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

14for14: Minding my business

"Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength..."Isaiah 30:15 (NLT)

Yesterday while talking to my Godmom, she mentioned the verse above and I wanna adopt it too as my motto for 2015. I wanna be quiet. Less talk. Less 'gra-gra'. Less waka dugbe. Less nkwali (work no pay). in short Mind my own business. I want to minimize activity and maximize effect/impact. I wanna prioritize more effectively. Say no more often. Enter rest about alot of things and cease worrying.

This is my last 'official' 14 for 14 post. I think I am supposed to write a concluding synopsis of sorts after this. Anyway doing this challenge was great, Some months it was an easy breeze while some months it took Gods grace and plenty hounding from Duru y'all to get me to post a.k.a last minute posts. It taught me a thing or two about sticking through and determination. Salute to Ms. JB for initiating it. I'm so behind in my blog rounds.

When I chose "Love, Life, Learning and Relationships" as what this series was gonna focus on, I really didn't know what I was going to write on. To write on only one of them felt like a restraining order and I couldn't do that. I dunno If I covered any of them well sef. Being as I only know things in part and I can't categorically say somethings only for MY OGA AT THE TOP to say another thing entirely, i had to be mute.

In this 2014, I have known what it means to love and be loved (Lemme chip in here that I am now sumbori's godmom. She's soo adorable.), I have lived, laughed harder, danced more than I have ever done before. I have gone outside my comfort zones to do more. Life has been beautiful. We had art class fun day on the 23rd and we really had fun :)! I also got involved with Slum2school this year and its been amazing. How can I forget my Nysc. This service year has been good. A respite of sorts. Teaching has its perks a.k.a flexibility. I'm not so excited about some of the grades I recorded after marking their scripts. Some Scripts made me blush while some almost made me doubt my teaching methodologies. 

Oh boi! I have learn't plenty things o! Both material (visible) and immaterial. I attended a few courses and acquired some skills +grammar (serenre) too. I haven't been as consistent in blogging as I should have and I know. Relationships have blossomed and some have died a natural death. Funny things have happened and more will happen. Some people keep 'hoping' against reality *yimu*.

 2014 is a year to remember! I grew up in more ways than I knew possible. I'm not there yet but I am striving ... 2015 shall be greater! Heaven on Earth! IJN

P.S: I'm a bit off the social media & Instant messaging grid atm. My phone just stopped coming on and I understand the message it is telling me...  ;)

Sincerely,

Cee

14for14: Writing on the wall

Ever wondered about the early man and what they did for fun? Well today I taught my class about Cave art and how cave men used to draw and paint on cave walls. As you might have guessed the class was hilarious! Someone even asked me why couldn't the men just draw on paper like normal people. Lol! It reminded me of my childhood and my fave past time.

I won't pretend and say I was a docile child. Infact I was often the opposite. My parents had a standing order with the painters beacause of us. We loved to write, draw, scribble, doodle in fact we did anything and everything on the walls in our home. At a point they had to paint parts of the house textured paint and glossy paint in an attempt to deter us. It didn't work though. My brothers and I were determined to live our marks and tell the wall world we were here (We still are).

*In Beyonce's voice*
I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, and something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets,
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget

I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that (He) wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here

Truly, after all has been said and done that's what really matters... What mark would I leave on the wall of life? Would my Creator say Well done? This is what I'm learning and striving to do. Won't lie its not a piece of cake! (In pidgin.. pesin wey neva chop belleful u com dey ask am to remain for im pikin) God dey!

This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever. 1 John 2:17 (NLT)

Sincerely,

Cee

NOT talking about it

This is a short post on why I am not writing about Ebola. I had intended writing a funny post about how the new disease had affected my immediate family and environment. I would have written about my youngest brother's sudden love for bitter kola and my mom's suya microwaving skills or the fact that my brother's office bought cartonssss of hand sanitizers and gave all their staff. I would have also mentioned the 6am call I received informing me to add plenty salt to my water when bathing (apparently most people got 3am calls so I'm grateful for my sleep that was unperturbed).

There is usually a thin line between information and misinformation.

I'm glad of the recent news that there are Ebola survivors and at the same time I'm very sad about those that had to die from misinformation...SALT OVERDOSE!!!

It was funny before but it isn't any longer...

We shouldn't as Nigerians allow fear be our driving force! 

Lets equip ourselves with the Right Information! 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:13

Sincerely,

Cee

14for14: last minute

The school where I am currently serving closed for the summer last Friday. Yay!! So I'm supposed to start chilling right? Well not exactly. My work just began and it has nothing to do with marking scripts and compiling results. I volunteer with an organisation every August to help disadvantaged students in developing their literacy and numeracy skills. This is my fourth or fifth year doing it and as a rule each year can only get better... So work dey but God is as always more than faithful :)!

There was a valedictory event of some sorts for the outgoing JSS 3 students on Thursday and the following are some of the things I learnt from the event:

1. It doesn't take plenty people to plan a successful event. I'm of the opinion that only the principal and her secretary planned the whole thing. I stand to be corrected but most of the staff were surprised by a lot stuff including the yearbook given to the outgoing pupils.

2. Students can undergo a complete 360 degree change when the music is turned on. I wish I could show you guys what I'm talking about. The dance moves were unbelievable! I really wish they could transfer a fraction of their enthusiasm to their studies. There are still a handful that have difficulty in reading and calculating basic sums.

The "he-pop dancers"lol!

3. The school photographer makes money!

4. It's the same set of students that get all the prizes. Its usually the first position in the class that gets the well behaved prize or the neatest student prize. Makes me wonder if intelligence is really linked to neatness and behavior...

5. Students are quite observant once it involves food or money! I gave out my food pack to a student who had been following me around that day and you can guess what happened next... Also the Vice principal sprayed some dancers money and that was how the next set of dancers danced until they got their share too.

Lol! July is almost over and I have succeeded in doing another Last minute 14for14 blog post! Next month I plan on breaking the trend :)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13(KJV)

Sincerely,

Cee

Top 5 Myths about Corpers (especially the female ones)

So its just been approximately four months since I started my Service year and a lot has happened. I hope to share them in bits someday. Anyways here are the myths and the reasons why they are myths:

Myth #1: Corp Members don't like their names. According to this myth, we prefer being called 'corper', 'kopa' or my personal fave "ajuwaya" which is a military term for 'as you were' (a.k.a return back to your original position; mostly used on the parade ground). However contrary to this myth, I'm yet to meet anyone who doesn't prefer the name they were given at birth to ajuwaya. I wish I could find a way to convey this message to the teachers in my staff-room; they keep yelling corper and ajuwaya in my direction *sigh*.

Myth #2: Corpers are Jobless! There are two sides to this myth.
-The first interpretation is that corpers have noting better to do at any point in time so feel free to waste their time. I get this a lot especially on general cd days and when we are made to attend seminars or lectures. Last month I got to my Lga around 8am and after waiting for two hours and the lady in question hadn't shown up I left. I went back later in the week and a lady in the office said to me "You should have waited that day because she came after you left." I asked her what time and she said around 12noon! Imagine! *angry face*

-The second side is that we are literally jobless and would do anything for a job. One day while commuting I met a man. I was wearing NYSC uniform that day so he started the convo with the usual 'corper' and 'ajuwaya' greeting. At first, I tried my best to be polite and nod at certain intervals during his monologue but it didn't last long. The major issue was that I couldn't interpret or comprehend half of what he was saying. He was speaking "English" or at least a version of it. He started hitting on me but noticed that I had zeroed out. So he goes ahead to play his trump card... he tells me that he can offer me a job in his office. For in his mind corpers are jobless so offering me a job will make me take him seriously! Joker! I can't remember what I told him but I'm sure I busted that myth for him.


Myth #3: Corpers are broke and always in need of a free ride. This myth annoys me a lot except if I am talking with my father in that case it is a FACT! Lool! But seriously I will soon pour dirty mop water on the next car and its driver which stops in front of me on the road. Ki lo de? That is how one day when I decided to do a long walk home, a guy came to chat me up and had the audacity to tell me that he can give me transport money! I just thank God for Jesus because only God knows what I would have done to the guy. The best way to bust this myth will be to go to any lga on a general cd day and see the traffic caused by corpers and their various rides or to carry out a study of the price tags of their various weaves, gadgets and toys or attend any of their beach outings/parties.

Myth #4 Corpers are enjoy being cheap labour . Do I need to explain this myth? I'm sure you've seen the job ads or broadcast messages specifically requesting for Corp members to fill in a position. Let me explain what it means... It means that the employer has a ton of work to be done but he wants to be cheap and pay less that the minimum wage. The justification is that at least he is paying more than the 'allowee' and what most schools are willing to pay. The answer to this myth is more environmental than sociological. More a case of crayfish bending because of condition. Corpers hate being cheap labour but often times settle for it when they lack alternatives. All part of the hustle.


Myth #5 Corpers are gullible and can buy anything. I cannot mention all the things and businesses people have attempted to sell to me in the past 4 months. Its incredible! If its not an MLM, its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or a portable gas cooker (please ask me why I need to carry my gas cooker with me everywhere o!) or an ever lasting shoe polish or some random accessory. I've mastered the 'No thank you' face. This myth has been busted several times but yet  it still exists because once in a blue moon, a corper does the unthinkable and patronizes a 'seller' hence the need to bust it again. Sad right? Oh well what can I say?

...With these few points of mine I hope I have been able to Convince you and not Confuse you that these 5 myths about Corpers are myths ;)!

I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law. Psalm 119:163 

Keep falsehood and lies far from me. Proverbs 30:7, 8

Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. Psalm 119:29

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

To cut the long story... short

Lets divide it into 3 things

#1. Orange Boots!!

So after 20+ years of receiving the white man's formal education (that is minus the years spent in playgroup/preschool), I am now serving my nation! Now you know why I got darker. The sun at the orientation camp was something else. The experience was better than I had anticipated (had heard some really nasty stories o! A friend of mine kept begging me to buy black  nylons for "short putting"). Camp was alright. Still plenty room for improvement. Meet some really amazing people there that I plan on keeping in touch with. Dodged afternoon drills (for info on how to do same like a boss send me a private message *classified info* lol). Sampled a whole lot of crap food at the Maami market and came to the conclusion that every food isn't for this geh. No be by force! You guys already know that I didn't march or join the parade #notmystyle. I surprised myself and joined the drama group (I was behind the scenes though :)!) and represented my platoon in something. Reconnected with some childhood sweethearts (my primary school bestie was my bunk-mate). Anyways that's all on camp gist. Too many things happened. I'm to tired to type and I love you too much so I won't bore you with details.


#2. What do teachers wear nowadays?

So I have been posted to an All girls Junior High School not to far from where I live and I'm teaching Fine art. Pretty Amazing right? God really loves me and works everything out for my good *wide grin*.

Wondering why I am happy about it?
Well, its an ALL GIRLS school... so there will be no cheeky and mischievous boys in my classroom to make me shout. Don't get it wrong, I love boys n'all buh we all know that

 Adolescent male species = T.R.O.U.B.L.E!!

Secondly, Its junior high a.k.a easier work load and you already know how much I love Art (was my best subject back in school) so all round Yaay!!


FYI: I didn't 'work' or influence my posting to the school. Its a public school owned by the State Government so there will be no Ajebo kids bringing birthday cakes *sobs*. So back to my initial question... what do teachers wear nowadays? A friend was teasing me today that the kids will think I am one of them when I enter the class cos I look young. I'm not sure what that means sef? buh it's made me erase all thoughts of being "natural" and weaving my real hair though. lol! What I know is that I do not have  the time or patience for skirt suits which I remember my school teachers used to wear in those days :|


#3. my Blog beefers who camouflage as my friends!

U guys should mind yourselves o! That is how one of them sent me an IM after my last blog post to ask why I have suddenly become very racist and that there is nothing wrong in me becoming black or getting darker! Can you imagine??! When people that love me have been concerned and are offering unsolicited advice on how I should use natural carrot or is it papaya soap, exfoliating scrubs or infact bleaching cream to regain my colour. Although I doubt the bleaching cream advice person loves me sha *side eye*! She is a meanie buh I forgive her but as for those who want me darker God is watching you o!

Then someone said I should consider writing on food only for my 14 for 14 series as most of my posts are on food. *Yimu* They will be pretending as if they don't like food. #Na big lie. 

Lemme just catch the both of you sha!

Now thanks be to God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the aroma of his knowledge by us in every place.

2 Cor 2:14 (AKJV)

 Sincerely,

Cee

Lagos what did i MISS?

It's good to be back home. Missed Blogville especially my blog readers!

I have never really been a fan of tanning (I'm Nigerian so what did you expect??! lol) but I got one involuntarily :'(! I got back several shades darker. I didn't realize how bad it was until a few days ago, while having a conversation on different powder tones, someone said a friend of mine (who is 'black' in my opinion) was lighter than me! Yepa! You can imagine the shock on my face.  I've been consoling myself that my real colour will soon return. Una join me in praying oo!

Would have posted a selfie so you guys could do the judging... but I'm scared as in really scared to do that. I don't wanna be labelled someone with a mental disorder!  Read a funny article about it today... something about the American Psychiatric Association classifying selfies (or the need to take them) as mental disorder. Apparently it's a hoax (a.k.a Na Lie!) you could read Myne's article on it here.

I'll be back with proper gist/blog post soonest. Still catching up on all the things that happened in my absence. Thanks everyone for being patient with me, for checking up on me (I got some lovely emails) and to my dearest new followers. I really appreciate you guys **hugs&kisses**

"You are beautiful in every way, my true love. There is no blemish on you."

SOS 4:7 (GWT)

Sincerely,

Cee

14for14: Mushroom

When I first learn't that mushroom was a fungi, I was in biology class. Ecck! You can imagine my facial expression. For a long while, I couldn't understand why my brothers could dare to eat it and why my dearest aunt was in love with it as she would garnish all her Italian or Chinese inspired meals with them. I could barely put it near my mouth without remembering and imagining the ones I had seen growing on the wooden toilet door in my boarding house dorm. In my mind Mushrooms were in the same category as dirt, molds, irritating and rotten stuff that had no business anywhere near my mouth!

Anyways fast forward to present, for the first time in my life I cooked with mushrooms last night *Whoop!!* I have come a long way o! (Sorry I have no pictures). Wondering what brought about the change? Ermm (Coughs) Well it was my Dad! He came home last week with a big carton of canned mushrooms. Apparently a good salesman or marketer (as we call them in these parts) had whined/cajoled/convinced and not confused him into buying it ;). The guy had gone as far as giving my Dad and his friends a free mushroom dish or sampling). So when I was cooking the family dinner of Mixed vegetable rice, I threw 'caution' to the wind and added mushrooms. At the back of my mind I planned on picking out the ones in mine... buh yours truly there wasn't any need to o! I enjoyed the meal without it and joined everyone in taking a second helping. I'm not sure if I have been converted totally from #teamNoeatingfungi or if I enjoyed it because the mushrooms were sliced and weren't all up in my face.

Wondering how this classifies as a 14 for 14 post? Well I said I would blog about 3L&R here and this here is Life! In life I have learn't to never say never! change is the only thing that's constant. I keep evolving, growing and changing mindsets, views, opinions, relationships etc. If you had told me last year that I would touch a mushroom with a long pole I would have given you some serious Yimu aka I wouldn't have believed you and here I am already thinking of what to cook next with Mushrooms. Lol!

Change has a funny way of making some past opinions seem silly. I can stilll remember when as a little girl i was so sure I was going to end up being a doctor. But guess what? No body had to tell me I wasn't cut out for that job. My reactions and feelings towards blood, injections (which I felt was an excuse to inflict someone in pain with more pain) plus my intense dislike for the horrible smell associated with drugs and hospitals told me otherwise.

So yeah I have added fungi to the list of things I can eat :)! Only God knows what next would cross over from list on Never-ever-eating-that list... hopefully it won't be a reptile or an insect :)!

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." 

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

P.S: I'm going to be away for a bit. In fact, most of this month and I have no Idea how the Internet service will be where I am going to or if my schedule would let me blog. Anyways I plan on doing all my blog stalking with my phone :)!

P.S.S: I dunno whats up with the commenting system o! Abeg who send me message. Trying out a new system. What do you think? Yay? or Nay?

Sincerely,

Cee

Reality Check

Something happen yesterday that made me feel so sad/bad. You remember I complained in my last post HERE  that I have been over looking things of late... Well this was one of those things. I concluded a training program yesterday. The day before we had a group activity we planned on doing and the team leader informed us of the dress code. Dunno how it started sef buh a guy in the team and I got into a "constructive"silly argument not like the one I mentioned HERE. Anyways the argument was on whether Nigeria traditional attire could be classified as Corporate attire and if it would be best suited for the activity in question. Silly right? It seems very irrelevant and pointless now cos we both left holding on to our convictions. We didn't realize the guy at our back was listening and felt inadequate because he didn't have the any 'suitable' attire. To cut the long story short... He didn't show up the next day for the activity. We all missed him and kept asking about him. So the next day, I asked him why he didn't turn up the day before and he told me it was cos he didn't have the so-called dress code. I was mad at myself for arguing and making him feel inadequate without even knowing it and mad at him for keeping quiet... He should have said something! Not let something as flimsy as an attire keep him from coming!

I've learnt my lesson No more pointless arguments and I'm going to constantly remind myself that we are all different (never assume everybody has what I feel is 'common') and since God has NO reservations or clauses for acceptance... who am I too?

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:1 (NIV)

P.S: I've finally added Disqus to my blog to make commenting easier... got some complaints recently about it... not sure if it is better? from the stats it appears worse or is it just me?? Please let me know

Sincerely,

Cee

14for14: Throw Pillows

You won't believe what I realized recently...I have too many Throw pillows in my life! Those considerable important people and things that I often overlook and take for granted but don't know how I'll cope without . 

Shey you guys know what I mean by Throw pillows right? Those tiny fancy pillows on the sofa in your living room that are best for hurling at a sibling when they are blocking your view of the TV or just being annoying. Throw pillows have a way of spicing up the living room ambiance by adding a touch of elegance and splash of colour (especially the arty ones) 

My Top 10 throw pillows are *drum rolls*

• Good Health
• Love
• Laughter
• Sleep
• Speech 
• My Pen and my amazing mind (Imagination)
• Hugs and Kisses
• Family
• Friends
• You

In an old article I read by Sam Kirui on "Don't take anything for granted- be grateful to God" (You can read it here), he asked the following questions...

Do you view life and breath and health and friends through the lens of the cross? Do you take those things for granted and view them as yours by right? What biblical truths have you neglected that lead you to regard these blessings as rights?

It got me thinking about this song,
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be. 

All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands. 

For it's only in Your will that I am free,
For it's only in Your will that I am free,
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.


I'm not there yet and don't have all I want or desire but I do know that every awesome thing and gift (especially the people in my life) I have is from Him so I must never lose sight of this truth. Instead I'm gonna engrave it in the inner recesses of my hearts. So help me God!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 (NIV)

Oh before I forget does anyone have any useful suggestions or tips on how to write fun and interesting book reviews? The editorial Lady in Church asked me to do a monthly book review column for the church bulletin and since I get a Free book every month courtesy The Book Tea Fountain tea party, I agreed. Now I need Ideas on how to do it. I'm thinking of reviewing the book Courageous by Michael Catt (Not yet done reading but its really loaded and inspiring :)

Sincerely,

Cee

HoW to fight

Happy New year Blogsville!  2014 is finally here-10 days and counting :)! 

On my way to work yesterday I was privileged to get "front row seats" to see a  fight go down Live. I'm going to break down what I learnt/observed into 5 simple steps on the best way to fight in public 

(especially in the new year);

1. Be RESPONSIBLE about it! (For the sake of this analogy I'll call the men involved the offended and the offender). The offended guy was 'responsible' about it. After the initial exchange of words and tussle to all enter the same lane, He waited for the traffic light to turn red and he parked his Keke Napep and got out. LESSON: Even though he was upset he was responsible and obeyed the traffic light (silly right).

(At first, when he got out I assumed he was going to take a leak and I began muttering, with mounting incredulity, the things Naija men do.)

2. Refuse to be INTIMIDATED! The offended guy didn't measure up his opponent before getting out or maybe he did (I've heard people say that its not size/flesh but the 'weight' of ones bones that matter). He just walked up to the other guys Keke and pulled him out  by his collar.
LESSON: Believe in yourself...He felt he was Small but Mighty.

(If na me I would have just moved on and ignored the other guy irrespective of how he found my trouble. )

3. Don't GIVE UP! Keep fighting even though you look silly. Keep at it even when onlookers pity you and the merciless torture you are receiving and try to separate the both of you. The offender who obviously caused the katakata in the first place knew he could deal with the smaller guy (i.e. the offended guy) and he went ahead to do just that. He (offender) kept hitting the offended on the ground.
LESSON: Always do your best to finish what you start even at great personal costs.

4. Give it all you've got. Bite hard! Utilize all your weapons which in his case was his tongue. The Offended kept on hulling explosive yoruba insults that were provoking the other guy (offender) to finish up the fight. I should rephrase and say his mouth was his main weapon because aside abusing the guy, he was also biting him.
LESSON: Be offensive and not defensive.

5. Take plenty of RISKS. Only sissies take one risk. You have to take them in bulk! (shebi its cheaper to buy stuff in bulk- wholesale price). He took a risk on his life, his "source of livelihood"- he parked his keke on road where anyone could have hit or stolen it, his "freedom" (the police checkpoint was a few blocks away and he could have been arrested) and his health among other things.
LESSON: I can't write a lesson here with a straight face. Oh well! lets just say the lesson is... don't be limited by the norm especially in risk taking.

 I couldn't stay to watch the end of the fight because I was already running late for work and the traffic light suddenly turned Green.... plus I try to pick my battles with WISDOM + knowledge of the powers behind me *wink*

But seriously, this fight was one of those silly, stupid, meaningless fights people get into and lose their lives for no just cause. I was too dazed and upset at the time of the event.

 Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

 You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

James 4:1-3 (The Message)

Sincerely,

Cee

Agbada

My dearest friend, Nuella wrote this poem which I love and think is quite true of the "big man" on our streets.

Agbada; the flowing side weaved robe,
usually embroidered, draped on strong shoulders
like majesty
worn throughout Nigeria by important men
and each fiber says ceremony.

Agbada, yours is pure white with
gold embroidery. You are pot bellied and
yellow eyed, the signs of a chief,
the signs of one who has consumed beer
and gin for a lifetime; the signs of age.

You roll off white bed sheets that have
been soiled with the scent and sweat of
another woman, the one whose generator fuel
and rent you pay for. The one whose legs part open
for wealthy living. The one who is a validation of
your ‘African masculinity’.  The one whose plan is to marry
you and change her fortunes.
“Husband snatcher”,it will roll off women’s tongues like acid
when they see her with you
wearing her matching iro and buba.

After the weekly deed, you put on your
crisp agbada again, then step into the streets
oozing importance, and prosperity;

Agbada, the cloth of a big man,
“oga oooo!” they hail you exuberantly on the outside
but at home you make your wife feel small,
aren’t you then small for it?

For more of Nuella's poems visit her blog http://nuellaswords.wordpress.com/