Create your own rules!

‘At your age, I had had you and all your siblings’!

By now you should be married with kids or in the least, have a steady relationship’!

‘You shouldn’t have to work for someone all your life, many of your classmates are now business owners’!

Words…

Words that depress some and make others cry. From mothers to peers and even strangers; people drawing the schedule for the lives of others!

WARNING: Do not use my watch to set your time!

There is enough pressure in the world, enough to make you lose your mind if you’re not determined. No one should ever be subjected to the catch up race. We all have goals we strive to achieve; asides from God and hard work, all other factors are relative.

It is sad to see how many people are driven off the cliff by standards set by a group of mostly faceless people. Young men and women trying so hard to conform just so they can fit into an already disjointed society!

We must look within ourselves and find what truly makes us happy and fulfilled. Most times, our friends and families do not understand what our innermost desires are. Do not be surprised if their actions, inactions or reactions all aim either consciously or unconsciously at sabotaging your goals.

Keeping up with the Joneses only leads to an endless rat race, the rat eventually gets eaten up by the cat! It is important to be abreast with what obtains in one’s area(s) of interest, infact identifying, understudying and learning from others is highly encouraged but know where to draw the line.

No two persons are exactly the same; while some go through life with ease, getting everything on a platter of gold; others have to put in a lot more effort. In the end, victory is all that matters but be careful of whom you allow to influence you.

No rule says you must be married at 30, girls are children too, we can’t all be size 10, not everyone would succeed as an entrepreneur, there’s life outside the oil industry, owning a house is good; but for some, renting an apartment is better! There is no universal scale for measuring success, or is there?

Traditions are belief systems created by a few people and transmitted from generation to generation, times are changing; don’t let irrelevant things hold you down! Success is achieved only after some rules (mostly norms) are broken, heck, some rules are made to be broken!

Serve God, work hard, improve your skills and personality, make good friends, be true to yourself and watch all things fall in place in the end.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Who has seen Jacob?!

*Disclaimer: the errors in this post were caused by human nature and technology. Blogger needs a mobile app and I need to sleep!

So I decided to attend a midweek service recently, I've been feeling bad about being a Sunday-Sunday Christian but it’s all because my boss won't let me close at 4pm.  So I always end up getting there after the last amen, usually between the announcements and people's retreat to their cars.

I was out of town visiting my family recently and I decided to go to church - their church. Now I've always known the service schedule but I wasn't aware things had changed a little, so off I went and ended up in the 'indigenous service', well that's not exactly the name but the deal was, different services were held simultaneously using the 3 major Nigerian languages – Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba and one pidgin session.

At the entrance the ushers helped me choose the right auditorium; apparently the essence was to teach people to read the bible and pray in their mother tongue. So with my English bible, I settled in, ready to prove to myself my B in the language at WAEC was well earned.

All was going well with my note taking until the preacher asked us to turn to Jacob Chapter 3! I know all the books of the bible off script and there’s definitely no Jacob on the list or so I thought.

I waited for him to correct the slip but he said it again and again; I quickly looked around and when no one was looking worried, peeping into their neighbour's bible or  murmuring, I knew the exact reason why that B wasn't an A grade!

Officially, I was stranded. I quietly recited the bible books to be sure Jacob had not sneaked into the midst of the 66 other books while I wasn’t in church! After almost ripping my bible looking for Isaac’s favourite son, I heard him read what translated to “Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing...” in English. At that point I knew the book of James was where I should have been all the while! *whew*

How couldn't I have known all this that? Anyway, I've decided this would never happen again so I'm taking time out to get friendly with a Yoruba bible. BTW if you know any apps for bibles in Nigerian local dialect, do share. Thanks.

Finally the preacher said we think in our first language / mother tongue and the brain translates into the lingua franca for the mouth to deliver, I found that funny but then it’s probably why you hear things like 'who open the door down?', what's doing you?

Shout out to everyone who is not ashamed of their mother tongue!

Source: http://www.mothertongueblogs.com/

Today In History...

Hi people,

Happy *sneezes* excuse me, *sneezes again*

Its Good Friday hope you all have had a beautiful day thus far *sneezes*

So, this day in history: Judas Iscariot had concluded plans to plant that evil kiss, I just wonder if he remembered to brush before leaving home that morning?!

Living Healthy is Key

And finally a new week begins. We are back to normal programming! Last week was all sorts; ‘Valentine’s Day’ week must be the most pretentious all through the year! People going beyond their means to surprise/please their lover/spouse/friend with benefit.

While I have nothing against those who believe in idolising the day and concept, I respect those who are truly in love and show it irrespective of season! And by show it, I mean, respect, care for, cater to and stay faithful to their partners.

That being said, I still look forward to the babies that’ll arrive between October and December; I’ll be ready with my knowing look for the parents. You can be sure they are products of Occupy Nigeria stay home and valentine’s week!

Moving on...

Now that the lover’s day celebrations have winded up and the chocolate/cake boxes are empty, how many of you have made plans to get yourselves checked for the first quarter? No one? *smh*

It’s more likely that people worry about the possibility of adding one dress size or more after all the merriment without even taking into consideration the effect on their health. It’s no longer news that people who are seemingly happy and fit can collapse during the least stressful activity and consequently pass on, why then do we pay more attention to our fashion statement and bank statement while our health takes the back bench?

When last did you get yourself examined? Blood pressure, blood sugar, dental checks, and for you in Nigeria, malaria, typhoid? Do you conclude you’re fit just because you multitask; combining work, education and home making? Do you even know that your exercise regime, no matter how strictly you adhere to it doesn’t preclude you from certain ailments?

Ladies, have you ever done a Mammography? Or do you find such process intrusive to your privacy? In that case do you do the monthly physical examination?  Do you know that exercising may help you keep in shape; but it doesn’t reduce your blood sugar level?

Medical doctors advice that certain tests be taken quarterly, half yearly and others yearly from a particular age. They say it’s important to also identify ailments that are hereditary in one’s family and begin to guide against them early. An example of such is diabetes and hypertension.

If there’s any ailment one or more relations from the generation(s) before you are battling, it would only be wise to have yourself checked. You may come out with a clean bill of health and then embark on the journey of prevention; if not, you’re better off knowing and managing it before it gets out of hand.

Cost is one major reason people shy away from these tests, however, they really do not cost an arm and a leg. Most companies have HMO plans for their employees; don’t just decorate your wallet/purse with the card. Plan a visit to the hospital, get checked, ask questions and start living healthy.

Go a step further, make friends with doctors (they are everywhere, even on twitter), eat right, exercise and do not forget, when it comes to your life and health, all the wealth you’re working so hard to amass would mean nothing if you drop dead or become incapacitated.

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR WELL BEING, DO NOT COMPROMISE!

N.B: if you’re a medical practitioner or dietician and you’ll like to do a guest post on healthy living, please send an email to the.pet.projects@gmail.com

Certainly, Its Over!

Can someone please get me an application that’ll scribble down my thoughts through the day so I can posts frequently? Please...

There’s always a new idea for a blog post every now and then, but I’m probably in some meeting, walking through the crowded streets of Lagos Island or half asleep. The workload during the day is overwhelming I hardly have time to eat let alone prepare a proper post; I know this is bad blogging behaviour but what do I do?

My day starts as early as my eyelids open – put that somewhere between 4am and the next o’clock – and between that time and 10.30pm, I’m involved in one energy sapping or mentally tasking activity or the other.

I want to stop blogging all together because I’m not sure this workload is going anywhere until at least August next year but I love it here; so again I ask, what should I do?

In the midst of all this I realise the reason this is proving tough is because of the OVER syndrome. Once upon a time, I was in a group discussing SWOT analysis. I mentioned that my weakness was the perfectionist syndrome and everyone practically laughed and ‘commended’ me. I didn’t think too seriously of it until a friend recently mentioned it. For me, it’s okay to ignore the comments of random people but when someone who should know you a little more points out a trait – in this case a flaw, then work must be done.

It is important to be thorough/detailed/meticulous at work and in daily decision making, but when the word ‘OVER’ (overanalyse, over scrutinize etc) shows up too many times, there may be trouble. While I do not have problems with meeting deadlines and producing excellent results, I am almost never satisfied with the face value of anything. I always want to think decisions through over and again, creating many more options than needed.

A clear example is the previous paragraph, one of the words in red would have sufficed, but my brain thought up about 5, I ended up typing those 3 just so you see what I mean. The end result is a body that never gets enough rest because its operating system (the brain) is constantly multitasking!

Going forward, I plan not to ‘over – anything’... well, as long as it’s not a life-changing/destiny-altering decision; I can’t jump right in just like that or what do you think?

 

Note: SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

No Rain on My Parade!

Hi Lovelies,

It’s the last day of the first month of 2012, Happy New Year!!!

Yes, I know I’ve been MIA for quite awhile, there has been so many issues to deal with within every 24hours – work, state of the economy (Nigeria), traffic, personal development programme etc. I haven’t had the time to catch up with you all – my apologies.

This week started on a bright note for me, hope rising in many directions, I’m just happy for where my life is heading right now, no one, not even the rogue who made away with my phone this morning can rain on my parade! My contacts, my notes, bookmarks, devotional articles, semi-finished blog posts etc all gone.

My colleague says I’m too calm for someone who was robbed; what should I do? Some people lost their lives trying to get to work via the same route! In case you’re wondering, I’m referring to the chaos caused by hoodlums (a.k.a area boys/agbero) around the High Court (Igbosere Street) and Moloney area of Lagos Island. Kam Salem House (Police Headquarters) was only a stone through away, this didn’t stop them from shattering windscreens, burning shops, breaking bottles and attacking people with machete.

I’m alive and unhurt that’s why I have a story to write. Every other thing is secondary.

I’m going to need a few days to catch up, but I’ll be back, see you soon!

P.S: I would start receiving Valentine gifts from tomorrow, 1^st February. Please send me an email or a DM on twitter if you do not have or have misplaced my mailing address. *big grin*

Happy Holidays

They had just returned from the Sallah break that day, it was early September and a rainy day too, the girl from the adjoining office in her usual loquacious nature had come in to gist. Minutes later, they set out to Marina. Lady T wasn’t too eager to make the 15minutes walk but conceded only after her boss called in to say he would turn in late.

Off they went to the General Post Office and then the Bank; while she moved from desk to desk exchanging pleasantries, Lady T sat quietly in one corner doing all she could to avoid the stare of the afro spotting Teller behind the counter. Moments later they were back on the streets making their way back to the office when shouts of excuse me rang through; it was the afro guy from the bank.

Good morning, he said, almost breathless from the chase.

Yes, good morning, she responded in giggles.

Excuse me, can I talk to your friend, he asked, looking across her shoulder towards Lady T who was standing within earshot.

Me? Came her reply, a little bemused too.

Yes, you. I just want to introduce myself, do you work around here?

Getting a little uneasy she responded in the negative, gave him a rather vague excuse and began the return journey to the office, leaving her partner behind. Later that evening, an uninvited guest showed up at the office – it was him again, afro guy! That snitch had told him where she would be!

Against her wish, he walked her halfway home that day, telling her his life history and how he liked her appearance and would want to date marry her. Many more after-office-hours strolls later, defying the Aguda Vs Saro marriage taboo myth, they tied the knot on 29^th December that year – yes, your calculations are right, 3 months after.

Over 3 decades later, Lady T and Afro guy are still happily married with yours truly and the rest of the Charlies Angels to show for it. And that is the end of my story.

Happy Anniversary to my parents!!!

*******

Happy holidays to you all, thanks for sharing my thoughts through the year. Hope you all found your points of elevation during the year? If you didn’t, not to worry, delay is not denial, those goals can still be achieved, only if you do not give up.

Here’s to a more rewarding 2012.

Cheers!

Do not allow HORO to SCOPE you!

Have you noticed the new addiction in cyberspace? It’s the horoscope!  Years ago, you could have bet people just read those things in the Vanguard, Daily Times, Concord (what happened to these papers BTW? Gist for another day) laughed at them and moved on!

It’s quite different these days, not a few people now make it a/an daily hourly ritual to find out what the sun/moon is saying about their lives! Correct me if I’m wrong but since when did we become planet watchers, psychics and astrologers?

Before you argue about how right or wrong the predictions are, have you looked around  long enough to find out that as different as our DNAs are there are behavioural similarities we exhibit as we cohabit together either as family members, friends or even colleagues?

Similarities in our morals/belief systems; cutting across tribes and religions? Certain things happen based on pure coincidence. If I detest boastful people and you do too, it’s probably because we were brought up to understand the benefits of humility, why then would you sing praises to the astrologer who says it’s because you’re a Gemini or an Aquarius? For some of you who took psychology classes or even those who read Tim LaHaye’s ‘Why you act the way you do’ didn’t you deduce that the temperaments have features that cut across one another? Hence, the fact that you’re Sanguine doesn’t make you less of an ambitious person! Aren’t those temperaments actually developed through a combination of family background, upbringing, education, exposure etc? Why then do some people look to the moon and stars for instructions on how to live?





Young lady, that guy’s got a bright future not to talk of being TDH + more; why wouldn’t you date him? Ohhhhhh, Cancer moon opposes Pluto hence your Aries body can’t mix with a Pisces loving? #EpicFail! When your younger sister’s last child starts calling you grandma, the mist would clear from your glasses eye!

Let’s not get carried away by the tides of foolishness, if you must read those things, do, for the fun of it, don’t let them dictate what you can achieve or who you are; afterall you and I can cook up stories inspired by the many Hollywood movies we’ve seen. Live, don’t just exist and stop allowing ‘horo’ to ‘scope’ you (if you know what I mean)!

Finally, Librans like to make money, fall in love and live happily ever after! *yinmu* who doesn’t?!

*images: http://www.corbisimages.com/

It's a Double!!!

*Now singing*

If you were born in October, stand up! Stand up!!

If you were born in October, stand up! And dance!!

(Chopping mouth) a – reeaaal reeaaal roses God bless you!!!

Wow... so I wanted to start this post with a catchy/inspirational line but there’s too much chicken in my system... yes, I’ve been trying to eat all day but since I inhaled too much of the aroma, the only appetite I have left is for chicken.

By now, I’m sure you can guess today is my birthday!

Huh? You didn’t know? Well too bad.

Now that you do, wotchu gonna do abourrit?

Gosh... I’m high on sugar!!!

Let’s go down Wisteria lane memory lane, shall we?

A year ago, I was X years old, now I’m X + 1 = X + 365days years old. Before you grab a calculator please finish the post!

*sips tonic water*

Ok, so this very day last year, I published my first post! It’s my BLOGVERSARY!!! So yeah, it’s double celebration. That day, I fell off the stairs too *sigh* but it’s all good, I didn’t break a leg, only a sole!

Like yesterday, I remember inviting what turned out to be you all to come feel my pulse. I wasn’t sure I was going to be getting comments, but it didn’t matter! For many months prior to that, I had followed Q Money and LG as they took us through marriage and everyday life respectively. Their blogs were my go-to place when work became boring or traffic too horrible!

Imagine the excitement when LG showed up to (in her words) ‘disvirgin the blog’, closely followed by Myne and from then on, the comments just kept coming, and so did the followers.

I’ve been here long enough to see people fall in love, accept proposals, plan weddings, get married, make babies, birth ideas, leave without contact details or saying goodbye yet, most of us are still keeping on. Between the sleepless nights in school, horrible bosses at work, horrific traffic and political hullabaloo, we all have kept each other sane. Thank you all for the love.

I know there are many more beautiful days ahead, I’m grateful for the inspiration for the 50 posts in this first year of the journey, my 72 known followers, the unknown passersby and anonymous audience. Thank you all for the e-mails, recommendations and criticisms.

THANK YOU

LG, Myne Whitman, Roc Naija, Seshe James, Roc, Afrigenic, OmoTee, Fluffycutething, Ibhade,  Naijamum in London, Miss A, Blessing, Neefemi, T.Notes, Anonymous, Q Money, Af, Thediaryofanotmadblackwoman, Gbemisoke, Lara, Doll, M1ke, Uzezi, Miss Fab, Seye, Os, Anonymous (Daniel),Who am I, Jaycee, Prism, 2cute4u, Tega, Iani, Le Dynamique Professeur, Mbabazi, Shaaka, Abigail NY, RemiRoy, Ms Yellow Sisi Unspoken, H, Mrs O, EDJ, Forbidn2us,Omoba – Adeteju, Taurus scholar, Rita, Omoregee, Chichi, Adiya, Chizy K, Anoda Phase, RemiRoy, Naijalines, Ibifiri, A-9ja-great, HoneyDame,Os, 9jaFoodie, Daughter of Her King, Natural Nigerian, Sisi Yemmie, Didi, Sosexy, Blogoratti, MaidofHeart, Fellow Writer, @ilola, Mimi B, Ayabaodusote, Mena Ukosoisready, Noah’s Crew, aeWHYoo: Fellow Writer, Amb. Caleb, Ginger, Ms Luffa, Giagerry, Kitkat, Emeka Amakeze, Ms JB, Gretel, BSNC, Dosh, Laurenta, Breeze, LOL, Love.Live.Learn, Enybees-hub, Dayor, Dee, Deolascope, Mikki, LadyNgo, Bisi, Olabisi, Toinlicious, Angels beauty,Naija4life, Afronuts, Luciano, JustDoyin, O25,  Single Nigerian, Mstizzle, Qhule,Stelzz,Che, Rethots, Aloted, Ms Nana, Michael Onobote, Rhapsody B...

Baton for a New Race

ATTENTION!                               ATTENTION!!                              ATTENTION!!!

Please poke all those who went to bed singing Green Day's hit... wake them up, September has ended!


In case you're wondering; while you slept, we cried, played, sowed, talked, loved and hoped a little more.


Its October 1, the first day of the rest of our lives, a day we celebrate the beginning of the next 50 years as a nation. 50 years that once again present the options to either push for greatness or turn up the volume on complaint speakers!


As we begin the last lap in 2011, we remember our tears - over the loss of dear ones, over unfulfilled dreams, over the failures of a potentially great nation, over the many stumbling blocks we face on the pathway to prosperity.


We shed tears because our hearts feel pain but I invite you to come with me into the rain, let it wash away your grief, depression and disappointments. Let it wash away every cloud hindering you from seeing the way forward. Let it not just be rain, let it be SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS!

·         Pray with faith that victory is near.

·         Enjoy the gifts in your possession (life and loved ones).

·         Activate the CAN - DO spirit.

·         Cultivate the habit of praise.

·         Encourage others by doing the right thing first.

Be at PEACE with yourself, that's the only way you can help the nation pursue peace.


92 more days to the New Year. It’s enough time to get a new job, make a major breakthrough in your business, conceive an award winning idea, sow a seed of kindness, seek for forgiveness from the one(s) you've hurt, forgive the one(s) who've hurt you, fall in love, propose/accept a proposal to/from the one you love.


POSSIBILITIES... Endless possibilities abound. Tap into it for a brighter, better and befitting future or wait on the side line, murmuring and complaining of the things that have gone wrong. It’s your CHOICE, the FUTURE begins now.


Receive the baton of a new day, a new grace, a new path; take off into EXCELLENCE.


Happy Independence Day Nigeria (ns)!!!