Budding...

Happy Easter everyone :)!

So happy He's alive!

I'm alive!

...His munchkins can testify that nothing else matters :)!

Several songs on replay... United Pursuit's Hidden and Travis Greene's Made a way top the list at the moment.

"...I trust your heart and your intentions. Trust you completely! I'm listening intently..."

"Now we're here! Looking  back on where we come from.

Because of you and nothing we've got
To deserve the love and mercy you've shown..."

Truest Love 

You alone understand...

Thank you!!!

(Let's pretend I've been away for only a minute *winks*)

Sincerely,

Cee

Guest Post by Coco

(FYI: Coco is an awesome friend of mine :*! You need to meet her to understand the word awesome though. hehehe!) 2015 Sign Out When a baby is born, its a new beginning. JOY; the joy of bringing a child into this world. HOPE; the hope for a better life for your child. DREAM; even before it can say 'mama', you are building a dynasty in the Milky Way. CHANCE; A chance at making a difference in life through its eye_after all the wrong turns you made of yours... That was me at the beginning of 2015. Joy, big hopes, big dreams, a great resolve for a better year...then life happened!  Don't get me wrong, 2015 was not a let down. Seriously. I had some really great moments. Like ermmm...my hair grew longer, tried out some new food, I beat my record at Snakes (you know, that 2D game on Nokia 3310)...eerm, I grew my hair...(I think I said that before plus I'm quite sure thats supposed to happen naturally as the year goes by)... Errmm...what else... Well, you get the picture. Nothing comes to mind now, but it was a good year.The best! Honestly! I bet you cant give me 5 awesome moments off the top of your head that can top these. *straight face* Okay, this is starting to sound not very convincing... *aarrhhhggggg* My point is; my greatest moments were the lessons learnt - The Learning Moments. One of the biggest lesson I learnt this year is all summed up in what the Psalmist said in Psalm 127:1&2 "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builder is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good." "It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late st night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives REST to His beloved." I learnt to fall in line with Gods plan. While its good to plan, I have to come to realize that my life is not in my hands as it were, but in the hands of a mightier power. I have learned to align with His plan, however slow or 'not cool' it may be.  Like how dissapointed I felt sometimes about the turn out in my career this year. In the midst of my brooding, I'm reminded that His plans and purpose for me are of good and not of evil. I instead fix my eyes on the benefits (opportunities) He loads me with everyday and find a reason to believe. I discovered another kind of investment according to Matthew 6:33 and then dived Into it. It may not yield any profit now pay for that waist trainer I've had eyes on, but I know He is not unfaithful to forget. Its going to pay off some day! Just ask the Cocoa farmer (have I lost you? Hmmmm). I learnt discipline. Yep, I did it! Lost over 10kg this year! Bammm! But this doesn't actually mean I am out of the 'red zone'. Still a work in progress. In this lesson, I learnt to look forward. I paint a mental picture of my goal and that drives me.  Like the pictures I kept painting of myself in a red hawt dress and everyone staring at me in seismic astonishment! Chanting in total dis belief "Oh my God! You look different!" Turns out I didnt dream enough cause when my friends saw the new me , they were spewing phrases in French. Now I feel like I can do anything, as long as I want it bad! I learnt not to worry but pray. This was a battle. There was reality saying one thing, and there was the Word reminding me not to worry. I won sometimes _by refusing to worry_ but some other times, I let my fears have the better of me. I'm pretty sure this class would be carried over into the new year. I learnt to make excuses. Not for myself, I already have a degree in that. I learnt to make excuses for others. I have a friend (shout 'hallelujah' if you know its you) who has thought me so many things. One of them is to give excuses for people. The voice of reason if you like. Like when she-who-must-not-be-named snapped at me. Or when I didn't get a response from a very important conversation. Or when I thought I should have been treated better because we go way back... "don't take it personal Darl, shes probably going through mid life crisis" "don't worry, I will not respond when he's asking me something" "who cares if she treated me like so. Her brow not even on flick sef"... The point is, there is probably a thousand and one other things that could be going on with them. For all you know, Obama could have just un-followed them on Twitter "Don't take it personal" says the voice of reason. I learnt to be happy. I realized my happiness shouldn't be based on the big things alone. Being happy with the little things matter just as much.  Like when I'm walking down the busy Lagos streets at night with my ears plugged while I listen to great rock music.  Like when I try out a new recipe_the kind that I am too spent to eat_ and then everyone else's so happy eating. Or when I meet someone new and a new friendship blossoms. Or when I'm simply just being 'me'. So what if the big stuff didn't happen this year? I like to think I'm rehearsing for the big ones. I learnt to be patient... scratch that. I learnt to be positive. I learnt not to dwell on my mistakes. I learnt hard work never killed anyone. I learnt to the shear butter aka Ori is just enough for your hair. Very importantly, I learnt to be grateful. Grateful for life. Grateful for health. Grateful for the roof over my head. Grateful for food on the table. Grateful for hair products. Grateful for friends... and new friends: - For Al, I hate that she says better jokes than I do sometimes.  - For Mr. Tart, I'm certain we will go a long way.  - For my rich friend, she actually gave me 2 dresses for Christmas! You forgot to take out the prize tag though. Or maybe you did it on purpose cause you wanted me to see it. What!!? That could pay for someones house rent!This friend I'm going not letting go. My birthday is coming soon, btw.  - For El, she's a friend with a story. I learn from her every time. - For everyone at the fellowship group... - For my smallies...and my baby! - For all the other new friends that I cant begin to mention. - For the old friends, I love you throway! - For The-One-That-Got-Away. For your honesty, the way you made it easy for me to be myself around you, for the way you made me feel...I wish you got to know me more, then you would have known I am a fragile heart, then I wouldn't have to deal with all these emotions now that you are gone. *sniff* Enough mushiness. Life happened in 2015 and I learned a lot and I have NO regrets. Wouldn't trade it for nothing. In all, I learnt to take responsibility of the outcome of my life. Cheers to the battles, the huddles, the challenges, the mood swings, the bad hair days and all that the new year has to bring. Bring it on, baby. Huunh! (In Rick Ross' voice *or is it Ross's? English is so? over rated*) Yours truly, Coco

He smells bad *covers eyes*

I could smell him literally as soon as I stepped into my street. I was so certain he had paid us another visit and it left a pungent distaste on my lips. 

No one really understood why I put up with his crap or deep down they did! He provided an essential service. Plus a gal can't be too picky especially as every Aunt reminded me that his specie is limited and 'all the same'.

I hate the fact that he can be smart a times and guess my needs accurately although always with an ulterior motive... Like a few months back when he bought a letter box for me and had it put in my front yard. Thoughtful you might say but not so as he had gotten tired of me denying receipt of his 'love letters' every month - bills!

Sigh! At the moment I'm walking briskly to my house, willing myself to forget him and not let his stench ruin my happy mood. For what can I do? The Lawma waste van would soon be back to collect my trash and everyone else.

Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad. Psalm 45:8

With love,

Cee

Book shy or is it blog shy?

I'm officially Book shy! If you know me well you'll know I'm an unrepentant reader and my case got worse when I joined The Book Fountain Tea party because every month I get a free book once I attend the book club meeting but that's a story for another day.

I blame this "sudden" book shyness on all of you! If it's not the lady in the bus beside me craning her neck to see what I'm reading or the guys at work who won't let me be because of the titles of my books! Una what should man pikin do? Seriously considering wrapping my books #secondary school style ;)!

Anyways in other news... Guess who's birthday is around the corner? As in 3 days time! He has brought me from a mighty long way!

As I celebrate, it's a 3-in-1 something cos I'm celebrating...

1. My Life! 

As in... I recently read a story on Bella Naija about a lady born on the same day as Yours truly and it's caused me to reflect inwards. Plus some other mushy stuff!

2. My Work! I'm grateful for the wonderful job I get to do every morning plus all the volunteer work I'm privileged to be part of. 

3. My Professional Certification! So, part of the reason I've been MIA was exams. According to a friend of mine, after uni any exams u read for is like 'Adult Education' literally! (Check Out: Mind your Language TV series to understand my friend's Point )

I'm grateful that I passed in one seating and it's finally off my to do list.

#GratefulHeart

with love,

Cee

It's my MOMMA'S day

*covers eyes* I just want to say its my Mom's birthday today and I'm dancing.... Would be back Asap with a proper blog post and my 14for14 post. @John: Keep Calm the Madam shall be back after this commercial break *winks*

\

to buy a cake or not? If I do.... Guess who'll end up eating 80% of it??!

"In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”

(Proverbs 31: 19-29, NIV)

She's THAT KIND of a Woman!! See my post here

Sincerely,

Cee

14for14: Street People Love

Keep Calm August is giving way to the best month... September *dancing*. In order to let August to bow out gracefully I shall do my 14for14 sharply :)!

There are few people I see on the streets of Gidi that make my heart smile. I won't go into the legality or illegality of what they do because its not my jurisdiction. Without much ado I present you my Street Peeps:

1). The Exclusive street food vendors: (FYI this does not include mama puts and hawkers). I like food, you like food, we all love food agreed? The people who grill plantain, yam, potatoes, chicken, goat meat and all those other mouth watering 'healthy' street food are fabulous!

I apologize in advance for making you hungry! Please bear with me :P

Oh the list includes puff puff and akara (bean cakes) too.

2. Smiling security personnel: There's nothing as wonderful as seeing people doing their jobs cheerfully! I have met some very grumpy security men who are always complaining and looking for "appreciation" for doing their work. So I should pay you for opening the door or stopping traffic as I back out of your companies parking lot right? Makes no sense! A smile is still the best clothing accessory. You should see the security men I hail every morning on my way to work, They are happy and have a swagger!

3. Road sweepers a.k.a LAWMA: Suited up in their bright orange ensemble, every morning  these people are busy doing their work. They serve as my time gauge of sorts. If Lawma isn't on the road on my way to work it means I'm late *full stop*

4. Life Savers! Vulcanizers and cobblers: Be it your tangible car or your leggedez benz (your shoes) these two always come to the rescue! I can't count how many times. The most recent was on my way back from doing my NYSC clearance for the month, my shoes gave away! imagine!

and the last but not the least are

5). Keke Drivers with disabilities: wondering why? They could have easily decided to be beggars and no one would judge them because of their conditions but they didn't. While the same streets are full of people with both arms and legs who fabricate the most amazing stories just to get into the beggarly profession!

 I salute these special peeps for the services they render and the swag with which they do it! 

for we walk by faith, not by sight--2 Corinthians 5:7

Sincerely,

Cee

14for14: Common Sense Wahala

He says he is stubborn but I say I'm strong willed.

He says he likes me but I say I love me

He thinks I'm a fool to throw it all away but I know I'll be the fool if I stay

The thing is... 

Gone are the days when feelings and emotions were enough to go by.

The world has evolved and I'm learning to grow with it too!

For everywhere I go, I have to carry  these three; my 'Bestie', my brain and "common sense" along

or else

this heart of mine would just put me for wahala!

Guess what else is reiterating the importance of common sense to me? (*side eye* why did you just continue reading without attempting to guess :(! ) Well... its my new Loofah Scrub o!

I was shocked to read the side note at the back just after the instructions on how to use it.

"...As always, use common sense and be gentle with yourself and your body."

Funny right? but nevertheless profound. It really cracked me up. Made me remember primary school days where every reference to 'common sense' had an underlying insult or wise crack. 'Don't you have any common sense?' 'Where is your common sense? (usually followed by the statement 'Use your Initiative')' 'Stop hailing him, its just common sense applied' 'Common sense is obviously not common in your case' 

It appears the only time we are allowed to be 'stupid' and ignore common sense is when it comes to love however it may be temporal.

Anyways I have a question for you?

I soooo love 'em and have been getting a lot of late. Remember I mentioned my valentine one here.
*wide grin* Testimony time *dances forward*

I won a month free of premuim plus on Iroko Tv. I dunno how I got picked, just got a call. Ermm scrap that I think its in conjunction with Swift (the internet provider I use). Not sure if it was a random select or if they were just appreciating faithful customers. Anyways I think it's a great marketing gimmick on IrokoTv's part cos prior to winning this, I never would have thought about subscribing to watch new Nigerian movies online. The truth is that I'm not a Naija movie person except the really good ones cos I have a low tolerance for Iranu a.k.a Banality. But seeing as I cannot let my Awoof go to waste I watched Flower girl yesterday and I plan on seeing Anchor baby when next I'm idle. So fingers crossed on if I'll renew afterwards especially since it is relatively cheap (500 for a month, 1k for 3 months and 2k for a year).

Ciao Amigos!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 (ESV)

Sincerely,

Cee

My Valentine bug

I've been bitten my the love bug :)! I'm sure you are curious to know how I spent my Friday? Well I gave you guys a clue about my big date here so I'll let the pictures do the talking... or most of it anyway *winks*

My first boo a.k.a Breakfast!

The plan was to spend the whole day together but I had to do some housekeeping so I ended up missing our Lunch date... but we found a way round that! ( Lol! True Love conquers All things!)

Don't judge me I like Plantain! Plus I didn't eat them at once or alone.Was feeling guilty so I took some fruits too
(oh btw, I recently discovered and fell in love with the garlic +onions+salt plantain chips! #Naijapringles #Lagostraffic)

I think I have a phobia for public spaces (cinemas, malls, restaurants and any other place couples are sure to be found on Valentine day). I had planned on treating myself to Cold Stone's heart shaped cookie sandwiches but I chickened out when I saw the amount of human beings outside. Anyways, here is a picture of what I got that day... 

My Valentine gifts :)!
 (P.S: The clay; I bought for the kids in my art class, I got the wrapped box of something sweet  for my Grandma
 and the teddy bear was a D.D. joke)

The kids in my art class named this "heart on heart"  #KidsValentineproject :)!

Still wondering what a D.D joke is? Well...

Everyone knows I LOVE to read right? I mentioned it here sef so you'll understand why I included this 

My current reading list... don't ask me how I can read three books at a time though (Its actually four "Identity Theft" is hiding somewhere in my bag *covers eyes*)

and this picture too (All in the name of love & sharing)

I love love love To-do Lists!
 Its usually the easiest way for me to feel "accomplished" daily even if I didn't step outside the door!

But on this day I stepped outside the door, in fact I went to the Airport but I digress. For the Valentine grand finale, "We" did this

The Best boo of all; MoiMoi+Rice+Sauce+Chicken+Salad

 On a serious note though, I had an amazing day and I got a Valentine gift from Oreka Godis. If you think I am lying check here or here. Thanks everyone for the nice comments on my previous post *hugs and kisses*.
Hope yours was amazing and much more?

"We love because He first Loved us."
1 John 4:19

Warning: This post might not make sense to my friends/readers who subscribe to my blog via email as some of the pictures might not load... and if you can't see the pictures the joke will be on you! 

P.S: I don't really believe in Valentines day! Can't everyday be PDA day!!!

Sincerely,
Cee

14for14: Looking for Love

So Yaay! My first real 14 for 14 post (the other one was an introduction..lol). 

"What a person desires is unfailing love"

I can't forget this silly simple definition of Love I heard or probably read somewhere awhile ago. "Love is the feeling that you feel that you have never felt before". Of late, I've been looking for love o! Una help me o!

Searched all over... couldn't find nobody
I looked high and low... still couldn't find nobody
Nobody greater... nobody greater no... nobody greater than you

(I couldn't but insert the chorus of "Nobody greater" here)

Anyways back to my love hunt story, How am I supposed to experience this feeling o??! Bump into a stranger at the bank? Pretend that my car developed a fault on the road and wait for a handsome gentleman to pass by? (as is the case with most Nollywood movies) or be innovative or is proactive a better word and grab the "bull by the horns"? I am actually tired of seeing a lot of crap all in the name of offering relationship and love expert advice.

Anyways, I think I've found him...*scrap that* I know I have found Him or better said I know he has found me *love struck*

I think C.S Lewis knew about us sha.

Because he summed up my love story when He wrote 

“God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other... God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there.”― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

...ON LEARNING

So that is how someone I respect and used to "salute" hurt me in a bad way recently. I actually thought I had forgiven her and moved on but recent events have proved otherwise. I truly want to let go and move on. Shebi it has happened and there's nothing I can do about it right? Forgiving should be a piece of cake but it hasn't been. I blame it on the major falling of my hand by her and the indirect way in which it was delivered (which deprived me of doing the whole confrontation and get-it-off-my-chest routine).  Oh well! I'm learning to forgive her all the same... its a gradual process... God is helping me...you see I smiled as i wrote and thought about her just now (Progress baby!!!)

In other news, the Love day is around the corner...usually associated with a lot of PDA's or if you are in Lagos... get ready for another round of  extravagant Red and White mismatched attires (last year the red and white everywhere was over the top and irritating ). 

Anyways, this picture below summarizes my plans with Le boo *winks*

Blogsville Pay it Forward originated from YSU and I got it from Lady Ngo,  So i'm doing this too:

*The first 5 people who comment on this blogpost with "I'm IN", will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year - anything from a book, a ticket, a visit, something homegrown or made, a postcard, absolutely any surprise!

These 5 people in turn must make the same offer in their blog and distribute their own joy. Simply copy this text onto your next blogpost, so we can form a web of connection and kindness

****if you are not a blogger or someone i know outside of blogsville, it would probably do you well to leave some kind of contact info or something otherwise your surprise is most likely not going to reach you lol.****

 Sincerely,

Cee

10 Reasons why I love Reading

Image source: http://booksdirect.tumblr.com

I saw this picture on a blog and I couldn't stop laughing! It reminded me of Nigerian home videos that use almost thirty minutes to show different adverts for upcoming movies and commercials before the main movie even starts. I read because of the following reasons:

1.  I can. :p (It's sad how many can't read because of  inadequate resources, funds or national crisis)

2. It provides a way of escape (although short-lived). It's sometimes easier to lose myself in a book that to face reality.

3. I love it!!!

4. It offers me the opportunity to let loose my imagination, be fearless with no regard for anyone's feelings

5. I want to be powerful (Laughs). My elementary teacher told me that Knowledge is power so I want to know as much as I can.

6. It is way better than staring at the ceiling or trying to understand the logic behind the dry joke the guy across from me is saying .

7. I have nothing better to do :D

8. I want to know

9. I'm too lazy to switch on the TV

10. It's a family trait (My Dad still wakes up at night to read his papers, my Mom and Grandma their bibles and inspirational books, don't know what my brothers read - but read... They do!)

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge..." 

2 Peter 1:5 ESV

Sincerely,
Cee

April Fool's DaY FoR Me

Every year I look forward to the 1st of April but not for the conventional reasons of playing practical jokes on other people. It’s the day I celebrate the greatest Dad ever (that sounds cliché but it’s the truth)

As a child, I remember racing to the door daily screaming “Daddy is back” just before throwing myself  at him, never doubting the fact that my daddy will catch me and give me the goodies he always brought back.

The only threat that ‘held any water’ and I never got tired of using on anyone who dared offend me was ‘I’ll tell my daddy for you’ for in my mind and heart he was my Superman and he’ll surely get the bad guys ;)

My dad gave me an important gift. He taught me how to write, especially essays and how to use big words like ‘eradicate’, ‘tautology’ and ‘relegate’. He also gave me the freedom to express myself.

He is the only person authorized to give me nicknames that stick and he loves to oblige me by making use of this privilege frequently. Just last month he added a new one to the collection.

I can never forget the day my dad gave me a lesson on logic stating ‘we were age mates’ because the first time I saw him was also the first time he saw me thus making us equals.

He taught me about ‘inward beauty’. One fateful day after spending hours in the salon making my hair, I came home to ask my dad, “How do I look?” He smiled and told me Igbo proverb… ‘The beauty/goodness of a peacock is not its colorful feathers but in the meat inside.’

My dad respects my opinion and has always made it a point of duty to discuss ‘big people’ things with me. Nowadays he calls me ‘my fellow graduate’ to further reinstate the value of my opinion.

Just calling my dad and hearing him say ‘my darling daughter’ as soon as he sees the caller ID has a way of brightening my day and reminding me that I’m loved. For to him, I’ll always be his adorable little girl.

So on this day I celebrate

My ‘CATCHER’

My SUPERMAN

My TEACHER

My NICK NAME GIVER

My LOGIC TEACHER/AGEMATE

My FELLOW GRADUATE

My FRIEND

My CARE GIVER

My FATHER, My LOVE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

With Love,

Cee

TRUTHS ABOUT HER

With her eyes alone she can give the best set down to an erring child and still be able to instruct us on what course of action to take next.

With her nose, she can decipher and fish out the child who hadn’t taken their bath from a mile away or a pile of dirty clothes stashed away or faulty business deal.

With her lips, she has kissed away our tears  ensuring we knew how much she loved us but more importantly how much more God loved us.

With her smile, she has been known to win many battles involving persuasion and bargaining; for she has the killer smile that disarms her opponent.

With her laughter, she always had way of convincing us to see the good in every situation e.g. when gas finished one year on Christmas day and every store was closed.

With her tears, she has assured us that it’s okay to cry but it doesn’t mean we should go overboard, displaying tantrums and melancholia especially since there is still a God.

With her ears, she has proven that it is possible to hear what we are not saying and decipher when we are telling half-truths or feigning ignorance.

With her legs, she has gone to great lengths to ensure she was and is always available when we need her the most especially with teeth removals and visiting days ranking high.

With her cooking, she has nourished and endowed us with robust figures and a given us a refined taste appreciative of the good things of life

With her words, she has guided, encouraged and challenged us to be the best we can be and has never failed to tell us the truth whether we wanted to hear it or not.

With her heart, she has shown us the true meaning of love and trust; never blind sighted to our faults but loving us in spite of it and yet hopeful for the future.

With her life, she has taught us and still demonstrates who a Christian really is especially behind the scenes when the lights fade.

...She is my MOTHER!

Yours Sincerely,

Cee