When Roads Were Blocked For The Dame....

Yes, Dame Patience is in the news again but not for what you think it is. I have never written anything about her grammatical prowess (well, except for that one time...it was a picture actually if I remember correctly}.
Anyways, let's leave that for now as it is definitely a topic for another day.
I have to say that I am thrilled I do not have to discuss it today. I do not think I could stand replicating her style of English. It is sure to bring on a migraine.
Moving on however, I heard how she made traffic on the Island to come to a stand still only yesterday when she paid the Center of Excellence a courtesy visit or is it a "Thank You Visit" now?
Fine, we know the kind of entourage a typical Nigerian first lady moves around with. What with all the aides and special dignitaries, the multiple advisers and personal assistants. They have a real party going on in there!
I do not have a problem with that personally as I am rather indifferent about such things. I do take it personal however when the First lady is attending an event at Ocean View restaurant on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island and people in different parts of Victoria Island, Ikoyi and even as far as Lekki have to groan in the crawling traffic situation which lasted a grueling 9 hours!

Is that wickedness or what? Inside that Lagos heat? My Lawd! So, I understand people trying to get to other parts of the Island had to pass through Tiamiyu Savage Street and "the traffic was moving very slowly.” Even visitors of the prestigious Eko Hotel were affected as they were not allowed in with their vehicles. Imagine trekking into that place?!
Well, I salute the over zealous security operatives who will not allow the 1st lady come to any harm. They deserve the pay they get, after all they worked really hard for it. I just want the 1st lady to know that even though a vast number of Nigerians may not be pleased with her delivery of the English language during National and International events, they would not necessarily seek to maim her. Ok, I speak for myself.
So as you can imagine, traffic that was crippled as early a s 8am and left to crawl for the duration of her time there (like 9 hours) continued up until late. Like come on! You know the way traffic is at the close of work now!? I just feel
for everyone who was caught up in that crazy hold up. I can't even begin to imagine.
Seriously, 1st Ladies...consider now?

I AM HERE!

I couldn't exactly help the outburst in my title. This post comes as a result of the numerous things that have happened in one short weekend! Amazing how a few hours could become an epoch in my life...and the blog(s) as well. True, I said I was taking a break from the blogosphere a while until summer but then permit me to say, 'I changed my mind.'
As for the 'things' I referred to, we don't always have to say what we saw or what we heard, do we? Suffice it to say, it will come out in the end as truth always prevails. I did miss the blogging community though and I have been fighting the itch to write all along. It's a wonder I ignored it so long. Sometimes we just need someone to pull that trigger for us whether or not we are self motivators.
I have been away for like forever and came back to discover that what I initially thought I was doing on the low-key, being invisible in my little' koro' has actually made me SEEN. Apparently, there is no such thing as 'being invisible.'I kinda hate the fact but then okay, what the hell? If doing good and minding my business is a crime, I pledge as accused. GUILTY!
Without sounding immodest, (or maybe so) I love to think of myself as an all rounder in more ways than one, and before you drop that Jack of all trade's line on me, I'd tell you that there are areas where I am a force to reckon with. You can't blame me for being versatile, I am a strong, young black woman and to multi-purpose is in-built (apparently not in everyone though).
 I might not do things the conventional way hence my unpredictability. So, I'm thinking this blog should make you see everyday things in another light from another perspective and another angle.
Seriously it is not to my intention to bore you with the FAQ's questions about my life but then after deep retrospective and discovering myself and all that, I am back on and back for good.
I am here and you can be sure as hell that I ain't going nowhere!
Peace out!

For Your ATTENTION!

A well known speaker started off his seminar holding up a N1000 note. In the room of 2000 people, he asked, "Who would like this N1000 note?" Hands started going up. He said, "I'm going to give this N1000 to one of you, but first, let me do this.'


He proceeded to crumple up the N1000 note. He then asked, "Who still wants it...?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" & he dropped it on the ground & started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled & dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth N1000.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled & ground into the dirt by the decisions we make & the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.

Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still valuable to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. You are special-Don't EVER forget it.

Dealing With Annoying Know-It-All People

I am actually qualified to write on this subject simply because I believe I am one of them....or usedto be. Over the years I have made it my business to be inquisitive and consequently I have acquired considerable knowledge on just about everything. In conversation its great to be able to relay your experiences to an attentive audience who will be amazed, empathetic and grateful to you for sharing such fascinating information with them. So what is it that makes this kind of person so annoying? Its because that same person dismisses anything anyone else has to say, albeit unintentionally. Your typical know-it-all will have already visited that remote exotic place plus he will have superior information on pretty much every other topic. Quite simply his life experience will have been bigger and better than yours. =)

While I am an enthusiastic well of information I am not (hopefully) considered so insensitive as to persistently ride roughshod over the opinions of others, to make their experience appear inconsequential, monopolise and dominate a social gathering with a steady stream of indisputable facts. What then is the best way to cope with such a person? Consider dramatically diverting him from his topic, spill your drink accidentally over his shoes which, as he attends to the clean up, may then allow another participant to regain control of the conversation. Or much better still, gesticulate vigorously to a pretend friend across the room then make your excuses to leave. There's no need to offend, he is harmless, merely sees himself as an official adviser, his role to inform the ignorant. Unfortunately he has no sense of self awareness and doesn't see the myriad expressions of boredom, anger and annoyance.

I said I feared that I maybe one of these people because there have been so many times when I have had to bite my tongue. If I see an opportunity to gain centre stage I do, I even butt into someone else's conversation to do it. However I am learning to control my know-it-all instinct, to recognise when to shut up to let someone else bask in glory, to become a good listener. People watching is a great way to improve your social manner, to be less annoying less dominating. Just watch the body language of the know-it-alls audience then observe the audience of someone who interacts with his social group and gives value to their comments.

Personality comes into it too, we all like to feel a warm reaction from others, for them to appreciate our information but the know-it-all has a slightly different slant on life. Should we tell him when we've had enough, maybe we should but in the nicest possible way. As long as some recognition is offered I doubt he would mind too much when someone smiles and kindly says enough already.

Oh and about spilling a drink on his/her shoes, I'd rather you don't!

A Girl's Must Have List

Let’s admit it, being a girl is pretty effing awesome! Even with all the spectacular opportunities that girls have today, sometimes we need to consult our life’s toolbox to get by. From a choir of supporters to a perfect pair of pants, there are some things a girl just can’t do without!

Here are my top 19 things every girl needs to not only SURVIVE, but THRIVE!

A Hammer

Not to break your piggy bank or break hearts, but to put the pieces of your life together. Sure building Ikea furniture may not be your favorite pastime, but the sheer satisfaction in knowing that you can hammer a nail, hang a picture or put together a wardrobe all by your damn self is a pretty sweet reward. Hard Hat Zone: Women Working!

A Pair of Dancing Shoes

See that girl? She is the dancing queen! And no dancing queen is complete without a pair of dancing shoes. Shoes that feed her twirls, cushion her toes and make her feel like she’s floating on air. Got a problem, you can dance your pain away and have a helluva good time!

A Favorite Book

Smart girls are the best girls and chicks who read are too cool for school. Remember the first time you read your favorite book, how it made you feel, how you connected with the characters? Every girl needs a book that she can come back to, visit old friends, find new themes and lose herself in the story.

A journal

Mae West once said “Keep a journal & eventually it will keep you”. I beg to differ. As women we are expressive by nature and getting our thoughts and feelings out is imperative. I’ve journaled since I was in high school and I have kept every last one. Sure they’re full of angsty rants, but mostly journaling has helped me through a lot of issues and experiences.

A dress that speaks to her curves

The right dress can turn heads and put you on the clouds. Whether its a sassy swing style or low cut freakum dress, every girl needs a frock that hugs her curves and makes her feel unstoppable.

Make a Red Pout!

It’s a season for the ‘reds’. This bold sultry pout now comes as a versatile fashion accessory to be teamed with almost any outfit. What more? You get a stunning look with your red lips!
You can have different looks with red:
Classic:

Here, you keep your eye make-up simple. Why? All attention must be focused on your lips. For your eyes, apply mascara to highlight them and then, line your lips with a red lip liner before applying your lipstick.
Dark:

This look can be achieved by using a foundation to create a matte finish in your skin tone. Play up the drama in your eyes by lining them with some smoky charcoal eyeliner and then smudging it slightly. Darker shades of red lipstick work best with this look and your lips can be accentuated with a plum lip liner.
Retro:
Having a flawless skin? Pair a bright shade of red lipstick with a dash of pretty blush on your cheekbones. The eyes can be emphasised by liquid eyeliner in black, a coat or two of mascara or a neat set of false lashes.

Natural:

Though hard to play down, red lips could be combined with tinted moisturiser and perhaps some bronzer to create a gorgeous, ‘barely there’ look for your natural eyes.
If you find it hard to wear red lipstick due to your facial features, skin tone or favoured dress colour, why not experiment on other shades of red lipsticks? Test the shades on your lips and view the result in natural light. You may very well find that a darker tone, leaning more toward the brown end of the spectrum suits you.

When applying…
• Choose a shade of red that you feel comfortable with, one that is still bold enough to make a statement.  Select a fun red to complement your skin tone – if you are on the warm side, stick with golden-based reds, and if your skin has cool undertones, opt for more blue-based shades. Basic, rich red colours are universal if you are having doubts.
• Set your lips with foundation or concealer to give a blank, unified canvas that your lip colour can glide onto. This also helps with the staying power. Swipe some clear gloss over the red to keep the look light and moist.
• Lastly, stick your finger in your mouth and pull it out slowly between your lips to wipe away any excess colour that could otherwise end up on your teeth.
Steps to having luscious lips
1. Scrub your lips with lip scrub and brush your lips gently-your lips are soft and healthier.
2. Apply your lip moisturiser.
3. Apply a thin layer of foundation or a lip primer. This will give you a base to start and the lipstick will stay on much longer.
4. Line your lips or you can colour your lips completely with your lip pencil.
5. Apply a coat of the lipstick.
6. Blot your lips with a tissue
7. Then apply another thin layer.
8. Wear a lip gloss on top in blank or the same colour as the lipstick.

MUAAH!

Nigerian Idol: Who wears the crown?

 

The final contestants on the Nigerian Idol show are out to make a mark in entertainment. The last show, which was themed, The American Legend Show’, witnessed the six finalists perform hits from American stars through the years — Elvis Presley, Donna Summer and lots more. It was a night of excitement.

Nigerians are excited at this too. According to Tiwa Medubi, the show’s project manager, the response is awesome. He said, “the massive popularity of Nigerian Idol continues to astound us. We are receiving feedback everywhere in the world.”

To set the ball rolling was Najite El-David, aka, Najite. Age 25, she is said to have begun to sing at five. With a dream to have her name as a household brand when she becomes an artiste, the friendly and down- to- earth girl is the one to beat. There is no doubt she is one of viewers’ choice what with the manner she rendered Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Diana Ross. The performance turned out to be her most powerful yet. Even the judges paid compliments.

Next was Stephen Onochie, 26, with a heart-warming performance of Bette Midler’s ‘Wind Beneath My Wings. His performance was impressive. Stephen hails from Delta State and is no stranger to a musical competition reality show. He has previously attended several musical competitions.
Lynda Giami, rendered Tina Turner’s What’s Love Got to Do With It? Her performance was not a surprise judging from the fact that the 23-year-old comes from a family of musicians.

Joe Blue must really want to become Nigeria’s Idol. He performed Cher’s Believe and even sprayed the audience with pixie dust. The Akwa Ibom born is said to love mixing his music with other forms of performing arts as well as fashion.

Mercy Chinwo, 20, said her inspiration came from her father and since his death about five years ago, she had taken her music more serious than ever. She performed excellently Donna Summer’s She Works Hard For The Money. With her stunning black dress, charisma and strong vocals, she left the audience stunned.

Honey Adum, 27, performed Elvis Presley’s Fever. The passionate self-tutored guitarist is into interior decoration and the show has been an exposure for him and he intends to take full advantage of it. The Abuja-bred looks up to the likes of Wyclef Jean and Lagbaja as role models as he intends to be an Afro-soul singer.

As the Etisalat-sponsored show continues to grow in popularity, Nigerians wait in bated breath who emerges winner come April.