I digress.

This is what I picture when I think of a Bug. White is my favorite Bug color. Green is my worst. Yuck. Picture courtesy of www.vwvortex.com

I hear Volks Wagen is changing the design of the Beetle Bug. This is what it's going to look like. I don't know how I feel about this change. Is it just me, or is it starting to look like a Mini Cooper? Picture courtesy of www.autoworld.wordpress.com

I don't know at what point I fell in love with the Range Rover. I don't even know which one I like better: Range Rover or Range Rover Sport? I think the Range Rover Sport, but I'm not very sure of the difference. I was almost going to test drive one of it, but I backed out. What if I mistakenly put a dent in it? I cannot even afford to buy one of its tires. Perhaps, I should test drive it later, I decided. I love the Range Rover Sport in charcoal black. White or off-white won't be so bad either.

Can you picture me in one of these babies? I promise I'll pop my hood if you need a ride. Picture courtesy of www.rangerover.com

Yeap, there goes the other color I love. Picture courtesy of www.rangerover.com

Then the Toyota Rav-4 happened. Now, this one took me by complete surprise because I used to hate dislike the Rav-4. I now know that it's the older models I had a problem with. I still hate dislike the older ones, but the newer ones ... wow. Mr. Shoes thinks I'm a very girly girl for liking the Rav-4 and the Beetle Bug. I happen to disagree! The prettiest colors are in white (off white actually) and Magnetic Gray Metallic.

This is the magnetic gray metallic color of the Rav-4. Love it! Picture courtesy of www.toyota.com

This is what the front of the Rav-4 looks like. Picture courtesy of www.toyota.com

I don't have the money for any of these vehicles, but I do intend to get as many of them as I can... for FREE. How? Wouldn't you like to know?

To Hold On Or To Let Go: That Is The Question!

"Sometimes, the best way to hold on is to let go..."

Spoken by my newest co-host, Mustapha.

I'm not sure what is easier to do in a relationship: holding on or letting go? If I had to take a wild guess, I'd say it's easier to hold on than it is to let go, but I don't have any scientific proof. Scientific proof is needed for everthing these days. Even God needs to scientifically prove that He is God, and that He really did create us and the world we live in. But I digress.

In exactly ten (10) hours, Verastically Speakin Talk Radio (that is now fondly called the Verastic Show by its wonderful listeners) will go LIVE, and we will be talking about when to hold on and when to let go of a relationship. I cannot promise that listening to the show will give you an epiphany about what the next step should be in your relationship; what I can promise is that you'll enjoy the show, you'll learn a little - hopefully a lot, and you'll definitely laugh.

Funmie is one of the co-hosts. If you've never heard her voice; don't worry... you'll know it's her. Just listen for the loudest person. According to the Verastic Show listeners, she often sounds like she's talking with a microphone. But that's just her voice - her inside voice for that matter!

Reverence is also one of the co-hosts. You'll probably know it's her. She'll be the one shaking like a dry leaf in winter, afraid of disagreeing with the loud one (Funmie).

And finally, Mustapha will be there. He'll give us words of wisdom - like that quote in the beginning of this post - and he might make us laugh. He's quite the comedian as I've come to realize. Hopefully, though, he won't sing. Sorry, Mustapha... that karaoke scarred me! J

Between the time this post comes up and the time the polls close, you have exactly 9.5 hours to vote, so go vote! It's on the top right sidebar. Thank you, sweethearts.

When you're done voting, click here at 10:00 am U.S. EST (4: 00 pm Nigerian time) to listen to the show.

E-mail radio@verastic.com if you have any comments. Or call/text 1.443.934.9039. Of course, you can always tweet away too www.twitter.com/verastic

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Reminder:

The December 5th show - The Christmas Gifts That Should - is already being organized. If you have any suggestions for gifts that should or should not be given and/or to whom said gifts or any other gifts should be given, e-mail radio@verastic.com asap

If you sell a product or render a service that you wish to offer to the Verastic readers/listeners, e-mail radio@verastic.com asap.

Other than that, you can expect to hear my beaurriful voice in 10 hours. How lucky are you! Hehehe.

18th Of November?? Really???

The other day, I was talking to Baroka aka K Travula on the phone, and he asked me what I wanted for my birthday. That was when it struck me: my birthday is in two months time! I don't remember ever being asked what I want for my birthday and not having an answer. This just goes to show one thing:

• 2009 has moved along wayyyyyyyy too quickly. I've barely had time to enjoy being XX.

On that note, I will now go and work on my Christmas [December], birthday [January], Valentine [February], and just-because [March - November] gifts. It's imperative that God and everyone else know what I want. Yes? Yes!

That said, I should bring you in on the few remaining shows on Verastically Speakin this year. I'm quite excited about them - especially the last one. The schedule is on the left sidebar, so I won't reiterate everything here.

However, I just need to point out that on Saturday, December 5th 2009, we'll be talking about Christmas gifts (what to give, how to give, whom to give...), so I need ideas and sponsors. If you own a business and would love to pitch in and offer discounts, please let me know. If you have ideas about how to give or what to give, let me know too >> radio@verastic.com 1.443.934.9039

On Saturday, December 12th 2009, we'll be talking about travelling to Nigeria. This is going to be one funny show. What do you pack when you're going to Nigeria? How do you pack? What do you expect? Mosquitoes? Heat? Endless supply of suya? Limitless sponsorship by fine, rich men? *cough* Maybe this last one is just me then. I'll be co-hosting with Rosie. Interestingly, she doesn't know it yet. If she reads this post, this would be her first time finding out. Hehehe.

On Saturday, December 19th 2009, we'll be having the FINAL show for the year. And this is the funnest one of them all, I think. It's called Randomisity. And that is exactly what it would be: random. I have a few co-hosts lined up. They're looking forward to it, I believe. I'll know their exact feelings once I actually tell them that they're co-hosting. Callers will have 5 minutes - and 5 minutes ONLY - to call in and talk with us about anything. People in the chat room are welcome to suggest things too. If you have something you want us to discuss for five minutes on that day, but won't be able to call in, e-mail it now radio@verastic.com I don't know the volume of topics we'll be getting, so we'll do them on a first-come, first-serve basis. In other words, the sooner you send your topics, the better. And for the callers, the sooner you call in, the better too.

Now, I must return to thinking about my gifts. Very, very, very important stuff!

P.S. There's a new poll [on the right sidebar] for the upcoming show - When To Let Go & When To Hold On - co-hosted by Funmie and Reverence.

I feel sorry for Reverence. On my last post, she had this to say about Funmie,

"She does not look as scary as she sounds on the show. Sometimes I am almost scared for the life of the people that disagree with her...."

Anyone else looking forward to this collaboration as much as I am? Go vote!!!