Monday, December 04, 2006

OFF TO ANOTHER ADVENTURE

GOING TO FREELANCE IN AFRICA

(saying Africa just sounds sexier and cooler)

Yes it is down to just hours. This long awaited decision is finally coming to fruition. Being able to freelance in Africa. It was a very long and contemplated one but my internship this fall at CNN (along with other positive factors) sealed the deal for me. So dear blogspot friends, this would be my last post from California and America for a while. I quit my job at KCOY, packed my s*** up, moved out of Santa Maria and currently posting on a friend's couch looking at the clock and saying to my self 'Gurl you must be crazy.' That's because I am heading to Nigeria to try my hands at freelance reporting (amongst other things) in the West Africa region.

Like a wanderer in the wilderness, I found myself in America nearly ten years ago. I was unsure of what my purpose would be but I had a vision. It has been a rough sojourn with its good times and bad times. But America's purpose in my life has been served for now and yet again I am off on another journey from whence it all began. This time I am a pilgrim with the purpose. Ok so I admit I have just been trying to use some of you to do my incognito research. I didn't quite get that camera and back-pack gear yet but I'll be teaming up with a local outfit to make things happen. Who knows, perhaps if I wow them, they'll pick me up and pay my bills;) I'll also be writing and pitching stories and articles from the region to American newspapers. The excitement has not set in yet because I don't know what to expect. But what I do know is that I can't sit behind a desk with a deafening scanner, clock ticking away, old age creeping up and waiting for other people to decide my future. Don't get me wrong, my job was cool and moving to Santa Maria was the best thing this year although I did bitch about both every now and then. But after a while I started to space out, miss my friends and family, miss the hustle, miss writing and story telling and most of all the adventure of going from getting a story idea to creating it for air. Hence I am seizing the moment because I need to do while I am still young, single and brave otherwise fear, apprehension and skepticism will get the better part of me. Can't let that happen. Plus what do I have to lose. It is a big and huge gamble, not to talk of risk. But as they say, if you risk nothing you stand to lose everything. The worst that could really happen is for me to be married off to one chief and be very pregnant in some mansion. You guys know how I am scared of being round and pregnant and having kids so 'ttttrust' me when I say this is some risky business.

So what else did I do during my last moments in America? Well considering that it will be Yam and Eggs, Bread and Butter or akara and akamu for breakfast , I had to go and get my fill of I-HOP pancakes and omelets. Also had a nice Country fried steak with mashed potatoes and sweet corn on the cob at Chilis and a Sausage Egg biscuit sandwich from Mc Donalds yesterday. I had to get my heart attack and fattening food considering the fact that the sun will melt whatever fat I have left and burn the calories without me even moving. Was on the phone much of this weekend and spent some time with some friends. I also went to Walmart and as I was walking through the aisle I was thinking to myself 'Chai so if I want to buy gummi bears does that mean i have to go to Sabo market?' Hmh...we have to find a solution. So Ndidi and Singto will be my official gummy bear suppliers. But on the flip side...NO WINTER just sweltering heat the way I like it.


Anyways wish me luck guys. If you have any great and interesting news story ideas/interview/contacts (including press) in the West Africa region or suggestions please pass them along. I am open to any angle; people, places, politics (please don't send me to one where they'll start to look for me abeg...my parents want grand kids to carry on their lap and since I will probably be having my first born at 40 it is not my time yet). You just never know where a great story will emerge from and who knows, your pitch could turn out to be the get that lands me my big break. Remember unless the lion gets his own story teller, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter. Help me tell Africa's story.

I'll stay in touch through the blog of course because it is such an effort calling and emailing everybody. If you are on my IM you'll get my number in a weeks time. If you already have my 919 number it means you are supposed to have my new number so please send me a note if you don't it in a weeks time. Still keep my 919 number for when I do visit. It's been a ride and I truly appreciate each and everyone that I have met. Keep watching this space for more exciting news about 'Addy's Excellent Adventures in Africa', but first I will spend the next month chilling and relaxing. I'll post pictures too, especially from my trip to my village. I am sure you guys can't wait to see those since I talk about my village so much. Hopefully my battery won't die on me man because the nearest convenience store is quite a walk. Which reminds me....I should never wait till my tank is on empty because I can't just run into a gas station like I used to and hiking is not my forte so 'Mr. Future President;)' I'm coming for my jerrycan of petrol since you have so lost this bet. Ha ha!!

57 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your endeavors. I'm sure we'll be seeing you in the near future as the special correspondent for CNN or Oprah or somn. Keep us updated on all your adventures.

Anonymous said...

I wish you all the best. I can't wait to read your adventures in Africa :)

Anonymous said...

Adaure,i ll truly miss ur stories from the states but cant wait to hear the african version.God's grace as u find ur path in life.

Biodun said...

Its all about folowing our dreams n since this is ur passion, I say go for it!! Its a bold move n my hats r off for you!! You will do great things in this world n I can feel it!

Bella Naija said...

Addy Sweetheart...
First thing, Safe Journey!
I wish you all the best on this new adventure..
I have NO doubts that your success will be oustanding!
We are all rooting for u!
See u sometime soon....

Ciao,

Bella

angie said...

i wish u the very best. God who made this possible will surely see you through..
so who will give us wedding websites to eye crash..lol

Anonymous said...

You and your suprises eh? It's a big and fearless move that's pregnant with opportunities. Some of us don't know you but we come and read and pray and praise and cheer when one of our own is making strides. So I am sure that it will continue even now that you have moved to W.Africa.

Now go tell that story girl!

Best Wishes and be safe!

Unknown said...

Best Wishes Darling!! I know that you're made of stern stuff and will suceed in wowing us from the African Region.

We've got faith in ur abilities and you'll surely come out tops. Cheers!!!!

Nomad said...

I so commend your bravery. Good luck and may the good Lord watch over your every step, may His eyes constantly watch over you and may He hear your hearts cry even before you speak. Get ready Nigeria, a worthy daughter returns! stay blessed.

Anonymous said...

Good luck in your adventure... Please help portray the other side of West Africa, especially Nigeria that the Western World refuse to show on TV or other media. Nigeria is not all about 419, starving children, dirt, negativism.... There is a lot of positive things we don't see here so please please do the little you can to showcase positivism....
Take care

Anonymous said...

WOW... this caught me off guard.. noooo adddy plssss don't go!!! sniff sniff!!!

Ok enuff of the mushiness, i am proud of how far you have gone and how much more u are going to achieve and i must say that u have been an inspiration to me even though i have never met u.

So my dearest, i wish u great great success in all ur endeavours. I pray that as you go forth, the Lord will go before you and his presence will go with you. I pray that you will find favor not only in the sight of God but also in the sight of man. The bible says "a man's gift maketh room for him and bringeth him before great men".
I pray that the gift the Lord has deposited in you will make room for you and bring you before great people.

Many cyber hugs gal and much love and always keep us posted

Unknown said...

God's grace in all u do.. i hope to join u one day ...soon... hoping to come down summer 07 for medical mission with mercy foundation......cant wait to see u on CNN ...u are doing what most of us will like to do... that is moving back to africa..nigeria...
JISIKE....
deka

Anonymous said...

I'm gonna miss you darling! I know you'll be great! I love you soooooo much. Oh, can you get me some movies, lace, gospel cds...? You know my address :)

Cherub (former Bijouxoxo) said...

God bless you Addy. This is one bold move and i pray the good Lord perfects all that concerns u- Amen. I'd love to read about ur adventures in Nigeria. One day, i'd be able to say, while watching CNN that i used to read that lady's blog. Have a safe trip and have fun.

NigeriaPolitricks.com said...

I enjoyed reading your blog; stay safe in Naija and keep us posted sweet'!

Doc A said...

Jisike nwannem, please help decrease the amount of ignorance on both sides of the Atlantic!

Anonymous said...

All the best on this new phase in your career. I've always enjoyed your blog, will sure miss if u don't keep up as much as before. so please keep your loyal readers informed on all your adventures. Once again all the best and be safe over there

Moody Crab said...

Ahh...Good Luck! Definately miss your posts (but don't delay with the updates!)
You inspire me alot, oneday, hopefully I will make the same move but right now am too much of a chicken!

All the best and have fun, inugo!

Anonymous said...

Best of luck gurl!
You have everything you need to be successful... so go get it!

I wish you God's blessings and guidance.

Anonymous said...

Make sure you come back with an Okonkwo's rock or is it limestone on your finger. Ol' girl trust me, u go enjoy. All the best..

Anonymous said...

what! aduare going home
as long as you continue to comment on my blog:) please stay safe and make Naija proud. Naija is lucky to have you.

Anonymous said...

Wow...Thats really bold...but like they say "change is necessary for growth to occur"

I know you will do great because "When God prepares a place for you, He prepares you for that place"....so ride on fearlessly Sis!

Anonymous said...

adaure i am so upset
Did not get the chance to say goodbye to you on the phone cos i missed ur call
I had some serious gist for you please email me asap or get me ur #
Wishing you the very best, God bless you

Maj

Anonymous said...

Adaure Fearless woman. Its that fearless attitude that takes you so far. We have no doubt that you will do some great things and we'll just be here cheering you on. Congratulations and I know we'll be seeing a lot of you

Anonymous said...

Wish u the best Adaure!

Unknown said...

And to think, I came across your blog only a month ago! Feel like I was just getting to know you. Don't even know you but I feel sad ('cos you are leaving the US) and happy (new beginning) for you at the same time.

Best wishes, and KEEP ON BLOGGING, we are rooting for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Go forth and blaze a trail for the rest of us. I wish you all the best rediscovering the homeland (africa in its entirety)

Smoothvibes said...

Awesome!.... I trust you'll do just fine..

Meanwhile.. ALL the best!

snazzy said...

from one north carolina foursquarian to another, welcome back to naij. and for the record I did not fashi ur side, kinda

Anonymous said...

All the best Addy, and God's speed.
I will be rooting for you.
Make sure you keep in touch with your original fans o, when you get far and deep in the West African Jungle of fame, success and fortune.

Love and God bless,
Raski.

BabaAlaye said...

Good luck addy.
Don't hesitate to let me know your preference with Chiefs.
The Rich ones with a pot belly?
Or the Rich ones with a big pot belly?
Hola at your boy.
Also get lots of insect repellent creams. The damned insects are doing my head in here.
Much love.

life and everthing else said...

wow...this was a suprise!! Well Madam, good luck over there yonder, we'll soon come and join ya and im sure we'll hear bigger and greater things from you yet!

Anonymous said...

This decision is definately a good one, its very inspiring to hear that you are taking this risk and I pray it pays off very well. I am proud of the fact that you are taking your youth back from the American illussion. I am at cross roads now as well, hopefully I will be brave enough to do what you are doing.

Anonymous said...

All the best Adaure....keep pursuing your dreams and God will always see you through in everything you do.....stay blessed girl....

Anonymous said...

I'm one of those cyberstalkers that just read and never posts... But you have made me change my ways today. :)

It's amazing how I dont know you, but I feel I know you small from reading your blog. I am very happy for you that you're taking this step and following your heart and your dream. We all too soon get comfortable w/ our lives and stay stagnant. Good luck in all your endeavors. I look forward to reading about your transition back to the mother land..

NaijaBloke said...

G'luck in all ur endeavours and also safe journey ....

Oya i am starting Adaure Fan Association here ..so firstly we need to contribute funds for the upbringing of the association ... so send ya money to me ASAP ..lemme know if u need the details on how to get the money across.

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! It seemed like I just saw you and now you are going to be thousands of miles away. Well, I pray everything goes well for you. Have a wonderful and fulfilling life Adaure and we shall see you one day behind the desk at your dream job :-)

Anonymous said...

this is so depressing. i'm gonna start preparing your first care package, so don't forget to send me your address since you trust NIPOST so much! gummy bears, shoes, one or two novels, a chicken biscuit from Bojangles, and all the MAC products $5 can buy (i have to save money for the postage). i'm going to miss you o! nobody to whine with about being miserable, nobody to give me gist about their colleagues at work...ah well. such is life. God bless your endeavours and don't forget me!! i'm sure our mutual Abuja buddy will make it hard for you to do that :-p! love you!

Anonymous said...

Have fun in Africa and keep us posted...I enjoy your blog and will be looking forward to read your adventures in Africa.

bibi said...

Good luk....nice decision..and may God crown your efforts...
keep in touch

Anonymous said...

Das jes sexy... Do your thang mama... All the best always... STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF and understand that you are always learning even when you think you don't need to be... I know we will only hear good things. DO YOUR THANG MAMASITA.. rawk on.

Ms. May said...

Good Luck and God Bless. According to my sis, Naija News Media is hard work and best believe they will take over and beyond more than they give while you pay your dues but it'll all be worth it.

Through these eyes said...

Have fun!!!

Anonymous said...

we never hear from you oh!! abi no nepa? At least come drop word so we know say u dey kampe...

Anonymous said...

All the best Addy, dont get too dark, buy loads of sunscreen okay. Have your first child at 40 ke?? No oh, i'm hoping to crash your wedding in the near future and then ur babyshower, LOL. I hope you'll keep posting wedding websites, that's how i discovered your blog. You're really good at writing stories and i'm very sure you'll excel. You're a really cool chic, infact, i wanna be like you when i grow up hehehe/

Adaure Achumba said...

My people... thanks for the well wishing and prayers. God is Good for his goodness and mercy. I landed safely and amidst a round of applause. Praise God. I will give you gist about my journey including how you should AVOID KLM. Anyways don't let internet fool you oh, Lagos is still Lagos. I quickly left my aje-bota at Murtala Mohammed Aiport because if she had gone past immigraton check point she would have been like 'Oh My God, get me outta here'. Today I am supposed to go to Lagos/Balogun to buy material for x-mas church dress... I wonder how that will be. As per internet... well NEPA or is it PHC has been generus to us but the internet connection is so flipping slow but that will be sorted out once I can 'find my legs'...right now they are still in Yankee...later lovely people

Anonymous said...

aunti!!
how now? r u back in lasgidi for good? a while? Its a crazy place - Call me b4 u go to the village o,i'll email u my number. I hadn't read ur blog for a long while only to come shopping for webbies to see you r in naija, i was thinking i wld come hola u next time i'm in Cali. Ok, call me if you need hook ups in lagos, where get what, do what- Beedee is coming into town and i'm so excited! may be we cld all hook up,BE WARNED--u will see things you never expected see in lagos, it is hot(sure u can testify) but it can be fun(sure u can testify) Wish you all the best,
Dami

Naija Vixen said...

Good luck gurl...Ur Braveness will pay off dont worry!!!Humn,the beautiful hot weather..i envy u oh...Safe journey as well!!!

Anonymous said...

Goodluck Miss Addy, i always admire people who know what they want and take actions towards it. You and many others are an inspiration and i know you will succeed in all your endeavors. Do your thing miss and make us proud!

SapphireAster said...

Goodluck Addy. you will me missed. I admire your courage in taking this huge step. This is just the beginning of bigger things to come for you. I look forward to reading your entries even more! Hope your xmas church dress is fine o!
Handle Business!

Anonymous said...

God speed and come out excelling in your field.

Gbemi's Piece said...

Now that's fierce! Go get 'em. Goodluck. I have no doubts you'll be successful.

Anonymous said...

I'll miss your blog, Hope that you'll still be as committed. Anyway all the best and God's blessings

Anonymous said...

Good luck and well done for taking the step to this new journey. I hope you will still be able to blog and let us know how you are getting on in the homeland. I too will be taking a new journey back nearly home but not quite so i fully understand what this means and how difficult it is.

Stay blessed

Anonymous said...

adaure, i couldnt believe it when my sister told me u were relocating.
we dont know you personally but visit ur blog almost daily. u r the first lady of all naija female blogs!! hope live ur dreams in africa. good luck gal.

Anonymous said...

Hey adaure am surprise to hear u are going to naija this is a major decision for some one as adventerous as you are any way goodluck in naija and make sure u send me the fufu and ogbono.

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