Could It Be...

...That I, Vera Ezimora, have single-handedly figured out the root and cause of the political strife in Nigeria??  Ah, yes, indeed, it could be.  You see, it all started like the Garden of Eden.  Remember back then, things were perfect, and there was no sin.  (Azazel, jump in anytime and disagree J).  Things were perfect --- until Eve got lured and deceived by Lucifer.  I'm sure we all know that story.  Fast forward to a couple thousand years later, in the newly independent Country of Nigeria.  Things were running well - as they always do in the beginning - until something went terribly, terribly wrong.

You see, our President, Nnamdi Azikiwe hosted a dinner, a dinner where dignitaries, affluent people, and movers and shakers were all present.  Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was there.  Alhaji Shehu Shagari was there.  Obafemi Awolowo was there, too.  The event started off with everyone having a round table discussion.  They talked about Nigeria's way forward, about free healthcare for children, and about coming up with a name for Nigeria's currency.

Things were going well until the actual dinner was served.  It was then that General Johnson Aguiyi and General Yakubu Gowon began to struggle over the food, over who would eat more, and over who would take more takeaway plates home.  General Johnson grabbed most of the takeaway and ran off.  General Yakubu caught up with him, murdered him, and ate all the food.  And that, my people, is how we became so greedy in Nigeria.

Now, if you think that this post has anything to do with the event I attended on Sunday where Nigerians could not happily eat a plate of food each, but had to grab plates on both hands, leaving some other people without food, then, well, I cannot confirm or deny your allegation!  If you further insist that this event took place in a church in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A,  I still cannot confirm or deny your allegation.

Men Have It Hard

On Friday, I went to my former school to print some things out.  I was about to walk into a building when I noticed an African-American girl in front of me.  She was about my age, give or take a year, and she was walking rather slowly, so I eventually walked past her.  She had on a white pair of leggings, a white shirt, and a pair of white sandals.  Her leggings weren't full in length; they stopped midway between her knees and her ankles.  Her shirt had three-quarter sleeves, stopped somewhere between her elbows and her wrists.  Her sandals were the thong kind, the kind that had the little thing between the big toe and the second toe.

She was not skinny or small in stature.  On the contrary, she was probably about my size, except, perhaps with a heavier, nicer butt.  Yes, I noticed her butt.  As a matter of fact, that's probably why I'm blogging.  With each step this girl took, I could not help but notice the decadent and rhythmic swaying of her hips, the bouncing of her butt cheeks, the thickness of her thighs, and even the way the wind blew the soft brown highlights in her hair.

And so, when I got to the building before her, I did not do what I would have, should have done.  I would have, should have opened the door, gone through, and then, courteously held the door ajar for her.  Instead, like a doorman, I opened it and waited for her to go past first.  I even said, "Go ahead."  And she did.  As she walked past me, my eyes were still fixated on her.  Facially, she was forgettable.  As I type this now, I don't remember her face anymore.  I do, however, remember her butt, her hips, her hair, the color of her skin, her sandals, and possibly, the size of her breasts.

As I walked behind her, I found myself scratching my head, mesmerized by two things:

1.  Could this be how all the gay people became gay?

2.  Why on earth did I not leave the house looking like her?! 

Now, if you'll excuse me, there is a pair of three-quarter leggings somewhere calling my name!

Tonight Is The Night

In Nigeria, mom owned a Pharmacy, right across our house.  We lived in Jos, about five minutes drive from Aribaba's house, but our house was a lot closer to the Muslims.  The young lady who worked in mom's pharmacy shop, although a Christian, lived in the heart of the Muslim community.  During one of those times when there was tension - but no actual fight - between Christians and Muslims - mom's employee (whose name I cannot remember now) always brought us news.

"Tonight is the night!" She always told us.  They said they're coming this night to kill all the Christians.  And they're starting with all the rich Igbo people here."

We were not rich, but we were certainly Igbo.  Our house was not small.  It would have definitely given the wrong impression [that we were rich].  Behind us, there was a rich Igbo man whom we rarely saw, but who always drove out in a different car - all with tinted windows.  In front of us, a very deaf and very rich man resided.  He, too, was Igbo.  Beside the deaf man, a rich doctor and his wife, both from Delta State resided.  They were not Igbo, but they weren't Muslims either.  Beside us, my uncle's hotel stood strong.  Talk about sitting on a landmine!

So, every night, we went to bed in fear, wondering if it was going to really be the night that the Muslims would attack.  Every time one of our dogs barked, we wondered why: armed robbers, reptiles [we had a lot of those, too], unfamiliar late-night visitors, or Muslims?  We went to bed with knives, mortar pestles, and sharp, metal suya sticks.  We did not have guns, tasers --- or at least, mace.  In retrospect, I can only imagine what little damage our weapons would have done, if any.

Today, Jos has a different story.  The tension between the Christians and the Muslims isn't imagined or just talked about anymore.  It is felt, died for, buried, and mourned.  The good news is that we have our very effective Government. They are ever present to lump all the casualties into one mass grave --- and then, life goes on.

The Government is alive --- or maybe not so alive.  Its wife is ambitious, ready to take over the Country.  When she cannot, she rallies her sons in-law, debating which one of them would succeed the incapacitated Government.  After all, Nigeria is only a little village, a village that hosts 100 to 200 people, plus or minus 50.  A constitution (especially one that is written to be obeyed) is only for Countries, big Countries, Countries that have people, people that have education, education that edifies, informs, and betters.  That wouldn't happen to be Nigeria, would it?

Come Saturday, we would be talking about the State of the Nigerian Union on the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio.  I'll be co-hosting with Mustapha and Nonso.  You really, really don't want to miss this one.  We'll be talking about Yar'Adua's life (or lack of it), Turai's ambition(s), Jonathan's Acting Presidency, Jos' violence, and the youth's recent rally in Abuja (called, Enough Is Enough).  You can watch a short video of the rally below, courtesy of 234Next.com 

Listen to the show at its usual time, 10am U.S. Eastern (3pm Nigerian time) here.

Join the conversation by calling 1.646.929.1905

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P.P.S. Daylight Saving Time has started, so there's now a five hour difference between U.S. Eastern Time and Nigerian time = the show will now be at 3pm in Nigeria (no longer 4pm).

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P.P.P.P.S. This would be a really, really good time to vote in the poll --- at the top right sidebar.

Fotunatus Is Totaled

Totaled!

Remember that little accident I had on Sunday morning, the one that gave Fotunatus a dent and caused him to be rushed to the hospital?  Well, that little accident wasn't so little.  My insurance called and gave me the grim news: "Ma'am, unfortunately, due to the extent of the damage of your vehicle, we're gonna have to count it as a total loss."

Wonder where my hubcap flew to.  Mystery.

Up close and personal

Still up close and personal.

Really, really up close and personal.

I did not know how to respond. I just cried silently as the insurance agent spoke.  And this time, it wasn't the puff puffs that I was crying for.  Fotunatus is was is was is a white twelve year old Toyota Corolla.  He never gave me any problem whatsoever.  The last thing that I feel like doing right now is going car-hunting.  I neither have the time, the money, nor the desire to do so.  My insurance is going to give me some money, the amount they have deemed to be the value of the vehicle.  I'd really rather have the vehicle back.

As I type this post now, tears of anguish, anger, and frustration are messing up my otherwise flawless foundation.  But Bro. W, a guy from my church, just called to check up on me.  He didn't see me in church on Tuesday, so he was wondering what happened.  I didn't tell anyone about the accident - even though it happened before church on Sunday, and I still got a ride to church.

Bro. W said I shouldn't worry, that God would never forget His own, that everything happens for a reason, and that at the end of this, His name would be glorified.  He also gave me a proverb. He said my case is like that of a King's palace that gets burnt.  When it gets burnt, people think it's a thing of shame, but what they don't know is that it is a good thing because the burning of the palace would cause it to be rebuilt into a finer, stronger structure.

Very well then.  God, the ball is in Your court.  Do with me and Fotunatus as You please.  Oh, men, I miss Fotunatus.  I cannot believe it's over for us.  I went over there on Friday and took all my things out --- and that includes the puff puff.  I left the air freshener though.  Just because we're parting ways does not mean he should stop smelling good.  For the record, I did not intend to eat the puff puffs.  I was just going to give them to Funmie.  She wouldn't have known how stale they are until she took a bite out of them.

The famous puff puffs!  I don't know what happened.  These puff puffs looked a lot yummier before the accident.  Okay, I guess she would have known they're stale.

I'm done crying.  Operation Find-Serakus has officially begun.  Yeap, Serakus is the next car's name.  Lucky him/her!  I don't even know if Serakus is a male or a female name.

Angelina, Stay Away From My Man!

That's apparently the sentiment of a lot of celebrity women when it comes to Angelina Jolie.  But who can blame them?

Remember Billy Bob Thornton?  He was engaged - happily or unhappily - to actress, Laura Dern until he came across Angelina Jolie.  Next thing we knew, they were both wearing vials of each other's blood around their necks.  Oh, and they were also married from 2000 to 2003.

Who can forget the case of Brad Pitt?  Am I the only one who is disappointed that their relationship has not met its demise?  I mean, it shouldn't be this way.  Nollywood movies have told us that this is impossible!  When you steal a woman's husband, karma will bite you in the nether region.  Oh, karma, where are you when I need you the most?  But anyway, once upon a time, the all-American sweetheart, Jennifer Aniston, was married to Brad Pitt.  I thought they were so perfect for each other.  In their marriage vows, she promised to make him his favorite banana milkshake for the rest of his life.  And he was enjoying those milkshakes, too --- until he filmed Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  Yes, yes.  The one with Angelina Jolie.

And now, history is trying to repeat itself, it seems.  Johny Depp - who, by the way, has a very nerdy sexiness about him - is filming a thriller with Angelina Jolie.  A movie that allegedly has a steamy sex scene (what else is new?) between Depp and Jolie.  This time, however, there is a woman who owns a man, and is not afraid to show it!  That woman is Johnny Depp's long time girlfriend and mother of his two children, Vanessa Pardis.  Apparently, she wants Johnny Boy to have nothing to do with that movie.  Or with Angelina.  Who can blame her?  After giving twelve years of her life to Johnny Depp, the woman is not ready to lose it all to one  Angelina - no matter how sexy her lips are!

If I had a man that Angelina Jolie were after, I, too, would tell her to stay the heck away from my man!  Who am I kidding?  My words would be more like, "Angelina, how do you do it ... and may I get an autograph, please?"

Very Mini Hiatus

The story, cut and dry:

I had an accident yesterday.

It was my fault.

Fotunatus [my car] was towed away after the accident.

I'm grateful I didn't end up in the hospital.

I'm not very happy right now.

I can't find the desire or the humor to type up a post.

I don't know how long this will last.

But I'll be back as soon as I can.

Surely, this accident must glorify God somehow.  I'm desperately waiting to see how.

P.S. I'm okay.

P.P.S. I just wish I took the puff-puffs out of the car before it got towed away. They were tasty.

I Want A Fat Wife

Those are precious words that you'll probably never hear from a man's mouth.  Perhaps, this blog is as close as you'll ever come to hearing it from a man's mouth.  And I am not even a man, so go figure.

Remember back in the day when the bigger a woman was, the better looking she was considered?  Remember how that used to be the evidence of good living?  It used to be the proof that she was well taken care of by her father or husband, preferably her husband.  Remember how the women with wide hips and butts as wide as pillows held sideways used to boast of having an ikebe super?  Igbo men call such hips/butt "ukwu pathfinder [pathfinder hips]," "ukwu transformer [transformer hips]," "ukwu v-boot [v-boot hips]," "ike danger [dangerous butt] ... and the list goes on.  Well, what happened?

Did men stop wanting the pathfinder hips, hips that are sure to find the path at any given point, even without a GPS?  Did men stop wanting the transformer hips, hips that can power the electricity in an entire block (or consequently cause the electricity to fail due to too much voltage)?  Did they stop wanting the hips shaped like that v-boot Mercedes Benz?  Did they stop wanting the dangerous butts, the kind that literally cost people their lives?  Or did we, women, change?

Women everywhere seem to be in a craze for the skinny bones.  Have we [African women] become more educated about the risks and dangers of obesity?  Or have we become more westernized, looking to the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna, for our ideal image?  What is really going on?  What we used to consider voluptuous, curvy, and shapely is now plain ol' fat.  One man's fat, I realize, is another man's average and vice versa.

But you know what's interesting, while we [women] spend a lot of time making ourselves over, redefining the meaning of [black] beauty, nipping here and tucking there, the standard of beauty, it seems, has remained the same for the men: tall, dark, and handsome.

I'm sure you have plenty to say.  Thankfully, Good Naija Girl, Caramel, and I will be discussing it live on the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio show tomorrow, Saturday, March 6th 2010.  The show will be airing at 10am U.S. Eastern time [4pm Nigerian time & 3pm U.K time].  Click here to listen.  Join the live conversation by calling 1.646.929.1905.  Send your thoughts/stories/questions via e-mail radio@verastic.com  or text 1.443.934.9039.  Follow me on Twitter for updates.

Ka chi fo [Goodnight in Igbo].

P.S. I'd like to say a big congratulations and best wishes to Onyi and Noni.  It's been a year since they started their journey.  I pray God's blessings and favor meet them both at the point of their individual and collective needs.  Amen.


P.P.S. Don't forget to vote [in the top right sidebar]!

Mr. Shoes And I Are Getting Married --- Today

And this time, it's not an April Fool's trick - like that other time.  I'm sorry you had to find out this way.  And I'm sorry I kept it away from you, but if it makes you feel any better, I also kept it away from Mr. Shoes.  You see, this isn't exactly how I planned to get married, but as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

I'll make this as short and as simple as possible: from Friday, February 5th to Sunday, February 7th, we experienced suffered a snow storm.  It took me five hours to shovel the sidewalk and dig Fotunatus [my car] out of 26 inches of snow.  School was out for over a week.  Less than a week later, we received another 12 inches of snow.  More shoveling and digging ensued.  By the end, I was sure I would need a chiropractor to fix my back, shoulders, waist, and arms.Since then, it has snowed about three or four more times, albeit very lightly.  This week and next week, we're expecting snow; I don't know the amount.  

So, where does Mr. Shoes come in, you ask?  Well, you see, while we were shoveling, my male neighbors shoveled and shoveled and shoveled --- while their wives stood by the door and directed them, "Honey, you didn't get that little part there," and occasionally, their wives brought them soup, sandwiches, and warm beverages.

I want to be a wife, darn it!  Shoveling isn't fun.  I'd rather be giving directions and offering warm beverages.  So, yes, Mr. Shoes and I will be getting married today.  I have to make sure that I marry him before the next snow storm.  Wouldn't want him thinking that I married him just because of the snow storm.  I mean, what kind of wife would that make me?

Turai Yar'Adua: VANISHED INTO THIN AIR!!!

So, there I was yesterday, checking my Yahoo! e-mail account when I saw a notification from Twitter that a new person was now following me.  Usually, I just delete such mails, but this time, the name caught my attention: Turai Yar'Adua.  Yes, I mean Turai, our President's former President's wife.

Off I went to check her profile out.  It's not everyday that a First Lady former First Lady follows me on Twitter.  Decked out in her outfit and traditional red scarf, she sat in her profile picture, staring me down, daring me to follow her back on Twitter.  I didn't.  I've heard and read too many not-so-flattering stories about her.

She had only one tweet.  It's unfortunate that I didn't copy and paste it for my keeps, but to paraphrase it, she thanked us for our prayers (if only she knew what I actually prayed for), and then, she said they are back (they, who??).  I thought to myself, I've got to blog about this!

Confidently, I returned to my list of Twitter followers.  She was gone!  Turai Yar'Adua was gone.  What did I ever do to make her stop following me?  This has to be the shortest Twitter relationship I have ever had.  So, I went back to my Yahoo! e-mail, and from there, I clicked on her name.  This is what I found:

Strange activity??  These Yar'Aduas!  Like husband, like wife.  Even on Twitter, they vanish.  By my calculation, I shouldn't expect her return to Twitter till another 92 days.  That's not so bad.  She's only the First Lady former First Lady.

But, of course, I'm sure there's a totally logical, rational explanation for this.  I have come to the conclusion that one of the following must have happened:

A.  Turai Yar'Adua is on life support

B.  Turia Yar'Adua's Twitter account is on life support

C.  Both 'A' and 'B'

P.S. If you're planning on telling me how it was not actually Turai herself who opened the Twitter account, but rather an admirer with too much time on his/her hands, my response would be, "Talk to the hands!"

Now That He Has Spoken

Whether the man meant it or not, he spoke some words!  Funny how people were sniffling and dabbing tissue on their eyes.  I wonder how they felt when the news of his accident, affairs, and alleged physical abuse first broke on Thanksgiving Night in November of 2009.  Of course, one has to consider that the people in the room when Tiger gave his speech were carefully handpicked by Tiger's team.  So, there's a slight chance that even then (on Thanksgiving Night), they were sniffling and dabbing their eyes, albeit, probably for different reasons.

I should say, however, that I was perfectly satisfied with his speech.  I'm not one of the people who thought I was entitled to an apology from Tiger.  I'll take his money anytime over his apology.  Apology for what? I'm not his wife.  And for those mistresses that had the effrontery to come on television and cry, well, no comments.  I know that my opinion and desire probably doesn't count for much, if anything, but I'd really like it if Mr. and Mrs. Woods remain married.  Tiger Wood's speech is below.  Enjoy.

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

Have you main

Sins Of My Past

How much of my past should I really disclose [to my partner]?  Full disclosure between us would be nice, but is it necessary?  When people pry into other people's past, there's hardly a time they're prying for the good stuff ... like the time the person helped old Mrs. Kanu to cross the street.  Or the time the person won the award for Best Chemistry Student.  Or the time the person volunteered at the homeless shelter. Or how the person became a working class citizen at the tender age of fourteen.

Most times, the one who is prying wants to know other stuff: How many people have you slept with? What are the names of the people you have slept with? How many times did you sleep with them?  Perhaps, they might want to know the position(s), too.  And they want to know, how many relationships have you had, and where are they [your exes]?  You and Person X had an almost-relationship; I want to know why it never became an actual relationship.  How far - physically - did you and Person X go? Did Person X see you naked? What about Person Y?  Have you ever had oral sex?   If so, who was the first person you had it with?  And how many people have you had it with since then?  The list, really, is endless.

And, of course, there are other questions: criminal records, credit report, illnesses, divorces, previous engagements, abortions, miscarriages, surgeries, hospitalizations, addictions, etc.  This list, too, could go on.  But because of how complex relationships are, most of the question-and-answer session dwells on past relationships, past loves, past chemistry, past crushes, and of course, past sexes.

And so, I cannot help but wonder, how much of our past should we really disclose to our partner?

You and I, we could tackle it on Saturday morning on the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio. I'll be co-hosting with Afrobabe - yes, the very, very insane, possibly psychotic Afrobabe and my very own cousin, Aribaba of Jaguda.com - and yes, this one too is crazy.  It'll be at 10am U.S. Eastern (4pm Nigerian) time as usual.

Come Saturday morning, listen here.

Join the conversation: 1.646.929.1905

E-mail your thoughts, if you cannot call in: radio@verastic.com

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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!!!

Show Me Your Love: The Prelude

Enjoy this --- until midnight on Sunday, February 14th 2010

What Would You Do...

... For a million dollars?

• If you were on the verge of losing your home, have no car, and have no other place to lay your head at night, and Someone offered you a million dollars --- if only you would sleep with a random person, would you do it?
• If the love of your life was in limbo, between life and death, and you were offered a million dollars --- if only you would disown your family, would you do it?
• If you were asked to marry that person, that one you loathe, the one you wish you could write 'RIP' before his/her name, and you were now offered a million dollars to marry him/her instead, would you do it?
• And what if you were asked to denounce your religion - be it Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, or even Atheism, for the cash prize of one million dollars, would you do it?

Tell me then, what would you not do for a million dollars?

I guess we'll find out on Saturday morning.  Mustapha will be co-hosting with me.  If you have never heard Mustapha co-hosting, you're on a long thing.  If you have, then, I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss this show. Listen in here [at 10am U.S. Eastern/ 4pm Nigerian time].  Call in 1.646.929.1905  Send your thoughts via e-mail [radio@verastic.com] or text [1.443.934.9039].  And, of course, follow me on Twitter.

That said, I hope you're looking forward to Valentine's Day?  The Show Me Your Love Valentine Blog Event will be featured .... right here!  I won't be late.  Come here at midnight (U.S. Eastern time) on February 14th and feed your eyes.  I know the deadline for submission has passed, but if you're interested in sending a picture of you and yours, you're welcome to do that now --- as in right now >> project@verastic.com

Now, don't forget to vote [in the poll...at the top right sidebar]!

...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.

This Valentine Thing Sef...

So, who amongst you thinks or believes that Valentine's Day is for all kinds of love?  Personally, I believe that Valentine is for celebrating romantic love, but these Hallmark people, they just know how to create a card for every flippin' situation.  So, even on Valentine's Day, there are cards for parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, and even co-workers.  Yeah, whatever.  I bet you there's a It's-been-a-year-since-you-died card  for the dead, somewhere in the Hallmark aisle.  Oh, speaking of Hallmark, they are something else.  Did you know that Mahogany Cards (the cards for African Americans) are also done and owned by Hallmark, except, of course, the characters are fed with very dark chocolate.  This isn't a complaint, by the way.  Just a weird way of commending Hallmark and throwaying yansh for them.

Back to Valentine's Day : In spite of what I may have written in the first paragraph, I actually don't mind buying a Valentine's Day card for my parents and friends.  Not because I really think I'm celebrating love with them on that day, but because I think it'll make them smile.

I understand how people do not believe in or celebrate Valentine's Day, but I really don't understand how people hate Valentine's Day.  Whatever did Saint Valentine do to them?  That's all part of what I intend to find out on Saturday on the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio.  There's got to be a plausible reason for hating Valentine's Day, right?  I'll be co-hosting with Myne Whitman --- and maybe Kpakpando.  Kpakpando has not been informed of her name being put on the ballot of co-hosts for this Saturday.  She'll find out once she reads this J

--> I am so excited about the Show Me Your Love Valentine Event.  Pictures have been coming in; I've started working on them, and boy oh boy!  I'm in love --- with everyone's love.  If you're interested in sending a picture of you and yours, send it asap to project@verastic.com

--> K Travula aka Baroka is doing something very, very wonderful.  He's raising money for the people of Jos.  Let's help our brother and help our people.  And the best part is, you get something in return!  Read all about it here.

--> The giveaway is still on --- and you still have a chance to win.  All you have to do is leave a comment.  You can leave as many as you want.  Since the winner will be selected randomly, the more comments you leave, the greater your chances of winning.  We're already 211 comments in.  Happy contesting! > here

--> I've just been briefed by Funmi Iyanda's PR, that her show Talk With Funmi, will be going on air on Sunday, February 7th 2010 on Africa Magic's DSTV at 7pm.  Does anyone know how to get DSTV, if possible, in North America?  I'd really like to watch her.  It's a wonderful thing she's doing.

Love the pictures?  Me too.  Visit her website for more information.

That's it for today!  Join me on Saturday morning for the I-Love-You-Show.  By the way, you're totally welcome to call in and express your love for anyone.  Only love, please! Do not call and express hatred, indifference, and/or irritation.  Okay, fine, you can express irritation J  The show is at its regular time --- 10am U.S. Eastern.  4pm, if you're in Nigeria.  Listen here.  Call 1.646.929.1905 to join the conversation.  Follow me on Twitter.  Can't call in?  E-mail your thoughts: radio@verastic.com

Sai an jima [Goodbye, in Hausa].

Venting 101: T-Mobile

I've been with my cell phone provider, T-Mobile for six years.  That's right, SIX flipping years!  My contract ends next month.  I called T-Mobile yesterday to see what kind of deal they could give me for the Motorola Cliq  --- being their loyal customer and all.  I've had a Blackberry Curve since 2008, and this is the longest I have ever used one phone.  I'm not half as bothered about the wear and tear on the phone as I am its functionality - or lack of it.  Randomly deleting my text messages and call records and shutting off (and refusing to come back on) is really more than I wish to deal with at this point.

So what does T-Mobile offer me --- after congratulating me for being their loyal customer? They offer me the phone for $149.99 (and this does not include the monthly data plan of $24.99 which I would now have to also pay).  The customer service lady had the effrontery to tell me that I was getting a better deal than new customers.  Really?!?!  New customers get to pay the same amount for the phone and data plan --- except, of course, that they also get to pay the one-time $35 connection fee.

So there, you have it.  For being a loyal customer to T-mobile, I get to pay $35 less than a brand new customer.  Isn't that wonderful?  By 2016, I'll get to pay $70 less!  Whoop-tee-doo!  Just the deal I have been waiting for all my life.  Oh, the supervisor also included what he dared to call a tempting offer: $30 off my next bill.  Yeah, whatever.  I am a very, very dissatisfied customer, and I will tell anyone that cares to know that T-Mobile SUCKS!!!

...And no, I don't feel better after venting.  I'm really just so frustrated.  You have no idea.

Oh, Happy Love Month.  There are now officially only six days left to send your picture(s) in for the Valentine Blog Event: Show Me Your Love.  Send pictures to project@verastic.com