A few days ago, at work I had the funniest conversation ever ...! Well... I seemed to think it was pretty hilarious!
For the regular and loyal readers of my blog you will remember the awesome work Christmas party last year where I went as Michael Jackson. I obviously made a lot of new friends among my colleagues that day. One of the 'friends' I made that day was a nice Chinese girl who had just moved to New Zealand at that time too.
She seemed hugely impressed with my costume and we took many pictures together at the party. We had lunch a couple of times after, where she told me she was desperate to improve her English and I seemed like the perfect person to help. She complained that the kiwi accent (speaking English) was most times too thick for her to understand whereas mine was clear and easy to understand.
Well... my absence from work in the last 3 weeks have of course NOT gone unnoticed and today my chinese friend stopped me over the coffee machine to ask where I had been. I was explaining to her and it somehow came up that I owned a Nigerian passport...
"Wait..." she said. "I tink you are from Hamerica..."
"No" I replied. "I have a Nigerian passport"
"Nee-jay ria?!" she said, with utter disbelief on her face.
"Yes Nigh-Gee-RIA" i said correcting her pronunciation
"But you speak vely good Engrish!"
"Yes, its my first language"
"Dey speak Engrish in Nee-jay-ria?"
"Yes Its the official language. Language of the courts, of parliament and of instruction in schools"
"But... but..." and then she trailed off with what I can only call disbelief and disappointment on her face!
And if I thought that was a bit amusing... she seems to have been avoiding me the whole week! I caught her looking at me and shaking her head over lunch in the coffee room and when I walked up to her and asked if there was anything the matter, she replied in the negative and damn near almost ran away.
Whats Up with that?
Friday, August 31, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
I'm Back in the Game Baby!
Finally my work permit has been approved!
Just for the record, I have been waiting 3 weeks for the approval to come through and in that time I have not been going to work as my old permit ran out and could not legally work or get paid.
All's well thats ends well now but I am still pretty sore at the immigration lawyer that was supposed to help me navigate the tricky labyrinth that is the immigration process in the hope that I would be able to do a deal with the Auckland District Health Board about the HUGE hospital I incurred when I took ill 9 months ago (has it been that long ago?)
As it is... I have paid off the Hospital by taking a loan from my bank and spread out the re-payment over 5 years. This means I am definitely going to be in New Zealand at least for that length of time. Taking the loan seemed like a good idea at the time as the hospital wasnt happy with the regular weekly payments I was making complaining they couldnt carry the debt. They had sent my name to a Debt Collection Agency and if I hadnt paid them... it would have gone on my credit rating report. Living in the Western World with your credit rating shot to shit is not ideal. Not at all!
So now I go directly back to work moving huge amounts of dairy products to my customers in the Middle East and Africa! Yipee!!!
And I dont have to worry about posters like the one below anymore.... hahahahahaha
___________________________________________
I had a very good weekend.
I played in the Fonterra-Maersk-Toll soccer championship and came away with a healthy appreciation for the professionals who play an average of fifty 90-minute games over the course of 9 months! 20mins running across the field and I was huffing and puffing like an old style locomotive from the 1800s! And get this... I was playing on the mixed team! So my opponents were delicate (some were fitter than I was) ladies and guys who didnt quite make the All-men's team!
This was on Friday and there was a nice piss-up afterwards with employees from the 3 companies mentioned above. I didnt stop there. I went on to take a shower at home and headed to the Argentinean party downtown! Moved from there to the Hip Hop Club and towards the tail end was reminded of Tope with the song, "Dont Matter" by Akon.
Sunday was even better and I spent the evening with this delightful Ethiopian girl who I thought was called Yudith but turned out to be a Hannah. And some people call her Alemnash. Ah... its a complicated story!
Anyway I saw Die Hard 4.0 and I would definitely recommend it for viewing! As the fourth film in the franchise, it had huge expectations on its head and the likelihood was that it was going to disappoint! But thank goodness it didnt!
Storyline was logical, coherent and wrapped up nicely. Dialouge was superb and funny all at the same time and the acting was top top class. Bruce Willis makes for a very believable almost-obselete-one-time-hero-who-can-still-deliver-heroics-and-save-the-day!
I Definitely recommend!
Just for the record, I have been waiting 3 weeks for the approval to come through and in that time I have not been going to work as my old permit ran out and could not legally work or get paid.
All's well thats ends well now but I am still pretty sore at the immigration lawyer that was supposed to help me navigate the tricky labyrinth that is the immigration process in the hope that I would be able to do a deal with the Auckland District Health Board about the HUGE hospital I incurred when I took ill 9 months ago (has it been that long ago?)
As it is... I have paid off the Hospital by taking a loan from my bank and spread out the re-payment over 5 years. This means I am definitely going to be in New Zealand at least for that length of time. Taking the loan seemed like a good idea at the time as the hospital wasnt happy with the regular weekly payments I was making complaining they couldnt carry the debt. They had sent my name to a Debt Collection Agency and if I hadnt paid them... it would have gone on my credit rating report. Living in the Western World with your credit rating shot to shit is not ideal. Not at all!
So now I go directly back to work moving huge amounts of dairy products to my customers in the Middle East and Africa! Yipee!!!
And I dont have to worry about posters like the one below anymore.... hahahahahaha
___________________________________________
I had a very good weekend.
I played in the Fonterra-Maersk-Toll soccer championship and came away with a healthy appreciation for the professionals who play an average of fifty 90-minute games over the course of 9 months! 20mins running across the field and I was huffing and puffing like an old style locomotive from the 1800s! And get this... I was playing on the mixed team! So my opponents were delicate (some were fitter than I was) ladies and guys who didnt quite make the All-men's team!
This was on Friday and there was a nice piss-up afterwards with employees from the 3 companies mentioned above. I didnt stop there. I went on to take a shower at home and headed to the Argentinean party downtown! Moved from there to the Hip Hop Club and towards the tail end was reminded of Tope with the song, "Dont Matter" by Akon.
Sunday was even better and I spent the evening with this delightful Ethiopian girl who I thought was called Yudith but turned out to be a Hannah. And some people call her Alemnash. Ah... its a complicated story!
Anyway I saw Die Hard 4.0 and I would definitely recommend it for viewing! As the fourth film in the franchise, it had huge expectations on its head and the likelihood was that it was going to disappoint! But thank goodness it didnt!
Storyline was logical, coherent and wrapped up nicely. Dialouge was superb and funny all at the same time and the acting was top top class. Bruce Willis makes for a very believable almost-obselete-one-time-hero-who-can-still-deliver-heroics-and-save-the-day!
I Definitely recommend!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Food as a Panacea...
Comfort Food.
When some people are depressed, lonely or just plain bored and have nothing to do... they start to eat. I was watching an Australian program the other day called, "The Biggest Loser" and it featured a group of over-weight contestants who tried to lose the most kilos and win the ultimate prize.
The show delved into the life-styles and emotional motivations of the contestants and one thing that seemed common among them all was that when they were stressed, angry, sad or whatever negative feeling... they ate. And ate and ate and then ate some more.
Comfort Food.
I have always liked food myself. When I was much younger... I ate because there was food. Not particularly because I was hungry. There is a HUGE difference if you stop to think about it. I was lucky that I was very active as a kid and probably had a higher than average metabolism. So all the excess food I ate got burned away and I was never ever a fat kid!
I seemed to have slowed down in my old age - or my metabolism has dipped to very poor level as tiny portions of food seem determined to hang around for as long as they can on my anatomy. (there is a preference for somewhere round about my middle).
Anyway... I have re-discovered the joys of food again. A pretty megalomaniac statement seeing as one cannot survive without it right? Well it wasnt until I moved to Sweden and met Emma Gavert that I REALLY started to taste food and know that some types of food go best with others.
The last 2 weeks have been a bit hard for me. I havent been going to work while I wait for my work permit to be extended by Immigration NZ (more on this in a later post) And I have tried to be use the unexpected time constructively! Reading, writing and yes... Cooking.
I have re-dedicated myself to getting fit again and apparently it is not enough to just go to the gym and lift weights. You have to get cardio exercises in... and eat right as well. So with SO much time on my hands I have been getting adventurous in the kitchen and slapping ingredients together. And not just adventurous but creative as well. Seeing as I am not getting paid while I am at home, I work with very limited resources and have still managed to come up with some fantastic dishes!
I cannot wait to have unlimited credit again so I can really go to town!
I have enjoyed my cooking sessions. I used to help my mum cook when I was a teenager (Believe it!) and there is something to be said for taking all those different kinds of stuff and coming up with a tasty meal!
Damola from the New Zealand AIESEC national office (but Nigerian) stayed at my place and he was fortunate to taste some of my culinary prowress.
Master Chef anyone?
Gimme some drumsticks with that sauce!
The Greens and vegetables are very important... and colorful too!
If you wanna eat... you do some work!
When some people are depressed, lonely or just plain bored and have nothing to do... they start to eat. I was watching an Australian program the other day called, "The Biggest Loser" and it featured a group of over-weight contestants who tried to lose the most kilos and win the ultimate prize.
The show delved into the life-styles and emotional motivations of the contestants and one thing that seemed common among them all was that when they were stressed, angry, sad or whatever negative feeling... they ate. And ate and ate and then ate some more.
Comfort Food.
I have always liked food myself. When I was much younger... I ate because there was food. Not particularly because I was hungry. There is a HUGE difference if you stop to think about it. I was lucky that I was very active as a kid and probably had a higher than average metabolism. So all the excess food I ate got burned away and I was never ever a fat kid!
I seemed to have slowed down in my old age - or my metabolism has dipped to very poor level as tiny portions of food seem determined to hang around for as long as they can on my anatomy. (there is a preference for somewhere round about my middle).
Anyway... I have re-discovered the joys of food again. A pretty megalomaniac statement seeing as one cannot survive without it right? Well it wasnt until I moved to Sweden and met Emma Gavert that I REALLY started to taste food and know that some types of food go best with others.
The last 2 weeks have been a bit hard for me. I havent been going to work while I wait for my work permit to be extended by Immigration NZ (more on this in a later post) And I have tried to be use the unexpected time constructively! Reading, writing and yes... Cooking.
I have re-dedicated myself to getting fit again and apparently it is not enough to just go to the gym and lift weights. You have to get cardio exercises in... and eat right as well. So with SO much time on my hands I have been getting adventurous in the kitchen and slapping ingredients together. And not just adventurous but creative as well. Seeing as I am not getting paid while I am at home, I work with very limited resources and have still managed to come up with some fantastic dishes!
I cannot wait to have unlimited credit again so I can really go to town!
I have enjoyed my cooking sessions. I used to help my mum cook when I was a teenager (Believe it!) and there is something to be said for taking all those different kinds of stuff and coming up with a tasty meal!
Damola from the New Zealand AIESEC national office (but Nigerian) stayed at my place and he was fortunate to taste some of my culinary prowress.
Master Chef anyone?
Gimme some drumsticks with that sauce!
The Greens and vegetables are very important... and colorful too!
If you wanna eat... you do some work!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
My Parents' 40th Wedding Anniversary Today
'It was a warm summer day in the ancient city of Ibadan in South western Nigeria.
The flowers were in full bloom and the University Chapel was gaily decorated as little butterflies fluttered around and birds sang their melodious tunes in the background.
People had come from far and near to witness the soleminzation of holy matrimony between one Oladipo Ajayi and Ms Funmi Kolawole.
The press were there in full force as the bridegroom was a promising University student who had signaled his intention to join the Fourth Estate and indeed he would rise to become Editor of the largest selling newspaper in the country.
There were drop dead gorgeous ladies from the nearby Teachers Training College in their short wrapper skirts, designer blouses and 6 inch 'platform' shoes who had come to see one of their own get hitched to this dashing and handsome young man of her dreams...'
The above scene is drawn solely from my imagination but the actual event couldnt have been that much different from the above. You see, I have heard the verbatim reports and seen the black and white photos myself. Said event was my parents wedding day.
40 years ago today!
Yep! My parents celeberate 40 years of married life today and that is just so impressive in so many ways.
In these days of high divorce stats and selfish individuals all around, I am very thankful that I grew up with this particular couple as progenitors. I will be the third (after them both) to admit that it hasnt been plain sailing all the way. I have witnessed some of the bitterest arguements between my parents but have seen them lauughing and all made up the next day (or next week:-)
One thing my siblings and I learnt very early was never to take them both on at the same time. They had too much practice and understanding between them to ever lose to any of us singly or all of us combined. We found the 'divide and conquer' rule worked very effectively indeed. SO if we wanted something from our parents and knew the chances of getting it were slim, we would gang up on one of them (isolating the other) and before the parent in question could call for help, mission would be accomplished!
As they grew older, they complained more and more about one another to us the kids. But there is never any real conviction in the complaints. I swear they do it more out of habit nowadays than anything else. They might not both realize it (perhaps they do) but one cannot do without the other for very long.
Mummy, Daddy as you celebrate this huge milestone, I just want to say thank you. For giving me and my siblings life. For Life's little lessons (and big lessons too). For providing a warm, secure and well nurtured nest from which you launched four of your many collaborations together. We your kids have turned out very well indeed (if I do say so myself).
Thank You. Thank You very much. I Love you both and look forward to celebrating 50 years!
The couple on Sunday June 10th, 2007
The original 'six'. From Left to right: Yewande,Daddy, Yours truly, Mummy, Segun and Toyin
With the 'add-ons'. My sister's two kids and my brother's wife
The flowers were in full bloom and the University Chapel was gaily decorated as little butterflies fluttered around and birds sang their melodious tunes in the background.
People had come from far and near to witness the soleminzation of holy matrimony between one Oladipo Ajayi and Ms Funmi Kolawole.
The press were there in full force as the bridegroom was a promising University student who had signaled his intention to join the Fourth Estate and indeed he would rise to become Editor of the largest selling newspaper in the country.
There were drop dead gorgeous ladies from the nearby Teachers Training College in their short wrapper skirts, designer blouses and 6 inch 'platform' shoes who had come to see one of their own get hitched to this dashing and handsome young man of her dreams...'
The above scene is drawn solely from my imagination but the actual event couldnt have been that much different from the above. You see, I have heard the verbatim reports and seen the black and white photos myself. Said event was my parents wedding day.
40 years ago today!
Yep! My parents celeberate 40 years of married life today and that is just so impressive in so many ways.
In these days of high divorce stats and selfish individuals all around, I am very thankful that I grew up with this particular couple as progenitors. I will be the third (after them both) to admit that it hasnt been plain sailing all the way. I have witnessed some of the bitterest arguements between my parents but have seen them lauughing and all made up the next day (or next week:-)
One thing my siblings and I learnt very early was never to take them both on at the same time. They had too much practice and understanding between them to ever lose to any of us singly or all of us combined. We found the 'divide and conquer' rule worked very effectively indeed. SO if we wanted something from our parents and knew the chances of getting it were slim, we would gang up on one of them (isolating the other) and before the parent in question could call for help, mission would be accomplished!
As they grew older, they complained more and more about one another to us the kids. But there is never any real conviction in the complaints. I swear they do it more out of habit nowadays than anything else. They might not both realize it (perhaps they do) but one cannot do without the other for very long.
Mummy, Daddy as you celebrate this huge milestone, I just want to say thank you. For giving me and my siblings life. For Life's little lessons (and big lessons too). For providing a warm, secure and well nurtured nest from which you launched four of your many collaborations together. We your kids have turned out very well indeed (if I do say so myself).
Thank You. Thank You very much. I Love you both and look forward to celebrating 50 years!
The couple on Sunday June 10th, 2007
The original 'six'. From Left to right: Yewande,Daddy, Yours truly, Mummy, Segun and Toyin
With the 'add-ons'. My sister's two kids and my brother's wife
Monday, August 13, 2007
Uncertainties Place Me In an Unsual Place...
There is no doubt I am an optimist.
I always see the glass as half full. No matter what happens, I always manage to find the good in whatever situation I find myself in.
The above has been sorely tested in the last one week.
A decision has still not been taken on extension of my work permit and my current one has expired. Which means I cant legally work until the decision is taken. Trust me... being jobless is a bad thing.
Been jobless and broke is even worse!
After clearing debts and hoping to start afresh this month, I have had to borrow money from my sister in the UK (Thank you Toyin!) to cover this months bills (rent, utility etc...) I have an immigration expert lawyer who is supposed to be 'advising' me on the best way to negotiate the quite lengthy process of the 'immigration river'. I thought this was a good thing a few months ago. I am not so sure of that now as I have gained absolutely no value from his services. Or at least seemingly not.
To complicate matters further, I got a phone-call from a debt collection agency late last week. Apparently, the Auckland District Health Board has forwarded my details to them and I have 2 weeks to come up with 21,000 dollars. Obviously not going to happen. I had been in correspondence with the hospital previously explaining that I couldnt afford a 2000-dollar-a-month-over-12-months-payment-plan. Rather I have been paying 400 dollars a month since Feb. I had asked for more time citing my offer of a more permanent offer from Fonterra as a basis but they have obviously not bought into it.
So... while I have to wait for the slow but sure wheels of beaurecracy to churn out my extended permit, my credit rating will officially be shot to shit in a couple of weeks when I dont pay up my 21K debt (It used to be 24K!)
I didnt plan on falling sick. But I did.
I could be dead. But I am not.
Needless to say, I am going through a very delicate period now. I wish Tope were here. Now I know what Mr Oyegbola meant when he said some experiences are meant to be shared. But then... I always knew that!
__________________________________________________________________
On a brighter note... the induction camp for new AIESEC members I attended was loads of fun. I faced a crowd of young, eager passionate faces again. And although it was only for a few minutes... it reminded me all over again why I love public speaking so much!
It felt good to be the 'expert' on AIESEC Dances again. A lot of the dances I knew are still kicking ass and I turned out to know more than most people there.
AND
The English Premier League has kicked off and some unsurprising, cheerful, galling and equally shocking things have been revealed!
Unsurprising - We beat Birmingham 3 goals to 2.
Gleeful - Manure drew nil-nil with Reading at Old Trafford
Galling - Steven 'f%*#king Gerrard scored a winning goal for Liverpool against Aston Villa
Shocking - I actually felt sorry for Arsenal when they went 1 goal down against Fulham and felt some cheer when they grabbed a winning goal in the dying meetings of the game! Whats up with that?
I always see the glass as half full. No matter what happens, I always manage to find the good in whatever situation I find myself in.
The above has been sorely tested in the last one week.
A decision has still not been taken on extension of my work permit and my current one has expired. Which means I cant legally work until the decision is taken. Trust me... being jobless is a bad thing.
Been jobless and broke is even worse!
After clearing debts and hoping to start afresh this month, I have had to borrow money from my sister in the UK (Thank you Toyin!) to cover this months bills (rent, utility etc...) I have an immigration expert lawyer who is supposed to be 'advising' me on the best way to negotiate the quite lengthy process of the 'immigration river'. I thought this was a good thing a few months ago. I am not so sure of that now as I have gained absolutely no value from his services. Or at least seemingly not.
To complicate matters further, I got a phone-call from a debt collection agency late last week. Apparently, the Auckland District Health Board has forwarded my details to them and I have 2 weeks to come up with 21,000 dollars. Obviously not going to happen. I had been in correspondence with the hospital previously explaining that I couldnt afford a 2000-dollar-a-month-over-12-months-payment-plan. Rather I have been paying 400 dollars a month since Feb. I had asked for more time citing my offer of a more permanent offer from Fonterra as a basis but they have obviously not bought into it.
So... while I have to wait for the slow but sure wheels of beaurecracy to churn out my extended permit, my credit rating will officially be shot to shit in a couple of weeks when I dont pay up my 21K debt (It used to be 24K!)
I didnt plan on falling sick. But I did.
I could be dead. But I am not.
Needless to say, I am going through a very delicate period now. I wish Tope were here. Now I know what Mr Oyegbola meant when he said some experiences are meant to be shared. But then... I always knew that!
__________________________________________________________________
On a brighter note... the induction camp for new AIESEC members I attended was loads of fun. I faced a crowd of young, eager passionate faces again. And although it was only for a few minutes... it reminded me all over again why I love public speaking so much!
It felt good to be the 'expert' on AIESEC Dances again. A lot of the dances I knew are still kicking ass and I turned out to know more than most people there.
AND
The English Premier League has kicked off and some unsurprising, cheerful, galling and equally shocking things have been revealed!
Unsurprising - We beat Birmingham 3 goals to 2.
Gleeful - Manure drew nil-nil with Reading at Old Trafford
Galling - Steven 'f%*#king Gerrard scored a winning goal for Liverpool against Aston Villa
Shocking - I actually felt sorry for Arsenal when they went 1 goal down against Fulham and felt some cheer when they grabbed a winning goal in the dying meetings of the game! Whats up with that?
Friday, August 10, 2007
Connecting with my Inner Teenager
I had two options on what to do this weekend.
I had an invitation from a couple who were going to drive up to the countryside and take in a few sights of the lush and varied vegetation that this wonderful country New Zealand, seems to have in abundance.
And then there was also the email invitation from the local AIESEC chapter here in Auckland to their induction camp. This is a 2 day camp that seeks to induct new members just recently recruited into the organization.
I picked the AIESEC one.
If I ever write an auto-biography, AIESEC the organization is going to take up quite a few chapters in the book. I joined as a 17 year old freshman in university and over the next 7-8 years, I found myself, lived my dreams, pushed my boundaries, and met some extraordinary individuals. And not necessarily in that order. Some of my greatest triumphs and bitterest disappointments are related to my experiences in and around AIESEC.
Now, due to my working hours and to be quite honest a conscious effort on my part, I have not been as active as some would have expected me to be in the activities of the local AIESEC chapter here. I was invited to come and speak at the orientation seminar for the newbies last week but seeing as I got a 24 hour notice... I couldnt make it due to prior engagements. So now I have decided to go and join AIESEC in Auckland at this 2 day camp this weekend.
I have very clear memories of my teenage years. I learned some very important lessons and my experiences then will always resonate in my actions as an adult now. For all the clarity I have from those years, it might as well have been a lifetime ago! (it was ONLY 7 years ago I was still a teenager for chrissakes!) I say this because of how I relate to the present day AIESECers. The average age among them is about 18 years old. I have found it very hard going to connect with most of them. The jokes, sense of humour and general outlook on life seems to me... childish at times!
My God What is happening to me?
ME? The original immature, mischevious prankster! Think of it... I did it as a kid! I KNOW I still have it in me... or is it that I am more comfortable playing the fool among people who know the serious part of me already? Am I afraid to seem childish to these (aaaaarrgghhhh!!!) kids? Is it because that was a label that ALMOST got stuck on me permanently as a teenager? Childish? Immature? But that was the beauty of AIESEC the organization. You could still act your inner child (teenager) at breakfast, talk about saving the world at lunch AND actually get round to it by dinnertime!
So... this weekend is going to be a test for me. Have I lost that adorable and mischevious imp or is he just waiting in the wings waiting to be unleashed again? Well... where better to find out than in at an AIESEC induction camp!
I had an invitation from a couple who were going to drive up to the countryside and take in a few sights of the lush and varied vegetation that this wonderful country New Zealand, seems to have in abundance.
And then there was also the email invitation from the local AIESEC chapter here in Auckland to their induction camp. This is a 2 day camp that seeks to induct new members just recently recruited into the organization.
I picked the AIESEC one.
If I ever write an auto-biography, AIESEC the organization is going to take up quite a few chapters in the book. I joined as a 17 year old freshman in university and over the next 7-8 years, I found myself, lived my dreams, pushed my boundaries, and met some extraordinary individuals. And not necessarily in that order. Some of my greatest triumphs and bitterest disappointments are related to my experiences in and around AIESEC.
Now, due to my working hours and to be quite honest a conscious effort on my part, I have not been as active as some would have expected me to be in the activities of the local AIESEC chapter here. I was invited to come and speak at the orientation seminar for the newbies last week but seeing as I got a 24 hour notice... I couldnt make it due to prior engagements. So now I have decided to go and join AIESEC in Auckland at this 2 day camp this weekend.
I have very clear memories of my teenage years. I learned some very important lessons and my experiences then will always resonate in my actions as an adult now. For all the clarity I have from those years, it might as well have been a lifetime ago! (it was ONLY 7 years ago I was still a teenager for chrissakes!) I say this because of how I relate to the present day AIESECers. The average age among them is about 18 years old. I have found it very hard going to connect with most of them. The jokes, sense of humour and general outlook on life seems to me... childish at times!
My God What is happening to me?
ME? The original immature, mischevious prankster! Think of it... I did it as a kid! I KNOW I still have it in me... or is it that I am more comfortable playing the fool among people who know the serious part of me already? Am I afraid to seem childish to these (aaaaarrgghhhh!!!) kids? Is it because that was a label that ALMOST got stuck on me permanently as a teenager? Childish? Immature? But that was the beauty of AIESEC the organization. You could still act your inner child (teenager) at breakfast, talk about saving the world at lunch AND actually get round to it by dinnertime!
So... this weekend is going to be a test for me. Have I lost that adorable and mischevious imp or is he just waiting in the wings waiting to be unleashed again? Well... where better to find out than in at an AIESEC induction camp!
Monday, August 06, 2007
My Life and the Beautiful Game
"...Some People believe football is a matter of life and death. I am very disappointed with that kind of attitude. I can assure you that it is much, much more important than that!"
BILL SHANKLY
FORMER LIVERPOOL MANAGER
The title of this post is not original. It is the title of a 1977 autobiography of the legendary football superstar, Edson Arantes Do Nascimento. Otherwise known as Pele!
Football. I love it. I live it. I watch it.
I USED to play it as well in high school, not so much in University and by the special grace of God I will play it again in a special tourney involving my company Fonterra and MAERSK Shipping Line. Although truth to tell I am more active on the watching side.
And I love nothing better than to watch the best club in the world CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB!
When I moved into my apartment here in Auckland last year, I managed to convince the girls (my flatmates) to get SKY TV primarily so I could catch the most exciting Football league in the world! The English Premier League!
The Community Shield was played last weekend and we lost to those farty Aristocrats Manure United. But it was a meaningless game, nothing at stake and even though we had a lot of injuries (again) we still drew the game and they only won on penalties.
Not that I am making any excuses.
I however look forward to the next 9 months, staying up late here in Auckland to catch all the games (almost all!) of the Premiership.
And then there is the Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup! In a land full of Rugby fans and lots of sheep... Sky Sport 2 and ESPN shall become my most watched channels on cable.
Bring it on!!!
Sunday, August 05, 2007
To Have At Your Back
When I was researching for my speech as the Best Man at my brother's recent wedding, I came across a lot of material detailing the supposed origins of the role.
Apparently, back then marriage was more than an issue of true love. It was very serious business as marrying the right person added to your sphere of influence in the form of additional lands and titles. Marriages served to cement military alliances and were used as favors to be asked for at a later date.
In Anglo-Saxon England, the Best Man would act as a bodyguard for both the groom and the bride. During Anglo-Saxon England weddings the bride would stand to the left of her groom so that his sword arm was free. The Best Man would keep his hand on his sword ready to fend off trouble and protect the couple. Often during these times, the best swordsman in the area was chosen as the Best Man
In Nordic and Gaulish tribes, the practice was even taken to another level. Wives had to be taken by force from another tribe when the number of eligible young women dropped in your own tribe. A man had to organize a raid to 'capture' his wife and often had to fight his way through the woman's relatives. Of course the intended groom took along the best swordsman who would watch his back during the raid.
But why do I mention this at all?
No it is not because I felt like decapacitating members of my sister-in-law's family. (although come to think of it... ;-) No. My quite vivid imagination just transported me to those times. If I had lived in that period, and I needed to fight a whole village in order to reach my one true love... who would I call to watch my back?
Knowing me, I wouldnt hedge my bets in the least and would probably go with a FULL raiding party. And countless names spring to mind on who would make the cut... one name in particular would DEFINITELY be on that list:
Isaac Okanlawon (otherwise known as "Ba'Jebu")
I have known Isaac for the last 8 years now. I met him in AIESEC. And I clearly remember my first impressions of him back then. Intense, anxious to please, brimming with curiousity and oh! so very naive! One clear memory I have is of us both being disgusted at the level of hypocrisy that existed in AIESEC in Nigeria at that time. But while I jumped on the table and screamed to the high heavens about it, Isaac sat there and grimaced. I took it to mean at the time that he wouldnt stand up for what he believed in. I was so very wrong about this.
It was a slight shock when Isaac sought my opinion on running for the position of National President of AIESEC in Nigeria. He had already been a very successful President of his local AIESEC chapter and was halfway through a term as National Director. I had to make a very bemused re-evaluation of this individual who had once paid me the ultimate compliment by expressing his desire to work on a team of which I would be National President.
The roles were completely reversed now as I was also seeking a role on the next leadership team of which he had aspirations to lead. I came to the very quick conclusion that Isaac would make a very good National President indeed. I was however still honest enough to admit to myself that there was still some way for him to go to earn my total respect! And you know what...
...He did earn it. Completely.
I dont know if I ever told him this, but while we served on the National Committee of AIESEC in Nigeria, Isaac constantly inspired me. While I was brash, arrogant and confident in my abilities., Isaac had a gentility that commanded respect among everyone while I had to demand (and got) that respect. People willingly gave their loyalty to Isaac. I would enagage LCPs in shouting matches over their unpaid dues, Isaac would appear on the scene and they readily promised to send the cheque in the post the next day.
Isaac the indecisive boy had grown up to become this purposeful leader who while still preferring diplomacy to confrontation, was not in the least bit shy about banging you over the head with the facts! (and my head got banged a few times!) There were 2 other people on our team, Kenoma and Tobi. And Isaac wasnt just THE leader, he was seen as the leader.
Apart from our professional relationship, Isaac is also something else to me. He is a true Friend. He and I had some enagaging discussions on all sorts of topics. We grew to respect and know each other's strengths and weaknesses and I like to think we could predict what the other would do or say.
One thing Isaac never seemed to lose though was his sense of naivety. He comes from a strict Christian upbringing and he always seemed to express childlike wonder at stuff that a jaded old fox like me would not even blink at. His sometimes childlike questions about girls, sex and worldly pleasures would have me rolling on the floor with laughter. Although after living in Hungary and currently residing in the Netherlands, I can bet Isaac can answer some of those questions better than I ever could now! hehe
Even now, Isaac never takes people for granted. He is not afraid to ask questions in an effort to better understand something. He is generous, cares about those closest to him and has an annoying habit of trying to leave every and anything he comes into contact with, better than he met it.
I have seen Isaac develop as an individual, he has become one of my closest friends but all through the years, Isaac hasnt changed essentially from what he was all those many years ago I first met him.
A decent human being.
So if this was the 10th century and I had to fight my way through a rampaging horde of relatives who were intent on keeping me from the love of my life, This individual would definitely be on my right side.
ISOYIN JOO!
Apparently, back then marriage was more than an issue of true love. It was very serious business as marrying the right person added to your sphere of influence in the form of additional lands and titles. Marriages served to cement military alliances and were used as favors to be asked for at a later date.
In Anglo-Saxon England, the Best Man would act as a bodyguard for both the groom and the bride. During Anglo-Saxon England weddings the bride would stand to the left of her groom so that his sword arm was free. The Best Man would keep his hand on his sword ready to fend off trouble and protect the couple. Often during these times, the best swordsman in the area was chosen as the Best Man
In Nordic and Gaulish tribes, the practice was even taken to another level. Wives had to be taken by force from another tribe when the number of eligible young women dropped in your own tribe. A man had to organize a raid to 'capture' his wife and often had to fight his way through the woman's relatives. Of course the intended groom took along the best swordsman who would watch his back during the raid.
But why do I mention this at all?
No it is not because I felt like decapacitating members of my sister-in-law's family. (although come to think of it... ;-) No. My quite vivid imagination just transported me to those times. If I had lived in that period, and I needed to fight a whole village in order to reach my one true love... who would I call to watch my back?
Knowing me, I wouldnt hedge my bets in the least and would probably go with a FULL raiding party. And countless names spring to mind on who would make the cut... one name in particular would DEFINITELY be on that list:
Isaac Okanlawon (otherwise known as "Ba'Jebu")
I have known Isaac for the last 8 years now. I met him in AIESEC. And I clearly remember my first impressions of him back then. Intense, anxious to please, brimming with curiousity and oh! so very naive! One clear memory I have is of us both being disgusted at the level of hypocrisy that existed in AIESEC in Nigeria at that time. But while I jumped on the table and screamed to the high heavens about it, Isaac sat there and grimaced. I took it to mean at the time that he wouldnt stand up for what he believed in. I was so very wrong about this.
It was a slight shock when Isaac sought my opinion on running for the position of National President of AIESEC in Nigeria. He had already been a very successful President of his local AIESEC chapter and was halfway through a term as National Director. I had to make a very bemused re-evaluation of this individual who had once paid me the ultimate compliment by expressing his desire to work on a team of which I would be National President.
The roles were completely reversed now as I was also seeking a role on the next leadership team of which he had aspirations to lead. I came to the very quick conclusion that Isaac would make a very good National President indeed. I was however still honest enough to admit to myself that there was still some way for him to go to earn my total respect! And you know what...
...He did earn it. Completely.
I dont know if I ever told him this, but while we served on the National Committee of AIESEC in Nigeria, Isaac constantly inspired me. While I was brash, arrogant and confident in my abilities., Isaac had a gentility that commanded respect among everyone while I had to demand (and got) that respect. People willingly gave their loyalty to Isaac. I would enagage LCPs in shouting matches over their unpaid dues, Isaac would appear on the scene and they readily promised to send the cheque in the post the next day.
Isaac the indecisive boy had grown up to become this purposeful leader who while still preferring diplomacy to confrontation, was not in the least bit shy about banging you over the head with the facts! (and my head got banged a few times!) There were 2 other people on our team, Kenoma and Tobi. And Isaac wasnt just THE leader, he was seen as the leader.
Apart from our professional relationship, Isaac is also something else to me. He is a true Friend. He and I had some enagaging discussions on all sorts of topics. We grew to respect and know each other's strengths and weaknesses and I like to think we could predict what the other would do or say.
One thing Isaac never seemed to lose though was his sense of naivety. He comes from a strict Christian upbringing and he always seemed to express childlike wonder at stuff that a jaded old fox like me would not even blink at. His sometimes childlike questions about girls, sex and worldly pleasures would have me rolling on the floor with laughter. Although after living in Hungary and currently residing in the Netherlands, I can bet Isaac can answer some of those questions better than I ever could now! hehe
Even now, Isaac never takes people for granted. He is not afraid to ask questions in an effort to better understand something. He is generous, cares about those closest to him and has an annoying habit of trying to leave every and anything he comes into contact with, better than he met it.
I have seen Isaac develop as an individual, he has become one of my closest friends but all through the years, Isaac hasnt changed essentially from what he was all those many years ago I first met him.
A decent human being.
So if this was the 10th century and I had to fight my way through a rampaging horde of relatives who were intent on keeping me from the love of my life, This individual would definitely be on my right side.
ISOYIN JOO!
Testing Testing Upload Pics...
AIESEC in Sverige!
e helt endar barra
We know how to party and stay up allnight
The feeling, the magic.. la lal ala la la
I am posting from my Flickr account and just chose this picture at random to see how it would work.
I am having trouble uploading pics to my blog posts in recent days and I am looking for an alternative method.
The pic above has Emma Gavert, Aron Lindberg and myself during our opening plenary roll call at IPM 2006
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
If Its not One thing...
First I had a Pulmonary Embolism, then I had to work two jobs to afford paying for the attendant hospital bill AND attend my dear brother's wedding.
Now I am back and facing that ogre that invariably affects we nomads that have moved to another country and culture. I am talking about Immigration Issues.
I have an application with immigration New Zealand to extend my work permit with a view to becoming a permanent employee of Fonterra! It's supposed to be routine and shouldnt take more than 20 days. However because of said Pulmonary Embolism above, immigration wanted me to have another full medical. Which I have.
And now I might not get an answer for another 3 weeks. I am crossing my fingers; knocking on wood; holding my thumbs; praying to Almighty God that it comes before that! My current permit expires well before then.
You never get used to this. Moving to any other country will involve a huge amount of paper work whatever nationality you are but for some of us... it's guilty until proven innocent!
Oh Lord... why send me all these character building episodes? I hope it is because you have a greater use for me on a par with leading a whole nation out of bondage and through a parted Red Sea to boot!
Now I am back and facing that ogre that invariably affects we nomads that have moved to another country and culture. I am talking about Immigration Issues.
I have an application with immigration New Zealand to extend my work permit with a view to becoming a permanent employee of Fonterra! It's supposed to be routine and shouldnt take more than 20 days. However because of said Pulmonary Embolism above, immigration wanted me to have another full medical. Which I have.
And now I might not get an answer for another 3 weeks. I am crossing my fingers; knocking on wood; holding my thumbs; praying to Almighty God that it comes before that! My current permit expires well before then.
You never get used to this. Moving to any other country will involve a huge amount of paper work whatever nationality you are but for some of us... it's guilty until proven innocent!
Oh Lord... why send me all these character building episodes? I hope it is because you have a greater use for me on a par with leading a whole nation out of bondage and through a parted Red Sea to boot!
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