Hi cyber space,
I have been receiving your emails asking about where I am...and honestly, It's not that I'm lazy...(tee hee hee-- I can't even lie with a straight face!) Ok, I am a tad lazy this year, but also my computer still isn't working right. I have been promised a high tech one... not sure when I'll get it though so sit tight.
I still don't have a passport....so chances of getting outta here are slim to none. Same ol' man problems... same ol' work issues... still watching reruns, and soccer.
Oh talking about soccer... DC United is playing Real Madrid in August...you know I'll be there with bells on!!! I was gonna say DC United will get an ass thrashing...but USA Vs Spain surprised me with a 2-0....so who knows, we might get lucky...well the team...not me:-) ha hahaha
Shucks...I blanked out! All thoses stories going on, crazy Kim Jong Il and his threats, crazy I-ranians, crazy abortion doctor killers, crazy museum shooters...I mean the news is just flourishing with psychos I am afraid to go outside! Add to that Air France or the heart attack pilot...dude...where in the world is safety???
Any way...will be back soon. Please pray for my new computer...It's a sad state of affairs using this almost dead one:( I can't think straight with the screen looking all funny.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
RIP Windows XP
So I made my exciting come back....then something awful happened-- My computer died! It didn't work for like 2 weeks and kept freezing on windows xp. I have been patient and trying to fix it, though it hasn't been a priority because I had my work lap top, but I didn't think it was appropriate to use it for my personal entertainment:-) Yeah...sometimes I have morals!
I am currently using the computer in "safe mode"... hopefully it will fix itself. Or maybe my boyfriend Bill Gates/ Warren Buffet might buy me a new computer. Dunno.
Dude, I am trying to get into grad school ASAP, but can not think what to do! They all don't seem to pay more than I make now which disturbs me. I am also not getting very good reviews on the Nurse Practitioner track-- they are over used and abused...and make the same amount of money that I do. Then I thought I could go back to my international studies that I was previously doing... They don't get paid nuttin.I love that line of work though-- global studies, international relations, international health...etc. So I might just end up doing Public health or a freaking MBA. HELP!!! I can't think for real! I just can't justify the amount paid for school if I wont be paid enough when I graduate. I could probably get a scholarship though... my GPA is great. I just hate writing about myself in letters of interest.
OMG...what is with all the bloody re-runs??? TV has bored the hell out of me today! Serves me right for being anti social and staying home on mother's day. I made a special meal-- got major heart burn and played on the computer.
Oh and as if I didn't have enough to worry about, my car AC stopped working too. So I am looking to buy a new- used car soon too. I absolutely think it's a waste of money to buy new cars because they cost too much for nothing. I just want a car that gets me from point A to B safely and comfortably because my job depends on me driving around town.
Oh don't forget this coming weekend is wine in the woods in Columbia, MD. It's usually lots if fun...live music, lots of food, lots of Maryland wineries. I would definitely recommend it.
Hopefully my computer keeps working till I'm rich enough to replace it. I feel bad coz I am going to lose so many pictures and music and documents.
any who...Happy mama's day to all you lovely mama's out there. Also to the person asking if Castro was my boyfriend...umm honey not even if his penis was made of white chocolate raspberry cheese cake and protocolo wine!!! Never!
I am currently using the computer in "safe mode"... hopefully it will fix itself. Or maybe my boyfriend Bill Gates/ Warren Buffet might buy me a new computer. Dunno.
Dude, I am trying to get into grad school ASAP, but can not think what to do! They all don't seem to pay more than I make now which disturbs me. I am also not getting very good reviews on the Nurse Practitioner track-- they are over used and abused...and make the same amount of money that I do. Then I thought I could go back to my international studies that I was previously doing... They don't get paid nuttin.I love that line of work though-- global studies, international relations, international health...etc. So I might just end up doing Public health or a freaking MBA. HELP!!! I can't think for real! I just can't justify the amount paid for school if I wont be paid enough when I graduate. I could probably get a scholarship though... my GPA is great. I just hate writing about myself in letters of interest.
OMG...what is with all the bloody re-runs??? TV has bored the hell out of me today! Serves me right for being anti social and staying home on mother's day. I made a special meal-- got major heart burn and played on the computer.
Oh and as if I didn't have enough to worry about, my car AC stopped working too. So I am looking to buy a new- used car soon too. I absolutely think it's a waste of money to buy new cars because they cost too much for nothing. I just want a car that gets me from point A to B safely and comfortably because my job depends on me driving around town.
Oh don't forget this coming weekend is wine in the woods in Columbia, MD. It's usually lots if fun...live music, lots of food, lots of Maryland wineries. I would definitely recommend it.
Hopefully my computer keeps working till I'm rich enough to replace it. I feel bad coz I am going to lose so many pictures and music and documents.
any who...Happy mama's day to all you lovely mama's out there. Also to the person asking if Castro was my boyfriend...umm honey not even if his penis was made of white chocolate raspberry cheese cake and protocolo wine!!! Never!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Dambisa, Obama, Economy...lawd help me!
So after my hiatus (that's right! I learnt a new English word!), I have decided to blog a little...even though I have loads of things to do.
I can not even tell you how much stress I have been under....lawd gimme the strength! It has been hard, but I am here, and I am happy, and I know how strong I can be.
Will fill you in as we go along over the days...
So in the mean time, I got a new job ...yay! I also get my own company toys: lap top and cell phone and all, I am sooo excited! There are going to be sooo many changes in my life this year, it's not even funny!
I still don't have my passport...but my mummy is here, and she will take care of it. That's her job as a mummy:-)
So moving on....Dambisa Moyo: Dead aid
There has been much ado about this Zambian lady who went to the same secondary school as I did. She has been described as beautiful by some papers, intelligent by others, and some locals complained about her weave...lol, which reminds me I need to get a new hair do.
My views on her book are thus:
if "corrupt" governments can't adequately help the general masses with donor funds...what will their incentives be without aid?
The title of the book suggests Africa is a country and not a continent. Solutions for Ghana can not be solutions for Zambia. They are not equal.
China doesn't keep profits in Africa when it makes money and surely the poor don't profit from that
I understand that she would like us to get into dialog over the issue which is great-- thing is it's not a new platform. It has been debated for years (see better arguments on same issue by Ali Mazuri- an old Kenyan man). Once you read his stance on the same issue, and the different way he presents and studies it, you will understand why I think her topic is good but not well investigated. She sort of says South Africa is a good example while it is not...and if you follow the market closely, you will see that SA will be Zimbabwe in 10 or so years if they don't watch it. Her idea is not new, and should not be treated as such, the adage "give a man fish, and he will be hungry forever, Teach him to fish...etc has been something we have known for years.
I am not saying she is completely wrong, but she is very shaky on subject matter. I may not have a PhD in Economics, but I have been following African matters and issues for years, and can safely say she is mistaken on several things surrounding the political economy or that aid causes corruption and conflict. Aid may contribute to conflict, but it is not a cause. Congo with or without aid will continue to have civil unrest for many other reasons than aid. Countries help other countries when they have a VESTED reason. She is right that billions have been sent to Africa as aid since the 70's. She is wrong however when she fights for fair trade. Read opinions on fair trade by OXFAM...or better yet ask a local trader in Zambia their thoughts on cheap Chinese goods and what that does to their market base.
Her proposal to cut aid in 5 years is crazy irresponsible as an economist and a Zambian. Especially to try and present this issue before the G20 summit. If this were to happen, imagine how many schools, clinics, shelters, orphanages...etc would be shut down! How many lives will be lost from this bad planning? The problem is not that aid doesn't work-- everyone knows that. It's finding new EFFECTIVE ways to utilize that aid. Even the United Nations and many others have been working at finding a solution to using resources wisely for the last few years, and that is what I do not find well spelt out in her book.
AS the person who marched in England with Jubilee 2000-- I find it offensive for her to say some stuff about Bono and the crew. Without the help of those types of people and the work done by the Jubilee campaign...a lot of the African debt dropped by foreign countries would have not been possible! They worked tirelessly for debt cancellation-- something she is not credited with.
That is my mini take on the matter...and I can expand if needed. Look out for my book "why I just LOOOVE aid" in book stores near you.
Obama:
Okay...I am tired of dumb ass commentary every time I turn around about people thinking he should have been able to fix the economy by now, and they disappointed by what he has not been able to do so far. I am also quite put out by critics of the stimulus and such. You can criticise as much as you want to, but dude...where is your proposal???? I am all for people making their own legitimate and sound proposals and bringing it to the medias attention to show why they thing Obama sucks...and why their plan is more sound. After all, the economy is not a single party issue-- it's a global issue.
I want to know where the critics were when my best buddy-- BFF for life G.W. Bush was increasing debt and using money in places he shouldn't have been. They didn't ask his reasoning because criticizing the government at that time was tantamount to treason. Now that the media can speak, I think they are acting irresponsibly and without giving the guy (Obama) a chance to work. All I want to know is... If everything Obama is doing is wrong, what exactly is right???
The economy didn't get screwed up over night, and it can not be fixed over night. His plans make sense when he says the results will be years from now. Not in the near future.
You know I am a firm believer in the fact that the health care system in the United States has to be revamped. So I think he is right in putting money into that--and the Insurance companies and the people that benefit will fight this for life.
I also believe in affordable education and back his putting money into that to. Educating the masses is a big factor in a strong economy...and if people don't see how, then I don't know how to make that clearer.
Change in policy: but of course. Gas and electric companies have increased prices, and it's in every ones best interest to deregulate
aww--rite, I am getting back to my real life:)
Missed you all...and missed blogging. Will try to do better now:-)
I can not even tell you how much stress I have been under....lawd gimme the strength! It has been hard, but I am here, and I am happy, and I know how strong I can be.
Will fill you in as we go along over the days...
So in the mean time, I got a new job ...yay! I also get my own company toys: lap top and cell phone and all, I am sooo excited! There are going to be sooo many changes in my life this year, it's not even funny!
I still don't have my passport...but my mummy is here, and she will take care of it. That's her job as a mummy:-)
So moving on....Dambisa Moyo: Dead aid
There has been much ado about this Zambian lady who went to the same secondary school as I did. She has been described as beautiful by some papers, intelligent by others, and some locals complained about her weave...lol, which reminds me I need to get a new hair do.
My views on her book are thus:
if "corrupt" governments can't adequately help the general masses with donor funds...what will their incentives be without aid?
The title of the book suggests Africa is a country and not a continent. Solutions for Ghana can not be solutions for Zambia. They are not equal.
China doesn't keep profits in Africa when it makes money and surely the poor don't profit from that
I understand that she would like us to get into dialog over the issue which is great-- thing is it's not a new platform. It has been debated for years (see better arguments on same issue by Ali Mazuri- an old Kenyan man). Once you read his stance on the same issue, and the different way he presents and studies it, you will understand why I think her topic is good but not well investigated. She sort of says South Africa is a good example while it is not...and if you follow the market closely, you will see that SA will be Zimbabwe in 10 or so years if they don't watch it. Her idea is not new, and should not be treated as such, the adage "give a man fish, and he will be hungry forever, Teach him to fish...etc has been something we have known for years.
I am not saying she is completely wrong, but she is very shaky on subject matter. I may not have a PhD in Economics, but I have been following African matters and issues for years, and can safely say she is mistaken on several things surrounding the political economy or that aid causes corruption and conflict. Aid may contribute to conflict, but it is not a cause. Congo with or without aid will continue to have civil unrest for many other reasons than aid. Countries help other countries when they have a VESTED reason. She is right that billions have been sent to Africa as aid since the 70's. She is wrong however when she fights for fair trade. Read opinions on fair trade by OXFAM...or better yet ask a local trader in Zambia their thoughts on cheap Chinese goods and what that does to their market base.
Her proposal to cut aid in 5 years is crazy irresponsible as an economist and a Zambian. Especially to try and present this issue before the G20 summit. If this were to happen, imagine how many schools, clinics, shelters, orphanages...etc would be shut down! How many lives will be lost from this bad planning? The problem is not that aid doesn't work-- everyone knows that. It's finding new EFFECTIVE ways to utilize that aid. Even the United Nations and many others have been working at finding a solution to using resources wisely for the last few years, and that is what I do not find well spelt out in her book.
AS the person who marched in England with Jubilee 2000-- I find it offensive for her to say some stuff about Bono and the crew. Without the help of those types of people and the work done by the Jubilee campaign...a lot of the African debt dropped by foreign countries would have not been possible! They worked tirelessly for debt cancellation-- something she is not credited with.
That is my mini take on the matter...and I can expand if needed. Look out for my book "why I just LOOOVE aid" in book stores near you.
Obama:
Okay...I am tired of dumb ass commentary every time I turn around about people thinking he should have been able to fix the economy by now, and they disappointed by what he has not been able to do so far. I am also quite put out by critics of the stimulus and such. You can criticise as much as you want to, but dude...where is your proposal???? I am all for people making their own legitimate and sound proposals and bringing it to the medias attention to show why they thing Obama sucks...and why their plan is more sound. After all, the economy is not a single party issue-- it's a global issue.
I want to know where the critics were when my best buddy-- BFF for life G.W. Bush was increasing debt and using money in places he shouldn't have been. They didn't ask his reasoning because criticizing the government at that time was tantamount to treason. Now that the media can speak, I think they are acting irresponsibly and without giving the guy (Obama) a chance to work. All I want to know is... If everything Obama is doing is wrong, what exactly is right???
The economy didn't get screwed up over night, and it can not be fixed over night. His plans make sense when he says the results will be years from now. Not in the near future.
You know I am a firm believer in the fact that the health care system in the United States has to be revamped. So I think he is right in putting money into that--and the Insurance companies and the people that benefit will fight this for life.
I also believe in affordable education and back his putting money into that to. Educating the masses is a big factor in a strong economy...and if people don't see how, then I don't know how to make that clearer.
Change in policy: but of course. Gas and electric companies have increased prices, and it's in every ones best interest to deregulate
aww--rite, I am getting back to my real life:)
Missed you all...and missed blogging. Will try to do better now:-)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Hey there!
So how bored I'm I? I have a million and one things to do, yet I am watching Martha Stewart! Not sure why!!!
I went for my annual HIV test last week... but guess what? They lost my blood and so I have to go back today!!! I am not amused. I almost changed my mind and said screw it... but alas! It's cold and there's flurries, so I really shouldn't be out doors. Any way, like I said, probablility always works weird for me! Besides if I go there, I will be forced to buy those chicken wings that I love so much which are bad for my health. ...hmmmm
Moving along, I am sooo blank for things to say because it's been sooo long, and I have been holding too many stories in my head, then of course now that I'm here, they froze and I can't think!
Maybe lets tackle Congo. Will Congo ever be peaceful? That's like asking will Gaza ever see peace for long periods of time. They arrested Nkunda...but really, there is probably anotehr leader in command eager to take up the cause.
You know what? I just realized if I sit here I wont make it to the lab....so let me get my butt up and head out. Awwwww Gawwwddd!
B.R.B....
So how bored I'm I? I have a million and one things to do, yet I am watching Martha Stewart! Not sure why!!!
I went for my annual HIV test last week... but guess what? They lost my blood and so I have to go back today!!! I am not amused. I almost changed my mind and said screw it... but alas! It's cold and there's flurries, so I really shouldn't be out doors. Any way, like I said, probablility always works weird for me! Besides if I go there, I will be forced to buy those chicken wings that I love so much which are bad for my health. ...hmmmm
Moving along, I am sooo blank for things to say because it's been sooo long, and I have been holding too many stories in my head, then of course now that I'm here, they froze and I can't think!
Maybe lets tackle Congo. Will Congo ever be peaceful? That's like asking will Gaza ever see peace for long periods of time. They arrested Nkunda...but really, there is probably anotehr leader in command eager to take up the cause.
You know what? I just realized if I sit here I wont make it to the lab....so let me get my butt up and head out. Awwwww Gawwwddd!
B.R.B....
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Happy new year!
I am still alive:-)
Things will be a bit tight till about January 22nd or so, then I will slow down again for a week or so, then start running again:-)
Hope you had a nice New years day, mine was ultra fantastic, danced till my legs hurt and ate till by belly felt like it would burst!
Okay I have a lot to say and as soon as things calm down, I will be back. It's not as bad as I thought though which is what scares me... I am very serene for the amount of stress I am under. I guess that's why I am super woman ...or crazy... not sure which:-)
Somewhere in this mess, I am finally going to get to watch Bamako for free... will tell you about it soon... but FINALLY... I have only been waiting 2 years???
ciao buddies~
Things will be a bit tight till about January 22nd or so, then I will slow down again for a week or so, then start running again:-)
Hope you had a nice New years day, mine was ultra fantastic, danced till my legs hurt and ate till by belly felt like it would burst!
Okay I have a lot to say and as soon as things calm down, I will be back. It's not as bad as I thought though which is what scares me... I am very serene for the amount of stress I am under. I guess that's why I am super woman ...or crazy... not sure which:-)
Somewhere in this mess, I am finally going to get to watch Bamako for free... will tell you about it soon... but FINALLY... I have only been waiting 2 years???
ciao buddies~
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas post...:-)
This post is especially for "anonymous". I am sorry I was unable to post earlier, but hope this will suffice:-)
Last week was sooo busy and I left town to be with family, so I had no internet access. I am also having a semi-crisis... well really it's self imposed so don't feel sorry for me at all. It will also cause me to be very busy for all of January... I am really dreading January! But I am a lioness and can get through anything!
Any way... Santa was AWESOME!!! This year. I can not even begin to express my gratitude to "santa".... I am truly blessed.
Also I am in the process of reading 'a long way gone: memoirs of a boy soldier' by Ishmeal Beah which was one of my christmas presents. Will update when I finnish reading. Lots of blood so far. Tell you what though... I thought it was a little disturbing that I was given that book for christmas... it says a lot about how morbid my life is I think...lol!
Lets see news wise:- I still haven't a clue what I'll do for new years eve. Problems with being a social butterfly is that you get tired at times-- and this is one of those times. I am going to dinner with friends tonight and tomorrow, so I can decide what sounds better then. It's sushi night tomorrow... wrong day I know:-) It's also Michelle's birthday, so that's why. Gaza/ Israel-- is that really news???? Uganda church massacre??? Italian island of Lampedussa? There actually wasn't any real news other than the Somalian president stepping down-- that's like so rare in Africa:-)
Oopsy... phone call ... gotta run:-)
~ciao
Last week was sooo busy and I left town to be with family, so I had no internet access. I am also having a semi-crisis... well really it's self imposed so don't feel sorry for me at all. It will also cause me to be very busy for all of January... I am really dreading January! But I am a lioness and can get through anything!
Any way... Santa was AWESOME!!! This year. I can not even begin to express my gratitude to "santa".... I am truly blessed.
Also I am in the process of reading 'a long way gone: memoirs of a boy soldier' by Ishmeal Beah which was one of my christmas presents. Will update when I finnish reading. Lots of blood so far. Tell you what though... I thought it was a little disturbing that I was given that book for christmas... it says a lot about how morbid my life is I think...lol!
Lets see news wise:- I still haven't a clue what I'll do for new years eve. Problems with being a social butterfly is that you get tired at times-- and this is one of those times. I am going to dinner with friends tonight and tomorrow, so I can decide what sounds better then. It's sushi night tomorrow... wrong day I know:-) It's also Michelle's birthday, so that's why. Gaza/ Israel-- is that really news???? Uganda church massacre??? Italian island of Lampedussa? There actually wasn't any real news other than the Somalian president stepping down-- that's like so rare in Africa:-)
Oopsy... phone call ... gotta run:-)
~ciao
Monday, December 22, 2008
Passport Saga
I forgot to say yesterday that it's now 3 months since I sent my passport for renewal to the Zambian embassy. I had initially been told it takes three months for processing (I have the email to prove it), yet I received no receipt or anything telling me they had received my information. I only know they got it coz I fedexed it and had someone sign for it. So any way, I decided to practice patience and waited till the time had come before I called them.
Manena: I was calling to inquire when my passport will be ready and sent to me. It is now 3 months and I have heard nothing from you.
Lady at embassy: You will be getting something in the mail very soon. The prices have changed and so have the passports, so we need to send you a new form.
Manena: I sent the extra money, so can I download the new form and send that to you?
L @ E: No, we will send you the form and you can fill it and return it to us.
Manena: So in theory, nothing has been processed in the last 3 months with regards to my forms?
L@ E: That is correct. In fact, we haven't touched anything that came in after July. So now we're starting the process.
Manena (controlling her mouth obviously-- coz she's major pissed off!): So Then it will be another 3 months before I get a passport?
L @E: Yes. It will be 3 months.
Manena: So altogether it will be probably 6 months to get a passport.
**************************************************
In short-- They are forcing me to find someone to bribe. When you bribe passport officials, getting a passport is less than a week... even one day. The legal route takes 6 months or more. Why? to keep bribery going I suppose.
******************************************
So I ask thee-- what good is the Zambian embassy to me? Really. When people are sick, or die, or are in jail, other Zambians from Zambian associations donate money and time. The embassy doesn't as far as I know. They can't even get me a passport, so really...what can they do for me as a Zambian? I am not being funny or anything-- maybe there's something I am missing. I seriously don't know how it can help me.
***********************************************
any hoo-- on another piss Manena note, it turns out you can sue good Samaritans in California. So the story is that a paralyzed woman and her friend go out drinking on the drive back, the para. woman has a car crash and her friend (driving behind her) runs to pull her out of the wreck. In doing so, the para lady sustains injuries and sues her friend. The court says good Samaritan laws only apply if you administer medical assistance to someone. So like if the friend had put a band aid on her, that would have been ok. How crappy is that???
Manena: I was calling to inquire when my passport will be ready and sent to me. It is now 3 months and I have heard nothing from you.
Lady at embassy: You will be getting something in the mail very soon. The prices have changed and so have the passports, so we need to send you a new form.
Manena: I sent the extra money, so can I download the new form and send that to you?
L @ E: No, we will send you the form and you can fill it and return it to us.
Manena: So in theory, nothing has been processed in the last 3 months with regards to my forms?
L@ E: That is correct. In fact, we haven't touched anything that came in after July. So now we're starting the process.
Manena (controlling her mouth obviously-- coz she's major pissed off!): So Then it will be another 3 months before I get a passport?
L @E: Yes. It will be 3 months.
Manena: So altogether it will be probably 6 months to get a passport.
**************************************************
In short-- They are forcing me to find someone to bribe. When you bribe passport officials, getting a passport is less than a week... even one day. The legal route takes 6 months or more. Why? to keep bribery going I suppose.
******************************************
So I ask thee-- what good is the Zambian embassy to me? Really. When people are sick, or die, or are in jail, other Zambians from Zambian associations donate money and time. The embassy doesn't as far as I know. They can't even get me a passport, so really...what can they do for me as a Zambian? I am not being funny or anything-- maybe there's something I am missing. I seriously don't know how it can help me.
***********************************************
any hoo-- on another piss Manena note, it turns out you can sue good Samaritans in California. So the story is that a paralyzed woman and her friend go out drinking on the drive back, the para. woman has a car crash and her friend (driving behind her) runs to pull her out of the wreck. In doing so, the para lady sustains injuries and sues her friend. The court says good Samaritan laws only apply if you administer medical assistance to someone. So like if the friend had put a band aid on her, that would have been ok. How crappy is that???
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