Thursday

Take This Change, I'm Moving ...



One ecolach and two sacks,just the same way I came,I'm leaving, going back to where I came from. I'm I happy? Is my heart leaping and shouting "mission accomplished"? Well,I knew this day would come but I never thought it would be this soon,I didn't prepare for this,I didn't resign like I did at my former work place because of this 'green ticket' job. I was fired or redeployed due to the recession,like my boss -now former boss,would put it. 

I'm I crying as I write this? No. Have I taken the time to cry since the 'emergency' news bumped into my ears? No. But I have mourned,maybe I've grown such that I wouldn't cry unnecessarily,yes,that should explain why my tear glands failed to produce their fluids. But my brain has been doing super story piano for two days now. Hmmmm.

When people tell us about having a plan B,they ain't joking dear,they ain't playing around with your thinking powers. In fact they love you,they love your future. Right now I'm packing my make up stuff,I've packed all other things,the prevalent thought in my head right now is SCHOOL. When I say SCHOOL I'm so serious because I've been a climber,fast climber,my next step in career is always a 'next big thing',so I can't settle for less right now. I need an upgrade to face what's in store. So my next big step is UPGRADING. All professional exams I applied for,I'm fixing my thoughts and remaining resources on them. 

This is my plan B. If I start job hunting again,if I get another job,I won't let it stop me and trust me I won't let any body call the shots on when I need to go, no, no management can do that to me again, ever.
So I'm leaving with these lessons;
-time isn't waiting for anybody not even myself
-your goal must supercede 'the agency's goals',Don't shoot yourself in the leg dear,just don't
-that thing you've always called 'my next big step of faith', sweety take it, -now
-stay focused(I learnt this one from a good friend I met in this environment)
So,this is it,I'm moving.

The New Birthday Cake


Go for studio shoots,be philanthropic, take selfies,eat bole' and fish with friends,just do anything that comes from your heart.These are the new birthday cakes.
One thing I know about cakes is its magic of bringing persons together with everyone smiling. Its not because everyone will eat cake,No. Cakes just binds us together in looove!(pardon me I looove cakes). Well there's this new trend that has taken our hearts off the physical or literal cake thing. When we hear its your birthday, when you stat posting "birthday loading or birthday things on my mind",we no longer think of cakes,we just want to hear your agenda to know if we can fit in.
Are you going to Dubai to shout "today is my birthday and I haff come",are you taking us to the prisons to help organise a prison break?(oops that one slipped out,sorry).Or we ar going for a birthday photo shoot -this one is beautiful and I like the concept. Anything,just choose a concept,we are here to follow even if cake no dey(I'm speaking for your friends).
So bottom line is enjoy yourself with whatever budget you have if its only cake money you have,please Don't buy cake,I like the photo shoot concept. And these days those photographers can be sooo goood! Yes,I'll say welcome because you will thank me later when you have memorable hard copy photos of yourself and loved ones,you won't even remember whether you had a cake or if na tom-tom you share da year. 

Monday

My Hairdo - - Should I Go Natural? #Natural #Africana

NOW that every body is going natural,
Now that the 'Africanness' in most black women is beginning to glow and have a good part of their fashion sense!
Natural hairdos, ankara wears and modernized traditional clothing lines,natural body creams,soaps and lotions. Even our local foods now makes more sense and is internationally recognized.
So should I move with the trend or that 'natural thing' inside of me hasn't pop up just yet. With so many new ideas and knowledge about how best to keep your hair natural and glowing, how best to wear Ankara dresses and be cute/chic,some of us may still be observers as our fellow women rock the trend especially with the hair part!
While I was growing up, keeping your hair healthy meant washing, relaxing, perming or retouching,using products that makes your hair stretch out and fall back or you can go on to fix your extensions and all(this one na if you don't finish SS3 oo).
Now that my hair is all permed up and falls real good I'm loving the banging curls of naturalisters!!
Sincerely speaking I think this has a lot to do with the changing phases we encounter as we grow. Maybe I'll wake up one morning and say 'enough of long permed hair,I'm going natural',I'll be able to let go and accept the wooly strands I came to earth with. As we grow older,we make new resolutions and accept our inner selves, we are able to say this is what I have,I love it and love to show it. Trends will keep changing, new discoveries would be made,the most important things are comfort,morals and 'does it suit you?'.
So one day my body go sweet me to cut my hair but right now I'm still enjoying the eyes-on-me feeling when I let my hair down lol.

MY JUNGLE BED























THE first night I slept on this self- constructed bed,I felt good- at least I no longer have to battle with space with my significant others (before dem go use leg burst my belle!) After the second and third nights,I was a pro at setting my bags and pillows on the chair to make my sweet jungle bed. At first my mum was like 'no no no no, waist go pain you oo',but I guess she now understands that I'm enjoying my little "night-jungle-series",besides it meant enough space for her too.
NA wa oo,while some people are on their huge bed that's the size of my entire house(yes na one room oo!),I'm here shifting and adjusting to get the right sleeping position (because if I too shake for the bed na wahala oo lol). For up to two weeks now,this has been my night adventure and I'm not complaining because I've actually learnt and thought about lots of things(you know those late night thoughts before you finally dose off).
AS we journey through life we make a lot of sacrifices and take some big and risky steps up the ladder of success. We should all be thankful even if we have to sleep in a room without doors,hawk akara along the road while our mates are in class or go for a career course while hubby and kids are seriously missing us at home.
ALWAYS remember that Christ was born in a manger but today we are seated with him as joint heirs!!
#weawaitglory
#myjunglebed
#sacrifices

Tuesday

Preventing Malaria

 

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread to people through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.  These mosquitoes account for about 198 million cases of malaria and an estimated 584 000 deaths (with an uncertainty range of between 367 000 to 755 000).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most deaths from malaria occur among African children.  In-fact, a child dies every minute in Africa because of malaria.


Here are some easy-to-do tips that cold help prevent the spread of malaria.

1.  Deal with Stagnant Water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so never allow stagnant water any where near you. Prevent your children from playing near them. Even little puddles can be breeding spots for mosquitoes.This can be managed using biological and chemical control measures. when necessary. The key strategy is to eliminate all potentials of breeding especially when the pond cannot be removed,
Larvicides could come in handy. Some contain metabolites of the baecterium Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), When ingested, it kills the larvae within a few days. It only affects fly larvae, so it won’t harm predatory insects living in the pond or water body.
Another larvicide,  the insect growth regulator (IGR) methoprene interfere with larval molting and also kills larva in a few days. IGR's however could harm other insects and arthropods that mght reside in the ponds. that might be in the pond.
Both  Bti's and IGR's could remain effective for about a month after application. Take caution not to allow children ingest them and also, one should only apply according to label directions.



2. Keep Your Surroundings Clean

The importance of maintaining good hygiene cannot be over emphasized. Mosquitoes love to breed in dirty and  bushy corners, It is very important to clear the dust bins regularly and clear or spray the grasses around your house. Also, never allow spoil food to hang around the house opened. They attract mosquitoes quickly. The kitchen sink should be dry always and the dishes must be washed.


3. Use Natural Mosquito Repellants

       A few natural ingredients could be combined and used as mosquito repellants.
One can mix 3 tablespoons of witch hazel extract from the hazel is a plant with 2 tablespoons of natural oils like olive oil, neem oil, argan oil or almond oil,  Neem oil has been used since ancient times for repelling insects. Add about 75 drops of citronella oil and a little tea tree oil,
Mix very well and put in a spray bottle and then apply before going outside. This sends the mosquitoes away as well as letting your house smelling nice. You can apply the mixture early in the  morning or at night.

4.Prophylaxis

 Certain medications have been created in order to prevent the the occurrence  of malaria.Several of such drugs exist but many Africans have no idea of their existence.
Due to the cost and seeming unavailability of these drugs, this form of treatment is mostly used by short term visitors to Africa, Pregnant women are more prone to malaria, it is advisable that pregnant women take prophylaxis during their pregnancy in order to prevent infection.
MOST drugs available for malaria prophylaxis are not recommended for pregnant women so it is very important to read carefully or seek professional guidance before using any such medication.


 5. Wear Protective Clothing

Covering your skin is on effective way of preventing mosquito bites. When you cover your skin especially while outdoors when visiting or residing in mosquito infested regions in Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and South East Asia you’ll greatly minimize mosquito bites. You can wear loose, long-sleeve shirts and trousers but if it gets to hot, this wouldn't be an option. But it is very effective and the simplest form of defence against mosquitoes.