Book Update

Before I go into the topic that led to the title, I will talk a bit of what has been going on in the world...my point of view that is. In order word, I just want to talk like I always seem to do. Christmas was good. Spent it with friends and family and sometimes they are one and the same thing. My cousin who lived with us for a while growing who is more like a sister came to visit us for the first time. It was her first time out of the NY/NJ area and boy did Pittsburg, KS look like the moon to her. She is back in her corner of the world and apparently doing fine.

This week at work has been relatively relaxed but it is more like the calm before the storm. My world is about to get busier and my boss basically said to me today, do well and you can renegotiate your contract, flop and you are out of the door. Not like there is any pressure here or anything but oh well. Weather has been nice and I mean between the 50's and high 60's and no I am not kidding. But most of it was spent indoors and I know I missed a golfing opportunity this week. I do have the day off tomorrow to make ammends should the weather hold up.

Now to the book. I have in my opinion anyway done the outline but for some reason, I am getting less and less optimistic about how the book will turn out. I guess my goal really is to just get published and maybe sell 100 copies mostly to friends and family. My goal is to be done with the book by the end of the summer and 3 people so far have soft committed to help me write it.

What else...well, like I mentioned, next week Friday will be this blog's one year anniversary. Might not be a big deal to anyone but it kinda is to me because I never thought that I would keep it up. Sure I diverted away from News commentary and moved to more of my personal life but hey, I had to go with what the people wanted.

Finally if I do not get the opportunity to write to you guys one more time before the year runs out, I want wish all of you a tremendous year ahead and God Bless you. If you don't know Christ, find someone who does and ask them to introduce Him to you. Make Knowing Him your New Year's Resolution. If you know Him and don't have a church you call your, make that you New Year's Resolution and stick to it like white on rice. It would be the best decision you make all year and possibly for rest of your life.

Next time I come to you, I will maybe post "Predictions sure to go wrong for 2006" both on a personal level and one a National or perhaps entertaining level.

So long good fellas.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Folks, it has been a while. I just want to take this opportunity to look back at this year and also say Merry Christmas to everyone that reads or has at any point in the last year peaked at this blog. I am pretty sure that my life is not as exciting as some of you but wow, it has been quite a year so far. Funny thing is that day by day based on the struggles that we go through or that I go through anyway, it is tough to see the hand of God working. But take a step back and review and those of you who know Christ can see that God has been awesome, wonderful and spectacular to say the least. I am in no way speaking about material things although Christ says in the bible that you should seek him first and everything else will be added unto you.

FYI: This blog will be a year old on January 6th which I believe is a Friday.

Anyway, several highlights of my person life this year

-Made a questionable decision to consider going to get a Ph.D
-Went to London in March for Spring Break which was Awesome
-Obeyed God and made the decision to cancel all plans after graduation that included me leaving town
-Was a mess after that but God showed up
-Graduated graduate school with a Master in Business Administration and a Concerntration in Accounting from Pittsburg State University (Friday May 13)
-Brother (Obi) graduated with a Bachelors in Nursing
-Got a job in town (a mighty fine job might I add); Like I said, God showed up
-Obi got a job too
-Added to more states to my collection of states been in (Total of 32 now)
-Purchased my favourite car (not as big a deal but certainly a highlight)
-Became a home owner with my brother (Scary stuff)
-Close friend, Ryan got married- was the BEST MAN
-Close friend, Josh got married- was a Grooms Man
-Won a 42" Phillips HDTV with DirecTV HD Service for a year
-Made 2 trips to Nigeria on Business
-Friend and Golf buddy Justin, made it back from Iraq safe and sound
-Continued in my quest to help build the church while doing all of this

So, see, not the most exciting life but thrilling enough. I am sure next year has its own trials and victories and possibily its own defeats. But in all things give thanks to God. And to all my friends and family that have supported me through this year, Thank You and Merry Christmas.

Its the most Wonderful time of the Year...Or is it?

You've all heard the songs and maybe even hummed to the tune. But whatever it is, whoever sang that song was probably under the influence of something. I don't mean to be Scrooge-like but the only and I mean ONLY reason why this can be the most wonderful time of the year is if we recognize Christ as Lord and Saviour because otherwise, it is the most Nightmarish time of the year. I mean think about it...doesn't it feel like you work and save money all through the year to blow it over Christmas and then some? Then you spend the first half of the year trying to payoff the balance on your Credit Card as a result of all the spending and overspending.

Oh and it gets better. It is cold outside and heating bills are going up and so is your weight because you spend more time eating especially since all the food taste so good now. When the year turns around, we have to start making Resolutions to loose weight and thus the YMCA becomes so congested.

Christmas day then becomes like a beauty pagent because every relative is trying to one-up the other on whose year has been better or sometime we begin to compete on who has had the suckier year. Thats the season for you if you don't know Christ. Presents? You get presents on Christmas? Oh yeah, thats right you do. Which ones? The ones that may not fit you or the ones that are fun to store in the garage or the basement? Oh, those one who become re-gifted perhaps the next year? Yeah, you get gifts.

Ok enough of my soapbox. I guess I am just saying all this because I am getting broker and broker by the second and I don't like the commercial Christmas. Nope, I don't have problems buying gifts for people but it is just that everything around you makes it up about commerce and there is so much to it that people (even Christians) often over look.

I thank God that sent his son down to die for us. I thank him because that is the greatest Christmas anyone can ever ask for and receive. Yes, the gift of Salvation...the only gift that keeps on giving. Its the only gift that doesn't get judged by the size or commercial value. It is the only gift that lasts till the next Christmas and beyond. It is also the only gift you can take with you to your grave.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Nigerian Airlines Grounded After Crashes - Yahoo! News

Nigerian Airlines Grounded After Crashes - Yahoo! News

I debated talking about this because it happened so close to me in a way and also because I am not fond of talking about bad news. Last weekend, a there was a plane crash in my home country. There were approximatly 110 aboard including about 70 children. There was only one survivor. Basically the news saddened my heart all week. This is the third plan clash in the country in the last 2 months. The first happened while I was there in October. All 117 people on board died. While the news is gravely distressing, it has hightened awareness for the need a stronger regulated aviation industry in Nigeria. The President has stepped up and is actually rather actively in trying to make sure that the maintenance standards are on par with that of other western countries.

For more details on this news, feel free to visit the news link above.

One more picture of Ayo and I. Hard to beleive that I have known this guy for over 12 years and we did not grow up together.

This is a picture of my office. It is bland and tasteless but that is okay. Oh, FYI, I am moving offices over Christmas. I was told yesterday.  

Here is the TV all by its lonesome. 

Here is the 42" TV that I won for those of you who doubt. Remember, good things happen to those who beleive (or so they say).. 

Nelson, Ugo and C.J. These are my buddies from Raleigh, NC. These guys are awesome men of God. Now I don't look so much bigger than them. 

Here is my Aunt Stella and I. Aunty Chichi (as she is foundly called) practically raised me up. She is my mom's youngest sister. I look huge compared to here. 

I have just a few pictures from this most recent trip to Nigeria. Here is Ayo and I. Ayo and I were closest friends in boarding school and have remained close friends inspite of the distance. 

Mexico Plans Canceled? Yes, for me, it is

Yes, the rumors are right (this time anyway). I will not be making it to my fourth home, Mexico this year. Why? One word, work. I am disppointed in a way and okay with it in another way. I am disappointed because I have looked forward to this trip all year long but I found out on Friday from two people at work whose words weigh the heaviest that we have a bunch of stuff to do particularly on one project which I consider my baby.

I am okay with it because I have been globe trotting for the last couple of months and this could be a welcome rest for me. Hopefully next year, I will be able to make it south. I appologize to all those who were at the very least okay that I was going there. I am sure you won't have as much fun without me but I can also say that I won't have as much fun without you either.

Narnia and Syriana

As I mentioned here in previously, the last movie I went to see at the Cinema or movie theater if you will was Fantastic Four and I thought it was such a dud that I decided not to see another for a while. A while came to an end this past weekend when I saw Chronicles of Narnia's Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as well as Syriana, the top two grossing movies of the weekend.

One movie (Narnia) was simple and straight to the point and did not stray hardly from the book. It was really almost like reading the book but what impressed me were the graphics. I will say that I wished it would have a been a PG-13 movie so that the battle scene's could have been more graphic. Nonetheless, it was not the greatest movie I have seen but it did not disappoint either. Not a bad way to come back to movie viewing.

On the contrary (or slightly that way anyway), I saw Syriana last night and it left me hurting. I think I understood what the movie was trying to do but have you ever seen a movie that just had too many storylines developing and too much information? Yep, this was one of those. I left hurting (my brain that is, which I guess doesn't say much about my brain power). I think I have to watch it again when it comes out on video. At this point, there are no plans to make it to the movies again anytime soon.

Up Next: Mexico Plans Cancelled?

An Interesting Movie

Up until this trip, I hadn't been to the theatre since the disaster that was Fantastic Four. I hadn't seen much of any move really. Over the weekend, I plan to break that streak and see two movie. Narnia of course and Syriana with George Clooney.

I did watch several movies on the flights to and fro. Some wasted my life, others were a little too much to handle. I enjoyed Cinderella Man and Mr. and Mrs. Smith again. Skeleton Key was a big mistake. Four Brothers was probably not the most wholesome and Dukes of Hazzard was too shallow.

There was however one movie I saw which I won't give up the name because it would ruin my reputation as a tough nose kinda guy. You all know that I am not sensitive and everyone who knows me would be suprised that I watched the movie yet alone enjoyed it. Anyway, although I refuse to use the word cute in my vocabulary because it is so misused, I would say this was an enjoyable cute movie. Don't worry, it was also an Independent film and thus hard to trace.

Basically it was about a little boy who lived in a certain big city. Anyway, that is all I am going to give away. But the movie did teach me a thing or two about relationships.

Every Saint has a past and every Sinner has a future

You all know how I love unique statements or quotes. This is one that caught my attention during my trip back to the United States. Yes, I am back again. I made it there safely and back. The whole time I was in Nigeria, it was about 90 degrees. I knew it would be cold when I got back but it was a rude awakening when it was 7 degrees with 8 inches of snow on the ground.

As if that wasn't enough, I couldn't find my car in the parking lot of the airport. It took me about 45 mins before I could find the car and then get the snow off it in order to drive home. Yikes, I hate snow.

My trip went very well. It was the quickest trip I have ever made home. I did recover an item that I lost on my last trip so that was good. I tipped a lot of people because I spent a couple of days in a Hotel in Abuja. I took a few pictures because I had some shots left over from my last trip. I spent some time with my family which was nice. I also began working on my book. I hope it is good but I have a weird idea that it be more work and time than I have. So, I am going to try to meet with a Literature professor or teacher to help guide me.

The trip was not without it grave disappointments. I won't go into details but basically I missed my flight leaving on Wednesday and flew to Chicago instead so I can catch a flight out the same night. I missed that flight and ended up leaving on Thursday night instead.

As some of you know, my boss came as well on the trip. I think he had a good enough time business wise and I know that we will probably be going back again around the first quarter of next year.

Guys it is good to be back.

Til' I blog again, Good night and Good luck

I promised one more post and here it goes...It is a chilling 19 degrees outside this morning and that is blitering cold to me. Thats the bad news. The good news is that in about 48 hours, it will be a nice, warm, cozy, steamy, hot 90 degrees with no chance of precipitation. Sounds like heaven to me especially at this time of the year. Okay Minnesotans, I won't rub it in...who am I kidding, of course I will. I am sure you guys are in single digits. Okay, thats enough of that.

Gonna be gone just one week and yet I still had to pack three suitcases (two check in and a carry on not including my laptopp). Anyone wanna guess why? Simple, my Mother. She wants me to buy some stuff for here and usually it takes it own suitcase because it is that much.

This should be an exciting trip. My boss joins me on Sunday and that ought to be interesting but we will see. This does begin a stretch of 20 days were I will be gone more than I will be in town and consequently in 4 countries over that stretch of time.

United States
Great Britain
Nigeria
Mexico

My connecting flight is in Great Britain but I have a visa to go there so I might take the liberty and browse my favourite city for an hour or so. What else? I think thats about it for all I have to say. Guys be good. I might not be good at showing it but I love you all. I should be back next week if the Lord wills and if you are lucky, I will be able to blog maybe once but I doubt it. Sarah...I have a confession...Okay its hold, I get it.

Oh, before I forget, remember to tip your waitresses.

This and That

As some of you know, I leave tomorrow for Nigeria again and I will be gone for at least a week on business. That means that after tomorrow morning, I blog no more until I come back unless I am insanely lucky. I know that it is sad but I am sure you can all use the 3 mins a day you spend on the blog doing some more important in your life. Try not to bash me when I gone because I know you will miss me and if you do, the feeling is mutual. Not to other thoughts...

I have written anything of significance in a long time now. It seems that my quasi-writer's bloc lasts longer and longer each time around. I maybe getting too busy or too lazy or maybe it is because I don't take my computer home anymore. Maybe I just need to make a consious effort to do something about it or maybe my writing days are over save the book at least for now.

Christmas is of course around the corner. As you all know, this country is famous for the commercialization of Christmas. I am not going to go off on the subject but it is just sad that this time of the year also tends to be the most depressing because people start measuring themselves to others around them only to come up short. The problem is that when we measure ourselves to others, it tends to be things on the exterior that we focus on. We focus on things that are perishable, that are purchased, that we or they wear or have. Truth be told that while we all somewhere inside know that it is the wrong perspective to have, we end up falling victim to it time and time again. No magic formula here to solve it except to love God with a passion and remember that Jesus is the reason, the only reason for this season and pretty much all seasons. If I have everything and have not love, I have nothing. God is love and if I have that, I have everything that I can ever need. I know this sounds a little preachy but the reality is that it is true.

I am sure I will talk about something later before I leave tomorrow so stay tunned.

You can buy IT on eBay!

Okay, there is not a creative bone in my body and chances are that if I have done anything creative, it was either someone else's idea or pure luck. That said, I know when I see something creative because it usually makes me go wow.

I am sure you guys have seen the "IT" commercials by eBay. Is it me or is that idea simply just genius. A thought so simple but when put into action so profoundly makes even a cynic go, "now thats creative" and leaves competitors going, "why didn't I think of that?" Well, because you are thinking too hard. One mark of a genius is that the simplify what needs to be simple and that what that ad agency or eBay themselves did in this ad campaign.

The Ad ends with, "Whatever "IT" is, you can find it on eBay."

And if you think it is a great commercial...you should see it in High Def. Hello? Okay, my bad. Don't mean to keep talking about the TV but I can't help it sometimes. I know, I know, it will grow old.

More ramblings coming up later.

Unbelievable Definition

Watching TV in High Def blows me away. This will probably be the last time I talk about my big blank TV. It is just crazy. The only thing I can compare it to occurred when I was a kid. Some of you don't know this but I have terrible eye sight. I mean absolutely horrific eyesight. Those of you who are shorted sighted understand when I say I am a -6.5 on both eyes. When I started using glasses at eight, I was at -3.5. My eye sight became almost twice as worse in 8 years. That was until I started using contacts. Anyway, that was a mild rabbit trail. Before I started using glasses (pre-High Def), everything seemed like one big blur. I did not know that leaves had definition. I sat in front of the TV and my parents thought it was my favourite spot. I did not know that you could see the circle of the moon even if it wasn't full. I thought that everyone's eyes were like that. Then I put on my new pair of glasses (High Def), it was a miracle. It was like an epiphany. Those of you with 20-20 vision will never understand the change.

Exact same thing with High Def. This is how bad it was. In the afternoon, there were two games on TV, one in High Def and the other regular. The Rams were playing the Texans and the Chiefs, the Patriots. Now those of you who know me well know that I hate the Chiefs and because of their success dislike the Pats (though I respect them). You who know me also know that I love the Rams but yesterday, it was the Pats Chiefs game on HD and I apologize to my beloved Rams that I was victimized by HD. I will say that I did catch the end of the amazing comeback beginning from the onside kick till the end of over time when Ryan Fitzpatrick, Harvard Grad and smartest guy in the NFL throw a TD pass to Kevin Curtis for the win. I guess that is what we call a win-win situation.

Hope you all had a great weekend and are back to doing what you love...school, work...

Been a While...

Sorry guys, its been a while since I posted anything. This crazy thing I live called life. No news really to report other than my alma mater is out of the Divsion II football playoffs and I am getting ready to leave the country again on another business assignment.

Thanksgiving went well. I ate a lot just like 99% of people in the country. The 1% left are babies under age 10 days. With holidays like Thanksgiving, it is no wonder 50% of Americans are considered overweight. Easy, no punches. I am overweight myself according to all the charts that I see around.

Lastest on my book...nothing. I haven't found the strength to begin writting. Mostly because I am inexperienced and I am not sure where to begin. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I will allow you guys that pay any sort of attention to this blog to have a say in the writting. I will tell you have later when I am ready. Well, it is 4 mins to the top of the hour and I will sign off at this point. Boys and Girls, don't forget once again to tip your bar tenders and waitresses.

Book Idea: Bad news

Well, guys, I promised to talk about the book idea that I might sometime in the near future begin working on. I wanted to but I have been told by my lawyers that the idea is too good to post on a blog because someone might steal it. I am deeply sorry about that. If any of you that I know are in town and want to know what the story line (outline anyway) is all about, I will be more than happy to tell you. I think it would be a very good one if I was focused enough to devote a couple of months to it. I might start working on it on my next trip.

High Def stories to come.

IT HAS ARRIVED!!! It is DEF-inately Huge

IT HAS COME!!! Oh come on, get excited with me for only one second. But after 5 weeks of waiting, the 42" Phillips HDTV Flat Screen has finally arrived and I guess you can say that I am mildly excited. Actually a little more than mildly to be honest but I am sure it will wear out. Anyway, I know I am supposed to talk about a great book idea but that will have to wait for a little bit.

More on the TV; It is bigger than I thought it would be like. I was carrying it from the FedEx truck thinking I was going to drop it or something. I guess whats left is the DirecTV installation and we would be cooking with gas. The cool thing is that it arrived in time to catch the Pittsburg State game tomorrow on TV. I will be a little late watching the game because I have to run my sister to the airport. Oh well, I have to get back to work then. Next (unless any other unforseen circumstances arise), I will talk about a book idea that I have that is so un-Hollywood like, it will blow your mind away. Maybe not.

High D-Day

I will suspend my "Book Writing" post for a little bit to you know talk about D-Day for High Def. It is supposed to arrive via FedEx this morning anytime between 8 and 12noon. I will be leaving work as soon as it arrives to go greet it. Yes I am devoted to my work but it is not everyday that a TV of that insaness (if that is a word) walks through my doors.

Well...thats that for now and baring any unforseen (or maybe forseen) circumstances, book writing coming up next.

PS: I will try to take a picture of the TV and post it here.

Twas the night before High Definition

You know, I am really glad this thing will be in here tomorrow so that I can quit the cheesy lines in counting down. I am sure all (six) of you who may stumble on this do not really give a rats hind parts about a stupid 42" TV. You know, I might just give it away. Wooo, hold on...lets not get carried away here.

There is one problem with the TV so far. A while ago, I thought about it but did not worry too much because it wasn't coming yet. But now it will be here tomorrow. The problem is...I am not sure where to put it. I need suggestions please. That is if anyone cares enough.

What else is going on? It is bitterly cold outside which makes me look forward even more to spending 5 days in 90+ weather. It will be a rude awakening when I get back. Its sort of like leaving a hot sweaty shower to go to a room with the A/C on in the winter. Bad analogy but remember...I am only human. Book writing coming up next.

2 Days to Go

I know this is silly but I needed a title for this post. I guess my silly TV (if 42 inches of High Definition is silly to you too) should be coming in Friday like I said. Oh, by the way (because I haven't mentioned this yet), I will be leaving the country for the third time this year to Nigeria for the second time this year at the end of the month. I know, I just got back but oh well, more work needs done. What else is new?

Well, here is a topic I consider a little hilarious. You know how celebrities, politicians and athletes always have press conferences? You know like if thier toe nail is broken and they can't play on Sunday or other misreable excuses to have a press conference. Won't it be funny if regular Joes, Janes and Peters (in my case, Ugos) like us had press conferences every now and then. "Oh, I said something that hurt my wife's feelings. Time for a press conference to appologize." Then I would sit down and read a statement using words like "inappropriate," "taken out of context," "convoluded," and finish with, "Once again honey, I am sorry if I said anything that MAY have hurt you. I hope to be back on the playing field (dinner table and bedroom as opposed to No dinner and Couch) tonight. Please accept my sincerest appologies."

Okay maybe that sounds all far fetched but it is pretty funny to me.

Countdown to High Definition

I know most of you don't care about this unless you live in my house or in close proximity to it but I still have to update you. I got a call this morning and apparently, my TV will be delivered this Friday (yes, this Friday) via FedEx. So that gives me basically, three days to wait. I can do that. I have to admit, I never gave hope on the TV even though several people did come up to me asking if it was a hoax. Well, the source is so reputable. It wasn't some kinda internet company. We are dealing with ESPN, the world wide leader in sports. Anyhow, that is that. Just an update. I will keep y'all posted.

Loyalty and Commitment vs. Great (Nice) Guy

Pardon the issue of conversation but I almost have to talk about this. Almost. Most of you who read this blog (all 3 of you, thanks, I love you all) know me to some extent. Some definately more than other. You also know that I have many problems. Perhaps the most glaring is the fact that I am not typically what people would consider a nice guy (for the most part). Why does this matter? Well, I want to defend the defenseless; guys that have no sensitive (or perceived) bone anywhere around them. You know the guy that can't seem to say anything right. The controversial that offends to many people. Yeah, I am sure you will say that is all one person and you are right, it is.

But somewhere, in the mist of everything, many people don't give those guys a chance to get to know them. I would be the first to admit that I judge a lot of people by thier cover and many people have shocked me by who they really are once I get to know them. Some people that I lived with were gone 2 or 3 years before I began to respect them for who they are. If you look around, most of those guys that have weaknesses in the sensitive areas are often the most loyal and commited friends you can ever have. For all of you that I have treated unfavourably and came to figure out who you really were, I am truly sorry for judging you.

Many of you will become great parents who are so commited and do what you have to w/o regards to negative perceptions about you. My father is a great example. My Dad was never the most sensitive person I knew or the most "loving." From when I grew up till just a few weeks ago, I never believed my father had a tear duct anywhere in his body. But, my father sacrificed a lot for all his kids and his relatives. My dad worked a lot so that his kids can have what he never had, a College Education. Now he has 3 kids that have college degrees and one more on the way. My father has given more of his time and financial resources even to people that have wronged. My father has been loyal and commited all his life. Sure we hardly hug or tell stories about dancing in the moonlight, but he is the kind of guy that when your life is on the line, you can call him and say "I need help" and he will be there before you can say "Hey, nice guy."

A friend of mine with an equal experience told me about his own story. He dad wasn't the most successful guy and during a formative period of the lives of his kids, he had to take a second job bringing his working hours every week to over 80. That he did for 6 years. On his death bed, my friend asked him, "Where you fulfiled in all that you tried to accomplish in those 6 years." Looking puzzled, he answer was, "What? Fulfilled? I did what I had to do."

I am sure a person can be both commited and nice and I ain't making excuses for anyone. Many of these guys try throughout thier life time to change people's perceptions but in case they never quite get there before they die, at least on thier dying beds, they can say, "I did all that was needed to be done. I did what I had to."

Trip to Raleigh, NC

I know it has been a while since I have been on again. Been gone...again. This time for a Leadership conference in Raleigh, NC. To spare you guys the details, it went really well. I beleive there was a lot of revelation given and for me a lot of affirmation of my convictions. I had mentioned earlier that I felt an erosion somewhere. I know that part of the somewhere was inside of me. Well, I got to spend a lot of time in the presense of God and also in the presence of a lot of seasoned men who know God. It was refreshing. I guess thats my vacation.

It does look like I will be gone again at the end of the month. I am sure I mentioned it but oh well...

One more bad picture of Abuja. Love the City. Wish there was a beach there but it is landlocked. Won't mind living there someday for a short period of time. 

National Mosque in Abuja. Quite an interesting Structure. 

My Aunt and Fav cousins from my Mom's side. Picture sucks, I know, my bad! 

My fav Cousin, Emeka and I 

I know...I look like some Oil Mogul 

City of Abuja with Aso Rock in the Background. Very unlike Lagos. 

Promised to Post some pictures from my trip, so here we go... 

Hard to believe

Its had to believe but the magical month of October is over. It did have it shares of extreme ups and downs but it was nonetheless special as usual. Now the cold is about to settle in and (sign) we all have to wear more layers. I have been quite busy since I got back. My sleep schedule is still way off and the fact that we switched back from Daylight Savings time doesn't help matters much. It has actually worked out a little well because when it is 5pm here, it is midnight in Nigeria so I am too tired to watch TV when I get home and I fight sleep for 3 or 4 hours and I am in bed by 10.30 or 11.00pm. Then I get up so ealry like 3.30am this morning and lay in bed till about 4.30 before I hit the gym.

Thats that. There are things that have been bugging me since I got back. Most of them is with myself. I feel extremely out of it. I feel an erosion of our generation. All of a sudden things that were not okay before are sort of normal now. That really buggs me especially when I am refering to myself. I find myself having to talk to me several times in the day to pull me back. I know I am rambling but I feel an erosion amongst my peeps. Maybe it is just perception and not reality. Maybe I just need more sleep. Arh, maybe I just need to get back to work.

I am Back (at least for now)

Friends, in the famous words of Michael Jordan when he returned to the NBA after his first retirement, "I'm back". Need I say more? Sure! I am tired mentally, physically and otherwise but nonetheless glad that I am back. I had a great time in Nigeria for those who care to know. I was mostly busy throughout and did not really get a single day of rest. I will talk more about my trip from time to time if I feel the need or the urge to. I took some pictures but not a lot. When they are developed, I will post some on here. I was disappointed that my TV had not arrived but thats okay, I can survive.

Well, what else is going on? Oh, it is the last day of my favourite month. It will no doubt be uneventful. For some reason, I have been pessimistic since yesterday afternoon. Anyways, I hope you all that read this blog are in fabulous health. I have been gone too long so let me know if you have a chance. Sarah, I am looking forward to seeing you in a week or so.

At Last!!!

At last, I can post something again. Too bad it won't be long. For those who have wished me a happy birthday thus far, thanks. I am truly grateful. Day has been uneventful so far which I don't mind at all. Well, I will be back to posting regularly when I get back Monday and I will talk about my trip then. Thanks again. Don't forget to tip your waitresses.

Countdown Continues- 2 days to go

Somehow and for reasons (some I know and other I don't), these trips back home always leave me uneasy. I mean it can't really be that bad going home and I know it is going to be just fine. I still have to find some time to do my laundry and pack my own stuff. Maybe tomorrow.

You know, I was just thinking...I have started having those crazy hard to sleep nights. I don't feel anxious (or overly anyway) about this trip but could it be? I have had sleep problems on and off for the last 6 years (since I came to the United States) but I have been okay for the last five or six months till this week. I have been told that I have sleep problems because I refuse to deal with the issues during the day and have to deal with them at night. Yeah, I asked the shrink for my money back. The most I deal with at night is TRYING TO GET TO SLEEP. Anyway, I think I might stop by the store or GNC to reload on the blue pill.

On to more important things; I heard a song recently called "What If" by Nicole Nordeman. Most of you who know me know that I have a soft spot for Female Vocalists but thats besides the point. Anyways, the song asks say an unbeliever What If the bible is really all true word for word. What if Christ really died for us to take our sins away? What would you do then? The song did send shivers down my spin because it starts with what if (from our perspective) that Christ was just another great prophet to which I answered, then we are screwed.

But guess what, Christ did come and die for us and I am glad I don't have to deal with God based on who I really am outside of Christ because saying I fall short is the biggest understatement since Adam told God that they were naked and hid.

Another step towards High Definition

Well, the story continues...Yesterday, I received a FEDEX package including an affidavit to send back to these guys organizing the competition. They even sent a Return envelop for a next day FEDEX. Cool. Anyway, thats the latest. My guess is that I will have a TV waiting for me when I get back from my trip.

Speaking of, I am down to 3 days before I leave on my two week trip to Nigeria. If I am lucky, I will be able to update this blog on my trip. If not, I guess the bored ones that read this silly blog will have to wait. Hopefully I will be able to at least once on twice drop a word. I might take some pictures to post on here while I am there unless someone has objections.

What else? Nothing. I will get back to what it is that I do then.

Leadoff Homerun to start the Week

Well, well, well, wacky things do happen these days I guess. As you know, the is my last week before I leave for two weeks back to the motherland. As you will know why in a little bit, it started off with a bang. Basically, within an hour of me waking up, I got some very good news.

Okay, without further ado, I will say whats going on. Today, I won a 42" Philips Plasma HDTV plus DirecTV subscription for 1 year courtesy of Philips and ESPN. I found out this morning on ESPN Radio at aproximately 7:45am. I know it is hard to believe and I know that first hand. Not that these such material things constitute of any life changing circumstance but it is something. Anyway, I guess the next question is how. Well, I will try not to bug you with details but I will give the brief version.

I listen to ESPN Radio every morning at work and recently, they started a promo where they vowed to give out 100 of those prices via www.100yardblitz.com. Entry was simple. Watch select ESPN telecasts and sometime during the telecast, you get a code word. Log on to the website and input the code word and listen to the Mike and Mike show on ESPN Radio in the morning to find out if you win. I don't have cable or anything like that but on Saturday night, I went to a friends house to watched a show we had taped. After the show, we turned to ESPN to catch the Cardinals Padres game. Coincidentally before I left, the code word came on. When I got home, I logged on, registered and the rest is history.

I am sure this week will come back down to earth to be pretty stressful considering the fact that I will be gone and I have a million things to take care of before I leave but that was not a bad way to start a week.

Strange Trip home

FOLKS, it is still OCTOBER!!! Wow, can't get enough of it. It is kinda low key today but the weather outside is great. I haven't received a single hate mail this month and I am just loving it.

As I mentioned before, I will be making a trip back to Nigeria next week. The more I think about it, the more odd it feels. First of all, it will be the first time that I am the only child home. I have a bunch of relatives that live with my parents so its not going to be an empty house but on the other hand, it will be sort of different. Secondly, it will be the first time in 6 years that my birthday would be back home. I will probably be busy that day but I know it will be different.

Several other things are odd. I feel like I am growing up too fast. Heck I am still a young pup. I know this though that I will spend a lot of time catching up on sleep. I have been losing a lot of sleep by getting up too early everyday to go work out. Reason: oh, I can't seem to control what I eat so I figure I should work out instead. Anyway, I am just checking in. I need to go run a few errands now. Later folks and "DON'T FORGET TO TIP YOUR WAITRESSES."

More Facts about October

Well, I just wanted to highlight some key events happening this October

October 1st - Nigeria's Independence Day
October 5th to 7th - Covenant Harvest Church Leadership Conference
October 8th - Pittsburg State University Homecoming
October 14th - Dad's Birthday
October 14th - Aunty Ann's Birthday
October 15th to 28th - My Trip to Lagos, Nigeria
October 24th - Mom's Birthday
October 26th - My Birthday
October 26th - Austria Independence Day (Unofficial Adopted country)
October 26th - Hillary Clinton's Birthday (had to put that there)
October 27th - Pat Forbes's Birthday
October 31st - Halloween

If any more comes in, I will be sure to let you know.

Welcome to OCTOBER!!!

WELCOME TO OCTOBER EVERYONE!!! Pardon my enthusiasm but wow, it is October. October happens to not only be my favourite month but statistically the most favored month of the year by people and some of them don't know it or know why. Friends I am here to enlighten you on why.

Before I go any further, whenever I tell people, "Oh, October is my favourite month of the year," they ask me a weird question. "Is your birthday this month?" What has that to do with anything. Please somebody explain to me why and if that is even relevant. Anyway, moving on to more interesting thing.

October is the BEST month of the year and I am here to tell you why it separates itself for the rest. So hang on people.

1. October undoubtedly has the best weather. It gives you everything, heat, cold, rain, dryness. If you love the heat and its cold, the sun is usually out to toast your buns a little.

2. If you love sports, well congratulations. Why? Because Baseball is in its post-season, Football is fully in season and so is soccer (European Leagues) and if you love basketball and hockey, they are in their preseason. All major sports are on and even some minor sports are on.

3. If you are a student, you have probably settled into the grove of school but grades are not an issue yet. I mean, you have two months to get through whatever slump you are in and to get into a grove. If you are a parent, your kids look more confident and have more moxy or mojo.

4. For all you ladies out there, you entire wardrobe is open to you. Short Sleeves, long sleeves, sweats, dresses, shoes open, shoes closed, flip flops.

5. If you love the outdoors and love doing stuff outside, you can do whatever you want to do and don't have to worry as much about the heat or getting sun burnt. Go to the park, take longer walks, runs, lose weight. You can go Sky Diving, jump off a bridge, para-sailing, scuba diving. The list is endless.

6. Candy galore because of Halloween. I mean, candy calories in October do not count because it is an accepted practice. You get to dress funky for Halloween and no one thinks you are a dork.

7. Christmas is around the corner but far enough away where you can plan and budget and not feel rushed. Plus if you buy something for someone and your relationship changes for the better or worse, you have enough time to make the appropriate changes.

8. Gas mileage is best in October. Why? You don't need your A/C to combat the heat and if you never had A/C, turn on the fan and a nice breeze. You don't have to deal with warming your car up yet so you can hold off your jealously for those with Auto start.

9. Sales, Sales, Sales. Sales on everything you need next summer are great in October. From a New Car (from dealers trying to makes space for the next year's Models), a Motorcycle (prices drop because no one rides in the winter), summer clothes, summer vacation, the list is endless.

10. Everyone is nicer in October, why? Because of the nine reasons above. Cops smile more, service is restaurants are great, moms, dads, kids are all gleaming with the October buzz.

Guys, I can keep going on and on but I have stuff to do. Have a pleasant and most enjoyable October.

Oh, by the way, my birthday is October 26 in case you wanted to know ;-).

Oh by the way...

Oh by the way...if you are out there bored again and stumble unto this blog and have flown Business class internationally, let me know what it is like. I have a feeling that it will be overated.

Tickets are here and I guess I will be flying with Class

Well, some of you already know this but for those who don't, I will be leaving the country in 2 weeks. Actually on the 15th of October to be precise. Can you believe it is already October (at least in about 14 hours)? Anyway thats besides the point.

Well, I am leaving for the Motherland for about two weeks. Be back by the end of the month. The cool thing abou this trip is that for the first time, I will breathe both French and Italian air. I know that sounds silly and thats fair. Actually the best thing about the trip portion is that...you guessed it, I will be flying in style a.k.a. business class which means, more space for body and no waiting in long lines. I am kinda excited because it will be the first time I would give into such luxury on a cross continental trip. Well, I guess I need to go brush up on my French and Italian so that I can have intelligent conversations with the Flight Attendants ;-).

Reflections

Sometimes, certain things happen and not necessarily to you that causes you to reflect on life or maybe a bigger picture than your world. Socrates makes the comment in one of Plato's writtings that, "the unexamined life is not worth living." In the bible, dozens of scriptures are available that remind us to dwell on things that will last beyond this life. One scripture (which skips my mind right now) asks that we set our mind on heavenly things.

In this blog, I have touched on both heavenly and earthly things and I hope I have been able to protray the fact that whats above matters above all. Don't worry (as if this is an issue), I am not shutting down the blog or dying but just reflecting.

Anyway, I am reminded somehow daily, that nothing of this earth can satisfy long term; not money, spouse, food or even a ministry. It is only Christ, Jesus Christ that can give us living water that we will thirst no more. It is Him that I live for (or try to and want to). For those who do not believe in Him or know Him, I pray that He will using Christians like me or other available means show Himself to you. Trust me, it doesn't matter whether you believe in God or not, the outcome is the same. One day we will all die and after death comes judgement and what then will you tell the Creator; that you didn't know what to believe? What excuse will fly before the King of Kings? You might be thinking, "...well, God is a God of Love." Yes! He is. That is why He gave His only son to die in our place and if we spun the grace of God, why would we expect Him not to shun us in the day of judgement.

"Well, Ugo, I am a good person." Thats sounds great but even own righteousness is as a filthy rag before the eyes of God and the inate heart of a man is wicked and the wicked will not see God. I am a sinner full of unrighteousness and I have no business standing before God. I deserve to be crucified but Jesus already took the punishment asking that we believe Him.

Folks, the Truth will be the truth always even if you do not believe in it. Thats what makes it the Truth. God is alive and real even if you are an Atheist. In the end you will still have to stand before God and He will ask you why you spurned the grace of Christ and you will be speechless.

Lastly for those who believe they have time to change and want to enjoy this crooked and perverse generation, the bible says that tomorrow is not promised us. If you are out them and stumble upon this blog and want more answers, find a local church somewhere or find a true christian and ask your questions but don't wait before it is too late. In fact, if you want to know more right away, feel free to visit the website of Covenant Harvest Church. Actually you can go straight to this link, http://www.covenant-harvest.org/other_links/salvation_plan.php. If you want to accept Christ into your heart and make him Lord and Saviour, do it today before it is too late. If you would confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and accept him with your heart, eternal life can be yours. You can pray a prayer along those lines.

I appologize if my thoughts have been scathered. I hope that any Christian that reads this is encouraged and those who aren't believers who read it are curious at the very least to want to know more.

Materialistic Luxuries I would (at least be tempted) even give into

There are certain luxuries (both services and goods) I have said in the past if I can afford, I would give into. I know materialism is worthless and I can certainly do without "these things." But I just thought I'd clue you into my dome i.e. my head for a second. Heck, lets make it a Top Ten list except w/o any particular order.

1. A personal trainer
2. A designer i.e. someone who picks out the clothes I wear each (I have veto power though)
3. A Nutritionist
4. A Cook
5. One of those H2 SUTs
6. A Sports Franchise (I would be the most likeable and most hated owner)
7. A private jet (only if I can be the pilot)
8. A supped up Celica
9. With all these stuff, I would probably need a PR person because of my mouth
10. An Agent (always thought it was cool to say, "...talk to my Agent."

The Apprenctice: Season 4 and oh...Martha

Well, the new season of the Apprentice openned last night and as those of you who have followed this blog know, I follow the show or at least try to. I try to take as much as I can to apply in my business career and at the same time...you guessed it, observe more on the differences between men and woman in social interactions between each other.

Season started out OKAY. I wasn't wowed but I wasn't disappointed either. I do want to mention something that I had talked about with my buddies the day before. Now before I say it, please understand that good gesture of any size is honorable but I beleive in degrees. In yesterday's episode, one of the contestants found out that his grandmother who he was so close too passed away. At the end of the show, The Donald (as he is affectnately refered to) offered the contestant (whose name escapes me at the moment) the use of his Helicopter to make the funeral. The guys that I watched it with exclamated with an...ah!, thats really nice. I agree. However, I did not think it was a big deal. Why? To The Donald, it is a drop in a big bucket. It will be the equivalent of me loaning my car to someone for 5 mins i.e. not a big deal. Still deserves gratitude because he did not have to but...you get my point. To sort of be-labor the point, I am more impressed by the single mom who donates $100 making $25000 a year to the relief efforts going on in the gulf south than the athlete making $10m a year who ponys up $100,000. All about percentages.

Moving on, I taped and watched the Martha Stewart version of the Apprentice. Basically, 16 ladies cat fighting for the same job. Translation: Not Impressed.

Hurrican Katrina and (...gasp) Rita too

Just had some random thought flowing in my head and I thought I'd use this to sound off.

You know, I never mentioned anything about Hurricane Katrina and in case you wondered why, my reason was simple. The whole world was talking about it. I did (and still do) have an interesting question about it especially in lieu of Hurrican Rita possibly hitting the same city. Now before I state the question, I will be the first to say that I have no idea what the answer is and I do not believe that anyone else except God knows.

Hurricane Katrina; Was it a deliberate act of God to punish the city for the lifestyle it promotes, or was it mere coincidence? I have heard both from I guess what some might consider a biblical point of view. Your answer if you are an "educated" Christian or should I say your bias would lie on if you lean towards Calvanism or Armenism (I hope I got that right). I personally do not subscribe to either point of view because I believe that God is deeper that the boxes those schools of destiny follow.

If though anyone who doesn't know Christ (or who is struggling with the even) should ask me the question, my answer would be along the lines of Christ's in Luke 13: 1-5.

Luke 13: 1-5

¹About that time some people came up and told him about the Galileans Pilate had killed while they were at worship, mixing their blood with the blood of the sacrifices on the altar. ²Jesus responded, "Do you think those murdered Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans? ³Not at all. Unless you turn to God, you too will die. ⁴And those eighteen in Jerusalem the other day, the ones crushed and killed when the Tower of Siloam collapsed and fell on them, do you think they were worse citizens than all other Jerusalemites? ⁵Not at all. Unless you turn to God, you too will die."

There you have it.

Class went ok

Class went well without too much hitches. Well...there was an unforseen problem. It was the fact that it happened to be an all girl class. Yeah, a lot of estrogen. Oh well, thats now behind me. Just an update.

Making a Return to the Classroom

This might sound funny to some of you but while I was in college working on my Undergraduate degree, I spent some of my time teaching. Yes, as a college senior, I thought a High School class at Covenant Harvest School. It was very interesting and I enjoyed it a lot but I am afraid I can't say the same for my students.

The class went to well that when the next year rolled around, the school declined the option to renew my contract. Might I also add that I did this pro-bono. Yes, thats how valuable I was. "Sorry Ugo, we are going in a different direction. Your position has been downsized. We are scaling back operations. You are not a part of the long term future of this school. In other words, take your pick." Well, that ended my teaching career. Well one of the real reasons I was told to "look for other opportunities" was the fact that I was about to begin the MBA program and the school principal did not think it would be fair to me. Anyways, I moved on. That was two years ago.

I have always said that if I were to hit the lottery or retire early, I would go teach pro-bono. Why? I am not so sure. I would either do that or be a waiter or something where I was around a lot of people. This is in addition to traveling the world to wherever my buddies are building the church and helping them out.

Why am I saying all this? Good Question but unfortunately, none of us knows the answer. Needless to say, I am making a return to the High School classroom today as a substitute teacher. I only wonder if I have the juice to do it again. Wish me luck.

Top ten men in the Bible I would have loved to meet in person (which I will someday in heaven)

This one interests me a lot. FYI, all except the number one are very close to each other. So lets have it...

10. Adam (what was it like to walk with God everyday)
9. Enoch (see the above)
8. Timothy (How to recognize the call and walk under leadership the way he did with Paul)
7. Abraham (How does someone have as much faith)
6. Joseph (How he raised a child that was indeed the Son of God)
5. John (What was it like to hang out with JC and the knucklehead disciples)
3. David (I feel like him when he was down when I am down)
3. Elijah (Ditto)
2. Paul (Wow)
1. Jesus Christ (Dare I say anymore)

This really was a hard one because there are so many more people I would have loved to meet and maybe this list is also dynamic.

Top ten cities I want to go to (inside the U.S.)

Here is my list for Top ten cities I would like to visit in the United States. Once again, feel free to sell any city to me and I will make the changes.

10. Washington, DC (I am going there in December)
9. Phoenix, AZ (Always look on the bright side of life)
8. Austin, TX (Heard a lot of good things about the city)
7. Seatle, WA (Home of Star Bucks and Health Trends)
6. Boston, MA (Red Sox, need I say more)
5. Mytle Beach, SC (Golf courses and ocean sides)
4. Sacramento, CA (The Kings play there)
3. Miami, FL (my lips are zipped)
2. Maui, HI (Golf + Lots of Beach time)
1. San Diego, CA (ocean, 70 degrees, sports galore, great weather, plus Ugo recipie for disaster)

Top ten cities I want to go to (outside the U.S.)

This one is a tricky one because there are a lot of cities that I want to go to. But I have only have ten on here. Before I continue, I will like to say that if there is a city that needs to be on here that I miss out, please let me know (i.e. if you know me or just want to sell a city you have been to, to me). Oh, one more thing, these are cities I haven't been to yet.

10. Abuja, Nigeria (maybe I get to go there when I go back home)
9. Tokyo, Japan (Industry, commerce, food, more food)
8. Cairo, Egypt (purely for historical reasons)
7. Montreal, Canada (had an opportunity to go in a couple of weeks but hopefully by year end)
6. Prague, Czech Republic (just something about the city that intrigues me)
5. Sydney, Australia (well, its down under and I had to pick one city there)
4. Jerusalem, Isreal (Biblical historical areas will be cool to see in person)
3. Milan, Italy (a city full of passion so I hear)
2. Athens, Greece (ancient buildings, lots of history)
1. Rome, Italy (ditto)

Top Ten favorite cities (That I have been to)

While I have traveled quite a bit around the United States, there are some places that I wished I could stay longer and other places I have a setimental attachment towards. Some of this may sound awful to some of you guys and if your City is not on here, maybe you need to send me a plane ticket for me to check it out. This cities aren't necessarily places that I would want to live in. So with that said, here is the list:

10. Chicago, IL
9. Denver, CO
8. Houston, TX
7. New York, NY
6. Lagos, Nigeria
5. St. Louis, MO
4. Pensacola, FL
3. Raleigh, NC
2. Los Angeles, CA
1. London, England

Later on, I will publish the list of cities that I want to go to and because they are so many, I will group them into cities inside the United States and cities outside the United States.

Top Ten Movies of all Time

This list is dynamic in terms of, movies move in and out all the time. This one is a tough one and as such won't be in any Particular order-

1. The Godfather 1, 2
2. Shawshank Redemption
3. Finding Forrester
4. Seabiscuit
5. Remember the Titans
6. Shrek 2
7. Ocean's Eleven
8. Gladiator
9. Scent of a Woman
10. Hitch

The last one snuck in because it was so funny. One more thing. I have a disclaimer. I am not necessarily recommending that you go see this movies. Some of them may have some content that are not suitable for kids. If you are a parent and see this list, please use your own judgement before letting your kids watch these. Phew, thats out of the way. There were other movies that were receiving votes but there is the list.

Top Ten Lists

Americans and maybe people in general are facinated with "Top Ten List." Top Ten Hottest Celebrities, Top Ten Athletes, Top Ten favorite places to go or Songs, Movies, Books...The list goes on and on from the appropriate things to the down right gross stuff. Well, I will join the band wagon for a little while and begin giving my Top Ten Lists in certain categories. I will try to be creative and switch from the norm every once in a while. But first up will be my Top Ten Movies of all time. By the way, if there is a particular Top Ten List of mine you would like to have, just let me know and I will try to come up with it. Thanks.

Differences in Personas

I am sort of weird. I think I pass to most people as ordinary and for the most part I am. But I am sort of weird. I love reading people and for me, it is not a prophetic thing, its just guess work. I love making up stories in my head about people I don't know sometimes. A lot of my friend know this about me; that I love exploring the things that make us different i.e. basic differences in persona between males and females, different personalites, different races, generations and sub-generations as well as cultures in general.

Sometimes my quests have led me to ask weird or seemingly odd questions which may embarass some people and some questions to complete strangers. The one that get a lot of people are when I ask frank questions about some topics to girls or ladies. Nothing inappropriate but things that people never ask but assume they know the answers to. Some of those assumptions are right. Same goes for people who are of a different generation. I sometimes like to sit with older people and younger people and just ask questions. A lot of my questions to the older generations are how they would do things differently from what I would do in circumstances and situations. And if you want to know what kind of questions I would ask ladies...

Whinning about Gas Prices

I wrote an article (actually more like entry because this is just a joke of a blog) Wednesday, March 09, 2005 on the Gas prices and please allow me to whine again. Back then, the prices were $2.10 a gallon and I wrote about...well go read it if you actually care enough. I will mention that I felt back then like I lived in Cali. Well, now I feel like I live in Europe with this outrageous prices. And once again like I mentioned in that entry, lets not be fooled into thinking that OPEC or any oil producing country or exporter has anything to do with it. Lets not get too excited about going to go start another war for oil sake. The winners in all of this is the Oil companies. I guarantee you, at the end of the calendar year, go look at the numbers and see which companies made the most money and 4 out of the top 7 companies will be oil companies with Exxon Mobil being #1. So it doesn't matter if Dubya releases oil from the reserves or from his backyard, it won't matter. Arrgghhhh. Okay. Thats done with. Actually I feel better all of a sudden. It probably helps that I just received a check for milleage on one of my trips. Plus today is pay day. Well, I got to run.

More Appologies

For those of you who ocassionally check out this blog for whatever reason (primarily boredom but nonetheless), I just want to say once again that I am sorry for not keeping it up to date. I have a few legitimate excuses.

Now for those of you who know me (and some that know me but do not know this), I just bought a house with my brother and that has been very consuming time wise. I am also working on a pretty big project at work and that has also found a way to take me away from this blog. Anyway, things are moving right along with life. It has been a really trying month but one I know that God did a lot of amazing things.

My buddies and I went out Friday night to go crash a few parties and sure enough, God showed up and someone else got saved. Pretty awesome. This guy though lives in town and maybe we will have an opportunity to hold his feet to the fire. Folks, thats all for now.

Back from another trip AND Interesting Saturday Night

I know, this is all boring work stuff but I just got back from Detroit, MI for a meeting for work. It went very well but the interesting thing a la things that interest only me is that, I have been gone out of town for a period of time for 4 straight weeks. I think this is also the first time that I have flown four weeks in a roll. I know, who care? Jeez, cut me some slack. Afterall, it is "life according to Ugo."

Anyway, school here at Pittsburg State University has begun and I have never been more excited about school in my entire life. Yes, those of you who know me know that it is primarily because I am all done with it but something happened this last Saturday that increased my interest for other reasons.

See, ever since I got back from North Carolina, I have been interested in doing something on Campus. I believed that God has called us to get people there saved and I know the time is now. I also feel more than ever before the need to give back to the hand that fed me (even though I paid the hand to feed me as well as other instate students...and maybe some athletes), but not in the form of money but in the name of Jesus.

Without further ado, I will tell you briefly what happened Saturday. For those that do not know, I just bought a house with my brother but we are in the process of closing and as such haven't moved yet. So right now, we are staying at a house on the Frat block which the church rents for thier Bible College. I have had a lot of awesome experiences living there but none like this. There was a huge party that night that spanned the whole block. To cut the story short, my brother as well as two other roommates and I went to crash the parties i.e. we went hunting for Philistines. Well, I got one and had the rest of the herd help me while we all brought him to the realization of the purpose of his life. By the wee hours of the morning, this young man commited his life to Christ and was filled with the Spirit. Unfortunately he doesn't live in town or go to school here but we all gave him our contact information and promissed to stay in touch.

Needless to say, I can't wait till Friday or Saturday night, whichever one they choose. Maybe even Wednesday night.

My first Par

Folks, I got my first par ever on Tuesday i.e. two days ago. I was excited. I played just nine holes at the local golf course because there was not enough daylight to play 18holes. The first few holes, I was terrible. But then, I settled into triple and double bogey golf (I know thats still terrible but you now have an idea of the first holes). I love my driver except that I keep hooking it right.

Anyway, on the ninth hole, it is a par three with a water hazard in front of the green. Yes, it was bad. Well, I took my 3 wood and hit it with barely any daylight left and because the hole is down slopping, I did not see where the ball went. I was pretty sure it went in the water until I walked all the way past the hazzard and saw this white thing on the green. It was about 40 feet from the hole with a chance at a birdie. I pulled out the putter and hit the ball within 6 feet and drained it for par.

I stink at golf so if anyone has any tips out there, help a brother out.

What God has put on my heart

Guys it has been a while and once again I appologize. I will also appologize for the next few moments when I am away for too long. I have been busy with work, life, golf but I will try to be much better at updating my blog. The truth is that I do like to write and entertain those interested.

Anyway, I recently made a trip to Raleigh, NC to meet some friends that I never met before. Yeah, a friend of my friend is typically my friend. They are part of a local church there and I tell you what, I have never left a place more fired up in my Spirit about what God is doing with my generation. Things had seemed a little gloomy if you can tell from my previous posts. But it seemed like I went through an Elijah experience where he was whining to God about being the only one that wanted to serve God and how everyone else is either dead or not interested.

I am here to say that there are several people in my Generation ready to take on the world by storm. These guys in Raleigh got me to remember where we were at a few years ago in my church and in my circle of friends. This generation does await the manifestation of the sons of God and now is the time for us to start sacrficing to make sure that they see it. We have to get on our knees and pray and dig into the word. We need to start having some Holy Ghost attitude about what God has called us to do. We have talked about what God has called us to do on this earth BUT now is the time to start doing it our we turn into another generation that wanders the desert for another 40 years talking about it till we get passed over.

Thats my rant for today.

Quotable quotes

There are some sayings that move you, some that make you cry, some that you build your life on and some that are just so true that it makes you laugh. Here is one of the later...

"The man who can smile when something goes wrong has thought of someone to blame it on."

That got all the guys in my house rolling. Oh by the way, our House Mom laughed the loudest.

Shame on Me

I know, I know, it has been a week since I have posted anything (not that anyone really pays attention, I mean, who am I kidding). I just haven't had time or maybe desire to be on a PC much outside work. I mean, I left my laptop at work for the entire weekend. I had never left it for one day before. Well, I have been slightly busy with several things including work, my friends, another friend's wedding (once again, I was a groomsman) and of course now golf. No sweat, there are no more wedding till next year and nope, not mine either so techinically speaking, I am still a free agent.

So whats new out there? Well, I have been trying to cut back on entertainment and T.V. and maybe relating with people more and more about very important things like the cause of Christ and how to revive our generation. Sad to say but the state of our generation across almost every landscape is one of mediocrity and self-fulfilment. I want to be different and I know several people who are balking the trend. On that note, I do want to say Happy Birthday to Scott Squires. May your fire never dim even after you die. Don't worry, he is not leaving soon. He just turned 26.

Well, I have to go do other things now. I will write sooner than later.

Finally, Golfing at last

Finally guys, I went golfing and I will tell you what...anyone who says that Golf is not a physical sport or not a sport period must have gone miniature golfing or something.

Anyway, I went with my buddy Newman who is just back from Iraq for a couple of weeks. First we hit the driving range and I got some impromtu lessons on driving and boy, did I come out swinging. Then we played a nine hole course and by the end of the ninth hole, I was physically exhausted. We weren't playing no Par 3's the whole way. There were several 450+ Par 5's on this 9 hole course. Anyway, on one of the holes, I had a legitimate bogey. I was so excited.

The hardest part about golfing to me is putting and that I something I need to learn and learn fast if I am going to continue which I plan on doing so.

So when next am I going? I am not sure. Newman is leaving back this week and will be back in November. I will definately hit the driving range every once in a while if I can get some clubs for free from anyone. In the mean time, I will continue to ponder what it will be like when I actually become decent. By decent I mean, "a double bogey golfer."

As for other things going on, I have been busy with work. Tomorrow, I am flying to Richmond, Va. I wonder if they have any cool courses out there.

What is it about guys...

What is it about us guys that we have top the next person no matter if it is a good or bad thing. We are so competitive and we look for the edge in anything. Don't get me wrong because I love it, absolutely. It is so in our blood. For example, if one guy tells another guy that he sweats a lot, the other will go, "...oh you haven't seen me play basketball. I sweat like a pig (by the way pigs really don't all that much)." We are talking about sweat here. Even if we are talking about things like, "my car has the worst gas milleage" or "I have the ugliest (insert whatever here," the other will still try to top you.

In the end, I believe that God made us like that for a reason. I think the reason is so that we can stir each other towards him. Yeah, girls have an element of competiton but from what I understand, most girls compete more with themselves than with other girls. But guys won't compete if there wasn't another person to compete with, most guys anyway.

In the end, I think it is great. A lot of people can't handle it but I also think it is one of the things that makes us feel like men because we all seek validation through the eyes of other men that we hold in high regard, be it Jesus Christ, our earthly father or best friend. If we don't have that validation somehow or somewhere, we begin to question our manliness. Girls notice that when something is missing. Many people refer to what is missing as the "IT" i.e. "that guy has it." Thats a different explanation for another day. Some guys are born with "IT" however most guys that have it aquire it from validation early on in their life. "IT" or the lack thereof can make or ruin a guys life.

PS: Having "IT" doesn't mean you can't be sensitive or emotional. Having "IT" means that you also have the capacity to be sensitive to situations and able to act out of knowledge and experience rather than feelings.

Odd news that may interest only me

Who wouldn't fall for such a clever trick? - Yahoo! News:

"PALERMO, Italy (Reuters) - An Italian couple stole 50,000 euros from a woman in the Sicilian city of Palermo after convincing her they were vampires who would impregnate her with the son of the Anti-Christ if she did not pay them. "

I know this is cruel and wrong in every sense of the word. However, I kinda think it is funny. This is why some people should never be allowed to have money, at least without an advisor.

Blasts Hit 3 London Subway Stations, Bus - Surprised, Confused and mostly Irritated

Blasts Hit 3 London Subway Stations, Bus - Yahoo! News

I am not even sure what to think. I am happy because it does seem like not a lot of people if at all any were hurt seriously. The quote is that, "Only one person was reported injured in the nearly simultaneous lunch-hour blasts, which shocked and disrupted the capital and were hauntingly similar to the July 7 bombings by four attackers."

Well, I have to get back to work.

Tiger Wins the Open

Yahoo! Sports - Golf - After a British Open rout, just imagine what might have been

Yes it is late but I had to touch on this. With the British Open win, Tiger is just 8 majors shy of the record held by Jack Nicklaus. I never had a chance to watch any of The Open until Sunday morning. I know what you are thinking. "Why weren't you at church?" Well...its the British Open! Just kidding. I will explain later. Anyway, I got the chance to watch holes 4 through 11 and let me tell you, it was intriguing, not because Tiger was playing great which he was (although you couldn't tell from the look on his face), not because he was maintaining his lead and not because he was Tiger. I thought it was all intriguing because of how Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger's partner on Sunday just faded stroke after stroke. You sort get the feeling that anyone paired with Tiger on Sunday in a Major when he is lurking or worse has the lead, just melts under pressure. As for Tiger, ice in his vains. Next major up for Tiger, the PGA Championship in Baltusrol Golf Club at Springfield, New Jersey.

As for why I wasn't in church and instead watching The Open instead, I was in Kansas City for a Bachelor party on Saturday which for all intents and purposes lately till about 1am or 2am in the morning. I woke up about 9am in the morning and began watching my new found hobby golf.

Speaking of my new found hobby, my good friend and soon to be golf partner Justin, returns from Iraq today for a two week break from the service. After that, he has a few months left and he will be back. Even though I stink at the sport, we will someday be good enough to warrant comparrison to Tiger and Phil Mikerson and since I am the one who is black, I will have to be the Tiger.

We're not Afraid!- Group responds to the London Terrorists

We're not Afraid!

I would just like to do my part to provide some PR for WE'RE NOT AFRAID DOT COM. This groups mission is to "show the world that we're not afriad of what happened in London, and that the world is a better place without fear."

Feel free to purchase mechandise. Some of the proceeds go to the Red Cross London Bomb Relief fund. You guys have heard me describe my soft spot towards that city and you know...Well they also posted on of my pictures on there and here's the link

http://www.werenotafraid.com/images/089/index.php

OR

http://www.werenotafraid.com/images/089/Ugo_&_Juan.jpg

Thanks Guys.

Weird News! What? How lazy and stupid can people get in this country???

Drive-through robber gets bank loot - Yahoo! News

CHICAGO (Reuters) - That was easy.

A bank robber behind the wheel of his car on Tuesday sent a note through a vacuum tube to the teller at the drive-through window at a branch of Chicago's LaSalle Bank and the teller obliged, returning an undisclosed amount of cash, police said.
The exchange was completed through the bank's pneumatic tube communications system, in which canisters are passed back and forth between motorist and teller.
The FBI said it was investigating the drive-through theft.

WHAT? Are you kidding me? Are we so lazy in this country that we are now doing drive through robberies? I mean, get out of the stinking car, walk up to the teller and get the damn money (pardon my French...actually English, the french have been abused a lot). What happened to the good old days when we did it like the Italian Job. Plus that teller needs to be fired and looked into as an accomplice because there is no way any sane person goes through with it. WHAT? I can't get over this one. Oh well, I will. Arrggghhh.

Busy again

I have to appologize to the few people who honor me by paying any attention to this blog. I have been kinda busy and too tired to write or type. Plus you folks have to understand that keeping a blog is dangerous work. I mean, I have to watch out for the KGB on my way to work not to mention the mafia and the CIA being on my back for being this boring and then of course the risk of carpal tunnel. But, I am still in the game and very much strong. I will try to come up with something you guys can enjoy in the next week. Thanks for being my audience. The world wide web is a huge space and I know that there are lots of options out there.

New Design Template

In an effort to fend off boredom with this blog (yeah like thats possible), I have changed the design of this blog. If you don't like the new design, let me know and I will laugh and do nothing about it. Otherwise, this is the way it is going to be till...I don't know. Anyway, its been over 24hrs and I haven't heard anything negative so I will take it that it cuts the mustard. Woohooooo!

Ron Mexico name generator- This is Great. Check it out

Ron Mexico name generator

Well, if you happen to be a star athlete or celebrity and do want to use an Alias or if you are a regular John or Jane Smith but want a cool name to check into a Hotel with, you can use the RON MEXICO name generator. The coolest part of it is that, the name you get never changes i.e. in a year if you put the same name in the generator, it will give you the same name. The last name you get is the name of a country.

My Name - DUFF MACAU. How cool is that?

BBC NEWS | UK | London rocked by terror attacks- I am heart-broken

BBC NEWS | UK | London rocked by terror attacks

My flag is at half-mast today. I am sad about this news. To all the residents and everyone touched by this attack not involved, my heart goes out to you. I will try not to make this an emotional day. For those of you (all 2 of you or 3 or 4) that follow this blog, you know that London is one of my homes and I have a soft spot towards the city. May Justice be served to those responsible for such inhumane actions.

London Awarded 2012 Olympic Games - MY BAGS ARE ALREADY PACKED

London Awarded 2012 Olympic Games - Yahoo! News

This is fabulous news! For the record, I do plan on being there. I missed the one in Athens because of schooling scheduling and...finances. Anyway, if it is in London, I am going and thats it. Well, unless God has other plans but if He doesn't have my schedule filled up during the month of the Games, I plan on being there. Anyone who wants to come with me, please let me know early enough. Most of you should be done with school by then and thus without such excuses. Of course most of you will be married by then and if I am, notice to the future wife, I AM GOING! If I happen to still be single then, all the best. I know some pretty cool places to go there.

Titles to Books that I could write

I thought this would be funny if only to be but at least this way I can remember. I was talking to an old friend yesterday concerning titles of books I could write. Now let me back track a bit and say that I have no intentions of writing any books any time soon. I did at one point but...

Anyway, I thought maybe I can challenge the Harry Porter series with a series of mine based on my personal life. While most people who read them (if they are bored enough to) would consider self promoting and egotistic (for which they would be mostly right), it may be funny or at least be reading material for certain times of which I won't go into.

Anyway, here are some titles to the series. First of all, I will like to hint that these books would be set about 8 - 10 years apart so that is is at least interesting enough. If you have any suggestion, feel free to throw yours in. We'll see if we can get a publisher interested.

Book 1- Only 21? Things that I have learned along the way.
Book 2- Now 30! Things that I wish I never knew
Book 3- Life begins at 40? Whoever believes that must have had a boring first 40 years
Book 7 -Arrgghh, I am 80! Get me out of here!

A possible new hobby?

I have been taking into consideration several options that many of my friends have offered as well as those that I have considered. It seems like everything in my description spells G-O-L-F. Surprised? No one knows me should be. It is somewhat active and it can be played alone or with someone else. I am also trying to be a businessman and as we know, Golf is the official sport of businessmen. Well, we will see.

Looking for a (New) Hobby

This is a little strange that I am posting this but once again if anyone is bored enough to read this blog or happens to stumble upon it, I need help with suggestions. I am trying to find a new hobby. Something that although active is not strenuous and while exciting, not too expensive. Actually, preferably not expensive at all because I am broke right now. The problem with me is that I can be overly picky in some things and not picky at all in other things. I think this is one of the things were I will be picky.

One might ask, why do you want a new hobby? Reason is simple, I am losing a lot of my friends to this marriage thing and since I plan on being single for a while, I have some free time on my hands. The secondary reason is that these days when I come back from work, I am really content with just staying at home doing absolutely nothing. I still love to hang out with people but other than small group hang outs, most of the time, we talk about nothing.

So, I need something fun and a little challenging but something I can do. Popular sports is out of the question except if I can get into Tennis. I wouldn't mind something I can do with other people but I would like something I can do by myself and then with people.

Hopefully, I get several options from somebody out there but if not, no qualms. But I will keep search for something unique.

One more thing; I am not a collector unless I can give whatever it is away.

Here is a picture of all the Groomsmen and Ryan from his shindig. No requests though, most of these guys are taken and shouldn't be! 

I look chubby. I have gained some weight...Sweet!!! 

Nice rims! 

This is the sweetest view. It looks mean this way. 

Cool looking huh? 

Well, I promised pictures so here we go! 

My Red Celica and...The Latest

Well, I will try not to talk about my car too often but I figured that I owe the blog a picture of the car at some point. I changed the rims from 15"s to 17"s. It cost me but now I have to sell my old rims. They are nice but too small I thought. Oh well, thats that.

As for the latest, not much I guess depending on who you are to me. Life is going well. Work is having its ups and downs but you have to understand that it has nothing to do with how much I love my job (which I do a ton) but more the kind of success I am having with what I am trying to accomplish. The Truth...only time will tell. I am very optimistic though because I have been put by the grace of God in a position to succeed.

I guess it looks like I don't have much to say. I will come up with something when I get a chance. Something controversal...

Schiavo autopsy report backs husband - U.S. News - MSNBC.com

Schiavo autopsy report backs husband - U.S. News - MSNBC.com: "described "

Not a big fan of I told you so but...who am I kidding, I love those words to some degree. In this case, it is different because there are so many peoples' emotions involved whether right or wrong. Now that the autopsy has revealed that nothing could have changed Shiavo's situation, I hope this story can go to rest and everyone else move on. The autopsy did reveal what I believed all along. Read for yourself.

Ryan and Rachel's Wedding- Beautiful

I don't think I have ever called any wedding beautiful but I will this one because it truly was. Not that the others I had been to weren't but this one was personal. If you want to know who Ryan is, you would have to go to the pictures of me with the guy in the Basketball Jersey after my London trip. That is Ryan. Not to dwell on this, but Ryan is a class act. We nicknamed him LeBron because there was so much hype about him when he was single and he was the guy that every father wanted thier daughter to marry (even some that there daughters weren't of legal age yet).

I was Ryan's best man and I had a lot of fun being that. I tried to milk the publicity. Anyway, Ryan and I have been close friends especially over the last couple of years and I have known Rachel since day one of my being here and I wish them the very best. They will do incredible things for the Kingdom of God. It is awesome to watch two people that have kept themselves for each get married. That is lost in a culture where premarital relationships are the norm not the exception. I know that they will be blessed in all of it. Don't know what else to say about it. Oh, they had real food too at thier wedding a la pulled pork and brisket. It was great. Got to dance with several people which was fun. One person even paid me 50 cents to dance with me. I did show up spotting a bright red Celica and no bands on my fingers which made me a hot commodity for the young single girls and don't worry, I was able to get out alive.

Got my Celica- Rough Trip

I picked up my Celica and she is a beauty. Now I will be the first person to confess especially out of experience that nothing physical can ever satisfy long term and this car is not intended to do so. That said, she is still a beauty and I will love and enjoy driving till I get bored and want to get something else.

As for the trip, it was the longest I have ever done solo. I left Panama City and drove to Memphis. On my way there, I got caught in the huge storm. Folks, I hate to be dramatic but I could have easily been swept away by the storm. Visibility was zero at best and semi's and trailers and SUVs were parking under bridges to wait for the storm to pass. And no, I did not stop for one second even though the thought was constantly in my mind. I don't stop for anything usually not even to use the bathroom. The only thing I stopped for was gas and that was after 6 hrs of driving and about 430 miles after I started. Needless to say, I was (I can't beleive I am admitting this) scared sh**less. I prayed hard while speaking in tongues. However, there was a certain confidence that overcame and I knew in a moment that I couldn't die. I had a wedding to attend (which I will talk about later). More seriously, there was a sense in God that created boldness in me because I realised that I had more to do in life for the Kingdom.

Moving on past the storm, I got to Memphis safe and sound and stayed with some friends of mine that I grew up down the street from. I had not seen them in 6 or 7 years. It was good to see them again. Amazing how much we have all grown since then.

I left Memphis Friday morning around 6:30am and once again, I did not stop until I needed gas. By the time the entire trip was over, I had driven 1000.1 miles alone. I made it back safely thanks to God and I am not looking to travel anywhere by road anytime soon. Ask me about that in a week.

Finally...

This may sound a little bad but finally I have a contract in place to buy the car of my short term dreams. Not really a dreamy car but ever since the latest body style of the Toyota Celica came out in 1999, I have wanted one. I have never been able to afford it until this point so I decided, what the heck, do it now and get it out of your system. Yes I have found a 2000 Toyota Celica for a good deal that I am going to buy. My friends think I have a problem with commitment but who can blame them. This will only be my fourth car in as many years. I do see myself keeping this for longer than a year but we will place this one by ear and yes, no commitments.

Clipped Wings: Flying Dangerously Low

Dreams roll by
Eyes wide shut
Sleep, my desire
Serenity, my comfort

I’m flying again
Still in my dream
Is this a sign of things to come
Or things that have been

Eyes wide open
I see the nest above
Need to get there
But my wings are clipped

So I try flying
But I’m dangerously low
Prone to the elements
I used to be invincible

I know I’ll fly high again
When my healing comes
I know I’ll get better
When my clipped wings return

Y-Basketball League and back to writing (maybe)

As if my summer wasn't going to be busy enough, I joined a YMCA Summer Basketball league with a bunch of my buddies. Tonight was the first game and to put it lightly, we got creamed. It was fun. We looked like obstacles in the middle of a dunk contest. It will be interesting to say the very least but I will get some exercise doing it for sure.

Anyway, I may get back to writing some time this summer. I have found the time to do so and that is right before bed but unfortunately, I have hit my long season of writer's bloc (not that I am much of one anyway). Hopefully, I will get the chance to do some more writing. If not writing, maybe some reading and I am not the kind that has a reading list or asks for one. I sort of do it sponteneously.

I did write something a while ago about an Eagle. It is an unfinished work but I doubt that I will ever finish it. I will post it next. If someone is bored enough and wants to help me finish it, be my guest.