I Hate Tagging, Please Can It Stop Now?

I was tagged by afrobabe and anonymous gal, and as far as tagging goes, I hate it, as my title already suggests! I know I've done a meme before, but what ever...Here it is..again!

Here are the rules:

• Link the person who tagged you…
• Mention the rules in your blog
• Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours...
• Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them
• Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged

1. I find it difficult to say no, with the exception of saying it to silly boys of course! 'Chickito, please can I have so and so?' OR 'Chickito, will you do so and so for me?'
   'Yes please, no problem' is my surest answer to these questions, even when I feel like shouting a big NO. I need help there. Why can't I just say no?
2. I can't stand it when people move my things from where I kept them originally. Things have to be a certain way for me to be happy. I guess that's one of the reasons I never want to share a room with anyone. They don't get it! They just dont. Now that scares me because I'll get married and it will definitely happen and I'll always be pissed!
3. I love to fart. Ok, can't believe I admitted that, but it's true. I don't know if it's just the sound of the loud ones, or the smell...lol. Disgusting I know, but hey, you asked! And I love doing it in the presence of people. It's no fun doing it when I'm alone. Boo feels embarrassed when I do it in front of other people. Poor soul!
4. Who cares for panties? Not me! I go about without underwear. Whether I'm wearing trousers, skirts or dresses! I only break this rule when I'm on my period or going to church. Can't say exactly why this is so...hmmm
5. I'm a freak for nice scents. Notice, not smell! I can't stand body odour, mouth odour or any other odour for that matter. The fastest way to get me to notice you is walk past me with a killer (in a good way, that is) fragrance...I go just dey follow you.
6. I choose to always see the glass as half full. I'm a very optimistic soul. 'Things will get better' is my motto, even in the midst of calamity. I choose to always look on the bright side.
   
   That's all folks. Terribly disappointing, I'm sure. Told you, I hate this tagging thing. I'm also not going to tag anyone, you can breathe out now.

~~~~

On a lighter note....

This is the picture if a Zimbabwean boy on his way to buy a loaf of bread!!! What can I say? Things will get better.
I'm out.

LOL!

Holla Pipo,
How's everyone doing? I know y'all were in panic following my last post. I'm so sorry...not! Lol. Really, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I was truly touched that you do really care about what happens to me. Feels like family up in here...for real. Was just trying to write something nice. I'm glad you enjoyed it though. I am also pleased to announce to you, that Boo is doing well. He's out of town at the moment, so I'm a bit lonely. But we are doing well. We had a little fight at the airport before his departure, but nothing relationship threatening. He does get on my nerves sometimes. Actually, a lot. But that's gist for another day.

---

I received a very sweet email recently and thought to share with y'all. Hope you enjoy it as much as i did. Will do a proper update soon.

~~~THROUGH A CHILD'S EYES~~~

Have a lovely weekend y'all. Peace!

Brokenness

It was a rainy night. Dark clouds shadowed the skies. Thunder and lightning rumbled across the heavens and the trees bowed in adoration and awe of the mighty wind. Little children were screaming in fright. Even adults trembled in fear willing the storm to be over. I was numb from the pain, oblivious to my surroundings. For all I cared the world could burn down in an instant. It would still have made no sense. What was life anyway? Who cared if we lived or perished? My mind was in absolute turmoil, the storm within greater than the one without. At intervals, I got curious stares from those around, but nobody asked any questions. Everyone pondered over his own inner thoughts and left me to burn in my own private hell.

I thought this love was forever. I could have sworn we were soul mates, made for each other. Is this how it felt to be heartbroken? I could feel the life draining from my quivering flesh, my heart shattering into a thousand pieces wounding my insides and scaring my soul. I knew in that instant I would never love again. There wasn’t enough of me to give away. I had become an incomplete woman, one who was once cherished and valued for her emotional independence. What I wouldn’t give to be in the arms of the one who promised to love me forever…just one more time. I’d give my arm and leg just to hear the words I once took for granted from the one who vowed to never bring me to this point.

That night marked the beginning of the end for me in many ways, after he told me it was over. Just like that. No explanation. No backward glance. One minute he was there, and the next he was gone. Later, my friends would try to tell me I’m better off without him. The bunch of liars. What do they know?

---

Today, I’m as weak as I was that night. I can’t concentrate on anything. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep. The memories are drowning my spirit. I hate him but I hate me even more. For allowing myself to give of me so freely, trustingly and with a reckless abandon. I smile but all they see is a frown. I try to speak but all they hear are sobs. Maybe I should take a vacation or maybe I should just die. I hear them laughing at me, “she always thought she was better than us!” they say in scorn.

I’m losing me…yes I feel me departing, from this temple I always thought I’d reside in for a long while to come…what have I done? Where am I? I’m confused. This must be what it feels like to be insane. I’m broken…

I'm Back!!!

The weirdest, most annoying thing just happened to me now! I just typed a very long post and it disappeared before I could save or publish it. I'm so pissed. The auto save thingy doesn't seem to be working anymore. In fact this 'Create Post' page is looking real strange to me!

Well, let me try and start afresh...dang!
Thanks to all those who kept checking up on me. I'm back now and ready for action. My boss traveled since last week (em, sorry o), but he gave me a whole lot of work to last one year! I've relaxed jare...since I know I possibly can't meet up before he returns on Monday. Talk about unrealistic expectations!!

Nothing much has been happening sha...a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I will now proceed to ramble some. My aunt (Mom's cousin) was in Abuja over the weekend. She was on her way to Kaduna on official assignment and decided to visit with me before continuing on her journey. She kept asking funny questions and I knew they were all about Boo. She was asking strange questions like who paid for my house? Who furnished it? Who bought me a car? How did I get my job? Was I sleeping with Boo? I thought these questions were down right strange and inappropriate, but I just laughed them off without answering any of them. I introduced her to Boo eventually at a party organized by Boo's office. He asked me to invite her if she was up to it. To cut the long story short, she was acting real funny all night. When we got home, I asked her what the problem was, but she said that her spirit and his don't agree, that she prayed about us and because she felt uneasy, she decided to speak to her pastor. Her pastor told her that Boo is a 419, that he just wants to use and dump me! She went on to say that the only way I could make him mine forever was to get pregnant, that couldn't I see he was too good to be true? I was too amazed for words! Just imagine. I told her I didn't want to hear any more. If that was her motherly advice to me, she should just keep it to herself. Her 2 daughters are yet to be married and they are older than me...no suitors, nothing. Na my life she wan come spoil? If she knew so much, why were her kids not married? Abeg! I feel she is just jealous.
I was so glad when she left. I told Boo all she said and we laughed together. It's been a while I heard such crap, really.

I have started going to the gym again (I quit a while back and I swear, I've gained at least 2KG!). I want to loose the extra weight and prevent any future weight gains. Putting on the weight is easy, but getting it off is the real pain. I weigh 64KG normally. I'm 5ft 6inches tall, so I'm just OK. Not skinny, but not fat and I love the way i am but I need to work hard to maintain what I've got. That reminds me...one jerk of a guy saw me having lunch in my office recently and was trying to joke one kind yeye joke. He said, 'Chickito, So you still dey chop? You are already well padded and people like you need to save food for the rest of us to eat.' He laughed very loudly as if congratulating himself for telling some brilliant joke. The guy forgot that his wife looks like luxury bus tyres. Very chubby (that is putting it mildly!) I replied him with, 'I'm guessing your wife didn't get the memo?' *Ouch* I'm sure he thought to himself. He stopped laughing and walked away. Next time, he'd know better.

Any way I guess I've done my bit here for today. Be good y'all and enjoy the rest of your day!
I'm out!

Lazy Me

...So bite me! Abeg jo. Things are really hectic for me at the moment. Blogging has been relegated to the back seat for now. Hopefully when my boss travels, I will be back in form. But for now, I have to snick around just to read your blogs.

Missing you guys real bad...*sniff sniff*
Don't forget me, please? I'm still around. Check up on me when you can.
I love y'all.
I'm out.

N.B: Abbie, ma big sis DL and Ms Emotions..a special shout out to you for showing the love...muahhhh.

The Female Driver

It rained for a bit this morning in Abuja. Thankfully, when it does, there is still no traffic and water doesn't gather annoyingly on the roads. I was running a little late for work this morning, so I drove a little faster than I normally would, but no matter how fast I'm moving, I'm always very conscious of traffic rules. I don't overtake wrongly or put the lives of other drivers and passengers at stake. There was a driver who tried to overtake me wrongly, because he saw I was a female driver. (Why are Nigerian drivers so impatient?). But as an expert driver myself (if I may say so..started driving at sixteen), I maneuvered my car, making sure he didn't pass me. Normally I just let crazy, impatient drivers go with their wahala. But this morning, I was running late, so I didn't. After trying everything he possible could to scare me off and I didn't budge, he conceded defeat to prance on the next victim. I wasn't aware that a bus driver watched us with amusement and when we stopped at the next traffic light, he said,
'You be woman o, why you dey drive like tazi driva?' He was smiling. As if to say he was impressed. I wasn't sure if I liked the back handed compliment, but I just let it slide without responding.

Most times while driving, I've seen and heard other drivers insulting female drivers. Comments like 'E no sabi, na woman, no wonder,' or 'I must drive myself, you no go tell your husband to give you driver?' or 'Na so woman dey drive!' are not uncommon on the road. Are there really that few good female drivers, or are the male drivers just being sexist? It annoys me on end though, when I see a woman who has no business driving, being a nuisance on the streets. I feel it is women like that that make people generalize that women are bad drivers. If it is a man, no one says anything, they'd just write it off as one of those things, maybe he's having a bad day! *Hiss*
Here are some photos I got in an email a while ago..

I just couldn't help but add these pictures. I'm not making fun of my gender o. Hehe.
I've got to go. Have a lovely weekend y'all. Muuaah

About Bread Winning and Condoms

...For the lack of a better title...

Yeah I know, I've been missing in action. But I've still been very much around on your pages. How's everyone doing? I'm alright. Work's killing me though. Trying not to complain too much, because some people will kill to be where I am. God's been good.

Was discussing with a friend of mine, who's getting married on Saturday, that's two days from now. She's the one with the job. Her man doesn't have one. He's not lazy or anything like that, but he just thinks he ought to be a stay home dad. At first when I heard that, I was alarmed. But she explained the situation to me and it got me thinking. She makes pretty good money like you can't even imagine. They've been dating since school. They finished school and she got a job even before she graduated. (Yeah, she's brainy like that). He does this and that to bring in a little cash, but he has no steady job. She's the major bread winner. He'll probably get by without her, but she's definitely made his life more comfortable.

A lot of people say he's a gold digger, but I know that ain't the case but people don't really understand. Now my question is, is it Nigerian (or manly for that matter) to be a house husband? If the husband and wife decide that the woman should bring the money, who's to say she shouldn't? What's right and what's wrong? I know people will say, a couple should decide what works best for them, as no two marriages can ever be the same. But is this ever a healthy arrangement? I need to know from the men. I, for one can't marry a man who'll be content to let me bring in the cash month after month. I'll definitely grow resentful toward him.

Something really embarrassing happened to me today. In fact that's what even inspired this post. I took a colleague of mine to the clinic this morning. She was to go see the doctor for a routine check-up today. Her car broke down on her way to work, so she begged me to give her a ride to the clinic. We got to the hospital and the doctor she wanted to see is a friend of ours, so we were gisting and playing with the guy. When we were about to leave, we saw a pack of condoms on a table by the door. I made to pass by without giving it another thought(I mean which one concern Agbero with overload?) But not my friend, she reached for a handful. I just shook my head. the doctor said she should go and marry before she shags all the guys in Abuja and then none of them will agree to marry her again. We all laughed. It was a joke.

On our way out, she slipped them into my bag, as she left hers at the office. When we got back to the office, we both forgot her condoms in my handbag. By this time, like 11:30, I was already late for a departmental meeting slated for 11am, so we just ran off to our respective buildings and promised to meet for lunch. I got into the meeting and luckily since it was a big meeting, my lateness wasn't really noticed by those that mattered. I just quietly took a seat at the back. During tea break, the whole place was rowdy, people greeting people and just moving around. Me and my friends were together making noise in one corner. Suddenly someone shoved me hard from behind and knocked my bag off my shoulders, almost knocking me down as well. I turned to glare at him and pass a rude comment (the guy is my friend) only to notice everyone staring at the contents of my bag that had spilled out. They seemed to be shocked.I wondered why. I had totally forgotten them condoms. Chei. If I could blush i would have turned the crimson colour of ripe red cherries! Can't remember the last time I felt this embarrassed in public. I wanted the floor to open and swallow me. One colleague of mine quickly rushed over to help me. After picking up all the condoms, she said loudly, 'Here are your six condoms.' They were all laughing.

I'm over the incident now and I called my friend immediately to come and take her property. All the guys have been giving me lewd glances since then, like they wanna get in my pants. (Or maybe I'm just imagining it). One even said, 'Chickito, I could have sworn that you are a sweet innocent thing. I guess it's just your act.' I feel my rep has been irreparably damaged. Ahh. Well, if any one of them comes to say rubbish in my ear, I will pour devil beans down his pants! (Remember devil beans, anyone? It's this itchy plant we used to see as kids in the football field or wherever).

Well that's all for now folks. I'm out. Muaahhh...

New Wife?

It's so much easier to go around reading other peoples blogs and leaving comments. I try to update every single day, but I start and never finish. Work nko? It sure doesn't help the matter. A lot of things are happening and I know I should blog about them. This post is a bit long (sorry o, the story plenty!) I know, but I don't want to do part two like some people (DL, na you I dey talk. Go update jo)!

First off, last weekend was some thing else. I traveled home to attend a wedding. I arrived on Saturday morning and went straight to my Parents' house to get ready for the wedding which was to begin by noon, abi where was I supposed to go before? Let me take this slow. My Dad sent a driver to come pick me from the airport. Boo followed me inside just to greet my parents and then the driver took him to his own house. A few minutes before 12 noon, Boo returned to pick me up and we left the house. (I have a bad habit of sometimes leaving my phone at home if I feel I might not have any need for it, or I just don't want to be disturbed and that day was one of such days.)

We arrived at the wedding and I was there enjoying my self jejely with my man and I felt this great urge to turn my head to look behind me. Ah, there she was! Boo's Mother. She had this accusing look in her eyes. I waved and smiled at her, she just moved her eyes up and down (as in she eyed me very well) and turned her head away. I just pretended I was waving to someone else. I turned to Boo and asked, 'Why is your Mom mad at me? Have I done something wrong or is it her just being her usual self?'
Boo smiled at me and said, 'Pay her no mind babe, she's just being herself,' and he winked at me.
'It's only because of you that I put up with her, hope you know that,' and I just kept grumbling to myself about why she won't just give me a chance and blah, blah bla. Boo took my hand and squeezed it and we continued to enjoy the wedding and I forgot about Boo's Mom for a while.

At the reception, I noticed that all of Boo's sisters had arrived. All six of them. From my table,I could see everyone sitting at their own table. Boo's parents, his sisters and some of their friends. I got up to go say hi and tell them I'd be coming to the house later in the day to pay them a visit. As I approached, I noticed one really pretty chick sitting at the table. I couldn't help but notice her. She was a very attractive- light, smooth complexion, lovely hair, slender body- woman. She couldn't have been much older than me. I greeted Boo's dad first, and he stood up to give me a hug. That gave me the strength to face the brood of vipers! lol. He asked after my parents, my health, etc, like a true father would. Then I turned to greet the others. Mom first.
'Hello Mom, it's so good to see you. You look wonderful. I believe all is well?' I had on this plastic smile and it threatened to break if worn for much longer.
'I am fine. So you are too big to reply my text messages now? Hmm, this our wife. I wanted to know why you didn't think you should have come to greet your in-laws when you entered town. I know my son was at your house. I don't believe that this is how your mother taught you to behave toward the family you have plans of marrying into. Is this how you intend to impress us?' See me o. Impress them, what for? I just stood there dumb founded.
Boo's dad came to my rescue. He said, 'Woman, leave her alone. Why do you bother the child?' I felt like crying. Me I get Mama too o. I felt like telling her off. But for Boo's sake I held my tongue, and said instead, still smiling (I'm sure the smile had broken off on some parts of my face!lol) 'Ah Mommy. I just went home to change. Will be at the house after the wedding. And I didn't know you sent me a text. My phone is at home. I am sorry.'

She just made one sound in her throat and turned way. Then as if thinking aloud, she said, 'If you don't like what you have, there are others who will take it from you and do a better job with it.' I didn't understand what she meant then. I greeted Boo's sisters and went back to my table. Then the pretty girl I saw earlier came over to my table and said to Boo, 'Your mom asked me to get you.' Her voice was really sweet and she looked really innocent with her big eyes. She stretched out her hand shyly and he took it. Before leaving with her, he did a quick introduction. I learned her name was *Bianca and her family was friends with his family. As they walked away, she held on to him as if holding on for dear life. It was quite funny to me. When they got to the other table, it was so obvious she was smitten by him. She was flirting with him quite openly and Boo's family members were looking on with approval. I wasn't bothered. I went to the dance floor and danced for a while, went around greeting old friends and generally having a good time.

After the wedding party, Boo and I went straight to his house. From all that had happened at the party, it was obvious to me that this Bianca girl was planted by Boo's mom to try and seduce her son. I no ku ku sabi fight for man. He has to make his decision to stay with me or not. Boo's mom was always saying so I could hear, 'Bianca is this, Bianca is that.' She was just being childish as far as I'm concerned. The boy has made his choice, why won't they just leave him be?

When his mom said 'Ah Boo, Bianca will be coming to Abuja in 2 weeks. She's in Nigeria for a month and I will appreciate it and consider it a personal favor, if you would entertain her for the period she will be in Abuja,' I just smiled to myself. She couldn't have been any more forward.
He asked Bianca if she had already booked her hotel and his mom came in again, 'Hotel ke? What for? Isn't your house big enough? You have 3 bedrooms, surely She can stay in one of them.' I continued to listen to this conversation as if they were discussing some tennis game in which I had no interest in whatsoever. This went on and on and Boo firmly rejected to have her in his house. He was willing to book her into a hotel and show her around town when she came in, but that was where he drew the line. 'That's my man, I thought to myself!'

Momsie, seeing she was getting no where with her dubious plan said, 'Or is it because of Chickito? Chickito my dear, will you mind if he let her stay in his house for a few days?' hehehehe. Very funny. Since when did I become her dear? Abegi!
I replied sweetly, 'I think he can make up his own mind Mom. Whatever he decides is Ok with me.'

Anyway, let me cut the long story short. My mother in law (to be) wants to give her son another wife. Imagine that. I mean, she disrespects me already, but this was taking it up a notch! I am not jealous at all. The chick is fine but I can hold my own against her any day. I am not moved at all. Boo even tried to reassure me of his love and commitment to me. I told him I knew and I didn't need convincing. My only fear is that when we do finally get married I hope the woman will not continue her meddling ways. She is over bearing, and I keep praying to God for the grace to bear 'the burden' (she is the burden). AMEN.

That's it for now folks. I'm signing out right now. I gat to get back to work. Muahhhh

I remember...

It's really been one very hectic week since I last updated. Work has really taken a hold of me, but I decided that today, nothing, whether man made or not, can stop me from updating. So let's get to it already.

Tomorrow, Boo and I will travel home for a friend's wedding. Did I mention that Boo and I come from the same place? Yep, so we'll get to spend time with our families. I'm really not looking forward to seeing his family members, God help me. His sisters are coming for the wedding as well - arrhggg.

Just as I was thinking about my childhood yesterday, I remembered an incident that occurred when I was about six years old. It happened to my younger sister and I. She was two. Her name is K. I used to go for evening lessons then. The driver would drop me and my elder brother off by 3:00pm after school and my parents will come pick us up at 6:00pm. I used to love the drive back home. My parents would stop to buy roasted corn and pear or bole (roasted plantain) depending on the season, for us to eat on the ride back home. I just loved those evenings. We lived in the G.R.A and the streets were always quiet and cool, because of the big trees along the road. My sister and I would ask our parents to drop us off two streets from our house, so we could walk home and eat our snack and just enjoy nature. The streets were short and so the walk was less than 10 minutes. This was usually the highlight of our day.

One faithful day, as we were walking back home from the point our parents had dropped us off, we met two men. You see, our parents told us never to talk to anyone we didn't know on our way. So when we saw the two men, we made to pass them. I noticed that they were looking at us as if trying to look for something. I remember one of them one was wearing camouflage shirt and trousers and the other wore cream linen (or maybe it was cotton) buba and sokoto (native style shirt and trouser). Camouflage guy said to linen guy, when we got close enough to hear,
'Let's take them. They look OK to me.'
Linen guy answered, 'No now, they are too small.' They stopped to look at us, but we kept walking. K didn't seem to realize what had just happened. I took her hand and we picked up our pace. My heart was pounding. After a few steps, I courageously looked back. They were still arguing with themselves. Our bend was just around the corner and as soon as we took it, I told K, 'Run!'

We ran like we have never run before. I never looked back until I was safely inside my house. My Mom asked what the matter was, and I narrated the whole thing to her. She told me that the men were kidnappers! Of course that was the last time we ever took our evening stroll on the way back from lesson. It's funny the things you never forget from your childhood.

I remember once when my Mom traveled, my Dad had to give me a bath in the morning to prepare me for school. I was in KG3. I remember my Mom never had the patience to feed us when we were little, it was always my Dad's job. He'll sit with us for hours until we were fed our lunch. By this time my Mom had entered 'gear 2' in her siesta. I remember My Dad used to always make breakfast on week days before waking our Mom and us. I remember my Mom taking me to the market one evening, (I couldn't have been more than 2) and one woman said I was a future 'Miss Nigeria'! I remember I took baby formula until after my sister was born. I remember I had this massive toy guitar I loved to play in front of the TV anytime a music video played on TV. I remember I used to love touching one exposed live wire in the living room. The shock was thrilling! I had no idea it was dangerous, until I was caught. So many random things come to mind now. Let me not get all weird on you!

I'm almost done fixing my new place up. I've hung my TV up on the wall. It's really wonderful having my own place. My ex flattie and her fiance have paid me my money. They are still together. Don't ask me how come. I'm not interested. Bayo just wants to move the wedding forward. I'm hearing it will be in May. Wharrever men. I wish them all the best. Me and Boo are doing OK. All is well and I'm grateful to God. I don't think I'm forgetting anything. So there. Have a lovely weekend.

I'm out.

Hello people, just thought I'd come in here and dabble a little bit. And no, no drama this time. Things have been calm. I really don't know what I'm going to write today, but I'm sure by the time I'm done there'll be a few lines of something for you read and hopefully enjoy. There's this meme thing I've been seeing around blogville and I've decided to join the band wagon. haha. So here it goes.

Random things about me-

1. I hate wet grass or sand.
I don't know why, but right from when I was a child I just couldn't put my feet down on wet grass. It's so disgusting for me, even If I'm wearing shoes.
2. I love my own company.
When I'm alone, I do all kinds of things. Most times I'm some important celebrity or counselor being interviewed and telling people how to achieve great success like me. I guess I'm just practicing for the future huh?

3. I'm a great manipulator.
Although I have repented (or I'm in recovery, hehe). I know how to get my way from anyone. A few well constructed lines to hit my target and my puppy dog look, like I have no idea the kind of impact I'm making. Works every time. But I realized it's not really fair.
4. Used to think I'd end up being a singer (hence No. 2 above)
I have a lovely voice. Not kidding myself or anything, but I do have a great voice. I used to sing solos back in my home church choir and in my school fellowship back then. I still sing though but only in my shower (and for friends who beg me to)! My friends tried to make me go in to audition for the West African idols, but I wouldn't hear of it. 5. I'm a mommy's girl. (And my Dad is always jealous)
Those who know me well probably hear mommy this, mommy that, constantly. I love my mama to bits and have a very good relationship with her. She is a very important figure in my life and my role model. She is an achiever and a great everything. What else can I say?6. I'm a meat lover
Chicken, beef, goat meat, bush meat, turkey, snails, you name it (even fish) and I'll eat it. Please note that this does not include snake, frogs, cat and dogs. I'm talking about edible meat. lol. Some people dey chop dog o! Tufiakwa!!! You can winch me with meat. My mum used to say I'll have to marry a butcher to keep up with my insatiable love for meat. I don't understand people who don't eat meat, how do they do it? *shakes head*7. I used to love traveling by road
Until I was posted to Sokoto for my NYSC. I love to admire the landscape of the various states in Nigeria that I visit, and the best way for me to achieve this was to travel by road right? So, I got my letter to go and serve my country. I almost cried when I saw the state I was going to. But I decided to make an adventure out of it. I left my house (some where in south-south Nigeria) by 7:00am in the morning. I got to Sokoto by 2:30am the following morning. I was beat, hungry and pissed. Of course that was my last journey by road to the place. I redeployed back home after the 3 week camp. I had had enough. Now though, any journey more than 3 hrs by road, count me out!8. I'm an introvert.
Never the life of a party. Some people think I'm proud and pompous and mysterious. I don't try to prove them right or wrong. I let them think what they like, and it infuriates them. If you judge me before getting to me know, that's your cup of tea. I'm never going to try to impress anyone by pretending. What you see is what you get. But I am a very loving, humble and cheerful person, plain as day, if you take the time to get to know me.

9. I sleep in the nude
Except I have to share the room with a guy (which is rare anyway). I also walk around my house in just my panties, except there is a man around. I just love being naked. It's liberating!That's all I could come up with. Haha. It's not easy at all. I hope you were able to have a peak into....me.
Have a great lovely weekend.
I'm out

Random Happenings

Pipo, how y'all doing? It's been a while huh? I'm finally moving to my own place next weekend by the grace of God. Yay!!! I found this really gorgeous one-bedroom flat and I'm ecstatic. It's simply lovely and I give thanks to God. Boo surprised me by buying me a flat-screen TV for my living room. He calls it his house warming gift to me. I was simply blown away (still am, actually. Never thought I'd own one so soon!). My new (soon to be ex) flattie, *Abby has been real gracious. No drama what so ever. She doesn't seem to want me to leave, but I got to do what I got to do. As for the buffoons, Sade and Bayo, they've promised to refund my money come month-end. I don't know how they are coping with each other, and frankly, I don't care.

Anyway, there's this guy who works in the same company that I work in. We met in my early days at the company and I noticed he had an interest in me. He took it upon himself to show me around and tell me one or two things about the people I would be working with. We kinda became friends. He was easy to talk to and he was one of the first friends I made there, so we used to hang out together often, during lunch break. He used to call me almost every hour just to find out how I was coping at the job and I felt he was such a nice guy. I told him early on though that I was off the market (so to speak), just in case he got any ideas that this was more than it was. He came to my office one faithful afternoon and said we should go for lunch that he had something really important to tell me. I wondered what it could be, but I just went with him anyway. We sat down to eat and we were discussing about random things when he suddenly said, 'Chickito, I'm falling for you, and I believe you feel the same.'

At first, I thought I didn't hear him well, so I said, 'sorry?'
He repeated himself and I was speechless for a few seconds. I knew our friendship was ruined forever. I just knew. I decided not to beat around the bush and come out straight. I told him once again, 'I have a fiance, and we are getting married soon. Besides I don't feel that way about you. You are just a good friend,' I concluded.

He smiled and said, 'I have seen the future, and we are meant to be.' What the hell did he mean? I looked at him carefully to be sure he was still sane. I felt sorry for him but didn't show it. I smiled back and said, 'Don't hold your breath, it's not going to happen.' After that incident, he started calling me more regularly, even after working hours. He wanted us to go on a date. I told him I didn't have a problem with that, if I could bring my fiance. He became angry and told me I was being childish. I don suffer! He stopped calling. The first time we met on the corridor after that, he walked by me like I wasn't there. I had a smile on my face, stopped to say hi, and he walked right on by. Fast-forward to this morning, a female colleague of mine came to my office, which was a rare occurrence as we were not really friends. She looked a bit unsure of how to say what she had to say.
'Em, Chickito, I don't know how to say this, but please don't take it the wrong way,' I was truly lost, I couldn't imagine what we had to talk about.
'*Sarah, go ahead. What is the problem?'
'*Toju told me that you guys were once em...very close, and you were in love with him. We are dating now and we are happy. But he told me that it's like you are not happy he's dating me, and you disrespect him when you see him.' *What da hell is this woman talking about? The murraf&%^+r! Oh no he didn't!!*

I was too overwhelmed for words. I sat there and listened to all she had to say. I wanted to walk her out of my office and give her some not so endearing words to tell her boyfriend. But I didn't. I was fuming for a while after she left, I mean, really fuming. But I realized that somehow, it didn't matter. The two of us (Toju and I) know the real truth between us. Blasted nigger! I'm sending thunder into his pants. He'll regret lying about me to his girlfriend. I don't even know how to express myself. *hiss*

As for those of you wondering why I haven't married Boo yet, it's because of our families. it's the Nigerian thing. The whole family wants to attend the wedding and we actually said we'd be ready by the middle of the year, but they've pleaded with us to postpone till the end of the year. Anyone who misses it will miss out as we are not ready to postpone it till next year. And it's not like they want to help us make it grand or anything like that o. I wonder why they want to be there! Just want to make us spend more money. My parents don't mind, if not I would become Mrs... come July. It's all good though.

I guess that's it for now. The other things I would have wanted to blog about are still unfolding, so let me let the tori complete first, then I go yarn.

I'm out.

'Feast' Your Eyes

Hey folks. I'm at a meeting right now and I'm hungry and bored out of my mind. Some oyinbo people are giving a presentation to the staff of my unit and I was required to attend. We were given meat pie and juice during the lunch break- meat pie and juice!*&!#@- can you imagine? This is the worst meeting I've had to attend. So, here I am sitting with my laptop, looking attentive and 'taking notes' (meaning I'm browsing). At a point I knew I'd fall asleep and to prevent embarrassing myself, I decided to do something constructive. I looked for pictures of food (I love food) and since I haven't eaten all afternoon, this is probably the closest I'll get to food, before I get home.

Here are the pictures. Enjoy!

Beans and Plantain

Jollof Rice

Pounded Yam an Egusi Soup

Goat Meat Peppersoup

Pounded Yam and Ogbonor Soup with assorted meat.


Check out the vegetable soup right there in the middle!

I don't feel sleepy anymore. Now I am really hungry. Let me get back to the meeting jare.
I'm out!

Happenings

I finally moved out of Boo's house on Sunday after just one week. I was really sad to leave, but I had to. A friend of mine called me to find out how I was doing and we got together on Friday Night last week, after work. I told her about everything that had been happening, and she offered to let me stay at her place until I could get my own place, and I agreed. I had earlier decided not to ask any of my friends in Abuja for such favors (none of my close girl friends stay in Abuja), but since she offered, I accepted. I've already seen one or two places that suit me just fine, but alot of people are also eyeing the apartments so it's now down to 'let the best man win'!

I have told Sade and Bayo (My former flatmate and her fiance) that I wouldn't be returning. Sade begged me not to just leave like that. I just told her to discuss with Bayo, so that they could come up with my remaining rent money by the end of the month. I hope I don't have to fight them to collect it.

Boo begged me not to leave and I almost changed my mind. But I just had to make him understand my position and he did although he wasn't too happy about it. My poor baby. I feel so sorry for him. lol. Anyway, my new and temporary roommate is Abby. We met in school and have kept in touch ever since, even if we are not the closest of friends. She comes across as a likable and sweet soul and I think we will get along just fine. The house is a lot smaller than my former flat and is a one-bedroom apartment, so we have to share the room and bathroom. But it's not so bad. I had to stock up on food and other things so that I won't be staying for free.

That's it for now folks. Thanks to everyone for your words of encouragement, advice and funny jokes (y'all know yourselves). It is truly appreciated.

I'm out. Have a wonderful day!

Update

Last Friday
Got home from the office at about 7:10pm. Was in a good mood until I entered my flat and saw my flattie, Sade and her fiance, Bayo sitting in the living room. They looked like someone had died. I wished I had invisible powers at that time, so that I could sneak in unnoticed. I greeted them. Bayo mumbled something back, Sade just sat begging me with her eyes. The girl I used to know was no more. Maybe she never existed. I went into my room and as soon as I sat on my bed, I heard a quiet knock. It was Bayo.

'Chickito, please join us in the living room when you are done. It's important,' it was obvious that something was wrong. Anyway, I didn't bother to change my clothes. Went out immediately.

'What's up?' I asked.

'It has come to my knowledge that you've been helping Sade to entertain her other boyfriend.You girls have been making a fool of me. I agreed to allow you stay here because I believed you were decent.' I thought I was going to loose it there and then. See this mumu o. You no fit keep your Madam, you dey blame me. Na me go help you service am? Besides, I'm not just 'staying here', I'm paying rent! But instead, I sat mute and let him say his mind.

'Duke is a guy that Sade f****d before we got together and when we initially started seeing each other. She promised she'd stop seeing him, and I believed her. She is a bitch. But you, Chickito, I thought you'd tell me if she was up to something. I'm so disappointed. I bet you bring in men as well, and I'll have to tell Boo. You two are one of a kind. At least before he marries you, let him know what he is getting himself into. Let him know you are a little prostitute!' I totally lost it then and I'm still asking God to forgive me for saying the things that I did.

'It is your mother that is a prostitute, you bastard son of a nobody. How dare you? Am I your private detective? Are you not both old enough to carry on maturely? If she's seeing another man, how is that my concern? You are obviously not man enough to do her justice, that's why she went for a more virile man to give her what she needed. Shame on you. Pig!'

'Please stop.' Sade managed to mutter, but she was trembling by this time, looking from me to Bayo. She knew there was no easy way out of this one. Bayo was enraged and I could swear he would hit me. But he held himself back. I remember looking so defiant an thinking to myself, 'If them born you well, touch me.'

There was an uneasy quiet at this time. And I decided it was time to take my leave. I went into my room and called Boo. He was at a meeting, but told me to go wait for him at home. I stormed out of the house banging the door behind me. I sat in my car for a while to calm down and when I was OK, I drove out from the parking lot to Boo's house.

I was making dinner for myself when Boo got home and boy was I glad to see him. We talked in the kitchen and he said we could go get my things in the morning. I gave him a great big hug because at the time I thought it was a good idea. But now, I'm thinking, should I have allowed them run me out? After all my rent hadn't expired. We ate dinner and it felt sooo good being with Boo like that. We cuddled on the couch and everything felt so right. That was the first night. We slept in separate bedrooms.

Last Saturday
Went to my house early in the morning to get my things. Boo went with me, in case things got out of hand. The house was empty, so I was able to pack most of my things without drama. We spent the rest of the day together running errands. Went to watch a movie in the evening. By the time we got back, I was truly fagged out. We slept in separate bedrooms on the second night.

Sunday
We went to church in the morning and spent the rest of the day resting at his crib. I hadn't heard from either Sade or Bayo and couldn't care less. I guess Bayo had changed his mind about telling Boo that I wasn't that innocent. *Shrug*. What ever! I was having a blast and didn't care about the rest of the world. That night however, *clears throat*, I slept with Boo. OK, not as in sex oh, pullleease! I mean on the same bed. We were watching TV on the bed. I was all set to sleep. Wore baggy pyjamas, so I don't temp the poor guy. Nothing prepared me for the way he looked at me though. I was lying with my head at the foot of the bed and he was lying with his head in the opposite direction. Something made me turn toward him for a moment and I caught him starring at me with hungry eyes. We kiss and stuff once in a while, but nothing too heavy. But this time the way he rushed my lips en, like a dying man sucking on a few drops of water in a bid to save his life! I could feel my own body tense up. At that moment, I knew that I wouldn't sleep in my own room. I can't remember the exact sequence of things, but I remember that after a while, he reluctantly pulled himself away from me. I was only too glad, because I knew I might not have been able to stop myself. We continued watching the film and I dozed off. He gently woke me up on Monday morning to get ready for work.

There's a lot of pent up sexual tension in the air at the moment. And I'm wondering if being with him in the same house is a good idea. I know he would never jump me, but body no be fire wood. I am looking for another place. But I'm also thinking of going back to my flat and continuing my search from there. I love his company and all that, but if I'm to keep up with my 'no marriage, no sex' stand then I know this is not a healthy situation. But how do I return to that house? I don't think I can't take any more drama. I am truly fed up.

So my pipo, this is what has been happening. I hope to find a place by next week sha, by the grace of God. If I don't, I just might move back to my flat and manage till my rent expires in May. *cringe*. Got to go now though. I have a deadline at work. Hope to hang out with y'all at your blogs, so gimme a shout out.

I'm out.

Pre-Update

My weekend was really crappy. Got to work on Monday feeling groggy and reluctant to work. I'm sorry I haven't updated. Will try to do a proper update tomorrow. I've moved out from my place to Boo's house. Not sure if this is not going from frying pan to fire. My former flattie and her fiance have issues to work out and I don't want to be caught in the cross fire. Moving was hectic, and I'm still trying to recover. Got to go now. I pray I have the energy tomorrow, to give a blow by blow account of everything going on at the moment.

Holla y'all. I'm out.

Posing!

Yesterday during my lunch hour, I went to one new joint not so close to my office to eat, so I had to take my car. The food men, was yummy. I was confused about what to eat because there were so many mouth watering choices on display. There was ofada rice with the ofada source, amala and ewedu, pounded yam with egusi and dry fish, okro, efo, peppered snails, bush meat, beans and dodo, gbogbo e. Name it, they had it. I was walking back and forth trying to make up my mind on what to eat, like a little child let loose in a candy shop. I didn't know one guy just dey corner dey scope me. Finally I chose to eat amala and ewedu, with assorted meat (I know y'all are salivating!). I paid for my food and sat down to eat. My lunch hour is precious to me and I do not appreciate any intrusion from the outside world. As soon as I sat down, the stranger walked up to my table with his own tray and asked if the other seat was vacant. He was well dressed and good looking. I told him it was but I was a bit irritated he chose my table, when there were other empty tables around. He sat down and here is how things went down.

Him: Hi, my name is Kelly. Saw you from across the room. Hope you don't mind my asking for your company over lunch?
Me: *Chewing a piece of meat, looking at my food and hoping he'll take the hint*
Him: You are?
Me:*Grumpily* I don't talk to strangers.
Him: *laughing* She's funny as well as beautiful.
Me: If you don't mind, I'm trying to eat my lunch in peace.
Him:Ok, don't want to interrupt your lunch (was relieved that he'd be leaving, but he continued) I'll just sit here then.
Me: Suit yourself.
Him: I work in ABC Co. What university do you attend?
(See me o! university ke? I had removed my jacket and was wearing a shirt and pair of trousers. I had no idea that I was looking like a school chick!! So I decided to play along. I don't know why. I could be naughty like that sometimes.)
Me: Why do you want to know?
Him: I'm curious about you. I'm hoping that we could be friends. *bla bla bla...*
He was trying to impress me. He called the name of some big shots and said that they were his clients. He said all kinds of things and I was really amused. I let him just run his mouth until he was satisfied. I wondered why he was 'posing'. He even called the biggest boy in my company and said they were friends. I almost burst out laughing, but continued to looked awed. That seemed to inspire him some.

Lunch was over and I said it was time for me to leave. I learnt we were going in the same direction. We got outside and he began fumbling for his wallet and saying something about paying for my taxi fare as a big boy! He said he was planning to buy one very expensive car soon and that it cost millions. That was almost my undoing! I told him not to worry, that I drove my car and that I could drop him off at work as we were going in the same direction. He almost entered into the ground. He wanted to refuse the offer, but I convinced him otherwise. Besides, the Abuja sun these days no be small. We got into my car and he saw my ID card. When he saw the company I worked with, he felt really small. If he had known, he would have just been himself, instead of trying to be someone else. After he regained his composure, he asked me when I finished school, to be working in a place like that and whether I could hook him up to get a job there as well. I didn't want to remind him that he said he knew my oga. *hiss*. Pathetic.

I just wonder why some people like posing. It's better to be yourself and let people decide if they like you based on who you really are and not based on a lie. We stand to gain nothing from pretense but embarrassment! Poor Kelly. Hope he learned a valuable lesson, although I seriously doubt it. He seemed like a pro, like he'd been doing it for a long time. I wonder if any chick ever fell for it!

Got to go now. Hope to be back tomorrow.
I'm out.

The Grass Is Always Greener at the Other side

I visited a friend over the weekend, and she really had alot to talk about. She complained bitterly about her relationship with the guy she intends to marry. Let's call her Mary. Mary is scared that she could be making the wrong choice. She loves Mark, her fiance, but feels the problems they have in their relationship are overwhelming. Mary said she wished her relationship could be like mine.
She was like, 'You guys have respect for each other. You never fight, at least not in public. It's obvious that he adores you. He doesn't hassle you for sex, he is willing to wait. He will do anything for you. I wish Mark and I were like you guys. Sometimes, I think I love him more than he loves me.'

This revelation was a shocker to me. She always struck me as someone who had a solid relationship with her man. They have been dating since they were in school, but what she said got me thinking. Is my relationship really perfect? Yes, Boo loves me and all that, he is a real catch too and I feel blessed to have him, but we certainly gat major issues.

I have thought about quitting many times before. I have come to terms with the fact that we will not always see eye to eye about everything. We compliment each other though. I am the 'firebrand' and Boo is more laid back, not taking things too seriously. When we have a fight, he is quick to forgive no matter who the offender is. I like to make trouble, especially if I know I'm right. But our biggest issue is not that we disagree alot. It's his family. His mom just doesn't like me. His sisters too seem not to like me, and he has six of them! He is the only boy and the last child, so he is seriously doted on. How he turned out not to be a spoiled brat is still a mystery to me. Nobody knows that I sometimes seriously consider leaving him because of his Mom. The woman na real terrorist. She is a 'society' woman, very light skinned and pretty. I'm dark skinned so she doesn't think I'm pretty enough for her son. I just tire sometimes. I don't know who she thinks she is. I don't want to have any wahala with his family. Only his dad seems to genuinely like me...Most times I don't give a hoot what they think. Thank God Boo always stands up for me and tells them to butt out, but....I wish things were different. Can't really go into all the details.

Just thinking about the whole thing pisses me off. So when people tell me they want to be like me, I shake my head and tell them if they only knew. I guess that's life. You can't have it all. God puts some stumbling blocks on our way, so we'll always have a reason to come back to him.

Yeah, I know, not a very interesting topic. But this has been on my mind, so, there.

I'm out.

Matters Arising

Yesterday was really hectic for me. I'm all woozy at the office and I have a pile to attend to, but I still can not resist the tempting pull of blogsville.

I got home by 7:00pm from the office last night and wandered straight into the kitchen. The house was unusually quiet. I didn't bother to check if my flatmate was home. I microwaved a plate of jollof rice and chicken that I found in the fridge and ate it in the kitchen. I did all this before I even changed my clothes. I washed my plate and went to my room. I took off my clothes and lay down on my bed. I told myself that I would nap for 10 minutes and get up to shower and go see Boo. We had a date for 8:00pm. I was to meet him at the Hilton for a party which the company where he works was organizing. I had everything all planned out and just needed to snooze for a bit. But as it turned out, I slept on until I heard the sounds of a commotion from somewhere deep within my subconscious mind..what da?

'Chickito please let Duke stay in your bathroom! Bayo will kill me today,' my flatmate Sade was saying from far, far away... then I realized it wasn't so far away, but very close. I was so confused. What is going on? I thought to myself? Then it started coming together. I jumped out of bed just as Sade was switching on the lights and I was stark naked. Of course I wouldn't have minded if it was just both of us but this familiar stranger was standing right in front of my bed. (I met Duke about a week ago under some shady circumstances)

'Ah Sade,' was all I could say before quickly reaching for my night shirt under my pillow. By this time I was raving mad. I was fuming, but I kept my calm. Then I heard something else. This time, the noise seemed to be coming from the front door.

'Open this door before I break it down,' someone bellowed. I couldn't quite make out who it was.
'Quick Chickito, hide Duke, let me go and open the door for Bayo. (Bayo is her fiance.) He can't see Duke here,' her eyes were pleading as she ushered the guy into my bathroom.
I was past listening to her at this point, I pulled on a pair of jeans trousers and proceeded to walk out of my room. By this time Sade was on her knees, begging.

'Please don't let Bayo know about Duke, I will make it up to you, please,' she wailed. I couldn't pity her, but I was beyond speaking. I heard my phone ringing, it was my Boo's special ringtone, so I went back toward my bed to get the phone. I glanced at the clock, the time was past midnight. O my God, my date with Boo. Oh no, I moaned softly to myself. I picked up the phone to answer it. More banging on the door.

I answered the phone, 'Hello dear, I'm so sorry, I slept off. Let me call you back...' I was cut off.
'Thank God you are alright. Now come and open the bloody door,' he said in a very harsh tone. He had never spoken to me with that tone of voice before.
'Oh, are you the one at the door? I will be right there.' The line went dead before I finished talking.

As soon as I opened the door, Boo charged in. 'What on earth is going on here?' The whole situation was so funny, but I dared not laugh. 'I have been calling you for ever, but you have refused to answer my calls,' he said.
'Let me explain. I slept off because I was really tired. I didn't realize it was so late. I swear baby, I was so gone, that I didn't even hear my phone ring,' it occurred to me that I heard some kind of melody in my dreams. It sounded like some annoying program on TV. I tried switching off the TV several times in my dream. Anyway... 'I'm so sorry babe, calm down. Come, let's sit down and talk,' I patted the space beside me on the couch and he began walking toward me, when this Duke fellow burst out of my room, looking like one criminal. I had almost forgotten his presence. I turned to Boo to try to explain but he had already gone ballistic. I could see the look in his eyes, but he didn't say a word.

Duke rushed past us and on his was out of the flat, said, 'Hey bro, it's not what you think.'
With that, he was gone. The house was so quiet, like the eye of a storm, then all hell broke loose. To cut the long story short, I was finally able to calm Boo down and explain what had just taken place. Sade had quietly and shamefacedly entered her room.I told him that I was as confused as he was about the Duke fellow. He told me that I must leave that house even if it meant forfeiting the remaining part of my rent money. The one that really made him mad was that this Duke guy had seen my nakedness, what he hadn't been so privileged to preview. He wanted to call Sade out, but I talked him out of it. Since she didn't think now was the time to come out and explain herself (or better still, apologize!), I just told him i would handle it.

We talked for a while before he went home. I promised him that we'll spend quality time together today. It was 1:30am when he finally left. I couldn't sleep again till past 4:00am this morning. Just stayed awake and watched E! Sade had vanished into thin air. Didn't hear a sound from her room when I was getting ready for work by 6:00am. Her room lights were switched off. I didn't bother going in to ask her anything. I want her to stew a bit, wondering if I'll tell her fiance. I thought the whole saga was over. She promised she'd tell me about him the first time he slept over but never did. See me see wahala o!

Bad Belle in Blogsville

Was just reading through 36's blog and I'm alarmed at what blogsville is turning into. Many of us come here because we want to express ourselves concerning issues that affect us. Some bad belle people just come in and spread their venom. Who asked them? The girl has been going through some stuff lately and has been pouring out her heart here. I thought this place was supposed to be therapeutic? I guess her 'friends' have found her blog and are leaving really nasty comments there. I was so angry when I read some of the comments. I am not happy at all. Now she is leaving. Haters please, you people either put up or shut up. Bloody cowards!

I know I'm just ranting, but I just dey vex. Trying to let off some steam. There! Pay me no mind.

I'm out