Lockdown 2: First Accident, Apartment Update and Pictures of Our Commute

It's election day again! Which means another lockdown but so far elections in large part seem to be going well. My parents also went out to vote this morning. They are unhappy they won't be around next weekend to vote in the Presidential Elections. They are off to London on business. Too bad there are no absentee ballots. I previously shared pictures of a major road during the shut down. Here's what it looks like early in the mornings before things get hectic.

Well, we made it through the week but Amy has spent a good chunk of the last 18 hours sleeping but hey, what's a good lockdown without catching up on sleep. I on the other hand have spent most of the afternoon trying to get her portable DVD player to work on her netbook and yes, I finally got it done. Now she can watch Matlock to her heart's content.

Back to my week...

To describe what driving or riding in a car in Lagos traffic is virtually impossible. You really have to see it, yet be in it to believe it. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. In fact sometimes, it's best to close your eyes (if you are riding) so that if you are involved in some fender bender or mild wreck, your body isn't so tense and thus reduces the effect of the said accident. Well, we were involved in our first accident this week. It happened Thursday on our way home from work. We had stopped during traffic and were rear ended by a "danfo" or minivan bus. We weren't expecting it which made the effects of the whiplash minimal. The damage to our vehicle was also minimal so no worries...

Another update is that we now have our apartment ready and we will be moving in tomorrow morning (which hopefully means before the end of the day) and maybe get a chance to finally unpack and begin the settlement process. I did ride over there to see it. Amy was busy so I tried to take pictures for her to em...enjoy.

Not to be so obvious but this is the kitchen

Living Room

Our Bedroom

View off the Patio

Large Patio

Now for those who don't know, we have opted to ride the boat to work to cut our commute whenever we can. I rode the boat during lunch back and forth when I went to check out our apartment and thought I should share which I will.

The US Embassy

Someone's Yatch

Traffic on my commute

More Traffic

Taxi service on my commute

Well that's it for now. I hope you all in Lagos got a chance to vote. And for you others elsewhere, have a pleasant Saturday. I believe I need to go pack up stuff to exit the parents tomorrow.

Day 1 in the Bag and Day 2 at hand

I should warn you all...chances are that by the time things get going and we settle in, it may get harder to keep up with blogging but I will do my best. Right now, it's our second day here and we are sitting waiting in someone's office. I am not sure Amy has much to do today other than do all the HR stuff this morning. I have that to do as well but I also have a 10am meeting.

A little review on day one. We came in around 8.15am. We were dressed in our Sunday's best but it felt more like the first day of school.There wasn't as much traffic as I was expecting going from Maryland to Apapa and that was nice. I think we spent more time trying to get into the facilities that it took to get there. We got in and set up shop in a conference room since we didn't know what was going on. We also ran into a guy also starting today. He's Indian but has lived here since he was a kid and basically grew up here. Anyway, we spent most of the day waiting and at the end of the day, we were given our assignments "as in" what our official roles in the company would be. We were also taken around and shown where our offices will be and the people we will be working with. Sadly, Amy and I will be occupying different offices and worse different buildings. Who am I kidding? Amy is probably delighted because she's been spending every waking moment with me (sans the personal times if you catch my drift) and she's probably looking forward to it.

We finished at work late yesterday. I think we didn't leave for home till about 7.30 and unsurprisingly, that isn't too uncommon here. In fact we showed up this morning around 8.15am today and we walked into a ghost zone in the admin office. Looks like most people (unless meetings are scheduled) don't make it into the offices till around 9am which is actually our official start time. Needless to say, we will be learning how it works around here so that we don't stroll in too early or too late.

Since we don't have a car and driver situation figured out, we have been leaning on my parent's for both and they have been very generous with us. They are supposed to be leaving the country this weekend so I am hoping our place will be ready by then and we can just ride the boat to work. When we do get our offices ready and our apartment, I will be sure to share some pictures with you guys.

Amy is doing fine...in fact she's quite popular around here. I don't like sharing but everyone keeps referring to her as "our wife" and at some point, I am going to have to tell them to refer to her as Ugo's wife...wait, that happens as well.

I should probably go do something productive. I think we might go check out the apartment today and see what kind of progress has been made and try not to annoy anyone today. I should go get ready for my meeting. One more thing...I think Henry would love this place which the ships and boats and trucks of all types running around here.

Lockdown...False Start

There was a city wide (and probably a nationwide) lockdown to allow for the Nation Assembly Elections to take place. The lockdown was in place from 6pm Friday to 6pm Saturday. Now, due to the challenges a third world country faces with credible elections, it isn't a bad idea to restrict movement other than those voting. The lockdown turned Lagos into a virtual ghost town. 

This is a view of a Major Highway in the City

Different Section of the Highway...there's typically neck breaking Traffic

Some neighbors heading to the polls

 

Well, this was a test of my will to take more pictures. Moving on...I was tempted to go driving because it was probably as good a situation I would be brave enough to drive in here. My folks said if I had an emergency vehicle, I could probably get to Victoria Island in 7 minutes versus the 2+ hour drive it typically is. 

All that said, the elections did go on as planned. Apparently, the supply of voter cards et al. didn't show up till so late in the day for many places. It has been rescheduled for tomorrow. Now, I could go on and on and rip the electoral officials (INEC) for all this wahala (trouble) but all the TV stations are doing a good job of that.

So what does this mean for us? NO WORK TOMORROW!!! Cue the party hats! Whoohoo! I called my boss and he said not to show up and instead to relax. Actually, I am not that excited because I was ready to get going. But on the other hand, I think Amy and I will walk around the neighborhood so that can go around without fear of being run over by crazy drivers. Here's to a safe Lockdown II.

In other news, my cousin whom I mentioned had been sick for a couple of weeks is doing much better. His fever is down and looks like he will be discharged from the hospital anytime soon. Amy is probably his new favorite person since she shared some of her candy with him this afternoon.

Before I sign off for today, I want to mention that we went to church with my parents today and we were prayed for by the entire church although I think the pastor leading the prayer was slightly confused he prayed that we would have a safe trip back. I hope that is not a sign...lol. We think about our church family often and pray for you guys as well. Thanks for all your support.

First Impressions...wait, I grew up here...

Firstly I would like to apologize to anyone following this blog...I am horrible at taking pictures and Amy is worse. So if you see several posts without pictures to keep your ADD in check, I am really sorry. It was hard when I had to transition to reading books that don't have pictures...ugh.

Anyway, so that you all know, we made it safely to Lagos. It was a fairly uneventful trip unless you count the dude who could barely walk to the gate to make the flight because he was so drunk. The flight kiosk lady checking him in asked if he had too much to drink and his response was that it was the cigarettes he had been smoking...yeah, I think the Marlboro Man will have what you're smoking.

So we made in in at 3.30pm local time which was 20mins ahead of schedule and after we went through the customary welcoming party that is the Nigerian Immigration Service and customs, we met my Dad who was there to pick us up. We stopped by a hospital where one of my cousins has been sick for two weeks and been in there for 5 days (pray for him if you will). He's only 8 but I do believe in the power of healing and I believe God's going to finish what He's started..

By now some of you on Facebook have noticed that Amy's been a little upset and homesick already. There have already been some trying moments but we believe that everything will get sorted out in due time but I don't want to go into all the gory details right now.

A few things I didn't miss about Lagos
- Traffic- If traffic were a person, I would probably be burning for the amount of hate I'd have towards Traffic. At one point, Amy and I decided it would be faster to get out of the car and walk to our destination and have Joseph (my dad's driver) meet us at there. We were right.

- Power Outages- From what I understand, it hasn't been too bad lately because of the upcoming elections.

A few things I missed- Home made Nigerian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and of course fresh Pineapple here. Amy said it right, it's a shock to find a bad one. Still haven't had any suya since I have been back which is some kind of record.

Tomorrow is parliamentary elections and there is a virtual lock down in the city by law so we will be spending all of tomorrow indoors. I guess it's a good thing I have the interwebs to keep us company. In fact, we were able to catch up on American Idol through our DVR thanks to Slingbox. I want to thank you all for the love and support you've shown us and we will continue to be in touch.

Legacy and Last full Day in Pittsburg

Amy and I had every intention of making it to Chapel this morning. That is until last night when we didn't get to bed till after midnight and we then decided to pass. Well, I got up shortly after 8am and felt that I needed to still go and I told Amy she should stay in bed. Well, that didn't happen and we made it to Chapel albeit late.

I had initially forgotten why we decided to go till we got there and then I remembered it was David Gray that invited us and I am now do glad we did. David had us explain a little to the kids more of what was going on and then he had them pray for us. While we were speaking, it hit me that this is another example of what legacy looks like...the children of the house sending off older siblings and I know that one day we will get the chance to do the same to them when they are older regardless of what their callings are i.e. to this local house or to a different and whatever community God has them serve.

Well, I appreciate the send off. It was right and it gave me a chance to say "see you later" and hug on a lot of the kids I have been privileged to watch be raised in this house and some I have had the chance to teach in Children's church over the last several years. I didn't grow up here but as David said, it is in this house I became a man. If Jesus tarries, I want to see these kids grow up giving themselves to the purposes of God all their lives. Oh and thanks Micah for the pictures...

Well, today is our last full day in Pittsburg. I am off to the YMCA to get some last basketball time in and to also fight off this cold.

Last Day at Work

So it's my last day and as you can probably imagine, it's been a busy one. Here are a few highlights so far...

8.08am - Arrived to work- late because I had to give Amy a ride to work since we sold her car

8.09am - Discovered the wonderful card that my colleagues left for me on my desk...I didn't cry. 

 
8.15am - 10.15am - Moped around the office wishing someone brought donuts to work since it was my last day.

10.16am - Was invited to the Kitchen where I discovered that my co-workers had cake for me. I thought for sure they would have that Monday celebrating my departure. It was a scrumptious cake with whipped frosting. Second Ice Cream frosting, it's my favorite. 

11.51am - Left for the YMCA to get some hoop in since I've been eating like I'm leaving for the Biggest Loser Ranch next week...ugh.

1.45pm - Made it back to the office for the last time as an employee here.

2.00pm - My last lunch finished...Leftover Subway from yesterday. Actually it belonged to Amy but she never ate it.

2.01am - 2.05am - Starting packing my stuff...really didn't take that long. Just some documents and a picture of Amy as well as my well traveled Name Plate I got when I worked at the University. It will be making the trip across the Atlantic. 

2.05am - Post time - Blogging about all the stuff I did today

So far, I would say it's been a pretty good day. I even got an email from Aflac saying they were sending me another check for $175 for the physical therapy I had to do for the bulging disc in my back. Unfortunately, that email was countered by the bill from the Physical Therapist which came into the mail today...Even Steven. I feel like Jerry Seinfeld in "The Opposite".

I want to thank everyone that I have had the opportunity to work with here at Martinous Produce Company. It really does make a difference when your co-workers at least tolerate you. All jokes aside, it has really been a pleasure. I will miss the 5 minute drive each way and embrace a two hour drive instead. Anyway, that's all I got. I'm out.

Introspective Tuesday

For whatever reason I am in a very strange mood. I think the reality that my current reality is about to change in a major way in a few short days is starting to set in. I am typically very measured in the way I approach life...I don't get too high or too low and I especially try not to over think my situations. Don't think about the shot...just take the shot.

So when days like today come about where I start to think too much, I am usually caught off guard...Moving across continents is a lot of change only a year after marrying my best friend and co-adventurer. Amy is handling it quite well which is great. I think what I need to do is put all this in light of eternity. I just realized that I haven't even read my bible today. Maybe it will help me...I hope so.

Anyway, I want to add something...I am truly blessed and for that I am truly grateful. Several friends are planning to and some have already paid me a visit making long drives to say "see you later". Someday, I want to be that good a friend but I am truly thankful. I am also thankful for a lot of encouraging words I have heard lately. Many have been very timely and the prayer are obviously immeasurable in their effect.

One more thinking...telling me "I already miss you" really sucks because it reminds me that I am leaving and makes me get as close to emotional as I may ever get so...stop it. Say something else...please.

3 weeks to Lift Off

Well, it is getting more official i.e. flights booked, clothes sorted and donated, one vehicle on the market (and hopefully soon to be sold) and a replacement hired at work. Right now, I have lost my office and reside in the room with all the servers. Bah...I feel like I am unclean and have been quarantined for the safety of others.

Some people have asked about our actual departure date. It is the 30th of March and regardless of how hard I try, I can't seem to slow it down. Over the next few weeks before we leave, I will add a few pictures of what our life might look like in Lagos i.e. where we will live and work and maybe some pictures from our recent past trips. Here are a few...

I am sure we will have many more as time goes on. Here are a few more pictures from our trip in November.

I will add one more...this is the balcony (or whatever you guys call it here) of our soon to be apartment.

Things are going to be different

I guess in my little way, I have been avoiding a few recent realities in my life. Realities that maybe I should have seen coming but somehow I never did. You see, you just never know which way God is going to take you when you serve Him the best you know how and listen for what He says and He has a way of shaking things up when you least expect it.

That all said, in case you didn't know, Amy and I will be moving to Lagos, Nigeria for a couple of years. We really believe this is what we are supposed to do in this season. I'd love to go into all of it now but it's probably no the forum for that. What I can say is that it was a decision made after lots of prayer and fasting by many including Amy and I. In the end, we felt in our spirit that it was the right thing to do.

Pittsburg, Ks will still be home to us and Covenant Harvest will still be our church family. In fact, we plan to be around hopefully several weeks a year. We should be back in July for a couple of weeks and sometime in December for about a month.

I will try to blog more often and chronicle our experiences and the journey. For now, I will spend the last 35 days or so spending time with friends and family and finishing up things at work before we split. You know, I always figured Amy and I would spend our first anniversary in some foreign country...little did I know, it would be a place I called home (and still do) for the first 16 years of my life.

I want to thank all those who have walked with us through this process, as well of many of you who I may or may not have know that were praying for us throughout this period. We will need you now more than ever in this season.

At this rate...

The last time I wrote anything on here was back in August and before that, May. So at this rate, this might be my only piece of writing this year. But I won't dwell on the past.

I have some pretty big decisions to make. Well, it's 80% made. Several people know what it is but I won't go on and on till the deed is done but I just felt the urge to write out my current thoughts. So, this is will likely be another incoherent psychobabble but if you are reading this, maybe you are into that.

My father-in-law Chris told Amy and I that we are pioneers that have become settlers and while that's probably true, I ask myself, why does settling have such a bad rap. This sounds silly but I like my life as it is. It's comfortable, predictable and without much that is uncontrollable. I know that an insurers dream but is that the stage of life I should find myself?

One of the biggest questions I have had to ask myself is, "Am I content or complacent?" Is is possible to be both? Well, depending on how things turn out, it's about to get uncomfortable. In praying and fasting about the next steps, we believe it's time to shake things up. We don't think it is time to be settlers and that season will come but not isn't it.

Obviously, there are practical and pragmatic things to consider but this moment, I am more interested in the abstract. I am grateful to God for all the voices in my life. I truly am...but the one voice that matters most is His. And His I will follow...by faith.

Cain, Esau, Saul...

Lately, I have been feeling more like Cain than Abel, Esau than Jacob, Saul than David...basically, I have been feeling more like the villain and the worst is that as hard as I try, I can seem to get out of my own way.

I have been conversing with God or at least, I have been trying to and the scripture that came to my spirit was - Luke 11:4- Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

And really that's where my head is...I don't want to be stuck in place like Cain, Esau and Saul were and so I asked God- "Please deliver me from evil!" And this was the response I got back- Gen :4v 6-7 So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

"Lord, I am trying but this is the part I suck at. The part where I have to lay down my pride and admit that there is even a problem."

Now, that sounds crazy, right? Well, not if you know me. You see, I am not good at very many things but one thing I am good at is ignoring anything or anyone I don't like. It's not really the best way to live life but I have used it to successful (in my mind at least) get through problems, issues. If there is a problem, I ignore it. In fact, when I was a kid, I ignored a fractured leg for almost a week...a whole week till I couldn't walk any more...because of that decision, I spent 26 days on a hospital bed because I made it worse and a cast wouldn't do.

So this is me admitting where I've been the last few days.

"Lord, I am going to try my best to fix...no, to let you lay hold of me and have your way. But please in the mean time, lead me not into temptation and deliver me from evil especially while it's staring at me every time I look in the mirror."

46 Days and Counting...Counting Up, that is...

According to my records, Amy and I have been married for 46 days and so far, it's been great (not like I would say otherwise if it wasn't but it really has been). My thoughts are probably not much more different than too many newly weds. However, I guess I can just list a few observations of the last 50 days...

- My whole family being here was enough to make me uber emotional but I am not the teary eyed type. However, God through the whole process blew every expectation I had away.

- I may be bias but I'd have to say that we had the hottest wedding party EVER...yeah, I said it.

- We couldn't have asked for better weather. In fact, The Weather Channel rated it a 10/10

- I miss Hawaii

- I loved being single but I don't miss it

- Wedding Gifts fall into one of four categories...cash/gift cards (best), gifts off registry (hopefully duplicates to convert into the aforementioned cash, non-registered gifts that are a pleasant surprise, non-registered gifts that are regiftables...all are appreciated.

- Did I mention that I miss Hawaii

- I am adjusting to sharing a bed...going a lot better than I expected

- I have found out many things that I like that I didn't know I liked until Amy told me just how much I liked i.e. Chef Salad

- Toilet seat cover/lid down EVERY TIME...got it. Oops.

- It's going to be a while before I figure out this whole wearing a ring thing. I am trying.

- God's grace + God's face = Rocking Marriage.

To be honest, I really still don't know much about this whole marriage thing but I am working to learn as best as I can. There have been many experiences in these 46 days that I am glad I married someone who is a great friend and someone I have known for that long and most importantly, someone who loves God more than she loves me.

Everyone needs a little chaos so they can have a story to tell

It's hard to really get beneath the surface with anyone and get into a deep conversation without finding out just how much struggle there is through this life. It just seems like the harder the try to do right, the tougher the roads are. But that makes sense, right? I mean, there is more friction when you walk on a rough surface.

Sometimes, the questions is why...why do we have to keep struggling through all of it? We ask God..."Why can't it just be easy for me this once? Just one time, God?" And sometimes I hear back..."It's because I want you to testify". In other words, He wants me to have a story to tell.

I was reminded of this talking to Aeriole this morning. I am sure it can't be easy carving out a new life and all the uncertainties that come with it. But it is with all of us regardless of the stage of lives...struggles. Now we can blame Adam and Eve for sinning or we can do what Joy reminds us to do...Find God in the midst of it. And I bet He'll say something along this lines to you while He graces you with His love and presence - "Everyone needs a little chaos so they can have a story to tell."

It's 12 days to my wedding and I ask Amy almost everyday if she understands what she's getting into with me and she asks me the same question. It's been an interesting journey to say the least...a few vehicle problems, ran out of gas once and almost killed each other when we got lost (or em...misplaced). But there has also been many exits filled with friends and family along the way that helped us stay on track. For that, I am eternally grateful to all of you.

A couple of more pictures that didn't make the cut...

Kerri Butler, an amazing upstart photographer (book her early and often) took our engagement pictures. She didn't an amazing job and for the record, I ruined most of the pictures. Here are a couple of other that didn't make it past the cutting room floor.

I like the second one a lot...but Amy wasn't crazy about what her fingers were doing. I am not sure too many people would have noticed them but since I again ruined the rest of them, I gave in.

Anyway, there are a few more somewhere...if I can get past the embarrassing faces I was making, I will post them. One more thing...in my defense, it was like 45 below zero when we were taking the pictures and keeping a straight face was just not that easy.

Marriage Counseling - 65 Days to Go

So if you are killing time reading this, you might want to find a new hobby. I'd say job but the job market is really lousy right now so I'll stick to hobby. If you know me, you probably already know that I will be taking the "plunge" pretty soon. What you probably don't know if that I actually have an app on my iPhone that is helping me count down.

Every so often, someone says to me, "April 10, that's coming up" or some variation of that. And my reply either vocally or internally is...not soon enough. That said, Amy and I began marriage counseling a week ago and I just wanted to blab about that for a bit.

I don't know much about marriage because unlike riding a bicycle, I have never done it before. Now, I understand that at the every least my life is going to change. However, this is one of those times that I wish I could document a season or the changing of the season with a little more artistic fortitude. I would love to get out a video camera and travel the world asking people for their advice on marriage. Now, I have a wealth of people to look up to and no doubt that there will be an abundance of resources to pool from thanks to God, his word and the people He placed in my life.

Since I can't do that, I think God that what He has provided in the likes of the Lotterer's, Parish's and Kreighbaum's is more than sufficient. Why 3 couples you ask? Well, I am sure there are things they want to learn from us. That last part was a joke.

Have any advice or preliminary words of wisdom you'd like to share, I am all ears. By the way, ladies and singles, feel free to give me your thoughts as well.

Terror Squad

Sometimes, I like to get lost in the meaningless things in life like Converse...Here's the updated look of the "Terror Squad".

Yes, you can say I have a problem. No, I don't. It's not like I have names for each of them individually. That would be ridiculous, right? Haha...who would do such a thing.

The 5th Annual Predictions Sure to go Wrong....2010 Edition

It is back...the often imitated but never duplicated Annual Predictions Sure to go Wrong. This will be the fifth edition. If you are keeping score, over the first four years, I have managed to go 45.5/71 for a 64.08% clip. I'd say that's pretty good. That doesn't include the predictions that came through the subsequent years but I digressed.

So before I get with this year's list, I just want to go through the rules again. This is in large part light hearted. I am not a prophet or psychic or something crazy. I just like to em...take a peak at a few things and make calls. Many of these are sports related while others personal. So here are your predictions...

1. We'll start with the economy. The Unemployment rate is stop rising and in fact start falling and by the time this year is over, it will be under 10%.

2. Apple (shockingly) comes out with yet another version of the iPhone as they continue to maintain their role as most popular smart phone and I will sit this one out.

3. Ndamukong Suh will be the first pick of the NFL Draft beating out the temptation for the St. Louis Rams to pick Jimmy Clausen. Bonus pick...Tim Tebow gets drafted in the Top 2 rounds.

4. I will take the GMAT (maybe twice) and I will score over 600 points! This is actually a prayer

5. Facebook goes Public so Mark Zuckerberg can reap the profits of his hard work.

6. The Kansas Jayhawks will win the 2010 NCAA Tournament! Book it!

7. The San Diego Chargers win the Superbowl! I make this pick every year and I figure that it is bound to happen in my lifetime...right? Wow...crickets.

8. I hate this call but I'll make it anyway...The New York Yankees repeat as World Series Champs

9. Finally, I break my 4+ year streak and leave the borders...overseas baby! Please, happen, please! PLEASE!

10. Another of my many friends that I have stood by during their nuptials will be an expecting parent (excluding those currently expecting). Trust me, there is something in the water...that is as soon as this snow crap dissipates.

11. Republicans won't like me for this one...it's not really a political statement but it has political implications...Another Supreme Court seat opens up.

12. Brett "Grandpa" Favre comes to the NFL for the 2010 NFL Season and remains a Viking

13. LeBron James defies conventional wisdom and rather than bolt for a bigger media market, re-ups with your Cleveland Cavs for lots of cash!

14. I will finally stop shuffling my feet and apply to get into a PhD program...maybe Arkansas, North Carolina, somewhere in Texas...but I will take that next step.

15. Now...this bold prediction is concerning the BCS Championship tonight. Now, I am 4/4 in my predictions on this game since I started. I have a saying...when in doubt, go with the team bigger, stronger and faster. That team will be Alabama. They are to good, too fast and too complete not to dominate the line of scrimmage from start to finish.

Perhaps the only position Texas is better is the QB position. There is just no way Texas wins this game. *Sigh* That said, you know where this is going. You know who I am going to pick and you know it is not Alabama. My head says the Crimson Tide but the intangibles tell me pick Texas. The #2 team has won 6/7 BCS Championships. The last Heisman winner to win a BCS Championship in the same year was 2005 USC Trojans with Matt Leinart. The last 3 have whiffed. So, I am going to defy all things reasonable and go with the Longhorns.

So...there you have it. 15 predictions sure to go wrong. Am I crazy...insane, on the money? Let me have it...

An Ode to Facebook- My Favorite Status Updates of the Year

Pardon me while I indulge myself. I recently read Kerri's Blog as she chronicled a year's worth of information written in her planner and I thought I should take a peak back myself. Now, I do have a planner but I am not that dedicated to it. However, Facebook allows us the chance to look back at our status updates and I thought to go through them and find out the more intriguing one chronologically. First I must warn...my stuff isn't going to be as meaningful and as deep as Kerri's. So here we go...

Jan 01 2009 - Ugo Alexander Nwagwu (UAN) is happily at work!
Jan 09 2009 - UAN is predicting a Gator repeat for next year!
Jan 12 2009 - UAN had an amazing God Weekend in Omaha
Jan 20 2009 - UAN is trying to weigh his "can do" with God's "should do"

Feb 10 2009 - UAN just got done screaming around the block with his nephew! Best lunch break in a long while!
Feb 12 2009 - UAN wants to be in good hands
Feb 12 2009 - UAN thinks being in good hands is too expensive
Feb 25 2009 - UAN with a cold stare and ice running through his veins slew the 4 Headed Dragon. Let 02/24/09 live in infamy as the day he conquered the CPA!

Mar 5 2009 - UAN is going to bed before 12.30am for the third straight day...if you text him, he'll hurt you!
Mar 16 2009 - UAN is going fishing. Yeah...say what?
March 30 2009 - UAN is having a fiesta of previously unfelt emotions after his nephew called him Uncle today! What is this salty liquid discharge coming from his eyes?

April 2 2009 - UAN is wondering why life's giving him the finger today
April 8 2009 - UAN traded in the Celica. Goodbye Celica...as far as cars go, you were his first true love :'(

May 5 2009 - UAN loves the IRS
May 15 2009 - UAN won two tickets to a Rascal Flatts concert playing Bingo last night. Hey, doesn't matter the game, he plays to win.
May 27 2009 - UAN can't help but smile as the Red Devils burn in hell...sorry, Rome.

June 5 2009 - UAN just had two doughnuts; one to celebrate National Doughnut Day and the other to help heal his ailing ego.
June 16 2009 - UAN wants to keep reading Isaiah 40:12-31 over and over and over again...
June 23 2009 - UAN got his nightly beatdown from Zyrtec and now he is paying the price. Good thing he has nasty Folgers to dull the pain.

July 4 2009 - UAN holds these truths to be self evident; that all men were created equally and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights...
July 7 2009 - UAN is about to go under but unlike Sarah Palin's political career, he'll be back up better than ever...Seriously, thanks for all your prayers.
July 28 2009 - UAN is jumping off the Vikings sinking ship!

Aug 3 2009 - UAN decided to try one session of P90x...now he's not sure that program was ever intended for humans.
Aug 7 2009 - UAN had the best jambalaya ever at Mother's! Wow..next up is Cafe du Monde. Oh, yeah it was great to see his sister again!
Aug 11 2009 - UAN just played his first game of basketball since his knee surgery...knee hurts like a mother...hit the game winner which makes it worth it.
Aug 18 2009 - UAN is re-booking his seat on the Minnesota Vikings Bandwagon as sources are strongly indicating FAVRE COULD BE SIGNING!

Sep 9 2009 - UAN is watching the clock at 09:09 on 09/09/09
Sep 21 2009 - UAN "The summer days are gone too soon, you shoot the moon, and miss completely...Now the fall is here again, you can't begin to give in..."
Sep 30 2009 - UAN wonders why raw tomatoes taste like laundry detergent to him.

Oct 12 2009 - UAN would like to lay his hands on the punk that stole his iPhone!
Oct 13 2009 - UAN has a schedule for a deep tissue massage at noon today...hopefully "Gretchen" can pound out the knots in his back.
Oct 15 2009 - UAN has a suggestion for all the billing companies that want me to go paperless...make it worth my time i.e. deduct the cost of mailing my bill (you know the 44cents) from my bill and we will be in business.
Oct 22 2009 - UAN is installing the new Windows 7. So geeked up right now!
Oct 31 2009 - UAN is a P90x graduate with a 70 consecutive days workout streak.

Nov 4 2009 - UAN loves the perks of working at a fresh produce company! Honey Crisp? Don't mind if I do!
Nov 6 2009 - UAN loves the Black Jack Taco from Taco Bell!
Nov 19 2009 - UAN has Facebook Status Update Writers Block
Nov 23 2009 - UAN woke up this morning to three little birds outside his door step singing sweet songs of melody pure and true - "Don't worry about a thing; Cause every little thing is gonna be alright."

Dec 1 2009 - UAN had a dream last night about giving his grandmother a hug. It was actually quite moving.
Dec 10 2009 - UAN "Alea iacta est"
Dec 21 2009 - UAN "Knowing you Jesus; there is no greater thing."
Dec 28 2009 - UAN is looking foward to Brunch with Phil, Jake and Jon

Wow...what a year...what a life. If you are reading this, you are probably a part of that life and I thank you.

Deperate People

You cross the great divide, You took our place
You offered up Your life, for we have failed
The veil was torn and love remained
You are holy Lord

Distraction costs us, how we seek Your face
We offer up our lives to bring You praise
A love the walls cannot contain
You are holy Lord

We're rising up in spirit and in truth
A living sacrifice we worship You
People undivided Lord hear us sing
We are Yours and You are our King

This is our love
Hearts joined as one
Desperate for all You are
Lord break down these walls
And see how we love
Desperate for all You are
We chase Your heart

We didn't come to leave here entertained
Or worship under any other name
We're crying out for You alone
You are holy Lord

We're rising up in spirit and in truth
A living sacrifice we worship You
People undivided Lord hear us sing
We are Yours and You are our king

This is our love
Hearts joined as one
Desperate for all You are
Lord break down these walls
And see how we love
Desperate for all You are
We chase Your heart

Show us the way to Your heart

We found our voice
We found our cause
We're on our knees, the carpet's worn
We join our hearts
With distant shores sing to You Lord

This is our love
Hearts joined as one
Desperate for all You are
Lord break down these walls
And see how we love
Desperate for all You are
This is our love
Hearts joined as one
Desperate for all You are
Lord break down these walls
And see how we love
Desperate for all You are
We chase your heart
We chase your heart

Hillsong United. "Desperate People"