Trip to the "Show me State" (MO) and the "Natural State" (AR)

Where do I begin with this one? I get a project in freaking Arkansas. Am I supposed to be excited about that? Anyway because I am a trooper and I am down for anything they throw my way at work, I’ll take it (like I really have a choice). Okay so I proceed to purchase my ticket. It’s time to pick my seats and I see the second leg of my journey has only two seating rows, one on each side. I scream “Hell no.” I remembered I was still at work so I look around and get up to see if anyone was standing within 20 feet. You know we Africans more than anyone else have to keep it PC (politically correct) at work.

I usually spend less than 30 minutes planning my entire trip but this one took like 2 hours. I finally make a decision; instead of risking my life and having anxiety attacks on a small plane that fits only 14 people, I’ll just fly into Kansas City, Missouri and then drive 3 hours to my destination in Arkansas. Yeah I know, I’m crazy but if you’re next in line for a promotion and you’re trying to make your numbers look good, you’ll do the same thing. Not to get sidetracked but I flew on this small plane with propellers once (I didn’t know they still existed). The whole time we were flying over water. I really did have an anxiety attack. My palms were sweaty and I felt my heart was going to pop out of my shirt. Isn’t that how you feel when you have one? I’m really not sure but it felt like it.

I swear that morning I woke up with anger and frustration thinking about the drive ahead. I get to the airport and I’m trying to get through security. As I gather my belongings and I’m putting my belt on, this airport security agent is looking at me. She goes “Are you a flight attendant?” Oh, hell no!!!! I know she just didn’t ask me that question. I’m thinking do I look like I have a uniform on? I answer no with that puzzled look on my face. She goes “Oh, sorry, I just see you here all the time.” I’m thinking it’s really time to change jobs.

I get to Kansas City on time and head to Avis, I rented a full size car but they hooked me up with an SUV. Sweet, this is going to be a nice ride after all. I head out to Arkansas, put the car in cruise control and I’m jamming some nice tracks on my way admiring the valleys, mountains, and dense woodlands. Trust me that was all there was to see. I’m easing my way towards my project site with approximately 7 miles to go. Next thing I hear Pah, Pah, Pah!!!! I pull over to the side of the road; turn the car off and start it again. The engine is not sounding too good. I start panicking because I am in the middle of nowhere. I calm myself down and decide to call 911 or Avis, someone to pick me up from this remote place. I pick up my phone to make a call, no service. I’m almost in tears. Okay breathe, think, breathe, think. I decide to brave it the rest of the way. I put the hazard lights on, drive at 20 miles per hour the rest of the way, and pray to God to get me to my destination safely.

I get there in one piece. Thank God. Still didn’t have reception so I had to use someone else’s phone. Avis did not even have a location there; the closest one was like 30 miles away. They finally show up about an hour later with some funny looking car. Did I have a choice? I was just grateful that I was okay.

Femi Kuti Concert

Femi Kuti is currently touring the United States and as soon as my sister (number one Femi fan) heard he was around, she hounded me at work by calling me and e-mailing me about buying my ticket. A co-worker asked me if I knew about Femi Kuti sometime last year. I looked at him like he was crazy. He goes on and asks me, “Femi keeps saying Waka, Waka in his songs, what does that mean?” I translated and told him it meant to walk (please correct me if I’m wrong). He then gave me Femi’s CD to listen to and told me he was at the last Femi show and it was the best one he had been to. I was kinda impressed because this guy did not seem like he knew anything but crunk music, them walk it out kinda songs.

I’m not a huge Femi fan, I know some of his mainstream music; songs like beng, beng, beng because they make me want to move. Don’t hate, a sister can break it down. I'm more of a Fela girl. I didn’t grow up listening to his music but I kinda picked up on some songs along the past few years and his style struck a chord in me. His sound is so raw and original. And the lyrical content of some of his songs wants me to march to Aso Rock and demand some changes in the Nigerian economy. He seemed fearless because some of his songs criticized the government and their policies. That was unheard of because this was a time when Nigeria was still ruled under the military regime and anyone who wasn’t joining the bandwagon was gotten rid off somehow.

The concert was not to start until 9pm but knowing my shopaholic sister who decided to go shopping right before the concert, we make it to the venue at 9.30pm. The whole Nigerian community was in the house I tell you. The first half hour was spent saying hello to friends, acquaintances, and foes (just kidding). The show starts around 10am; I’m thinking this is not bad at all compared to Nigerian standards. My people, you know how we do, if you’re invited to a party that starts at 9p.m, you know we don’t show up till 12 midnight, appearing fashionably late. Am I lying? I’m sure you too, you can testify.

The opening act jumps on stage. The duo consists of Kenyan females in skimpy clothes. I’m thinking they are about to just shake their booties and leave the stage. But one of the sisters belts out a note, and I’m thinking to myself, this girl can saiinggggg. They did a good job getting the crowd hyped up for Femi. Femi finally walks up on the stage after his band and dancers and I must say he’s aged a little bit but still cute. He starts performing and I start feeling this music so much that I leave my sister and friends and work my way up to the front of the stage. The crowd is 50% Nigerian and the other 50% consisted of people from all over the world, which was quite impressive. There was this white guy that was moving like he was in a trance. I fear oh, before he transferred whatever possessed him to me, I just moved to the left, to the left. Another guy, who was definitely not Nigerian, kept going Ase, Ase, ha ha!!! I’m like, what the hell. What is he going on about?

While Femi was performing, we locked eyes for a brief moment and I felt like he was singing to me. I’m not kidding people, we had some kinda connection. Yeah right, the same connection he had with like all the other females in the front row. The dancers were something else; they danced for like 3 hours straight with smiles on their faces.

I must say this is one of the best concerts I have been to. I danced till my feet ached. Femi is a true performer, he sings, dances, plays the piano, and the saxophone. He’s definitely acquired one more fan and if he’s in your neighborhood make sure you check him out and support a Nigerian brother.

When lightning struck.

You would think because I fly at least once a week, I would have gotten over my fear of flying. But if I am not in control, I am not trusting whoever's at the controls or wheels. Even when BF is driving me, I am telling him to slow down, speed up, take that turn, can't you see that van, oh my God, you're about to kill me oh! He got so upset one day that he stopped in the middle of the street and refused to drive. I had some serious begging to do.


So once again, here I am waiting to board a plane. The weather has been bad all week and I was hoping it would have cleared up before my flight. Clear up ke, it is raining cats and dogs. Not only that but I could hear thunder and see lighting everywhere. I was seriously hoping and praying the flight be cancelled. The Delta representative says we'll be boarding in 30mins. I'm thinking damn, damn, damn. But I'll be okay, God is in control.


We board the plane and then we can't take off for another 1hr because it gets worse. It's finally time to take off and I start panicking, like seriously. I am thinking, should I just ride it out because the flight is only one hour or save my life and get off. Before I could decide, the plane had pulled out of the gate. Yeepa.


So we take off and I'm telling you this flight was so bumpy, the flight attendants could not even get out of their seats for one minute. I turn my i-pod on and try to calm myself down by listening to some music. Every time the plane shakes, I grab the armrest real tight or close my eyes. This guy beside me keeps smiling at me, I'm like whatever, you yourself you better start saying your last prayers.


About 40 minutes into the flight, I see this bright light and hear a crackling sound. I'm thinking this is it oh. I started asking God for forgiveness and I'm waiting for something to happen. The smiling guy goes "heh, heh, it just looks like lighting struck the plane." He says it so casually. Since I have never experienced that before, I'm thinking to myself so what next? Is that going to affect the engine, the wings, what.


I guess it happens sometimes and there's no cause for alarm. But hey, how was I supposed to know.

Run-in with an R&B Group.

Here I am again speeding like crazy to catch my early morning flight to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD). I have had the gate shut in my face too many times and had to re-schedule meetings. You would think I would have learnt my lesson but like I always say, I have never been a morning person and I never will be. It literally takes me about 30mins from when my alarm wakes me up till I drag myself out of bed.

I get here just in the nick of time. And I by-pass the regular security line and walk up to what I call the V.I.P line. I call it the V.I.P line because it's for flyers with some kind of status with the different airlines. And it is no joke because you will definitely be bounced if your boarding pass does not clearly say so. I can't lie, it feels good when you don't have to get in the regular line especially when it extends through the entrance doors. I kid you not.

Flying out of this airport is ridiculous, you have to get on an internal train to take you to terminals A, B, C, D, & E. So I hop on the train and lo and behold who do I see right next to me. Mike and Slim from the R&B Group 112 with their boys. I love these guys but you know us naija people we act all cool like we see these people everyday and besides I can't lie I'm looking kinda busted today. I have my glasses on with no makeup on. What? It was 6a.m in the morning. As soon as the doors open I am thinking to myself what the hell why didn't you say anything.

So I go into the bathroom to at least brush on some MAC studiofix NW45 and some "Oh Baby" lipglass. Now my confidence is back on. As soon as I come out of the rest room. They are walking behind me again. I'm thinking say something idiot. You love these guys. But nooo........ my liver won't let me. Since I am freaking out, I might start shelling or something so I speed up my pace and I find comfort in Starbucks. I am standing in line and guess who walks up behind me with his boys? Mike. Don't know what happened to Slim. Now I'm really freaking out and thinking if I don't say something I'll be a complete idiot and I won't forgive myself. Here goes our conversation:


NJS: Hey. I saw you earlier but I didn't want to bother you because I myself don't like to be bothered this early in the morning.
Mike: It doesn't matter if it's from a beautiful lady like you.
NJS: Oh gosh (blushing like mad). So where are you guys off too?
Mike: Some show in .....
Before he even finishes one of his boys goes.
Where u from?
NJS: Nigeria
Mike: For real. We're negotiating with our manager to go over there?
NJS: Are you serious? I'm going to be going home soon so I'll definitely check you guys out.
Mike: Do you have a card?
NJS: Of course. (I added two extra numbers, my cell and my landline just in case the other two did not work for some reason ;)
Mike: Cool. What are you having?
NJS: A soy chai tea latte.
Mike: I gat u.
NJS: Thanks guys. Nice meeting you.

Walked away on cloud nine. I haven't heard from Mike till today but he was such a sweetheart.

A case of the early morning jones

I hate early morning flights. Argghhhhh...... I had a 7 am flight leaving from the busiest airport in the world. So you know I had to wake up at least three hours before to make it in time. I never check in luggage because I'm gone for a day or two. So instead of having to deal with missing luggage and my bags not making the flight I was on, I just pack a few clothes in a duffel bag and get the other stuff I get from the hotel. Ladies doesn't it suck now having to check your make-up bag, favorite perfume, and hair products with the chance of them getting lost. I remember when this whole thing started, I had to trash at least $100 worth of MAC makeup because I thought I could find to smuggle them through (typical nigerian behavior). See how that turned out.

Before I get sidetracked, I park my car at the south terminal daily parking garage and rush to check-in at the delta self-service kiosk. As I am finishing up, this guy walks up to me and goes "Hey, how are you this morning? I saw you walking in and I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute." Okay, like I said earlier, even with 10 cups of coffee, nothing's going to make me a nice person on a Monday morning at 5.30am. I looked at him like he had said the most absurd thing I had heard in years and just muttered under my breath "I'm kinda like in a hurry" and walked off. I glanced back and he looked kinda cute. I wanted to kick myself but the damage had been done.

Guys I know you see a decent girl sometimes and you may want to holla. You muster enough courage to walk up to her and she blows you off before you even speak. We may just be having the early morning jones or having a bad hair day. It's always something or the other. Don't think it is you (which might be the case sometimes). Maybe I just brushed off a potential boyfriend, husband, best-friend. I'll never know. But trust me this wasn't the right day or the right time to find out.

Impatient travelers

Traveling these days, as I always say is torture. I feel great today as I am not rushing to catch a flight for work. Rather, I am on my way back to Atlanta from Austin, TX with a connecting flight through Houston. Therefore, I will be spending the entire day traveling. Another reason, I am in a good mood is that the weather in this part of the country has been brutal with storms causing up to 20 inches of rain in some areas, so I am happy it's not raining right now.

So I check out of the hotel and hop into my rented Jeep Liberty with my fingers crossed, hoping and praying my flight(s) are not cancelled. I get to the self-service computer to check-in, and I try and try, for some reason my case needs special attention. My company has an account with corporate expedia, and I have been screwed over once in a while. So once again I’m hoping and praying corporate expedia took care of business and purchased the flight. The continental airlines representative comes over and asks me for my passport. I’m looking at him, like what the hell. It’s a domestic destination; do I need a passport for that now? You know I can’t keep up with the rules, regulations, and laws in this country. After September 11, 2001, it’s been one thing after the other. He finally looks up my information and says everything is fine and he doesn’t know why the system was acting up. Isn’t that why they hire these people?

Anyway, I go about my business. I get to the security line and the line is long as hell. I finally get to the front of the line; I begin to take my laptop out and my liquids in a Ziploc bag. This lady must have been in a hurry or maybe she was thinking to herself, this girl needs to hurry up because she reached for the plastic bins before me. As I am in a good mood, I let it go. I start easing my stuff down the security tables but nooo…… she begins to push my stuff down herself. You know me, I asked her “ Ma’m are you in a hurry? Because if you are, you can get in front of me.” She goes “Oh no, not at all.” I gave her that look like don’t mess with me, luv. She gets the message and doesn’t bother me after that. I finally get through without any more troubles.

What's with impatient travelers today. I know I am impatient, my family, friends, and boyfriend have told me so. But I believe I am respectful and I believe people should be the same.

Boyfriend Drama

Ladies, ladies, ladies. Don 't you just hate it when your boyfriend apologizes on your behalf. It drives me crazy. Okay, so my boyfriend(BF) and I are on our way back from a trip to Los Angeles. We have friends and family there so it turned out to be a wonderful weekend. The day was going by great, I bumped into Tracee Ellis Ross from girlfriends at LAX, I love her so that started my day off right.

So we're starving and we decide to get pizza from california pizza kitchen since that looked like the best thing around unless I wanted a greasy burger with fries from Mickey D's. So I am standing in line to pay for the pizza and for some reason this guy is staring me down and giving the the evil eye. I'm looking to make sure all my clothing is in place and I am not exposing anything. I'm looking around and realize I'm standing in the wrong line so it looked like I was trying to cut the line.

Knowing my boyfriend (I call him the Good Samaritan or Mr. Please the World), he goes quickly to the other line. But I stayed put where I was figuring once he gets to the top of the line, I would join him. So the evil eye guy goes "Are you rushing to catch a flight because if you are you can get in front of me." Oh hell no, he don messed with the wrong black chick. I said fuming " Am I bothering you by standing here, I'm not even in line to pay so what is your problem."

Huffing and puffing, I stormed from the line to take a seat. I see boyfriend (BF) talking to evil eye guy and I figured he's saying he's sorry. So he brings the pizza over and I ask so what did you guys talk about. He says nothing. I'm like seriously what was that conversation about. He say's "oh the guy just asked if you were mad and if you were he's sorry."

I did not believe him because BF approached him first. I took a bite of the pepperoni pizza and at that moment, the pizza tasted like something picked up from the garbage. I threw it in the trash and stormed off with smoke coming out of my head.

Now that I look back it was hilarious because we acted like total strangers while waiting for the flight. We had different seats on the plane but even though I wasn't talking to him, I still negotiated changing seats with the man sitting next to me. We made up even though he claimed he didn't do anything wrong by apologizing for my behavior, like I'm some kid and drifted off to sleep for the 5hr flight we had ahead of us.

Ladies who have had similar experiences, why do our men feel like they have to apologize on our behalf?