I Got It Done!…

January 6, 2016January 6, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha55 Comments

I can be very fastidious about accomplishing things that I set out to do and when I don’t achieve them, it leaves me with a great sense of failing in the promises that I made for myself.

When I was single it was far easier to achieve certain goals, but with a family to take care of, the scales balance tilts a bit and it requires far more focus and stringent discipline to achieve new goals.

Some years back, I set a target to get back to my pre-birth size 10 from size 16 and I gave it my all, that within 6 months, I had achieved my target size, but I got pregnant again and piled the weight back on – though I lost the pregnancy and since then I haven’t put as much zeal as I did in getting my shape back.

Last year, January, starting a blog was one of the things I wanted to achieve. By the end of first quarter, I realized that I was behind and one fine morning, I woke up and just jumped in. I had grown tired of overthinking it. I decided to ride through the rough patches as I go and that is precisely what I am doing.

I also finished one of the books that I am working. I got it done by the skin of my teeth in December. I am just going to catch my breath, then get down to editing and see what the next step will be.

This year, like the year before last, I have chosen to view my goals as my life solutions instead of resolutions and you can find out why over here.

The Daily Post Resolved.

Have you ever made a New Year’s Resolution that you kept?

Life · Personal story · The Daily Post

Reading Drivel…personal

January 4, 2016January 5, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha29 Comments

Consistent habits can become defined and after a while forms our characters.

Sometimes in these character mix we find certain habits picked up, which are not only unsavoury, but serve no meaningful purpose whatsoever.

I have my own fair share of habits that I am still trying to let go of, so that I can have room for more positive growth in my life.

Recently, one major challenge has been late night nibbles. Sometimes, I can go for weeks without doing so, then something goes off somewhere and I am back to a frantic bout of the nibbles. A big work in progress here.

However, one of such habits that I have been successful with, was my abrupt decision to stop reading books that I have no better words to describe them other than calling them licentious, x-rated pornography in literature, the only thing they lacked were depicting coloured pictures to match their words.

No, they were not good old fashioned romantic reads, nor what some would describe as soft porn, they were vile, page after page harsh content of lewdness and gross sex, which actually had the reverse effect of offensive for me and I was left wondering how someone could sit down to write a hundred and something pages of utter rubbish.

My curiosity was sated, my conscience was annoyed with me, no particularly worthy knowledge was gained from such dalliance on my part except some vibrant imaginations that were unfortunately painted on some part of my brain cells and it was not a regret to dump reading such drivel by the wayside.

I pencil the past readings down as research, but my money will not go to fund such further waste of my time.

The Daily Post Happy Endings

Tell us about something you’ve tried to quit. Did you go cold turkey, or for gradual change? Did it stick?

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Those Lovely Frilly Dresses…

January 3, 2016January 3, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha27 Comments

I enjoy fashion and when I was much younger, I quite considered myself a decent fashionista. It was a matter of being on fashionable point, with the pedal-pushers, the knicker-bockers, the hot-pants, bell-bottoms, tube tops, penny loafers, cute platforms and what not.

I can’t forget the priceless look on my dad’s face when I once ripped up my jeans in the wake of the ripped jeans fad. He thought it was for a University project called rag day and the poor man just couldn’t understand the whole shebang.

Nevertheless, I always drew the line on indecent clothing that were simply too exposing.

I have never found the thought of exposed bosoms and butts my cup of tea.

Before you start to wonder, yes I do wear shorts.

Sensible shorts that will not cause your eyebrows to disappear totally from your face, leaving you looking forever startled.

In recent times, I have seen ladies (and I hesitate to address them as ladies) dressed in ways that begs questioning and this nudity is even glorified on media platforms.

I think that it is part of today’s societal problems, which indirectly encourages a lot of young ladies not to take pride in esteeming themselves or treating their bodies with dignity. It has it’s adverse effect on society at large. The equating of nudity with being fashionable, is a view that I seriously beg to disagree with.

If someone behaves trashy, people will turn her into a dumpster and like my mother would say, ‘if a man can get free milk from his neighbours cow frivolously at any time he wants, he would never have need to buy his own Cow; and if the Cow dies, he simply becomes friendly with another generous neighbour.’

Nowadays, I go for comfort as much as possible on a regular day and I love to wear girly dresses that accentuate my femininity on special occasions.

Nothing spells ‘lady’ like a woman in a lovely get up.

The Daily Post New Sensation.

Ah, sweet youth. No matter whether you grew up sporting a fedora, penny loafers, poodle skirts, bell-bottoms, leg-warmers, skinny jeans, Madonna-inspired net shirts and rosaries, goth garb, a spikey mohawk, or even a wave that would put the Bieber to shame, you made a fashion statement, unique to you. Describe your favorite fashions from days of yore or current trends you think are stylin’.

Life · Little rants · Parenting · The Daily Post

All Fagged Out…

January 2, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha15 Comments

The days float by a bit too fast! Before we can blink, January will pass.

The holiday excitement and adrenaline rush of weeks is down to zilch and now my body is experiencing fatigue and withdrawal syndrome.

All I want to do is to sleep for days to re-calibrate but alas, no such leisure for this mom.

The children resume school tomorrow and my brain is not yet ready for the frenetic bout. Yes, the week starts on Sunday’s in UAE, just in case you wonder.

Come on! The school break is over already! Boo, Hoo, Hoo. I am wailing loud 😦

Anyway, life continues.

I think I will just get some early shut eye.

Nothing like a wee snooze to set things aright.

Tomorrow let the hustle begin.

The Daily Post Write Here, Write Now.

Photographs · The Daily Post

In Circles…

January 2, 2016January 2, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha11 Comments

The Daily Post Photo Challenge Circles… Today, let a familiar shape inspire you.

Come to dinner and take your pick of cutlery.

The circle of time.

Ringed Fabrics

Nicely rounded hedgehogs asleep in the dark.

Warm soup in round loaf. Delish 🙂

The diver and the round discs

Another circle of light.

Circle of Light

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Blogging · Humor - Bellyful of laughter · The Daily Post

Into the Future, and away we go; You and I…

December 24, 2015December 24, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha11 Comments

Bloggy dear, I just got you a piping hot, burgundy coloured new laptop. You know I love things with a little pizzazz and spice, so off we go to three years down the lane.

I am enjoying the journey with you my dear blog-o-mine. It’s just six months that we started interacting with each other, though we shall pretend that’s it’s been three years and sometimes, I wonder why this tête à tête didn’t start a wee bit earlier. No matter. It’s all good.

Dear diary was a bit worried that you would steal her show, but she understands that you both are good for my soul and that your individual roles in my life is well defined. Diary has been my very best friend way back, when this lady was itty-bitty, but you have come to mean so much to me as well.

You have helped define my writing culture, made so many fantastic friends for me, taught me so much, all in all making you a very worthwhile and profitable venture.

When we started this journey, you and I, I wasn’t quite sure that we both knew what direction we were headed or if anyone would even bother with us, but you have managed to surprise me so much that you have become a big treat for me.

You kept so much momentum and got yourself acquainted to a whole lot of interesting fine gentry out there.

We have had fun visiting all manners of nooks and crannies, even the dodgy paths and you have taken me along this wonderful enriching voyage to unexpected arenas.

The rate at which you churned out posts, I thought that you should be sputtering dry by now, but girl, you are like a steam kettle with bells and whistles and you astonish me at times with your thoughts.

Blog-o-mine, you have almost taken a life of your own, all by yourself and I am astounded as I watch you evolve and blossom into an enriching hub.

It’s been an honour working with you and sometimes I wish that I could take a peek in a crystal ball and see what your dimensions would be like in another three years to come, but since I am denied such supernatural abilities, I shall just have to wait and see what the years with you have to offer, don’t I?

So, let me buckle up and enjoy the ebb and flow of the ride with you.

By the way, did I remember to mention to you that you are such an awesome blog-some blog-o-mine.

The Daily Post prompt ebb and flow.

Our blogs morph over time, as interests shift and life happens. Write a post for your blog — but three years in the future.

Humor - Bellyful of laughter · Life · Little rants · The Daily Post

When A Bad Elf Visits… You simply exhale!

December 24, 2015December 24, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha32 Comments

Our lives are dotted with those waiting to exhale moments when we tell ourselves that it’s going to be alright irrespective of whatever the stress going on is. 1450970724984[1].jpg

This is one of the small it’s gonna be alright moments for me.

For the first time ever I am doing a complete post on my phone. I usually set specific time to work on my laptop each day and then use my notepad to jot down my thoughts as the day goes by.

However, my laptop turned into a bad elf and crashed on me yesterday, causing me to have a few minutes of arrested development when I called her some naughty names.

After slapping her around a wee bit, I turned her off, wished her away to the Grinch that stole Christmas, poured my self a nice glass of Irish cream on the rocks and curled up with a juicy magazine.

Before I could say Trump, I was off asnooze. I am writing this post, possibly riddled with errors but who cares? Not me! Not at this moment!

I am just taking off to look for a replacement laptop; boo hoo hoo 😢 forced to spend a bit of my egg nest, but I guess that’s what egg nest’s are made for.

I simply said to the bad elfin computer, you ain’t cramping my style nor getting my goat, lady. I am going to exhale and get my groove back on.

I even turned it into a positive lesson and learnt how to tweak some stuff on my phone.

What’s a writer girl to do without her machine? I will fix the silly one and keep as a backup.

Have you had one of those crikey moments?

Photographs · The Daily Post

Now. ..

December 23, 2015December 24, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha10 Comments

Continue reading “Now. ..” →

Family · Humor - Bellyful of laughter · The Daily Post

Rabid Fan(aticism)…

December 22, 2015December 22, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha18 Comments

When you are married to an English Premier League Football Fan(atic), as the years zip by, you find yourself getting far more knowledgeable about the things of Soccer/football.

You get to know the scores of Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspurs and so on. You are privy to the tidbits of who has been relegated and who needs the extra points to make the cut.

Of course, you will be in the know of the humourous fact that the Lion in Chelsea’s logo has run away in protest of their bad outing and that José Mourinho their coach has been relieved of his formerly impeccable duties.

The names of footballers become familiar and roll off the tip of your tongue with ease, in such a way that you catch yourself sitting on the edge of your seat, kicking the air along with your husband and two boys and chanting ”come on, come on, come on….” and then yelling Gooooooal like a demented lady when your family team, Arsenal scores or eating your nails to nubs and having butterflies in your stomach during penalty shootouts.

Who knew! I was more a basketball, volleyball, running and tennis kinda girl who watches Roger Federer, Djokovic and Serena with a gleam in my eyes, but years of association has rubbed off and succeeded in turning me into a rabid fan along with my guys; though for me, my fanaticism is only during the Championship.

I am yet to be indoctrinated into developing the desire to watch football everyday – even when they are replays! No Siree!

However, the few live matches that I went to watch with the boys were totally awesome.

The last one was the Houston Cougars at the NRG stadium, Houston downtown October last year.

There is something electrifying and palpable about watching live matches and the chanting of the supporting crowd.

The camaraderie is totally addictive.

The Daily Post Fandom

Are you a sports fan? Tell us about fandom. If you’re not, tell us why not.

Image credit: Pinterest.

Life · Personal story · The Daily Post

Staring Into The Barrel Of A Gun…personal

December 21, 2015December 21, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha35 Comments

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Lagos toughens you up! When I talk about Grace and Mercy watching out for me, it is with the deepest conviction of my heart.

I have been through so many scary moments, that some day’s when I look at myself with all my appendages intact, I know that it is not sheer luck.

‘‘That my life is a testimony.”

My guardian angel has been on full time duty!

If you have lived in Lagos and did not experience one or two hairy-scary moments in your life, then as a matter of compulsion, you have to do Thanksgiving.

It is a bustling, heavily populated, quirky and awesomely crazy city that busts at it seams with rich culture and entertainment.

The commercial nerve center of Nigeria.

As a Lasgidi babe; once a Lagos chic, always a Lagos chic, I love my Lagos to bits, but I also detest a good number of things about it.

To cut a long story short, back in the days when daylight robbery was almost a norm, I was mugged 3 different times at 3 different locations and in the same city by the one’s that are called ” Area boys.”

Secondly, I have faced the barrel of a shotgun of the ‘men of the underworld’ aka highway robbers, 3 consecutive times.

Once was during the wee hours of the morning when they came calling, the next time was on the high street in my car and yet again, shortly before Christmas just as I left a bank.

It scared the jeepers out of my life. My skin flew off my bones in fright and in the last incident for the first time, I was violently ill and experienced an unbelievable migraine. Nightmares ensued and I fled to Europe for several weeks to calm my nerves.

Several months following these incidents, when a stranger came too close, I would practically jump out of my skin, my knees would get all trembly and my pulse rate would simply get erratic.

Indeed, when I look back and think of the times that I stared death in the face, I marvel. One day, I shall write a comprehensive story of these moments.

The rampage in Lagos has gone down over the years.

The robberies are of a more sophisticated nature these days, but there was a season when the men of the underworld reigned supreme!

The Daily Post prompt Safety First.

Share the story of a time you felt unsafe.