Friday, July 29, 2011

Yes! I'm still Single...

I came across a friend's status on facebook the other day and it read "Why do women in relationships feel sorry for single women?"  She went on to say, one of the sisters from church#m'zakes was speaking to her and felt the need to say the following: "ag shem, we are praying for you, and hoping God will bless you with someone special soon" #LMAO Look don't get me wrong, I pray for my future partner too, God knows what I WANT in a man but He also knows what I NEED in a man and what that man will need from me.  This is a two way process...it's not just about us women ticking off from our "lists", the brothers also have requirements!!


I've realized that women everywhere are having the same conversation;  "when am I going to meet him;  I'm tired of being single;  I want to get married;  I want kids blah blah blah" I used to get soooooo annoyed when I would be on bbm/WA with one of the ladies from back home and within 2minutes into our chat, I would be asked "have you met someone?" I'd have to count to 10 just to calm myself down, then I would politely respond with a  "no, not yet" as I didn't want to be rude, but truly speaking it offended me and made me feel like my goals and experiences needed to be validated by a man in the picture#RME!! 


With that said, I've come to the realisation that most women that are in relationships aren't always the "happy ones"(whatever happiness means to you). Yes, relationships are hard work and are about compromise blah blah blah but what I fail to fathom is; taking care of a grown ass man, paying his bills and ish??  Staying in an abusive relationship both emotionally and physically for the sake of the children or fear of never finding anyone??  We hear, read and discuss these stories amongst ourselves on the daily and who am I to judge?!  I too have made some bad choices in the past but what I know right now, today, is that love does not hurt and I love myself enough to know when to end things and walk away.  Is it easy?  Of course not? Is it achievable? Damn right it is! But hey...to each his own right??

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bitter woman at all. I love, love, I love being in love, I love being loved...I love the whole love thing and I actually think God is molding me into the Proverbs 31 woman#blushes#smiles. I know that I'm a good catch and soon I'll be an AWESOME catch if I may say so myself#lol  I'm nowhere near perfect, but I know that God is working within me and whoever is going to end up with me  will be one blessed brother#lol  I guess it just saddens me when we as women forget that we are daughters of the Most High.  We are loved unconditionally by the Almighty God and He knows our heart's desires.  He will bless us with the right partner when we are ready.  I just think some of us have so much baggage from past relationships that we aren't even "dateable" cause we're just so miserable, bitter, angry and desperate to have babies with the next one that we meet.  I repeat, I'm no expert when it comes to this love thing but all I know is that everything happens in its season and for anyone reading this that has been hoping and praying for their future partner, I would like to reassure you that God knows and He's got this, for now, live,laugh and embrace each moment....everything else will fall into place#smiles

So to all my friends that have been wondering, concerned or interested in my relationship status...it hasn't changed.  I am still single, I have no intentions of looking or chasing after love...I am here to discover more about myself, enjoy the cultural experience, gain work experience, meet new people, live, laugh and embrace this experience.  Just to be clear, I am not against the idea of socialising with the opposite sex and I have since crossed paths with the following males (please note I have not used their real names and have also chosen not to add their pics for obvious reasons and besides, they sue for everything here)#lol



Jason. 32. White. Met at the balloon store. Made horror movies with his cousin and posted them on youtube. Had a zillion tattoos. Believed he is a "seer" and him and I were meant to be#smh. He chewed with his mouth opened. Had stories for days about everything and anything. Was very helpful whilst I was in NYC but told me we couldn't hang out as he wanted more and I didn't. I then checked up on him a week after he had declared his love for me and he told me to never contact him#iknowright#lol

The 8th Grader...need I say more?! LOL

Shaun. +-35. African American. Originally from the Bronx, NY. Met whilst walking home from the bus stop and he drove next to me. Married.  Took off his wedding band whilst I crossed the street#smh That's all I got to know about him as I had no interest in building a friendship or anything else with him#

Pablo. Late 30s. Dominican. Spoke Spanish and English of course. Met on my way to Boston. Raised in Harlem, NY. Gentleman. Handsome. Intelligent. Funny. Sweet. Charming. Studying Theology and African Studies. Worked in the hotel industry. Passionate about Africa and ancestors. Turned out he was looking for a "wife" who'd be happiest sitting at home, twidding their thumbs and waiting for King Pablo to come home at odd hours of the morning#smh#lol

Jesse. 31. Cape Verdean. Met on the bus. "M'rapper for sho" reminded me of Vusi (usage of Ma, Shorty, nahmean)#lol. Cutie. Beautiful body. Loves himself. Chef. Passionate about love and life. Loves himself. Charming. Loves himself. Funny. Loves himself. Loves my accent. Hard working. Did I mention he loves himself?! On the real though...very pleasant guy and good peoples...


I have also met a couple of Hispanic dudes that will randomly speak Spanish to me and my response is always "me, hablo no Espanol" then they smile back and simply nod...then I reciprocate#akward!!

So there you have it folks, I'm hoping I will not be getting asked anymore questions pertaining to my relationship status, and should there be any developments...you guys will be the first to know#giggles






Wishing you all a fabulous weekend, take care and keep warm.

Stay Blessed xoxo


Friday, July 22, 2011

Mr. Carl Thomas

Most of you know by now that the company that I work for; Konnessi has just signed a contract with Carl Thomas and I've been blessed with the opportunity to manage his Social Media account.  I am super excited and looking forward to working with Carl's team.

For those of you that don't know Carl Thomas; he is an R&B artist that released a single in early 2000 "I Wish" which topped the R&B charts and set the stage for his debut album, Emotional later that year.  On the success of the single, and the album's other singles charted on the R&B charts:  "Summer Rain" at #18 and the title track "Emotional" at #8.  The album was certified platinum certification for 1 million sales.  His 2nd album, Let's Talk About It,  was released 23 March 2004.  Sadly, no singles from this album charted.  The album was hurt by the death of Thomas' step brother, Duranthony Evans.  He was shot and killed in a drive-by on Halloween night on Aurora's east side.  This devasted Thomas, causing him to take time off from music and promotion of his album.  On 7 December 2006, Thomas earned a  Grammy Award nomination along with Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, and the late Gerald Levert for "Everyday (Family Reunion)" a song from the soundtrack of Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion.  His third albu, So Much Better, was released 30 May 2007 and reached #25 on the US Billboard 200. 
Source:  Wikipedia

He is now signed with Verve Music Group.  Thomas has a new album entitled "Conquer" due out on 4 October 2011 in the USA.

Below is a video of Mr Carl Thomas expressing he's enthusiasm on working with the Konnessi team and yours truly#lol.  Islyndi, is a colleague of mine who's an Intern for Frank Caprio and a huge Carl Thomas fan.

Aaaauuuwwww!!!
Joined in the hip he says#lol

I need a favour...I need you all to PLEASE  "like" his facebook page http://on.fb.me/roeA3V and follow him on twitter @Mr_Carl_Thomas 

I'm sure most of you remember how "rough" things were for me when I initially arrived in the States and I am only too grateful to be where I am today and can only marvel at all that God continues to do in my life.  God sure has been ordering my steps and I am filled with so much joy and thanksgiving as I am reminded everyday how great our God is.  The scripture says:  "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into  the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him”. “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit “ 1 Cor 2:9-10  How reassuring is that?  It sure gets me all excited just reading it...I would just like to urge any of you that are going through any challenges to stay in the Lord and be reminded that  “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Rom 8:31 He wants you to experience peace and to know that He's got this!! 

Wishing you all a super weekend, take care and keep warm and I'll try to stay cool this side of the world.  It is horribly humid with nauseating hot air#yuck!! But hey, I'd rather have this than the winter#lol

Stay Blessed xoxo

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Last Weekend with Conceptia

Most of you have come to know Conceptia as my roomate but what you do not know is that she has been more than that to me...she has become a very dear friend to me and I am so blessed to have crossed paths with her.  This past weekend marked our last weekend together as Conceptia leaves for Orlando, Florida next Friday to journey on.  I am very happy for her but equally sad that she will be leaving Providence and more especially me#chokesup

Conceptia is one of the sweetest and kindest people I've ever come across.  She has done so much for me and I will eternally be grateful for it all.  

Conceptia, thank you for being the person that you are, thank you for your love, kindness, patience,introducing me to your friends, introducing me to New Dimension Church, always driving me around and making my life that much easier but most of all, thank you for your friendship. I pray God will bless you and grant you favour in Orlando, I pray that He will cover you with the blood of His son Jesus Christ, I pray that His angels will always protect you and keep you safe from harm's way.  I wish you good health, peace, joy, prosperity and above it all, I wish you love.  

Conceptia and I at Prospect Park...so peaceful and beautiful

Conceptia acting stoopid#lol...she's going to kill me for this one#lol


At Conceptia's birthday dinner...

In Boston...

Cape Verdean Festival

This has been a very emotional post for me to type as I HATE goodbyes but I know that God never puts us through ish we can never handle.  People come in our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  I'm choosing Conceptia to be in my life for a lifetime. I got nothing but love for you babe and this is definitely not a goodbye but rather a "see you later", we will definitely keep in touch and I'm going to try visit Florida before heading back to SA and you "MUST" come visit SA when I'm back home#smiles

"Friendship is like a violin; the music may stop now and then, but the strings will last forever."

So long Conceptia. Stay Beautiful. Love you.

Stay Blessed xoxo

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Happy Birthday Gal...

Today is one of my favourite people's Birthday and this post is dedicated to her. Most of you know that Tshego aka Da Gal is one of my closest friends. Tshego and I met about 6 yrs ago at Refiloe's 21st, she didn't like me much then, but that changed over time...not sure if it was my great sense of humour or my amazing personality#justkidding.

Da Gal is one of the most beautiful beings inside and outside, Tshego will do ANYTHING for the people she loves. She is caring, loving, kind, patient and the opposite of me...maybe that's why our friendship works#lol

Jokes aside, Gal you're truly a blessing to me and my family. You are like a sister to me and my siblings, we love you sooo sooo much and we are blessed to have you in our lives. My folks and my extended family regard you as part of the "Mokoena Clan" and I have nothing but love for you. Gal...I speak on behalf of my family and I and we want you to know that we greatly appreciate all that you do for my siblings and my folks....taking Modiehi matric farewell dress shopping, taking Kabelo shopping for his winter clothes, helping Modiehi cook and prepare for the "all soo important" meeting that took place this past weekend#lol

Gal, I love you soo soo soo much and I pray that God will continue to bless you, our friendship and grant you favour everywhere you go. I pray the year ahead will be all that you imagine it to be and more. I pray your day and year will be full of joy, love, laughter, good health and peace.

I wanted to share my favourite poem with you but think I will save it for your wedding day#smiles

Just so you know...it wasn't easy selecting the songs for the video...I hope you enjoy watching it just as much as I enjoyed making it.

I love you and my wish for you is comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth and love to complete your life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & MCWAAAAAH



Thanks to Mama Maboi, Lerato and Olebo for helping me with some pics.

Stay Blessed xoxo

Monday, July 11, 2011

Watoto Children's Choir and Cape Verdean Festival Weekend

Watoto Children's Choir was founded by Pastor Gary and Marylin Skinner.  Gary was born in Zimbabwe to missionary parents. The Watoto Children's Choir is an African choir based in Kampala, Uganda at Watoto Church formerly Kampala Pentecostal Church of KPC.  It is composed of about 18 children, mainly from Uganda.  Watoto means "children" in the Swahili language.  The choir is made up of children who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. 
The choir performed at New Dimension Church on Saturday and boy was it an emotional, exciting and a fun experience that reminded me of how blessed I am and the importance of counting one's blessings before complaining about what one lacks
The children were animated and sang beautifully







If any of you are interested in sponsoring a child, making a contribution or would like to buy any of the merchandise made by the HIV/AIDS positive women in Uganda please visit:  http://www.watoto.com

Swahili #101
Mambo Sawa - Life is Good
Hakuna Wakaita Sa Yesu - There is no one like Jesus

They actually sang Hakuna Wakaita Sa Yesu using the same tune as we do when we sing "Ha hona ya tshwanang le Jesu" so there I was singing ka SeSotho, whilst they sang in Swahili and the rest of the people were singing in English.

After the concert...
We went to Cafe Soul to an open mic session...

Cutie sharing a piece on being a father#inspiring
(forgot his name)lol

Contessa, the Founder of Cafe Soul and the Host for the evening

Yunnis performed a couple of pieces..

Conceptia singing "Stand Up for Love" by Beyonce

Performing "Wonderful" by India Arie

Contessa's man declaring his love for her#beautiful

A happy Contessa after her man declared his undying love for her#aawww
Felt like I was watching a Shakespeare play#beautiful

My Saturday evening was really awesome and I had no idea that Conceptia had such a beautiful voice#talenteboss!!

On Sunday we attended church, the praise and worship was AAA-HH-MA-ZING!!  The Watoto's Children Choir attended the service and sang a couple of songs as well.  There was a guest speaker, Pastor Bill Johnson and his message was titled "Small Beginnings Turn Into Large Adventures" and we read from the following books:
  • Numbers 14v38
  • Luke 13v18-21
  • Luke 17v20-21
  • 2 Corinthians 4v7
He made an example of yeast in the baking process and went on to say that small amounts of yeast make a huge difference in the success of the bread;  and so it should be in our lives.  
  • Small prayers of faith should change our realities.  
  • The heat in the baking process activates the agent (yeast) and in our lives;  bad situations should make us stronger and better believers at the end of it all.  
  • He closed off by saying that super abundance in DUE TIME#patience.  You are not forgotten!!
I would like to remind everyone that is facing challenges to stay in the word and trust that God is in control, as you know He never leaves nor forsakes us, even when it feels like He has.  He is faithful, loving, merciful and all so awesome and powerful#Amen

After the sermon, Conceptia and I attended the Cape Verdean festival which is an annual event.  The festival consisted of live performances, DJs, stalls and beautiful people. The Cape Verdeans are truly a beautiful nation.  Their men are GORGEOUS and their women equally BEAUTIFUL.  The weather was lovely, the venue was gorgeous as it was right by the water and I had too much fun#bliss

The view from where we were sitting

The host spoke Creole most of the time which I didn't understand
but it sounded beautiful#lol

Conceptia and Jesse
Jesse is Cape Verdean 

Girl Dance Group called Victor doing their thang



Wrist rubber band from Jesse 
Ami E Strelista means "I am a Starlet"

These guys were on FIRE!! Hip-Hop group...LUUUURRRVVEEDD their performance

Its a 7 member group#lol not enough microphones to go around#lol


Cape Verdean's "Justin Bieber" the young girls LUURRVVEED him#cute

Meee....

Performed "By your Side" by Sade...thought I had recorded this but...
clearly forgot to press record#sighs
She did a raggae rendition of the song#lovely

Conceptia and I

View of the stalls...

Conceptia, Jesse and I
Thanks for the invite Jesse and for being a great host#madlove

All in all I had a great weekend and I am now at work typing this post when I should be doing some work...kind of a lousy day at the office today#bleh

Stay Blessed xoxo

Monday, July 4, 2011

4th of July Weekend

On Friday evening, Conceptia, Anna and I attended an art exhibition at Pawtucket, RI.  One of the artist's Emiline Allen had invited Conceptia. The exhibition was very well organised, cheese, crackers and wine were served.  A lovely crowd had come through and it turned out to be a good evening.  We didn't stay long though as we were exhausted from the week.



Emiline Allen

 Emeline's Work

The other 2 artists' work






Anna and Conceptia

On Saturday, Conceptia and I spent most of our day in Newport.  Newport is a city in Aquidneck Island in Newport County, in Rhode Island.  It's about an hour away from Providence by bus.  It is known as a New England summer resort and known for its summer resort and for the famous mansions.  It is home of the Salve Regina University and Neval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War College and the United States Navy training centre.  Newport contains among the highest number of surviving colonial buildings of any city in the United States.  The city is the county seat of Newport County which means its a county that no longer has any governmental functions.  The city is beautiful, friendly and quaint.  I will definitely visit it again during the summer and go see the mansions as we didn't have time to do that this time around.

Beautiful summer's day



Don't ask me how long 2/3miles is...Americans chose to use miles, while the 
rest of the world uses kilometers#lol

The view from the cliff walk




Conceptia and I


Men in uniform#Awwuuuuuuu!!

Pathway back into town from the beautiful cliff walk#beauty

We were resting on the bench and decided to ask some random guy to take a pic of us.  I used my most polite and sweetest voice to ask him and he  just looked at me and said "no"#lol.  We decided that he had said no because he didn't understand my question...he's "no" did sound foreign#lol  I took another chance and asked an older man, as he passed by and he was kind enough to take the below pic#grateful

Conceptia caught me off guard...okay, maybe not#lol

You know who...LUUURRVVESS the camera so...
I had to play Nigel Barker for a while#lol


Note:  I took WAAYYY more pics than the three that I've posted...lets just say Conceptia can compile her portfolio now#lol

Off we went to Cupcake Charlie's#gourmetcupcakes#YUM
They participated in Cupcake Wars in 2010 
on the Food Network but didn't win.




Red Velvet Cupcake#heavenly

St. Mary's Church. Isn't it beautiful?

Random pic of bridal party outside the church...couldn't resist


After too many hours spent in the sun, Conceptia and I were baked and all I wanted was to get back to the apartment and have an early night#sjoe

On Sunday we stayed in and Conceptia cooked us a shrimp pasta dish#YUMMY

Today, I was supposed to attend a 4th of July cookout but due to unforeseen circumstance it didn't work out#sad.

Besides that, I had a pretty good weekend.  I must admit, I am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow as Jenna won't be there#sadface

Scripture for the week
Hebrews 13v5:  God has said:  "I will not in any way fail you, or give you up or leave you without support.  I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless or forsake you or let you down!  Assuredly not!"


Prayer:  Lord, You are my hope and my confidence.  It is a great reassurance to know that You will never leave me nor will You forsake me.  Amen


Stay Blessed xoxo