Monday, 8 September 2008

juggling act

I’m so very busy… apparently women are better at multitasking but I’ve always hated having to refocus my attention from an overall goal towards multiple subsidiary tasks… but at the moment everything seems to be major which means I’m juggling so many things at once… too many things at once…

I read somewhere that the act of juggling is the human ability of moving objects, usually through the air. It is done mainly for entertainment. But this is my life… and it ain't no joke so I’m scared that if I loose concentration for a second, the balls might fall to the ground… I don’t want that.

Lemme explain…

1stly… career ball… I’m busy with work… In addition to what is already on my plate, I think I might have to start going to Russia soon. My company are working on getting me a multiple visa for trips to Moscow, Murmansk and Saint Petersburg… but mehnnn…the idea of trying to acclimatise to the cold over there (especially at this time of year) is not meshing with me one bit... not at all.

Work is kind of doing me a favour with the visa thing as I’ve always wanted to go to Saint Petersburg. The music, culture and cityscape are something to experience apparently. Did you know that the name was thought to be too German, so in 1914 the city was renamed Petrograd? I’m fascinated with the revolution that ousted Tsar Nicholas II and forged the legend of Anastasia. She is the daughter that was supposed to have survived despite the fact that her and her siblings were speared with bayonets. This was because the amount of diamonds they were wearing apparently rendered them bullet proof (to some extent). Anyway after the revolution against the Russian Monarchy, Lenin came into power. Then he died and so they re-named the place Leningrad just 3 days after his death in 1924. However, in the 1991 referendum, 54% of voters chose to restore the name Saint Petersburg. I digress…

Anyway, fellow Nigerians keep telling me that Russians don’t like black people but I’ve known a couple of mixed raced people... as in the Russian and Naija combo (I'm sorry if that sounds like a meal deal but you know what I mean)… anyway, they never complained about being discriminated against when there… but the idea of that curve ball does bother me sha.

2ndly… family ball… I’m busy with plans for my mother’s bday… my brothers and I are trying to organise the celebrations for her 60th next month. My task is trying to sort out the thanksgiving church service... and the cake... and the finger food... and the champagne & wine ...as well as the music for the reception. I'm really starting to wonder what the others are doing... lol... I'm not sorting out the dinner so I'm happy about that sha.

Also we are not sure of what to get her… we think it should be a collective present from the kids but no one has a clue… anybody that read half will know my mother is fussy… the saying ‘it is the thought that counts’ doesn't wash with her… it is BECAUSE we love her we MUST get it right! lol

3rdly… love ball… as in the art of contact juggling… hmmm… that is the ability to manipulate the object (of my affection of course... not that I do manipulation mind you) through constant contact with the body…hmmm…*blushing*… er… not for this post…

4thly... friendship ball... my friend Nailah had a baby today... I didn't even realise she was due... I felt so bad... anyway, I called her as soon as I got her text. She told me she was still at the hospital and that she'd given birth at 1pm today to a beautiful and healthy baby girl... ***ok, so I admit that I added this bit to the original post at about 6pm***... anyway, I am so happy for her. I will try and visit her as soon as she gets out of hospital.

Today is a blessing indeed because it is also one of my closest friend’s birthday. Let's call her Maizah. I called her in Abuja to wish her happy birthday. She told me she was having a lovely romantic dinner organised by her boyfriend and they would be joining their other friends for her birthday get together later.

Lastly… party ball… I’m busy planning my bday in November… my friends and I are off to Nevada. All flights and hotels are booked… I’ve told everybody that no husbands or boyfriends are allowed…

I’ve sorted out most of the special stuff sha… but I’m really surprised that everybody coming to celebrate with me wants to play with the adventure ball… as in go skydiving with me… as in naija babes will jump out of a plane and start free falling at 120 mph (miles per hour) … but only for about 60 seconds…then we get to parachute down for 5 to 7 minutes… can you imagine it?… 5 to 7 minutes of gliding in quiet peace.

Apparently when I free fall I will feel ‘… a sense of weightlessness and wind… it will feel like I’m floating…’

Will be saying a prayer before I take my leap of faith sha!!!

52 comments:

UndaCovaSista 8 September 2008 at 13:52  

Fiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrst!
coming back soon to comment...

kay-shawn 8 September 2008 at 14:00  

Second!!!! I swear I was hear about an hour ago and it was 'Nair' that was still there.

BTW, I'm still refusing to comment on 'Nair'.

How are you?

Now lemme go and read

kay-shawn 8 September 2008 at 14:09  

Skydiving?????

First it was hair waxing now its sky diving.

Are you sure you're not a white person?

Anyway, do you have any more culinary chat-up lines for my competition taking place on http://www.datingoops.com?

aloted 8 September 2008 at 14:17  

wow...so many balls..may God grant u the grace to juggle well well..

Skydiving ke..wow...hmm dunno wat to say..lol

archiwiz 8 September 2008 at 14:53  

4th...Off to continue reading!

Flourishing Florida 8 September 2008 at 14:55  

first of all, let me state this: NOTHING N DIS WORLD WILL EVER MAKE ME SKYDIVE! I MEAN, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! am terrified of height!!!!!

den, u've got a very interesting balls u r juggling, love. u'd b surprised how many pple wish they had so much exciting things 2 juggle. most of us juggle btw going 2 work, cleaning d toilet, washing d dishes, breastfeeding a cry cry baby, cooking rice 4 d umpteenth time!

archiwiz 8 September 2008 at 14:59  

Ahhh...Juggling balls... I'm not very good with that (multitasking). I prefer to face one thing at a time.

LOL @ FFF. I've been wanting to skydive for over a year now, but money and time haven't worked out well for me. Hopefully, it will be soon sha.

And truly I've heard and read about the intense racism in Russia. There have been too many Africans killed there without any justice. But since you're working for an international firm they would hopefully provide security measures and a monetary incentive. You might want to mention "concern" to your bosses or HR people.

Jennifer A. 8 September 2008 at 16:05  

LOLLLLLL...tell me about juggling...I know about that, cos GEEZ I'm experiencing it right now and I feel like my brain is gonna explode...

I suggest focusing on the positive balls: like going to foreign cities and enjoying the world, the PRICELESS smile on ur mum's lips when she receives the gift that you guys MUST provide, and the ecstatic feel of weightlessness and FREEDOM! *That should make you giggle*

LOLLL...(I'm trying right now to focus on my positive juggling balls...he he).

Afrobabe 8 September 2008 at 16:07  

Did someone say willingly jump out of a plane?????
As in Naija person, willingly jump out of a plane???
Tot not!!!

Rita 8 September 2008 at 17:28  

Only you juggling all these balls... you are really trying...

The adventure ball...sounds very interesting...can't believe it is naija babes wanting to do free fall...enjoy yourself...all the balls you are juggling seem sound like fun

Buttercup 8 September 2008 at 18:14  

and to think that there was only one comment when i got here, i got SERIOUSLY carried away..ahnahn! kay-shawn u took my spot!!!!!

hmmm russia..ok! thanx for the history lesson :D ..all the best anywayz!

i can imagine how stressful it is plannin a huge party..

lol @ the love ball..

awww ur bday sounds like its gon be amazin!!!i wish i had ur adventurous spirit o..

i hope everythin gets sorted out without any ball droppin..

Naapali 8 September 2008 at 18:36  

I trust you will find the necessary skill and strength to excel in all these areas.

UndaCovaSista 8 September 2008 at 18:41  

lol @ the russian/naija combo. It does sound like a meal deal!

I think Dr Naaps was in the spirit the day he suggested we might be sisters. I'm planning to do a skydive also to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital albeit next year. Do let us know how it goes for you. And if after november we no longer see updates on your blog, then....nah, just kidding! You're covered...

What i've found in countries that are supposed to be inherently racist (excluding Austria! Believe everything negative you've ever heard about Austria!!!) is that the racists tend to be in the minority (as is the case in most places, i guess) and if you're lucky you will not come in contact with any at all. I do understand your apprehension, tho'.

Re: all the other balls you're juggling, wisdom is profitable to direct...
....and it's yours already.

Shubby Doo 9 September 2008 at 08:33  

@UCS – congrats… you get the gold star award for this post… mehnn… I still dey update when i see 1 comment… ehnnn… na so i see UCS don claim am with Fiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrst!

@kay-shawn – well done... you came 2nd ;)
lol...I’m not expecting a comment about nair 4rm u.
I’m fine thanks. hope all is well with u 2
haba… you know I’m not oyinbo :(

@aloted – Amen. Thank you my dear…nothing to say? then just sing with me
‘…and I’m freeeeeeeeeee ---free falling
yeah i'm freeeeeeeeeee --- free falling…’

@archiwiz – thanks for the advice… I’ll speak to HR.

@FFF – LMAO… even if MM whispers sweet nothings in your ear to try & convince you… you won't go? hmmm…

I spent the w/e cleaning d toilet, washing d dishes, cooking rice …these episodes are just my little escapes from reality…

@afrobabe – me I was 18th at yours…I mean wtf… seriously you need to start giving me a heads up or something…

lol @ you posting your comment on nair…

@jaycee – love how you always bring the positive into everything.
thank you. thank you. thank you.

p.s
I so overdosed on Häagen-Dazs cos of you this w/e but I loved every moment of it… so thanks for that 2 :)

@afrobabe – lol… I said it o! Do u wanna join me?… come fly & touch the sky ;)

@Rita – Thank you

@buttercup – no vex with kay-shawn o! - I kinda dig the love ball 2… but since this post isn’t about that… erm… erm… yeah I can’t wait for the adventure

@naapali – thanks doc. it means a lot coming from you:)

I can only put my faith in the Good Shepherd and trust in him that I am able.

@UCS – my sister… that someone else thought the same thing about the meal deal combo… LMAO… knew it would be u cos u actually came to mind as i typed that sentence!

really shocked about Austria… I have a friend that has lived there all her life and she raves about it…as in Yoruba babe… I was meant to holiday there about 3 years ago with my friend ‘the doctor’ but it didn’t work out…

I’m doing my skydive for a thrill… you’re doing yours for Great Ormond Street Hospital… wow…that’s purpose… albeit 4 next year…I’m already proud of you sis.

rethots 9 September 2008 at 08:44  

Oh! and the most fascinating ball (being juggled) is........ Correct.

Afrobabe 9 September 2008 at 09:41  

Join you in jumping out of a plane??? Are you out of your head? I dont even jump from a ladder!!!

Shubby Doo 9 September 2008 at 11:16  

@afrobabe – ROTFL… this babe you will not kill me o!…
ok so I know a bit about conventional safety hazards… so let me let you in2 a little secret…you run more risk of breaking something jumping/falling off a high ladder than doing a tandem sky dive…

I’ve checked the company safety records, accreditations and memberships as well as I can… & I’m fine with what I’ve read… so when the plane door opens I’ma ‘…come up to the spot look extra fly…I’ma touch the sky’

@rethots – how now?
Which one fascinates you the most?… i'll just say that I really just want to avoid that curve ball … All things to God in prayer

It is well

UndaCovaSista 9 September 2008 at 11:49  

@shubby - Lol again at the meal deal joke. You appear to have my sent of humour pegged :)

Re: Austria. I guess that confirms my other point about whether you cross paths with the racists or not. I went to Vienna with my sister about 5 years ago and was called the 'N' word for the first time in my life, treated with open hostility by shop assitants etc. It wasnt nice, but in the end we just had to laugh at their ignorance...

Miss Definitely Maybe 9 September 2008 at 12:06  

Sky Dive??????????????
I will not tease death like that.
have already used up my nine lives and put 17 on my credit cards
I plan to go out with style
being splatted on some pavement/desert/roof top...(u get the drift) is not my idea of going out in style

Miss Definitely Maybe 9 September 2008 at 12:08  

PS:accreditation and safety records my arse, Shubby this better not be some Niger company you planning to skydive with LOL

Stuck in my throat 9 September 2008 at 16:22  

Lotsa balls..I know how you feel though.When you figure out how to juggle them, please pass on the MAGIC trick.

bArOquE 10 September 2008 at 12:03  

...your life doesn't sound very different from mine, only that my complexity's causing me depression...hope u get stuff sorted and then climax with Nevada...please sha, look before you leap...my hand no dey

Shubby Doo 10 September 2008 at 16:28  

@miss DM – which kain fear you wan put for my body like dis?

*takes a deep breath in & exhales and then kneels and says a quick prayer*

ok… I will trust in the fact that it is called ‘sky dive’ and not ‘spat dive’… but just in case… just pass me your credit card with the 17 lives on it… am sure I can make good use of it ;-).

p.s
On a serious note…those safety records, accreditations and memberships are very important for something like this…it stops them from taking the usual shortcuts with safety because they are audited externally to make sure they are doing things right...

pp.s
Nigerian company ke? you know what…if I had not checked them out it would not surprise me cos naijas are everywhere…I went to jersey last year and the first taxi driver that approached us was igbo…on this occasion 4get patriotism o!… if I hear any hint of a naija accent 4rm the pilots or the instructors… I am not jumping…

@stuck in my throat o - magic trick?... as in illusion?… yeah I guess sometimes it is delusional to think we can be in complete control of everything… a prayer of actualisation perhaps?… even that is 2 much…I ’ll just stick to the one that asks God to take control… I’m praying hard o!

@badderchic – I like your spirit…sure hun… the more the merrier

@baroque – u 2? hmmm… glad 2 know i am not alone…nor r u so please don’t get depressed sweetie… c’est la vie…

p.s
thank you…

pp.s
plan to jump with my eyes open… want to take it ALL in ;-)

Shubby Doo 10 September 2008 at 17:31  

@UCS - i missed u out...sorry...u & your sister did the right thing...it is sad 2 know it is still happening sha...@ least u guys were 2gether when it happened...i'll be alone in a foreign country...*sigh*

Smaragd 10 September 2008 at 17:45  

first off, pls pls check to make sure that the parachute thingy works fine b4 free falling okay? thank u

I can imagine the feeling though, floating, weightlessness, it will be a beautiful experience.

maybe u guys should just ask ur mum what she wants, she sounds just like mine and that's usually the best option.

do come and tell us of this ahem "body contact", dont be bashful now Shubby, come on...

Russia, of red-heads and precious stones and winters cold enough to kill german soldiers! u'll have fun, at least at their historical sites...lol

be good and keep us posted miss Juggler.

Naapali 11 September 2008 at 05:12  

So I read this post again and thought about the previous post.

One word of advice when going to Russia, stay away from Nair.

you will need all the insulation you can get.

Das all I'ma say.

Shubby Doo 11 September 2008 at 11:19  

@esmeralda – awww…thanks sweetie…I like this my new alias…I have 3 now abi?

Shubby Doo – Plain old me…living in blogville…walking with the Good Shepherd

Flying Snow – Assassin extraordinaire…of the Agbada Daggers…cold hearted

Miss Juggler – Mogul to be… cunning foe of Batman… adept with impressive skills

Hmmm…I think it has to be Flying Snow that goes to Russia…since you say the place has ‘winters cold enough to kill german soldiers’…

Re: the love ball…*blushing yet again*…erm…sweetie I don’t want to corrupt you…

I want to ask my mum but I don’t think she will answer…I actually wanted us all to holiday in Dubai for her bday w/e but the boys out voted me… I didn’t mind but 4 the fact they didn’t come up any suitable alternative…they still haven’t!!!

@naapali – you think I should stay away from ‘nair’ for Russia…brrr…I was thinking of how to keep those Russians away from my ‘nair-ed’…ewww… cold cold cold… but then you doctors keep yarning about the importance of body heat… as in it is better than ‘un-naired’ insulation… actually scratch that… this train of thought is making me cringe already… ‘nair’ and Russia are officially mutually exclusive!!!

O'Dee 11 September 2008 at 12:40  
This comment has been removed by the author.
Omo calabar. 11 September 2008 at 22:24  

Going to russia? I would definitely be apprehensive. Have heard too much negative stories from dat place. Going sky diving? gal u r crazy. Anyways enjoy d vac.

Parakeet 12 September 2008 at 10:02  

Such is the life that we live o Shooby. Enjoy it while you got the energy. And things are in season...so you may seem to be juggling a lot now but there will come a time when there wont be much to juggle.

Take care

ibiluv 12 September 2008 at 11:28  

juggle am well
thats y u are woman.........

Nigerian Drama Queen 12 September 2008 at 18:15  

I know you will figure out a way to juggle all ball, and juggle them well.
SKYDIVING?!
HELLLLLLL NAAAAA
I have tremendous respect for adrenaline rush/adventure seekers.
I am totally fine staying on the ground and cheering them on though...

naijaleta 13 September 2008 at 00:57  

Sky kini???? Sky diving?????

Old man bo! Old man bo!! Old man bo!!! Please ejo sah, come and talk to your daughter O. She wants to go skydiving.

Nothing wrong with that sah??? Ah!

How do you mean nothing wrong with that?

'Ah, moti gbagbe sah. You used to be an airforce officer yourself!!!

Please, please shubby-doo don't go sky-diving.


*sobbing* I dont want you to go skydiviiiiiiin, pleeeeeeaaaase naaaaaaa.

Blogville help me beg Shubby naaaa!

En womi niran ni????

bArOquE 13 September 2008 at 13:42  

a friend of mine recently relayed his bungee jumping experience...i laff die...the rush was mad, he jumped off the bridge, the rush was madder, he started falling, then he kept falling, faster too, then he saw the ground approaching REEEEEALLY fast, then he said to him self, "oya stop oh", of course he continued falling, as he was nearing ground the realization hit him, "i don die oh, God abeg", then he accepted his fate & closed his eyes...then it slowed down...& finally was pulled back up...safe!...

Red Sapphire 13 September 2008 at 20:48  

skydiving....aaahhhhhh....u sound like one oyinbo...by now i am certain u've taken the plunge...nice blog...its my first tyme...really like the contents

Shubby Doo 14 September 2008 at 22:12  

@oluwadee – hmmm…not sure about that…

@omo calabar – guess the apprehension really just isn't in my head…

@parakeet – life’s varying frequency eh?... I look forward to it… the peaks have always helped me enjoy the troughs…& vice versa

@ibiluv – 2 right sister… I’ll do my best o!

@NDQ – pls feel free to cheer me on… with a little prayer

@naijaleta – shhhhh… old master bo dey Nigeria and he no know…

@baroque – me 2 I laff die wen I read im tory… like the last line:

‘..."God abeg", he accepted his fate & closed his eyes...then it slowed down... & finally was pulled back up...safe’

serenity indeed...that put a real smile on my face

@red sapphire – lol…omo yoruba ni mi. Welcome

(vixenchick) 15 September 2008 at 05:15  

wow its amazing that you can stay afloat while doing all of that...

Smaragd 15 September 2008 at 10:24  

lol

definitely flying snow! BUT she must work with the Good Shepherd on this one u know.

a trip to Dubai sounds awesome! i think u should bully the boys! i would.lol

Smaragd 15 September 2008 at 10:37  

... hey, what makes YOU think u'll be spoiling ME! huhn? come on Shuuperu, fess up!lol

Chris Ogunlowo 15 September 2008 at 10:38  

Ha! I'm sure u don't want me to give details of the 007 stunt ;)
The battle is almost over. Thanks fot the love.

Afronuts 16 September 2008 at 10:25  

Ure programmed to multi-task. Not to worry. U'll pull thru.

Instead of worrying about it, feel glad that u'll soon pull thru everything.

I like ur analogy - the juggling one. very apt

Shubby Doo 16 September 2008 at 10:34  

@afronuts – got it… positive mental attitude… thanks

@badderchic – my laptop died on me …not happy cos I’ve only had it for 20 months… arghhh!

@aloofar – I do. Good to know you are well on the road to recovery

@vixenchick – I hope I can sweetie

@esmeralda – lol @ shuuperu…how many more names do you have for me?… actually don’t answer that!!!

The boys are doing my head in at the mo…royally...a united front is what we need to get it done… but after I think we have all agreed on something…I call 2 speak to them the next day and nothing has progressed cos they are still questioning what we should do…

I’m scared that it will turn into a mess…

Carlang 16 September 2008 at 10:47  

A woman worried about balls..
Welcome to the 21st century.

lol.
Reading your post i was more interested in the things you didn't say.
You didn't say anything about your love ball...
I wondered why.

You announced that for your birthday you planned on leaping of a plane.
I wondered...
Wetin dey do this girl?

lol @ your mum.
I was talking to Andromeda last night and i told her that line about the thought counting behind a gift.
She looked me in the eye and said..
If you love me. You'll know what i want.
If you cant afford it i'll understand.
Just don't say you don't know what I want.
Because you do.


Sigh.
Which brings me to my desperate question.
Anyone knows where i can buy a cheap Yacht?

Red Sapphire 16 September 2008 at 12:32  

You've got an award shubbydoo doo,
Follow the link...
http://wwwredsapphire.blogspot.com.
Enjoy!!!!

Rayo 16 September 2008 at 13:21  

sky diving? thats off the top, babe u no dey fear?

SOLOMONSYDELLE 16 September 2008 at 14:40  

hey gurrrl!!! My bday is in November as well and i'm thinking Miami. I haven't even begun the search, watch it be that nothing is available. arrggghh!!!!

brap 17 September 2008 at 05:27  
This comment has been removed by the author.
brap 17 September 2008 at 05:30  

I went skydiving before it was an awesome experience. try to keep your eyes open so you dont miss the view, always keep your arms out it slows your descent, dont scream at least not for long my friend's voice turned hoarse after screaming through the whole descent.
P.S. I want your job

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