Wednesday 29 August 2012
Still under Lost Notes.......
Soliloquy
In my mind's eye,i have always viewed myself through other people's eyes...never before had i thought to examine myself through my own view-thats if i have one-I have dreamt tall dreams,achieved so little,and began to question the reason for my existence.In philosophical antiquity,the goal of every man in life is to achieve happiness in the end...Must i get to my end before i attain eternal happiness?My philosophy is that man should work towards making others happy because its only in so doing dat man can experience real happiness.The question of morality may not be all important in the determination of the outcome of a man's life.
When would i be what i want to be?When would i be able to do things to make other people happy in order to attain my own happiness?It is not enough to possess all and yet impact so little in the lives of others...I cant even remember when last i bought my parents gifts for being such good guardians......God willing i have got just 2yrs to go in my first hurdle towards greatness...the struggle has only just begun. I find that i am yet unready to face my ambitions...my mind is indeed not as sharp as i'd want it to be....i dont see any action of mine dat depicts any atom of future greatness....I am nothing but a lowly charlatan,who only wishes i knew what i wanted....this does not mean that i am devoid of aspirations; I have got so many that my calling eludes me....I guess one day when my soliloquy nears its end,i'd have discoverd my true purpose in vida.
Its my way of saying am speechless.....The words seem to av eluded me,and my mind is almost blank.Thats y am writing this note; that it may be said dat she tried,but the words just wouldnt come! I really dont know what else to do right now,i seem to have lost all options of relaxation,so this note seems to be the perfect escape.That i may not think so much that i begin to think rubbish,i write this note....I have never been in such a situation in ma recent years....I have discovered that i am losing focus.Must i live with this curse? Why didnt i come wiv d goats or fishes? Or better yet,the lion or the twins? Instead i chose to come wiv d scales! *scoffs* thats my greatest cross ever! I really love my person but then i hate it at times.....I cant even stand up to 'em trash talkers! I av lost my tongue cuz my heart is thinking for my head! Jeez! I need some kinda shock therapy...someone to slap my face and shake me so vigorously my head would spin! Must i continue to act like a lamb? To thread softly 4d fear of being trodden upon? Hmmm......suru laye gba! Na so dem talk,but i don do suru i don dey gba iwosi....hmmm
Lost Notes.....
Prim, Proper and Preposterous
Its been quite a while since i posted a note on here,and believe me,a whole lot has happened to me during this long and bumpy break...well what can i say,i have experienced a whole lot of highs and lows...plus my days of emotional distress are seemingly far behind me..(i hope).In the beginning i was nothing short of a naive little school girl,didnt know my left from my right...always wanted to look and act right and in the process,i appeared to many as a S.U...(a somewhat derogatory pseudonym for a more or less "socially lifeless" person). I must add here that my life followed this pattern for a long time in school....i eventualy became a "semi-geek" in school...As Prim as i thought i was,i must say i never really did what was proper at all times....*raised eyebrows,scratching my chin* Well,i found solace in facebook,and my alter ego became my bestfriend...somehow,i became so engrossed in cyber life..and of course,my Nokia3110c(God bless its soul..if it has one) suffered greatly for this...
The Proper thing i should have done though was to keep my private life private...but what can i say,we all get carried away and say all thats in our hearts where we think nobody knows us....My notes are indeed a reflection of my deepest thoughts...things i probably wont say to those i see as close...Well,during my absence,i shed the bloody excess baggage my heart had erstwhile accomodated...yep,and then exactly three months after....him,you know...Well,absurd would be the right adjective to use in describing my actions during the period after...Lord knows how many times i thought i was so in the ditch...I had almost vowed never to fall again,the idea to me was just preposterous....oh well i guess i'd just have to get used to this new nature of mine....
Love u all, my next note would come soon...this is me in a bloody nutshell...
P.S-No literary laurels in mind while writing this...just freestyling!
Friday 3 August 2012
From London with Not so Much Love.....
The social media was agog last night with various comments mostly from Nigerians who were disappointed with the dismal outing of the country's basketball team in their game against the American team last night. From the beginning of the game in the First quarter, up until the final quarter, the game was dominated by the American team who proved to be the better side at the end of the game. The Americans thrashed their Nigerian opponents 156-73, which is the most humiliating defeat suffered by any one team in basketball at the Olympics! An 83-point win, destroying the 72-point record set by Team USA over Thailand
in the 1956 Olympics. And, perhaps most impressively, 156 total points,
destroying the record set by Brazil in the 1988 tourney.
It was a little one-sided.
It should be recalled that it was barely two days before that game that saw Nigeria get defeated by Lithuania in yet another group game.
Since the London Olympics 2012 began on the 27th of July, and the games kicked off the day after, the Nigerian team is yet to record any wins in any of the sports in which they have participated... While it might still be too early to completely rule out the possibilities of winning any medals at the games, it is important to note that there has really been a limit on the kinds of sport in which the country has fielded athletes. A lot still needs to be done to improve sports in Nigeria. It is quite disappointing that the "Giant of Africa" is yet to pick any medals in this year's Olympics, considering the fact that it is not the first the country is attending. Talking of the basketball team, one needs to ask, when did they begin to train for the Olympics? that's assuming they did train at all..... When would the giant of Africa realize that it is important to invest in sports? When would we stop relying on foreign-based players who probably train from their personal accounts to bring home medals for us? Last nights basketball game was indeed more than a thrashing, it was a statement....
With Athletics beginning today, Nigerians are hoping that the country would be placed on the medals table, we can only watch and wait.. Hopefully we would not be out shined by athletes from countries that know the value of sports.......
It was a little one-sided.
It should be recalled that it was barely two days before that game that saw Nigeria get defeated by Lithuania in yet another group game.
 |
| U.S.A's Kobe Bryant doing his thing while Nigeria's Obasohan and fellow teammate look on |
Since the London Olympics 2012 began on the 27th of July, and the games kicked off the day after, the Nigerian team is yet to record any wins in any of the sports in which they have participated... While it might still be too early to completely rule out the possibilities of winning any medals at the games, it is important to note that there has really been a limit on the kinds of sport in which the country has fielded athletes. A lot still needs to be done to improve sports in Nigeria. It is quite disappointing that the "Giant of Africa" is yet to pick any medals in this year's Olympics, considering the fact that it is not the first the country is attending. Talking of the basketball team, one needs to ask, when did they begin to train for the Olympics? that's assuming they did train at all..... When would the giant of Africa realize that it is important to invest in sports? When would we stop relying on foreign-based players who probably train from their personal accounts to bring home medals for us? Last nights basketball game was indeed more than a thrashing, it was a statement....
 |
| Team Nigeria at the London Olympics 2012 |
With Athletics beginning today, Nigerians are hoping that the country would be placed on the medals table, we can only watch and wait.. Hopefully we would not be out shined by athletes from countries that know the value of sports.......
Thursday 2 August 2012
.........
Dear Ben,
Its amazing how time flies, it seems like it was only just yesterday you decided to embark on that trip, you had stars in your eyes that morning. It had been a really bumpy road for us, all those times when you would lie with your head on my lap, sharing your dreams and hopes, listening to me while i talked of my passions and aspirations. It was you who taught me to dream, to believe in anything i set my heart on. We would sit and soak garri, with suya, hoping that one day everything would be alright. I remember the day you came back from work with the news. I was beyond elated.... All i could think of was the smile on your face, the joy you exuded at the thought of being offered a new position at your place of work. Hmm..... Ben, i called everyone.... everyone in my family had to hear that finally, the man whom i loved and adored, the one whom everyone thought was incapable of getting a good job, had finally gotten one! At a reputable firm at that!.
Baby, i was happy for you, above all, i was proud of you... Finally we were going to have enough money to have that dream wedding we had always dreamed of... I had already began to tell my friends to get ready to buy my aso ebi. You said you needed to travel, you wanted to report at your new position in Abuja, i guess i was to excited about the prospects of finally tying the knots with you that i did not think to suggest that i accompany you.......It would have been a better fate for me than having to write this dreadful letter.
I shouldn't have encouraged you to take that job..I remember when i dropped you at the airport, all i could think to say was "buy me something nice"...... How stupid..... I should have asked you to make sure you return to me in one piece.... I should have hugged you tightly and kissed you. I should have taken a picture of that smile that always brought warmth to my heart...I should have told you that you were going to be a father soon... maybe you'd have delayed the trip. When i heard the news at the salon i thought.....this must be a joke. I dialed your number all through the afternoon, but it could not be reached. Not knowing what to do, i ran all the way home.....yes love, i ran.... Turned on the tv in time to see the list of names of those who had died on that flight..... That was when it hit me.... I just stared blankly at the tv screen.... The whole world seemed to be spinning at that moment.... Ben..... you should have stayed with me... You promised that you were going to be around!!!!!! Why did you have to go so soon????
Each day since that day feels unreal to me, your folks had me see a shrink.... he insisted i write you everyday to ease the pain..... I don't know how to explain how i feel.I lost the baby Ben, am sorry... I was too weak from my grief i made it suffer.. We would have been married almost 5months by now.... I miss you Ben... I miss you.... Please come back.
Yours forever,
Sharon
Its amazing how time flies, it seems like it was only just yesterday you decided to embark on that trip, you had stars in your eyes that morning. It had been a really bumpy road for us, all those times when you would lie with your head on my lap, sharing your dreams and hopes, listening to me while i talked of my passions and aspirations. It was you who taught me to dream, to believe in anything i set my heart on. We would sit and soak garri, with suya, hoping that one day everything would be alright. I remember the day you came back from work with the news. I was beyond elated.... All i could think of was the smile on your face, the joy you exuded at the thought of being offered a new position at your place of work. Hmm..... Ben, i called everyone.... everyone in my family had to hear that finally, the man whom i loved and adored, the one whom everyone thought was incapable of getting a good job, had finally gotten one! At a reputable firm at that!.
Baby, i was happy for you, above all, i was proud of you... Finally we were going to have enough money to have that dream wedding we had always dreamed of... I had already began to tell my friends to get ready to buy my aso ebi. You said you needed to travel, you wanted to report at your new position in Abuja, i guess i was to excited about the prospects of finally tying the knots with you that i did not think to suggest that i accompany you.......It would have been a better fate for me than having to write this dreadful letter.
I shouldn't have encouraged you to take that job..I remember when i dropped you at the airport, all i could think to say was "buy me something nice"...... How stupid..... I should have asked you to make sure you return to me in one piece.... I should have hugged you tightly and kissed you. I should have taken a picture of that smile that always brought warmth to my heart...I should have told you that you were going to be a father soon... maybe you'd have delayed the trip. When i heard the news at the salon i thought.....this must be a joke. I dialed your number all through the afternoon, but it could not be reached. Not knowing what to do, i ran all the way home.....yes love, i ran.... Turned on the tv in time to see the list of names of those who had died on that flight..... That was when it hit me.... I just stared blankly at the tv screen.... The whole world seemed to be spinning at that moment.... Ben..... you should have stayed with me... You promised that you were going to be around!!!!!! Why did you have to go so soon????
Each day since that day feels unreal to me, your folks had me see a shrink.... he insisted i write you everyday to ease the pain..... I don't know how to explain how i feel.I lost the baby Ben, am sorry... I was too weak from my grief i made it suffer.. We would have been married almost 5months by now.... I miss you Ben... I miss you.... Please come back.
Yours forever,
Sharon
Minerva's Musings: Scary Stories from the skies.......
Minerva's Musings: Scary Stories from the skies.......: As a child i held the belief that people who went on trips using air transport were in a league of their own.. In fact, i used to believe th...
Scary Stories from the skies.......
As a child i held the belief that people who went on trips using air transport were in a league of their own.. In fact, i used to believe that they were much more privileged to opt for air travel instead of going to their destinations by road. I had painted this sublime picture of air travel, where the passenger is king and is doted on by the cabin crew, air hostesses at your beck and call, comfortable seats, depending on how you love to fly, as well as wholesome snacks and some souvenirs from the flight. Till date, i still have not had the opportunity to fly anywhere, as even my short trips around the country have been done by road. i have always been fascinated about the idea of traveling by air though, and i couldn't help asking friends and family who have experienced it how they feel about air transportation in Nigeria.
Now, we know there are different carriers in the country, we have Arik Air, Aero Contractors, the recently grounded Air Nigeria, Dana Airlines, Overland Airlines, IRS Airlines and a few other local airlines in the country that shuttle between specific routes in the country. Now, most of these carriers operate flight schedules that are meant to cater to the somewhat high demand for air transportation as the preferred choice by commuters especially on long distance journeys. My questions to my friends and family who had on some occasions been passengers on some local flights by various carriers were mostly towards the area of hospitality. I was itching to know how comfortable people really are flying to their various destinations when the need arises. The retorts i got were far from encouraging, and i am really not looking forward to hopping on a plane soon.
A striking recurring complaint i encountered while asking questions was the fact that some carriers are notorious for delays. In more cases than one, there have been complaints about the lateness of these airlines especially when a flight has been scheduled for a particular time. There was one particularly pathetic case of a flight that was scheduled for 9am that did not take off till about 4pm in the afternoon. In this case, no serious explanation was given for the delay and passengers were made to tarry at the airport for the plane to even arrive before even thinking of embarking on the flight!. In such a case, one begins to wonder what these airlines really stand for especially in their approach to the treatment of passengers.
Another complaint was on the way planes are used by some airlines. It is sad to note that a single plane can b used to cover almost 4 round trips in a day to and fro local flights and not undergo any routine checks on landing. One person told me of a flight of his which had been delayed for almost 4 hours after the scheduled take off time, on the arrival of the plane, the pilot was said to have dropped the passengers from the previous trip, turned the plane around and "loaded" the new passengers aboard, and off he went!. This is not only sad, it is scary! The thought of embarking on a trip on a plane only to be ferried like am entering a "molue" is certainly not appealing.
I was equally shocked to hear that one would have to pay for refreshments on the flight too. A flight from Lagos to Abuja on a normal airline would cost between 20k-25k, depending on the carrier you patronize, and the flights take nothing more than 30mins in some cases, and yet with the not so quality treatment meted out on passengers by the airlines, one would still have to buy food!!!!, the thought is really annoying!. With all the stories i have heard about air travel in Nigeria, i wonder, whats the difference between boarding a plane from Lagos to Abuja and probably boarding a "God is Good" Motors bus on the same route? It would surprise you to know that some of these Road transport operators that ply interstate routes provide better services than the airlines who constantly woe unsuspecting passengers with their rather "sleazy" adverts.
In all this, one would wonder what hope there really is for the aviation sector in Nigeria. It is for this same reason, this ineptitude, and blatant disregard for the importance of comfortable air travel, that international carriers are able to milk hardworking Nigerians of their hard earned money when they decide to board international airlines to travel overseas. I think the government should really look into the aviation sector, i wonder if our President or any of his staff can actually travel on a local airline in economy....(i doubt this). Maybe they can not because the service in that section is nothing to write home about. Something needs to be done to stop these rather shameful experiences some people go through all in the bid to travel "safely".
P.S: If you read this article and have any comments on your experience flying on any local airlines in Nigeria, please feel free to drop a comment. Thanks....
Minerva
Now, we know there are different carriers in the country, we have Arik Air, Aero Contractors, the recently grounded Air Nigeria, Dana Airlines, Overland Airlines, IRS Airlines and a few other local airlines in the country that shuttle between specific routes in the country. Now, most of these carriers operate flight schedules that are meant to cater to the somewhat high demand for air transportation as the preferred choice by commuters especially on long distance journeys. My questions to my friends and family who had on some occasions been passengers on some local flights by various carriers were mostly towards the area of hospitality. I was itching to know how comfortable people really are flying to their various destinations when the need arises. The retorts i got were far from encouraging, and i am really not looking forward to hopping on a plane soon.
A striking recurring complaint i encountered while asking questions was the fact that some carriers are notorious for delays. In more cases than one, there have been complaints about the lateness of these airlines especially when a flight has been scheduled for a particular time. There was one particularly pathetic case of a flight that was scheduled for 9am that did not take off till about 4pm in the afternoon. In this case, no serious explanation was given for the delay and passengers were made to tarry at the airport for the plane to even arrive before even thinking of embarking on the flight!. In such a case, one begins to wonder what these airlines really stand for especially in their approach to the treatment of passengers.
Another complaint was on the way planes are used by some airlines. It is sad to note that a single plane can b used to cover almost 4 round trips in a day to and fro local flights and not undergo any routine checks on landing. One person told me of a flight of his which had been delayed for almost 4 hours after the scheduled take off time, on the arrival of the plane, the pilot was said to have dropped the passengers from the previous trip, turned the plane around and "loaded" the new passengers aboard, and off he went!. This is not only sad, it is scary! The thought of embarking on a trip on a plane only to be ferried like am entering a "molue" is certainly not appealing.
I was equally shocked to hear that one would have to pay for refreshments on the flight too. A flight from Lagos to Abuja on a normal airline would cost between 20k-25k, depending on the carrier you patronize, and the flights take nothing more than 30mins in some cases, and yet with the not so quality treatment meted out on passengers by the airlines, one would still have to buy food!!!!, the thought is really annoying!. With all the stories i have heard about air travel in Nigeria, i wonder, whats the difference between boarding a plane from Lagos to Abuja and probably boarding a "God is Good" Motors bus on the same route? It would surprise you to know that some of these Road transport operators that ply interstate routes provide better services than the airlines who constantly woe unsuspecting passengers with their rather "sleazy" adverts.
In all this, one would wonder what hope there really is for the aviation sector in Nigeria. It is for this same reason, this ineptitude, and blatant disregard for the importance of comfortable air travel, that international carriers are able to milk hardworking Nigerians of their hard earned money when they decide to board international airlines to travel overseas. I think the government should really look into the aviation sector, i wonder if our President or any of his staff can actually travel on a local airline in economy....(i doubt this). Maybe they can not because the service in that section is nothing to write home about. Something needs to be done to stop these rather shameful experiences some people go through all in the bid to travel "safely".
P.S: If you read this article and have any comments on your experience flying on any local airlines in Nigeria, please feel free to drop a comment. Thanks....
Minerva
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