GamineGirlie

I'm Becoming My Mother

2012-01-11T08:36:00.001Z

My mum is one of the most caring people I know. Weird for me to say that, but one day I've had to admit the truth. She obviously hasn't done EVERYthing that I've liked, but it was her way of expressing things. It definitely is not the best and could be wrong, but it was the only way she knew how.

One of the images in my mind as I think of my mum, is her energy and strength. She would do a million and one things for the family before taking off her shoe.

Yesterday, after work, I went down to the grocery store, that is, I spent 2hrs between my work and my house. When I got in, I went straight for the kitchen, and began to cook. After 30mins, with everything slow cooking, I got a bowl of cereal and decided to sit down. Just then, I realized I hadn't even taken my coat off, my scarf still around my neck and even my ear-muff was on my head. I smiled and took a seat.

Some New Year Advice

2012-01-02T14:20:00.000Z

Resolutions. I know this is definitely in almost everyone's mind. We all love the idea of a fresh start..a clean slate. We want to plan, we want to take action and mostly we'd prefer to be successful at it. Well, I have just the resolution for you; if you are going to watch The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011), DO NOT see it with family (err..except your spouse).

Good Luck.

Happy New Solar Orbit.

2012-01-01T22:08:00.000Z

Who even says it's today that the earth began a new orbit around the sun. My ancestors used to mark a 'year' with the new yams which they harvest. But imagine a world where everyone is running on their own time, nothing will get done. While time is relative, unity is more important. That's why I am here :)

I was going to write a massive end of 2011 post, but I like a fresh start better. 2011 was a year of growth, in lots of ways. I had a number of 'firsts' and I was forced to acknowledge my weaknesses, more importantly I knew that I had strengths to build on.

So when the clock struck 12:00 am, I was sat on my bed with my flat screen tv tuned to BBC. I had changed it from a comedy show just seconds before, and I heard people on the telly, chant; 5, 3, 2, 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Everyone screamed. I was ready to sleep but the fireworks display was pretty awesome PLUS they played DBanj's music, sign of things to come? I managed to get a foot and back massage before I eventually slept. I woke up at 12:00 pm, called a number of folks and family. I have thought about many resolutions for the year, but the one that seemed to stand out today is to make more time for 'family' they are worth it.

Have a Splendid Year.

Nobody is Single.

2011-12-26T23:59:00.000Z

Image: Bienenwabe

The first time I learnt about this story, The Lonely Death of Joyce Vincent ...some months back, I was moved to tears. I've always wanted to live alone, but with other people. I remember describing to someone, how if one lived alone, calling for help in an emergency may be impossible. I don't think humans are supposed to live alone. What bites me most about the story is that no one bothered to check for her, it hits close to home, but 3 years...astonishing. I wish we would realize how much strength we can find in reaching out to someone, and if we took more time outside of our own selves to reach out to people like this.

I remember some weeks ago when I took a sick day off from work. I learnt about the death of El-rufai's daughter who is my agemate, and lived alone. I almost had a panic attack, I was so sad about it. I thought to myself, alone in my room. 'I don't want to end up like that' Humans..we all need somebody.

This leads me to one thing that is true, Nobody is Single. Everyone has atleast one relationship with another person. And even if you can't pinpoint a specific relationship, think of your relationship with Humankind and Nature. A man-woman relationship or sexual relationship isn't the zenith of relationships, it is just ONE kind. People should not be made to feel less than they are because they are not in that kind of relationship, some can EASILY do without this (e.g ME) with no sense of loss.

Ofcourse 'society' will pander to what sells, Sex, Romance, this drives SALES, but is really a selfish concept and has made people think less of themselves. The individualistic philosophy of the Western world, where everyone screams ME, ME, ME has lead to this terrible, harmful mindset. We can do without this and is really the better way.

If you are alone in your house this season, stop thinking about yourself for one second and lamenting that you are 'single' There are many out there, who need someone to talk to. Call somebody, Go to your local shelter and volunteer, do something!

I hope it won't be too late for us to realize that all we have is each other.

Edit: If you can read> http://www.cascadance.com/why-neuroscience/
also, Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers..where he writes about the Rosetta Community, very interesting.

A Festival of Slaps

2011-12-23T02:20:00.000Z

Ok, so I thought this video below was very funny. So funny that it made tears run down my cheeks. If it doesn't make you laugh, then we can't be friends.

A week ago, I heard about another 'festival of slaps' video, and was keen to see what it was all about. I heard it involved 'Bishop' Oyedepo, I knew this was not going to make me laugh given his past records and I was right.

Not only did I not laugh, I felt angry. So angry it made tears run down my cheeks. If it doesn't make you sad, then you can't be human.

I am sad about Ignorance, one which led her to that church.

I am angry that this man could assault someone and in public then go scot-free. Not only preaching a self-centered gospel but living in that way. It makes me boil.

What can We do?

Educate People, Take a Stand against such and Pray!

Ceremonials

2011-12-17T16:30:00.002Z

One of the better albums I've listened to this year. My best songs are;
Shake It Out
No Light, No Light
Never Let Me Go
If Only For The Night
Spectrum
Remain Nameless
Heartlines

Plus I just realized that 'You've got the love' is a Gospel track, I couldn't love it more.

Are You Bored?

2011-12-07T14:05:00.001Z

see funny christmas pics here

I don't like to believe that I am the only who is bored of having to celebrate the same things, year in, year out. Are we so uncreative that we cannot attempt to make our celebrations a bit more 'special'

It saddens me that organizations use these celebrations, these 'traditions' to prey on us the gullible, adverts go up when you expect them, urging you to buy some expensive gift for your 'loved ones'

I am quite certain that if we refuse to accept things that have just been handed to us, it would be less easy for things to control us.

That said, I can't wait to move to my farm.

Blink!

2011-12-02T07:45:00.001Z

'Snap Judgements' 'Impulse buys' 'First Impressions' We all know what these mean, decisions we take at the spur of the moment which are not premeditated or planned before hand. I call FALSE, and this is exactly what Malcolm Gladwell in his Blink! book points out. Snap judgments are not really made up there and then, they take time to build up, they are 'learned'. Even emotions, a hot tempered person wasn't born hot tempered. Actions and Decisions are complex, nothing really happens 'simply'

Yesterday I tried to explain the reasons I left Twitter to someone who asked why. I remember saying 'It wasn't like I planned it or anything, I was just tweeting and then I just stopped' When I put the phone down, I felt like I had just lied. While my decision at the time, appeared to be done, 'snaply' I had thought about leaving twitter, times without number, I had thought of the things that I couldn't reconcile with myself. Basically it had been a long time coming.

Another example, would be suicides which leave you with no explanations as to what must have happened. Gary Speed, everyone is saying 'oh he was so happy, this and that, the day began like every other day'. I don't think he was possessed or someone killed him, so what happened?. It may seem like a spur of the moment thing, but it really is just an outward manifestation of minutes, seconds, days of buildup in the mind.

Next time you think your decision or action 'just happened', blink, think again. I am sure that having this knowledge would help us give our actions a second over before we make them. It will also help us reduce the judgements we pass on others and frequency of bad decisions or actions.

Living with Harry

2011-11-26T20:01:00.001Z

I got to speak about my dogs this weekend, and it almost brought tears to my eyes. I miss having my wolf-dogs around for lots of reasons. Right now, I have to put up living with a cat, I wonder if my landlady will allow me get a dog in, the chances are slim. Also, who would take care of the dog?, I'm out of the house for the most part of the week, even though I try to keep my weekends to myself.

Living with a cat is well..different. Harry is a black cat, which I found out recently is one of the most unlikable cats. I mean in Nigeria, I know their reasons, what with black cats being evil and witchcraft connected, but right here too, many seem not to want them. Harry only purrs and pays you mind, when he is hungry. Harry is quite old, so he doesn't seem to do a lot of sneering. I have carried him once or twice without claws coming out or receiving the deadly cat spit. It really is a different mood with this animal. There is no warm receive from this cat, just green-eyed looks that make you want to shake it to its bones, and scream, 'say something will ya'!

I will try to see what I can do about getting a dog. In a little time of over 3months, Harry has taught me that I will never be a cat person.

I have an Infection

2011-11-21T09:38:00.001Z

I have played this song no less than 500 times in a week. Even after I stop playing it, 'Gold Canary' 'Gold Canary' still keeps ringing in my brain, I do not know why.

Tell Me Like It Is

2011-11-18T09:46:00.000Z

I am a stickler for honesty. Anyone who knows me, knows that. We have a few people we know who we can hold that label up for. It's even more difficult on the internet where it seems, we have free reign to invent the sort of life we think we ought to have or maybe what we want others to see.

Given this, it is always such a big thing, to run into someone who tells it like it is, how are you sure? you say. I don't know why, the book, Blink! talks much about this sorts of things, but..I ask you to take a look yourself.

I introduce you to Penelope Trunk. You will not like lots of the things she writes, I don't. I can't describe the way it's playing in my brain...but I appreciate this lady so much.

Are You a Stylist?

2011-11-15T08:14:00.001Z

So, I'm thinking of having a blog to post ( or just posting here), stuff that I wear to work. One of the funniest things, I learnt this past week is that people see me in a veeery different light at work. One guy who had been stalking me (I'm serious!) said he thought I was a stylist, because I wear 'crazy' stuff to work. Let me tell you about where I work.

I work in an online games company. The male to female ratio is 20:1. Most people are on Jeans and Teeshirts (even the females) or smart trouser and smart shirts/smart dress. But I burst in there with all my colours and my uncoventional hair-do, and I'm branded, crazy, weird, pyscho....(in jest or reality, doesn't matter)
They don't even take it into consideration that while I'm not a Developer, part of my job is to make their lives easy *shakes head at their ignorance*

Anyways after having a good laugh over it, it was like an inception into my mind and I began to think, hmm..why not do this, at least when I have the time. I think it would be fun, and maybe I won't appear to be so crazy after all! lol.

Why You Need to Cook

2011-11-14T09:13:00.001Z

So I was on this website and yet again, the article spoke about a guy who told a girl that she was single because she couldn't cook.
On the contrary I think I'm single because I can cook and I cook. I have no time for fancy dinners or movie dates, because I need to go home. I live 40mins away from work on the tube and no one is going to give me their food for lunch.

That said, not that I think cooking or non-cooking equates to one's single or doubleness, it is important for people to know how to cook. At least at the basic level, no one is saying to become a Gordon or Nigella.

1. You don't know when you will really need the skill.

2. It is way healthier, plus you will be able to track things easily when you fall ill. You really don't want to know what happen behind the doors in restaurants. Keep eating out at the minimum.

3. It saves money. I could spend my whole months grocery cost on a week of eating out, even less than a week.

4. It could be loads of fun, yes, this said from someone who doesn't like cooking. But I managed to 'invent' a nice dish, that I'd never seen anyone do and it was great, even my co-workers were like, hmm that smells good and looks real healthy. It was.

5. Therapeutic? yes sometimes, or times its just a rush and mess, but then you can go into it with a mindset to relax after work or on the weekends and whip something up. I find that most of my cooking doesn't take more than an hour, and that's fine by me.

6. If you get to cook for people, even better! isn't it great seeing people happy? and satisfied? I think it does help to bind people together. Like I've said before cooking is one way to show love ^_^. If couples are fighting, it's hard for them to cook for each other, except there's poison in it. lol.

This is not exhaustive...but yes, cook!

Rant about Proposals

2011-11-14T08:56:00.001Z

I really don't get wedding proposals to be honest. and why does it have to be in public, most of the time???

Let's break it down a bit. Why do we need to have wedding proposals?
I figure;

1. The person proposing doesn't know what the other will say, this begs the question, why propose at all to someone you are unsure of and in public, thus risking humiliation from both the person and onlookers??

2. The person proposing knows what the answer is, this begs the question, why do all the acting and feigning of surprise, I mean seriously??

Just thinking...

I'm Awkward and I love it!

2011-08-23T16:21:00.003+01:00

Also! I love Awkward Girl!! You have to watch ALL the episodes! I've laughed myself into tears!! LOL

Enjoy!

Rainbows!!

2011-08-10T17:05:00.000+01:00

Everyone loves rainbows :D
Took this from my home window...it was a massive one and I was pretty excited because I hadn't seen one in a long while, how beautiful ^_^

An Interview

2011-07-31T11:58:00.001+01:00

I posted on a blog some months ago and just stumbled on the questions I answered. A bit of an insight into yours truly.

What is your favorite time of the day?
12 am to 6am! Because most people are asleep, Its quiet and its serene, wheew!

What time do you like to go to bed at night and get up in the morning?
I need to sleep better but for now, I go to bed at 2am and wake up at 9am (At the moment I go to bed at 12am and wake up at 8am or 7:30am)

What are your top three skills?
Objectiveness, Imagination and Empathy

What kind of humor do you like? Quirky? Slapstick? Dirty?
Quirky, Slapstick, Sarcastic, Clowny. Nothing dirty

What is your favorite way to relax?
Music in the background, with a book and some food, alone. I love water, so, under the shower, in the bath or pool. Watching a comedy with food, alone or with one special person.

What are you smartest about?
Ideas, Drawing, Discernment.(Design..)

Who is your favorite person to go to when you need help?
I usually try to help myself.(Definitely God, if can be considered a person)

Who comes to you for help?
Some friends on specific areas.

What’s the most difficult thing you’ve ever done? What skills did it take to do it? How did you feel afterwards?
I can’t remember. (Now that I rethink, it probably has to be living for a year with a family)

What kind of books do you like?
Different genres, I just have to like the plot. I avoid most romance novels though, because they have the same structure.

How would you dress if you had an unlimited budget?
Jeans/skirt and teeshirt with sandals. A dress and sandals

What is your favorite type of movie?
Comedies, Animation, some musicals.

What are your favorite foods?
Anything crunchy.

What pastimes do you enjoy? (e.g. cooking, writing, dancing)
Being a child, running helter skelter

What are the three most important things you’ve learned in the past year?
1. How much responsible I am for the things that happen to me
2. That God is all I need.
3. Love is truly unconditional

What would your friends say that they love about you?
Craziness, Intelligence, Creativity, Simplicity

What do you love about yourself?
Same ^^

What are you most proud of in your life?
I can only boast in Christ, I am glad I can find contentment in the simplest things

When are you most yourself?
Any and Everytime (Under stress/pressure, my weaknesses play up)

What challenge are you facing in your life right now?
I’m under a little bit of pressure to be financially free (I am financially free to an extent now :) )

This Introversion Thing

2011-07-23T20:55:00.000+01:00

I don't think I've ever wanted for one moment to be high on Extraversion..

Do you know someone who needs hours alone every day? Who loves quiet conversations about feelings or ideas, and can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience, but seems awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk? Who has to be dragged to parties and then needs the rest of the day to recuperate? Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice?
If so, do you tell this person he is "too serious," or ask if he is okay? Regard him as aloof, arrogant, rude? Redouble your efforts to draw him out?
If you answered yes to these questions, chances are that you have an introvert..

When I started reading this I was like :O because just hours ago, someone kept telling me, you are 'too serious' and cold-hearted. I just wanted to go and sleep.

They Finally Got Me

2011-07-06T00:11:00.001+01:00

Yeah, I thought I was so smart. But they finally nicked my purse. This happened in seconds, and the guy was no where to be found. I was actually chatting with him initially, of course he looked suspicious, but I felt with the number of people around, he wouldn't try anything but that's his career not mine *sigh*
I still can't believe it, my head hurts from thinking about it but it's all just replaceable stuff. I still have hope that my purse would be found though.

Spyro: Happiness that lingers

2011-07-03T11:56:00.001+01:00

So the first 'worldly' thing that popped into my head this morning when I woke up was Spyro! I think I have blogged about Spyro somewhere before, not sure of that.

I mean, I loved the little cheeky thing, this is one of the games where I loved almost every single character, I loved the soundtrack and the whole game environment. I didn't even know that At Game Rankings, it is one of the top twenty highest-rated PlayStation games of all time. It sure deserves that.

I clocked almost 2000 hours playing this game if not much more. Thinking about it brings joy and happiness, I can't seem to wipe the smile off my face. One thing that was great was, my siblings also loved it, and it was so much fun, just remembering the lot of us playing it, I am really grateful for what I have and what I've had. My childhood in this kind of world we live in, was pure 'luck', I appreciate it.

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. ~Frederick Keonig

Have a peep right here, if you have never played it, Enjoy!

Lookey what I found!

2011-07-01T21:56:00.003+01:00

Yeah!! luckily I work in one of the best areas in LDN. Walking around and exploring the area, I discovered a lot of vintage clothing stores, music stores, book stores with lots and lots and lots of items at very cheap prices. This particular store I went to has lots of comics and manga, I was looking for a health store actually when I wandered into this one. Didn't buy anything but I was amazed. I surely will be going back there as I build up my book/manga/comic collection :D

ooh ooh, Happy July!!

Eats, Shoots and Leaves

2011-06-28T22:09:00.001+01:00

I love Pandas.

.....so now I've entered 'Work Mode' it's fresh, its exciting, it's very busy. I'd love to blog more, but I can't think of anything that has just been stuck in my head to put down, maybe it's the mindset I currently have that I need to change. But yeah *sigh* something will come up soon.lol. Same 'ol stuff is going on in me life, work, church, home and the occasional dinner...can't wait for some spiceey stuff...oh wait I do have something to share, just remembered, I hope I put it down soon enough..for now 'CHAIRS'! :D

LoveySunny

2011-06-26T22:12:00.000+01:00

Sunny, Lovely day today..got my vitamin D on! just lovely..it was so hot and the funny thing is, the topic in bible-study was on 'Hell' HA! Anyways, I wish for more days like this ^_^

Myths about People Like Me

2011-06-23T02:04:00.001+01:00

On one of the INFJ professional groups I belong to, I came across this post. It is so 'on point' I have a huge desire to print many copies of it, so that I can hand to anyone who tries to disturb my life.

Original Link

TOP TEN MYTHS ABOUT INTROVERTS

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

*This is such a big myth, sometimes..i have to shout at myself to stop talking*

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

*Exactly! People would ask 'Are you shy?' and I would always answer 'Shy of what?'*

Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

*ol' bob! if I had a penny for everytime I heard this, I would be on my own island*

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

*oh yes! Infact I like people so much, It's difficult because I tend to absorb their energies, so I try to keep away*

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.

*Truth*

Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

*Yes please..one at a time*

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

*Exactly! if this makes me weird, then good!*

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

*lol*

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

*Sometimes you have to wonder if there is a universal standard for fun, that people use to judge your preferences*

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.

A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.

“You cannot escape us, and to change us would lead to your demise''

Now what do you say? :D

My book of hugs

2011-06-05T23:32:00.000+01:00

So, I've found this great area, with lots of books, yes! I still have my challenge to read 100 books this year, but I've only made it up to 10! and I average about 5 books at the time. The last book I bought ^^. It was just so cute, and it reminded me of someone, an ex-roommate.lol. Anyways, I do hope I manage to get to atleast half of my challenge. The book I'm presently reading, Ugly by Constance Briscoe is just amazing, heart-breaking and thought-provoking, everyone needs to read it, especially that its based on real events.

Juin!

2011-06-02T22:41:00.007+01:00

June is one of those rainy months I never forget and it also seems like a great month to get married in, no..I have no ideas. It's always unbelievable when the year rolls into June, it dawns on you that half the year is gone, your resolutions are long forgotten, many of your plans haven't quite played out the way you hoped, and you start to look forward to Christmas holidays. Anyways, it's been a good time I've had so far, the last couple of weeks and I'm going to be taking a trip this week, woohoo! I've attended about three parties/dinner so far, could have been four, but one didn't go as planned sadly, I also tried to make roast corn..lol. I am really looking forward to my trip and what I'm getting up to when I return! and also the rest of the year. I do hope, the rest of the year would be great for the lot of you too, enjoy!

Home-made Treacle Tart, absolutely lovely.

Carrot Cake, (mine was better though :P)

Dig In!

Sharing Donut Stories

2011-05-27T20:14:00.004+01:00

I have a Love-Hate relationship with donuts, once upon a time, I ate so many I stopped eating donuts for close to four years, only recently had some, It can be nice. But would I encourage people to eat donuts? hmm I don't think so, I don't think I would be sharing them either...

I remember someone asking me why we need to preach to people and share the gospel. Even as a kid, admittedly while I enjoyed all the activities we had growing up as 'Christian' (eating donuts!) I didn't understand most of the bible, or the crux of it. But I never had doubts as to why we had to tell others about the Gospel. It is something we do all the time, in many aspects of our lives, so why would this be different. People have no trouble telling their friends about the Sales that are going on on the High street, especially when the friend didn't even ask. You just got a job, you are happy, you will tell people. It is as simple as that. If there is going to be a disaster in the house that you know about, you would definitely tell everyone in it to leave even though they don't see it coming, it's as urgent as that. If your father tells you, My dear don't forget to give your siblings the gift I brought before I come back, It is as direct as that...You would definitely do it too, if you love and trust your Father.

I really love this Donut Hole video we had as kids, I had the urge to see it recently and I googled it up, and Voila! Unknowingly it did teach me alot, plus we had good times acting out most of the scenes. Brings some tears to my eyes...we'd put a doll in a basket,tie ropes, stand upstairs and lower the basket down just like they did. Good times, I say!

Watching it again, it presses further the importance of Sharing the 'Good News', How barriers are broken down through Jesus. How EVERYBODY regardless of race, colour, gender, sexuality and all the barriers that man loves to put up is important, equal and above all Loved by God. All you have to do is to trust God and yes, that's the message of the Bible, 'I LOVE YOU, TRUST ME' God tells us. Why shouldn't I share this truth with people? infact it would be irrational not to tell everyone. Gonna share it all! because everyone without God is like a Donut with a hole right there in the middle.

Enjoy the Videos! Happy Children's Day!

My Blue Shoes

2011-05-27T01:51:00.000+01:00

They deserve their own post now, haven assumed celebrity status. Most people seem to really like it, and some do not hesitate to tell me. It's like I instantly become stylish wearing them and I don't see a lot of people wearing blue shoes. I still remember when I bought them at a discount shoe store last year at a clearance price (don't blame me, blame the student in me). It was in the morning and I was trying to get to school for a workshop with a consulting firm, I was late but that was when the compliments began. After a while I put them away when I moved cities, and only busted them out about a month or two ago, and booyah! celebrity!

They are getting really worn now because of constant wear, I may need to find a replacement soon, but it's been a lovely time so far :). I love my blue shoes.

Something I love to do!

2011-05-20T22:31:00.000+01:00

Make Smoothies!! ya. It is lovely I assure you! plus its super healthy! Remember to drink immediately. Don't try to 'save' it.lol

Berry Smoothie

Two Fingers of Banana
Blackberries
Blueberries
Strawberries
Milk
A Blender!

YUMMY!!! ^_^

What?

2011-05-19T21:44:00.002+01:00

People say I think too much. But it isn't usually uncalled for. I have to admit, I give most matters a deeper thought than the average person. I don't know why, that is who I have found myself to be. It has made me a tad cynical of things, but more importantly I realize that the true matter isn't 'things'. I realize in dealing with lots of issues, what lies underneath is the crux. We should not allow ourselves get carried away by the veneer that presents it self in the form of 'intelligent' sounding english words or 'facts', basically high sounding nonsense. If you analyze most issues, you can see how universal the crux is, from marriages to crimes and punishment.

What is it? I find that we Humans generally have a trust issue. We don't trust the system, We don't trust our government, We don't trust our spouses, we don't trust our friends. The government doesn't trust that people will hold them accountable so they behave any how. So many examples out there. But really what drives it?

The Haunting

2011-05-16T18:12:00.001+01:00

I woke up, it was dark outside, it was dark inside this shouldn't be I thought as my brain came to. Quickly I turned to my laptop, the blue light which indicated power was dark. No way! I shivered. I sprang up from the bed and ran out of my room, ''what is happening''! I screamed at the dark hallway. In a second a voice called, ''Nothing'' I reached for the light switch beside my door and flicked it, as the light flooded my room, my heart rate slowed and I smiled.
I am quite sure that NEPA will haunt me for the rest of my life. Living more than 20yrs in that kind of environment will do it to you too.

Books that must be read Pt 2

2011-05-14T19:46:00.000+01:00

This is filled with so much revelation, you will be wondering why you never read it earlier!

please pick up a copy while you can. I only just started reading it and I don't want it to end.

John Stott used to be a leader under a number of posts at the church I currently attend. I didn't even know this until I googled reviews for the book. Awesome! this man is what we call a teacher. This book is one every Christian needs to read with immediate effect. I am still reading it also, it is profound.

Whatever I Rip, I Shall Sew

2011-05-14T01:09:00.000+01:00

I realized some time ago how wrong we get the idea of 'Sow and Reap' We always tend to look at things individualistically but its not always called for. We look at it in the view of Karma, but Karma doesn't exist. Bad things happen to Good people and vice versa. So what does 'Whatever you sow, you will Reap' mean? go back to the context it was gleaned from. A farmer knows all about sowing, he doesn't expect that when he sows rice, he will reap cocoyam, impossible. This act has nothing to do with what the farmer is going to harvest and take home at the end of the day. Sometimes all his crops fail and perhaps they are stolen, still what he sowed, didn't it reap the same plant?

Our actions are seeds and are the same and it's not about what you get at the end of the day like we have greedily come to accept. If you sow 10 naira into a hungry persons life and they can only eat once a day, think about how far 100naira would go in a day. You can't sow nothing and expect the person not to die of hunger. If you sow Fastfoods into your life, I wonder how you expect not to have diseases to reap. Also, if I sow anger, what will I reap..more anger and maybe irreversible damage, despite whatever good may come out of it at the end of the day. This is a simple picture of what the Sow and Reap principle is all about.

For me now, I have to go about the business of sewing what I ripped. First of all my precious corduroy jacket, ripped at the front, ghastly. The relationships that are ripped or I ripped, I have to bear responsibility for sewing. As I sow and reap, so shall I sew whatever I have ripped.

Bank Holiday Revel! : Toon Land

2011-05-10T17:02:00.000+01:00

Yep, So I was back in the Land close to me heart, I missed that Geordie Lilt so much! Anyways, this time around I stayed on the opposite side of the river.

Now can you tell me, What the heck this thing is, Was this really necessary? In the nightime I'm sure it would scare the jeebuzes out of anyone.

Royal Wedding weekend, yes it was, and unlike others who flew into the 'capital' I flew out. But ofcourse, the image was going to be with me where ever I go...even Tesco.

Anyways, I managed to have some fun baking a cake with a friend, it is incredibly easy to do, when you've got everything needed to put it together. My job actually in this was to grate the Carrots, yes it was a Carrot Cake. I grated the Carrot and then crushed the walnuts, which we mixed with the Cake batter. My friend did everything else, Plus the cheese icing, I then decorate the top with Cinnamon powder and walnuts.

Yummy!

Yum..sat in the fridge, couldn't wait for a taste

Three nice layers!

Hmmmm Delicious!!!!!!

Who remembers this?

Black Rice........Yes we made Black rice, Thai chicken and Thai pepper sauce which didn't work, so I had to make traditional Nigerian tomato sauce.lol. SWEET!

Tried to have a barbecue the day before I left but the winds didn't allow it, I was practically freezing despite the sun.

This Looks like a bird...I'm sure it does! lol

This woke me up

2011-05-07T11:58:00.002+01:00

So, I was sleeping jejely, When I began to hear...

Ijo shinaaaaaaaaaaaaaere shinaiwo le jo,e mi le joIwo le jo, emi le jo Shina o Shina o Shina oAfro juju o

My uncle was blasting it, I began to smile and ofcourse, memories of yesteryears began to flood my mind. Dancing to Shina Peter at Parties, and just having fun! Good times.

Here are some Clips, you go fear dance ooh!! hehe

Not once did I think of Osama!

2011-05-06T23:51:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was such a day! Lots of things happened in usual style. Any time on the tube is bound to be dramatic. I've narrated the main story else where, it was so hectic, I didn't spare a thought for current events happening in the world. As the day slowed, I suddenly found I had a lot of time left! but I was quite worn out, plus I was wearing the wrong thing for the temperature of the day.

So I decided to go attend the Real Food Festival, thanks to some 'connections' I got a free ticket. It was some fun, I wished i had lots of money, I would have carried sacks of food home.

I saw Foreign Cows up close and Personal! LOL

*No Comment* hehe

Healthy Chocolate....visit 'em

I saw Foreign Sheep for the first time! boy are they smelly or what!!

I got to have a taste of Vegetarian Cake, Some chocolate, Fast breakfast made of yogurt, oats and berries. There were lots of meat, cheese and wine. Great place for extreme foodies. It was nice.

Soon after, I couldn't hop on the train because....you guessed it, Peak Hours! na..I'm not rushing anywhere, I decided to wait. When it was over, I happily went on and made my way home :)Tired as anything but still filled with smilies, It was when I got online later that I realized Osama existed.

With Gratitude, Painful Tears

2011-05-03T15:23:00.003+01:00

Picture: http://www.larryponchobrown.com

I used to be very proud of the fact that I didn't cry often, despite being flogged or insulted. I thought I had it pretty set, there were only things when i'd cry that I never planned. Recently as God has been breaking me down, I have been shedding tears for 'no reason' and very often, daily. I also realized that I could tell the difference between my fake tears and real tears, funny eh. Of course everyone really knows when they are shedding crocodile tears or not. No. When you peel onions you will cry automatically though (the red onions more so than the white, put a spoon in your mouth to stop it ).

When I cry genuinely, my eyes HURT, I don't know why, but since I have no control over these tears, It happens. I tried to google, to find if it was some condition, I can't even explain how it hurts, but it makes me never want to shed a tear again. Still, I am grateful for the ability to cry, I'm thankful that I am being broken down in many ways than I could imagine. I'm learning loads and I wouldn't have it any other way. If it has to hurt, so be it.

''I know that I've been,

Given more than beyond measure,

I come alive when,

I see beyond my fears

I know that I've been given more than earthly treasure,

I come alive when

I've broken down and given you control''

- Jeremy Camp ~ Beyond Measure

Home

2011-05-03T01:22:00.001+01:00

There is so much clogging my brain at the moment. Focus. Focus. I thought to myself. I was sat at the airport lounge trying to make my way back home. Home...Home, they called it. I wasn't sure. It was the only one I knew. My thoughts began to paint the picture. Noise. It was the noise I wanted to get away the most from. Its my fault i reflected, how did I allow him talk me into that number. We had some 'accidents'. Dirt. I never agree I have OCD, I just believe Humans arent meant to live in filth, plus I have to pick up after every single one of them, He doesn't help much. Pain. someone was always up to something, many days spent at the hospital I would gladly have back. Smell. urgh.

I sighed. Checked my watch, 1hr to board. Think of something else. I screamed within me. My name. they scream, I never feel prouder. Smiles. I could say without a doubt they are genuinely happy to see me. Hugs. I could be in those arms forever. My heart. bursts into songs at the sight of them and gives way to tears of joy. Pleasure. Undescribable.

Home. It's all I've got and I love it.

My Look

2011-05-01T01:44:00.002+01:00

This look is soo Me, I just had to post it. Plus I do have a look like this. I love everything from the blouse to the skirt and the satchel. I am a conservative gal so this works plenty for me.

LOL.

This is my most frequent expression..I love this smiley

2011-04-30T03:25:00.000+01:00

HA HA HA HA HA!!

How to Expose Fake Prophets

2011-04-29T02:43:00.000+01:00

The other day, A TV programme showed how fake pastors extract monies from people and conduct fake healing sessions, its a sad thing but its not out of this world. I think nothing new was exposed on the programme and it was just a waste of time, energy and effort, it was quite boring. The bible has exact predictions on what these people are, Vicious Wolves! it calls them. If only those who claim to be Christians would read the bible more or actually desire a stronger relationship with God would we be able to discern EASILY this fakeness. ''Only by being thoroughly familiar with the truth will we be able to recognize a counterfeit.''

2 Peter 2 talks specifically about these false preachers.
2 Corinthians 11
Colossians 2 Warns about thinking to Christ! not Man and Man's rules
Hebrews 13
2 Timothy 4:1 - 4
Matthew 7 : 15 - 23

I particularly like this article, because we have a responsibility to protect ourselves and others from the tactics of these wicked people

So, how do we protect ourselves?
Don't Believe Anyone Who Ignores, Or Disagrees With, God's Word

About 30 years ago, I recall hearing a preacher bellowing, "Don't believe me, believe your Bible." The honest logic of that man's statement cannot be refuted or argued with. Humans can be, or go, wrong. God's Word will never fail you, because God will never fail you.
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away." (Luke 21:33)
Prove All Things

Never just take someone's word as "gospel," regardless of how educated or exalted they may be, or appear to be. True Christian servants ("minister" means servant, "apostle" means messenger, "evangelist" means announcer) are not offended if you check to see if what they say is correct, or question them if you find something that you think is wrong. In fact, they expect you to do so:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1 RSV)
"test everything; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21 RSV)
Know Your Bible

Familiarity with the Scriptures, all of the Scriptures, is a vital defense. Amazing as it may seem, many Christian-professing people actually have not read all of The Bible at least one time. Once each year should be the minimum for everyone.
Daily Bible Study has an easy and enjoyable daily Bible reading plan, requiring only a few minutes each day, that covers the entire Bible in 1 year. See 1 Year Reading Plan
Follow Christ, Obey God

God's true servants want you to obey God, not them. Follow them only if they follow Christ.
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps." (1 Peter 2:21 RSV)
"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ ... and the head of Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3 RSV)
Beware Of "Miracles"

While in the end time God's true prophets will perform great miracles (see The Two Witnesses and Down Without A Fight?), there will also be great Satan-empowered "miracles" which will deceive many:
"It works great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in the sight of men; and by the signs which it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast, it deceives those who dwell on earth, bidding them make an image for the beast which was wounded by the sword and yet lived" (Revelation 13:13-14 RSV)
"Prophet" Doesn't Mean "Profit"

Money is of course necessary to pay for living and operating expenses, but acquiring great personal wealth from one's service to God cannot be justified. There are many honest and righteous ways of earning a lot of money. Christianity is not one of them.
In the Old Testament, Abraham was considered righteous by God (Galatians 3:6), and at the same time he became very wealthy (Genesis 13:2). But his personal wealth came from business activity. It wasn't given to Abraham as a way of worshipping God.
Later, the apostle Paul, a man who actually wrote a large part of the New Testament, although having to accept occasion help because of his difficult circumstances, worked whenever he could, as a tent maker, at the same time of his ministry (Acts 18:3).
According to Paul, "For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word; but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ." (2 Corinthians 2:17 RSV)
God's true servants are not interested in taking from you. They want to give to you, not worldly money that is quickly spent, but true wealth, the knowledge and understanding that will enable you to obtain the eternal spiritual riches that will last forever. God's true servants don't want your money. They want you to obey God.

Come Dine With Me

2011-04-24T10:18:00.001+01:00

The past few months have seen me spend a lot of time in the Kitchen, omg! I can't believe it you know..that I'm actually beginning to like cooking, and just the domestic way of life. Yesterday I even baked scones! Having people enjoy what I cook and appreciate it really spurs me on. Personally, ofcourse there's been a change inside deeper than just what people see. I still find it difficult to just up and go cook something for myself, but when other people's lives are at stake, I take it up with immediate effect! I used to yearn for the fast-paced life of an exec. But as I've begun to learn more about healthy feeding and live in general, it makes me want to become a housewife! I swear, me? yes me!. Sometimes I just picture myself in a farm house, homeschooling my children, cooking in a big kitchen, feeding my family and just living a content life (definitely not in the eyes of the world) filled with warmth and love.

It's no surprise that I also began to love the TV programme, Come Dine With Me. Cooking shows always used to bore me. But this one, is just plain brilliant. I spend hours watching re-runs, but its interesting to see how much many people can still cook and the pleasure many derive in putting out a good meal and for strangers too, its always heart warming when at the end of the programme the contestants still want to keep in touch..see what food can do! lol.

Jesus also calls us to Come dine with Him. He has filled the cup at the table with fresh wine, we can now partake in it as brothers and sisters. It's a simple call, Come to the table or stay were ever you are. We have the ability to respond as we see fit. But if I can go to dinner with abandon to enjoy foods which I enjoy and which replenish me temporarily, why not go to the dinner where I will enjoy foods which give life forever? Its a no brainer I've made my choice!

So, as you come dine with me, I hope you would also dine with Jesus at the table...........Enjoy!!!!

A Faithful Friend

2011-04-21T03:12:00.003+01:00

My Nokia N95. 3years and going stronger. MUAH!

A Night Out with Tété

2011-04-21T02:48:00.030+01:00

So I won a ticket to go see this musician Tete at Monto Water Rats. Normally I'm very apprehensive about meeting girls for the first time. I don't know what to say to girls. I tell you I can count the number of female friends I have on one finger..iKid..ok on one hand. Anyways, I said, I'll just go and try to have a good time.

First of all, my line had severe delays!!!! oh no! A 35mins journey was going to turn to 1hr 30mins..plus we were roasting underground. It wasn't funny at all. Thankfully I made it soon enough!

We listened to one of the opening acts, then went to get some food because I was starving..we got on pretty well, even if I say so myself..hehe. I realized that at Nandos the possibility of being sat next to a black person who is Nigerian is very high! After some chat and food, we headed back to Monto Water Rats.

About 10pm, the main reason for the night came up to perform with people chanting Tete! Tete!. I didn't know it was going to be this late, because the show started at 7pm. Anyways, we listened to a number of songs and wow wow wow, his skill on the guitar is amazing! the songs..in french, but just so soothing and great on the ears. I have to admit, I've been having a growing affection for gap-toothed people. The French accent..mixed with english is so *censored* LOL!

It was a good night out..sadly had to leave early if I wanted to get home before 12am. I said my goodbyes, and got back on the line which thankfully was running smoothly!

If you want to learn more about Tété and listen to his music check out --> Tété and Official Website http://www.tete.tv/

An Elephant Flying??

2011-04-16T21:48:00.001+01:00

This is how I feel about the current Nigerian elections, there are things that are just impossible, and hey I am not surprised.

More importantly I got to watch Dumbo again!! oh my days! we had the tape when I was much younger so this was a frequent watch for a long while. I love love it. I still shed tears watching it again. But I realised so much now that I am older. I think as a kid one was more concerned about the excitement, the colours, the fun..I mean I am still concerned about that, but more than anything truths from the movie began to jump out at me. One thing I also noticed was how short it was! as a kid, it never seemed so! lol. But It was great re-living those moments in my life that I wouldn't change. If I do have kids, I hope I'd be able to get them to watch it ^_^

I love this song, it makes me chuckle with delight!

People who smile or laugh with eyes closed

2011-04-13T02:51:00.007+01:00

I really love them! Its just so cute and genuine........warms my heart, bless if you do! ^_^

France, Bans and Scarves

2011-04-13T02:47:00.001+01:00

So a friend of mine tweeted on a topic, I replied. It was on the French ban on veils which only show the eyes or don't even show the face at all. He said it was unfair and just plain intolerant. Fair enough I thought, I know what side many people will be arguing on. But being the person I am, I tried to get people to look at it from another angle. I honestly haven't read so much on the topic, but from the little I know, I can make my opinion reasonably.

1. France is a secular country

2. They would prefer to keep it that way

3. The ban wasn't targeted at Muslim women who wear veils that make up only 0.1% of the M.W pop.

4. France banned any form of religious display in 'public places'

I can't see why people have to over-react to be honest. If indeed only 0.1% of women wear this veil, it shows how easy the practice can be discarded or adjusted. It also makes us understand that being a Muslim isn't tied to those veils, if many more can go without it. It shows that it is a cultural not religious thing and for goodness sakes, they are in France. The country is trying to do the best for its citizens. The rate of discrimination based on religious affiliation is high enough, and the French government would rather not have people being judged by such a thing. 'Freedom of Expression is suppressed', some argue well smoking is banned in public places in many places, why isn't this challenged? ok so Why am I using 'Smoking'

1. It's the first thing that popped into my mind

2. It is also banned in public places in some countries

3. It is wonderful for people who smoke but unpleasant to those who do not

4. The ban in public places doesn't equal a ban in smoking at all.

I mean, why do we have to be so hard headed and stubborn sometimes. I'm not surprised the world is the way it is because we take offense so easily instead of stopping to think objectively. Everything is about us personally, our rights, our freedom, people being intolerant to us without seeing how we are also intolerant and the fact that we are no 'us' without others. I am positive this ban is not life-threatening to anyone, so therefore, let's see how it goes, I really hope the best decision is reached.

My Bed Habit

2011-04-07T22:23:00.002+01:00

I am a tidy sleeper that's why I can have my laptop constantly on my bed, but even that has its disadvantages. One of the perils of engaging in this sort of bed habit is sore arms. I usually sleep on my side, and I wake up on that same side. This particular night, I was dreaming as usual but felt an excruciating pain on my right arm, it was horrible. So I tried to turn, but it felt heavy and just kept throbbing. I was in so much pain and I could hardly sleep again. I was convinced that when I finally wake up, I would have to amputate the arm.

When I did get off my bed in the morning, the first thing I reached for was aboniki. My arm was hung heavily by my side through the day, constantly massaging and contorting my face. That night it was hard to sleep, since then (Last Saturday) I've had difficulty sleeping because of positioning, I just don't know what to do at the moment. I'm not sleeping too well, I feel it when I wake up *sigh* I'm going to try something this night..hopefully it should work.

Real Nigerian Music

2011-04-07T01:59:00.014+01:00

My heart has always yearned for genuine things, and I have this uncanny ability for spotting them. I'm drawn to truth in heart and in sounds. Any kind of music I take seriously, I am sure of truth in it. In Nigeria, we only have a few of such souls, and I normally won't bother to listen to the lot of Nigerian musicians out there today, but a number of them stand out.

Asa, I remember the first time I had a glimpse of her, with her glasses and short locs on an NTA programme, I instantly liked her. I knew it was the locs at first, but I think her whole persona combined with the guitar holding and what she sang drew me to her.

Her first album, Loved Loved Loved it. It was still taking me lots of time to get into her second album but something changed things for me. A friend of mine told me casually, 'Ah Asa is going to be singing at the Barbican' oh ok...'I have a spare ticket if you want to come' he finished. Yay, I thought 'Let's go there' hehe.

It was a great night, not only did my respect for Asa move up a number of notches, my appreciation of her second album also grew. She is the Truth, I hope she never loses it. An icing on the cake of the night was waiting to listen to Tiken Jah Fakoly

I was actually in this Video, dancing my ass off.lol. enjoy!

One Quarter Gone.

2011-03-31T10:07:00.013+01:00

Lots of things have happened, from the Euphoria of the New year in January and the submission of my application for **** to the Birthday/Wedding Anniversary of my Parents/Uncle n' Aunt and the positive return of my application in February. March brought along its own share of events. I can only look back and say its been an eventful quarter. I got to go to places I've never been, met new people and a bit of fun here and there. I am not where I projected myself to be going into the new quarter, but I'm glad about the things I've done, and I am still confident in the plan.

Mrs Club pt3 : Is Marriage still Necessary?

2011-03-30T01:40:00.007+01:00

Wheew, I'm definitely not getting younger! this year I'm moving into a new age bracket, no pressure yet but its getting realistic. Marriage is a topic which never ends, and looking at the stats, the rate of divorce is very high, some would even say Marriage is the number one cause of divorce..cracks me up. Still, it's not an issue to be ignored, but what does it mean to us, what does it mean to society.

Is it still necessary?

I've never thought going to a registry, a church or whatever is necessary, but the heart of marriage, which is a life-long commitment is Very Necessary. If we understand this and begin to live in such a capacity, I can only see a better world than what we currently have to shoulder.

I am a Christian and it is only from a Christian perspective that the case for Marriage can be made, I honestly can't see any view-point that satisfies its reason completely. Marriage is grossly anti-self which being Christian is. The nature of our world now pushes the 'me! me! me!' syndrome, the false notion that the world revolves around our individual selves, when infact we are all connected to each other. Pride, this is the main culprit, we delude ourselves into thinking that there is a divide between being 'single' and married. Nobody is really single, every of our actions affect others. In the context of this topic, you are just unmarried.

Marriage requires partners who are willing to submit to each other, a self-sacrificing kind of love. If this doesn’t exist, it doesn’t matter how many documents you have signed or how many pastors or wedding ceremonies you have held, you are living a sham, and you can only fool others not yourself. Marriage ought to be a picture of what Love really is, of the kind of Love God has for us. You can't be in a Marriage, where you truly Love and this is not reflected in the way you treat others, impossible. Marriage should be a learning ground, not a battlefield.

Marriage is a great thing, I don’t intend to have any wedding ceremony or register anything (except he wants to, we’ll negotiate.lol) but I would like to have a life-long commitment with someone. It is not the best thing in life, it is not a do or damned thing but it is a very good thing.

I am still Clay

2011-03-27T23:07:00.004+01:00

A friend lost her mum today, just like that. She had a headache the night before, Sunday morning, no more. Time ceased to exist for her. It is a sad day, it hurts, watching someone suffer, hurts as much. Sometimes we just forget how fickle life is, here today, gone tomorrow. We forget that the important things in this life are given to us FREE. You didn't do anything to gain the breath you breath, you were born with blood moving all over your body. you never paid for that.

We look at each other, and take ourselves for granted. O Human beings, why are we so blind, so corrupted by our foolish pride. We ought to look at eachother with reverence, hold each other like precious china, 'Handle with Care' 'Fragile'. Paul in his letter to the Christians at Philippi said, ' Work out your salvation with Fear and Trembling' Treat people with respect, with reverence, put your foolish pride aside, be responsible for others, we should be afraid to harm others.

Creation groans, we groan, I groan, there's so much pain in the world. Many times I forget this simple, little part I ought to play and I think of things on a grand-scale. A simple 'thank you' 'Sorry' 'Can I get a glass of water for you' are some of the things that matter the most.

All in all, I really do reflect on the way I've lived, I hold life more preciously than I've ever done in my entire life. With everything I want to achieve or that I see people achieve, events like this still remind me of certain truths. it doesn't matter what heights you reach and how low you go, we are all equal, we are all on the same level, We are all clay.

Back to the Future

2011-03-27T03:34:00.003+01:00

I doubt I will ever understand the turning of clocks forward and backward, but hey life goes on! I made sure I stayed awake for the turn this time, I watched my computer's clock change from 12:59am to 2:00am. This actually made me laugh. We keep shouting no time, there's time, some time, time! time! time! When time is just a human construct that tries to measure the immeasurable. Someone said ''To realize the unimportance of time is the gate to wisdom.'' I believe it now.

''Time is always relative.... For the terminally ill, six months are a lifetime, and not a very long one. To a three-year-old waiting for Christmas, it's an eternity so distant it's not even worth thinking about''

JOHN SAUL, Midnight Voices

Nigerians and Grammar

2011-03-26T10:10:00.003Z

Sometimes I wonder why Nigerians strive for the best in English grammar more so than even the English. People are always correcting you on what comma you didn't type or how you put a present past participle instead of a continuous present. We Love Grammar.

I also realized that Nigerians tend to speak the best words when they are angry. Of all the times!! 'What an impertinent arrogant fellow!, 'How preposterous! the audacity!' its really amazing.

Our politicians are not left out. every single time on the news headlines, when someone is quoted its never far from, ''Adeoti will soon meet his waterloo''

Debates have been going on back and forth, and honestly I can't see the point of it they just want to 'blow grammar' and its sad to think that Nigerians are going to vote for people who 'know grammar pass'. All the debates na just grammar to me, that's not what we need in Nigeria, the British already brought Grammar, bring Light.

Onyeka!

2011-03-25T23:36:00.000Z

Totally Lit me up today.

This woman could sing!

Onyeka Onwenu

My CNN Days

2011-03-24T13:21:00.003Z

I remember those days when we had just moved to the new Duplex, right in front of the hills. The area was still 'new' if you compared it to the rest of the city. We were surrounded by vegetation, my dad even carved a small garden out, Paw Paw trees, Orange and Guava ruled. Oh did I hate Paw Paw!, I still hate it. As young children, there wasn't much we could do in the area. Unlike the old quarters were we lived which had accessible hills, the ones here were close but unreachable. I had also just begun secondary school, I wanted to do new things.

We had a load of tapes of our favorite cartoons from way back, and we played them to the death. Soon, Cable was installed, but it wasn't stable. Some days all we had were news stations and some others which were straight from the Middle-East. Grudgingly, we had to watch CNN, Fox News, SKY, BBC back to back, if there was no tape or movie to see.

CNN was my favourite, it seemed to offer more of a variety of programmes, and I loved the way they spoke. I would pick up a newspaper and pretend to read like the newscasters, this was always a hit at school. I played with the idea of becoming one, fantasy!

Summer Holidays, were the longest and I would come home straight from school, It typically lasted from about the end of June to the start of September. I usually resumed late, so make that the end of September!, two weeks less resumption never really hurt! lol. It was during this periods from '96 to '01 that I formed strong bonds with Christiana Amanpour, Wolf Blitzer, Fionnuala Sweeney, Jim Clancy, Terry Baddoo, Rosemary Church, Ralitsa Vassileva, jeff koinange, Femi Oke, Jonathan Mann, Larry King. I watched everything from World News to Sports, Entertainment and Technology programmes. I even memorized the schedule at some point.

I was glad to have CNN to watch, it kept me well informed amongst my peers, I'd always been one step ahead anyways. It was no coincidence that some of the events that shaped the world, I saw unravel first hand.

Summer of '97 Princess Diana's death, We had played games till late but had to sleep because the next day was sunday, and we had to go to church. But for me, I couldn't sleep for a while so I got up and went to check what was on. 'Princess Diana, Car crashed!' Oh my days! I couldn't believe it as I saw the mangled car. Unbelievable!

'98 - '99 The next major event was Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky affair, which I followed closely. I will never forget Bill's speech 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman' even I knew He was lying.

Summer of '99, JFK jr's plane went down. I had only watched them hours ago, and now the plane was missing. I had thought of how stylish Carolyn, his wife was. And what a nice couple they seemed to be. Sad.

Summer of '01 Aaliyah was dead! In a car crash and a day before my birthday, Who didn't know Aaliyah, wow! terrible. She was 22, I was going to be 15.

Summer/Fall of '01 9/11 as it is remembered, I was just changing channels, because it seemed like a slow news day, nothing was happening. Next thing I got to BBC and saw one of the WTC towers smoking, I was just thinking how unfortunate, the plane slamming into the tower, and it was Live with the cameras pointed on the building. Next thing I knew another plane just slams into the next, OH MY GOD the video man screamed and the video became shaky with people running towards and away from the building. I was doubly stunned. Oh my God! I thought is this a movie, is this real??

Soon after, a couple of things changed in the house, I was graduating from secondary school and getting into University the next year. I can't remember what happened to the cable, but it lost an appeal. Given the current events in the world, I found myself getting back into that frame of mind, until someone brings me back to reality with 'Let's watch something else o!' Despite all that, those days were filled with happiness, sadness, gladness, things of a kind I would never forget. I miss my CNN Days.

Many Things in Life are Hard For Me

2011-03-23T00:12:00.003Z

One thing I forgot to write in my post about Christian music, which I only realized is, how it helps take my eyes off me. I have been on a Kutless spree for the past two days. It was when I was listening to Grace and Love from their Kutless album that it just 'clicked'. This is not about feelings. Many times I don't feel like doing anything that looks remotely 'Christian' but there is this quiet yearning inside that leads me back to what I should be doing. Grace, I read recently is Love to the unresponsive. Most times as Human beings, we have to have people respond to our 'Love' if not we carry our Love and go somewhere else, but the ability to love people that can't even respond..that is outstanding. That God loves me through my rages, through my jealousy, through my laziness, through my corruption, It is amazing!

Kutless - Grace and Love

Many things in life are hard for me
Many things can pull us down
I don't understand why I do what I do
How could I take my eyes off you
After all You've done for me
And after all You've done for me

It's by Your grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free

And it's by grace and love that I am free
I'll live with you eternally
I thank you Lord that I am free
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying upon the tree of Calvary
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying for me

Because it's by grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free

Many things in life are hard for me
But by grace and love You've forgiven me
And by grace and love we are free

Sumptuous Saturday

2011-03-22T00:38:00.004Z

I don't have this very often, but I'm glad I know people who try to host a get-together every now and then. I only have about one or two 'friends' in this life, and Its hard trying to hang out normally, because most people tend to bore me if the purpose of interaction is not clear.

But not last Saturday! It was at a flat down in Wimbledon. I stopped over at Waterloo first, the sun was great, but I needed sunscreen badly! I wore my flowy neon skirt and I really felt summery. After the disappointment that was Saturday morning, I headed down to Wimbledon, not without picking up a few things to share, Almond Twists, Carrot Cake and Carrots (Yep, Healthy balance! lol). The shinding hadn't started, the host was just cutting the chicken fillets, 'I'm so hungry already' I thought!

After about an hour, others started coming in with some food to share and just their nice presence. After we got starters arranged on the table, it began!

Got involved in a game called Catan, very complicated at first, but was great once we got into it, two hours passed and we didn't even know! We had to break up for supper atlast. We tried to save the game layout, so we could continue after eating but alas, an earthquake manifested and the land was broken!

SUPPER!!

Lamb, Chicken, surprisingly no rice! lol

After the whole thing, we still had dessert! it was hard to go home, but I left at 10:30pm, the train from Wimbledon to Nottinghill must be the slowest train ever! I got home at 12am. Thankfully, someone came to pick me at the station. Just before I went to bed, I was filled with so much thanksgiving, and prayers, then I remembered that the moon was supposed to be a big deal that night. So I looked out of my window, and there it was, majestically shining on me, really beautiful. Nice way to end my day, it was. I look forward to more of this kind of days ^_^

The Mrs Club pt.2

2011-03-18T01:25:00.003Z

Man..check

Engagement ring..check

Traditional ceremony ring...check

Court wedding ring..check

White/Mosque wedding ring..check

Surname change..Check!

I am pleased to inform you, you are now a certified member of the Mrs Club!

Lately, I have been having issues with jewelry, I get irritated easily. I doubt I would be able to stand wearing a ring for so long! Talking about taking on a husband surname..I love my surname and I've always been of the opinion that I wouldn't be dropping it. We could form a compound name like Akintola-williams Jeje-philips..really nice looking to me. I always had the dream of marrying a yoruba guy, with a Taylor, Pedro, William, Phillips surname. lol, Igbo surnames were a big no-no.
Now, I'm not so sure. Infact the idea of taking on someone else's surname is becoming increasingly weird to me, how did this even start. You become Mrs..somebody..I thought the idea of a marriage was cleaving to each other, not disappearing into the man where your only identity is MRS..no not for me.

So why would people do all it takes to become a part of this club? In the movie I watched yesterday, I agreed with this;

''This ritual called a wedding ceremony is really just the final scene of a fairy tale. They never say what happens after. That Cinderella drove the prince mad by obsessively cleaning the castle, cause she missed her day job''

Gbam. People just want to have that ceremony, what happens after? No one knows. But we become certified Mr/Mrs. It becomes more about 'status' than about love. The ones who don't realize this, end up hurting the children born under such conditions, and the cycle keeps going on. Maybe when people realize that this is not a do or damned affair, we could have some change.

Lets make a bad tin, good.

2011-03-17T02:54:00.000Z

Yesterday was supposed to be the worst day of my 2011. But I'm glad I got through it!
Somehow I stumbled on this movie, I have only two words, Watch IT.

2011-03-14T13:59:00.001Z

Noise

Unmanaged thoughts
Discord in the head
Through all the mind pollution
It’s the Word that must be heard
Cluttered hearts
Blind eyes
Political correctness
In place of the prize
If they move it
From the doorpost
Of every governing place
The Word of God
Lives in the heart
Of His Faithful race
No color code
No barricade
No legislative sneer
Can take the place
Of the Holy Spirit
Drawing us more near

God destroys both the Blameless and Guilty, Is this Just?

2011-03-14T02:00:00.004Z

Recently, I have been discovering what being 'Christian' really means I describe myself as someone who was lost wandering and wondering through the corridors of religion but has finally found the right path and is discovering something new every day.

So I wrote the title of this post on my Facebook status some weeks ago. I wasn't really expecting answers, I just wanted to see what may be drawn out from people. I knew the answer to the question, I wanted to find out if people also knew. I had done a study before that day and understood why God was, apart from the fact that the scriptures have it written explicitly. The replies I got were quite horrid, and many claimed that I was 'insulting' God. I had to wonder if we were reading the same bible.

Well, fast-forward to the Tsunami that hit Japan, and you have all these questions thrown up also. Any loss of any kind is a sad occurrence and as Humans we should atleast show some compassion to those suffering, but the need to turn it into a God doesn't exist/God Exists debate, is what I don't understand. Some even went as far as saying it was Karma on the Japanese because of Whaling and the bombing on Pearl Harbor, ridiculous. I personally was reminded about how vulnerable we are as Humans, no matter what great achievement we think we have, in the twinkle of an eye, it could be completely wiped out.

So, is this God's Plan/Will, Is it fair? Did God create earthquakes/tsunamis? I may not fully understand why we suffer so much in the world, but the bible gives the best explanation so far. God created everything and it was good and is still good. But what happened? Sin came into the world, and the book of Genesis is clear on how. Relationships were broken. Between God and Man, Man and Man, Man and Animals, Man and Nature. It became a survival of the fittest. This means that as long as we are on this earth, Rain will fall on everybody, nothing like karma but thankfully that's not the end. I am sure the tsunami is a logical occurrence according to the Laws of Nature and since Man has a broken relationship with Nature, it's hard to believe that would have been stoppable. Still, we have seen where good has come out of suffering so it surely cannot be the end. For more on creation and our role as Human Beings, read this paper

To conclude, We know sad things would always happen, but is it worth arguing over what caused it and why (uncontrollable situations) . Why don't we just respond positively to those suffering, offering a hand, offering some aid, offering an ear. Showing love, compassion, tenderness and sensitivity. If all you can do is pray, pray that people are comforted somehow, pray that they might even begin to think about ideas which would ensure a higher level of safety in case of a next time, not only in Japan but in other parts of the world. Give, give your time, efforts and money where possible to aid those suffering. Tender-hearts.....that's all I pray for.

The Plan

2011-03-09T23:37:00.001Z

I love walking across the field between my house and the train station, in the dark. Lately I haven't done a lot of walking because of the rains which leave the field really soggy. There are three main reasons why I love doing this. One, its a faster route if I have to walk, in other words, if I don't want to spend 130p on a 4min bus ride when I can walk it in 10. Two, I love the open field, because I'm mostly alone with my music, the stars and the moon. The third reason, I found out today. There is a tall block of flats close to my building so when I get to the start of the field station-side and look across, it looks really far away, and even as I start to walk, it seems like I would never get to it. So I began to walk today, and was just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, looking ahead at the block, I then noticed the moon and stopped, it was a perfect crescent, wish I had a proper camera. When I snapped back to reality and turned to continue the walk, it suddenly seemed like the block of flats was upon me. Before I stopped, It still looked far away, but finally I passed by it and went on home!

While walking, I was listening to Bloc Party's Compliments, which I think is one of the saddest songs ever. Every time I listen to it, I have a personal video of it playing in my head. people like robots marching down seemingly endless stairs, then they fall and disappear. I like it because it is a reminder of how futile this life is without God, a reminder that God has a plan. I love the instruments very much too and no, it's not a 'Christian' Song but it won't cost you anything to listen to it. Just google www.grooveshark.com, type in 'Bloc Party Compliments' then listen.

We sit and we sigh
And nothing gets done
So right, so clued-up
We just get old
And all the while
Been torn asunder
Nicotine
And bacteria
What are we coming to
What are we gonna do

I thought of how the block of flats represented things that we hope for, things that seem too far to reach, like the Ultimate plan described in the bible , like the things I am presently working towards...so much plans. They look so far of, and even as the days go by, it never seems like I'm getting closer. But I realize that if I sit back and fold my arms, if I give up, I will never reach it. Just like I finally reached the block, my hope is renewed, just like it suddenly came upon me, I know I will get there.

The Re-Adjustment Bureau

2011-03-05T00:42:00.082Z

A friend and I went to watch a movie called Paul, which was funny and a bit icky. Usually before the movie comes on, you are treated to about 15mins of Movie previews, annoying when you are early to the cinema, wonderful if you are late. As the trailers went by, I thought to myself how it seemed like all the movies coming out, try to talk about Free Will, Chance, Control, Destiny. It may be the effect of this end-of-world story but it just made me realize how much man wants to be in control of his own life and even others around him. How much we want to believe we are the ultimate.

One week later I go to watch one of them, 'The Adjustment Bureau' with Matt Damon (seems to be thrust into any movie involving a chase, guy must love to run), whom I absolutely adore and Emily Blunt, who I've loved since the Devil wears Prada. Plus! I've been reading Philip Dick since I can remember. Anyways, How did it go? It started well for me, I was excited. Then at some point, the context of the movie began to fade into silliness (Only men in the bureau, only one black guy, and Matt Damon dared to ask why he was different..funny!, hats, turning knobs where there was none..e.t.c ). I felt awkward. I can't even say if I like it or not. There are definitely parts I love but I wouldn't want to watch it again.

The movie has been panned as a 'Bourne meets Inception' movie. It was more like The Matrix meets Mad Men and initiates a threesome with The Notebook, but no where near as awesome as any of them. The movie suggests everything that happens, happens according to a 'Plan' but things change, 'chance'. I like the review of this blog, http://rtbtaketwo.wordpress.com/ and this, God Has No Adjustment Bureau

'' So what take does the film offer? On the surface, it seems to imply that the Chairman merely reacted to David’s choices. Yet subtle clues appear each time David takes another step down the “untraced” path, hinting that the Chairman knew all along which path he would follow. In the end, the caseworkers offer this preface: “Only the Chairman knows the plan. We only see part of it.”

The “part of it” we can all see in this film reminds us of the constant human effort to understand the nature of God and resolve age-old philosophical debates. Even though many deny him, they cannot help but try to capture his essence through the arts ''

I loved that I could see other parallels with Christianity. I loved when Matt Damon's character was told that the reason they didn't want him to be with Emily's was that He would find her more important than all what he has been pursuing all his life. It could be likened to the 'Devil' constantly trying to prevent us from knowing or seeking God's love, because when we 'get it' we become content because it's all that we need. So I concluded that while I couldn't take the film seriously apart from its sappy romance side, because the movie couldn't really decide whose side it was on, if the Adjustment Bureau represented anything in the Christian belief, It would be the Devil and his minions. lol.

While the Adjustment Bureau is at work on earth, I'm glad to know there is a Re-Adjustment Crew who will make all things work together for good at the end of the day! :D

I Want to Know What Love Is pt. 1

2011-03-03T01:58:00.005Z

Heavy night, it was a heavy night
Feels like we've just, come back from the dead
Heavy night, it was a heavy night

I cannot remember what I said to anyone

If we get up now, we can catch the afternoon

Watch the under15's playing football in the park

Let’s sit in St Leonard's on this alcoholic day

We're doing the best, with what we've got

I love you in the morning

When you're still hung over

I love you in the morning

When you're still strung out

I work hard all week and so do you

We deserve to let off some steam

Less orthodox creeping,

We need to rage through all of this life

There might be ones who are smarter than you

That have the right answers that wear better shoes

Forget about those melting ice caps

We're doing the best, with what we've got

I love you in the morning

When you're still hung over

I love you in the morning

When you're still strung out

When I'm with you, I am calm

A pearl in your oyster

Head on my chest a silent smile

A private kind of happiness

You see giant proclamations

Are all very well

But our love is louder than words

Sunday - Bloc Party

As usual as I leave the station, I check to see if the bus marked 140 is close by, then I start to walk west anyway. The invisible harshly caresses my face and I think 'Not this time' and then turn to check again. My eyesight wouldn't allow me see so far, so I move east a bit and there was bus 140 getting bigger. 5mins late would have found me once again, walking along the field, my ears safely tucked under the warmer but sensitive enough to transmit music from the earphones connected to my 'lackberry' across my whole being. Usually, I'd be dancing along as I struggled to walk, with onlookers shaking their collective head in disbelief. Off the bus, I walk east then north along the asphalt path, alone. Sunday goes through my whole and words cannot express how much I love the song.

The Case for Christian Music

2011-03-01T01:14:00.000Z

I really do not like the way 'Christian' music is shelved as a genre of music especially when being Christian isn't just a part of a life but one's whole life. I guess this is the reason why many musicians try to break out of that box. They try to make it clear that they are Christians who play music. I would expect that any piece of music that a Christian plays would be one that'd fill me with love, hope, joy, peace, good things regardless of what religion/non-religion I subscribe to.

Music itself is just unexplainable, its undeniable, it reaches your soul. But just like every other tool that we have, it can have a positive or negative effect. Not everyone feels the way I feel about music, but it's hard to deny its effects. Music made by Christians most times reflect what is written in the bible and is doubly encouraging. There are times I just want to close my eyes..music is a great companion. Lots of times I remember bible verses because of the way an artiste carved them into lyrics. Music is great.

I'm really glad that many Christians just do what they are called to do, play music. It doesn't really matter if 'Christian music is shelved into one corner, I'm glad that's not all there is to it.

Why You Must Have a Healthy Lifestyle

2011-02-24T13:46:00.001Z

Well, you musn't. This is exactly what I feel when people ask me why they had to eat 'healthy' Nothing is a must. Make your choice, if it is too much for you, leave it alone. We will all die anyway? huh. There's no need to shelf responsibility unto another. Man is such a paradox, He doesn't want to die, but 90% of the things he does, guarantees, a death sooner than later. We try to avoid death in numerous ways, but when it comes to actually living a healthy way, especially in the area of what we eat, people want to have their cake and eat it, They want to live but want to eat a grossly unbalanced diet. They want to live long, to be smart, to be able to control their emotions, but will never give up their constant cup of coffee. 'Why must I??' No you mustn't, you mustn't do anything.

Always With Me

2011-02-23T14:56:00.000Z

Lately, I haven't been remembering the dreams I have. I think it's because of how late I sleep and the effects of light coming up, when I'm not too deep in sleep. But early this morning, Psalm 9 kept resonating through my brain. I held on it. I just felt like, I have forgotten all I dreamed about, but I wasnt going to let this one go, Psalm 9.

....The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you...

When I managed to get out of bed, I opened a bible and read the chapter. The words, were like a kind reassurance that the one who I've found peace in, won't ever leave me. I have pressure coming from a number of quarters, but what else can be my tourniquet, my buffer, my escape?. Before I even read the chapter. A particular song from Third Day, one I couldn't stop listening to back in the days, came up in my mind and I began to sing, of course I remembered the words, it goes something like this.

I've heard all the stories, I've seen all the signs, Witnessed all the glory, Tasted all that's fine
Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, LordNothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord

I see all the people, Wasting all their time, Building up their riches, For a life that's fine, I find myself just living for today, 'Cause I don't know what, Tomorrow's gonna bring.. So no matter if I rise or fall, I'll never be alone, oh no''

Those words that were spoken and written by the apostle Paul, apply just as much to our lives today as they did 2,000 years ago when he wrote them. That in our lives no matter where we could go, or who we could meet or what we could see or what we could earn or be given to us or accomplish, there is nothing in our lives, that will ever even come close to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord." - Mac Powell, Third Day

Links of the Day

2011-02-18T15:48:00.003Z

I haven't used my own computer for the past week, so all my bookmarks and the sites I frequent, I haven't been able to get updates. Still I managed to get through a number of nice reads on the interwebs, enjoy.

Why you are not married http://huff.to/fJ5wDS *This is perhaps the best article I've read on this in a while*
Meet the nature inspired Footwear Designer Elizabeth Dunn http://t.co/FTza5Sy
Antioxidants - Protection From Free Radical Damage http://t.co/1qTsfYE
Seems like everyone is working on a 'Social Network' http://www.nolongthang.com/
To think that water can destroy 900,000 pounds of alloy like paper http://t.co/M6fFxR5
Esperanza & Janelle http://t.co/o0FNXwh *I like these girls so much*
Shereen http://t.co/uolwOET *How can anything look so sweeeet*
Cannibals Could Have Lived In Britain 9,000 Years Ago http://bit.ly/dTOiri *Any surprise?*
This is what happens when a Developer thinks he can also Design http://www.pixxures.com/home/default.shtm
Tea Technology: tea processing chart:http://t.co/Ra31caj
Theophilus London - Flying Overseas http://t.co/9n1n8ND *New Music Alert*
The revolution in Black Africa won’t be played out in the streets http://bit.ly/hAFpBb
Mario Family Tree. Win. http://i.imgur.com/zibjD.jpg
Aromatherapy - Essential Oil Starter Kit: http://t.co/IMGW
An Article on Ancient Egypt http://bit.ly/e83WR7 *With Pictures!*
The Earth is flat http://t.co/2gIWOO8
Like I've always said, no farm, no children http://bit.ly/i9CYUT
So Sorry - 'Polite Robber' Caught On Camera http://tinyurl.com/63e98jt

The Simple Girl

2011-02-16T02:24:00.004Z

An uncle, once said to me, ''I've never seen anyone as simple as you, if someone takes something from you, you will just get another one''. I laughed and said people just need to let go. I wasn't always 'simple' I had to learn and I'm still learning. And in my learning, I found a peace that is beyond my understanding. Thats where I find succour, its sustaining and everlasting. I have let go..the world is depressing enough, we all need an escape, death or something else. I have found my escape which makes living simple for me, not perfect, just simple.

P.S: I still want to live on a farm.lol

Dreamers of Day

2011-02-14T21:33:00.000Z

I am a Designer and I dream.

“All men dream; but not equally.
Those who dream by night in the dusty
recesses of their minds
Awake to find that it was vanity;
But the dreamers of day are dangerous men.
That they may act their dreams with open
eyes to make it possible.”

T. E. Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia)

Anberlin

2011-02-12T01:16:00.001Z

I love these guys, their lyrics are so on point. I'm actually angry at myself for ignoring most of their records because I'd been hooked on only a couple of their songs. I'm glad I finally did, what a blessing! I've had them on heavy rotation for the past two days. I also love their new album and I hope to hear them live one day.

When the Pharaoh Fell...

2011-02-11T22:31:00.030Z

We had been following the uprising in Egypt for the past four days, because of the climax it had been heading to. Yesterday, we waited earnestly for the President's speech. It was, disappointing and while I'm not Egyptian, I felt hurt, and I heard some of those at the square say, they were ready to die for freedom. I honestly didn't want their suffering, sweat and blood to be in vain while I thought to myself, I couldn't even do that. I don't believe there's any true physical freedom except death but in the vein of what was happening, I thought, It's only a conviction that could make this people spend over two weeks without wavering for this cause. You don't see courage like this everyday.

Early this morning, I had a dream, that Mubarak was with a friend, in a place nice and sunny, playing golf, actually happy he was no longer president, I tweeted it. I also turned on the TV later and the news from the day before hadn't changed, the people at the square hadn't either. But then! some hours after, I just strolled into the sitting room, and even with my poor eyesight, I read on the telly, BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT STEPS DOWN, I screamed and my aunt nearly gave up the ghost. She was stunned, and asked why I screamed like that. I just laughed and gave a little victory jig. You'd have thought I was 'Egyptian'.

I can't describe the way I feel, I am ecstatic, I am overjoyed. I think this is a big step. and the day couldn't be any more profound, given that it's also the 21st anniversary of Mandela's freedom from prison. What saddens me though is the prevailing issues in Egypt, Racism for one and the Muslim/Christian divide. I hope that this demonstration will finally unite the country for good. I hope that they would see that we are all ONE peoples and that there is indeed Unity in diversity. I hope that on a larger scale, people will realize this also. I hope that people would once again look to Egypt as a source of life, new life flowing in our veins, giving us the strength to go out there and actualize change. I hope that the Nigeria mass will finally wake up.

A New Day, A New Life, I am glad.

Black Women, Racism and Vogue Italia

2011-02-10T20:08:00.002Z

I never knew I was black until I left the shores of Nigeria. I had been called 'yellow pawpaw' all my life, and I always thought my oldest sister was 'yellower' than I was. Even with this, there were no statistics in Nigeria, that played out like 50% Yellow, 20% Charcoal 30% Mixed-Colour. When I watched things on TV, and knew there was such a thing as racism, read books about the slavery and all, it still never really dawned on me, what it really involved. Going on holidays, is not quite the same as living in another country.

When I consequently got immersed in a foreign culture, I became just another statistic in their collective eyes. We are all statistics really. 50% White, 30% Black 40% Asian 10% Mixed-Race. I always was against the notion of 'Race' and that to accept Race was to accept Racism. Yes, there's no 'Race' but Racism is not about genetic make-up. I began to see Race as it really plays out in such a place, and in the world at large.

One of my main concerns in this post is about the representation of Black Women in the media. As I became more aware, I realized I didn't like it. Women in general you may say, But Black women for me, because its what I identify with, also because of the gross imbalance in representation. Black women, are mostly either shown to be highly sexualized, music video girls for example, who only make use of their bodies, no brains. Or the musicians..which the same can be said about them really. A gross imbalance, where are the Black Women who are doing things which benefit themselves and society at large? I honestly don't see that at the forefront of my media sources. I am a designer (UX) where are the Black Women in design and technology? I see Zero.

I watched DBanj's new video, I could only shake my head. There is nothing new but the old formula of heavily clothed men and naked women. Why is this still so appealing? I cannot understand. The recycled image that man will only have power through money, women, power through her body. It's really hard to take in. The worst part is that many 'Black' women saw nothing wrong, infact they were extremely pleased with this sort of representation.

Another concern is the Vogue italia spread which people are raving about. I remember a question that came up on my twitter timeline once, about racism in the Fashion Industry. I replied that it was a sure thing, it is still largely prevalent. If there's anything that shows the present racism in the fashion industry, it is that Vogue Italia spread. You ask how? One of the best definitions of Racism I have ever come across, is by Michael Eric Dyson, you can watch the video here

Racism is the ability to impose your viewpoints, biased as they are, as normative, and then have the power to reinforce them as necessary and primarily exclusive.

Racism is about power. It is not a simple matter of preference or bias. The big wigs of the Fashion Industry have power to control what happens within. So far, 'White' has been the model, and it hasn't changed. We see a sprinkle of 'Black' women, but really they are taken to be a 'token' which helps to appease those that may once in a while say, 'No Black Face there!' They are also taken to be a 'Trend' How can a whole group of people be relegated to the back page spread of an All-white Magazine, and you find nothing wrong with it. I like this take on it here

I won't even talk about the cigarettes, and the styling of the photos, these deserve a separate post. For us to move from this tokenism and trendism, Black Models (Those of 'colour') in this case have to be seen as normal, and they should be featured as frequently as others, there are more Black and Asian people on this planet for fairness sakes.

I would really love to see a representation of Black Women on my media sources that I can relate to. I want to see them as part of the fabric of this world not. an occasional subject. I would really like Black Women themselves to deliberately refuse to accept the rubbish we are being fed. We also need to create content, if people won't give us a voice, We need to become our own Voice.

Grinding my Gears

2011-02-08T18:09:00.001Z

A lot of things grind my gears, I'm only human. So much that goes on in world, especially things that you can do zero about. As for non-harmful things, people who chew their food like goats, and people who chew and pop gum noisily are at the top of the list. My brain goes into red alert. It's hard being sat at a restaurant and having to hear all that indiscriminate chewing *shudders*

I replied a topic centered around this on a forum and someone recommended a video for me to watch, because I had commented 'I could shoot' The video is from the movie Chicago, 'Cell Block Tango', hilarious, you can watch it Here

I remember one day when my gears were almost crushed by the indiscriminate chewing of gum. I was on a train and alas I had forgotten my earphones, my last option was to get off at the next stop, I just couldn't endure. After giving the dude a death stare,(because it was either that or my hand around his neck) I jumped off the train. My sister was bewildered.

I planned that we'd just get off and get into another compartment. While I got on, my sister was left behind! *Panic* No phone signals underground! I hoped that she caught my 'will get off at the next station'' So at the next station I got off the train, and waited for the next one. Thankfully I saw my sister on it waving, I got on and there was no crazy being to drive me Insane!*Wheew* :D

And many more episodes..lol. It's only recently I realized how much responsibility lies on my shoulders when it comes to reacting to the situation. So far I've managed to stay in line and I hope to continue ^_^

Links of the Day

2011-02-08T00:17:00.000Z

I've been around, and there's lots happening on the internet, it excites me!

First of, is a cartoon for kids I'm getting involved with, It's at Bino and Fino I will be putting a full post up soon.
I am currently reading History of Humanity by Muḥammad Adnān Bakhīt

Do you want to learn to code? This is for you, even I need to brush up on my skills.

This is such a funny Ad, LOL!

This picture is so Sweet ^_^ gotten from the this blog which celebrates 'Black Love', it sends my heart to pieces everytime

Interview With Valerie June! I so like her!

Stumbled upon this, Say Grace before Drowning

Do you know who Cecilia Payne is? You should

Free stock photos, design freebies, free blog images, templates, web stuff, and more. Enjoy!

Lastly (for now) Two videos that touched me today Shadeism and Distant Relatives' Patience

The Actual ME

2011-02-06T23:44:00.004Z

No secret that I like personality profiling. Mostly because I can't articulate properly what I know about myself. I replied a tweet of someone I follow and then another reply, included a link for the site www.actualme.com. I'd never seen it before, so i immediately took the test. Lo and behold. It was 90% accurate. I just like these things ^_^

This is the result of my test on the site. It helps to express the way I think and communicate. My thoughts in green

Communication Style

The Visionary

You're the ultimate universal, holistic thinker! Yes, you're a visionary. Everything, including the smallest detail, needs to be synthesized into a framework that answers the question, "How?" Before you begin any project or task, you need to see the big picture. Not one step can be taken until you know how that one step fits into the whole. <<100% Accurate>>

Options and More Options!

Ideas and options are what you're always creating. "Process" is your middle name. Once something seems concrete, structured and complete, you have a way of coming up with a creative option that changes the whole thing and leads to a better building process.

Change, particularly in ideas, is never-ending for you. What you're enthusiastic about today may not be the focus of your energy in a week, a month or year. People that know you see a dynamic stream of consciousness which, given the right amount of time and people support, allows you to develop idealistic and artistic themes into living and creative realities. It makes no difference whether they are software programs, pieces of art, strategies for corporations or new, holistic developments for organic gardening. <<100% Accurate>>

Time is on Your Side

There is no timeline or deadline for your accomplishments. They are never-ending because you will go back and transform them if they evolve into a different whole within you. That is why in school or at work you procrastinate until the last moment to finish a paper, an assignment or a project *So true LOL!*. If you do the work early, at the time it's due, you'll have to go back and change it completely because you see it in a different contextual whole. So, why redo it?

A futurist or a soothsayer! That is how some people describe you. You're always thinking about the future; you have an uncanny way of predicting what will be happening. What you forecast is not always logical and makes many people uncomfortable. But, if they've known you long enough, they use the awareness to be better prepared for upcoming situations or events. <<50% accuracy, perhaps I need to be more sensitive to this>>

You Are your Own Person

For you, being your own person is most important! You're off just enough to stand apart from the masses. Your idiosyncratic ways of self-expression often entertain, amaze or offend people. This may make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. However, it doesn't stop your unusual way of being. You realize it's just the price to pay for being your genuine self. <<100% Accurate>>

How You Communicate with Others

You're an excellent communicator with individuals and small groups of three, no more than four people. You listen attentively to what people say, how they say it and what feelings are generated. When you give feedback, it is usually very sensitive and leads to further communication <<100% True, I like small groups, because attention is concentrated>> You have an unusual awareness of what is happening to the person and others that are participating. It's almost like a sixth sense. Sometimes, people distance themselves from you because of this sensitivity and your feedback.*Kind of..lol*

On the other hand, when you enter a room with conversant people, you can sense the themes of the discussions and the feelings being emoted.*hmm, can't really say* First, you'll look for people you know to talk with.*Sure*. After a while, some new people will be drawn into a conversation that you're having and begin sharing their thoughts and feelings with you. Many times, these new people that are drawn to you have a need to express their unusual thoughts and feelings to you. In some way, you attract people who are different or are going through difficult, emotional times.<<60% Accurate>>

How You Think

Your thinking process is mostly intuitive and analogic. You use facts and logic to back up your intuitive thought processing. When you weave these processes together, you're constantly challenging logical and scientific thought. You seem to stretch the facts to create a new theory or develop a synthetic way of tying different theories together. This optional way of thinking energizes your thought processes while at the same time focuses your energy on the facts in specific, yet different ways.

Paradoxical thoughts attract you. While most people tend to avoid them, you seem curious and comfortable with them. That's because, once again, your need for creative and optional thinking doesn't have to be tied together with logic and factual data. You're attracted to the unknown more than the known. You're drawn to what's unusual about something rather than what is ordinary about it. If it's strange or way out there, you'll want to learn and read more about it.<<100% Accurate!!!>>

As a scientist or scholar, you have a bent towards the artistic side. What other people see as facts, you may see as shades of facts or possibilities of different facts. It's the development and creation of new ideas and ways of looking at something that excites you. That's because your world is the world of possibilities and visions.*Oh yeah!!*

Underneath the Complexities

2011-02-06T23:10:00.002Z

“The mind can make a heaven out of hell or a hell out of heaven” - John Milton

I love whole parts, I love seeing the big picture. But no matter how complex the whole is, it can still be broken down into the basic bits. I went with my uncle visiting, and the host handed me the Inception DVD. I'd been wanting to watch the movie , but never actively pursued it. I was really delighted. So many people had spoken about it, and the whole dream within a dream thing, was appealing because I have experienced it. Anyway, I began to watch the movie, my mind immediately began to process patterns. I didn't get an understanding of the movie until when they began to plan the Inception. I realized the movie was about basic human struggles. Leonardo's character was the main point with his 'guilt'.

For the first 15mins of the movie, I had the IQ of a flowerpot, afterwards at some point, I started to get bored. The continous talk and indiscriminate sleeping was beginning to get on my nerves, nothing was really happening. Alll I was hearing was 'Consious, Sub-consious, Dream' Oh Brother!. Then the movie picked up speed, aah!.

All in all, I thought it was a cross between James Bond and The Matrix, The characters themselves didn't really appeal much to me, except for the lead characters, Leonardo and Marion. The end of the movie was predictable but I guess that was the crux of the whole movie, 2.5hrs just to find out all Man wants to do is go home and that He can, if he confesses and repents. It also showed how powerful the mind is, so much that we need to guard it with ALL diligence.

The movie is summed up for me in this verse from the Bible;

''Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God''

Ecc 5:7

A Tale of Choice

2011-02-05T23:41:00.004Z

I went to a classical music concert at one of the museums. When I told my aunt, she asked what I would do when I get older, thinking I meant a pop concert at first, funny. The pieces included Tchaikovsky, Kreisler and Prokofiev, none of my favorites, but the Violin was heavy in the pieces, so that was good enough for me.

Once upon a time, I started learning how to play the Violin, but I got bogged down by school work (Engineering wasn't a piece of cake for me) Now that I look back with the courage to admit it, laziness and lack of focus I'd say, really made me stop. The lessons were not convienent but anything good or worthwhile is never about convenience.

I watched her on the violin and my heart was filled with pain and lessons. She played with such skill, my heart welled up with tears. I could feel the soul of the pieces.

We tend to explain or excuse away the treasures in us. It's not easy, of course it's never meant to be 'easy'. Still, you can, we can. Anything you can do now, do it and do it well. It doesn't matter how small the steps are. The stories of the composers themselves are lessons to everyone. Start, you have to start somewhere

I enjoyed the whole piece and found my way out of the museum, on to the next thing, still filled with a bit of joy, a bit of melancholy, a bit of I CAN, no regrets, just the realisation of possibilities. What do I choose? I choose to live.

Do I believe in Astrology?

2011-02-01T23:01:00.007Z

I like Astrology because I could have written the Virgo profile below myself. I believe these things are just tools to understanding personality. OBVIOUSLY, it may not fall in line with yours, because, not all tools are for everyone. The issue with Astrology comes when you begin to TRUST IN it. The tendency for man to put the responsibility for his choice on someone or something else is VERY HIGH, so you see how a simple tool can be turned into a weapon of mass destruction. These things can only illuminate a pathway, but they can't build the pathway. IT is up to each and everyone of us to make the choice to live a certain way, to live the best way, to work on our weaknesses and use our strengths for good. Don't allow anybody's prediction stir your life, if the words are not comforting, no need to fret, you have the power of choice in your own hands. God's Words are the final on my life and anything that contradicts it, I do not accept.

Isaiah 8:19 -20
Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?
Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.

Virgo (All things in bold are on point)

Virgo born have medium height, attractive eyes, rather longish nose and a soft body. They are soft spoken, shy, laid back and practical. They are imaginative, sensitive and possess a keen intellect. They observe the minute things around them and nothing escapes their scrutiny. This coupled with their practical and orderly mind make them great researchers and scientists. They have a retentive memory and are studious by nature. There is a special attraction to music and poetry.

They like peace and quiet surroundings. Bars and discotheques are generally not on their social agenda. They are adaptable and can thrive even in adverse conditions. They tend to multitask and can take up several projects simultaneously. They love to travel and can become a successful tour operator and travel writer.

Virgo is a dual sign and so their aspirations and goals keep changing. They choose knowledge over money most times. They are frugal and do not spend needlessly.

Their stomach and digestion are sensitive and they know it ( I ignore it most times, nothing plagues me like stomach ailments ). Regular exercise and diet with a good amount of fiber works very well for them. Influence of Saturn on ascendant causes wind related issues and hyper acidity.

Venus owns the second house of money. Should Mercury and Venus become conjunct, Virgo born can become quite successful. Their chosen fields are teaching, writing, scientific research etc. They can also become successful traders.

Emerald is their birthstone and keeps their health and mental faculties at their peak. They benefit greatly from a diamond as well.

25th, 32nd, 35th, 36th, and 42nd years are lucky.

http://indian-vedicastrology.com/wordpress/?cat=13&paged=4#ixzz1CkQfaKdm

Ayo - Lonely

2011-02-01T00:31:00.000Z

A new Twitter friend directed me to this...

Protest to Praise

2011-02-01T00:15:00.001Z

I love Downhere's Downhere album, it was a companion during Undergrad and I've 're-discovered' them, I recommend this definitely! My best song has got to be Protest to Praise, I don't know why but it speaks volumes to me. I couldn't have chosen this myself, all the songs are #gbam with lyrics on point.

Protest to Praise - Downhere

I knew the times would come and now the times have landed
With stinging abrasion As ready as I seem to be
It's never like I planned it, yeah

I'm wrestling my thoughts I'm overcome
Would you give me up I'm asking Lord
There's no where I sense Your presence here
So I will cry out, until I go

From Protest to praise
You're always amazing me
You're changing me slow, but surely
And You're gonna see me to the end

How long will I be forgotten by You forever
You're not making sense here
Seems like eternity has made a home between us, yeah

You're changing me slow
I just can't help but see it that way
Cuz You're gonna see me to the end

Links of the day

2011-01-31T01:20:00.002Z

So, yipee yay, I have started posting on my History blog again >> HERE learn and enjoy!

About not being single >> HERE

This blog is sooo much inspiration for me, I intend to have one like this soon, combining some of my blogs together.

For all you Mario fans, Funny!! >> LOL and LOL

Twitter Fans, here is yours >> LOL

So funny to me >> LOL

This Fashion Blog is Funny and Sad

How to Keep a Man

2011-01-31T00:40:00.008Z

On this post I'm going to teach you how to keep a man..................NOT!

I wonder why people, women! think of such things. If a man has to be 'kept' and you actually have to go about devising ways to 'keep' him, you have failed. You don't want to admit the fact that the man doesn't really like you. Instead you think someone is going to 'snatch' him. LOL.

Sorry, but if you think it's your cooking that will 'keep' him, think again, because there are too many people out there with better skills. If you think it's your bedroom skills, just laugh at yourself right now. If you think it's your money..do I even need to go on. It's obvious that a man will only be with you if he wants to. When a man believes he has found someone special, no Jupiter is going to keep him away from staying, except YOU push him away. So next time you think you have to keep someone, just know that's a sign to let that person go right there.

Cheers.

I Visualize World Peace

2011-01-26T00:03:00.005Z

There's nothing that seems much bigger to me, so far in this new year than the word 'Choice' I realize how much responsibility we have to take for the decisions we make. Somehow it seems easier to just put the blame on someone else or some inanimate object! look at Adam & Eve! It doesn't matter if its fiction or not, that it was written aeons ago and is still relevant today says a lot.

I have learnt quite a bit when it comes to making choices this year, from physical, to emotional and career choices, so much has been packed into January. I'm glad about where I am now, sitting at this moment, writing this post and drinking a cup of rooibos. My hair is gone, I look like a 13yr old boy. My career path is clearer, I have a mentor and I'm getting interviews! I do have a job but I'm waiting for logistics to clear.lol! wow. I'm getting a clearer sense of self, even though my views are said to be extreme, of who I am, as God sees me, this surely defines my step and my identity. My emotions...I'm pretty emotional, i 'feel' (true INFJ). I'm glad that now, I know how much the responsibility lies on my shoulder. If I do get sad or angry, it's my choice to either continue in it or stop it, keep calm and carry on. No one can do the deed for me. So you see, the next time I'm standing in a line, I will be visualizing world peace.

Some Gay people will go to Heaven

2011-01-22T20:46:00.010Z

Before, I explain why. You have to agree with the terms I am using here.

One, Gay = Homosexual behaviour, Trans or perhaps any sexually deviant behaviour.
Two, Heaven = Where God is according to 'Christianity'

You have to believe in atleast the concept of both of them, to continue reading this. Whether people were born gay or not, is not the issue of this post. People could be born with the tendency to be gay, but you know its ultimately a choice. I believe sexuality is fluid, how you fulfill the urges is what really counts towards being acceptable or not, but we make our choices at the end of the day.

Why then will Gay people (some) go to heaven?

Romans 1:26-27: "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence [sic] of their error which was meet."

I Corinthians 6: 9-10 ''Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God''

The first question to ask is why YOU think YOU will go to heaven. Your gossiping is not big enough to prevent you? or perhaps your lying, is a white form of it, so it doesn't really count? Your greediness? The meat you stole from the cooking pot? Are you telling me you are a perfect person now? Do you know that sin is in thoughts, words and actions? Do you think if God judged you based on that, you would pass the test? I didn't think so.

Facts:
Everyone comes short of the Holiness/Perfection of God (Romans 3:23) So I don't know how you think your behaviour is going to save you, saves you or saved you.

The Wages/Consequence of Sin = Death. (Romans 6: 23) This is why you need 'saving' because the result of your present life on earth, no matter how good you think you are, will only lead to death, because in sin you are separated from God. Thankfully, the second part says; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sick people wouldn't go to the Doctor if they didn't think they were sick. If you don't think you are a 'sinner' forget about Jesus Christ, honestly. He came for the sick, He came for sinners. Until you accept that you sin according to what is written in Bible (If you claim Christianity), only then can you accept you are in need of saving and consequently accept the payment on your behalf (Jesus shedding His blood on the cross) and then being thankful for it.

Therefore...

A gay person who acknowledges his 'sickness' (and this is not even just about being 'gay' sexuality is just one aspect of our lives ) and seeks the 'Doctor' will be saved from the consequence of sin in its totality which is death. How you behave as a result of believing in Jesus, will be in response to the understanding of the love and grace that is shown towards you, by doing God's will ( “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46). You honestly can't claim to trust in someone, and then they ask you to do something and you say no.

God sees the heart, unlike us who are quick to judge by outward appearances. But Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth will surely speak. There is a big difference between these two statements;

'I am gay and God loves me like this, there is nothing wrong in what I do' and
'I am gay and God loves me like this, but I realize God doesn't like the way I behave sometimes..'

One person, is repentant and the Other isn't. One is saying, I will do God's will, the other is saying I will do mine.

Now, tell me why the repentant One would not go to heaven when the Bible clearly says;

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10: 11-13
''And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved'' Joel 2:32
''And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'' Acts 2:21

Finito

Women in Nigerian History

2011-01-22T19:24:00.001Z

I have been doing some reading and research on particular Nigerian culture. People now resident in 'Edo' state to be precise. And it has shown me some things I knew had to be there. I can't make a full post now because I don't have notes, I lost my library card and I can't get another till..bla blah. So far I have to make do it with what I got out of it and I've been trying to write a story.

Anyways the point of this particular post is the fact that most Africans, or let me narrow it down to Nigerians, don't know where they come from, they never bothered to look at the past which has begun to affect their present way of thinking. One day we were in the sitting room, having a laugh. Then one of my uncles asked me, if Jesus Christ was for culture or against culture. He was for culture, I replied, but apparently the missionaries got it all wrong. And then a discussion ensued, between my uncles in their 40s/50s and I. Everyone agreed that the Missionaries approach was wrong and they were then used as mules for Colonialism. But one of my Uncles argued that we didn't have a good way of life..really, so in the long run it was all good, women were oppressed and what not. This was were I had to interject sharply. From my research on the tribes in present-day Edo state, Women held positions of power, they were chiefs, they chose their own way of life. The penalties of raping a woman was exile e.t.c Women were held in high esteem, it was hard to witness the loss of one woman to another tribe (in marriage). My Uncle was stunned.

If people don't take the time to understand or learn about the past, how is the quality of our present or future life going to get better. We need to educate ourselves.

Links of the day

2011-01-21T22:10:00.000Z

So I've started my hair blog

I also encourage you all to visit my Natural Medicine blog I have posted on Ginger, Garlic, Onions, Tomatoes and Chamomile so far. More to come! :D

Do you want to see how Male beauty contests are done?, check it out here

So...What kind of Dog is your Pastor? Check here

You can read the short story that won the Caine Prize for African Writing here 'Stickfighting' by Olufemi Terry

Humpty Dumpty Had a Great Fall

2011-01-21T00:26:00.001Z

Thankfully, I got put back together. The Last time I remember falling down stairs, I was below 10 years of age and I was wearing roller skates. It was also one of my cousin's birthday and I was at their house. Since then I've taken it for granted. I've seen people develop serious conditions and some have been fatal, after falling. I thank God, my left arm was busted though, my back hurt, my right arm bruised'.I am happy I didn't injure the little child who actually called me to put on his favorite nursery rhyme and was standing at the foot of the stairs.

I cried, I cried hard. When my mind came back to me, I started to laugh, because one minute, I was talking to the child, the next I saw myself falling and could do nothing about. My aunt asked me, Are you laughing or crying, I told her I've already cried there was nothing left to do but to laugh. Thanks to Aboniki also, I'm recovering fast :)

The Roots

2011-01-16T11:09:00.000Z

My blackness is no tower and no cathedral,

It delves into the deep red ﬂesh of the soil.

Hooray for those who never invented anything

Who never explored anything

Who never discovered anything!

Hooray for joy, hooray for love

Hooray for the pain of incarnate tears.

- Unknown

Morality is Volatile

2011-01-14T11:39:00.002Z

I don't know if people think at all, or they just try to find the easy way out or perhaps they just echo the thoughts and words of others. Whatever they do, many don't seem to understand that morals cannot be the basis of a judgment where all parties are not in agreement. Just this week I've heard people talk about moral rights, moral justification and what not when it comes to the vote and governance of a country..

What is Morality? Your sense of right or wrong, perhaps just yourself or in a group. Still you cannot project this unto someone else, except you all agreed in the first place what right and wrong was. If there is no standard of right and wrong, my morals really do not matter to someone else.

There is a standard in this world, whether we like it or not, but because of darkened minds and hardened hearts, insensitive or over-sensitive consciences, Morality has become variable. This is the reason why countries have laws. Because to one man, killing is his hobby, and to another it's a sin. But to make this fair for everyone, the people of a community need to agree whether killing is wrong or right, So if someone is found doing the opposite they can then be judged according to the laws laid down.

This is also the reason why Christianity is not based on Morality (I don't know about others). Christianity is based on an understanding as shown by the bible, an understanding of the plan of God for this world, and the need for redemption. No matter what your morals are, when you trust in the work of Jesus, when you believe in what was wrought by God, you live by that code of conduct (goes for some others). Whatever your morals were before, you'd have to put them aside and live by faith according to what your Father pleases.

The same goes for countries and communities, If you are born into a country with certain laws, you have to learn those laws put aside your morals, and live according to the laws of that land if not you will certainly be judged by the land if you go in the opposite direction. You can now see the futility of your morality.

11111

2011-01-11T12:43:00.057Z

Significant day for me, significant day for many. I turned in an important application, while people were being told to go and register to vote in Nigeria. Now this whole voting of a thing, across the social media, you see it. On twitter there is a hashtag #ifnaijavotes where people were just tweeting jokes..indeed, the whole thing is truly funny. There is also the R.S.V.P (Register, Select, Vote, Protect Vote) thing. One that really got me started, even pissed for a bit was a tweet I saw. I can't even remember the origin but it was retweeted by someone I follow. The tweet mentioned something about it being our moral right to hold candidates accountable if we vote. What does that mean? Moral right?? This is the problem today in Nigeria, leaving things to chance, 'eh let's vote sha, then we can complain after' One of my uncles said that the philosophy in Nigeria today is 'If there is an issue, leave it alone, it will solve itself' sadly, No issue solves itself. Countries are not run on Morals, they are run on Laws which people (candidates) have to be made accountable to. If the average Nigerian does not know what the laws of even his Local Govt. are, what is he voting about??.

Looking at the elections and campaigns encouraging people to go and vote, I can't help but shake my head, at the foolishness which plagues almost 90% of the Nigerian populace. How is the voting going to change anything I honestly ask? Does anyone understand the implication of what we are doing, the waste and the abuse of the system we are allowing. We want people to vote based on what? Morals? Sentiments? The political parties, you can hardly tell them apart.What does PDP stand for? ANPP? Zero.

I wrote on my facebook status, 'Voting in a lawless land = Waste of time' and ofcourse many came out to drop their opinions. Some argued that we need to vote the 'right' people, before there can be a change, right. But you see, the problem with that, is we are putting the 'cart before the horse' The process we need to participate in, now, is not voting. I ask again, what are you voting against or for?

The Number one problem in Nigeria, people are not educated. This is the first process we need to go through, EDUCATION. How do people even miss this. Without this, If there is a 'good' candidate, the 'bad' ones would give people money, now tell me how a hungry man is going to resist that. RSVP, they shout, oh so vague! Ofcourse I'm going to protect the vote someone paid me for. People need to know the Laws! Another issue with this is, we all have become comfortable in the lawlessness of Nigeria, we have become 'Used to it' This would indeed be a tough process but we need to go through it.

Number two, if we want real change, a proper revolution in Nigeria, everyone, atleast the majority have to back one leader they feel, according to laid down laws, will be the best for the country. Also, the candidate has to be an equal and opposite force to the 'hooligans' in the country. Its like we can't see how desperately the 'bad' people want the power, why can't a 'good' person want it that desperately, want to actually change things that badly with the means and influence to. All those screaming RSVP and what not are so lost it makes me hang my head in shame. If you can't back a candidate, don't throw people out to the wolves, Register and Vote, for whom??? Those who claim to be 'Knowledgeable' and educated, are JUST NOT doing it right, sad.

Nigeria is upside down, and this election process proves it. I would have expected the opposite if at all. A revolution where people are told NOT to vote until there's transparency in the government and the average man knows and understands the law of the land, or at-least have representatives who do. If I judge the situation from the way things have been going, I don't know if it will ever get right. I don't have much hope left but Nigerian I still am, Nigerian I will always be.