Xmas Update

Hey peeps! Its been a loooooooooooooooong minute right? Sorry I haven’t been able to update my blog for sometime cos I’ve been mighty busy these past few days. Some of you know how it is over here (Naija) during the Xmas season- everyone rushing to and fro, trying to round up activities before the year’s end. Anyway its all good, am glad the year is winding up and xmas is finally here.

Xmas period is very special, it is a time when Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of the lord, Jesus Christ). Xmas brings with it joy, happiness and peace. There is just something about this season that puts me in high spirits and No, its not the rice and turkey stew, lol!

Today we are closing for the year in my office. Everyone is in the xmas mood already. The casual dressing, funky hairstyles all scream one thing- HOLIDAYS!

Yea the holiday is here and it promises to be a fun filled one for moi. In a few days, I’ll be traveling to my country home somewhere in eastern Nigeria. You see, most people from the eastern part of Nigeria travel to their hometown during this season, it’s kind of like a family reunion thing when you get to see relatives and family whom you probably haven’t see all year. There’s lots of catching up to do, gists to share and all.
Am seriously looking forward to it.

One thing am not looking forward to though are the questions I know will definitely come from my older relatives. Questions like:
“Our throats are dry o! When will you wet it for us?”
“When are you calling us o?”
That’s their subtle way of telling you that it’s long overdue for you to get married. Their throats are dry mean they want to drink the in-laws palm wine(Usually Palm wine is presented by the groom’s family to the brides family during the traditional marriage rites) and calling them means inviting them to your wedding.

When they start, I just pretend I don’t understand what they mean and innocently reply
“Eh ya mama, you want some water??”(To- “Our throats are dry o! When will you wet it for us?”) or
“Calling you?? Okay you mean for my birthday?”( To-“When are you calling us o?”)

They just roll their eyes and give up for that moment. One of my aunties always says i
need deliverance, Deliverance from what abeg? Singlehood?? ,lol!

Anyway am not going to let anyone spoil my holidays for me o, I intend to enjoy it as
much as I can, marriage pestering relatives or not!

Another thing am not looking forward to is the cooking, washing and cleaning. Lol! Am not a lazy bones but if you consider the fact that my home is the palace and there is always one activity or the other going on, people dropping in and they have to be fed. Some times I practically spend the whole day in the kitchen. Just as am through with preparing/serving breakfast, its already time for lunch. After lunch I barely have a few hours to rest and its back to the kitchen to cook dinner.
This Xmas I refuse to be a Kitchen maid o! I have to come up with a solid plan on how to avoid spending the whole day in the kitchen, suggestions anyone??

Hmmm…let’s not forget the Naija bloggers party coming up on Jan 5th. That also promises to be exciting. If you are going to be in Naija by then, you can’t afford not to be there o and for those who can’t make it, don’t worry we’ll have enough fun for everyone. Trust me, I’ll also get some pics for you guys.

HAVE A VERY MERRY XMAS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR 2008!!!

Love you all.
Princesa.

Cool Dad...Mr Baker

I just saw this movie-CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN.
It was one cool, funny as hell, interesting movie. You know the kinda popcorn grubbing, ice cream licking, couch rolling, rib cracking movie you love to watch with family/friends.
I guess some of you must have seen this movie but for those that haven’t am going to try to tell the storyline in a few sentences.
Okay so the movie is centered round the Baker family, a family of fourteen: Father, Mother and a dozen children. It captures their experiences as individuals first and also as part of a BIG family, the love they share, the naughty kids’ pranks, their adventures and travails.

This is not just about the movie but about the Hero of the movie, The Dad, Mr. Tom baker played by Steve Martin.
I know its all make believe but for me, in that movie he represented what the perfect father should be like.

You see,I do not share a close relationship with my father . We live in the same house but sometimes we don’t even set eyes/speak to each other for days on end(its crazy right? But its true!) Sometimes the only word I say to him throughout the week is probably ‘good morning’ which he barely acknowledges anyway.
It’s not just me, it’s the same for my other siblings. None of us are close to him like that. My mum is the one who is chummy with everyone. She is so interested in knowing what’s up with you that sometimes it tends to be meddling but all the same its all good since she makes up for the lack of attention from my dad. Its so bad that we’ve all gotten used to living that way so much that it’s become very normal.

For as long as I remember, dad has always been like that. So into himself and himself alone! He didn’t bring us up with that sense of family that was evident in the movie (spoken of above) and that I have seen in the homes of some of my friends.
When I was much younger, I used to wish some of my friends’ dads were mine, I would see they way they joked around and played with their daughters and I’d wonder why mine was so different(funny enough, they also wished they had a dad like mine but only us knew the real dad).
When I see my dad laugh so heartily with outsiders, I would wonder why he never laughed that way with us. Was it that we didn’t meet his standard or what? Anyway, I lived with it(still living with it) and I have learnt to accept things the way they are.

I know lots of girls pray to marry a man like their dads but in my case I pray to God daily not to give me a husband who finds it difficult to show affection to their family like my dad. Please do not get me wrong. My dad is not that bad. He is veryyyyyyyyy handsome and I do not know another man who is more responsible than my Father. I could vouch for his fidelity to my mum since they got married(SERIOUS!!!) and he has always provided for us all this years at least until we started working. It’s just that when it comes to the emotional angle…you know all that fatherly love…its just not his style!
Now enough about my dad, lets go back to Mr. Baker and why am giving him ‘The perfect dad award’.

So, there was this point in the movie(Part 1) when they had to move from the countryside to the City and his oldest son (about 21)who was missing his country belle decided he didn’t want to continue with college and he would rather move back to the country. They had a disagreement. The father insisted that the young man had to at least get a diploma which his son didn’t think was necessary since all he wanted was to live the simple life in the woods.
At a point the young man was so rude and defiant that I expected the father to get all angry and hit him but the way he handled the situation won my heart. With so much love and tenderness he was able to get his son to understand him and even got him to apologise for his attitude.

There were so many scenes where Mr. Baker displayed the Xteristics that make him a wonderful dad to me but I guess am just too lazy to recount all of them here.

I know that for some of you who have seen the movie, Mr. Baker may not even make the mark, probably cos your dads were even better than he was but please understand where that from where I am coming from he signifies the kind of father I would love to have –a man for whom family came first!

There was also the touching scene when his first daughter had a baby(Part 2) and she said the baby was to be called Tom(Her dad’s first name) because he was their hero and his love and sacrifices had gotten them so far. The sweet man even shed a tear as he cuddled the baby.

I think she said it in these words:
“For showing us that there is no way to be a perfect parent but so many ways to be a good one”

Okay so you still don’t get my drift ehn??
Go see the movie!

Ps: Am dedicating this post to Mr. Nandu(a wonderful father to his kids and adopted daughter-ME!) My boss(He won’t get to read this but he is a great dad, I have seen him with his kids so I know), aijay’s dad(For being daddy and mummy all these years) and to all the great dads we know.

Peace out!

The Power of Attitude

Hey friends,
I hope you all had a blast weekend. Mine was okay, could have been better.
Anyway, Its great to be alive to witness another new week even if its back to the bump and grind, lol!

Sometimes we think that our success in life depends on what we know/ who we know/ how educated we are/what we wear/ and all that. This is not true. Most times the difference between on successful and happy person and the other unsuccessful, sad guy lies in their ATTITUDE! How we think affects everything we do, it goes a long way to determine how far we go in life therefore it is very important that we develop and maintain a positive outlook to life.

I’d like to share this chapter from the book: “THE POWER OF ATTITUDE” with you guys. Its titled: The Good news Girl.

Read on…

Excerpt from the Power of Attitude titled: the Good News Girl

One of the most wonderful things about having a positive attitude is the number of people it touches, many times in ways you’ll never know.

Recently, I stopped by a convenience store to get a newspaper and a pack of gum. The young woman at the check-out counter said, “That’ll be five dollars please,” and as I reached into my wallet, the thought occurred to me that a newspaper and gum didn’t quite make it to five dollars. When I looked up to get a “re-quote”, she had a big smile on her face and said, “Gotcha! I got to get my tip in there somehow!” I laughed when I knew I’d been had. She then glanced down at the paper I was buying and said, “I’m sick and tired of all this negative stuff on the front pages. I want to read some good news for a change.” She then said, “In fact, I think someone should just publish a Good News newspaper – a paper with wonderful, inspirational stories about people overcoming adversity and doing good things for others. I’d buy one every day!” She then thanked me for coming in and said, “Maybe we’ll get lucky tomorrow; maybe we’ll get some good news,” and she laughed. She made my day.

The following day after my business appointments, I dropped by the same store again to pick up bottled water, but a different young lady was behind the counter. As I checked out I said, “Good afternoon” and handed her my money for the water. She said nothing – not a word, not a smile…nothing. She just handed me my change and in a negative tone ordered…“Next!”

It hit me right between the eyes: Two people, same age; one made me feel great, and the other, well, made me feel that I had inconvenienced her by showing up.
By the choices we make, by the attitudes we exhibit, we are influencing lives every day in positive or negative ways…our family, our peers, our friends, and even strangers we’ve never met before and will never meet again.

So when you brush your teeth every morning, look in the mirror and ask yourself this important question: Who do I want to be today? “The Grouch” or “The Good News Girl”?
Your answer will go a long way toward determining the joy and happiness that you will experience in your life.

Have a great week everyone and keep a positive attitude.

Cheers.

View my PhotoBlog.

Thanks.

END OF YEAR REFLECTIONS

As I sit before my computer this third day of December, it gradually dawns on me that in another 27days or so, this year would be gone and another new year(Year 2008) will be ushered in. Was it not just yesterday that we began this year 2007? Or is it only me who feels this year has passed by in a flash??

I had made lots of plans for my life at the beginning of the year and sadly only got few carried out. I don’t like to think I am an unfulfilled person but it’s true. Right now I feel VERY unfulfilled. There are so many things I desire that I can’t boast of yet . Yea, I know as long as there is life there is hope for anything so am not going to go all broody and sad because I believe that though it make take time but I’ll definitely get to my promised land,lol!

This year 2007 has not been uneventful for me. Some things have happened - the good, the bad and the ugly and I intend to put some of them down here.

THE GOOD
My mum had a successful hysterectomy operation.

My younger brother got a better job after he was unjustly laid off by his former bank.

My Company won a major advertising pitch.

I joined blogville and met lots of nice, wonderful people in the process. Yes, you reading are a wonderful person.

My other brother started recording his music album(A star in the making by the grace of God)

My friend Chico finally got a job after 2 years and he is steadily climbing up the ladder in his office.

THE BAD
We lost Mama, the elderly woman who lived in the compound before mine to the cold hands of death. Mama was a wonderful person and was a mother to everyone who came in contact with her. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

My younger brother (spoken of above already) lost his job in a very unjust circumstance. That bad has been over ridden by the good anyway.

I lost a friend Chioma in May. She died while giving birth to her first child. Rest in Peace Chioma.

I ended my relationship with my ex (one everyone thought was leading to marriage).

THE UGLY
After several miscarriages, my cousin finally carried her pregnancy to full term but the baby was still born after a gruelling caesarean operation. That was one harrowing experience. (Thankfully, she is pregnant again and the pregnancy is progressing very well).

Guys I have to stop here. Work beckons. Will add more when I remember them.

AGE…BIG DEAL OR NOT??

I attended a wedding two Saturdays ago. Nice, colourful wedding. There were lots to eat and even more to drink. There were the beautifully dressed guests, the obviously rich groom and the very pretty bride. Everything seemed just perfect that is until you notice the glaring age difference between the couple. The groom looked to be in his mid/late forties while the bride looked like she was in her mid twenties (a likely 20 years age difference between both of them). However they looked happy and ready to take on the challenges of matrimony together.

Now, this takes us to the title of this post. Is age between couples a big deal? I mean is age a determining factor to the success of a marriage? Does marrying a younger man/older man guarantee happiness in wedlock?? Peeps, would you prefer your partner to be older/younger/same age as you???

Personally I do not think there is anything wrong with one marrying a man/woman who is a lot older than he/she is. What matters is if you find happiness with the person, age is secondary. I had a suitor some years back. I was 24years at the time and he was 49years (a whopping 25years difference between us!). He was based in the U.S and had seen my photo with a friend over there. He got my number from her and called and we started chatting over the phone. He sounded very youthful and nice, his voice didn’t belie his age and I didn’t enquire about his age anyway.

Our friendship developed over the phone and months later he visited Nigeria and we met up. When I saw him, I knew he was no young man in his thirties but I wasn’t prepared for it when he told me he was 49 going on 50, Whoa!!!
He told me more still. He had being married but the marriage didn’t work out and they parted ways. He was ready to try out marriage again and he felt I was the one for him, bla, bla bla. Anyway long story short, he proposed but I didn’t accept. I did not reject his proposal because he was old enough to be my father. No, there were other reasons that bordered on character. He was quite arrogant for instance and I couldn’t stand it.

Am sure some of you are probably surprised that I would even consider marrying him despite the age difference. You see, the thing is i have always been attracted to older men anyway. My first REAL boyfriend was 32 while I was barely 18 years. The youngest guy I have ever dated was at least 5years older than moi! How’s that? I also think older guys make better lovers(My opinion o!), its okay if you disagree.

For me really, age is no big deal.

Inside the Men's Locker Room.

Ever wondered what the guys talk about when we are not around. Here is your chance to eavesdrop babes. I saw this stuff on askmen.com and decided to put it up for everyone to read.

Men Confess Why They're Breast Obsessed

What do model train sets and women's breasts have in common?
Well, both are intended for children, but it's the fathers that always end up playing with them.
They are nature's original milk jugs. Mounds of flesh that come in varying shapes and sizes and can be dressed in an endless array of fabrics and designs. They are breasts, and while their design is purely utilitarian, they have been worshipped by cultures around the world since the dawn of time. Whether you know them as sweater kittens, air bags or blouse bunnies, there's no debating that female breasts have an unusually prominent place in our society. What is the root of men's double-D-sized fixation? The answers might surprise you.

Men find breasts calming
In a linear world full of hard edges and harder realities, breasts are soft, welcoming and nonthreatening. With their obvious connection to breastfeeding, and by extension childhood, breasts remind us of our halcyon days when our mothers protected us from all the world's evils.

Breasts are a symbol of fertility
A-cup or Z-cup, breasts define femininity in the same way that channel surfing and participating in fantasy sports leagues define masculinity. Breasts hint at a woman's ability to nurture and sustain life. They also point to a woman's capacity to breed, as they signal the onset of puberty. It's for this reason that we can find Pamela Anderson's breasts alluring while we can be disgusted by Ned Beatty's floppy man tits in Deliverance.

It's a matter of natural selection
According to Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution, we subconsciously select partners who are healthy and appear capable of reproduction ‑- all of which explains why the frail Darwin had so much time to write books rather than go out on dates.
According to his research, men are attracted to bazooms (especially the more shapely variety) because they are indicative of a strong constitution and an ability to further propagate the species. Although reproduction is no longer our top priority, this instinct remains despite centuries of evolution (much like our own nipples).

Breasts are key in arousing women
Any good lover knows that a woman's breasts are closely connected to her primary libidinal zone. Therefore, another reason we like breasts is that we know if we handle these bikini stuffers properly, we can bring women to a state of heightened sexual arousal. Failing that, we can at least tell our friends we managed to get to second base.

Breasts are a home entertainment center
Who among us hasn't used a woman's breasts to play an engaging game of "Tune In to Tokyo"? More than just a milk delivery system, breasts are also a world of entertainment right at your fingertips. Let's face it: There's a reason why they're commonly known as "fun bags."

Men are stimulated visually
Unlike women, who can be aroused by reading a single passage in a Harlequin romance novel, men require visual stimulation. It's hardly surprising then that breasts, raised and perky as they often are, receive our obsessive attention. After all, apart from genitalia, breasts are a woman's most well-defined physical feature ‑- just ask Dolly Parton. Better yet, ask her bra salesman.

Societal pressure
Clearly, it's not all a matter of biology, particularly when you consider that humans are the only animals who include breast fondling as part of the mating process. Then again, we're also the only animals who use nipple clamps and sex swings, so perhaps comparing ourselves to other species is a bit rash. Therefore, let's turn our attention to society.One of the primary reasons we're breast obsessed is because society, and in particular Madison Avenue, encourages our fixation. Pick up any magazine, from Shape to even YM, and you're bound to see more cleavage than in the Grand Canyon. The same is true of bus ads, fashion catalogs and every other manner of marketing material. Breasts have spawned not only their own film and plastic surgery industries, but also their own restaurant chain (take that, testicles!). If advertising is powerful enough to make millions of people buy Pet Rocks, it's little wonder that it has the ability to keep knockers in our thoughts 24 hours a day.

Breasts have the allure of taboo
The erotic allure of breasts is further heightened by the fact these "glands for the hands" are supposed to be kept under wraps and away from view. As Jerry Seinfeld so adroitly pointed out, if women kept their heads covered instead of their breasts, we'd all be heading down to the corner store to pick up the latest copy of Heads Illustrated. We always want that which we cannot have, and in that regard, breasts are the ultimate forbidden fruit.

Keeping abreast of the issues
Men are often accused of speaking to a woman's chest rather than her face, but are we really to blame? Our attraction to these "prisoners of the Playtex penitentiary" is simultaneously physical, psychological and societal. Therefore, go out and celebrate the breast. In fact, go out and celebrate a pair of them. You'd be a boob not to.
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Guys,I have even more reasons to thank God. My younger brother (The one who lost his job in a bank sometime back has gotten another job in another bank with an even better pay (almost double his salary at his previous bank). Someone shout alleluia abeg…God has been really faithful to me and mine. Am grateful to all of you for ur prayers and goodwill too especially 36inches(for the effort you made girl).You are all wonderful peeps and I wont trade any of you for anything.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Princesa.

30 Days Of Thankfulness-Day 21

I was tagged by 30+ and 36 inches.

I have every reason to thank you Lord. You are worthy of all praise.
Am thanking you today for:

The life you have blessed me with. The lives of my Family and friends. The lives of even those who regard themselves as my enemies(I do not see them as such).

My Mum’s successful operation and post operation healing. I thank you lord for helping her recover quickly. I thank you because I know you will keep her alive and well to carry her great-grand children.

The new job that is on the way.
I thank you for the career opportunities you have opened for me lord. I thank you for the gift of intelligence without which I wouldn’t be able to scale through. I thank you because I know you have something great planned for me.

The advertising pitch just won by my company. I thank you father for making it possible. It wasn’t because we had the best proposals or creative abilities, rather it was by your special grace. Thank you Daddy.

The protection you give me daily on Lagos roads. Thank You for making it possible for me to leave my house every morning and come back in the evening in one piece, safe and sound. Through the traffic chaos and crazy danfo drivers, you still keep me safe. Even when I fall asleep on the wheel, you are there to avert danger. Chineke I dinma!(God, you are good!)

The doors you have opened up for my brother. I thank you for uplifting his spirit and being his strength during his weakest hour. Am grateful Lord because I know in a short while he shall resume his career again.

I could never thank you enough father. Even if I fill up this blog with thanks, it wouldn’t do. For even those things I didn’t put down here in Pink and Black, I say:
THANK YOU JESUS.

So am tagging UgoD, Nyemoni, Omosewa, Jaybabe, A Kel, Catwalq, Exschoolnerd, Ibodude, Sparkle, Orientednaijababe , Aijay

ps: Guys did you notice i just learnt how to add a link with names instead of putting up the link just like dat, Clap for me jare,lol!

8 WIERD THINGS ABOUT ME.

This is not the post I originally planned to do but seeing as I have been tagged by zerkhezi and zephi (Just noticed their names began with ‘ze’) to do the 8 weird things about me, I might as well get it over with. However this is not to forget that I have done the ‘8 random things’ post before o!(Check the archives newcomers). Zerkhezi and Zephi don send me the same message again now. What if I say I no go do sef? Una go flog me abi wetin??? Okay, Okay guys am doing it… no need to start raving lol!

Since I learnt that I have been tagged to do this post. I have been racking my brain trying to come up with one weird thing about me (One dey hard so, how I want take come do eight my peeps??). You see I think am like the most unweird person you can ever think of. I can hear obi say “Na lie!” Oya you wey dey call me weirdo, tell me one weird thing about me you know. Speak now or forever rest your case o!

(Princesa, Princesa, do wetin them send you o! Weird things…weird things, oya begin come to mind! lol!)

1. I am an obsessive neat freak! This one I think is a common trait among Virgos. I just hate dirt and mess around me and I forever find myself picking up/cleaning up after others. Try as hard as I can to ignore dirt, I just cant! Its so bad that I carry around a rag in my car to wipe away any speck of dust as soon as I see it(I detest sitting in dirty cars and would hate for someone to enter my car and think: “This babe na dirty girl o!”) Not many people can stand this attitude of mine and if you are lazy/lousy, sorry I cant live with you! I pray to God each day not to give me a lazy/dirty guy for a husband cos I’d end up being a serious nag. I cab just see myself asking questions like:

“Cant you put back that cup where you got it from?” or

“Is it an abomination for you to hang your clothes up properly??” or

“Am I supposed to tell you to polish your shoes???”

God forbid bad thing o!

2. Aha! My body temperature is another weird thing about me. You see it’s never normal as in when other people around me are feeling hot, I’ll be feeling cold. And when they are feeling cold, then I’ll be sweating like Christmas goat (I hardly ever feel hot though). Now since am not preggers, is this not weird??? Another thing is that my body temperature fluctuates like NEPA as in I’ll be sweating and switch on the air conditioning, the next minute am shivering like a drenched chicken and I have to switch it off again.
I can’t sleep at night with the fan/AC on cos by morning, I’ll be really SICK from cold! Wierdo abi??lol!

3.When I hear women talk about having PMS blues (The usual cranky attitude women get when they are on their period), I always wonder what it feels like cos sincerely speaking now, I don’t experience them! In fact sometimes am even nicest/happiest during my periods,lol! How’s that for being weird???

4.So I have a very weird immune system. Sometimes I even wonder if I have an immune system. (Naaa! I never carry Aids o!) How do you explain the fact that I get bitten by one mosquito and the next day am down with malaria or I drink a cup of water from unknown sources and next thing the doctor diagnoses typhoid fever. I mean, is this like natural or what?? I know lots of people (my siblings included) wey mosquito go use their blood do breakfast, lunch and dinner, yet whosai! No malaria. Some others I know na so so sachet water( I refuse to call it ‘Pure water’) them dey drink yet typhoid fever dey fear to near them,lol!

5. I am very erratic/impulsive. I can take crazy decisions on the spur of the moment. Once I went to the salon to get a weave. On reaching there I saw there was a long line of babes waiting to do their hair too. I took a seat prepared to wait till it was my turn. Somehow, I glanced at the other end of the salon where the guys cut their hair and noticed the barber wasn’t busy na so una sister change mind o! I decided to have a hair cut instead. My folks were shocked when I got back home with my baby curls, lol!


6.I don’t ever forget faces. Once I see a person, even if its twenty years later, I’ll still remember the face. I may not recall the name but the face I can never forget.So if after meeting you once, I tell you: “Sorry I can’t place the face”. That one na ogbonge lie o! I just dey form (pretend),lol!

7.The kind of things I like to eat is not your typical Ajebo chic kind of foods. If you meet me for the first time, you’ll probably be thinking: “This one na real Ajebutter babe” but don’t be deceived, by the time I begin to display my razzness eh, you go begin ask from which village they import me come from,lol! Give me ‘razzcious’ foods over Chinese/ Continental cuisine any day. Nothing compares to my ‘Boli’(roasted plantain) and groundnut, Roasted/boiled corn and pear, Bread and akara, Drinking garri and groundnut with iced water, roasted yam and palm oil. Don’t be scandalized, its my weirdness,lol!

8. I don’t like asking people for favours cos It really hurts like hell when they refuse so I’ll rather just keep mum than get a NO for an answer. (Not sure this is weird but I just had to make it eight,lol!)

So am tagging 30+, Isi, D.O.G, Afrobabe, pammy, castle queen, arewa, solomonsydelle and olamild.

For cally & mommy!

I wanted to put this post up on Friday but couldnt cos I had to go in for an urgent meeting which lasted till about 8pm that day. Anyway am still going ahead to do it today and it’s dedicated to two special women- callywaffybabe & mommy.
A HUGE apology to everyone who dropped in for a piece of cake last Friday and didn’t find any. There is a specially ordered cakes for cally and mommy today(I had to order some more cakes by popular demand). There is a chocolate cake, Butterpound cake, Icecream cake and some cheese cakes too. Feel free to take a slice for your morning tea.

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In life you meet certain people
You never imagined you would
You are taken by surprise at
how much they begin to mean to you
You feel fortunate and happy
to call them friends.
Cally and Mommy
You are wonderful and bubbly
May your birthdays bring you joy and fulfillment
You deserve the very best always.
Happy birthday to you two!


It was Cally-waffy babe’s birthday November 9th and Mommy’s on Sunday, November 11th.These are two people dear to my heart. Its unbelievable how people whom you haven’t met physically begin to mean so much to you. I really love these two women (or would you prefer girls?,lol!). Now don’t start getting green y’all. I love all of you but sorry this post aint about you guys. It’s supposed to be for cally and mommy so you got to bear with me if am gushing over them,J.

Cally: Very warm, sweet, kind, loving, talkative, humorous, Sexy, Intelligent, loyal friend(Some of you know how trying to stand up for unshined congo led to some anons driving our beloved cally out of blogsville).
Cally love, you know how much I gbadun you o jare. Chatting with you is always so much fun although it’s difficult to keep up with ur gists at times. Before I get a chance to reply one sentence, you don type ten, lol!
You have a great personality dear, little wonder in the short space of time you started your blog it became so popular that some bad belle anons come begin beef you. No mind them jare, in fact shame them by re-opening the blog again, make them go hit their head for wall! Nonsense and fried chicken!!!(permission to borrow ur phrase sparkle).


Mommy: Sweet, loving, witty, calm, funny, Hospitable, Unofficial blogville party hostess (You all know how mommy’s parties are always the bomb! Enough mede-mede, chicken alacata/ pere-peri, Lol!)
Darling mommy, I hope you had fun yesterday and darling tontolo didn’t give you too much stress. How far with ‘Blue’?? Any more bashing??? I hope not!
I am not as good as you are when it comes to organizing parties, I for don throway one BIG owambe for you and cally cos you babes definitely deserved it! Somebody please call rinsola back o! I no mention aso-ebi na! lol!!

D.O.G, that your surprise party for cally was splendid. Pity I couldn’t display my ‘owambe’ (dance) skills as I had to leave the party early and Toyin tomato had to carry the day!. Anyway, nice one dude!

Am out for now. Have to attend to some important stuffs. I don’t trust aijay and afrobabe with the cake so guys mark them closely before they chop am finish o! lol!
Will be back to check up on everyone.

Ciao!

Princesa.

THE GAME

I love playing this game

Not just for the fame

The field is home to me

A Game-master I am to be

However the overgrowing grass

And the sprouting weed class

Make playing not easy, not fun

Not fulfilling anymore.

A bigger playing field I desire

Greater skills to acquire

Moving ahead, getting better

Realizing my full potential

To get much and give much in return

As the bible says it, my energy won’t burn.

I love this game to bits

And I want to be a hit.

Coach… I’ve always been a hearer

You say hold on a lil’bit longer

The BIG break comes hither

The field will yet get better

And your pockets heavier

Patiently I have held on

Now its time to move on

This chance to take, I will

The break it may not be still

But a step forward is a step ahead

In my quest for bigger bread

I love playing this game

But not just for the fame…

Am not evil o!

My last post generated quite some controversy. I got not a few uncomplimentary remarks. Some of the words used to describe my action were:”evil, wicked, senseless, stupid, crazy….”. Its okay, really I don’t mind. You all were only saying it how you felt it, so no wahala!

However, I’d like to say that I am not evil or wicked in anyway. Infact I’m very soft-hearted and kind though my actions on the Desperate E episode may not have shown this.
Maybe am wrong but I don’t feel sorry for what I did anyway, (Oya get ur stones ready and stone princesa,lol!). She asked for it by coming to warn me not to step out of my room and threatening me in the process. I guess my action was more like:
“Oya do your worst!” kinda thing.

Nevertheless am a lot older and wiser now and perhaps if it happened to me now, I’d probably just ignore her and let things be. Just incase the babe come turn Tyson on me, I don too old for rofu-rofu fight now abi?*wink*

I don’t intend for this post to be a ‘Part two’ of the previous one so make I stop here o! Lol!

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I stumbled on this somewhere on the net and thought to share. So Enjoy.

Sometimes when a man says something, it's not really what he means. Here are some of the real meanings behind their words!

"CAN I HELP WITH DINNER?"
Translated: "Why isn't it already on the table?"

"UH HUH," "SURE, HONEY," OR "YES, DEAR"
Translated: Absolutely nothing. It's a conditioned response.

"IT WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO EXPLAIN"
Translated: "I have no idea how it works."

"I WAS LISTENING TO YOU. IT'S JUST THAT I HAVE THINGS ON MY MIND."
Translated: "That girl standing on the corner is a real babe."

"TAKE A BREAK HONEY, YOU'RE WORKING TOO HARD."
Translated: "I can't hear the game over the vacuum cleaner."

"I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT YOU, AND GOT YOU THESE ROSES."
Translated: "The girl selling them on the corner was a real babe."

"OH, DON'T FUSS - I JUST CUT MYSELF, IT'S NO BIG DEAL."
Translated: "I have actually severed a limb, but will bleed to death before I admit that I'm hurt."

"I CAN'T FIND IT."
Translated: "It didn't fall into my outstretched hands, so I'm completely clueless."

"WHAT DID I DO THIS TIME?"
Translated: "What did you catch me at?"

"I HEARD YOU."
Translated: "I haven't the foggiest clue what you just said, and am hoping desperately that I can fake it well enough so that you don't spend the next three days yelling at me."

"YOU KNOW I COULD NEVER LOVE ANYONE ELSE."
Translated: "I am used to the way you yell at me, and realize it could be worse."

"YOU LOOK TERRIFIC."
Translated: "Oh, God, please don't try on one more outfit, I'm starving."

"I'M NOT LOST. I KNOW EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE."
Translated: "No one will ever see us alive again."


So babes, next time he says any of these, you know exactly what he means,lol!

INSECURITY

Are you that person that’s always stalking your partner, who wants to know where they are or what they are doing each minute and go through their phone contacts and messages every opportunity you get. If you are a babe, you sniff his shirt for the scent of female perfume like one expert Bingo,lol! And for the guys, you sieve through the contents of her bag looking to find God knows what, maybe a complimentary card or a phone number scribbled on a piece of paper. Well just incase you didn’t know, am telling you now: “Girl/Dude you are insecure!!!!”

Emotional insecurity is almost always a function of low self esteem. When you don’t think yourself worthy of your partner’s affection, you begin to doubt their feelings for you and you find yourself always looking over your shoulder for some imaginary (most times) thief trying to steal your man/woman.

Soon you begin to suspect every move your partner makes. When he says he is hanging with the boys, you are already picturing him in Monica’s bed. She says she has to go see her mum and you say Mum ko, Uncle ni!

You start competing with everybody for your partner’s affection and become too possessive. If a babe as much as even smiles at your man, you want to murder her or if a guy says a harmless hello to your babe, you start a fight. That’s the height of insecurity, please get a grip!!!

In most cases you end up losing him/her cos I tell you, its really difficult dealing with a partner with insecurity issues.

All this talk about insecurity reminds me of an incident that happened while I was in the university. I was living off campus in an all girls’ residence and you know how it is when babes live together, there is always jealousy, bickering and chicken fights, lol!

As a fine babe now (at the risk of sounding immodest) I had my fair share of toasters…guys who always came around to visit. Even when you refuse to disclose your address, them go trace you go your house!

Anyway as a result of my numerous toasters, some babes come dey get bad belle for moi. They’d be like: “Na only Princesa de this compound sef wey all the bobos just dey find am come, abi we no be person??” Lol! They never said this to my face though.

One day, I was in my room chilling with some of my friends when I heard a knock. On getting to the door, I discovered it was one of the girls that lived in my compound. I’ll call her ‘Desperate E’.

Desperate E had recently caught this BIG fish, a guy that lived in Lagos! (You see, though I lived all my life in Lagos, I went to Uni in Eastern Nigeria and for some of these babes wey never cross River Niger, it was a big deal if the guy lived in Lagos or Abuja, lol! If the guy live for London or America nko? That one mean say them go go do thanksgiving o!)

So back to Desperate E and her Big fish. The guy was quite loaded, he always came to visit in a black SUV and appearance wise, he didn’t look bad at all. I no blame Desperate E for wanting to protect her ‘property’ but her actions really surprised me. That day, her bobo came visiting and she had come to my room. The following exchange transpired:

Desperate E: Princesa, I have something to say to you.

Me: Yes, what is it?

Desperate E: My boyfriend is around and as long as he I here, I don’t want you o come out of your room. Just stay inside till he is gone.

Me: For what now? Why won’t I come out of my room?? What is my own with your boyfriend???

Desperate E: I don’t want you to come out and be showing that your face as if you are the only fine girl in this world. Just respect yourself and remain in your room

Me: Chei! I don suffer!! Na me do myself to fine? Abeg this is too funny o! See me see wahala. Please just go to your room and stop making me laugh. I will come out of my room if It pleases me; I can’t lock myself up just cos your bobo came visiting.

Desperate E: I have told you my own o! If you don’t want my trouble, just remain in your room.

(The babe was dead serious o!) She left for her room ,I went back into mine and told my friends what just happened. They were indignant! “Who does she think she is?”, “What rubbish??”, “See Craze o!” “Princesa you can’t take this at all!” Everybody had something to say. Me, I just sat down and thought about it…suddenly I knew what I was going to do. I shared my plan with my friends and they all agreed that it would serve her right. Now all I had to do was to wait until Desperate E’s boyfriend was ready to leave.

I didn’t wait too long. One of my friends who was on the lookout came to tell me that Desperate E and her guy were coming out of her room. I quickly went and stood by the main gate leading into the compound and waited for them. As they approached the gate, I noticed Desperate E giving me the ‘evil eye’ but I no kuku look her face. I just turned to her guy and said hello. The guy smiled and said hello to me too. I could see Desperate E was getting uneasy as she didn’t know what I was up to. I went on:

Me: My name is Princesa, I live in this compound. I’ll like you to know that your girlfriend doesn’t trust you one bit.

Guy: (Surprised, looks at his babe and turns to me) Why do you say that??

Now, Desperate E was now REALLY desperate and she cut in:

Desperate E: (tugging at her man) Darling please don’t mind her, let’s go.

Guy: No, I’ll like to hear what she has to say.

Me: (Smiling Victoriously) Your girlfriend here, came to my room earlier to warn me not to step out of my room till you are gone. She seemed scared that you would leave her for me once you set eyes on me.

From the look on her face, Desperate E was almost pissing in her pants now, her boyfriend was shocked and I was having fun (Evil princesa abi?, lol!). My friends had gathered too and were enjoying the drama.

Guy: Am really sorry about this. Please I apologize on her behalf.

Desperate E: Darling it’s a lie……

Her boyfriend turns to her and gives her a look that shuts her up.

Me: (To the guy), its okay, I just thought I should let you know what your girlfriend thinks about you.

I left them and went back to my room with my friends, satisfied that I had accomplished my mission. Desperate E came back later and it was war that day!!! Thank God I had my friends with me and they gave as good as they got.

Not long after that incident, I heard the guy left her. I don’t know if that incident contributed to their break up, all I know is that Desperate E was insecure and no one wants that in a relationship, it so damn unsexy!

Remembering you, L.

A few days ago, I had picked up my phone in boredom and began flipping through my contacts. Then I saw your name. I had never gotten round to deleting it. Each time I tried, I always felt as though if I deleted it, it would be like deleting the only connection I had to you; the only reminder that I once knew you! I didn’t have your picture anywhere. Not in my album, not in my phone. When I try now sometimes to recall your face, it’s almost as if I can’t remember how you looked.

As I gazed at ur number, I felt this odd compulsion to dial it. I knew in my heart that you wont be at the other end to answer it but I hoped…i just hoped that I would a hear a voice answer “hello” and it would be you. Needless to say, I didn’t hear any voice but it didn’t stop the memories from coming back.

The first time we met, I think it was in an examination hall during my Final year exams. It was Mr. B’s course and he had invited you guys to help invigilate the exam. You were in a different department, i don’t remember what course it was you offered now but I know it was in College of social sciences; same college I was in.

As usual I had written that exam the way I did my other courses. Concentrating on my paper, determined to make an ‘A’ despite the distracting “Princess! Princess!! No. 1?!” that echoed from the mouths of some of my course mates.
On several occasions, I caught you staring at me and I wondered if you suspected I had some ‘Mgbo’(Bullets-local lingo for expo in school) on me and was trying hard to catch me at cheating. I remember thinking then “Stare all you want mister, you wont see nothing!”

Anyway, days after that exam. I learnt from my friend, Ify that you were interested in me. The both of you were friendly and you had confided in her and asked her to tell me too. Later on you would walk up to me, introduce yourself and we would become friends.

I knew what you wanted from day 1. You always said it anytime you got the opportunity. You didn’t only want a relationship; you wanted it to lead to marriage. I liked you but not in the way you wanted. I was in a relationship then but it wasn’t because of that. I just didn’t feel for you like that! I told you how I felt too but you wouldn’t have any of it. You never gave up thinking that one day, if you tried REALLY hard, I would fall in love with you.

I left school. You did too. I came back to Lagos. You left for Abuja but it didn’t stop you from keeping in touch. You called regularly, enquiring about everything going on in my life. Whenever you were in Lagos, you would come to visit me at work. I was doing my youth service then and you would come, sit down in my office and watch me while I worked. You didn’t talk much…you never was a talker anyway! I would glance up to look at you in between work and wonder what was going on in your mind…If you still believed we would end up as husband and wife.

You were also a very giving person. I remember once you had come to visit me. Was it my birthday or what?? Now I really can’t remember. You had bought something for me. It was a trouser suit. Nice trouser suit but not my style. It was one of those suits that tapered thin down the legs. I didn’t wear trouser suits like that. It was also a size bigger than I was. I couldn’t tell you that though I appreciated the gesture, I would never wear the suit. Somehow, you deciphered what I was thinking from my face and you asked me if I would wear it. I had never been a good at hiding my feelings and I couldn’t lie about it so I told you it wasn’t my size and style. You had smiled graciously and said it was okay if I didn’t take it and you would give it to your sister. I was relieved you had not taken it negatively.

Then I started planning a trip to Abuja and you had told me not to worry about accommodation as you would provide a place for me to stay when I came. We had spoken a week before my scheduled trip and you had assured me you were handling things.
You can’t possibly imagine the shock I felt when days later I got that call from Jimmy. He had given it to me straight without trying to sweeten the news:
“Princess, L anwuola!” (Princess, L is dead!).
“It’s a Lie!!!” I shouted in shock. “What happened??”
He went on to tell me his own version of what happened.
You had travelled to Enugu with your elder brother who was a politician. You went cruising in his jeep round the streets of Enugu. You were attacked by armed robbers and they shot you. They ended the promising life of a young man. Some people said they were assassins sent to kill your elder brother and they got you instead. Whatever their reasons were, we may likely never find out but the glaring truth is that you were no more. Never again would I hear your voice and see your face in this life.

I cried, I cried. If tears could raise the dead, surely you would have risen but alas you were gone, never to return. I didn’t go for your burial but I mourned you my own way.

I don’t know where you are or what you are doing right now but I hope and pray that you are resting in the lord’s bosom and that someday we would meet again.

Rest in Peace L.

UPDATE

L's death is not recent. It's been over two years since he departed this life. Am not grieving anymore, just remembering. Thanks for all your condolences.

Good news, Lets pop champagne!

“I just want to say father thank you,
Thank you lord!
I just want to say father thank you!”

This is the song on my lips as I type this post. I urge you all to please sing along with me as I thank the lord for my mum’s successful operation. He has once again proved his faithfulness and that he never abandons those who call upon him.
I also want to say thank you to all of you-my blogville family for all the support and love you gave me (I know I thanked you guys already before but it’s never too much, is it? :)

I had asked for the yesterday off from the office so I could be with my mum. Initially scheduled for 8am, the operation didn’t commence until about 10.30am.
Just before she went into the theatre, the doctor had taken my mum’s blood pressure and it was quite high at 165/80 but he assured us that nothing would go wrong and she would be fine. I wasn’t scared at all (the lord had calmed my spirit), I was only praying that he calm my mum’s blood pressure and take away the spirit of fear from her too.

The operation lasted a long while-almost four hours! The wait wasn’t easy for me at all. I mean dealing with the suspense as the life of someone you care about hangs in the balance is not something anyone should pray to go through I assure you.
Finally around 2pm, she was wheeled out from the theatre. The doctor informed us that the operation had been successful and i was ecstatic with joy !
Still drifting in and out of consciousness as a result of the anaesthesia, she couldn’t recognise me but I didn’t care, I kept talking to her and whispering in her ears until she said aloud: “Stop talking in my ears, I can hear you!”
Lol! ,Now that was the mum I knew…even in her state she still was in control!

Okay so operation done and successful, the next thing is our blogville thanksgiving bash abi??
I humbly hand over that task to mommy, our able official blogville party hostess/caterer. Seeing as the party is to celebrate my mum’s successful operation, who better to organise the party than our very own blogville mommy!
So the party will be at mommy’s house-http://mynameismommy-mommy.blogspot.com/
mommy dearie, i trust that you are up to the task. Let us know the date and time for the party in due time.

Aijay, manda, arewa and oriented naija babe, I ope say una don collect una cloth from tailor o! Unshined congo how far with that bottom box?? Rin Rin no asoebi o!

While we await the party everyone, let’s drink to the successful operation and more happy years ahead for my mum. Pop the champagne! Cheers!!!!

HOLIDAY IS OVER!

Does anyone remember this primary school song:

'HOLIDAY IS COMING,
HOLIDAY IS COMING,
NO MORE MORNING BELLS,
NO MORE TEACHER'S WHIP,
GOODBYE TEACHER,
GOODBYE SCHOLARS,
I AM GOING HOME,
MY JOLLY HOLIDAY,
MY JOLLY HOLIDAY.

It was usually sung during the end of term when school was coming to an end. We would march ecstatically from the assembly ground into our classrooms with the song blaring from our lips as we looked forward to the xmas rice, chicken and coke!

Today am not singing 'HOLIDAY IS COMING'. The song on my lips is 'HOLIDAY IS OVER!' and am singing it with a BIG frown on my face!
Last thursday and friday were public holidays cos of the muslim celebrations. Add that to the weekend, and you see i got 4 WHOLE days of rest! I almost forgot what it felt like to wake up early to face Lagos traffic stress.
Poor me,tomorrow again its back to the bump and grind! Can a girl ask for another one week of holiday???

Tomorrow too is the D-day for mumsie's operation,. She checked into the hospital this morning. I intend to go see her later this evening and am taking her some of the delicious rice and stew i prepared this afternoon.Is somebody salivating??? Pele! Its only for my dear mummy and i can share any here. Dont worry sha, RSVP(Rice and stew very plenty) for the thanksgiving bash!

I think am beginning to yarn opata, make i begin go jare.

I go block some peeps blogs before i comot sha.

Later.

Nothing serious o!

Hey guys! First of all, i'd love to say a REALLY HUGE thank you to everyone who commented on my previous post. It was such a trip to see all those comments and feel the love from you all. You can't possibly understand how i felt...its just indescribable!
I was very worried and anxious when i typed that posts but after reading ur comments, i felt lots better and hopefull. I am so glad i shared my feelings on this blog. Right now, am having faith that GOd will see my mum through that operation and we shall all celebrate in blogville. maybe i go throw party invite all of una sef,lol! ( i imagine aijay and manda are picking out their dresses already! party freaks,lol!)
I love you all and i REALLY mean it!

Hurray! There is no work tommorow and next!!! Muslims are having their Sallah celebrations so Thursday and Friday have been declared public holidays. Enough grooving abi?? lol! I no get much gist o as i have a meeting in 10 minutes from now and seeing as the previous post was kinda serious, i want this one to be unserious,lol!
I don dey lol too much abi? No mind me jare, the thing dey infectious,lol!

I usually get these mails in my yahoo 360 mail box but this one cracked me up big time. I decided to put it up so you guys can laugh too.


Hello,
How are you?[woah]Where are you now?In your bed covered with your blancket,hahahaaaaa.don't mind me,I am funny.I like to play,i hope you can understand me.however,I have to disclose to you that anything you like and appreciate,i like it and appreciate it too.My life is very lovely,i live a romantic and a passionate life.But sometimes I try to make myself mean,why?To make me think critically.I lean from quietsm.I like writng and reading mails from my pals here and there.I don't beat around the bush and that is me.My yes is myes and ,my no is my no.

I think about the one i love everyday and dream about my love everynight.I hope you like that.I am, accommodating,say anything you like,I am all ears,I like it.so nice and fine to read your mail.I want to see what you can say regarding this:friends,relatinship,dating and marriage.[Yeh],I really imagine how you would feel about this,moreover,having you,being my eveything.

Invite me for your birthday party,I will come.Come me when you are having your dinner,i will come around and eat together with you,yeh one love.Book me for a tour I will leave my mother,my father,my sisters,my brothers,and my home,go out with you and live with you.well I like clubing and stage dancing,that kind rocking it down,breaking and freaking it,baby!

Just tell me in breif or detailed infomation about how you want it and what you have for me.You know,a loyal friend is as a safe shelter.You are like a dove washed with milk standing beside the flowing brook in the crevice of a rock.I am not flatterying nor kidding.


Invite me to your residence,I desire to show my interest that I want to come.I am fifty fifty.Take care.I am missing you.Whatever a loyal friend can do I can do it.Whatever a lover can do I will do it.I never give up.have a french kiss.I am looking forward to read your mail shortly.

Best regards,
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Its unedited. Hilarious abi?
Have fun, am out!

I am anxious!

My mum is going in for a surgery. It’s called a hysterectomy. For those who don’t know, a hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman's uterus (womb).
You may be asking why she needs this surgery. Well its cos she’s had a prolapsed uterus for some years now. I don’t really know how to explain it but I guess it’s a situation where the muscles of the womb kinda collapse or something, the uterus moves from its usual place down into the vagina leading to urinary problems, pelvic pressure, or difficulty with bowel movements.. Now don’t ask me what causes it cos I don’t know!
She ought to have had this surgery ages ago but she is so so scared. I don’t blame her; it’s not me going in for the surgery but am also really scared. My mum has got high blood pressure and there is a risk of patients with that condition to slip into a coma during surgical procedures. I actually lost a friend earlier this year in a similar situation. She had gone in for a caesarean section, the operation was successful and she had birthed the baby only to slip into a coma. The doctors’ explanation was something about a cardiac arrest caused by her high blood pressure. Anyway back to my mum cos that’s who this post is all about.

She woke me up very early one morning some weeks back to say she was ready to go ahead with the operation. To say I was surprised is saying the least. I enquired what brought about the sudden decision to go ahead with the operation and she said she had thought it through and was sure it was the best thing for her since the prolapsed womb gave her a lot of discomfort.
I spoke with a doctor pal who recommended a gynaecologist somewhere in Yaba reputed to be one of the best hands in the field. We met with him, she ran some tests and the surgery was scheduled to be performed today-Monday the 8th of October.

Now, you are probably wondering if she is in the theatre already. No she isn’t! I don’t know if it was a case of cold feet again or what but she called the doctor last Friday to ask that the surgery be moved upwards by a week. Her excuse was that she had malaria and wanted to treat that first before the surgery. So now the surgery has been moved to next week Monday the 15th.

Last Saturday morning, a new twist to this whole surgery business came up.
You see, my mum is a dreamer, as in her dreams usually come to pass. I got that gift from her too but mum wears the crown when it comes to dreaming. I remember once, when I was still in the university. I had fought with this girl during the semester (Not that I am a fighter o! It was one of the few occasions I ever fought in my life. For the record, I detest fighting! I used to live off campus in this compound with some other girls and there was this particular group of babes who felt threatened by my presence. Dem dey vex say na only me the coolest bobos dey find come, lol! Maybe I will blog about these babes and some of their theatrics some time soon). The babe had given me the first slap and there was no way I was going to let it go without retaliating, na so fight come take start o! Anyway I got back home that semester break and the morning after my return during the usual morning devotion, mum had looked at me and asked: “Who did you fight with in school?” I looked at her with my mouth wide open wondering how in God’s name she got to find out that I had fought in school. Initially I thought someone had told her but then I wondered who it could possibly me as my brother who was in the same school as me didn’t even know about the fight. She went on to tell me how she had seen me in a dream fighting with a girl and all that. Meeen! Since dat day I began to respect mumsie and her dreams o! And that’s just one of her very many dreams that has turned out to be true.

Okay so back to Saturday. It turns out that the previous night (Friday night); mum had another one of her dreams. In this dream she had climbed up a height and when she wanted to come down, there was no way for her to. The steps disappeared and in its place was a slippery tiled wall that was impossible to climb down. She pleaded with some people she saw up there that her husband was down the road waiting for her and she needed to go down and meet him but they told her that it was not possible for anyone to leave that place. She was still contemplating jumping down at the risk of breaking her limbs when she woke up from the dream.

Again she slept and had another dream. This time she was with her mother(My late grandma) and they were seated at the back row in a church where a burial service was being held. Her family members were all in the church and she and grandma were commenting on the type of ‘gele’ (headscarf) one of her sisters had on.

She awoke from sleep that morning very anxious and as she told me the dreams, I couldn’t help contracting some of the anxiety too. I mean with my mum’s dream history, who wouldn’t be??? I have told her that maybe we need to rethink the whole surgery idea cos me I never ready to lose my mama yet. She has to be present at my wedding and see her grandchildren first before anything else abeg!

She is anxious. The whole family is worried. It’s like we are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea here. Is it better for her to just go on living with the discomfort of the prolapsed womb or to risk it with the surgery? What do you think guys?

One thing I know for sure is this: I don’t want to lose my mum, Not yet!
God forbid bad thing o!!!

Tuesday Night Fire disaster.

“Life… so uncertain, so unpredictable!”

The truth in the above statement once again came to fore two days ago; some minutes after 9pm on Tuesday night to be exact.

A Tanker carrying PMS(Premium motor spirit), Petrol as most of us know it lost control along Ikorodu road by Stadium bustop in Lagos. The petrol tank oveturned onto the highway and exploded into flames. This was happening in the thick of traffic (you don’t want to know what a typical lagos traffic is like!). Needless to say, several cars, buses and their occupants were roasted alive on that road. These were people headed home to rest after the hustle and bustle of the day. Am quite sure most of them were already imagining themselves in the comfort of their homes (I do that sometimes when am caught in traffic) not knowing that disaster was just a moment away.

On that fateful day at about the same time, I was also caught in traffic (thankfully not on Ikorodu road by stadium bustop) somewhere along Gbagada/Oshodi expressway. I had left the office at about 7pm hoping to get home latest by 8pm. Usually it takes me about 45mins to 1hour to get home and I wasn’t expecting anything different on that day. Unfortunately for me, the traffic on my route was HELL! As at after 9pm, your’s truly was still sweating it out in Lagos traffic. I even dozed off to sleep at some point and hit the bumper of the car in front of me. Thank God nothing happened to the car ( I for pay gbese!) but my darling baby was slightly bruised. Don’t blame me o I was REALLY tired.

After that happened, I needed to keep awake so I turned on the car stereo and tuned into some station that was jamming some cool songs. I soon started bobbing my head to the music and the sleep cleared from my eyes. Suddenly the breaking news came in. A petrol tanker had exploded along Ikorodu road and the fire was raging on furiously. The radio presenter called on the relevant authorities (In this case, Fire service) to act fast and save the lives of people caught in the fuselage. As I listened to the news, I quickly said a prayer for the unfortunate people that were involved and hoped that the Fire Service people would respond rapidly and quell the situation knowing in my heart that was probably a tall wish. Who doesn’t know that in Naija, whenever there is a fire outbreak the fire fighters get to the scene hours after the fire starts sometimes with no water, Pity!)

At that moment, it struck me that it could possibly be me on that bridge fighting for my life(God forbid bad thing sha!). In fact just around me in the traffic were lots of petrol tankers too (seems like they all do their deliveries at night). I wondered what if one of them suddenly lost control, overturned on the road and exploded into flames roasting all of us on that road like it was happening on Ikorodu road at that same time??? The thought that came to my mind was “na only God dey save person o!”. It could be anyone…they were just unfortunate. Can we say it was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time or what?

Wednesday morning as I drove to work, I tuned on the radio hoping to hear something about the previous night’s incident. It was there alright in the news and it saddened me to learn that the fire had claimed lots of lives. The innocent lives didn’t stand a chance in that fire explosion. Some had tried to flee their cars in the bid to escape but they still got roasted. These were people’s parents, brothers, sisters, friends, children! Perhaps I even had a friend there!! A pregnant woman was also roasted alive, Terrible!!! And you know the annoying part of it all, the fire fighters who never fail to disappoint showed up one whole hour after the fire started despite the fact that their office is located just a few meters from the scene of the fire.

I write this post with a heavy heart and I’d like everyone reading this to pause for a moment now and say a prayer for the unfortunate souls that perished in that incident.

May their souls rest in prefect peace, Amen.

When LOVE takes a hike.

“How do you know love is gone? If you said that you would be there at seven and you get there by nine and he or she has not called the police yet-its gone”
-Marlene Dietrich(1962)

It starts with one meeting, one look between guy and babe. The sparks fly, chemistry strong, a relationship is started. Initially it’s beautiful and wonderful, you live for the moments when you are together, you wonder how you lived before meeting this person and your life looks so bleak when you imagine it without him/her- you don’t even want to think of it!

The days are cheery, the spring is in your steps, the smiles on your face, and you couldn’t be merrier. The hours spent on the phone and the computer seems like minutes.

You pray that this feeling of bliss will never end but alas, this is the real world where (sometimes) good things don’t last and soon you start to notice the changes-small subtle changes at first that you don’t want to accept.
The calls stop coming as frequently as they used too, then it’s a WHOLE day that passes and no call, two days still yet no call. When you call, the phone is not answered, your call is not returned. Reality dawns gradually…something is definitely wrong. Time spent together is now as rare as a white-haired baby, it’s always: “Am busy, busy, busy!” Things have changed and you don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that LOVE IS GONE!

The above scenario painted is very familiar to some of us. Some of us have passed through this road at one point or the other in our life. It’s painful when you suddenly realise that someone you love and who used to love you (Did he/she really?) doesn’t feel the same way about you anymore. You wonder: Was it something you did or didn’t do? Was it simply infatuation which has faded for the other party?? Questions that you may never find answers to. The only thing left to do is to let go and walk hoping to find someone to give you the love you deserve along the way.

Have you loved and lost? How did you know that love was gone?? If you can share, I’d like to know.

Princesa.

VICTIMISATION PART 2- FREEDOM DAY

That day started like any other day. I had prepared for school knowing what the day would be like. I would get to school as usual, see E’s mum as usual, be scolded for nothing as usual, sit through the day wishing that school ended quickly so I could escape the judging and sneering eyes of my teacher. However it wouldn’t be a totally miserable day for me since I would be practicing for the school cultural dance, that would take me away from class for a few hours and it also meant a few hours of freedom from E’s mum. I dreaded her like that!
It was nearing the end of term and as was normal, we usually had a party to celebrate the term’s end. There were lots of activities lined up like cultural dances, drama, welcome song and so on. I was participating in the cultural dance and we usually had a few hours practice in school in preparation for the D-day.

After morning lessons, I and some other classmates of mine who were also participating in the dance had gone for the dance practice. The teachers had a meeting in the headmaster’s office which was on the same floor as mine. (One could see my class from the headmaster’s office). After dance practice, we went back to the class. The teachers were still meeting in the headmaster’s office so my teacher had not returned.

Am sure most of you know who class monitors are. For those who don’t, a class monitor is supposed to control the other pupils and make sure there is order and quiet in the class, sometimes he /she is even given authority to flog other pupils(They had that authority in my class then)).
Now, we didn’t have a class monitor; we had CLASS MONITORS!
The biggest boys in class were the class monitors. I think they were about 4 of them. I wonder why we needed that much monitors anyway but what do you expect when we had a teacher like E’s mum. Those boys were terrors; big bullies who sought every opportunity to flog us. They particularly delighted in taunting me maybe cos they knew the teacher didn’t like me so I couldn’t report them to her.

Anyway, back to my gist. We(my classmates and i) returned to class but we were not allowed in by the class monitors. They told us to stand at the door and started questioning us. Why are you guys returning late? Who even gave you permission to go in the first place?? Why are you talking back at us??? These were some of the questions they threw at us. Finally, after the questioning they decided we needed to be flogged 6 strokes of the cane each on our palms before we would be let into the class. It got to my turn to be flogged and I stretched out my hands wincing even before the cane landed on my palms. I told myself not to cry cos I knew nothing would make them happier than to see the tears running down my face, The bullies!

Six strokes down and glad it was finally over. I made to go into the class but one of the bullies decided I needed one more stroke(they loved picking on me). As he lashed the cane down my back, the pain and anger I felt was intense. I turned at him like a wounded lion and grabbed the cane. I must have made a funny sight, small tiny me against the big bully but I didn’t care. I struggled with him for the cane wanting to give him a taste of his own medicine so he could feel how sweet it was. It turned out to be entertainment time for the rest of the pupils as big bully decided he wanted me to chase him round the class, he would hop on the tables, dodging me as I chased after him crying(yes, the tears had started pouring now). The rest of the pupils had begun chanting: “Money for soup! Money for soup!!” It was a popular chant whenever a girl and a boy had a fight. The song made it seem like they were a couple and the girl was demanding for soup money(feeding money) from the boy. Funny right? The school was razz like dat!

The song further infuriated me and when I couldn’t catch up with the bully. I broke down completely and started crying seriously. The other bullies were hailing their friend and laughing at me. I went and stood outside the class determined to report them to the teacher as soon as she came. I had hoped that If she saw me outside in tears, she would ask what was wrong.

I didn’t have to wait too long. Few minutes later, the teacher’s meeting ended and they all filed out from the headmaster’s office. I told you earlier that the headmaster’s office was just down the corridor on the same floor as my class. I saw my teacher approaching and I cried even harder for her to notice. If she saw me, she pretended not to notice I was standing there and just walked past me into the class. I didn’t know this then but my mum was just coming out of the headmaster’s office and saw what just transpired. She walked up to me and enquired why I was crying and I recounted to her everything that happened. Trust my mum na, she barged into the classroom (E’s mum had already began teaching and was scribbling something on the blackboard). My mum didn’t even talk to her, she turned to face my class mates and her voice boomed:
“WHO ARE THE IDIOTS THAT FLOGGED MY DAUGHTER?”
My classmates happily pointed them out. Mum went to their seats and dragged them up, the cowards were shaking and blabbering: “It wasn’t me ma” but my mum was past listening to reason. She dragged them to the front of the class, took the cane from my teachers desk and proceeded to flog them all the way they had flogged me. All this while, it was as if my teacher was in some sort of shock. However she quickly came out of the shock when my mum started flogging the bullies and grabbed the cane from my mum. She told my mum that she didn’t have the right to walk into her class and flog her pupils without first reporting to her. My mother told her that she didn’t think she was interested in knowing since she had seen me crying outside yet ignored me and walked into the class to commence teaching. The quarrel that followed was crazy! My mum’s patience had been tried and she let all loose, telling the teacher her life history,lol! When my teacher saw that she was losing the battle of the words she stormed out of the class and headed for the headmaster’s office to report my mum. Mum dragged me along and we also marched to the headmaster’s office behind E’s mum.

To cut the long story short, mum insisted I wasn’t going back to that class and that she was taking her kids (me & my siblings) out of that school. Nothing the headmaster said could change her mind. Meen! I was delirious with joy! I was finally going to be free from my wicked teacher…I couldn’t believe my luck!
The headmaster was still trying to talk mum out of her decision but I had already run to my class and begun packing my things. I didn’t want to spend another second in that class! Luckily the term was almost at an end so it wasn’t like I would be missing much.

Next term saw my parents enrolling us in a school far better than even the first school we had attended. Things had improved for my dad and mum had resolved that we would get nothing less than the best they could afford. My new school was of a higher standard; it had a big library where I could read all the books I had only dreamt of previously. School couldn’t be sweeter and I looked forward to going every morning.