Let's Go There....!

Naija Blogger Awards is up...yay! I am not dedicating an entire post to the awards because I'm tryna create awareness & all that ish, but rather because I want to warn all of you: failure to vote for me will result in the permanent deletion of my blog. Yes, I realize this action will hurt me more than it will hurt you since I love and cherish my blog and its contents, but at least, my point will be made.

So what makes Vera - the one who lives Verastically - qualify? Please, read on. There are 17 categories for 'Category A' of the Naija Blogger Awards, and I intend to qualify for all of them. Yes, I said all of them.

1. Best Personal Blog: This shouldn't be difficult. Verastically Livin' is as personal as it can get. I have told you about my bathing routine (so now, you can practically picture me doing it); I have told you about my tropical rain forest (the jungle that hides within); I have told you about my shotput days (when I supplied free manure to grandma's farm); I have told you about my lactose intolerance (so now you know what not to serve me when I visit you), and I have even told you what kind of underwears I wear. What, do you need me to post a picture of my butt cheeks too?

2. Best Student Blog: So maybe I don't talk a lot about school, but I did mention that I had to do a school project when I had to visit a strip club and observe people. Well, what more do you want from me? Vote me there jare!

3. Most Inspiring Blogger: I inspired Temite, Funmie, and someone else whose name I can't remember right now to start blogging. How much more of an inspiring blogger do you want me to be? On February 14th, I even inspired God to answer my prayers and send me my Valentine. Hehehe. If I can inspire God, then what da heck?? If you ask me, I'll even say I inspired Barack Obama to run 4 President, but let's not get in2 that. We're keeping it on the down low.

4. Best Literary Blog (prose, poetry, story telling): Uhm, this might be a bit tricky. The stories I have told on Verastically Livin' are not exactly prose-type material BUT hey, they are stories nonetheless, no? Remember the story about the young boy who woulda wooed me if he wasn't so much younger than me? Well, that counts for something!

5. Best Use Of Theme In A Blog (religion, politics, social commentary, fashion, family, etc): How about "Totally Awesome" for a theme? If you ask me, that should count for something. And that is exactly what Verastically Livin' is all about. Someone might call this tooting my own horns, but what does he know?

6. Best Political Blog: Oh, this one is soooooo easy! On the day of the election, I blogged TWICE. I never, ever blog twice in a day, but that day I blogged twice - all for Obama. The posts are HERE & HERE. Now how's that for best political blog!!

7. Best Relgious Blog: I don't like the term 'religious;' I prefer 'spiritual,' but for the purpose of this award, I'll tell you that this is the best religious blog because on Sunday, October 19th, I rededicated my life to Christ. I also have a direct line to God. Who else has written a letter to Him and had it answered so swiftly and perfectly?

8. Best Fashion Blog: On Valentine's Day, I told you I wore a pink and black shirt. I only wore the pink shirt because it was Valentine's Day and I was tryna honor St. Valentine.

9. Best Entertainment Blog: Who else entertains you so much with the type of weird men she meets? Remember Mr. Kisser? TAB? Mr. Multiple Personality? Mr Slow? The Delivery Man? The weekend with three men - all of whom were either married, almost married, and probably married?

10. Best Everyday Read: By qualifying for categories one to nine, I automatically qualify for this one. It's no hard ball.

11. Most Creative Blogger: Me, of course! I came up with "Verastic" all by myself. I named Funmi "Fufustic" also (because I call her Fufu for short). And of course, I came up with the beautiful name that all of you are supposed to call me - Madam Interviewee Vera. Needless to say, you're doing a sucky job @ it. And one of these days, I'll shut all your blogs down.

12. Intellectual Blog: I know how to spell everyone's blogger/blogville name without looking. It's not easy, but what can I say? I have a rather high blogville IQ.

13. Dedicated Blogger Award (updates most frequently, comments, active blogger....): If you have not noticed, Verastically Livin' gets updated every three days (except for a few times when I have to delay because I need to update on a particular date. I am committed, darn it!

14. Most Likeable Blogger: I like myself, and that is all that should matter. The rest of you better get on board.... or else!! Yeap, I'm deleting Verastically Livin' and going to a far away land where I'll be known as the green-eyed one - Facebook.

15. Best Use Of Visuals In A Blog (images, themes, colors...etc): Every word you see in color in this post is a link. Do you have ANY idea how long it took me to hyperlink all these words???? Do you???? Well, that counts as visuals. That's my story & I'm sticking to it!

16. Best Use Of Media In A Blog (widgets, graphics, music...): Well, I have the 'Follow Verastic' widget, the 'Subscribe to Verastic' widget, and even the 'View My Complete Profile' widget. What more do you want?

17. Bloggers' Choice Awards (Naija blogger of the year): How many other bloggers have taken their time to put up this type of post? It is obvious I deserve this. Now, give it!

By now, I'm sure there is only one question on your mind: where do I cast my Verastic vote? Right HERE. The administrators require that no category be left blank, so please fill everything in. On a serious note, if you do not know which blogger to nominate for a category, just put 'N/A' or something like that. But don't leave it blank. This voting is open to any1 & everyone, so come one, come all.

I exit now....... to go & work on my acceptance speech.

*Vera singing* ... Winner oh oh oh, winner/winner oh oh oh oh winner/Vera you don win oh, winner/kpata kpata you go win forever, winner!

*Another song* It shall be permanent/it shall be permanent/what the Lord has done for me/it shall be permanent....permanent.....

Dear Host, Please Stop Inviting Me!

I dunno about other States, but there is a new trend (ok, maybe it's not so new) here in Maryland. People - and I'm not referring to the "party promoters" - throw parties to celebrate their birthday and then they charge you a gate/entrance fee. What nonsense!!!

Where do people come off inviting you for their "birthday party" and then charging you $30 before 11 o' clock or some nonsense like that??? So how much is it gonna be after 11? It doesn't even matter. If you wanna throw a birthday party, then do so and let people come and merry with you for free. If you don't have money to throw a party, then who says you have to? Why throw a party and tell me to pay? You might as well require all the guests to bring gifts. Whatever happened to good ol' staying home with friends and eating cake (and ice cream, of course)?

My phone and email have been bombarded with invitations to birthday parties where I am required to pay. Sometimes, there is even an enforced dress code. Why now??? I don't mind if there is a dress code; I just don't understand why it should be enforced for a birthday party. When you invite people to join you to celebrate your birthday, you're begging them for a favor - I think. In a large scale public event, of course, people have to pay and dress codes can be enforced. But for a birthday party??? Gimme a flippin' break! I could have been doing something else @ home - like watching funny commercials or something.

This is how all this nonsense starts ooo. Before I know it, couples getting married will start charging their guests at the door and even enforcing a strict asoebi dress code...with matching Italian shoes & bags sef! That will be the day. Yes, that will be the day that I, the Verastic lover will quit attending weddings and plan my own instead. By the day my wedding date rolls around, I'm sure a man would volunteer to stand in as my husband. And I'll make sure I renew my vows every month - just in case the man begins to forget he's married. But don't lemme get into all the plans I have for my wedding and marriage. That will be for another post.

Of course, there is a slight chance that I might be over reacting...seeing as I am not much of a party person (except when a dancing catharsis is necessary). So my reason for not attending these pay-at-the-door birthday parties isn't usually because I am required to pay, but rather, first and foremost because I just don't wanna go. If I did wanna go, having to pay @ the door would then become the reason why I will not be found there. Pay at the door for someone's birthday party????????? Please!!!

Oh, well. What do I know? I'm just a gal with an overactive imagination who thinks she can make certain things & places disappear. Hehehe. (Yes, I am aware that almost no1 knows what the heck I'm talking about. I said almost no1). But seriously, I think this is simply ridiculous. If you want to become a party promoter, then knock yourself out and stop hiding under the cloak of having a birthday party. *HISS*

Oh! And "Category A" of Naija Blogger Awards has started, so please COME ON DOWN!!! If you don't have a name for any category, don't leave it blank, write N/A or something. Better yet, fill every category with Vera Ezimora. Just a thought...! :-) Alright, I'm begging, please vote 4 me!!! If you do, I will.... I don't even know what I will do. What do you want me 2 do? Pray, do tell! Click HERE to vote.

Eat. Drink. Lick. Suck.

Get your mind outta the gutter; I'm talking about ice cream. What do you do to ice cream?? I have a hard time picking out the right word from my vocabulary. What do you do to ice cream??

Eat: If you say you're eating ice cream, something about it doesn't seem right. Eat?? Does ice cream get chewed between our molar teeth? The thought of it sounds painful. Do we ever need to floss it out? 'Eat' just doesn't sound like what we do to ice cream.

Drink: Now this is even weirder, but people do say they're drinking ice cream. Unless the ice cream is melted and you're literally gulping it down from a cup (or bottle), I don't understand how ice cream can be drunk. Can it? If it can, it kinda defeats the whole purpose of it being ice cream.

Lick: This sounds naughty. When I think of licking ice cream, I imagine sticking my tongue out and licking it off of something...like a plate or a bowl. Or even a spoon. Try as I might, I cannot help but associate the licking of ice cream to naughty stuff. The question is: how many licks does it take to get to the middle of the ice cream?? Ah, naughty, naughty thoughts. The hardcore truth is that cunninglingus has made it difficult to hear "lick" without thinking dirty thoughts. Bad world we live in. But this is about ice cream.

Suck: This is the naughtiest. How do you suck ice cream? People say they're sucking ice cream, but how is that possible?? I picture a hard ice cream that is on a stick, one that cannot be melted by licking. Only sucking will do. Ever since the invention of fellatio (I have deliberately used this word instead of the O.S. word to avoid further complicated Google Analytics searches), the word "suck" has just not remained the same. Of course, this predicament has also befallen the word, "lick," but I digress...

So seriously, what do you do with/to ice cream? This is a serious debate that has been going on in my head. Unable to habor anymore of these daunting thoughts, I have decided to bring it to you: the grand jury. If you're wondering what I do - or say I do - with ice cream, I just say, "I'm having ice cream."

....That in itself could be interpreted to mean something else. People can have other people. The alternative is that I'm just overthinking this ice cream consumption terminology too much. Perhaps, I should just eat, drink, lick, suck, have, and shut up.

Your thoughts?

This Valentine Day Sha..!!

***Vera smiling from ear to ear***

Where do I start from??? Hmmmm. I'll make this short and sweet. And by the time I'm done, you'll feel one or more of these emotions: happy, jealous, confused, curious, doubtful, angry.... did I mention jealous already? Hehehe.

So there I was on Saturday, jejely minding my own business @ home. I wore a black and pink blouse and a pair of black jeans. I wore the pink shirt to commemorate Valentine. It was either that or something red, but I didn't have anything I liked in red. Well, my red tops were either dirty, too casual, or too formal. So pink it was.

I decided to make some moi moi. I had been putting it off for over a week. I was home, listening to music, and dancing every now and then. I was gonna watch a Naija flick after cooking. Funmi called and said she was coming over to eat. I told her not to come to my house. I did not want to spend my Valentine with a girl. But did she listen? Nope! The babe showed up here and ate my food. I even washed her dishes when she was done.

We started watching a Naija movie, and that was when it happened. He called. He was downstairs. He surprised me with a heart-shaped box of chocolates, a funny Valentine card, and loadza starbursts. He brought me starburts! Can you believe that??? That was too sweet!!

By the way, he flew in from a different state. AND we had never met before Valentine's day.... AND I did not give him my address.

......So that's all I'm willing to say about Valentine's Day. Hehehehehe. If you need more details, you know the drill: send a bottle of perfume to my P. O. BOX.

P.S. I know this sounds like fiction, but apparently, miracles happen. Ask Funmie. She was there. I'm glad she was. Or else, I would have thought I had started imagining things. Funmie was so excited, she almost locked us both out of the house in our quest to welcome our surprise guest. Funny thing is, that morning, Busola was laughing @ me and asking me if Saint Valentine had sent my Valentine yet. I said, "Not yet." We laughed about it. I didn't actually think I was going to have a Valentine, but voila...!!

So tell me, how are you feeling?? Happy, jealous, confused, curious, angry..... maybe a bit more jealous???? Hehehe. What can I say? I did ask God for unmerited favor. Now, if only He (God) can do me this other favor. Hmmmmmmm.

Love Is In The Air

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!!

I wish I could tell you about the detailed plans I have for a very romantic evening, but alas, I have no such plans - for now. I'm hoping that I will receive a mysterious knock on my door, and when I open it, there he will be standing. Who is he? Beats me. But I sure do hope to find out later.

If you're in a relationship (boyfriend/girlfriend, engaged, married), please do something special. The man doesn't have to fly you to Paris for breakfast in a private jet - although that would be nice, of course. But if you both stay home and watch something funny, that would be just as sweet. Maybe I'm just talking about myself anyway. If I had it my way, I would stay home, cuddled on the sofa (with a person who is anatomatically different, of course!) and watch Zeburudaya all day. If while laughing hysterically @ Zeburudaya, he happens to present me with a necklace from Jared....or the keys to my Range Rover...or a good ol' starburst (berries n creme) candy, who am I to say no??? I wouldn't dare! :-)

I don't have any memorable Valentine Day experience. I've always been either single or wishing I was single. lol. This year, I am obviously single. But when next I'm not single, I won't be wishing to be single. I will check very well before I enter into another precarious situation. Heaven knows I don't wanna find myself in another God-please-make-him-stop-calling-me situation. But I digress.

Wish you all a very wonderful Valentine. In case you haven't, please read my new note on Valentine - Dear Saint Valentine. See you on Tuesday!

What Do I Blog About Today?

I'm feeling a little rusty. I can't blog right now. I need to take a blog-shower and blog-refresh myself. I'll be back on Valentine's Day.

In the mean time, enjoy my new article Dear Saint Valentine.

Searching For Something?

Ever heard of Google Analytics? Azuka installed it on my blog a while ago (although I had to reinstall it later ....all by myself, and I feel so smart!). Anyway, you install it on your blog and it tracks number of visitors, how visitors got referred to your site (facebook, someone else's blog, etc), on what day you had the most visitors, and what search words brought people to your blog. Now, this is where it gets interesting. Here are some funny searches people made. Some of them are perpeplexing, funny, ridiculous, and well, Verastic. I cannot help but wonder why some of these searches brought the searcher to Verastic.com; my thoughts are in blue.

1. "Vera Ezimora" (Okay, so this is the top search, but it's understandable why it brings people to my blog. Obviously, it's my name. Moving along.)

2. "Affluence.org scam" (Yes, apparently, that website affluence dot org is a scam. A while ago, I blogged about it, saying I was invited to join the site.)

3. "Vera Ezimora and oral sex" (Now, this is a bit tricky. Is the person looking for me having oral sex??? Or is the person looking for a piece written by me on oral sex?? I hope it's the latter. Dear searcher, I have never written an article on oral sex, but here is a blog post I wrote a while ago that might help...)

4. "Vera Ezimora university in Essex" (Vera Ezimora owns no University in Essex, but now that you have brought the idea up, I will start working towards it. God be my strength.)

5. "Danny Bagucci" (Oti o! Danny, pesin don find you come my blog. Ehm, dear searcher, please find Danny Bagucci HERE)

6. "Girl wedgies." (Yes, I reckon I know what that feels like. Please feel free to read about my experience HERE)

7. "Push up bra before and after." (I own a push up bra that I have never worn; let's just say it leaves my boobies a little too pushed up for comfort. But the search for it was interesting. You can read that too HERE)

8. "Naapali" (You came too late. He stopped blogging. But you can visit the tombstone of his blog)

9. "search myspace of girls without a bra." (What???? Well, this is not MySpace, and there sure isn't any1 without a bra here. Well, maybe Funmi. She likes being naked 24/7. Some1 pls tell her her husband will get tired of seeing her naked.)

10. "Sexting" (Isn't that the thing where you send sexy pictures thru text messages? Funmie blogged about that here)

11. "sharing thongs" (That's disgusting! Yuck!)

12. "tropical rain forest" (Oh, I remember the days of my tropical rain forest. It has long been shaved. You can read about it here)

13. "Anambra people hate Imo people." (When did this happen?? I must be behind schedule.)

14. "bananas in oral sex" (What is it with people and oral sex sef???)

15. "big booty wedgies" (I might know something about that. *wink*)

16. "big wedgie to my mother" (You wanna give your mom a wedgie? That's just wrong!)

17. "body research on watch how a clit grows" (Ehn??? Watch how what grows?)

18. "can a woman take extenze" (I've been wondering the same thing too! Read here)

19. "can you disvirgin someone with a condom" (With the condom alone? No. With a member inside the condom? Yeap.)

20. "can women stink up the bathroom" (Of course not! We're perfect.)

21. "do Nigerians engage in oral sex" (Another oral sex question! Yes, they do. I see you wanna know before you get involved, ey? lol)

22. "garden of eden oral sex" (I have read the entire book of Genesis. There is no record of Adam & Eve engaging in oral sex....)

23. "how to get a guy horny" (Which kin pesin dey ask dis kin question? That's like the easiest thing 2 do. Shoot, breeze blowing on their member makes them horny. This is not an endorcement to make him horny ... unless he's your husband, then I'll say fire on!)

24. "how to increase size of hips in males" (Hips in males??? I don't think that's a very good idea. But then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.)

25. "how to make my man do oral sex" (I don't think I can help you there)

26. "I love to suck my sister's 44dd boobs" (Just in case you didn't know, that's incest. And not to mention, disgusting!)

27. "love dating Igbo men" (Sadly, I dunno what that feels like - yet)

28. "my waist is way bigger than my hips" (Ah, e get as e be oo! That's probably a bit problematic)

29. "snakes on a nipple" (Whose nipple???)

30. "tobenna and j wedding" (LOL. Ehm, please go to brother Tobenna's blog to get all details about his wedding to J. Me, I no know!)

31. "Verastically livin lyrics" (Verastically livin' has no lyrics. Who dash monkey banana?)

32. "why do we have oral sex" (Ask the person you're having the oral sex with)

33. "what is D'banj's email address" (Hahahahaha. Well, his manager might have it, but Vera sure doesn't. U wan send am email? LOL)

34. "what not to do to her during oral sex" (Not biting her would probably help. Let's start with that).

35. "what sex position is good for having twins" (Biko, if you find out, tell me ooo! Once I get married, my husband and I will be restricted to this sex position. I must have twins by fire!)

36. "what would happen if you didn't have a heart" (I'm assuming you'll meet Baba God. But I might be wrong.)

37. "who broke D'banj's heart" (Some1 broke D'banj's heart?? When? No!!! Not my D'banj! Not my D'banj!!!)

38. "who is the girl having sex on snakes on a plane" (I don't know. But I bet people will run & go see that movie now)

39. "Why do guys never give oral sex" (Honestly, I don tire for oral sex questions.)

40. "why do my nipples itch" (I don't know. But mine itch a lotta times too. Hmm. Ehn, just scratch the thing na..!)

41. "How long does it take to get approval from affluence.org" (Affluence dot org is a scam ooo! Be warned. If you have already applied, then goodluck to you.)

Whew!! There were actually 450 searches, but I chose the 41 funniest/weirdest ones. What have I learnt from all this? People lovvvvvvvvve oral sex AND it apparently brings traffic to my blog. Well, who woulda thunk it?! Oh, and uhm Google Analytics rawks!

p.s. For those that asked questions after I had answered, please check the comment section of my previous post for replies to your question(s).

Shalom!

Honestly Answering

Thank you all for your very ridiculous - I mean nice - questions. Some of the questions made me laugh my head off and some of them made my mouth hang open. As I type this, my mouth is still hanging open. Una get serious audacity o! So because I said you should ask me any question, you think you can now ask me any question abi? What nerves! lol. In order to give you my full attention and not overwhelm myself in the process, I actually started responding to the questions from Monday (Jan 26th 2009). In other words, this is a scheduled post. Now, let the fun begin!

Naughty Eyes: Vera, SERIOUSLY, will you marry me? Before answering, take note that I have no money oh but my mum keeps looking at me and saying: "This boy, I know you have POTENTIAL" Whatever that means...

Vera: Seriously, of course, I will marry you. But you know there is a way to these things. Ur people have to meet my people, and then our people will discuss. lol. Together, you and I can make your potential become actual. :)

OluwaDee: Where will you hide my pegs if you steal them?

Vera: It's quite unfortunate you're a girl. If you were a guy, I woulda hidden them in my bra. Actually, come to think of it...what stops me from hiding them in my bra? Yeap, that's where I will hide them. They better not pinch my nipples. Or else, major law suit! U know I know LusciousRon abi?

Standtall: My question be say, u never anwer the true-lie post. SO, which is which and thanks for abandoning my blog. I am taking it personally!

Vera: Number 1 is the lie. Of course Vera Ezimora is my real name. Number two is true. I really am celibate, and no, it has nothing to do with me not having a boyfriend. I would still be celibate if I had a boyfriend. And yes, it is tres difficult. Number 3 is also true. I was a nursing student. Hated it with everything in me. Coudln't be creative with nursing. They wouldn't let me freestyle with the injection and inject it anywhere...like the eye for example, so I quit. Mom & Dad were supa disappointed. Apparently, dad was hoping on me to takeover his clinic. Me ke? No oh. As for abandoning your blog, honey, would I dare? No!

Xprexxion Magazine: so when are you getting married?

Vera: Mr Xprexxion, sooo not funny! I am not laughing with you. And weldone for that stunt you pulled the other day. I'll be getting married when he proposes. If you know who he is, then tell him to propose ASAP so that you can come and take my pictures.

Folake: Why do you blog and what's your blog(ging) goal?

Vera: When I started blogging, I started because I just wanted to write down the thoughts that were going on in my head. As time went on, I began to blog about things that happened to me. I wasn't tryna be funny; I just wrote things the way I thought about them. People found them funny. Now, I guess my goal is to write humorous events about my life and bring as many smiles as I can to people's faces.........and become rich and famous in the process, of course. LOL :)

Write Freak: So will you consider marrying a younger man?

Vera: Boy! This is a hard one. I'd like to instantly say, heck no! But what if he's everything I ever wanted (except younger than me)? I definitely will not let his age stand in the way. We'll just have to start lying to people (and me) about his age. lol.

Tisha: what is your motivation for life? what is your wildest dream, the thing you want the most but think you will never have?

Vera: My motivation for life? It's quite simple: once there is life, there is hope. Things are not always fruity and fun, but once there is life, one can always hope for a better tomorrow. I have no wildest dream that I think I can never have. There is nothing new under the sun now. As long as I'm not aspiring to get a woman pregnant, I'm sure that whatever else I'm aspiring for, someone has either done it or come very close to it. And that someone doesn't have two heads, so why not me? I aspire to be a national best selling author, a multiple award winning author, a business woman extraordinaire, and one heck of a wife and mother. Za best eva! Besides, with God, everything is possible

Temite: How many lovers have you had? hehehehehe. since i know you wont answer that question, silly girl, I will ask this one...what do you want in Mr. Vera?

Vera: Hehehehe. Dis ur first question get K leg oo. I would have actually answered, but since you assumed I wouldn't, I have no choice but not to. That's what you get for assuming things. As for Mr Vera, lemme bring out my list: First of all, Mr. Vera has to be God-fearing because the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Obviously, that means Mr. Vera has to be an intelligent, wise man. Mr Vera has to have an impeccable sense of humor, he has to be humble, assertive, a man of vision, and of course, he has to be totally crazy about me. Oh, no smoking and/or drinking, please. This is just a summary. The list is wayyyy longer. lol.

Funms-The-Rebirth: Wat's one thing u will like people to see in you?

Vera: In me, I will like people to see God's love and favor. It probably sounds like a cliche, but that is really what I want people to see in me (plus some amount of craziness, fabulosity, sweetness....alright fine, I want people to see the total package, darn it! That includes God's love & favor o!)

Marjoram: What's your favourite colour?

Vera: My favorite color is blue. It became my favorite color when I was in elementary school; and I was in the blue house which was called Lamingo. Don't have a favorite shade of blue though.

Anonymous: (1). How will you define "Intelligence"? (2). Do you think everyone is born intelligent? (3). If yes, why are there some seemingly "dumb" people? (4). If No, How does one develop intelligence? (5) Is academic achievement a measure of intelligence? For example is an "A" student who seems not to study at all more intelligent than a "B" student who has to read extra hard to make an "A"? (6). If you had to choose between beauty devoid of brains and brains devoid of beauty, which will you choose?

Vera: Wow! Loadza questions. I love you, Anonymous Person. Lemme go get a cup of tea; I need to balance well to answer your questions.

1. Intelligence is being book-smart, street-smart, and wise....all rolled into one handsome virtue: intelligence. I'm glad you asked me this because I never really thought about the meaning of intelligence to me.

2. Yes, I think everyone is born intelligent. God is not foolish, and since we were all made in His image, we cannot be born foolish.

3. I am no expert, but I think there are some seemingly dumb people because they choose - unconsciously, albeit - to not make use of their intelligence. They reason differently, and perhaps, factor in things that should not be factored in.

4. All good things come from God. We pray to God for health and wealth, so why not intelligence? If you want more intelligence, pray to God for more intelligence, and then do your part - whatever it might be. If you're looking to be more book smart, then read more and concerntrate more. If you're looking to be more street smart, then you could still read more. Start with the book of Proverbs. Good stuff.

5. Academic achievement is only part of intelligence, so it's not a complete measure. Besides, sometimes a student can Ace a course without putting in too much effort because he/she is naturally good @ it. I, for example, usually excel in writing assignments, courses, and essay questions. I usually don't put too much effort into it; someone else find writing to be the most difficult thing ever. But when I took chemistry, I had to study extra, extra hard to ace it. Some others just breezed thru it.

6. This is the easiest question you have asked. I will definitely pick brains devoid of beauty. Beauty without brains is such a huge waste. Beauty can only take you so far, and even when it takes you there, it won't keep you there. Brains will take you places, keep you there, and open doors you never even tried to get into.

Aloted: Honestly, what vices will you say you have?

Vera: Not a lot. I'm almost perfect. lol. I joke a lot, you know. It's great a lot of times cos I crack people up, but sometimes, people are not in the mood to laugh. (I should mention, though that I have never cracked a joke during a burial, so I'm not all that bad.) Sometimes I try too hard to see the good in people...in spite of all the red flags. It is almost as if I am desperate to see some good in the person. My biggest vice right now is my sometimes wavering faith in God. Sometimes, the mountain just seems too big for God; I HATE feeling this way.

Miss Definitely Maybe: How open minded are you about finding the one, would you seriously consider someone who was blind, etc (seriously)

Vera: I'm quite open minded. I'm not gonna kid myself and say I'm open to marrying a Chinese Puerto Rican who lives in Jamaica and has a child by an Iraqian woman, but you know... I'm definitely open. :) Obviously, I'd prefer that my love not be blind, but if he's everything I ever wanted and blind, then screw that, blindness will not stop me.

Nefertiti: (1). What's one misconception people have about you? (2). How tall are you?

Vera: (1). Because of how honestly I blog about my experiences (with yeye guys), I think I give off the impression that I am kinda sorta mean and maybe judgmental and unapproachable, which is really not the case. At the risk of tooting my own horns, I would like to say that I am very, very approachable and friendly. Alright, do I sound pathetic enough? I also wonder why people think I am a star/celebrity; that too is a misconception. If I am a star, I don't know about it. When I become a star/celebrity, you will know. I will fashy Funmi, Busola, and Uju...right after they gimme my birthday gifts, of course.

(2). I'm 5'5"... although the other day I went for a checkup and the nurse took my height and had the audacity to tell me I was only 5 feet and four-three-quarter inches. Imagine the nonsense! How I go fit explain the remaining inches??? *hiss* Like I said, I'm 5'5". That's my story and I'm sticking 2 it.

Shona Vixen: Considering I've blogged about romance, What's the most romantic thing you've done? and what's the most stupid thing you've done all in the name of 'love'?

Vera: Five years ago, the biggest crush of my life was sent to Iraq (he was in the military). I liked him sooo much. I never liked any1 as much as I liked him. While he was in Iraq, he called every now and then (when insurgents weren't tryna blow his cute butt up); he emailed me frequently, and yahoo messenger was our bestest friend. So the romantic thing I did was every Saturday, I wrote him a letter. It was a letter telling him how things were going, things that happened that while he was away, how I missed him, etc. I never posted any of the letters. I never told him I wrote them either. I intended to give them all to him when he returned. But somewhere along the line sha, things ended abruptly (we weren't dating by the way, just liking each other). I was still gonna give him the letters when he returned, but he pissed me off. In my anger, I ripped them up. I also printed out alllll our chats, and they were a lot too. Yeah, I ripped those up in my anger too. Wish I didn't though. By the way, we're friends now. I mean friends as in just friends. Never even kissed the guy. Ah, if I could turn back the hands of time.... lol. I seriously hope he doesn't read this.

Dumbest thing I did for love? I borrowed money to a boyfriend. He's now an ex. The money has still not been paid; it has gone to wherever unpaid money goes to. Hope he loses tripple that amount from every salary he receives. Yeah, I said it.

The Experiences of an Achiever: have you found THE GREAT LOVE yet?

Vera: No, I have not. The closest I came was my fine military man, but that wasn't even love. That was extreme like. If nurtured, it would have probably become love. But there is no time for coulda-woulda-shouldas.

Just Toluwa: wats ur account # and how do i get ur signature?

Vera: LOL. Let's do this the simple way. Gimme your account number. I'll transfer some money to you; that way, you'll have my account number. Send me a perfume, then I'll send you a hand written thank-you note with my signature.

Temi: how come you have never visited my blog? i'mma paste a link and God help you if i dont see ur comment(lol)

Vera: LOL! My darling, I am sorry ooo! Have I really never visited your blog??? Well, consider than changed. God will not let me incure Temi's wrath.

Fine Boy Agbero: "You promised all d male bloggers one child each, abi? Oya, when I go get my own? And I want am kia-kia o!"

Vera: Fine Boy Agbero, you have to let me know when you want your own. Whenever you're ready, just meet me at my house so we can set the ball rolling. I must warn, we do have strong genes. Your child is likely gonna look like me.

Bumight: when last were u in a relationship and for how long?

Vera: Honestly, this is one question I was hoping I wouldn't get asked. If I could explain it in 'Facebook terminology,' I would say "It's complicated." But for the purpose of Verastically Livin,' the last time I was in a relationship was August 2007. And that lasted for two years - unfortunately. Wish it had ended sooner. lol.

Senator: (1). can u do silly things in a strange place where nobody knows u. (2). How ve u been telling suitor, pls am not interested. (3). what is d answer to your 2 truth 1 lie (4). which of my personal names do u like most?

Vera: Another multiple questionaire, ehn?

(1). It depends on what 'silly things' means. Sorry, Senator, I'm sure my answer is too vague for you, but your question is not totally clear.

(2). When you say 'suitor,' do you mean a man who asks for my hand in marriage or a man who is interested in dating me? I'm assuming you mean the former coz that's what I've always known a suitor as. On that note, I have never had a suitor that is a potential husband. I mean, I've never any1 actually propose to me; I've only had men claim to want to marry me (a week after meeting me). And there are also those who want me to introduce them to my mother. But as what na??? When did we start history that we're drawing map? Ehn to answer your question, I say 'no' as diplomatically as possible.

(3). Please refer to my reply to Standtall (the 3rd question).

(4). @onebox. Too funny

Buttercup: whats the one thing(or things) u wish to do that u've never done?

Vera: Apart from publishing my book & starting my businesses, I wish to fall in love.

Luscious Ron: Happy blog birthday. We should have a mini party abi what do you think?

Vera: You might not consider this a question, but since it ends with a question mark, I must answer. Yes, we should have a mini party. Where will you be hosting it for me, babe? By the way, did you really send me something thru NIPOST? E never reach o! Abi na traffic jam?

N.I.M.M.O: (1). So how has it been? (2). You promised male bloggers a child each, how you gonna do it?

Vera: (1) I'm assuming you're talking about blogging. It's been beautiful albeit many times challenging. There have been countless times that I did not feel like blogging, but I just willed myself to do it because I felt like people were counting on me to read something new. Plus, I paid for my domain name. lol.

(2). The old fashioned way, of course! Just come to my house when you're ready and we'll set the ball rolling. *wink*

Anonymous: Why do you have a P.O. Box or is it a joke?

Vera: LOL. I have the P. O. BOX for the same reason I have an email address and phone number: means of contact. And no, it is definitely not a joke. It works. You should try sending me a perfume to confirm that it's not a joke. *wink*

Doug: Do you have siblings?

Vera: No, I do not. Yes, I know I have never, ever, ever, EVER mentioned that publicly, so go ahead and win the 'Best Revealer of Vera' Award. lol. Didn't want y'll to assume I'm spoilt (which is usually the assumption), but now that you know..... well, just know that my husband has his work cut out for him. I have to be spoilt o! And no, I am not currently spoilt. lol.

Rethots: Why will you not "...answer all the questions to....satisfaction."?

Vera: Because I anticipated that some of the questions might be risqué, so I had to put out a disclaimer. You know now! lol.

Zara (my alter ego): what do u weigh?

Vera: I don't weigh myself. I hear people have heart attacks by the knowledge of their weight. Besides, I think all the weights are broken. Dat's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Anonymous: ARE YOU STILL A VIRGIN?? IF NOT..HOW MANY SEX PARTNERS HAVE YOU HAD??

Vera: Anonymous, answering the question would take all the fun out of it. You can find out for yourself.

Femi B: How are you now?

Vera: This might not be a real question, but my dear, I am fine.

Danny Bagucci: if you had 3 words to describe yourself what would they be?

Vera: Only 3 words?????????? Danny, you wan kill me?! LOL. Okay, let's see: jovial, loving, and a wee bit spoilt... in spite of what I may have told Doug, but sssshhh, don't tell him. [Can I add other words like beaurriful, funny, loyal, energetic, fun, blessed, favored, nice, sweet, kind-hearted, friendly, outgoing, totally loveable..... you understand now!]

Thank you all sooooooooooooo much for your lovely questions! This has been fun. Now I can resume my regular blogging routine. Thank you to all those wished me congratulatory messages too; you guys rock! And thanks to those who sent me emails...you deserve some Verastic hugs & kisses.

P.S. To those who subscribe (or rather attempt to subscribe) to Verastically Livin' through email: after you submit your email address, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure you confirm the subscription. There are a buncha email addresses that are not confirmed. I guess I could email all the unconfirmed email addresses.

This is definitely my longest post. I apologize. See you on Thursday, February 5th 2009.