Hope you had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed or endured the first day of the work week.
Thanks to those who wished me well and gave me tips on sprucing my looks for my #ClosetChallenge. That ended a few days back and I totally enjoyed it. I am still wearing those pieces even though I have cleaned out my closet. Cleaning out my closet during that time was not as hard, because I realized that I really didn't need as much as I thought I did. I was accumulating stuff to fill a need that stuff can never fill.
I thought I would write about the screen free week we had in our household a few weeks back, but I started this post in the morning with that in mind and I am just getting back to it and I really don't feel like talking about that now. All I can say is, that week was really taxing at the beginning. After the first 3 days my daughter was begging for us to reduce the week to 5 days instead of 7. We all survived it. I will try to share that experience soon.
We finally watched Pitch Perfect 2 on Saturday for our movie night and in the spirit of Acapella, I share these Pentatonix videos. I just love the way these guys do music.
A quick update on my #ClosetChallenge, this is a picture of the clothes I picked for the challenge. To know more about the challenge I have taken on, read here
#ClosetChallenge
I know this doesn't look pretty, if I had to wait for it to look pretty, I will procrastinate till the whole challenge is over.
We are having a screen-free week at home this week, more on that on my next post.
Source Though our trees are still green and our clouds are mostly grey.
Do you sometimes look at your closet and go, " I have nothing to wear, maybe I need to go shopping" and said closet is stuffed full with clothes?
Me three.
It is the same routine almost everyday, even times when I am so organized that I pick out my clothes for the week on Sunday. After trying out several outfits and wasting my time, I end up wearing my trusty black jeans with a tee.
Quick fact: Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Barack Obama wore the same outfit everyday to cut out that time and energy that it will take to make that decision.
Over the summer, I read about wardrobe capsule and I wanted to try it. October is the month for the fall capsule and I thought by then, I would have organized my wardrobe, but that hasn't happened. I am not giving up, this is still the beginning of October and the capsule is for 3 months.
To start off and push myself in that direction I started #TheClosetChallenge yesterday with my own modifications.
The closet challenge is picking out 7 items of clothing from your closet and wearing them for 30 days.
The motto and prayer for the challenge: Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be and becoming that person - St. Therese of Lisieux.
For me, instead of 30 days, I will do the challenge for 15 days. This will give me enough time to sort out my clothes for my wardrobe capsule.
Apart from the motto and prayer for the challenge, I also love the idea behind the challenge because it will not only make you creative with your 7 items, it is also a lesson on living with less and being grateful for what you have.
For my seven items I chose
1 shirt
1 blouse
1 graphic tee
2 pairs of pants- 1 jeans, 1 fitted trousers
1 skirt
1 gown
September came in a whirlwind and just like whirlwinds is almost outta here, to be checked as done. We have been living life, enjoying the moments and soaking up the last bit of summer. Right now, it feels like we are in autumn full swing even though we are just about one week in.
I have been super busy these past few weeks. My sister had a baby girl in August, making the number of children in our 2 family home 5. She had a challenging delivery but we thank God that everything turned out well. Mummy is already back to her pre-pregnancy weight and baby is growing well.
Just said to come on here and put down one post before October.
I love Bollywood movies. I always try to watch one or half of one * since one movie is at least 2 hours long* over the weekend. I don't know what it is about them, but they relax me and make me happy. My family, they don't get it. At first my kids thought I understood the language, or that I speak the language because whenever they sat down to watch one with me, they never understood what the people were saying. So, I told them, I read the words on the screen to understand what is being said and I saw the confusion on their faces especially my son * who hates to read*. 'Why would anyone do that?' he asked, followed by 'It's double work'. We now went into a discussion of why watching it is not relaxing because I have to read (DS), volume doesnt matter since I am reading the movie anyways (DD) and the words scrolling on the screen is so distracting (DH). They don't get it though. Reading relaxes me, reading with visual makes it double fun; the volume is also important because I need to hear the nuances in the speech. They just don't get it.
So I finished up one movie I started watching last weekend on sunday, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, amidst but you have seen this movie more than once. It is a fun movie, positive energy, friendships and just going out to do something new despite your fears. But the part of the movie that I will like to talk about is one of the main characters, Arjun, a stock market shark, who has a plan to work his butt off and retire early. That is a good plan. The bad thing about the plan is that he was so focused on his goal, he wasn't living life. He lost relationships, strained friendships and only lived for making that money so he will achieve that dream. He was putting other aspects of his life on hold till he got what he is aiming for. Eventually, he had a turn around,
Most of us are guilty of this, me included. I always tell myself: I will not do this right now, till I get that; I won't travel till my kids are grown; I won't get in the pool till I have lost weight; I won't start working on my dreams till everything is set;
It shouldn't be so.
While waiting to achieve the big goal, work on the small ones.
Live life.
Instead of
I won't travel till my kids are grown, I will take short trips instead.
That extra weight shouldn't stop me from having fun in the pool with my kids.
Remember the big goals but don't also forget to live.
I love holidays official or unofficial; Today is National Sons and daughters day. For those of us with kids, spend sometime with them today. Let them know you are happy they are in your life.
Another opportunity to start over, work on old goals, make new ones; another opportunity to hope, hope for the best and work towards the best. Another opportunity to get it right.
Lately I have watched some periscope broadcasts that have been nudging my conscience and practically telling me to just go for my dreams and stop overthinking it. GoodNaijaGirl had one of such broadcasts and because she left her comfort zone by doing a scope, I was encouraged that I can also work on myself. Instead of procrastinating, I can totally do this. Unoma Nwakwor, an author who writes faith based movies and books shared a beautiful message yesterday. She talked about knowing your purpose and working towards achieving it. Her message was so uplifting I wish there was a way I could save it, but periscope vanishes after 24 hours. Today I watched an inspiring YouTube video on Sisi Yemi TV where she shared tips on how to get what you want.
For today, I am motivated to work on those things I have always dreamed about. Cheers to an awesome new month.
I can't believe July is almost over and and summer is in full swing. Yay!!! We have even kinda found our rhythm; Taking things easy, soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful weather all around. The first few days after school closed, I was on panic mode when I realized I had no summer day camp to fall back on and that I had to plan all our activities myself. Summer camp was so good and that was what we were used to. Bus picks them up in the morning and they are gone for most of the day and I get to do my own stuff. They get their crafts, drama, shows, swimming, archery, soccer groove on over there, come back home to crash, only to do it all over again the next day... and on it goes. That was good for me.
So, I put my mommy pants on and searched online. I got so many suggestions but I picked this one because it looked like something we could manage; not too overwhelming
We signed up for the summer reading program at our local library and I have stepped up my reading game. While the kids are doing their 20 minutes of reading, I also try to get some chapters in.
Journaling is back too... for everyone. Though they still complain but we try to do it even if it is a sentence with a picture, Just do it. * Someone has been drawing Optimus prime and bumble bee almost everyday*
We are saying bye bye to Velcro snaps and learning how to tie shoe laces.
We are working on reviewing our chores list.
So far summer has been good. I am thankful and grateful to God for all we have experienced so far.
I can't believe July is almost over *I had plans to blog more, oh well*
We had the last day of school yesterday and today is officially the start of vacation. Normally we would be preparing for summer camp but not this year. This mommy is taking on the job of providing entertainment and activities for the whole summer. Yay!?Already I have a little fear about how we were going to cope till September. I hope I won't need a vacation when they resume back to school.
Really I was never gone though. Just that the way my days are set up, I only get see what is going on here at the end of the day from the tiny screen of my phone.
I know Nitty never gets tired of talking about Nigerian cultures, the ones that should be discouraged and encouraged;
I know @ilola has the devils agenda in a spoken word piece, which even though she can't perform now, she is still letting us in on the secret * or not so secret*
I know that thisfavoredwoman whose only goal is to seek God in everything shared a beautiful message from Genesis.
I know fluffycutething has a birthday coming in a few weeks and is feeling all kinds of ways.
I know Sisi and Bobo took Chief to church on Sunday and they all looked gorgeous in the pictures.
I know NaijaScorpion
graduated and she really loves her new apartment.
I know T.Notes was almost late for work one day while trying to dish on office politics.
I know Blogoratti transcends sometimes during meditation.
I know Berry had a beautiful date night at Rhapsody's.
So, I was never really gone.
Hope everyone is doing okay? Making the best of situations, learning something new everyday, reading or at least trying to read.... We are doing good over here and so glad that the weather has changed and summer is almost here, finally! Sometimes I miss just having dry season and rainy season.
It is good to back here. * I will leave it like that so I don't jinx it*
PS: I hope GoodNaijaGirl is doing okay. So unlike her not to post every 6th day.
PPS: Happy new month. I made it before the double digits.
I was walking back from the bus stop with one of my neighbors whose youngest child is 13 years old, and she was telling how she couldn't believe that her baby boy is now a teenager. After swapping where-did-time-go stories, she said one of her regrets was, not living in the moment. She was always thinking of the next thing to do while not enjoying the one she was doing. She was thinking of all the activities and sports he will do when he grows up and right before her eyes he is knocking on 9th grade. I guess in a way she was reminding me not to take this time for granted too, because they grow up fast.
Most of us are guilty of this attitude. Not being in the present. Not absorbing and enjoying NOW. Society wants to know what we will be up to in 5 years time. We spend so much time dreaming about what our dream life would be and when we get even a little bit close to that dream, we are already tweaking it and moving on to the next one. We are always on the move. Living for the big and exciting things, forgetting the little things
Today , I am going to be more conscious of my moments; And really enjoy them; And yes, even when bad things happen, accept that they were just bad moments and there are still many moments in the future to enjoy.
April is the month of poetry
We've enjoyed reading and writing
Today is a poem in your pocket day
Enjoy this piece of Shel Silverstein 1
I love hugs.
Hugs make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. They make me feel protected, safe and good generally. Research says there are so many benefits we can get from hugging. From boosting oxytocin levels to increasing serotonin which is the happiness hormone. Hugs relieve stress and can also help to ease the loneliness of depression.
Today is national Hug. This is a coupon for you. Pass it on.
The much awaited 2015 is here. May it be a good one.
At the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015, people have already claimed this year as their year of greatness and big things, the year of getting things done, the year of prosperity, the year of no more *siddon look, and so on and so forth. Those who make resolutions have made them * and the countdown to breaking them is already on, sorry*. These days we rarely make resolutions, the trend now is to have "word of the year". I have heard words like Focus, Consistency, Getting it, Grace, Abundance etc. Nutty J had a list of things not to do in 2015. No matter how you look at it, everyone feels there is room to do better and that is a good thing. So I wish everyone a good 2015.
As for me, so far, I have made no resolutions neither do I have a focus word of the year but I know I have to do more. I should probably spend sometime getting things in perspective. Or is it too late? Better late than never *abi.
Once again, Happy new year! May 2015 be filled with beautiful moments, treasured memories and abundant blessings.
Last month of the year, you can still cross some items off your things-to-do-2014 list.
Those who planned to lose weight, you still have 27 days;
Those who planned to get closer to God and family, it is not too late;
Those who planned to read more this year, you can still get at least one book in;
Those who planned to do something new, you are not left out
You get 27, You get 27, everybody gets 27 * in Oprah's voice* Maybe not everyone gets 27 but my point is that as far as there is still life in you, you can do something.
Just start now.
I know, I know, Today is not Monday. I just wanted to put it out there that I just love Mondays. Or maybe I should rephrase that and say, I love Mondays till 3pm. Monday is my chill day. The day I spend doing something for me, which most times, is sleeping in after everyone leaves the house, or curling to read my book, having a shower or sometimes on occasion soaking in a bath in peace with no child coming to wait for me or ask if I am okay because I have stayed in there too long. For 6 hours, I am Okeoghene and not Mommy and this gives me a high and keeps me sane for the week.
Hope you guys had a great weekend.
This past weekend while visiting with friends we got into the discussion of which relationship comes first in the home, the one you have with your partner or the one you have with your kids. Everyone agreed that both relationships are important but I noticed that more women chose the kids instead of their spouse. Their argument was that children are being molded and need more attention than their husbands and of course the man will understand , because he should also be giving the same attention to the child; I was shocked when someone said all men want is sex and that doesn't last long anyways.
For me, yes children are important but what you have with your spouse ranks higher. As a parent I am supposed to be a model to my children. The home is the first place where the child experiences what a family should look like. Children are visual sponges, they are seeing and they are absorbing. They are also testing boundaries and they want everything and everyone to revolve around them. However I choose to handle the relationship I have with my spouse affects our kids. I might think I am doing so much for my kids, taking care of their needs and them, but there is nothing like being a good example of what a strong marriage should look like; what team work should look like, what showing love, respect and affection should look like. Both of us, our union, should teach them this.
Keeping my husband in the "understanding-pot" on the back burner will not make him happy. He will feel neglected. He is not just my room mate but my partner and my lover. Making my spouse a priority teaches my children respect of self and others. I don't want my child growing up obnoxious, thinking he is the sun and everyone should revolve around him. It is my job to teach him and what better way than for him to see it at home?
Disclaimer here, not belittling the lesson behind the prodigal son, but sometimes these past few weeks, I could totally relate with the dude on going back to his father after his adventures. I had a hard time putting up a post because I didn't know how to write my comeback post. What would I say? Should I do a post - post or I should I just say hi and come back with a post? Would anybody still be here to read the post if I do? Am I disciplined enough to blog consistently? I had so many questions and doubts dancing in my head. I love to blog and I actually miss it when I don't. I miss the family here and all the beautiful connections that were budding before my inconsistency killed them.
Anyways I am back and I am going to make out time to blog this time. It won't just go into my "when I am free"folder, but will be in my "just do it " folder.
It has been forever and day. Seriously I didn't mean to stay away for this long. Maybe just for the summer but I planned to come back immediately school resumed. That was exactly 2 weeks ago. I hope everyone is doing well, learning a little something from the challenges of life. I am doing very good. We had a very busy summer. I thought with the kids in summer camp most of the time, that would equate to more time for me. I wish ! Before I could say jack, they were back home and poof went the time. We had a swell time all around but according to my children's account, it wasn't a full vacation because we didn't leave upstate. Not even a trip to NYC?! *in my 6-yr-old's voice*. She thinks every vacation is not complete without a trip to the beach.
One thing we did a lot of this summer was read. We read lots and lots of books. Our local library had a summer reading program with the promise of a goody bag at the end. That motivated the children to read and that made me happy because I love to read.
This was an easy-street read. I totally enjoyed it.
Looks like summer is over but not officially till 22 or 23rd September. We are already in the cool down season * my favorite*. We plan to read more in the coming months. I would appreciate any recommendations.
I know I am late to the Lupita Nyong'o's party and all the love she is receiving which is somewhat extending to black people. Everyone is talking about her beauty, her fashion style, her hair, her Oscar win, her Oscar speech, how inspirational she is to young girls everywhere, how her story is even making grown people dust the cobwebs from their dreams, and dream again. It is a good story. The kind of story we like to hear or read about. It feels like finally justice is being served. People are seeing that even if you hide light, it must still shine. It is all good.
I think I should just add this disclaimer right here that I haven't seen the movie 12 years a slave, so I can't attest to the wonderful job the cast did to tell that story. What struck me as odd was that considering the good job Lupita did in that movie * she had many nominations and wins for the movie, right?* there was more talk about her skin color and representing her race than her actual talent. Yes, I know this is her first big performance and maybe they don't really have a list of works to look at to affirm her talent, so to keep the conversation going in the media, why not talk about her black beauty? We all lap it up. We are just so happy that one of us is recognized.It is all good though.
Who even decides who wins what in these Awards shows? Sometimes I think it is a conspiracy and maybe to be politically correct. Maybe they have a theme, or they have the years allotted, or it is just a case of the hype. Whatever it is, it just left the same taste in my mouth as when Agbani Darego won Miss World in 2001.It reeked of tokenism. Ms Ellen's monologue at the beginning of the Oscars about the possibilities of the winners for the night, if 12 years didn't win best picture then they were all racists kinda gave a vibe. It is great to get out of being a wallflower and be recognized especially when you have put in the work. Media will pick who they want to be popular, hype the person and when they are done, they drop the person.
All that said, whatever their scheme is, it is good to see an intelligent and beautiful black woman receiving recognition and even wining .
I bet most moms are good at zoning out when their children hit that never ending banter.
Oh! It is just me?
Every other mom is super attentive to their children's needs?
Oh well! I am guilty of just zoning out once in a while when they get into their continuous chatter mode. So today as we were getting ready for bath time, they were talking about favorite words or is it the words they like to say the most * remember I zoned out*. Out of nowhere Brume asked
"Mom, what's your favorite word?"
"I don't know. I don't think I have any".
"Ofcourse you do."
"No."
Your favorite words are 'hold on' and 'give me a minute'.
"Why would you say that?"
"Because you say those words all the time"
"No I don't"
Then his sister said " Mom, I need help with my sweater"
Then I said "Hold on"
"You see, you just said it again", Brume said
Out of the mouth of babes
There are so many little things that we do that reflects on how we live our lives. Personally, I have a problem with procrastination, putting things off till I can't put them off any more, I have to deal with them. Though in some ways this scenario is different but it got me thinking of all those times I had said 'hold on' or 'give me a minute', when I could have easily done the task. Why push this moment's issues to the next one if you can deal with it now? I made a silent resolution to do better. This is me doing better. I have been pushing doing a blog post till when I had more time. But I always have time to play a round of candy crush, pet saga, subway surfers, zuma clash. Why not use that 20-30 minutes to put something down?
On a side note, is there anyone here who cannot wait for a change in the weather? Seriously I am tired of the winter. This is March now. I shouldn't be thinking of frozen fingers, runny noses, sub zero temperatures, polar vortex, cleaning driveways.....I know this season is for hibernation. God's way of telling us to stop, relax, take things easy, get things in perspective before the next season but I am having cabin fever. When will spring come on board?Meanwhile enjoy this beautiful Spring picture.
I used to attend zumba classes once a week, sometimes twice if I could manage it. There is this elderly couple that come for the class too, the man should be in his 60s and the woman, maybe late 50s. The man is the only man in the class so quite noticeable. They just seem like these nice, probably retired, couple doing an activity together and having fun. Apart from the occasional hi when our paths cross, I really didn't know them like that. So yesterday was my first time going this year, I got to the class early, *very unusual* and the man was standing around the place where I normally stand, he was alone. After the usual greeting, I asked after his wife and he said she died. I was shocked because the last time I saw her, she was full of life though a bit frail. I offered my condolence and thank God the instructor was there because I didn't know what else to say.
I wondered what she died of. If it was slow or fast? I wondered how he could even come to a class where he shared experiences with her recently and not burst into tears. I felt for him but I also admired his courage and strength.
February is awareness month for the heart, emotionally and physically. As Valentine day approaches, everyone is talking about love, chocolates and flowers. As we share love with our loved ones and everyone around us, let us also not forget to show love to our physical hearts. Heart disease remains the number one cause of death for both men and women. It is called the silent killer because it shows no symptoms. We shouldn't go thinking, 'that can never happen to me, heart disease is not in my family'. It is best to be prepared. Know what you can control and work from there. Know your risks, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, cut out smoking, drink moderately or not at all. Take care of your heart.
