Thank You Lord

I have so much to be thankful for and I am sure a lot of you my friends do too. As the first half of the year is running to a close, my list is an indication of how wonderful and gracious God has been to my family :).

1. I thank God for the gift of life. For keeping me and Princess through all the challenges of our daily lives and the grace to face all others without giving up.

2. For His provision despite the recession going on globally. Keeping us out of debts, meeting us at the very point of our needs.

3. Keeping Nigeria together as a nations. Its been terrible with all the air mishaps, bombings, killings and corruptions in high places. Its been the worst of times for us as a nation but your peace Lord has kept seeing us through each day from a complete breakdown of law and from war outbreak.

4. Double blessings and promotions for me and Princess, I am so grateful and thankful.

5. For comforting the families that have lost loved ones, all over the globe. No one can comprehend the magnitude of the emotional devastation they have and are going through right now. Homes, property lost, so much, who can understand your ways Lord? In it all, I say thank you.

6. For our all our dreams and aspirations, I commit them into your mighty hands and I say thank you in advance.

Love you Lord.

Thank you

Handling Love my way

Interestingly, a few months back I resolved to take my workout exercises seriously. I mean lose a few pound in the right places, tone and firm up some muscles. What went wrong? I am asking myself because what I am seeing in the mirror this morning seems to have come from somewhere else most certainly! So many activities just disrupted my workout plans.

How I long to love my curves and be in shape once again. I definately have to start working on a few routines that will incorporate exercises that will help me work my love handles (the oblique region of the torso) over time. Wonderful plan, I just hope I will stick to it this time.

I intend going hard on the three areas that will help firm my mid-section. This is going to be hard work but I have to trust myself on this one this time around, I am ready this time around, *wink*

These are my three areas of concentration: 

1) Eating Healthy Diet; I need to build up energy and burn fat.

- Drink at least three liters of water per day (100 oz)

- Eat five servings of vegetables and fruits per day

-Reduce intake of fried foods and cheese

-Limitprocessed sugar, beverages, soft drinks, cookies, chocolates

- Eliminate fatty red meat, only lean red meats (1-2 times weekly)

I know if I eat healthy, drink plenty of water and exercise, the fat will come off and I will be healthier and not lose lean muscle. I can't diet!


2) Do my Cardio exercise to burn fat. This is because the last few pounds of fat is typically stored in the hips, buttocks and thigh region.

I will try and comply with my gym instructor's advice and do 20 to 45 minutes of activities like walking, running, biking, or swimming daily 4-5 times per week, but also mix in 2-3 times a week of basic calisthenics like pushups, bench dips, squats and lunges. That should be enough, lol.

3) Targeted Abdominal exercises, this will help firm the muscles under the fatty area

In a few weeks hopefully, I should start seeing visible results. This should be worth it indeed.

June, so beautifully endowed!

The month of June is a beautiful month. Oh no, its not my birth month and definately not Princess's ( she was born May). Although, there some ugly incidence that characterised the beginning of the mont of June this particular year in Nigeria, I believe, if we look beyond these dark clouds, we would see how really this beauty surrounds us.

Fathers were celebrated this month. Hmmm. Princess's god-father was on hand to make sure she didn't miss out of the fun.

Its also a month for the celebration of 'The Eat Your Vegetables Day'.

Wow! I didn't know. Now I know. Not that I don't love vegetables but a lot of tiny details that made it all so meaningful that the hectic life of a singlemother could make you overlook, is so clear now.

I bet you didn't know that the month is a reminder for everyone  to keep their body in shape by taking healthy food through regular inclusion of vegetables in each meal. In fact, part of a balance diet,which is also included in a food pyramid, is to keep enough percentage of it in lowering blood pressure, fighting cardiovascular diseases, boosting metabolism, and avoiding other diseases that can be prevented if we take our vegetables regularly.

Tomatoes, This could be said to be Princess's favourite vegetable and probably for most kids too.

It is always served with any burger and sandwiches along with lettuce, and meat. It is known for its strong source of lycopene which is good for the heart, fights all forms of cancer, and it neutralizes free radicals that the body has. It has a high amount of antioxidants which is good in fighting rectal, lung, and stomach cancers. It is also rich in folate, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C. It contains phytonutrients and enzymes that avoid heart diseases.

Carrots is commonly eaten raw, combined as well in salad, but could also be cooked along with other meals. It is known for its carotenoids and Vitamin A which are good defense against cancer forming symptoms, and good for the eyesight. It has high level of folate, Vitamin B, C, and K, potassium, and magnesium.

Bell Pepper,is another vegetable that is packed with folic acid and lycopene which is good for the heart. Bell Peppers are best in avoiding any risk of cancer in bladder, colon, lung, and pancreas. It is also found mixed in salad. They are also good source of potassium, Vitamins A, B, C, and K, manganese, and fiber.

Eggplant is the only vegetable that has a property that protects brain from any damage. It is all because of an antioxidants called nasunin. It is also loaded with potassium and fiber which prevents dementia and any risk of stroke.

The group of onion, garlic, scallions, leeks, and shallots. This group is known for its antibiotic properties that boosts immunity, reduce infection, and inflammation. They could be eaten raw, mixed with your favorite meal and of course known for flavoring.

They can be said to be inexpensive, not unless price triggers that would affect the market price of the primary products, nonetheless, it’s available anywhere you go, and its naturally delicious. The primary health benefits that it could give to individuals are its Vitamin B6 that avoids degenerative diseases.

Secondly, it has Vitamin C that fights cold, and flu ( especially in this raining season). It also has Vitamin D to strengthen the immune system, Iron for sufficient energy, and magnesium which decreases stress and anxiety. It is also a good source of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and magnesium.

Squash, is another vegetable that has a specific specie that could also prevents birth defects like the winter squash, and could treat various type of diseases like asthma, arthritis, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Lettuce, contains Vitamins A and C aside from the 20 calories per serving. It can be eaten cooked or raw. It could be mixed in all kinds of salad. It is good for digestion because of the 20% dietary fiber that it has which is good in lowering blood sugar, and pressure. It has antioxidants, Vitamin A, Anti-inflammatory, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.

It is commonly used in most of the burgers, sandwiches and salad mixes. It has properties that could prevent diseases.

There are many other wonderful vegetables that I have not mentioned here in this write up but I am sure you know of. Mothers, let's encourage our kids and families to eat their veggies. The month of June is indeed a beautiful month despite every other thing. What do u think?

Single? Guilty as charged!

How I look forward to weekends! I mean especially the ones without an 'Owanbe' party. This weekend , I simply wanted to be LAZY! Abi, is there a law against it? All work and no laziness make a single mother an uptight babe na, abi? Check am . Abeg, jare. I had a plan; lay in bed till 7am unlike 4:30am on normal days! Gush! Enjoyment :) , take time to prepare brakfast, curl up and watch a movie or two. No laundry abeg! Give myself and Princess a big treat later in the evening. The whole 'Lazy Holiday' this weekend was going to be the bomb! Oops! Bomb? Abeg o

I was brought back to reality by a call from one of my 'Support team' members - my younger sister. What now! I was enjoying myself joor. She went 'Big Sis, how you doing? Please, check your facebook page, there is a message for u. I think you should read this post, I know you will like it'. Okay. Thanks. Bye!. That at least that wasn't too much to ask. I opened and read the said post by this particular lady, hmmm. I reserve my comment.

I have decided to share this post with you all. For one, its got me on a different level of thought, I reserve my comments for now. Happy reading:

Firstly,if you are still struggling to find a husband at an old age because you are looking for a perfect man,something is certainly wrong with u. Now,your propaganda magazine tells you that 'All men are liars,cheats a...nd useless,but lets be Honest here,which is more likely?

Is it that there,s something wrong with about 70million African men,OR there is something wrong with one African Women,U?

The Truth is this when a product is not doing well,the sales team don't blame the customers,they either blame the product or sales and marketing strategy.

So ladies,have you been marketing urselves? What's your marketing strategy? Do you think you will be picked out off the shelf and placed in the basket of matrimony if you are always hanging out with that coven of witches you call friends? Those ladies who intimidates any man who approaches you?.

Hmmmm, drinking yourself to sturpor every friday and saturday night does not exactly make you look like a marriage material. Neither will any product(U)do well in the market if the sales team(U)reeks of desperation.

Nagging,whining only tells a man that he is watching a preview of what life will be like if he walks down the aisle with you. If your precious Ex's all complained about your NAGS get a gag!

U want a man?...invest in a good wardrobe,and dress well. When a man comes to you,smile and be polite,even if he does not fit your mental image of 'your kind of man'

At 18,a lady already has an image of her perfect man,which includes height,body type and wealth. As time goes on,a lady will add more and more qualities on her list,such that by the time she is dating for marriage,not a single man alive can meet her exact standards

Ladies,stop coming to relationship with a chip on your shoulder! If you believe All men are 'Bad',,,men are Dogs,then it will become a self fulfilling prophesy.

No man is perfect,if want to find a perfect man,you will have to do a genesis chapter one and make him out of clay,and breath life to him. And even then,chances are,he may still disappoint. You say you cant marry a blue collar guy like a mechanic or carpenter,Now if a carpenter was good enough to marry Mary mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, why isn't one good enough for you?

Dont focus on where a man is now,but look and see where He has the potentials to be.
Dont focus on some petty physical features that are not up to ur mexican soap-opera standards.

Hmmmmm your dream man,will he be faithful?
Will he be a good father to ur kids and a good husband to u?
Will he love,cherish and respect u?
Whats d point of been beaten to a pulp every nyt by some rich,good looking and womanizing jerks?
Do u want a future where u will sit in a traffic in ur BMW X6,GUCCI sunglasses covering ur eyes,and u look out of d window and see a happy couple in a keke napep holding hands,laffin and giggling like newly wedded couple even after 12 years of marriage.
Africa is full of good men,you are just so caught up day dreaming about ur fantasy man that they are passing un noticed b4 ur very eyes.
Dont be cynical,fussy and uptight.
Improve ur product,and how its marketed and the demand for it will grow through d roof.
And remember u are competing in a Morden African market.
Dont fake pregnancy or get pregnant to trap him,e no dey work again joor!
Ur perfect man is out there.
He may not look like what u want or expect,but if u give him a chance,the two of u will find joy,companionship and completion like u ve never thought possible.

MAKE UNA REPENT AND CHANGE UNA WAYS!!

Source

Why does it hurt so bad ?

How was your week everyone? I hope is had a little space for some fun activities to be squeezed in? My week was everything as usual and a little exhaling in between.

Oh yes, what a friend I turned out to be! Oh don't jump into any conclusion just yet until you me out. I even surprised myself if I can say so. I met Sumbo up for our date as sceduled. I soon as we got the plesantries, I just knew the venue wasn't it for what could happen in that restaurant, she want going to breakdown any momemt.

The look on Sumbo's face would break any icy heart. I mean, this wasn't the right place for what I perceived was coming. I was able to talk her into going somewhere more airy with less people, one of these new parks in Surulere, in Lagos. We won't draw so much attention as compared to the restaurant we had earlier been.

I listened for the first thirty minutes as my dear girlfriend opened up her hurting heartaches, it was deep! I just sat there holding her hands in mind, stroking them gently, reassuring her of my trust to be there for her. Tears , unstoppable.

Lekan is having an affair! Its bearly six months into the marriage! How come? What is going on these days? Whatever happened to happily ever after? Faithfullness? I held back my tears cos it will be too much in one day.

I mean, the day was for Sumbo and nothing was going to give me away too- be strong babe! Wow! In, Out! Good exhaling did it for me.

All I did was sit there, stare into her eyes, held her hands in mine, robbed gently to reassure her of my being there for her as she off-loaded the pains inside. I couldn't even give her the tips I had written down. Who could seeing her like that?

But I am a Novice ....to a friend in need

Its be a beautiful week thus far, thank God. I don't want to dwell on the negatives cos its disheartening enough already. Let's just keep praying for Nigeria and our Leaders.

I will be meeting Sumbo for lunch later today. I am not sure what to expect though. I am the last person to know what advice to give a married lady. I mean a novice like me. All I know is being a single mother.

I heard Marriage can be a wonderful experience. It can be painful, frustrating, hilarious, comforting, annoying and tender.

Anyway, I got a few things jotted down, that I read up somewhere. I hope it does help her. I believe Sumbo just wants to let it all out. I will give her all the listening ears she needs and my shoulders to lean on, afterall, what are friends for.


NB: These are the tips I jotted down, oooh, this is not easy.

1. Ladies, please don't belief that he will always be romantic. It is very unrealistic expectations to believe that your partner, based on the way he behaved during the courtship to remain like that in marriage. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on romance, just don’t expect a ‘grand gesture’ every day


2. Learn to 'talk'about serious issues. There is a difference between talkiing and nagging , hmmm.

3. What if "happily ever after doesn't happen?

4. Ladies, it is advised not to believe that you can change him. Women have a tendency to gloss over qualities they don’t like in a man, telling themselves ‘oh, he’ll change’ or ‘I’ll work on that’. It doesn’t work, because you can’t force a person to change. If you do manage to bully him into changing, your relationship will suffer. Either accept and enjoy the differences between you or create an environment that encourages him to want to change for you.


5. Giving up friends and interests. Don't get lost in being married that you forget your own identity. hmmm.


I hope this comes out well, I am so apprehensive. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Some ladies do have them!

Ladies, they are adorable, can't do without them on days that you would want to stand out in the crowd. What am I talking about? High heeled shoes!Platform shoes!

In fact, some of us have a few we hide in our wardrobes for those very special occasions. They are man made, handmade, by men for women to make us stand out. Frankly, these platform shoes have a feel of its own. It makes me look and feel sexy, professional, and also adds a boost to my confidence. But, in reality, while these shoes might be beautiful and hard to resist,i ask myself, at what price?

Ooh how sexy I feel when in them! I mean, my 5ft 9inches is completely transformed. Hehehehe. I like these high heels but what i have discovered is that when the pains starts setting in, hmmm, its another ball game entirely and its not what i want to take lightly at all. So to before warned , is to before harmed!

From Monday to Sunday this past week , I was in high heels. Bad for my knees and feet, I know. I tried to change into comfortable sandals but I was too carried away by my hectic schedules to pay my feet much attention.

I noticed last Sunday how a lot of ladies wore some foot wears especially these platform shoes that were so tight one would be tempted to hand them hankies to wipe off the sweats from their face. It was too obvious that they were not comfortable in them. What ladies put themselve through all in the name of fashion.

We dont have to go through such tortures, no, the consequences are too enormous for our lovely feet.

I have decided not to wear any high heel shoes for the next two weeks. Yes, its true. My confidence level will be pumped up with beautiful "Ankara handmade sandals". Let see how this test goes.


Have a beautiful day everyone.

What does it take to be a good wife?

The weather these days is so unpredictable. One minute it is sunny, the next minute, the sky is so cloudy and down comes the rain. I just ensure that I have my handy umbrella in my handbag always. Global climatic change indeed.

I was still thinking about the weather and how to get to my appointment on time without the usual Lagos traffic when Sumbo called. Wow! What a surprise! I immediately remembered I promised to call her when she returns from her honeymoon - but I didn't!

The incoming call said 'Sumbo babe' but the voice wasn't that of my larger than life, all happy girlfriend. She was crying so much. I tried to calm her down but all she was asking was a question I wasn't sure I was the right person to ask. 'What does it take to be a good wife?

I remembered she shared with me these some lessons she had during their counselling sessions their church had for courting couples. What happened? Didn't she apply them? Did Lekan change? So many questions but the time wasn't right. I tried and was able to calm her down. I promised to meet her soon for lunch so we could really talk sometime next week. Married life!

After the call, I brought out my jotter, it was one of those shared at Sumbo's wedding. I remembered she insisting that she had told the printer to print at the inside back page something special for everyone.

20 promises of Marriage:
1. Start each day with prayers
2. Wear your wedding ring all the time
3. Accept each others differences
4. Do what your partner wants before he or she ask
5. Encourage each other
6. Call, send text messages, ping each other during the day.
7. Ask for each other's opinion
8. Show respect
9. Look your best
10. Apologise
11. Ask "what can I do to make you happier?"
12. Respond quickly to your partner's request.
13. Talk about your love for each other
14. Pray for each other daily
15. Say "I love you" frequently
16. Give gifts to each other
17. Talk about your dreams
18. Be positive
19. Admit when wrong
20. Seek the face of God always

Hmmmm.

Sisters! Sisters!! .........My faithfully

How have you all been? Its been a very trying time for me as a person and the country as a whole. I really needed a little break to get myself back together again. Its been a tough one for us all even as a nation after the ill-fated Dana air crash.

I watched as the week passed by slowly. Everything just lost value. Life!

I don't want to go there right now, its too painful. Princess didn't get much of my bubbling self , I tried to explain why as much as I could though and she did seem to understand couple with all the news on the television.

Its a 'wonderful' life being a single mother but this time is not one of those times. I need a shoulder to lean on and have my back robbed. I called my 'support team' - my sisters! Oh yes, they are my suppoert team. I have four of them and two in particular will be there in a jiffy should I just call for it. So off we went for the weekend at Cathy's . She prepared well even for Roxanne who joined us there with her kids too. It was a full house.

Cathy's husband had travelled to Abuja for an official assignment thus we had the whole house to ourselves for the whole weekend. Married life and tales of all the pranks their husbands have been pulling recently made me almost forget I was grieving cos I laughed, cried and exhaled well last weekend. The visit was worth it.

I hope you all had a funfilled weekend too.

My faithfully,
Sisters, sisters!

Bleeding Heart

Nothing in my wildest imagination could have prepared me for the tragic news that flooded our airwaves yesterday , Sunday, 3rd June, 2012! So many souls perished in the ill-fated Dana Airline crash near Iju, Ishaga, Lagos State,Nigeria.

I lost friends. My Pastor lost a whole family of 9 family members! Prophetic Ugo Wems, sad tragedy for his family. Trem, Abuja lost Rev Ayodeji and Rev Mrs. Ngozi Cole. My girlfriend lost her bossom friend, Olumide Coker! Tears, can't hold this down.

I can't even begin to comprehend what the family members are going through right now.

Memuna's cute Angels , all four of them, gone just like that! Sad!

Oh God! I don't want to offend with the wrong words at this time but this pain is too much!

I am holding back so much pains. Lord, have mercy on Nigeria. Help comfort the grieving families in Jesus name, Amen

That's a Wrap!

This week has been a very exhausting one for me. I found out that ulcer is not only associated to 'lepa' skinny people who rarely eat but the average 'orobo' fat babes too are not spared. Thank God for medical test and treatment. Simply put, my eye see papper!

Tell me something, is it possible to deny yourself or rather refuse to indulge yourself a few extra hours of sleep when you know you are dying to just curl up a little more even in this tempting weather? For where, school runs calls, wake up jare!

Mr Edafe's car that was broken into and his valuables stolen this week was a big surprise to everyone in the compound. The incidence turned out to be more than it appeared. Apparently, Salisu, had been allowing his other 'brothers' sleep in the compound without the landlords/landladies n tenants consent. Wondersful! Well, he opened up to the police and offered to pay for the damages ( see him mouth!). He was release same day! Abi who go guard the compound?

Emergency meeting of tenants was called for to address our common good - security, so as to avert such things happening again and to put Salisu in his proper place. As much as we dread to say it, the migration of 'these brothers' reach make person begin wise o!

I couldn't afford to go out as per my social life wey I don activate full gear, lol. The rain today was just not it. Anyway, I had enough rest, trust me , I needed it. Thanksgiving in church in the morning, cos I need to thank God for healing me from wetin typhoid alias malaria use my eyes see. Don't laugh o, its not funny.

That's a wrap! *wink*

Wish you all the best of the week ahead!

My "Wonderbabes"

Its already the first half of the year! Wow! Took time out last night to do some soul searching. Checking my goals list and all that. It dawned on me that a few hours time, it was going to be influx of of ' happy new month' messages from everywhere on my blackberry!

I mean even those that never 'had the time' to say hi , suddendly remembers you as a friend. What a lie! Anyway, that's expected in a world where everything is on the speed lane ( am as guilty too sometimes).

So, right here and now, I have resolved to make amends! Yes! Starting with wishing everyone who has taken the time to view my blog, left a comment, or silently said a prayer for me and Lil Princess. I say Thank you very much. God bless you in many ways that you can't count! Amen!

To these seven "Wonderbabes" @Che, @ilola, @HoneyDame, @Simply Mee, @LadyNgo, @Nenyenwa and @Pretty Lashes, I say thank you for following my blog.

Have a prosperous month everyone!