The Blog: March 2007

Suzy Peaches' Fruit Basket (Issues #5 and #6)

Enrich to Outreach

Hey guys, sorry I have been incognito for a bit, had so much work to do it has been unreal. I’m glad that you enjoyed my facetious promenade down Singleton Street and a very big thank you to everyone that filled in the grid. I feel it served its purpose of prompting you to cogitate on your attitude towards your personal life.

I’ll try as much as possible not to pontificate my views, which are inextricable from my biblical beliefs.

Summary of Grid: I could see that we do not refer to our single status disparagingly but rather embrace it. It was also evident that we are looking to learn from our experiences, which are invariably preparing us for our move into Coupleville.

What next – Find love. As Lady A rightly stated in affairs of the heart it is important concentrate on self-development and improvement. We all say we are “Looking for Love” but do you realise the converse needs to be true. You are also the love that someone else is looking for and if you were to find you would you call you love. Let me re-phrase that would you want to spend the rest of your life with you?

My Thought

Our Model for Finding Love:

Find the right person
Fall in love
Unconsciously fix our hopes & dreams on this person and be disappointed when they fail us.
If failure repeatedly occurs repeat steps 1, 2, & 3

God’s Model for Love:

Become the right person by mimicking God
Walk in love
Fix your hope on God and seek to please him through your relationship with others
If failure occurs repeat steps 1, 2 & 3.

The Word

“Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children. Walk and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God”. Eph. 5:1-2 (for more read chapter 4:31 – 32).

I’m sure you are wondering why I have put a spiritual spin on this
relationship issue. In response I ask you this question – Can you separate God
& Life?

The key to finding the right person, is not finding the right person, but by becoming the right person. We must consciously stop ourselves from waiting to be completed by someone else and instead realize that only God can provide what each of us needs to be complete. So from today let us try hard to become imitators of God and Walk in Love and in so doing, the intentional and sacrificial love Paul was referring to, which wills and provides us what is best, will follow.

Beginning today abandon the mindset of searching for love and instead start making a conscious effort to moving away from the way we are accustomed to finding love which focuses too much on finding the right person or modelling someone into the person we want. This model problematically places too much emphasis on finding the right person, and isolates our task of becoming the right people, and God’s role in creating and keeping the relationship.

Meditation for the Week

1 Corinthians 13 : 4 - 7

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Now replace Love & it with your name – and read out loud.

Suzy is patient and kind. Suzy is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Suzy does not demand its own way. Suzy is not irritable, and Suzy keeps no record of being wronged. Suzy does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Suzy never gives up, never loses faith, Suzy is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Are these statements still true? I guess we all have our work cut out. Till next week its Suzy here saying …………… Love till love finds you!

Time To Catch Up

I'm glad you all liked the Childhood memories post, I did actually remember a few others some of you kindly contributed and will put them up in my second edition.

Suzy peaches did not have a post last Thursday as Blogger was acting up...............AGAIN so she has a double bill this week as she is on holiday in gidi. She has sent me her post :o) look forward to that.

I have been MIA in Blogville for a while but back and my fellow bloggers are doing nice things. E.g.:

Laspapi

Our dear playwright laspapi recently had his play - Anatomy of a Woman on at Muson (last Sunday) and it was a success. Did any of you guys attend? Also check out his articles in the Guardian on Sundays :o)

Pictures courtesy of laspapi.blogspot.com

Snazzy

My ever-eccentric blogpal, always has an opinion. You'll be glad to know he studied English as part of his degree at uni and took an advanced writing class - just thought to randomly add hehe. Check out his fab, concise posts:

NaijaVixen

Currently has so much info on this Nigeria Next Top Model thing I didn't know about.

See her blog for more pics. Applications have now closed but see what their eligibility requirements are here.

NNTM pics from naijavixen.blogspot.com

TaureanMinx

Is still away on her temporary hiatus, the countdown thing on her blog is ticking......

BellaNaija

Has been showing us a lot of pics lately courtesy of purefoto.com, check out her post for Mr. Nigeria pictures, updates on WA idol and coverages of the several awards shows held in Nigeria lately.

Onada

Just got back from Jamaica :o) check out her diary on her blog and she may put pics on her photoblog. I have actually nicked a pic she took, this second one was of a security guard supposed to be guarding their stuff at a park - reminds me of Naija hehe

Uzo

Has revealed the Blogger Bachelor's Bachelorette - hehe what a tongue twister. Check it out!

More catching up from my other fav bloggers later this week xxx

Childhood Memories

What a cool set of videos to watch when you are sad and miss the good old days :o)

BERTHA

SUPERTED

ROGER RAMJET

MUPPET BABIES

GREAT SPACE COASTER

CAPTAIN CAVEMAN

FRAGGLE ROCK

TEDDY RUXPIN

PIGEON STREET

SPACE GHOST

TEENAGE MUTANT HERO TURTLES (before the name was changed)

TEENAGE MUTANT 'NINJA' TURTLES

TRAILER OF THE NEW TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

SESAME STREET (35th Anniversary Ending)

SESAME STREET - ERNIE AND BERT

SESAME STREET - NEWSFLASH

If you remember any more, holler! xx

Are You on That List?

Heheheheheheheheheheheh! I am so excited just thinking about Heroes. It is the Ish! You have to watch it to know, no point trying to convince you but if you haven't tried it, you don't know what you're missing -- in fact you're a LOSER for that lol. (Calm down, Vicious Vivica).

This post is not a SPOILER oh - but if you want major spoilers go here hehehe.

You guys are going to have to help me with this one, so leave your comments and I'll add. Also check out the facebook group -- 'HEROES...r u on that list?'

You Know You Watch Too Much Heroes When:

You are me and sat on the tube and thinking about rubbish and a guy is staring and you wonder if he can hear your thoughts (as in seriously) and you give yourself a chuckle and try and stare at him some more.
The name - Mr. Isaaaak pops up in your head at random intervals during the day.
"Save the Cheerleader, save the world" is a commonly used phrase.

You stand in front of a mirror and expect your reflection to give an evil smile - from Mari.
Every Japanese guy you see on the tube you are tempted to ask him if he is Hiro Nakamura... - from Kush
You've already imagined what powers you would have if you were a HERO hehehe.
You go round telling your friends (and family) what power you think they would have if they were a Hero.

If you can think of any more, holler back/leave a comment.

Check out some "Heroes" pics below (click to enlarge) . Have a good weekend! xxx

Someone is Unusually 'Consistent'

.....Title of this post courtesy of Snazzy who has noticed this new trait - (not for long though hehehe!)

I'm here again, as Suzy Peaches is away today, she's either a busy lady these days or is trying to adopt Mona's style. If it's the latter, someone please tell her there can only be one MONA! Copy copy.

Anyway, so there is no Suzy Peaches Fruit Basket this week, sadly, for some, not for hehe cos I own her space today muahahahah!

In case you didn't watch the Beyonce/Shakira wtf! video, please check it out in my post titled - It's On You

Watch out for my post on "Heroes" tomoz! :o) :o) :o) P.S. I took this pic, with my phone :)

For the Single peeps and everyone else ;) there is a Christian Singles event tomorrow hosted by theTrinity Chapel in Stratford. See details below:

Singled Out is wrapping up the week this friday evening with a fantastic night out!!

Come and hang out, network and dance with people from all over london.

The event will include good food and great music from the renowned DJ YEMI from Jesus House.

Entrance is free!!!!

Where: Trinity Chapel Exhibition Hall, 1 Warton Road, Stratford.

When: Friday 16th of March 2007

Time: Kicks off at 6.30pm prompt

Finally, some of you may not be bothered by this news but it's still very interesting i.e. the fact that the Nigerian Government has scrapped HNDs - read here. Seriously, I would like your comments on this. Thankies xxx

No Smoking Day

It's the UK's first No Smoking Day since 1984 and more than two million smokers are estimated to try to quit today - gee can't wait. We should all support these smokers in the various activities being held today - check out the No Smoking Day site. Luckily I'm a non-smoker so writing this is not very emotional for me but for all you readers/bloggers who do smoke - try and stop oh! Found a cute pic for you:

Cute Ashtray huh?

Secondly it's Dimples birthday today! So happy birthday to her! Three cheers - for she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good fellow. For those who don't know her, she's an avid commenter on blogger but owns no blog. Dimples please step up your game. Many more years to come lav! And on her behalf, she is advertising http://jobvacanciesnigeria.com so please check it out!

Next, I have some SCANDY GIST (as in scandalous) for you guys -- but let me let you see/read for yourselves. Quite an interesting blog from these "mixed" Naija ladies - http://yellow-pawpaw.blogspot.com/

Uzo, sorry I'm just sharing this but hey, better late than NEVER - Check out the 'Bachelor' showing on Naijablogger - you have to guess the Bachelorettes from what they describe and so does the Bachelor. He also chooses whom he wants after a certain point. He's exxed two of the bachelorettes - one was me heheh, even with my cute avatar - shetmen, I didn't understand the rules of the game - IN MY DEFENCE! See the series:

Intro

Episode 1

See Uzo's blog for the rest, I suggest you click here and start from the bottom to enjoy the series. Maybe next time hehe :o) Nice one Uzo.

Next UP! Musiq Soulchild's new album - Luvanmusiq is out in stores now. You should be able to sample it on his website or his myspace.

LUVANMUSIQ Track Listing:

1. B.U.D.D.Y

2. Ms. Philadelphia

3. TeachMe

4. BetterMan

5. TheQuestions

6. Today

7. MakeYouHappy

8. Ridiculous

9. Millionaire

10. TakeYouThere

11. Lullaby

12. GreatestLove

Watch out for Styl Plus and co. @ the London Astoria this week (17th March). NaijaVixen (NV for short) has more info. Other's who will be performing include:

Ximinez (Their myspace)
Nneka (Her myspace)
DJ Edu (His myspace)

See flyer for details or go to www.seetickets.com or www.meanfiddler.com and see www.myspace.com/stylplus1

ENJOY PEEPS - LOVE ALWAYS, MONA! xx

It's On You.....

........Are you wondering what the title of this post means? So am I, but I've decided to put my title as whatever comes into my head when I start blogging and this is it! So deal with it. LOL - will be doing that for the next few posts so expect some eccentricity or even cyncism hehehe.

So, where have I been? M.I.A. of course. Let's just all agree it is one of my favourite past times so no point looking for me - the milklady always returns as well as she delivers! Big LOL!

This week, I have a lot for you :o) you'll be pleased to know. I hope you had a good weekend, I was a little under the weather but I'm good now.

Been a while since I've been in Blogville, but Snazzy has some good stuff especially on and the Yar'adua rumour and a Naija Discussion Series. Anyways the BBC clarified the rumour here.

I found this video hilarious - on office workers on drugs/at the extreme. Shey you are looking for efficiency hehe - watch here
Careers in Africa - Global Career Company is an international recruitment consultancy that focuses on recruiting high calibre talent into Africa. The Careers in Africa initiative brings together a group of the best talent in the marketplace with leading employers. Participating companies at this year's summit include: Shell, Standard Bank, Celtel, Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, Cisco, Vodacom, Heineken, Chevron.

The Careers in Africa UK Recruitment Summit, an invitation-only event features pre-scheduled interviews, presentations, and networking sessions with up to 40 leading employers from across Africa.

It will take place in London on May 4th – 7th, 2007 where senior company executives will be interviewing a select group of candidates across a range of industries and functions for immediate roles within their organisations.

For more information, companies attending, what to expect at the summit and to apply, please visit http://www.careersinafrica.com/ by March 18th, 2007. Don't miss your opportunity to work with the best in Africa.

I found this bizarre - The K foundation burnt £1 million pounds in cash in 1994. Find out why here

Must Ghana Go? Is the real question - Ghana must go bags are in fashion oh - courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

So please get yours cheap from Naija and pimp your look up

For those interested in Art, I got an email about an Art Exhibition in Minneapolis, MN on the 16th of March. More details at
www.icypr.com

Who is loving the new PRADA PHONE BY LG?? Designers are doing big things - see pic:

A lot of competiton this year oh - with the Applie iPhone and all. More details of the Prada phone here.

As you know, the V-Monologues are back. See flyer below.

Un-Sexy! That is how I feel when I watch the Beyonce/Shakira video. KAI! Check it out:

It's all about Women this year! Ladies, please check out www.internationalwomensday.com for resources and info.

Question - Who can get hold of the abolition of slave trade programme they aired on Channel 4 last night? Apparently it had Nigeria and Nigerians - quite interested so please holler

PLEASE COME BACK FOR MORE :D

Suzy Peaches' Fruit Basket (Issue #4)

As Blogger was acting up yesterday, thepost has been post-poned. However just an announcement that International Women's Day was yesterday and hope you were aware. I bring you Suzy Peaches' fourth issue on Naija to the Core.

Singleton Street

Hello my lovely readers – I trust you are all well. Today I’ve decided to entertain you by way of a story titled “Singleton Street”. I feel the best way to describe my predicament is by location as opposed to situation.

Today I denounce by position of Social Secretary of the Singleton Street Residence Association and vacate my office for a younger more suitable candidate. I make this assertion because I am sick and tired of being sick and tired of being single. I am trapped between these two schools of thought – the first being “God is in control” and the second – “what are you doing to make that change/transition”. To avoid sounding too monolithic I will proceed with my emblematic accolade.

I must admit that when I moved into this one bedroom self contained 1st floor flat at 1 singleton street it was only for a sort while. My initial tenancy agreement was for 6 months – just while I got my act together and settled into university life. I had planned to find something abit more suitable and spacious preferably with a newly installed kitchen and a well-kept garden. But 3 years on – I am beginning to wonder why relocation has proved difficult. During my stay serving on the association I have had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with an assortment of residents. Many of which moved out but returned and some of which like me tried to sell up but to no avail. As the Social Sec I organise a variety of activities and functions – the most popular being the Pity Party (need I say more).

However I am beginning to feel dissatisfied with my present abode. I too want to change status and be counted amount my counterparts living in Coupleville. The question here is how do I go about doing this? How do I land myself a hot new property that daily appreciates in value? I sought to find the answer vide a variety of means including literature and mentoring some of which I would share with you know.

First of all you need to devise a plan – write your vision and make it plain. What are you looking for? If you cant truthfully answer that then at least seek to identify what you definitely don’t want. Make a clear distinction between the MUSTs and the MAYs. What must it have or in my case what must it not have – and what may it have and what may it not have.

Let us abandon the analogy for a moment and get serious – I’ll complete the story at a later date if you ask nicely . . . . But for next week’s entry I need your help. Copy and paste this grid below into the comment box and leave me your responses – it would help me with my research into this area and may help you too in finding, offering, accepting and closing a lucrative property proposal.

*****Delete as applicable: And please lets be honest with ourselves – I know we can work through this together.

Grid*****

1. Are you resentful that you are single? Y N

2. Are you trying to fix the fact that you are single? Y N

3. Are you embarrassed that you are single? Y N

4. Have you been tempted to resort to clubbing,
Partying, etc. to meet other people in the hope for finding your
Husband or Wife? Y N

5. Are you anxious and agitated about being single? Y N

6. Does pressure from others about getting married make you
Anxious? Y N

7. Are you tolerating single hood and can not wait for it to end? Y N

8. Do you go on dates because of fear of singleness? Y N

9. Are you afraid of marriage because your parents divorced? Y N

10. Do you find yourself complaining about the fact that you are single
often? Y N

All About Jay Kay

............I failed! I didn't fulfil my promise because I was without internet access!

Excuses excuses but it's true sha. Well it's been a loooooong week, it feels like Thursday and it's just Tuesday.

Anyways Happy Independence Day Ghana - More later

I bring Jay Kay: OK into the Bloglight today. He's been in the limelight for a while now, running for governor and all that but as I have joined his campaign, I have dedicated this post to him.

JIMI AGBAJE is a good/disciplined/ethical man and I am sure Lagos state will see substantial changes if he makes governor :o) Please read more about him here

Let me share his campaign videos first, watch them on YouTube:

(i) Who is the man....Jimi Agbaje Is The Man

(ii) Jimi Agbaje For Lagos State Governor 2007

I will upload his campaign jingles soon (nice yoruba music) for you to dance to :o)

His Slogan is - Caring. Thinking. Working. This depicts the type of man he is - an elect and well meaning public servant. He certainly fits the bill in and for Lagos State. Join his campaign @ www.jimiagbaje.com

Read his manifesto below:

Dear concerned citizen,

In the eight years ending May 2007, about Six Billion dollars, or two thirds of a trillion Naira (N600,000,000,000) would have been spent by the Lagos State Government.

My name is Jimi Agbaje, visit my website, www.jimiagbaje.com, and find out how I would spend that sort of money. While on the website you can join in our campaign, and personally take the first step to make Lagos Work!

Alternatively join me, at an interactive session on a New Thinking for a New Lagos, at 4.00 pm at The Lagoon, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, the 4th of March, 2007. Alternatively watch me live on AIT at 4pm local Nigerian television and DSTV satellite television.

Jimi Agbaje

This post is intended to reach out to those youths in the so-called diaspora to make them aware of this campaign - Mona

The Hungover Blog

.................Yep, signed in a lil' late today, you can't blame us, we've been partying (we're one year old remember?)

I tried to get all the goodies and freebies but the order still hasn't come so until then you'll have to manage some free music (YAY).

Before I do that, please watch the auditions for IDOLS WEST AFRICA (Hilarious stuff!) Please watch - especially Udosen in the Calabar Auditions. [Thanks for the info Wale ;o)]

Some serious news on one of our African Pastors here in London - Paster Ashimolowo (hmmmm). Read here and if the pic is not clear. Click on it to enlarge. They just had to write that he was Nigerian-born!

Some news about your currency - yes, the NAIRA! Click here for pics and more info, also the arabic writing will be removed on all notes. The coins really look like Euro oh!

Now for your freebies - Future of RnB Mix Tape Volume 14 is out, you can get the songs below at the links, just click (hehe). These links expire in about 10 days I think.

P.S. No haters allowed, this is not a downloading page or site, it is pointing to a site where you can download so no ethical geeks telling me off. Thanks to Snazzy, my legal adviser :o)

ENJOY!