My visit to the Hospital

Apologies for the late post! Today,  I took my tot to the hospital because she had had a swollen foot, and saw how this nurse was taking babies after babies to the circumcision table and cutting off their fore skin with a razor blade. Gross, right?  This just started to make me think of the quirks of births and deaths.  Just recently the owner of Manchester United Malcolm Glazer aged 86 died on May 28, the same day as Maya Angelou the American poet  and guess what they both shared in common? Both had same death stats. As some are dying (not necessarily because of their old age), so also are babies getting born.

Every day is a blessing… How would you be remembered if you were never to wake up? By the way, the month will be coming to an end in a few hours. How are you guys turning it up?

 

Tags: Malcom Glazer, Maya Angelou, age 86

'Freedom is not Free'

I remember seeing the above quote at the National Mall when I visited the Korean War Veteran Memorial located at Washington, D.C in 2010. You all will have to agree with me that the statement actually holds true of what we see going on around us. The fight for freedom is fraught with pain. Generally speaking to have something, you must give up another- as is the price for freedom in the United States and other countries of the world today. Today is ‘Memorial Day’ in the United States-a day in celebration of the men and women who have risked their lives in fighting for the freedom of America. I cannot begin to tell you how many wars they have fought, how many soldiers that may have died, or those wounded in combat. But if you are an American History buff, then you would again agree that these soldiers deserve more accolades than they deserve. Below are those I would love to sincerely thank for the support they have given to the soldiers;

To those gone, the retired veterans, and those still serving today we remember you, and thank your spouses and children for have not refused your deployment when it came.

I also want to thank the government of the United States/ and Uncle SAM (Walmart) for the initiative taken to reemploy the veterans who still feel that they are never too old to work or even earn some extra cash

The Walter Reed Army Medical Center like many others, is a place where many military amputees receive treatment and therapy sessions when they return with their arm and foot broke.

 

P.S For those of you in the DMV area looking for places to visit, and or to pay obeisance to, I highly recommend Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia or Ft Meade in Maryland. There are also nice museums outside of the DMV. For example another interesting one I’ve visited is The Naval Base in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida which has some pretty things of interest on WWII and of course the Flight 19

 

Tags: Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Meade, Arlington National Cemetery, Korean War Veteran Memorial, Walter Reed Army Medical Center

 

An Ode to the Commode aka The Thinking Space

A clean toilet is every one’s pride. It is a place one can think things through, and can also enjoy a quiet time – for three minutes, for five or even 10. Ever thought of that place in that way?

Depending on what you need more time for, it is a place to think. We visit many toilets in our lifetime, but the one at home always seems to be a favorite.

P.S   I started doing a lot of thinking lately in my toilet… and I have had visible results via this medium. If you’ve never considered this an option, I’d advise you try. At least there are many people I know who may be really pesky otherwise, but then they respect the ‘I want to go use the bathroom/ toilet’ excuse (without them following you). Tell them you need to be alone they wouldn’t let you be, but keep asking you to tell them what the matter is. So if going to the commode is the only way by which you can give them the slip, then why not go emptying your bowels whilst you potentially process some thoughts/ ideas.

It’s an option worth considering, don’t you think? 

Insecurities

Everyone has emotions, and today things have gotten out of hand since the advent of social media networks. I say this because in the years that  preceded Twitter, Face book, Pinterest, Keek and others, one could hardly say anything negative about you that could haunt you for the rest of your life. Oh! Did I forget to add that the media could be the agents of this evil? Believe it or not, the media (TV or print media) are the number one PERP of this evil. In today’s world it is hard as is to feel good about yourself due to the media and social networks nit picking at every little thing, and just because they don’t like something such as the pouting lips, the hair color, your race, religion, the bleaching or the 'bleacher' , your loyalty to a party or soccer team, hence, the tendency to feel they have the right to write, tweet or post just about anything.

Insecurity is a dangerous thing, and people should realize that it could potentially bring others down. Remember you could be jealous or coveting of your friend’s check bones (I used this as an example because it’s the little things that often spark insecurities in the first place) but in return she could be jealous of your own hair line (as is my case of insecurity) lol. But that doesn’t mean you should be spewing that venom of hate on anyone just like that. It is always good to be nice to people.

 "Do to others as you would have them do unto you."

Voila! the 10th post.....

Guess what guys? We have finally hit the big 10, yippie! I can't say this enough but again, here is a big THANK YOU for the page views, for the comments, and likes I get on Facebook. One more thing I ask of you is to endeavor to leave those beautiful comments on here whenever you get the chance to...

For the BIG 10th post, I would like to leave you with this beautiful quote  because it really explains how grateful I am today knowing what I know; no rat race, no competition but for the God's grace that has always been my sufficiency.

"Don't be in such a hurry to condemn a person

 because he doesn't do what you do,

or think as you think or fast.

There was a time when you didn't know what you know today." Malcolm X.


Have a beautiful Tuesday my lovers ):

What do you do when your relationship gets sour?

I know everyone in a relationship always pray that they have a happy ending.  Oh yeah? On the contrary, in life some things happen when we least expect them. Perhaps, at this stage, the two partners might decide what the outcome of their relationship would be. Several signs can be used to determine whether a relationship is on its way out. These include lack of communication, physical and emotional abuse among others. When these signs emerge, it is time to act sooner than later to save the relationship (if both parties are willing). The following are essential to fix a relationship that is starting to go bad.

Determine what is going on?

Instead of blaming each other for who’s done what (as this isn’t going to fix the problem) as this only translates to having much more anxiety and aggravates anger. Here, both partners would need to sit down, diagnose and troubleshoot to come up with very amicable solutions. When speaking of solutions, it should involve strategies that can stop the problem from recurring again. It should also be able to answer questions of why? who? and what?

Accept Responsibility

Most of us always envy healthy relationships when we see one. You must know that it didn’t take a day for it to get to where it is at. Likewise with bad relationships too, they take time as well. In other to fix a bad relationship going south, every partner should check what they might have contributed and what could have led their actions. By doing so, it creates room for both partners to air out their grievances, correct one another and accept responsibility. Accepting responsibility is one of the best ways to save a relationship

Adopt New Relationship Rules

If a couple senses that their relationship is heading south, it is time to re-evaluate and may be seek newer ways to make it better. After you must have diagnosed the causes, may be replacing a lot of things with newer ideas could just work that magic. Here, you could lay down measures that could serve at hindrance to the future relationship you two are hoping to have. These rules, however, will depend on what the relationship would become. The couples could try to aim at achieving the type of relationship they once had. Issues like frequent communication, physical and emotional satisfaction, boredom, disagreements among other factors have to be addressed.

Rekindle the Love that you once shared

This will rekindle those feelings you once had for each other when you first met. Go to restaurants, go to the cinemas together, and hang out together more. If you are used to gifting, please go to doing all those things you used to do before. These will arouse the love fireworks you had (except you are a hard core extracurricular master or mistress). Believe it or not, the relationship will be brought back on track.

It is not easy to always have a perfect relationship. Every relationship turns into a bad state sometimes. It all depends on the couple to see if theirs can work out or not. And to those who may have tried all four and even more, yet the relationship broke irretrievably, not to worry, love will soon find its way to you.

Very truly yours’

Photo Credit: madamenoire.com

 

Eau this, Eau that…Does the difference really matter?

 These terms generally refer to the strength and potency of the fragrance, or more specifically, to how much grade alcohol and/ or water has been added to dilute/ stretch the fragrance oils.

 Parfum (is the most concentrated form you can buy) it has about 15-25% perfume oil dissolved in alcohol. Any mixture with a lower proportion of oil to alcohol is known as Eau. Okay? Below are some keywords I think you should know:

Eau fraiche (Usually 3% or less perfume oil)

Eau de cologne- EDC (2-5% perfume oil)

Eau de toilette- EDT (4-10% perfume oil)

Eau de parfum- EDP (8-15% perfume oil)

Soie de parfum (15-18% perfume oil)

PARFUM (15- 25% also sometimes referred to as Extract or Extrait)

Perfume oil (15-30% perfume oil in an oil rather than alcohol base)

You may also find that some companies prefer to label their products as parfum de toilette to describe a concentration that is either the same as Eau De Parfum, or between Eau De Parfum and Parfum.

Generally speaking, the three(3) lists below are the commonest fragrances you are likely to purchase;

PARFUM: This is the one of the strongest perfume fragrances available. This means that you’ll need to use less so that the fragrance can last much longer depending on your skin type. It is estimated to last for about 6 – 8 hours (this should do for those working an 8- 4/9-5 style).

EAU DE PARFUM: For those looking for an inexpensive fragrance yet they want to smell nice, it is advisable to go for these ones. Bear in mind that they only can last for 3- 5 hours. Often times I’ve heard people complain how their fragrances aren’t long lasting. I hope with these unsolicited advices from me, you now can purchase your fragrances wisely.

EAU DE TOILETTE: This is the lightest of all 3, but if you are looking for a casual, everyday use, you might as well purchase this as it is also less expensive than Eau de Parfum .On an average, expect it to last for about 2 to 4

P.S If you know of anyone complaining of how their fragrances don’t last long. I hope with these unsolicited advices from me, you can advise them on purchasing their fragrances wisely. May be if I paraphrased, it would make much more sense....So, if you are reading this and would like to get me a nice fragrance, please get the EDP. Thank you in advance.

To be continued……..

Credit:  Google, gothamcityinsider

Photo Credit: www.virtuous girlhood.com

 

Happy Mother's Day

 

 

 

 

Sorry for the last post guys! The weekend was so very busy; I shall get to tell you all that it was I did in a later post. 

I would like to talk about my mother. I have been told very nicely of always giving her credits. Like an only child does to her parents, when they have no one else to sing praises of. Since my dad’s passing, who better to sing praises of than my mom? I may not be her only baby. Matter of fact, she has five of us, yet a remarkable thing she does for us, is to protect us like a mother hen would to her chicks-no matter how old the chicks are.

I usually like to observe the Mother’s Day Celebration that falls in this month of May. Just because I hate to keep up with the Anglican, Catholic or Protestants dates in Nigeria when I’m not even a Kardashian. lol There is something very peculiar about my own observance of this month; it is the month that precedes my mom’s birth month. You see why this Mother’s Day is of great importance now?

So on this special day mom, I would like to tell you all that you already know. That my siblings and I, oh did I forget your grandbaby?  We love you very much.. I personally would like to spoil you rotten like you did me. I only wish that I would be able to give you a fraction of the much you gave us, and are still giving us but I know that somewhere in your heart, you already know the obvious. May God continue to keep you.

Again, Happy Mother’s Day Mother.  I love you so much, and to other moms (including fathers who single handedly raise their kids) , keep doing what you do, your hard work never goes unnoticed. *Kisses*.

 Photo Credit: bing.com/images

 

A Real Hero in Alabama

I may not be an Alabaman by birth, but I don't think I am far from being one all the same. Yes! I said so, sue me if you like. I lived in the USA State of Alabama for 30 months, and in many ways, I feel like an authority of sort on many things Alabaman - like how the plate numbers were derived; their culture (macaroni and cheese, the ice teas and the grits).

Add to that the reputation of Alabamans as some of the most friendly and hospitable people in the United State of America and you may start to truly understand my love of and fascination with Alabama, my "sweet home." Who knows, perhaps in a future post I might just share tales of some of the very nice persons I met while in Ala (as the state is fondly called) as well as tales of those who literally handed me a pair of scissors to cut them off my life.

However, I chose to write about Alabama today not because of any of the above mentioned reasons. Amidst the news, some days ago, about the tornado that wrecked many homes in the southern shores of the US, especially in states like Georgia, Florida and Alabama, something truly touching and even more tears-inducing happened. In the aftermath of the disaster, a 21- year old student-athlete swimmer John Servati, died in a basement in his Tuscaloosa, Alabama home, Monday night. He and a girlfriend had reportedly sought shelter from the tornado when the wall which had been weakened by heavy rain came collapsing on him.

Anna Rae Gwarjan, @annaraeoflight, a fellow University of Alabama swimmer tweeted:

" John Servati died  a hero. Held up a concrete wall long enough for his girlfriend to get out from under it before it collapsed again on him."

Reading about Servati really got me thinking deeply about the creed of loving your neighbour. I tell you what, it takes only someone with a truly immense personality and unparalleled sense of sacrifice to be able to do something like John Servati did.

                                                                         The late Servati and girlfriend

It is the start of a new month and inasmuch as I hate to bring you guys bad news, I just want to remind us that there is a hero in everyone. Why don't you channel your inner strengths, those struggles, those fears and those 'I cant's' towards becoming a hero to someone today, regardless of your social strata, background or even skin color.


Credit:http://huffingtonpost.com, twitter, John Servati, Tuscaloosa, Ala.,












 

Beauty Swagger

I know that common sense may dictate to us that of course eating healthy will automatically translate to staying beautiful. While this is true, it will make you get noticed for your skin as well, not just the way we beat our faces (as is the newer term now) lol. Back to my gist jeje... So I was going to tell us why it is important to eat healthy  as this will not only transform our interior (organs, tissues etc) but also our exterior; our skin, our nails, our hair, and yes our teeth.

Ever wondered why we see some people and may never be able to guess their age? While some may argue that good genes are a contributing factor, the major important factor to consider is to have a healthy eating habits. Period! This doesn't have to do with age but I tell you what, less stress on your body, giving to people albeit not grudgingly, and of course the "happier" you are, the more flawless and or healthy your skin will forever look.

Do all women really look alike?

How about starting a brand new week with something to mule over in the way of our appearances and style. Of course, we will occasionally be doing some randomness on this page, playing with quotes and pictures only rather than full length prose all the time.

 I am a sucker for quotes (even though I very often don't remember the sources of my quotes). Call it old age, na you sabi o!  I have always loved Donatella Versace, and now I fell even more in love with Dona after reading this quote:

"Looking safe is never chic. It is ordinary. Instead, you owe it to yourself. I am not an ageist, but at least looking from the back one can tell that most women look alike. But from the front, we must accept reality. Sophistication is maturity's most appealing accessory….Youth would look a lot better with a touch more glamour and less FLASH."

You’ll have to be the judge! 

Xo.