Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!! As you read this post – well, depends on when you read it – I am Downtown Baltimore with Igwe watching the fireworks, just like we did last year. I’m already thinking about how I will usher in 2014. Do you have New Year resolutions? I don’t. I stopped doing those a long time ago, but I have never stopped being hopeful or making plans. And these are some of my plans for 2013. I have more plans than are listed here, and some of the ones listed here are not as detailed as they should be. Still, indulge me. And share some of your plans with me, too. These are some of my plans, in no particular order. I don’t know how I will accomplish them, or if I will even do so. We’ll know for sure when December 31st 2013 rolls around.
1. Increased blog traffic by 12: Basically, I want my current blog traffic to multiply by 12. And I have only chosen the number 12 because there are twelve months in a year. It’s a very, very large number that I’m looking at, and while it currently seems so far away, I am aware that things can change that quickly.
2. Own a 2013 Dodge Charger: Here’s the thing about the Dodge. As I type this right now, I have NO idea how I will afford a brand new Dodge Charger. But that’s not going to stop me from wanting one, or from planning to own one. Every time I tell someone that I want the Dodge Charger, they look at me crazy. Like, why?? It’s so masculine! Yes, I keep hearing that. I still want it. So pray for me. Or donate to my Dodge campaign.
3. To be self-employed: And what this basically means is that I do not want a 9 t0 5 job. Doing a 9 to 5 job would be done only because I need to do it. And I don’t want to need to do it. I already have a job: yes, blogging. And radio-ing. And hosting events. And much more. And those are what I’m going to work on more intensely this year. That’s how I want to be self employed.
4. To meet President Barack Obama (and his wife): I know what you must be thinking, “Bia, Vera, what brand of crack are you smoking, cause it must be really, really good? You want to meet Obama, ke?” Continue laughing at me oh! I am busy trying to figure out what hairstyle to do when I meet my President. Should I do Love Come Down? Or Police Cap? Or should I stick to my version of Onu Gbajie Boys (let the necks of the boys be broken)? I don’t just want to meet him; I also want to work with/for him.
5. Wedding? There is a question mark after this because we are trying to figure out the first and most important part of having any kind of event: location. Location. Location. Here in America? Or in Nigeria? Or both? Not knowing exactly where is making me not be able to think of anything else. If it’s Nigeria, I’m not happy that I am not there, so am I supposed to plan it from across the ocean? See, that’s another reason why I need to be self-employed.
6. To move house: Igwe and I will be moving, and I am quite excited. While the thought of packing up and moving into a new place is exhausting, the aftermath is usually a very gratifying feeling. We found the coziest, little place, and I fell absolutely in love with it immediately. We are still working on the finishing touches, but yes, that is definitely in the plans for 2013.
7. Television debut: I’m not even completely sure what I mean by this. I just know that I plan to do a screen debut before the end of the year. So help me God.
8. Start that business: Start that business I have been carrying around in my head forever. Right now, I’m still trying to read up on how to even start. I’ll let you know once I start, of course.
These are some of my plans. But I just want to do two things before I end this post:
1) I want to thank each and everyone of you for reading this blog, for leaving comments, for e-mailing me, and for being interested in this life of mine. I have big plans for you. But as you know, big plans cost big money. But I promise that once I can, I will. You have no idea how I feel when I read your comments; you don’t know the broad smile that comes on my face when someone tweets me; or the validation I get when someone says how much they love me. I don’t understand the love, but I am so grateful for it.
I may not know a lot of you by first names, and I may not be able to always return the blog love, but it’s not for lack of desire, but for lack of time. A lot of people have suggested that I create more time for myself by not responding to comments, but I love responding. I love interacting with you. As long as I can, I will continue to do so. There are times that I am not able to respond for a few days, but I always try to get to it eventually. If your comment has not been responded to, please forgive me.
2) I’d like to encourage you. One day, I will tell my story. Today isn’t the day though. A lot of us have one struggle or the other that we are battling, but I swear, it will eventually pass. I always tell my mom, “Don’t worry, mom, it’ll get better,” and she always, always asks, “When?” And I say, “I don’t know, but it will.” Then she lets a deep breath out and says, “Okay oh. If you say so.” Over and over, we have this same conversation. Of course, I say to God,” You better make things better because I have just vouched for You!”
Sometimes, it’s hard to notice changes when they come in small packages, but over time, you look back and you realize that you are not where you used to be. These struggles and experiences make us stronger. Even then, I’m sure everyone would rather not face the struggles.
I don’t know what concerns you have; I don’t know what thoughts are going through your head when you soak your pillow with tears. And I don’t know what it is that you keep crying to God for. But whatever the case may be, I pray that the good Lord meets you at the point of your needs. Please don’t give up. Make your plans for success and greatness; commit them to the Lord, and try your fucking hardest. I do realize that the word fucking may be frowned upon when it makes an appearance in the middle of such an encouraging sentence, but now you know why I do not aspire to be a pastor.
Whether or not you do New Year resolutions (and I don’t), one thing you should aspire to do this year is know yourself (and be yourself). Who are you? What do you really want? Don’t settle for less, especially in the issue of love/relationships/marriage. Know your worth, and don’t be afraid to demand it. Don’t let anyone give you less than you deserve; and don’t let anyone treat you like their friendship and/or love is a favor to you. If anyone dares to give you less than, tell them to fuck off.
Most of all, keep reading Verastic! Invite your friends. Invite your family. Invite your exes. Invite your enemies. Just invite people. If your pets can read and leave comments, invite them too. Happy New Year. Do things you’ve never done. Go places you’ve never gone. Dare to be different. Do you. Do epic things.
I love you. XOXO (I still don’t know what the hell xoxo means, and I don’t even know if I have written it in the right place – cause maybe it’s supposed to appear after my name, not after, but yeah, xoxo)
Vera Ezimora
P.S. Considering that this is my first post of 2013, and I have already spent two f-words on it, I wonder what the remaining year has in store for me?
Vera happy New Year dear. I pray that all your goals will come to fruition in the coming year. See you next year.
Amen!! Thank you, darling. I wish you the same, too.
XOXO just means hugs and kisses! Cant wait to read your blog in the new year..best wishes to you.
Oh, I see. LOL. Thanks for telling me. Happy New Year to you. And I, too, cannot wait for you to read my blog this year 😉
Love u Vera!!! Happy New Year to you too…. Lol @ “Onu Gbajie Boys”
I love you, too, Havilah!! Onu Gbajie Boys is the reigning style oh! LOL.
Happy New Year Vera my love… it’s officially been one year since I made your acquaintance (if one can even call it that as you don’t even know my first name haha). But in this one year, Verastic has built my dreams, lightened my work load (saturday chores), added a smile to my face, given me food for thought, revolutionized my thinking (well in part, I think 2012 just did that mostly) and given me new aspirations.
You’re an inspiration to many so let’s go over this list of yours shall we?
I’m definitely with you on number one, mine is a bit more unrealistic but looking at the numbers I’m dealing with now, ’tis achievable.
I’m praying for you for many of the other items on your list but not for number four. For some reason, I don’t think achieving number four would be that huge of a task.
…you know, we have tea with the president like everyother day *insert blonde girl hair whip here* (or is that the queen), well then we have coffee with the prez like erryday. That’s just how we roll
Lol, I’m done abeg goodnight/morning and again… HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Nolly, thank you soooo much!! Verastic has done all that for you in one year?!?! No way!! I wish you could see the broad smile on my face right now. I am beaming!! You don’t think achieving number four would be that much of a task?? Ahhhh! From your lips to the ears of God oh. LOL at having coffee with the prez. You’ve got it like that, huh?
By the way, I tried leaving a comment for you on your blog the other day. But I was too lazy to start logging in or creating an account. I just wanted to type in my name and address and leave the comment. It was on a movie … think the name was Trapped In A (The?) Closet.
Really? I think it’s about time I dumped disqus.
Yes, please. What’s wrong with the good ol’ commenting thingy?
Happy new year Verastic Vera you have to thank GNG coz she is the one who led me to your blog it was the time you lot were doing the “30 and accomplished single women” show on Blogtalk and she blogged about it with the link so I will say I heard your voice before I read you:) As for the plans let me give my 2 pounds (cents are too cheap for me) on number 5. From what you have told us in your writtings/radio show you have been in the states for over a decade and I believe the number is the same for Igwe give or take, both your immeadiate families are in the states I presume so why go to Nigeria for a wedding? The only way I would say go to Nigeria would be coz it would be way cheaper than the states. But then which is better having 50 plus family and friends pay for a ticket and possibly accomodation too to attend your wedding in Nigeria or flying in 5 immeadiate family members from Nigeria to the States? Besides you said you haven’t been back to Nigeria in a decade or so maybe a holiday there first would help you decide on the location.
Pendo, oh wow!! GNG is such a darling! She’s one of the bloggers I would love to meet. And we both go way back in this blogging business. I remember the 30s show. It was her, Rosie, and someone else who I can’t remember right now. I absolutely loved that show.
This your analysis about number 5, why does it feel like you’re doing this for yourself only? Hahaha. Well, you know I mentioned in the post that I did not go into as much details into my plans, and this one is one of them. There are certain reasons that I cannot write publicly for why the wedding may take place in Nigeria. If I have it my way, I’d vote for doing it in both places. More details on that later.
Pendo, thank you so much. You are a joy to read. God bless 😀
Happy New Year, Vera! These your plans are fully achievable o, I saw your newsletter so #1 is already on course. And you live just across the river from the Obamas so…lol…
As for the wedding, I go with Pendo. Maybe a US venue will be less stressful. Any which way sha, may God bless all the plans. And congrats on the new house! It’s not easy to find a place you’re happy with, moving is the simple part.
In conclusion, and beginning of 2013, I love you too.
Myne, thank you very much! It actually means a lot to me that all of you see my plans as being very achievable. Makes me more confident. Thank you! The wedding will sort itself out when the time comes. Lol. If I vex sef, I might do an e-wedding.
Happy New Year to you Vera and to all your distinguished fans..
All your objectives are achievable most definitely and with your personality the sky is just the start..
Love reading your blogs too since it has the personal touch which is good, equally picking up stuff from it while having fun.
However dear, do you know I smiled reading this bit of your note:
” Who are you? What do you really want? Don’t settle for less, especially in the issue of love/relationships/marriage. Know your worth, and don’t be afraid to demand it. Don’t let anyone give you less than you deserve; and don’t let anyone treat you like their friendship and/or love is a favor to you. If anyone dares to give you less than, tell them to fuck off. ”
I believe now that you have finally joined the club we do need to calm some of your views on relationship/marriage..
As someone who handles divorce cases routinely, this unmovable thoughts or lack of flexibilty of our sisters just like yours has caused major wahala here in the UK and also your in your area.
The more learned they are like you the more harder their beliefs, most times they become modern day feminist consciously unaware they are eroding eternal principles laid down in the bible..
It will be an interesting year on Verastic if you bring this sort of issues out, will gladly join you and share professional lessons learnt and experience on such issues, until then we have a wedding to plan for abi!
Do your wedding in your location jare, most people in our sort of background don’t have their immediate friends to come with you to Nigeria..
Nigeria more of extended families and friends you have arms length relationship with will be the guest..
However if ego dey then the two Country is not a bad idea…
So Mrs Igwe, you have a beautiful day and as usual wishing you the best always..
I am sure you know how much I adore and respect you,
Fad,
Thank you sooooo much! Amen, Amen to the sky being my limit. I am most definitely looking forward to it all. I understand what you are saying about the wedding venue; there’s a lot more to it than just the location of my immediate friends.
Per what you said about women and relationships/marriage, I do not advocate that women (or men) become unrealistic in their expectations, but I am not aware of the bible supporting people to get less than what they deserve. Anyway, this is a long topic. Must write more about it later.
ƗƗɐƗƗɐƗƗɐ… Lol at ‘That crack must be very good’ I think you should do love come down 😀 Happy New Year to you too *hugs* wishing you a blessed and prosperous year in Jesus name.
Love youuuuuuu
PS thanks for the encouragement
Temmie,
I love you more! Thank you for reading. Okay, I will be considering the Love Come Down hairstyle. Lol. I hope you were encouraged by my words. If so, I thank God.
Since you r igbo (anambra I. Think from ur name) just* do ur small trad and do the church wedding in ur location. All ur readers here will form family and frrnds nah* will like to meet you in person joor
Chizzie, I would absolutely love to meet you too. Whatever the case may be – whether here, in Nigeria, or both – I would still love to meet you. Love you, babes 🙂
Vera,you are one of the best bloggers i have had the pleasure of reading. You write really really well. Please keep up the good work.
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awwwwwww!! Thank you so much, Anike!! It’s comments like yours that make me keep blogging. Thank you. Really, really appreciate it. Happy New Year to you.
Happy new year Vera. I wish you God’s absolute best for this year and may all your plans/goals be fulfilled. May this year be better than all your past years combined.
Thanks for serious talk coated in humour in 2012 both on TheVerasticShow and on your blog (even though I started reading towards the end of the year). You kinda make me believe in happy endings…
Congrats on the new house. I’m hoping for a new house too… Btw, when you get to meet Obama, please put in a word for me. I will like to be Michelle’s personal assistant (not too much to ask, is it?) Thanks in advance 🙂
MsDawari, thank you so much! And Amen! Amen!! Amen!!! I make you believe in happy endings? Woooooaaaaaahhhhhhh. My levels have just changed again. Lol. Thank you! I’m honored to make you feel that way.
The house is an apartment oh, not an actual big-standing house type thing. Oh, well. And I will be sure to tell Michelle what you said. As a matter of fact, let me call her now sef. Loool.
Happy New year
Happy New Year to you, too! Thank you.
*dabs tear* I love reading your blog Vera, you are so real & transparent, love it! All the best to you in 2013, all of your goals are realistic & achievable, go for it!
Awwwww. Thanks, babe!!! I love that you love. To say that it’s comforting will be an understatement. And Amen. I wish you the best for 2013, too.
You are the best blogger I know…..thanks so much for this words.I wish you all the best in 2013.
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