For 2009.
This year, like all the ones before it, has been unpredictable. I want to tell you about how I had good times and bad times, how I went to bed crying and woke up laughing, how I got so frustrated so many times that certain things were not how and where I wanted them, how I sat in my car and cried to myself, and to God, and then, wiped my tears and came inside the house with a counterfeit smile plastered on my face because I did not want mom to be worried. I want to tell you about how I stayed financially-challenged throughout the entire year, but somehow, I always managed to make it by, and at the end, I even had some change. But I won’t tell you these things.J
Today is the 29th day of December. In two days, the year will be over. Still, I am expectant. There are things I asked begged asked and begged God to do that He has not done, and since, to Him, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day [2 Peter 3:8], I’ll keep my hands open for His blessings and favor.
As I reflect on the 116 posts I put up this year – the post you’re currently reading makes it 117 – I cannot help but reflect on the state of my mind when I put those posts up. Here are some of them, in chronological order: I think about my post on February 2nd, the one where I celebrated my blog’s anniversary by answering everyone’s questions. And I think of Valentine’s Day, a day that started out being as plain as Thursday, a day I planned on staying home and saturating my mind with Nigerian movies that test and insult my intelligence, and a day that ended up being the best Valentine’s Day of my life.
And I think about April 1st, and how I blogged about my engagement, the one that never happened. I enjoyed the comments so much that I almost forgot I was not even engaged. Sometimes, my ring finger feels empty, as if something is missing. Strange. How can it miss what it has never had? And I think about May 7th, the day I blogged about the shoes that fit. That was the day Mr. Shoes got his famous name. I love the name, by the way.
I think about the launch of my online radio on June 23rd, and I think about the fickleness of my voice and the anxiety of my heart, and I cannot help but smile at the overwhelming support I received that day, and all the days that have followed. And I think about July 5th, and the emotions with which I blogged about the home-going of Mommy Shoes (Mr. Shoes’ mom) who left us on June 20th. It was with sadness, reluctance, grief, anger, and an understandable but questionable sense of betrayal by God that I put that post up.
And on October 20th, I blogged about the 17-day fun I had with Mr. Shoes, the private resort he took me to, the Shawarma Pita I tasted for the first time, the almost-revolting tall cup of tea he made me drink because of my cold, and my inability to pass said cold on to him (Oh, I didn’t mention this inability in that post). And finally, on December 4th, I featured a few generous vendors who offered some wonderful discounts on their products. It was my first time featuring vendors, and by God’s grace, I’ll do it again.
I apologize for the rather extensive post. The point of it is to say Thank You. Thank You for all your love and support, and to show my appreciation, I now present you – yes, you, dear reader – with this certificate of appreciation (click on certificate to magnify it).
***See you in 2010! Happy New Year!!!***
Me first!
You're loved. Never forget it. Happy new year in advance.
And here's to a happier, fuller, more fulfilling one in 2010.
Aw…..! A certificate for us. 🙂
You deserve a certificate, a medal and a trophy, sef. For keeping us entertained, informed, and laughing throughout the year.
You're good at what you do…..Please, don't ever stop.
Have a wonderful new year, and may the blessings you are believing God for find their way into your waiting hands.
ok… Vera, u are obviously in love. why is this post almost mainly about Mr. shoes? smmchew.
awwwww Happy new yr too baybay. We bless God for his mercies.
Awww… Ur blog was one of my favorite things
This year it was on constant refresh everyday
Happy new year!
Awwww.. and thanks for the rib cracking, saturday un-dulling spectacle that is the Verastic radio chatroom.. That's sthng that gives Premiership football a good run for its money on saturdays.. that is a lot!
On saturday morning I didnt have anything to do!!! I miss my chatroom folk!!I was sad!!! I love you babe! Thanks for an amazing year! It can only get better! Happy New years!!!
We appreciate you vera 🙂
happy new year in advance….i think u should be getting an award instead for ur dedication to this blog..hehehe
Vera, thanks for being so verastic, for being such an inspiration. Have a happy new 2010, may God overwhelm you with blessings in the year ahead.
Anonymous: Thanks a lot!! Thanks and congratulations for being first, too. I look forward to the happier, fuller, and more fulfilling year. And I wish you the same, of course.
Vivacious: Thanks, love!!! I'm happy to have kept you entertained. It's been my pleasure and honor. And how is the little one? 🙂 Thanks for the prayer. I shout a resounding 'Amen' to it.
Funmie: Bia, what is your own na? Why are you jealousing Mr. Shoes? I've told you that he has nothing on you 🙂 Thanks, Fufu… for all the support.
DownTheAisle: Really? Awww. Thank you. I appreciate your support. Continue to refresh it. I hope I continue to give you reasons to refresh it.
Bagucci: LOL! Premiership football, huh? That means levels have changed oh! Thanks, Bagucci for all your support. You called so many times – all the way from U.K.
Ms. O: Thanks, darling! Aww, I'm sorry you didn't have anything to do. At the same time, I'm glad you missed us. Tehehe. Don't worry; we'll be back soon – January 9th.
BSNC: Thank you, my dear. I appreciate you more.
Cici: My dear, na God oh. But you all deserve the award for your dedication to me. If you weren't reading, I don't know if I would still be writing, so thank you.
JustJoxy: Amen!!!!!! Thank you, babe! I know I owe you a call. I have not forgotten. Thank you so much!
Awwww bless. See you on the other side.
Lol awesome awesome.
Happy New year to you too Vera, you're one bundle of amazing talent. Well done and congrats on 2009, 2010 will be greater still for all of us.
You did an amazing job this yr with your blog! Can't wait till 2010!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR…
I LOVE UR BLOG
I SEE U AS THE NEXT NAIJA OPRAH….YESOOOOOO
Caramel: Bless you too. See you in 2010. Thanks, honey.
Azazel: You know, you and I may not agree on a number of issues, but your consistent support has not gone unnoticed. Thank you.
Myne Whitman: Yes, it sure will. Thanks for your support. Congrats again on your book. I hope to follow your foot steps too.
Blowing Blessings: Thanks, honey!! I'm glad you enjoyed it. That's the only thing that keeps me blogging.
MyStoriesMyTestimonies: Awww. Amen!!! Thank you for believing in me. From your mouth (fingers) to the ears (eyes) of God. All I need is a wink from God, and all will be well. Thank you.
very nice trip down memory lane…..though we need to forget our outstanding expeectations for the year and start counting our blessings. I love ur blog so much. it was d first blog i ever read and it gave me inspiration to start mine. God bless u for the smile u have put on my face 2many times with ur posts. u deserve a certificate urself Happy new year in advance!
Thanks for making blogsville a haven. We do love you. Have a fabulous 2010!
you know, you're one of those people that have made blogsville a place to be…pardon me to say that i love you very much for that…more grease to your elbows, come 2010
awww you actually deserve an appreciation award for your blog.
2010. yes. lets go. lol
x's
Ms. Dufa: Forget outstanding expectations, really? Hmm. I don't think I can oh. LOL. However, I do acknowledge that I need to spend more time praising and glorifying God for the much that He has done, instead of concentrating on the little that He has not done.
Luscious Ron: My lovely, able-bodied attorney… thank you oh! What would I have done during those times that I needed to sue someone? Thank God I had you.
Baroque: Awwww. Thanks, boo!! Pardon me for saying that I love you, too. Thanks for your support, Baroque. I hope 2010 is ready for us.
Bonnie: Thank you, love. I'll gladly take an appreciation award in the form of cash. Tehehe.
i always enjoy your posts..hope you have a wonderful new year.
Thanks for the lovely certificate…we appreciate you too…have a truly fantastic year 2010…
oh, this is just sweet..girl, your are awesome..happy new year and may you double that no of posts in 2010
happy new year!!