IF THERE EVER WAS A WORD TO DESCRIBE ME........

The closest anyone has come is Taiye Tuakli-Wosornu, with this awesome article. I identified with the characteristics and struggles he (she?) describes so strongly. Folks, I am Afropolitan. Are you? Read the article and then let me know what you think. I'm interested to see who identifies or doesn't.

Thanks Wande!

Afterthought: I was so excited about the Afropolitan article that I failed to metion that it is a part of a sort of anthology of articles, some written by familiar names, that attempt to answer the question "Where is Africa now?". Read the others if you have time as well. Peace!

Good Friends Are Hard To Find, I Think I'll Keep Mine....Thank You Kesingsheen!

Ok...funny title I know, but does anyone who grew up in Naija remember that ad for the hair cream, Kesingsheen? "Good hair is hard to find, I think I'll keep mine. Thank You Kesingsheen". Well, I do! So I modified it a bit cos y'all I have me some good friends and so it really should be, Thank You God!!!!!!

A lot has gone on since I last graced these pages with my presence. I was on a roll for a while but I told y'all it wouldn't last, didn't I? LOL. Anyhoo, the past few weeks have been a roller coaster of fun and hard work. Amidst studying for my GMAT, and work and life, I had 8 family members visit from London which happily took up a ton of my time. I had a blast spending time with them, especially the kids ranging in age from 4 to 15, and showing them Atlanta. They were here for about 8 days with one full weekend so I rented a minivan for the weekend, rounded up the troops and we visited Zoo Atlanta, Atlantic Station, Lenox, Phipps, (what, you didn't know they were local attractions....lol), and best of all, the MLK National Historic site. I had never been, and when I say that the experience was the most memorable and heartwarming thing we all experienced together, I am not exaggerating. Even the little ones somehow felt the magnitude of the man whose life story we were experiencing....no joke. It was amazing!

We weren't able to squeeze in the Aquarium, the World of Coke and Six Flags so there's a lot left to do next time they come.....or at least that's what we told them anyway. LOL. On their last night, I took the grown-ups downtown for dinner at Gladys Knight Chicken and Waffles, and ran into the coolest chick ever, Leona Lewis, the British girl who won X Factor in the UK. She was the nicest and we chatted and she told me she's in ATL recording with Ne-Yo. We took pics and left her to her meal. I think I'll be stopping by GKCW a bit more often now - never know who I might run into next!

The fam left the next day and then it was back to studying and having some fun as well over the long weekend. I hit up my first Final Fridays (TiwaWorks) party in a long time, and had an absolute blast, VIP style! The Naija crew was in town for the weekend and represented well. Also my friend's sis had a baby who was named after me....LOL. Not really, we just have the same name - so I spent some time with them as well. Then fast-forward to last weekend - my BDAY weekend. I was expecting it to be very low-key. On Friday, the boo made sure I got some flowers since he couldn't be here to celebrate with me and I had dinner with my girl Cris at Cheesecake Factory.

Saturday was spent with family and at a shindig at another friend's place. We had a ton of fun dancing and playing musical chairs. Note to people - musical chairs as an adult can be brutal!!!!! The people I played with were taking absolutely no prisoners...LOL. My bum still hurts from falling on the floor. LOL. Anyway - my friends made sure I stayed till midnight and sang to me and put a candle on a piece of cake for me. The we stayed and gisted till the early hours. On Sunday, I went to church and it was just ALL about thanking God and giving Him praise.....I didn't ask for anything. I just sang, and danced and praised Him. Then I met up with my friend Michael at Sal Grosso for what I thought would be a quiet dinner, only to find my friends from the night before and more at the restaurant. It was a blast and I realized even more than ever that I am so lucky and blessed to have good friends - people who I consider family now. I was also spoiled with gifts by them, as well as all of the phone calls, text messages and FB messages I received.

Me being serenaded at my birthday dinner. I got serenaded twice too. Once in English and once in Espanol! Who's a lucky girl then?


Just to take a moment to reflect, this time last year, I was lamenting about this. It's amazing the difference a year makes. I spent most of last year reflecting, making decisions about who and what was important to me, making changes that would move me forward and closer to the life that I have envisioned for myself and hopefully closer to my life's purpose. Last year was spent cleaning out my closet and this year, I have seen the benefits of doing those things. I have seen God's goodness just manifest itself in my life in ways I could not have imagined and I am ever so thankful. As always, I am still a work in progress, but the progress is happening and reaping rewards. The biggest change has been the QUALITY of people I now surround myself with. It is really true that you attract who you are, and it is wonderful being surrounded and loved and cared about by good, like-minded people. So to the boo, and to T, S, W, D, T and M especially - thank you so much for being there and for being such amazing friends.

So, this is the end of my gist o. You all have a blessed week. Make it count for something, you know? Make it count! Love Y'all and I hope to be back soon with another Changing the World article. Peace!

Simple Love's Hard To Come By........

I'm back AGAIN! Can't help it...LOL. When you're inspired, you're inspired I guess! I've been bumping the Chrisette Michelle album non stop for a few weeks now and I just keep falling in love with her voice and her words over and over again. My favorite part of this particular song, "Good Girl" is highlighted. I was listening to the album on the way home and as I listened to this song, I thought about how much time "the boo" gave me when I was home. Every single moment was mine, and that quality time is the best kind of gift you can get. It really isn't about the things, it's about the moments. And you only get moments from time together. So, again honey, thanks for the moments. "Sang" it Chrisette!



What Can Really Make A Man
No Gold Or Money, Clips And Honey
Dips Dont Make A Brother Know
No Dont Make A Brother Golden
What Can Really Make A Man
Is He Really Real
Let Me Let You Know The Deal
What What What


[Verse 1:]
What Makes A Man Golden? (What?)
Is Not What He's Holdin' (What?)
[?] (What?)
And How Fly His Clothes Is (When?)
When Brothers Impress Us (When?)
Attractions Just Natural (When?)
Just Good Conversation (When?)
Ain't Got To Be Packin', No

[Hook:]
Simple Love Money Cant Buy
Simple Love's Hard To Come By
I Dont Need No Sugar Daddy
I Can Be Ya Sugar Mommy

[Chorus: x2]
I'm A Good Girl
Ain't To Many Good Girls, No
Ain't Too Many Good Girls
(Who) Got They Own Dough
(Who) Got They Own Flow
(Who) Aint Looking For Sugar No More

Simple Love's Hard To Come By
I'm Just Trying To Live The Life
Trying To Be A Lady
Brothers Holla At Me
If You Love A Lady Who Dont
Need A Sugar Daddy

[Verse 2:]
A Man Puts His Time In (Where?)
You Usually Find Him (Where?)
'cuz Thats Where His Home Is (Where?)
So He's Steady Grindin
Oh Why Do My Sistas
Steady Find Mistas
Who Swear What They Give Us
Is Better Than Quality Time

[Hook:]
Simple Love Money Cant Buy
Simple Loves' Hard To Come By
I Dont Need No Sugar Daddy
I Can Be Ya Sugar Mommy

[Chorus: x2]
I'm A Good Girl
Ain't To Many Good Girls, No
Ain't Too Many Good Girls
(Who) Got They Own Dough
(Who) Got They Own Flow
(Who) Aint Looking For Sugar No More

I'm A Lady And I'm Hard To Find
I'm Just Living My Life And Now
Trying To Be A Lady
Brothers Holla At Me
If You Love A Lady Who Dont
Need A Sugar Daddy

When A Brother Try To Get The Goodies
With The Blinged Out Chain, Let Me Hear You Say
"Hey! I'm a Sugar Momma"
When A Sugar Daddy Try To Get The Digits
With The Same Old Game, Holla Back
"Hey! I'm a Good Girl"
If Ya Got Ur Own Dough
Yeah Ya Got Ya Own Money
Let A Brother Know
"Hey! I'm a Sugar Momma"
If Ya Gotcha Own Whip And Ya Money Aint Funny
Ladies Let 'em Know
"Hey! I'm a Good Girl"

I'm A Lady And I'm Hard To Find
I'm Just Living My Life And Now
Trying To Be A Lady
Brothers Holla At Me
If You Love A Lady Who Dont
Need A Sugar Daddy

[Chorus: x2]
I'm A Good Girl
Ain't To Many Good Girls No
Ain't Too Many Good Girls
(Who) Got They Own Dough
(Who) Got They Own Flow
(Who) Aint Looking For Sugar No More

Simple Love's Hard To Come By
Im Just Trying To Living My Life And I
Trying To Be A Lady
Brothers Holla At Me
If You Love A Lady Who Dont
Need A Sugar Daddy

Blogging Bug

I'm back again y'all. You better enjoy it while it lasts....LOL. I guess I'm subconsciously trying tohonor my anniversary month by blogging more frequently. I assure you, it won't last....:-).



Anyhoo, weekend was nice and laid back. Worked the door at a TiwaWorks/some other folks FUSION event on Saturday....a mix of Naija and Caribbean music. For a first-time event, I'm glad to say that Naijas repped for Tiwa. The other promoters who shall remain nameless barely brought anyone out. Ran into a fellow blogger who comments on my blog periodically and always says nice things. It was nice to put a face to the name. Turns out we totally have some history as well. Nice seeing you hon. I also reconnected with someone I went to elementary school with! Crazy, right. She's now a fabulous pastry chef at a really posh, acclaimed restaurant in the Buckhead area of ATL....I already see my wedding cake being designed and made by her....LOL. It's a small dang world o.



I pretty much unpacked and studied the rest of the weekend but this week I'm getting back to full-force studying since my exam is set for September 17th. Arrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhh! This is the last time I am taking this GMAT especially since it has had power over me for way too long. I will kill it! I will kill it! I will kill it! Prayer. Positive self-reinforcement. Visualization. Positive thinking. Study. Study. Study. Prayer. Positive self-reinforcement. Visualization. Positive Thinking. I think you get the picture. As always, your prayers and good wishes are needed and much appreciated.



On to Naija trip news. It was the best time ever. I will not do it justice in any way shape or form and cannot go into too much detail as per na tori I tell them for ibise so I could go. I will say that this trip was mostly spent with family and it was really nice. I also attended a couple of weddings of course - congrats to Omo and Oma & Wande and Dapo, and a Bach Eve for my friend Toyin whose wedding was on the 18th. I missed Low's birthday dinner due to family commitments but from the pics it looked like it was a blast. The boo took the whole time I was there off work and gave me every single second of his time, which in my book makes him the BEST man I know. He was truly at my beck and call, from taking me to get food, to taking me to get my hair done, to doing some family runs and going to church with us. I also got to spend time with his family which was amazing. The best part of the trip was just knowing he was next door.....that's a story for another time. LOL. So honey, thank you for making my trip so wonderful and making me feel like a queen the whole time. Thank you for stepping up when it came to my family as well. I am so grateful to God for you and I cannot wait to see you again!!!!! The memories will stay forever fresh.

In other news....my fabulous celebrity sister Ms. Minx turned 25 yesterday. I am extremely proud of what you have accomplished in your 25 years and look forward to being able to celebrate many more significant occasions with you. I hope you had a beautiful day because you deserve nothing less. God bless you and keep you and make His face to continually shine upon you and grant you all of your hearts desires. I love you.

And finally, speaking of birthdays........mine is coming up in a few weeks. September 9th to be exact. I'll be a big fat 26. My 25th birthday wasn't much to write home about since it was the day after our house was robbed last year and I didn't feel much like celebrating. Obviously, it's important to praise God and be thankful in good and bad but I will say that this year has been an exceptionally good year, full of many blessings, and I definitely will go to church, especially since it's on a Sunday, and praise God very loudly. Otherwise, I have no clue what I will do. I'm not in the mood to throw a party, especially since I'll be studying for my exam. We'll see sha. Any birthday ideas will be appreciated. This year, I also decided to ask family members who usually give me pressies to donate to my b-school application fund cos those joints run about $200-250 each and I'm applying to about 6 or 7 schools. However; to any friends who read this, below is my dreamwishlist for my birthday so should any of you decide to give me gifts, it won't be too difficult...LOL. It's actually pretty similar to my Xmas wishlist except for the IPOD and MacBook and of course, Idris is no longer on the list, for obvious reasons...LOL. Peace Y'all.

- I can dream and wish, right? LOL

- More realistic wish, I think. The Speedy 30 - the mid size. I got a different one at Christmas but I'm still waiting for this one!

- Still on the list. As last time, the necklace to match the bracelet would be great too.

- This represents giftcards. Favorite clothing stores include; Ann Taylor LOFT, The Limited, H&M, Mango, Nine West, Nordstrom, and Zara. Giftcards to bookstores also count.

CHANGING THE WORLD - ONE ACT AT A TIME

I'm hoping to make a couple of Changing the World posts a month. Most of the time, it'll be articles but every once in a while, it may just be an image, or a song, or as it is in this case, the lyrics to a song.

I mentioned the artist, Chrisette Michelle a few posts ago. I did eventually buy her album, which is awesome by the way, and there's a bonus track on it called "I am One" that I just love. I listened to the lyrics and the sentiment of the song really embodies what this series is supposed to be about - just one person reaching out, can make a difference not just in another life, but in the world. One becomes two, and together they are stronger and better. Even more, the two can become three, and four and so on........get my drift?

The song is hopeful, global, local, personal, beautiful, forgiving, unpreachy, simple, and most of all, speaks to the importance of us pulling together. I'll try to post the song later. So, here are the lyrics.

Hello my sister
Did you make a mistake?
There's life in your belly
And it's too much to take.

Hey there my friend
I heard of your Dad.
He was a hero
when the towers were crashed.

I am one
And I'm reaching for you
I am one
And together we're two.
I'll be your strength and I won't let you fall
And together we'll find one more

Hey little girl
Little Indian girl.
Can I give you some bread
And a piece of my world.
Look to my fingers
There is hope in my hand
Come to my pocket and I'll give what I can.

I am one
And I'm reaching for you
I am one
And together we're two.
I'll be your strength and I won't let you fall
And together we'll find one more.

If one can do anything
Then two can change the world.
If one can make a difference
And together we're so much more.

There was a flood not long ago
It took my people and it tattered my soul.

I am one
And I'm reaching for you
I am one
And together we're two.
I'll be your strength and I won't let you fall
You may not have much
But alone I am one without you.

ROSS KNIGHT DONE DID IT AGAIN!!!!

Oh to be loved, cherished and adored. This time, it was the proposal to his girlfriend. Amazing! Enjoy and I'll be back with details of my Naija trip soon.

The narrative is here.

The slide show is here.

Let me take this opportunity to say a big fat congrats to my girl, Biodun, who recently got engaged. God Bless you and keep you both, may He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may He lift up the light of His countenance upon you, and grant you peace, joy, love, success, prosperity, happiness and more. Amen.

Love is a wonderful thing...........when that love is a mutual adoration, it can move mountains and change the world. So I believe.

HAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSARY TO ME...LOL

Hey Y'all. Have you missed me? It seems not so.....well, maybe except for Ms. Uzo. Thanks for checking in girl. LOL.

I've been in Nigeria and just returned yesterday. I didn't really have the time to check email and do anything online while I was home so I missed my 1 year blog anniversary which was on August 10th. I can't believe it's been that long, even though I've been choppy with updating.

When I think about what this blog means to me, it started as a way to express myself, albeit not anonymously, but it has become more than that. It has reinforced my belief and hope in the future of Nigeria. I am part of a Nigerian blogging community full of amazing people, with diverse interests and talents, full of creativity, ambition and drive, many of whom are committed, as I am, to making a positive contribution to the growth and development of a better Nigeria in some way, shape, or form. In addition, I have made friends - Biodun, and Miguel, to name a couple, who have added exponentially to the quality of my life. I have found old friends. I am able to keep in touch with other friends in a unique way. I have been inspired by other bloggers, whom I would love to meet and get to know as well.

In the last year, I have shared significant moments with many of you. You have rejoiced with me, encouraged me, supported me and reaffirmed my faith, optimism and hope in human and Nigerian nature many a times. I appreciate everyone who reads silently, and voices their opinions by commenting as well. I look forward to another year of blogging. I'm not making any promises to blog more often or anything like that. I want to do more frequent updates and really develop my "Change the World" series but other than that, I'm not sure where it'll go. However; I am sure that wherever it goes, it'll be an experience that I will cherish for a long time to come. Happy Belated Anniversary to me!

CHANGING THE WORLD - ONE ACT AT A TIME

SAN FRANCISCO - For years Dr. Victoria Hale could see the problem. The world's poorest people — from India to Africa — were dying from curable diseases while big drug companies did little to help.

Then one day she admitted to a cab driver, an African immigrant, that she worked for a big drug company.

"He rolled his head back and laughed and said, 'You all have all the money!'" she recalls.

Hale quit her job, took out a loan and began working on a crazy dream — a nonprofit drug company.

"I wanted to do something that would put the world in a new place, put it on a new path," she says.

Hale began searching for drugs whose patents had expired, or that were sitting on a shelf because there wasn't enough profit in them. And she found one.

She brokered deals and organized a drug trial in India to combat deadly black fever.

"All these patients (in this room), if they don't get treatment, will die within six or eight months," says Dr. C.P. Thakur, India's former Minister of Health.

Including 10-year-old Dilip. But Hale proved an old, neglected drug will inexpensively cure black fever. Dilip walked out 100 percent cured. Her efforts could save 200,000 lives a year.

And then Hale met Dr. Jay Keasling, a Berkeley professor who helped invent a cheap way to synthesize a drug already proven to cure malaria. Their new partnership — his for-profit company Amyris Biotechnologies with her nonprofit Institute for OneWorld Health — could soon help save (we're not making this up) millions of lives.

"Amyris will make no profit, and OneWorld Health will make no profit," says Keasling.

"She had a vision," says Tachi Yamada. "Most people who are visionaries start out with a vision."

Yamada works for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which decided along the way to give OneWorld Health $150 million.

"I actually think she's a real hero," says Yamada.

Kelly Rowland Collapses in Nigeria

O ga o! Click on the title for more. I guess Beyonce forgot to tell her sister that Nigeria is damn hot!

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!

Go here to see the collapse. Sandra Rose, an ATL celebrity news blogger, seems to think it was a publicity stunt. Whatever! It looked painful.

Just a quick one........

I've been meaning to update that the so-called militants released the little girl I talked about here. Thank God. But they've since kidnapped a few other oil workers. We need a resolution, a revolution......something sha.

On to lighter matters though. I found out that I met Dolapo, the designer of the fabulous UrbanKnit bags and scarves after the fact! LOL. I was in London earlier this year as my avid readers know, and I went out to dinner with a group of fabulously young and talented Nigerian folks. Dolapo sat across from me at dinner and was just mad cool and unassuming. We all had great conversations going on around the table but I chatted with her specifically about her career as an architect. I had absolutely NO clue that I was sitting across from a cool fashionista and I mean that in the best way possible...LOL. I've been coveting one of those bags since I saw a feature on either Bella's or Icy's blog....I can't remember so I'm open to being corrected. I definitely plan to buy one once I extract myself from all the gbese that my GMAT prep is costing me....LOL. Or better yet, my birthday is coming soon....HINT, HINT. And by soon, I mean September!!!! LOL. More on that another time. So anyway, you guys support UrbanKnit o. I love it when I see my Nigerian sisters doing the damn thing.....an architect who also has a love for fashion and uses her technical skills to develop beautiful, sturdy, pieces in traditional fabrics. Nothing like it man!

I meant to put up another Changing the World piece today but I haven't had the time to look up anything but I will soon so that the series actually can be a series...LOL. So bear with me.

Finally, anyone else loving Chrisette Michelle?!!!!!!!!!! That young woman can SAAAANNNGGG! I love Golden and If I Have My Way. I'm about to go download the rest off I-Tunes this weekend. Here's the video for If I Have My Way. Have a fab weekend everyone. Love Y'all!

WHY?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really, WHY?!!!!!

I have watched as the weeks and the months have passed with more and more stories of kidnappings, and death in this region. In fact, I'm almost surprised when I don't hear anything about the Delta region. I have waited for the booming voice of the new government to speak loudly against these occurrences and possibly present a plan of action but alas, she remains quiet.

When will our government even begin to take some responsibility and attempt to address some of the issues in this region?!!!! Will it perhaps be when a child dies? Even though all human life is valuable, for some reason a child's life seems to be more valuable. But still, would it be enough to mobilize our ass of a government to do anything? I doubt it, and it saddens me.

For some reason, this story conjures up the movie "Man on Fire" in my mind. With the recent spate of child kidnappings, will the targets in that region need armed guards to protect their families, or simply lock them up so home becomes a prison? If the government doesn't do anything, perhaps we need a "Man on Fire" to go and take out all these militants. I am not a proponent of violence but maybe in this case......hell, I don't know.

I have to ask myself sometimes, are these militants really going about getting what they want in the best way? Hasn't their mission and message gotten lost in all the kidnappings for ransom and killings? What do they really hope to acheive with all this?

As much as I try to be optimistic about Nigeria, it is moments like this that almost successfully overshadow my optimism.

CHANGING THE WORLD - ONE ACT AT A TIME

I am a strong believer in the philosophy that one person making a difference in the life of one person or more in their community is making a difference in the world. Everytime I see or hear about people doing this, it inspires me and also reminds me that good people exist in a world where we hear more about the evil that men do. As a result, I've decided to start the CHANGING THE WORLD series. I'll be putting up stories, articles and the like about people who are making a difference in their corners of the world. I hope you get inspired as well. Peace y'all!

A PASSION FOR BASEBALL

Jinan, Shandong Province – "You see," Wang Liqiang gestured through the windshield at a taxi that had cut our car off at the traffic light. "This is what I'm talking about."

Wang, an otherwise laidback Shandong native sporting a small potbelly, was working up to his argument.

"China's changing all the time," he continued. "People used to behave okay. Now with all this development, it's chaotic all the time, and the young people have lost a sense of who they are."

He turned to me. "Baseball will bring that sense of order back."

Baseball?

"It teaches people manners," Wang was hitting his stride now. "Baseball is a nine-person sport. Everyone has a position to play. Everyone knows what he needs to do. Everyone has to work together."

‘Baseball is like life’

Spend time in Wang's company and you soon discover how impassioned the 38-year old is about making America's pastime into China's too.

The former businessman runs the Shandong Zhanwang Baseball and Softball Club from a tiny office in the Shandong capital of Jinan. His goal is to increase China's exposure to the ballgame by bringing the sport to young boys across his hometown province.

Wang's zeal for baseball originated when he first saw it played in 1990 – "at the National Games," he said. "The national team wasn't very strong. But the sport was rather quiet and peaceful."

Wanting to learn more, he went out in search of a book explaining baseball. Then he began following the Chinese national baseball team across the country to watch their games. Before long, other aspects of the sport clicked with him: not just the emphasis on mental aptitude but also courtesy. "Players are required to bow when they meet their coach!"

As China stepped up the pace of its rapid economic development in the 1990s, Wang came to the conclusion that baseball was essential. "Life is like finding your position on a baseball field," he said. "The rules of baseball can help you regulate your life and find your goal. Many people don't have goals. Baseball trains the Chinese people…to fight for their goals, fight for their whole life."

So Wang quit his job in marketing and advertising. He sold his home. He sold his car. And on April 18, 2002, he founded the Shandong Zhanwang Baseball and Softball Club.


‘One ball, one soul’

Slogans like "One ball, one soul" in Chinese characters decorate the walls of Wang's office, housed in a school where baseball isn't played and where he says he might be evicted from since the authorities don't see any benefit to having him there.

Wang shrugged and batted away the suggestion that he’d ever leave – an attitude that has served him well in overcoming challenges during the five years he's run the club.

These challenges – the sport’s lack of visibility, coaching/instruction, fields, equipment – stem from baseball's patchy history in China. Although it arrived as early as 1863 (four years before Japan), it never gained the same foothold here as it did with neighboring countries, particularly as baseball was banned during the Cultural Revolution.

The game has since flourished in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, where leagues for all different levels of play have developed and from which strong talent has emerged – but has languished in China.

Take equipment. Although Chinese factories manufacture mitts and baseballs for foreign companies, those products aren't widely available to buy in China. So the resourceful Wang has worked relations with potential sponsors and connections to other baseball clubs in Japan and South Korea to obtain bats, balls, and mitts – often well used and broken in.

"Mr. Wang is crazy about baseball," said Harry Shi, a Hong Kong-based businessman who met the club owner four years ago. Shi was so impressed by Wang's passion that he persuaded his employer at the time, American sporting goods company SSG, to sponsor the club. SSG donated 120 baseballs, 24 bats, and one pitching machine – all of which were extremely difficult to come by in China, let alone a small coastal city like Jinan.

Wang also has had to find different ways to fund the club apart from his own money --he's sunk more than $130,000 since 2002. He just doubled the $10 annual dues to enroll their boys in his baseball club. It's a nominal training fee he uses to help pay for basic office expenses, playing in competitions, and, of course, travel.

The club's teams try to travel around China, as well as South Korea and Japan, to see ballgames since they're rarely broadcast on Chinese television. (In fact, we "discovered" Wang and one of his teams in Tianjin. The team had driven five hours by bus to the port city as soon as the boys had finished school at 2 p.m. that Friday in order to catch the Tianjin Lions play the Shanghai Eagles.)


An uphill battle

It's also been tough trying to raise the profile of baseball in schools. In a country where there are only 60 full baseball diamonds, one of Wang's tasks has been to persuade school authorities in Jinan just to provide a small space for boys to practice catching. That means vying with basketball courts and soccer fields – two sports that are far more popular in China.

Wang said 2005 and 2006 were tough years.

But whenever he considered quitting, he thought about the boys. "I see the kids love it so much," he said. "How could I do that to them?"

His perseverance has paid off. One of his club's teams won third place in the 2004 national junior competition. And while only two schools in Jinan had baseball in 2002, there are now about a dozen participating in his club. Wang hopes one of the club’s alumni, just about to finish university, will come back to help coach the teams.

Roughly 200 boys, ages six to 17, play on the 14 teams – including his 14-year-old son, a nephew, and a cousin. "It's a family business!" he laughed.

Team sports a good thing single child China

In fact, Wang has found staunch support from the Parents' Association to develop the club. At a practice session that afternoon in Jinan, parents came out to watch their sons play in a concrete schoolyard.

"Each kid is the only child in the family [and] they often get lonely," said Jiang Ai-xia, the mother of 12 year old Zuo Shou-qie, who just started playing baseball this year. "Letting them play baseball helps cultivate their team spirit and encourages them to play with other kids."

Zuo's performance as first baseman may have been a little erratic, but it didn't diminish his enthusiasm. "Baseball teaches us the power of cooperation…and skills," he said. "Although my skills are not that good."

The boys grin bashfully when they're being interviewed, only allowing their enthusiasm to shine off the field when they talk about baseball's future here, "China is just starting…. Once we start loving baseball, we definitely will beat the other countries," said one boy.

Another explained why they like the Yankees, "Their pitchers throws super fast. They hit also very hard and very far!"

Wang, who is normally stern coaching his team from the sidelines, beamed with pride.

"Five years ago, when I started [this] baseball [team], many people thought I was crazy," he said, especially since he wasn't in it for the money. "Five years later, many people think we are the best in Shandong."

One Of Those Days

It has been one of those days when I really miss my family. I have lived away from my mom and dad to varying degrees since I was 10 but except for about 2 years, until 2005 my sister has always been on every journey with me. We haven't necessarily always been in the same place but at least she's been close by. I certainly treasure my alone time and acknowledge that I've been forced to be more outgoing, more social, more personable, more open and more of a lot of other things that I probably wouldn't be because I've been and lived alone. Still, every once in a while I have moments, sometimes fleeting and other times, like today, prolonged, that my alone becomes lonely.

The days that I could pick up the phone and have marathon conversations with my sister when she lived in Dallas are gone. Now I have to catch up with her life through short and sweet text messages, 5 minute phone calls, or juicy tidbits on her blog. I talk to my mom and listen to stories of them hanging out, and doing fun things without me. Lots of "wish you were heres" and "we missed you today at....". I feel like I am missing out on important moments. Not just in my sister's life but with my parents and brother too. There was some comfort when there were two of us here but now, it's me, myself and I and most times it's fine but today is just one of those days when it hurts.

Tidbits

I just got inspired to post cos I saw a few things that made me really proud to be Nigerian. As I said in a previous post, if you didn't already know, WE are doing it big!

In the Vanity Fair Africa edition, Nigeria is prominently featured in at least a couple of articles. Chimamanda Adichie and Uzodinma Iweala, two of our award winning young authors show up, as does Ngozi Okonji-Iweala, former finance minister and mother of Uzodinma. Family of achievers it seems. See more about the Vanity Fair Africa edition and the features (pgs 118 and 176) here but to read them and all the other great features, you have to buy a copy. It is so worth it!

Akim Aliu, an 18 year old Nigerian is the 56th pick in the NHL draft. He's the second Nigerian ever to play in the NHL. Pretty cool. See more here.

Also in sports, it's been a minute but I thought I'd also throw in something about Amobi Okoye, the 10th round pick in the NFL draft earlier this year. At 19, he has amazing potential and I'm excited to keep track of what happens with him. See more here.

That's it folks! Have a great rest of the weekend.

LADIES (AND GENTLEMEN)....THIS ONE'S FOR YOU

Y'all check this out. It's the engagement of Robert Gray and Keisha Williams. My friend Yuwa sent it to me along with perhaps all the other women in her email address book and it gave me chills, goosebumps, and all kinds of good but emotional feelings about people I don't even know. It's amazing how much I felt that their union is, without a shadow of a doubt, ordained by God. Don't ask any questions or wonder......just check it out and then it will all make sense.

Then when you're done watching it, head over to Ross Knight's blog and check out more pictures/tales of his work. Maybe if you're planning on getting engaged or married soon, you can use him. He is obviously fantastically great at what he does. You should be able to link back to his official website from his blog as well.

Men should see this too. Robert actually came up with the concept and planned it all. He definitely recognizes his woman's worth and boy does he try and succeed in showing it. Ladies, there's hope!!!!!! See the background on how he planned the whole thing here.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kiss My Tulips

The Boo did good AGAIN. Imagine my surprise when flowers were delivered to me at work earlier this week. Inside the box was a sweet message, along with some gorgeous tulips and a little companion for me...LOL. I'm a lucky woman. Pics are below. Have a great weekend y'all - I plan to since it's the last weekend before the full force studying begins AGAIN. Thanks to all who continually pray for me and wish me well. I appreciate it and you. May you also be blessed. Peace!

- Fresh out the box!

- Starting to bloom

IF YOU DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW........

Nigerians are going places. Chimamanda Adichie just won Britain's Orange Prize for Half of A Yellow Sun. She is the FIRST AFRICAN to win it in the 12 year history of this particular book award. Hopefully, the day will come when things like this won't be astonishingly surprising - just an "oh of course" kind of surprise. Congratulations to her! If you still haven't read the book......DO IT! See more here

THE BEAUTY OF NEW LIFE

There is nothing like the birth of a baby to remind you of how wonderful and good God is, how beautiful life is, and how every moment you are on this earth is one to be grateful for because it's an opportunity. An opportunity to do it better or right the next time, an opportunity to stand up when you fall, an opportunity to be stronger, an opportunity to have a better attitude and to be more positive, an opportunity to do more - so that you leave something good, maybe even something great, for the ones that come after you.

At around 4am this morning, Kaden Kwame Evans came into the world and reminded me of all the aforementioned things. His mom is my good friend from school, Rose, who herself should be a constant reminder to me that despite challenges and obstacles, God comes through for you....ALWAYS. Without fail. I am an aunty to little Kaden, and I want to be the kind of aunty who is a good example, and who teaches him that doing your best is good enough whatever the outcome, and that you should always dust yourself off and try again.

This has been a bit of a hard few days for me because I took the GMAT again and didn't do as well as I'd hoped. Not the biggest of deals really, but for someone like me who usually does everything pretty well the first time, it was hard to take. I had a rough weekend, but as a result, I really felt how much I was loved and thought of because friends and family called and called to remind me not to reduce my worth to a test score. 2 friends in particular made sure I spent some time outside of the house doing fun things. My boyfriend has been the best support. My mom rallied the Naija folk so I've even been getting calls from home telling me its going to be okay. I've been slowly but surely trying to get back on track and come up with a new game plan for the next time. I am taking a couple of weeks off to have a bit of a life - you know, do things like laundry, cook dinner for a change, spend time with friends without having to run home to study, and read for pleasure. Then I'll start studying again to prep for the exam for the 3rd and final time. I have figured out that I have to be okay with knowing that I put in my absolute best and take whatever happens as it comes. I put in my best last time, and I will do it again. Looking back, perhaps I could be more confident about my abilities, and be more positive this time around so in addition to my strategic study plan, there will be elements of positive attitude reinforcement along the way. I believe it will be well - whatever happens, it will be well. Dusting myself off and trying again is absolutely necessary.

See Kaden, you already gave your aunty a little lesson in life. You are a special baby, without a doubt! I was on my way back from sadness but you've jolted me back into happiness. Thank you for reminding me what life should REALLY be about. I love you little one.

IT'S GOOD TO TALK

Some of our esteemed Naija bloggers are featured in an article on the BBC website. We don't all agree, but it's good to see some intelligent dicussion being thrown around about issues that affect us all. Maybe our voices will be a catalyst for action sooner than later. Let's keep talking.

THE NIGERIAN PROCLAMATION

IN RECENT HISTORY, NIGERIANS HAVE BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY BETRAYED BY THOSE CHARGED WITH ADDRESSING THEIR NEEDS. INSTEAD OF SERVING THE PEOPLE, PUBLIC SERVANTS HAVE SERVED THEMSELVES TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE MASSES. THE RESULT IS A NATION LACKING ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE, ORGANIZATION AND SECURITY.

THE INEFFECTIVENESS OF NIGERIAN LEADERS INDICATES A LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE CONSTITUENTS. NIGERIANS ARE NO LONGER RELEVANT TO THE LEADERS, THUS, LEADERS DO NOT FEEL RESPONSIBLE TO THEM.

THE RECENT FAILURE TO CONDUCT A FREE AND FAIR ELECTORAL PROCESS WAS YET ANOTHER ILLUSTRATION THAT THE NEEDS OF THE MANY ARE SECONDARY TO THE WANTS OF THE IMPORTANT FEW.

FROM THIS DAY, ALL NIGERIANS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FUTURE OF THIS GREAT & POWERFUL COUNTRY. CONSEQUENTLY, ALL NIGERIANS MUST COMMIT THEMSELVES TO THE FOLLOWING:

1. WE MUST DEMAND THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR
ACTIONS AND IN-ACTIONS.
2. WE MUST EXPECT DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES TO BE HONORED, RESPECTED AND
MAINTAINED.
3. WE MUST BELIEVE THAT ALL NIGERIANS ARE EQUAL UNDER THE LAW AND
SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH.
4. WE MUST APPLY OURSELVES TO IMPROVING THE LOT OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL
NIGERIAN REGARDLESS OF GENDER, RELIGION, TRIBE OR SOCIAL STATUS.
5. WE MUST STRIVE TO MAINTAIN A UNITED REPUBLIC DESPITE OUR DIFFERENCES.

ONLY UPON ACHIEVING THESE PRINCIPLES CAN WE AS A PEOPLE FULLY LIVE UP TO OUR POTENTIAL AS A LAND OF GREATNESS. FOR OURS IS A COUNTRY RENOWNED FOR ITS ILLUSTRIOUS PEOPLE, AMPLE RESOURCES AND SHEER PHYSICAL BEAUTY.