Guys sorry for not updating for a while, I must admit I have been favouring my other blog at the expense of this one. The link below leads to my other blog. The one I have been chronicling my journey in Spain with, it is partly written in Spanish so that I can excercise my language usage.
See you there, Adios.http://accra2madrid.wordpress.com/
Friday, October 12, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
New land, new rules
Sorry guys, I have been lost from blogosphere for a while. I have been in Madrid (Alcala de Henares) the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes!
Things are different here, I was so happy when I was leaving Accra but now there are a few things that I miss and a few behaviours I find strange here.
One is that everyone assumes my friends and I to be Americans, I guess because we look well to do.
When we say we are Africans it is like we just burst a bubble. So, today we were at a shop buying umbrellas and the woman at the counter asked us " Son americanas". My friend Lisa got really annoyed of the recurrent questions and said "Yes" she made it worse by saying I was from Hawai. Really??
Secondly, whenever we take out huge euro notes like 50 or 100 euros the sale person oggles it and cross checks to see if they are not fake. I don't know if they think all black people are poor or criminals. (Smh)
Thirdly, I really miss African weather. It is summer all year round!! The temperature here is from 7C to 17C, and it is not yet winter. If winter comes "I don die finish". My skin started cracking and becoming really dry so I made up my cream using lavender oil, petal essential water, olive oil, shea butter (my friends and I brought it from Ghana) and our lotions. The result was awesome! My skin looks fed now though it is not at its 100% best.
But, what I love best about Spain is shopping. Their prices to me are so cheap and its autumn time so most summer clothes are ridiculousy cheap. I am going to shop and re-stock my summer clothes. It is always summer in Ghana, right?
Besos a todos, I am off to bed.
Things are different here, I was so happy when I was leaving Accra but now there are a few things that I miss and a few behaviours I find strange here.
One is that everyone assumes my friends and I to be Americans, I guess because we look well to do.
When we say we are Africans it is like we just burst a bubble. So, today we were at a shop buying umbrellas and the woman at the counter asked us " Son americanas". My friend Lisa got really annoyed of the recurrent questions and said "Yes" she made it worse by saying I was from Hawai. Really??
Secondly, whenever we take out huge euro notes like 50 or 100 euros the sale person oggles it and cross checks to see if they are not fake. I don't know if they think all black people are poor or criminals. (Smh)
Thirdly, I really miss African weather. It is summer all year round!! The temperature here is from 7C to 17C, and it is not yet winter. If winter comes "I don die finish". My skin started cracking and becoming really dry so I made up my cream using lavender oil, petal essential water, olive oil, shea butter (my friends and I brought it from Ghana) and our lotions. The result was awesome! My skin looks fed now though it is not at its 100% best.
But, what I love best about Spain is shopping. Their prices to me are so cheap and its autumn time so most summer clothes are ridiculousy cheap. I am going to shop and re-stock my summer clothes. It is always summer in Ghana, right?
Besos a todos, I am off to bed.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Au revoir Ghana
This is my last time writing from Ghanaian soil for some time. I will be away from this land for some months and I am really sad. Today went to do some last minute rounds and ended up buying so much Ghanaian food (gari,shito and fufu mix). My luggage is full of food and hair products but few clothes!
Sorry, for taking so much time to write but I have been during these last few days a tourist, a dedicated choir member(my church had a concert), a disheartened girl(lost my purse again!!) and my big sister's guinea pig. Too much to say but so little time..
So, I will just write down what I will miss about Accra.
The sweet mangoes, bananas and pineapples that are sold everywhere on the street.
The silly adverts that are played non-stop on tv that get etched in your memory for ever.
The beautiful voices of my choir members during rehearsal.
The trendy places like Smoothy bar in Osu, Lizzy sports complex and Kofee Lounge in East Legon.
The love shown by friends family and loved ones.
Au revoir amis et a tres bientot.
Sorry, for taking so much time to write but I have been during these last few days a tourist, a dedicated choir member(my church had a concert), a disheartened girl(lost my purse again!!) and my big sister's guinea pig. Too much to say but so little time..
So, I will just write down what I will miss about Accra.
The sweet mangoes, bananas and pineapples that are sold everywhere on the street.
The silly adverts that are played non-stop on tv that get etched in your memory for ever.
The beautiful voices of my choir members during rehearsal.
The trendy places like Smoothy bar in Osu, Lizzy sports complex and Kofee Lounge in East Legon.
The love shown by friends family and loved ones.
Au revoir amis et a tres bientot.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Did I step into a circus or class?
Hey Guys, remember I mentioned previously that I was attending a PR/Marketing class? Well, tomorrow will be my last day and frankly I am elated as well as saddened by this fact. Why elated? Because, going for this class in the evenings was not easy (fine, I admit laziness) because I had to contend with traffic, hunger and tiredness. On the other hand I am saddened because of the uniqueness of the people in my class.
The class takes place in a small hall that has existed for more than five decades but, which surprisingly is still in relatively good shape except for the cracking sounds of the floor boards whenever it's stepped on. There is only one door which serves for entry and exit. Thus, whenever one is late and enters the class he/she comes face to face with the lecturer and students. Although, there is only one door and a few windows the temperature is always cold. I literally had to wear a sweater to class everyday. Why? Because some ancient air conditioning system decided to punish us with freezing cold air.
Despite all these elements I enjoy the class because of the students. We are about thirty people from different backgrounds, religion,jobs and even ages.
The student body varies from a Hajjiah who is a midwife who relates every marketing or PR question with scenarios she had in the labour ward or in her clininc. She uses every opportunity to market the services that are available in her clinic like adult circumcision etc. Can you imagine??
Next, we have a funny guy who works at a local radio station called Peace fm. Everything about this guy is hilarious; his smile, his clothes( bright neon shirts) and his english. He has a thick Ashanti accent(if you are Ghanain you will know) so, most of his l's are pronounced as r's. It takes a huge effort for him to say a complete sentence in english. When he finally does I have a huge grin on my face. I absolutely like this guy, he will make you happy every time.
Then we have the "three high class babes". They always come in late, looking fresh with their brazillian weaves cascading down their backs. Sometimes instead of staring at the lecturer I will be staring at their heels or their designer bags!
So, by tomorrow I will have a PR/Marketing certificate and the great thing about it will be how fun it was learning in the class that seemed more like a circus.
The class takes place in a small hall that has existed for more than five decades but, which surprisingly is still in relatively good shape except for the cracking sounds of the floor boards whenever it's stepped on. There is only one door which serves for entry and exit. Thus, whenever one is late and enters the class he/she comes face to face with the lecturer and students. Although, there is only one door and a few windows the temperature is always cold. I literally had to wear a sweater to class everyday. Why? Because some ancient air conditioning system decided to punish us with freezing cold air.
Despite all these elements I enjoy the class because of the students. We are about thirty people from different backgrounds, religion,jobs and even ages.
The student body varies from a Hajjiah who is a midwife who relates every marketing or PR question with scenarios she had in the labour ward or in her clininc. She uses every opportunity to market the services that are available in her clinic like adult circumcision etc. Can you imagine??
Next, we have a funny guy who works at a local radio station called Peace fm. Everything about this guy is hilarious; his smile, his clothes( bright neon shirts) and his english. He has a thick Ashanti accent(if you are Ghanain you will know) so, most of his l's are pronounced as r's. It takes a huge effort for him to say a complete sentence in english. When he finally does I have a huge grin on my face. I absolutely like this guy, he will make you happy every time.
Then we have the "three high class babes". They always come in late, looking fresh with their brazillian weaves cascading down their backs. Sometimes instead of staring at the lecturer I will be staring at their heels or their designer bags!
So, by tomorrow I will have a PR/Marketing certificate and the great thing about it will be how fun it was learning in the class that seemed more like a circus.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Visa Process 2
I would not have taken so long to write the sequel if I had not gotten my visa. I am sure I would have been ranting and blaming the embassy but since I escaped that ordeal, it has made me complacent.
Guess that is the same thing that happens with childbirth right? During labour, women go through the worst pain ever but when the baby is out and they are staring into their child's eyes all the past pain is forgotten.
Anyways this is no excuse, my sincerest apologies.
On to the story, I was called on my phone twice to report to the embassy. One of the most annoying things about this particular embassy is the fact that people queue outside the entry gate waiting for the guards to grant them entry. And, to make make matters worse the main entrance is adjacent to one of the busiest streets in Accra so all those who go through this visa process are likely to be stared at by passerby's, commercial cars and all sorts of people. It is embarassing! All I want is a student visa for a year not a resident permit...furthermore there is recession affecting most of the European countries. Why would I want to stay there??
Next, the door is opened up for you, there are routine security checks and you are ushered into a small hall (my livingroom is even bigger) where you join another queue. There one meets all manner of people. Some coming from small towns all over the country who have been waiting for their visas for ages, business women and young guys applying to schools outside.
I wonder why Africans like travelling out so much, if you tell me to go through this process again I would decline. I have applied for several visas but this particular process was very ANNOYING.
The worst part of it was when I went for the visa and opened my passport... I saw a three month visa!
So, as usual I asked a whole lot of questions to the guy behind the counter and he said " Don't worry, when you reach there your school will help you extend it to a year". I was so confused, why would they give me a three month visa when I specified I was going to be schooling for a year??
When I came back home and showed it to my mum she was like " so is for this three month visa that you went through all of that stress".
Thank God I am through this, and I'm gonna enjoy all I can from this visa because I worked for it.
Hasta la vista.
Guess that is the same thing that happens with childbirth right? During labour, women go through the worst pain ever but when the baby is out and they are staring into their child's eyes all the past pain is forgotten.
Anyways this is no excuse, my sincerest apologies.
On to the story, I was called on my phone twice to report to the embassy. One of the most annoying things about this particular embassy is the fact that people queue outside the entry gate waiting for the guards to grant them entry. And, to make make matters worse the main entrance is adjacent to one of the busiest streets in Accra so all those who go through this visa process are likely to be stared at by passerby's, commercial cars and all sorts of people. It is embarassing! All I want is a student visa for a year not a resident permit...furthermore there is recession affecting most of the European countries. Why would I want to stay there??
Next, the door is opened up for you, there are routine security checks and you are ushered into a small hall (my livingroom is even bigger) where you join another queue. There one meets all manner of people. Some coming from small towns all over the country who have been waiting for their visas for ages, business women and young guys applying to schools outside.
I wonder why Africans like travelling out so much, if you tell me to go through this process again I would decline. I have applied for several visas but this particular process was very ANNOYING.
The worst part of it was when I went for the visa and opened my passport... I saw a three month visa!
So, as usual I asked a whole lot of questions to the guy behind the counter and he said " Don't worry, when you reach there your school will help you extend it to a year". I was so confused, why would they give me a three month visa when I specified I was going to be schooling for a year??
When I came back home and showed it to my mum she was like " so is for this three month visa that you went through all of that stress".
Thank God I am through this, and I'm gonna enjoy all I can from this visa because I worked for it.
Hasta la vista.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Visa Process 1
Sorry people for not posting for a while now. I have been soo busy from getting my visa to attending two evening classes; one on writing skills and the other on PR.
I am proud African and Ghanaian but at times I have regrets. An example of such a time is when I am applying for a visa. If you are a third world citizen and have ever applied for an international visa you would understand my sentiments. It can be compared to Darwin's survival of the fittest theory. In this case the prey was me trying to escape from the strange guards, the slow process and all the other formalities I had to go through.
I started my visa process in May! Can you imagine...I had to first get the requirement list which is eighteen items long.
I had to get a police report
I had to go for a medical report
Legalize my birth certificate in Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire ( Although I'm Ghanaian the Spanish embassy insisted that the document needed to be legalized in country of birth)
Send legalized birth certificate to Foreign Affairs.
Get letters from my University here and others from the University in Spain. etc
The process was tiring and I just got the visa last week. I had to call the embassy three times although they were pretty mad when I did. The third time was the charm, if I had not called I wouldn't have known my visa was ready.
P.S there will definitely be a part two (2). Stay tuned.
I am proud African and Ghanaian but at times I have regrets. An example of such a time is when I am applying for a visa. If you are a third world citizen and have ever applied for an international visa you would understand my sentiments. It can be compared to Darwin's survival of the fittest theory. In this case the prey was me trying to escape from the strange guards, the slow process and all the other formalities I had to go through.
I started my visa process in May! Can you imagine...I had to first get the requirement list which is eighteen items long.
I had to get a police report
I had to go for a medical report
Legalize my birth certificate in Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire ( Although I'm Ghanaian the Spanish embassy insisted that the document needed to be legalized in country of birth)
Send legalized birth certificate to Foreign Affairs.
Get letters from my University here and others from the University in Spain. etc
The process was tiring and I just got the visa last week. I had to call the embassy three times although they were pretty mad when I did. The third time was the charm, if I had not called I wouldn't have known my visa was ready.
P.S there will definitely be a part two (2). Stay tuned.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
And the Oscar for best funeral goes to....
Yesterday, Accra was clothed in red and black. I mean literally what I am writing; cars, shops, streetlights. humans and even some dogs were dressed in the attire. For those who are unaware to Ghanain customs, the colours red and black are worn to funerals especially if the person who passed away was perceived to be young or died unexpectedly. On the other hand, white and black is worn to funerals where the person died at an old age due to natural causes.
Well, in this case our Pres. Atta Mills though sick and who had been rumoured dead on countless occassions was honoured with a massive funeral service.
It was a three day event. On wednesday he was laid in state for public viewing and it continued till Friday. There were long snaking queues of people desperate to have a glance of their President.The lines spun from the Parliament building to The State house; where the mortal remains of our passed president was laid in state. The number of people there did not reduce during those three days. Whether it was morning,afternoon,or evening the crowds were still there.
Most tv stations had representatives lined all along the territory either conducting interviews or snapping photos of celebrities present. On friday the number of paparazzis covering the funeral service quadupled. All tv stations showed live footage of the president's burial service.
The burial sevice was gargantuan! In attendance were seventeen heads of state from Africa and elsewhere, even Hillary Clinton was present. The mortal remains were transported by horses, the navy,police,army were there to ensure security, there were doves that were released into the sky(umm dunno what for), the army gave twenty gunshot salutes and to crown it all three planes sprayed the country's flag colours.
My big brother said a funny but truthful statement as we watched the funeral service live on tv. He said "I knew Ghana would not dissapoint when it comes to funeral, we have done the best funeral ever. Even, Princess Diana's funeral does not come close to this" I burst out laughing, but on a more serious note what he said is so true. How much money did this funeral cost?
I am a proud Ghanaian. But. Ghanaian funeral rites and services are in my opinion our most wierdest custom. I do not understand why people dance,eat and look for potential marriage partners at funerals. I do not understand why we pay chief mourners to cry for the dead person. I do not understand why the whole funeral service takes several hours. I just do not comprehend.....
N.B here is an article written by the New York Times on Ghanain funerals.
These are articles on Atta Mills Funeral.
Well, in this case our Pres. Atta Mills though sick and who had been rumoured dead on countless occassions was honoured with a massive funeral service.
It was a three day event. On wednesday he was laid in state for public viewing and it continued till Friday. There were long snaking queues of people desperate to have a glance of their President.The lines spun from the Parliament building to The State house; where the mortal remains of our passed president was laid in state. The number of people there did not reduce during those three days. Whether it was morning,afternoon,or evening the crowds were still there.
Most tv stations had representatives lined all along the territory either conducting interviews or snapping photos of celebrities present. On friday the number of paparazzis covering the funeral service quadupled. All tv stations showed live footage of the president's burial service.
The burial sevice was gargantuan! In attendance were seventeen heads of state from Africa and elsewhere, even Hillary Clinton was present. The mortal remains were transported by horses, the navy,police,army were there to ensure security, there were doves that were released into the sky(umm dunno what for), the army gave twenty gunshot salutes and to crown it all three planes sprayed the country's flag colours.
My big brother said a funny but truthful statement as we watched the funeral service live on tv. He said "I knew Ghana would not dissapoint when it comes to funeral, we have done the best funeral ever. Even, Princess Diana's funeral does not come close to this" I burst out laughing, but on a more serious note what he said is so true. How much money did this funeral cost?
I am a proud Ghanaian. But. Ghanaian funeral rites and services are in my opinion our most wierdest custom. I do not understand why people dance,eat and look for potential marriage partners at funerals. I do not understand why we pay chief mourners to cry for the dead person. I do not understand why the whole funeral service takes several hours. I just do not comprehend.....
N.B here is an article written by the New York Times on Ghanain funerals.
These are articles on Atta Mills Funeral.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Why music is my religion.
Everyday I wake up from dreamland only for my eardrums to be assaulted by a cacophony of noises.
Birds chirping incessantly outside my window, my neighbours bickering about something trivial or someone shouting my name as if the whole world depended on my response to survive.
That is when I yearn to return to that place of serenity, where it is Me and my thoughts.
So, I put on my earphones and in a matter of seconds I am shut off from the world.
All becomes still,quiet and peaceful. Just as the earth was without form and void in the beginning of creation. Then I press the play button.
Immediately, I am ushered into a musical realm. And, it as if God pronounced those magical words "let there be music", and there was music.
But, the creative process does not end there. The sound begins subtly and rises up to a frenzy. It starts with two sticks hitting each other then a tin of foil which sets the tempo, guitar strings being strummed and a pair of piano keys being played. A symphony has begun.
I am transported to another world. I become oblivious to baby wails, police sirens, car honks, and all other deafening noises.
I close my eyes and wrap myself in that liquid love, that musical serenity. The melodious voices and pulsating rhythms drown all my worries and fears.
Then I become one with the music.
Birds chirping incessantly outside my window, my neighbours bickering about something trivial or someone shouting my name as if the whole world depended on my response to survive.
That is when I yearn to return to that place of serenity, where it is Me and my thoughts.
So, I put on my earphones and in a matter of seconds I am shut off from the world.
All becomes still,quiet and peaceful. Just as the earth was without form and void in the beginning of creation. Then I press the play button.
Immediately, I am ushered into a musical realm. And, it as if God pronounced those magical words "let there be music", and there was music.
But, the creative process does not end there. The sound begins subtly and rises up to a frenzy. It starts with two sticks hitting each other then a tin of foil which sets the tempo, guitar strings being strummed and a pair of piano keys being played. A symphony has begun.
I am transported to another world. I become oblivious to baby wails, police sirens, car honks, and all other deafening noises.
I close my eyes and wrap myself in that liquid love, that musical serenity. The melodious voices and pulsating rhythms drown all my worries and fears.
Then I become one with the music.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Saddest Day in Ghana
I was in the car with Abena(my sister) on the way to our writing class when we received a call from Kweku(my brother). He said " Abe and Adom come back home, Atta Mills is dead". I was stunned and I thought he could not be serious. So, we switched our radio frequency to Joy Fm and BBC. The news was been confirmed. That is when it dawned on us it was true. I thought of his wife now a widow, the fact that he had no biological children, the state of the nation now that we are heading towards an election.
John Atta Mills was a very humble man and a responsible statesman. I know realize how Ghanaians were blessed to have such a leader. The saying "One never knows the value of something till it is lost". We teased him, made songs about him and even movies like 'Atta the mortuary man' to ridicule his illness. There were always rumors about his illness, he has been pronounced dead many times but friends and foes. Well, today it is official yet nobody wants to believe it, we wish it was all a joke.
Next time we have a good leader let us appreciate him and strive to be at peace with everyone regardless of their tribe or political party.
Goodnight Ghana and my condolences.
John Atta Mills was a very humble man and a responsible statesman. I know realize how Ghanaians were blessed to have such a leader. The saying "One never knows the value of something till it is lost". We teased him, made songs about him and even movies like 'Atta the mortuary man' to ridicule his illness. There were always rumors about his illness, he has been pronounced dead many times but friends and foes. Well, today it is official yet nobody wants to believe it, we wish it was all a joke.
Next time we have a good leader let us appreciate him and strive to be at peace with everyone regardless of their tribe or political party.
Goodnight Ghana and my condolences.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
I'm a Year Older!
Today is the first time I am blogging as a twenty year old *applause*. I am OLD or YOUNG judging from which angle you are looking at it . When I was thirteen all I wanted to be was twenty and now I just wanna go back to being eighteen because I feel that in a few years I will be out of my parents nest or I might wake up soon to see a gray hair. Nonetheless, I feel so grateful to God that I made it this far because just last thursday I lost a school mate or better said a small sister, Leslie. She was in a few classes lower than I but, it is impossible to forget her because she had such an attitude. She died in a car accident on her way home after clubbing with some friends.None of them survived.She was only seventeen.
My prayer today is that I will use all my years to serve,help,encourage and be a blessing unto people.
As long as God gives me life I would be happy and cherish every moment of it and continually give him all the praise.
Have a Great day!
My prayer today is that I will use all my years to serve,help,encourage and be a blessing unto people.
As long as God gives me life I would be happy and cherish every moment of it and continually give him all the praise.
Have a Great day!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
My Mom has got Swag!
LOL. I am laughing at the title of my blogspot but I must admit it is true.The ladies in my family know how to dress and love looking good. My grandma is eighty and she still has swag. She still puts on makeup and she loves to put on strange nail polish colours on her toes!!
So I was going through my Mum's stuff and I saw this lovely picture. I love her dress style.
And, today just seemed the perfect day to post it because it is her birthday. LOVE YOU MOM!
So I was going through my Mum's stuff and I saw this lovely picture. I love her dress style.
And, today just seemed the perfect day to post it because it is her birthday. LOVE YOU MOM!
P.S She was wearing a mini dress..I don't think I can go out of the house wearing something like that!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Who invented high heels?
Last two weeks I wore high heels for four hours straight without sitting. I was an usher at a huge gala event for the opening of a King city. A city that would have all amenities (hospital,schools,malls etc). It was an evening where the 'creme de la creme' of Ghanain society met and dined. But, I didn't really notice them because all I wanted to do was finish my job, get my cash and let my sore feet relax. Two other facts that I deem necessary to add are: 1) They were the first heels I ever bought. 2) They were quite high for an "amateur high heels wearer" like me.
So, my job was basically greeting the distinguished guests with a smile, asking them for their invitation cards, directing them to the bar for champagne as I gave their card to the IT desk for them to crosscheck their names on the list and later lead them to their seats. It sounds easy right? But, it is not!! It made me appreciate girls who do beauty pageants, ushers and models. I wore these heels for a couple of minutes and common sense told me to go change into my sister's heels. They were much more comfy and I had walked in it several times especially during a fashion show a few months ago.
Don't they look comfy! I wore these for three hours but later a bunch of girls and me went to the change room and wore slippers. Our boss never found out because our clothes were long and covered the shoes underneath.
So who created high heels why do we women endure such pain? Well according to my research, heels originated in Egypt it was worn by the higher social class. Later, they were hieroglyphics that were found that showed the use of heels in Rome and Italy. In Italy it was called "chippone". Those heels were really tall and was said to impede women from cheating on their husbands.
Well I love heels but I have decided to wear them only if I am going to be walking from a car to a seat and back to the car when the event is over. My shoes shall not rule me!
So who created high heels why do we women endure such pain? Well according to my research, heels originated in Egypt it was worn by the higher social class. Later, they were hieroglyphics that were found that showed the use of heels in Rome and Italy. In Italy it was called "chippone". Those heels were really tall and was said to impede women from cheating on their husbands.
Well I love heels but I have decided to wear them only if I am going to be walking from a car to a seat and back to the car when the event is over. My shoes shall not rule me!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Latest Passion
1. Mismatch
2. Leopard/Animal prints
P.S I do them myself with a little help from youtube. They are cute right??
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Could He be?
Father you made 5'9, beautiful, smart and called me Grace
You knew I would fall for him wise,handsome as soon as I saw his face
Yet I wallow, sigh, grumble and say "when me?"
But,Why does my heart skip a beat at potential He's?
Why do I constantly ask could He be?
Father I know you are Supreme and you hold all my life plans
So why then do I doubt and shiver at the thought of meeting a mere man
When you hold the stars, the moon and orbits in your hand
And devils flee each time you take a stand
So,Why does my heart skip a beat at potential He's?
Why do I constantly ask could He be?
Father you see everything. Thieves,gangsters and preachers on earth
You even notice the minutest thing like babies unbirthed
Yet you had time to create Him and put him here
My earthly mind does not comprehend thus keeps asking "where?"
So, why does my heart skip a beat at potential He's?
Why do I constantly ask could He be?
Then I hear your clear voice say" Hush!"
I have it under control it is neither the time or place,
Daughter why the hurry, very soon you shall see his face
The love story story I have written is not just when boy meets girl
But a manisfestation of my love, favour and grace.
P.S -I wrote this ages ago but I edited it before posting it. The first draft needed a lot of work.
I hope this would encourage any girl who ever felt this way.
You knew I would fall for him wise,handsome as soon as I saw his face
Yet I wallow, sigh, grumble and say "when me?"
But,Why does my heart skip a beat at potential He's?
Why do I constantly ask could He be?
Father I know you are Supreme and you hold all my life plans
So why then do I doubt and shiver at the thought of meeting a mere man
When you hold the stars, the moon and orbits in your hand
And devils flee each time you take a stand
So,Why does my heart skip a beat at potential He's?
Why do I constantly ask could He be?
Father you see everything. Thieves,gangsters and preachers on earth
You even notice the minutest thing like babies unbirthed
Yet you had time to create Him and put him here
My earthly mind does not comprehend thus keeps asking "where?"
So, why does my heart skip a beat at potential He's?
Why do I constantly ask could He be?
Then I hear your clear voice say" Hush!"
I have it under control it is neither the time or place,
Daughter why the hurry, very soon you shall see his face
The love story story I have written is not just when boy meets girl
But a manisfestation of my love, favour and grace.
P.S -I wrote this ages ago but I edited it before posting it. The first draft needed a lot of work.
I hope this would encourage any girl who ever felt this way.
Steps to Avoid living in your Parent's Basement.
Hello readers! This week I have been concentrating on planning my career... it sounds different but I have come to realize that it is very crucial that everyone goes through this process and the earlier the better. My Dad gave me a book entitled " How to get any Job (or how to avoid living in your parents' basement) written by Donald Asher. Hilarious title right? But, believe me that's not the first funny book title my Dad has ever given me. One time he gave me a book called " Why men marry some women and not others" or something similar of the sort. I can't really remember now :(
Ok, let's go back to the aforementioned book. It is a great book! I am just on the third chapter but I am already blogging about it. This is proof enough.
Here are a few(alot) excercises the author encourages the reader to do as you progress.
1. List down all the schools you have attended, best subjects,community activities,countries you have visited, languages you speak, all the job's your parents and siblings ever had etc.
2.List your first Job ideas. If you wanted to be an astronaut when you were a kid write it down!
3.List your employment fantasies in high school.
4. Career Ideas Post-College.
5.Industries that existed in your neighbourhood when you were a kid.
6. Your College Friends Dream Jobs
7. The 5 issues in the world that bother you most.
8. The 25 people you admire in the world.
9. 25 things you admire about yourself.
10. What would you do with your life if you won $10million dollars at the lottery.
11. What you would pay to learn (eg. tango or learn chinese)
12. What you think would be the 5 emerging industries in ten years.
13. What you think are the 5 Demographic Wave Industries in you country.
So that's it for now the next step is to take some career planning tests. I have done a few and they have been mind boggling but really insightful. I know it seems a whole lot of work but compared to staying in my Dad's basement.... I DON'T THINK SO!
NB. Links to free career planning tests online http://jobsearch.about.com/od/careertests/a/free-career-tests.htm
Ok, let's go back to the aforementioned book. It is a great book! I am just on the third chapter but I am already blogging about it. This is proof enough.
Here are a few(alot) excercises the author encourages the reader to do as you progress.
1. List down all the schools you have attended, best subjects,community activities,countries you have visited, languages you speak, all the job's your parents and siblings ever had etc.
2.List your first Job ideas. If you wanted to be an astronaut when you were a kid write it down!
3.List your employment fantasies in high school.
4. Career Ideas Post-College.
5.Industries that existed in your neighbourhood when you were a kid.
6. Your College Friends Dream Jobs
7. The 5 issues in the world that bother you most.
8. The 25 people you admire in the world.
9. 25 things you admire about yourself.
10. What would you do with your life if you won $10million dollars at the lottery.
11. What you would pay to learn (eg. tango or learn chinese)
12. What you think would be the 5 emerging industries in ten years.
13. What you think are the 5 Demographic Wave Industries in you country.
So that's it for now the next step is to take some career planning tests. I have done a few and they have been mind boggling but really insightful. I know it seems a whole lot of work but compared to staying in my Dad's basement.... I DON'T THINK SO!
NB. Links to free career planning tests online http://jobsearch.about.com/od/careertests/a/free-career-tests.htm
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Is July in a few hours!!
The best month of the year is going to be here in a few months and I'm excited. I know all the people born in other months are hating right now but, take a second and think. Which month gives a holiday on it's very first day?? No other than July.. this and other reasons make this month one of a kind.
These are the reasons why I LOVE(J'AIME,QUIERO&AMO) this month.
1. I was born on this month.
2. My mum was also born on this month three days before my birthday. In fact I was supposed to be born on her birthday but being stubborn I came three days later.
3.This month stands for summer holidays!
4.Well in the west mid July to August is when there are major sales. In Africa everyday is a sale day your negotiation skills determine which percentage you get off.
5. A lot of events happen during this time e.g weddings,parties etc.
P.S it's 22 days to the D-day and I feel already like I'm getting OLD. I'll explain that later ...
Bisous
These are the reasons why I LOVE(J'AIME,QUIERO&AMO) this month.
1. I was born on this month.
2. My mum was also born on this month three days before my birthday. In fact I was supposed to be born on her birthday but being stubborn I came three days later.
3.This month stands for summer holidays!
4.Well in the west mid July to August is when there are major sales. In Africa everyday is a sale day your negotiation skills determine which percentage you get off.
5. A lot of events happen during this time e.g weddings,parties etc.
P.S it's 22 days to the D-day and I feel already like I'm getting OLD. I'll explain that later ...
Bisous
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thankful Thursdays.
I want to establish this day as one where I can share with my readers all that I'm greatful for during the week.
This week I am greatful for the ability to cook several African dishes...Yes, it's true I just finished cooking 'Placali'(Ivorian food) with okro stew and it was toothsome. Mmmm!!
Then I realized that I knew how to cook different types of African food because I was blessed to be surrounded by an international community in my school as well as our family friends. I feel like bragging a little so I'll write a list of all the dishes I can do and which African country they are from.
Ghana- Eto, Omo tuo, Jollof Rice, Waakye etc (Except Fufu)
Cote D'Ivoire- Attieke, Fufu(different from Ghana's),Placali
Senegal- Tchep. I have to learn how to do Yassa it's way tastier than tchep!!
Morroco- Couscous.
Kenya- Matoke. My Aunt taught me how to cook Chapati but I've forgotten :(
Next week I will try and do Yassa. It is a Senegalese dish and the ingredients are easy to get namely; mustard,chicken,onions, garlic and it is eaten with rice. I loved it the very first time I ate it hope it turns out great. I used to wish I would marry a Senegalese man.. their food is basically rice*huge grin* and they are usually really tall. Hehehe
Great recipe sites below.
http://www.foodbycountry.com/
http://www.whats4eats.com/appetizers/akkra-recipe
This week I am greatful for the ability to cook several African dishes...Yes, it's true I just finished cooking 'Placali'(Ivorian food) with okro stew and it was toothsome. Mmmm!!
Then I realized that I knew how to cook different types of African food because I was blessed to be surrounded by an international community in my school as well as our family friends. I feel like bragging a little so I'll write a list of all the dishes I can do and which African country they are from.
Ghana- Eto, Omo tuo, Jollof Rice, Waakye etc (Except Fufu)
Cote D'Ivoire- Attieke, Fufu(different from Ghana's),Placali
Senegal- Tchep. I have to learn how to do Yassa it's way tastier than tchep!!
Morroco- Couscous.
Kenya- Matoke. My Aunt taught me how to cook Chapati but I've forgotten :(
Next week I will try and do Yassa. It is a Senegalese dish and the ingredients are easy to get namely; mustard,chicken,onions, garlic and it is eaten with rice. I loved it the very first time I ate it hope it turns out great. I used to wish I would marry a Senegalese man.. their food is basically rice*huge grin* and they are usually really tall. Hehehe
Great recipe sites below.
http://www.foodbycountry.com/
http://www.whats4eats.com/appetizers/akkra-recipe
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Rainy Season +PMS+??? = Poor Psyche
So, I have not been in the greatest of moods for some time now. It seems like the heavy clouds full of rain are not only hovering in the Accra skies but also on top of my head. The weather, PMS, and the visa process am going through are causing my mood to go foul. All of these are just frustrating!!To make matters worse my Dad's van broke down today and I had to push it with a couple of drunk guys and in the drizzling rain :-(
Don't get me wrong I love the rain because I was a rainy season baby. I used to wear my swimsuit and dance in the rain before anyone could see and shout at me when I was a kid. One of my guilty pleasures was sipping warm chocolate and listening to songs from the eighties all wrapped up in my bed but this particular rainy season just feels depressing. I am thankful nonetheless,for the random events that bring a smile on my face like having a great session at Summer Shakespeare(Nubuke) or teaching my Spanish students or chatting with friends.
I don't know why I am even writing but it feels therapeutic. Writing thoughts on paper really helps probably that's the reason musicians write most of their best love songs when they are depressed.
Note to Guys: Whenever ladies are in such moods just listen. DO NOT TRY TO UNDERSTAND! I don't think we understand ourselves.
P.S Icecream and cookies can work magic.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
7 Lessons I learnt from my Father.
Tomorrow will be Father's day and I thought to myself what better way to celebrate my Dad but writing this post. For some few months now I have really seen how I am blessed to have a Father who has always been there though sometimes he has been too much present in my life. My Dad is a very friendly guy(except to my guy visitors), ambitious,generous,disciplined and spiritual. I still remember when I was a kid that my Dad used to seize the oppurtunity of everyone's absence to prepare strange but tasteful dishes. But, no one could never tell the ingredients used. One day I ate something that tasted like chicken but later found it was one of the cute rabbits we had in the house that was grilled. I was so disgusted!! I had a lot of stomach upsets when I was a kid, used to wake up from my sleep and puke endlessly because of something I ate late or something I ate out. They were really serious, there was even one I feel was a near death event. It was frequently my Dad who would stay with me all night and give me medicine or fluids( his concoctions). Dad you really deserve this post and although you can be a 'party popper' at times I still love you.
Before I went to Uni my Dad sat me down and had a lengthy chat with me. I thought he was being over protective or too rigid in his thinking, but now with just one year to go I realize he was pretty much saying the hard truth. The list below are the lessons he told me that fateful day and others I heard almost every single day as I was growing up.
1) "Life is a choice, you can choose to be happy, rich,poor, sucessful anything you want to be". But, its your choice". This is one phrase he LOVES saying, he made us understand that every decision you take makes what you are in the future. You want to be healthier? Eat good food. You want to be a Public Figure? Get Public Figures as mentors. If you decide to not do anything, it will be your 'choice'. Whatever happens will be the result of your choices.
2) My Dad made me understand that no other guy will ever love me like he does. I remember when I was in high schoool and the 'it thing' was to have a boyfriend/girlfriend my Dad kept telling me at random times " I love you, and if it's money you want I will give it to you, don't let any guy tell you that and get giddy with excitement cos' I tell you everytime".
3)" Walk like you have somewhere to go". LOL. It sounds silly but it is actually really true, whenever I am out somewhere and I switch on my busy walk the message that people receive is that I am a confident and busy woman. Try it out someday, it works!
4) We can always do better at what you are doing. If any of you have read my previous posts you will know by now that I dont enjoy washing tons of dishes. During my kiddy years, I would wash everything and leave the biggest pot unwashed and blame it on the hugeness or the fact that the stains on it seemed to not vanish despite my efforts. To those grumblings my Dad would say " You did well but I'll give you a B+ since you could have done better. I hated hearing that from him especially after all the work I had done. Conclusion is, I still could have done better eventhough I didn't feel like it.
5) Any college boy who says he wants to marry you is a big fat liar or is just plain naive. This was one of the things he told me before I went to University. He said from a male perspective it would not be possible because at that age a guy's mind is focused on how he is going to finish school, get a good job and buy a car. LATER .. comes the idea of settling down probably because his mom is forcing him to or all his pals are settling down.
6) Do what you are passionate about and you will never see time passing. My Dad used to work in one of the best banks in Africa and our family used to enjoy the perks until that fateful day when my Pops decided to go to retirement early. I think he was in his late forties and fifties, until now he never regretted his decision. He keeps on telling us there is nothing like being you own boss and getting money from what you love doing.
7) Self-esteem and Confidence will get you places. Whenever my sister, brother or I walk around with our backs bent and head sagging. My dad would lecture on the importance of standing straight and looking confident. He says no one is attracted to anyone who walks around looking like he/she has a burden on the shoulder.
To all the wonderful guys in my life I hope you will be great fathers and one day have a sweet little daughter write a post about you.
Before I went to Uni my Dad sat me down and had a lengthy chat with me. I thought he was being over protective or too rigid in his thinking, but now with just one year to go I realize he was pretty much saying the hard truth. The list below are the lessons he told me that fateful day and others I heard almost every single day as I was growing up.
1) "Life is a choice, you can choose to be happy, rich,poor, sucessful anything you want to be". But, its your choice". This is one phrase he LOVES saying, he made us understand that every decision you take makes what you are in the future. You want to be healthier? Eat good food. You want to be a Public Figure? Get Public Figures as mentors. If you decide to not do anything, it will be your 'choice'. Whatever happens will be the result of your choices.
2) My Dad made me understand that no other guy will ever love me like he does. I remember when I was in high schoool and the 'it thing' was to have a boyfriend/girlfriend my Dad kept telling me at random times " I love you, and if it's money you want I will give it to you, don't let any guy tell you that and get giddy with excitement cos' I tell you everytime".
3)" Walk like you have somewhere to go". LOL. It sounds silly but it is actually really true, whenever I am out somewhere and I switch on my busy walk the message that people receive is that I am a confident and busy woman. Try it out someday, it works!
4) We can always do better at what you are doing. If any of you have read my previous posts you will know by now that I dont enjoy washing tons of dishes. During my kiddy years, I would wash everything and leave the biggest pot unwashed and blame it on the hugeness or the fact that the stains on it seemed to not vanish despite my efforts. To those grumblings my Dad would say " You did well but I'll give you a B+ since you could have done better. I hated hearing that from him especially after all the work I had done. Conclusion is, I still could have done better eventhough I didn't feel like it.
5) Any college boy who says he wants to marry you is a big fat liar or is just plain naive. This was one of the things he told me before I went to University. He said from a male perspective it would not be possible because at that age a guy's mind is focused on how he is going to finish school, get a good job and buy a car. LATER .. comes the idea of settling down probably because his mom is forcing him to or all his pals are settling down.
6) Do what you are passionate about and you will never see time passing. My Dad used to work in one of the best banks in Africa and our family used to enjoy the perks until that fateful day when my Pops decided to go to retirement early. I think he was in his late forties and fifties, until now he never regretted his decision. He keeps on telling us there is nothing like being you own boss and getting money from what you love doing.
7) Self-esteem and Confidence will get you places. Whenever my sister, brother or I walk around with our backs bent and head sagging. My dad would lecture on the importance of standing straight and looking confident. He says no one is attracted to anyone who walks around looking like he/she has a burden on the shoulder.
To all the wonderful guys in my life I hope you will be great fathers and one day have a sweet little daughter write a post about you.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Is Africa really moving foward?
I , like several African's around the globe think that western media like BBC and Aljazeeera constantly show the worst things about our continent. But, this month I have watched two documentaries one about baby trafficking in Nigeria and the other about the "Nigerian Mafia". It sounds unbelievable but it is so painstakingly true. So, I ask myself how Forbes and IMF published that the fastest economiesn the world are countries from Africa. Also, most African countries are said to be moving from low income economies to middle icome enomies but in my opinion this report is partly true because there are international companies investing in this continent and it is now common to see huge skyscrapers , American fast food chains and the youth tweeting on their blackberries. But, could this be a smokesscreen to keep us from noticing the real issues on the ground that are happening in the little towns all around the continent of Africa.
Today I was saying to a freind that a whole lot of things piss me off including those gloomy stories the international media portrays about Africa. He asked me a simple question ' But, are those stories true?" I had to admit that eventhough those stories are degrading they are true.What are we doing about it? Nothing.
The baby trafficking documentary that was shot in Nigeria had a profound effect on me. The best word that sums up my feelings is a word in french "boulverse". It is unbelievable that mothers and fathers give up their infants to a middle man who looks the highest bidder and sells the child. One of the victims the reporters interviewed said her two babies were sold by her boyfriend in her absence. The boyfriend is now lying in jail but in his defence he said he needed money and also he signed a contract with the dealers without even understanding what he did. So should we then blame these actions on poverty? NO! I believe that there are some basic rights that cannot be tampered with and one of them is Life. Forftunately, the woman(victim) got help from an NGO they tracked her boyfriend and were able to rescue her first child but the other was sold. I was speechless for a while after watching the video and what made it more astounding was the fact that these acts are ongoing in a neighbouring country. Who knows whats probably happening here?
There are sucess stories in Africa but these will never come to the limelight if we dont adress the atrocious acts happening in the slums,ghettos or villages. We seriously do not need USAID or UNHCR coming to help us, we just need leaders and citizens who would stand up for what is right.
N.B Below are some links to the documentaries I have seen this month, they are eye opening.
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/africainvestigates/2011/11/2011113071310331931.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2011/05/201152583557883925.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/peopleandpower/2011/08/201189141348631784.html
Today I was saying to a freind that a whole lot of things piss me off including those gloomy stories the international media portrays about Africa. He asked me a simple question ' But, are those stories true?" I had to admit that eventhough those stories are degrading they are true.What are we doing about it? Nothing.
The baby trafficking documentary that was shot in Nigeria had a profound effect on me. The best word that sums up my feelings is a word in french "boulverse". It is unbelievable that mothers and fathers give up their infants to a middle man who looks the highest bidder and sells the child. One of the victims the reporters interviewed said her two babies were sold by her boyfriend in her absence. The boyfriend is now lying in jail but in his defence he said he needed money and also he signed a contract with the dealers without even understanding what he did. So should we then blame these actions on poverty? NO! I believe that there are some basic rights that cannot be tampered with and one of them is Life. Forftunately, the woman(victim) got help from an NGO they tracked her boyfriend and were able to rescue her first child but the other was sold. I was speechless for a while after watching the video and what made it more astounding was the fact that these acts are ongoing in a neighbouring country. Who knows whats probably happening here?
There are sucess stories in Africa but these will never come to the limelight if we dont adress the atrocious acts happening in the slums,ghettos or villages. We seriously do not need USAID or UNHCR coming to help us, we just need leaders and citizens who would stand up for what is right.
N.B Below are some links to the documentaries I have seen this month, they are eye opening.
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/africainvestigates/2011/11/2011113071310331931.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2011/05/201152583557883925.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/peopleandpower/2011/08/201189141348631784.html
Monday, June 11, 2012
It has been ages since I have posted a new song, that explains why I felt my blog was missing something. During one of my usual scoutings on youtube I stumbled upon this group from New Zealand. Their genre is hard to describe because they play the ukelele, manjo, electric guitar and drums. Hope you enjoy the video as well as the song :)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Letter to my No.1 blog fan
Dear, Bernadito, bundle of joy(pain),best buddy ever.
This post should have been written probably a year ago and my sincere apologies for that. I know your head is swelling right now and that is why I advise you to pause your reading this very instant and go wash your face because this could just be a fiction of your imagination. For all my other fans like Marie-honore, Mr G. and the rest do not be jealous of this post it was conducted in the most ethical and transparent process. LoL.
These are the reason's why I think Bernard deserves this special post:
1. He was one of the first people I told about my blog.
2. He has been a loyal follower.. I think. If not, my other fans should stage a coup d'etat.
3.He has an awesome sense of humour
4. He uses my blog posts as evidence that "I am an old soul"(his words)
5.I promised to write him a post ages ago.
P.s Benard you can finally breathe a sigh of relief and seriously you should start a blog because you have so much stories to tell of your village expeditions or as I coined 'ghanatrotting'. You always come back telling me of random events or pertinent issues that affect our rural areas which am certain most Ghanaians know nothing about. If you ever listen to me and own a blog make sure you make me your number 1 blog fan!
This post should have been written probably a year ago and my sincere apologies for that. I know your head is swelling right now and that is why I advise you to pause your reading this very instant and go wash your face because this could just be a fiction of your imagination. For all my other fans like Marie-honore, Mr G. and the rest do not be jealous of this post it was conducted in the most ethical and transparent process. LoL.
These are the reason's why I think Bernard deserves this special post:
1. He was one of the first people I told about my blog.
2. He has been a loyal follower.. I think. If not, my other fans should stage a coup d'etat.
3.He has an awesome sense of humour
4. He uses my blog posts as evidence that "I am an old soul"(his words)
5.I promised to write him a post ages ago.
P.s Benard you can finally breathe a sigh of relief and seriously you should start a blog because you have so much stories to tell of your village expeditions or as I coined 'ghanatrotting'. You always come back telling me of random events or pertinent issues that affect our rural areas which am certain most Ghanaians know nothing about. If you ever listen to me and own a blog make sure you make me your number 1 blog fan!
Where did my vacation go?
I am three weeks into my summer holidays *clear throat* I beg your pardon 'rainy season holidays'. It has been raining almost every single day and I now have a couple of bizarre rain stories under my belt like the "sugar daddy saga". To make matters worse I feel like my schedule has not really changed except that am not going for long boring lectures. My itinerary involves church, hospital, my mum's school and Nubuke an arts center I'm volunteering at.
My friend Benard (the 3rd mention would be the charm) calls me an enigma and I concurr. Here I am complaining, but if my vacation was plain boring and idle I would have felt really useless. First I was complaining I had no internship lined up for me and later was confused on whether I should go to Cote D'ivoire but now I am just dreaming of relaxing with sunglasses at the poolside.
I want to spend these months doing stuff I love but also learning a skill. So I have started learning nail art kind courtesy of Youtube, am helping kids in a drama class and I am going to join a chinese class.
I will post pictures of my nail art soon, hope I get positive feedback :)
Bisous.
My friend Benard (the 3rd mention would be the charm) calls me an enigma and I concurr. Here I am complaining, but if my vacation was plain boring and idle I would have felt really useless. First I was complaining I had no internship lined up for me and later was confused on whether I should go to Cote D'ivoire but now I am just dreaming of relaxing with sunglasses at the poolside.
I want to spend these months doing stuff I love but also learning a skill. So I have started learning nail art kind courtesy of Youtube, am helping kids in a drama class and I am going to join a chinese class.
I will post pictures of my nail art soon, hope I get positive feedback :)
Bisous.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Life Decisions
I just finished writing one of my Psychology exams and some things in it got me thinking and to add to that I stumbled on this post and it inspired me to write this post. It's true that human beings were designed to CREATE just look at kids build sandcastles or mothers holding their baby just after childbirth and you will realize this statement is true.
For some time now I have been wondering what exactly I was created to do. What steps I need to take to arrive at that goal. I am way above my age because according to Psycholgist Erik Erikson in his 'Stages of Development' my focus should be on forming relationships (intimacy vs. isolation). But, I am rather thinking like a middle aged person because its normally at that stage people start thinking less of themselves and more about how to impact others and set a legacy (generativity vs.stagnation). When I think about how fleeting life is and how vain it can be ; being born, growing up, having own kids and dying it prompts me that time is not really on my side. Thus, I have decided to write all creative ideas in my diary even when they seem more silly than creative because one never knows.
No one should suggest that I read the 'Purpose Driven Life' or any other book because I have read a whole lot of them. Maybe I should just go ask the manufacturer of the product (life) right? When you buy a gadget and try to assemble it but fail , you turn to the manual.. I think that is what everyone should do.
P.S Do not let anybody look down on you because you were created for a purpose go look for it.
P.P.S Also, if you are looking for a friend to help you in the search you can count on me because I'm searching too..
For some time now I have been wondering what exactly I was created to do. What steps I need to take to arrive at that goal. I am way above my age because according to Psycholgist Erik Erikson in his 'Stages of Development' my focus should be on forming relationships (intimacy vs. isolation). But, I am rather thinking like a middle aged person because its normally at that stage people start thinking less of themselves and more about how to impact others and set a legacy (generativity vs.stagnation). When I think about how fleeting life is and how vain it can be ; being born, growing up, having own kids and dying it prompts me that time is not really on my side. Thus, I have decided to write all creative ideas in my diary even when they seem more silly than creative because one never knows.
No one should suggest that I read the 'Purpose Driven Life' or any other book because I have read a whole lot of them. Maybe I should just go ask the manufacturer of the product (life) right? When you buy a gadget and try to assemble it but fail , you turn to the manual.. I think that is what everyone should do.
P.S Do not let anybody look down on you because you were created for a purpose go look for it.
P.P.S Also, if you are looking for a friend to help you in the search you can count on me because I'm searching too..
Monday, April 30, 2012
Letter to the Mother-in-law I never met.
This month brought the good, bad and ugly. I lost a woman who was supposed to be my second mum but she left us so soon. I did not even have the chance to meet and thank her for the gift she gave me free of charge.
I remember the day Mr. G called me all excited that his mum had seen my picture on his phone ,asked him a ton of questions and ended by saying "I was pretty". From that point onwards I started liking her eventhough I had not seen her. She seemed a far cry from those evil mother-in law's you see in movies :). Now she is gone I really wished I had met her am sure we would have got along quite well.
The positive is that she is in a better place now, watching over us and definitely praying because she passed away on her knees praying and interceding for others.
Farewell, for now because we will have our mother and daughter reunion later in the heavenly places.
I remember the day Mr. G called me all excited that his mum had seen my picture on his phone ,asked him a ton of questions and ended by saying "I was pretty". From that point onwards I started liking her eventhough I had not seen her. She seemed a far cry from those evil mother-in law's you see in movies :). Now she is gone I really wished I had met her am sure we would have got along quite well.
The positive is that she is in a better place now, watching over us and definitely praying because she passed away on her knees praying and interceding for others.
Farewell, for now because we will have our mother and daughter reunion later in the heavenly places.
Monday, April 2, 2012
I am Officially Ghanaian...
'You are officially Ghanaian' those are the words my trainer told me last friday. After he said that I was utterly confused, I thought I had been Ghanaian all along although I must admit there are some basic features like speaking my language fluently that I lack. A few seconds later I realized he was saying that whilst looking at my little finger. My finger looked like it had been submerged in ink or overtanned. I looked at it said 'Oh' and we laughed it off.
The question is how did my perfectly manicured little finger look like it had been roasted? Let me narrate the events that led to the above statement.
In a few months every Ghanaian will be going to the polling stations to vote and only last week our government decided to start the biometric voting registration which is supposed to cover a duration of two weeks. It is important to note that we are over 22 million citizens and many of us work or go to school and it seems unfeasible that the majority of Ghanaians would be able to register in order to vote during this short amount of time. So, in order to beat the system we device strategies. This is going to be my first voting process and it has already left a bitter taste in my mouth. I had to wake up really early because didn't want to be in a queue but I eventually ended in one. When we arrived there was so much chaos. People shoving,pushing and shouting. Some random guy was shouting on the top of his lungs that he had slept there the night before keeping vigil on his position....hmmm can you imagine.
Fortunately for us(my sister, brother and I) we had gotten some insider to speed up our process. In other words we had oiled a little the hands of some worker.
P.S this information is to be kept between you(fellow bloggers) and I.
This sped up the process a bit but it rather intensified the commotion outside because people started hurling insults at us and saying threatening comments like' You guys are not going to get out of here without a fight' etc. These comments did not scare me a bit because Ghanaians are more of the talking type but never arrive at the implementation stage. After all the caucus, my fingerprints were scanned, my picture was taken, my name was keyed into a database by a lazy service personnel who took ages typing and in the end my little finger was dipped into some black ink that can not wash off.
The black ink means I have registered to vote, I'm performing my civic duty(whatever).
This ends my tale. To be continued later..
Yours Sincerly
Officially Ghanaian gal lol
The question is how did my perfectly manicured little finger look like it had been roasted? Let me narrate the events that led to the above statement.
In a few months every Ghanaian will be going to the polling stations to vote and only last week our government decided to start the biometric voting registration which is supposed to cover a duration of two weeks. It is important to note that we are over 22 million citizens and many of us work or go to school and it seems unfeasible that the majority of Ghanaians would be able to register in order to vote during this short amount of time. So, in order to beat the system we device strategies. This is going to be my first voting process and it has already left a bitter taste in my mouth. I had to wake up really early because didn't want to be in a queue but I eventually ended in one. When we arrived there was so much chaos. People shoving,pushing and shouting. Some random guy was shouting on the top of his lungs that he had slept there the night before keeping vigil on his position....hmmm can you imagine.
Fortunately for us(my sister, brother and I) we had gotten some insider to speed up our process. In other words we had oiled a little the hands of some worker.
P.S this information is to be kept between you(fellow bloggers) and I.
This sped up the process a bit but it rather intensified the commotion outside because people started hurling insults at us and saying threatening comments like' You guys are not going to get out of here without a fight' etc. These comments did not scare me a bit because Ghanaians are more of the talking type but never arrive at the implementation stage. After all the caucus, my fingerprints were scanned, my picture was taken, my name was keyed into a database by a lazy service personnel who took ages typing and in the end my little finger was dipped into some black ink that can not wash off.
The black ink means I have registered to vote, I'm performing my civic duty(whatever).
This ends my tale. To be continued later..
Yours Sincerly
Officially Ghanaian gal lol
Sunday, April 1, 2012
1,2,3 Action!!
1,2,3 Action! That is how I feel my life is turning out like now. This is no April fool gimick, though I wish it was.Too much activities and the time management I talked about previously is really not working. Last weekend I catwalked at a fashion show organized by my good friends it was awesome! I had the chance to wear clothes by up and coming Ghanaian designers , walk with other models and enlarge my social contacts. This week I am reciting a poem for Spanish week in my department on top of that I have to submit my research/ thesis proposal this week.
What I would love to hear is some soothing music or my boyfriend talking me to sleep(too bad he is in Nigeria). Am too tired to talk, type or blog. Love you guys but goodnight for now.
What I would love to hear is some soothing music or my boyfriend talking me to sleep(too bad he is in Nigeria). Am too tired to talk, type or blog. Love you guys but goodnight for now.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Happy birthday Ghana!
Today is Ghana's independence day we are 55 years old that's really old. If Ghana was a woman she would be having menopause, grandchildren and preparing for retirement. But, that is not the case since we are still regarded as a developping nation, our roads are full of giant potholes, lights go off now and then and water is a luxury in villages. According to The World Bank my country is part of the 5 fastest growing ecomies in Africa. That is great news! On the other hand, I hear everyday on the radio cases of corrupion, poverty and hardship. It is true that foreigners are building huge factories, huge skyscrapers are been built and standard of living is better but we still have a long way to go.
And this blogpost from http://africaphotographer.blogspot.com sums so well my thoughts.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Why I don't wanna get married soon
I was motivated to right this post because today I spent most of my day in the kitchen and frankly I was sick of it. God thankyou I skipped lectures today otherwise.. African dishes unlike western one's do not take less than an hour to make also my Dad's breakfast is more like brunch :). Do not get me wrong, I love cooking but I hate staying in there for hours and on top of that being sent up and down and to crown it all washing up heaps of dishes daily.
I wouldn't mind if I was a chef at a michelin 5 star restaurant and enjoying a fat salary.
Yesterday went to church and one of the pastor's came up to me and a friend saying " Daughters, I've brought something for you. It is a book called' Look before you leap' " The title was funny to me and I knew immediately it had to be one those marital christian books. Then I turned to my friend and said "Efua I have read these books for years and I bet, I can tell you all the themes in the book even without having read it" she laughed at me but I was so serious. In the end, we were the only people who bought the book and my prophecy came to pass there was nothing new I hadn't seen in the book.
Why was the book directed at us and not the guys? Why are most marital counseling seminars full of women? Why are ladies more prepared for marriage than men? WHY?? This double-standard if not checked would continue existing till 'thy kingdom come'.
I can vouch that women living in third world countries especially Africa have been socialized since childhood on how to be Ms. Right for their husbands. I remember aunties and grandmothers telling me to close my legs, speak softly etc. Even now, I still get advice from my mum and dad almost everyday on every minutaie detail on how to be a good wife. Food should always be warm when your man comes from work, wake up very early (preferably 4 am), argue less (agree most of the time with your man) the list goes on and on. Any small mistake you do will be a reminder to them to advice you once again. I love advice and opinions but I particulary dread one sided opinions.
Women in Ghana have been receiving such advice in schools, church, families even on tv. So, why are there high divorce rates? I think because too much emphasis is layed on the women yet our efforts are not being appreciated. This famous adage proves it ' Behind every great man there is a great woman' I think it should be restructed to 'Beside every great man' or else God would have taken part of the spinal cord to form a woman but he chose a rib.
Most men do not go through the same socialization process as women. Fathers do not really spend time talking to them about how to behave in marriages, there are few books that concentrate of manhood and African society itself is liberal to men. I am blessed to be born into a semi-modern and middle-income family but I still observe sometimes the bias that exists. For example, my brother is allowed to stay out late, he is chastised less, most of the time gets his own way and I and my sister are forced to compromise.
So I ask myself this question; Am I in a hurry to get married? No, I view it as a huge responsability.
I want to wear the white gown, walk down the aisle and go for a honeymoon in an exotic location but am also aware that it also entails being in the kitchen for long hours, getting pregnant, gaining weight and balancing working hours and motherly duties.
My Prayer: Lord help me be the Woman you want me to be, give me the strength,meekness, and perserverance to achieve that goal. Amen
God bless you all!
I wouldn't mind if I was a chef at a michelin 5 star restaurant and enjoying a fat salary.
Yesterday went to church and one of the pastor's came up to me and a friend saying " Daughters, I've brought something for you. It is a book called' Look before you leap' " The title was funny to me and I knew immediately it had to be one those marital christian books. Then I turned to my friend and said "Efua I have read these books for years and I bet, I can tell you all the themes in the book even without having read it" she laughed at me but I was so serious. In the end, we were the only people who bought the book and my prophecy came to pass there was nothing new I hadn't seen in the book.
Why was the book directed at us and not the guys? Why are most marital counseling seminars full of women? Why are ladies more prepared for marriage than men? WHY?? This double-standard if not checked would continue existing till 'thy kingdom come'.
I can vouch that women living in third world countries especially Africa have been socialized since childhood on how to be Ms. Right for their husbands. I remember aunties and grandmothers telling me to close my legs, speak softly etc. Even now, I still get advice from my mum and dad almost everyday on every minutaie detail on how to be a good wife. Food should always be warm when your man comes from work, wake up very early (preferably 4 am), argue less (agree most of the time with your man) the list goes on and on. Any small mistake you do will be a reminder to them to advice you once again. I love advice and opinions but I particulary dread one sided opinions.
Women in Ghana have been receiving such advice in schools, church, families even on tv. So, why are there high divorce rates? I think because too much emphasis is layed on the women yet our efforts are not being appreciated. This famous adage proves it ' Behind every great man there is a great woman' I think it should be restructed to 'Beside every great man' or else God would have taken part of the spinal cord to form a woman but he chose a rib.
Most men do not go through the same socialization process as women. Fathers do not really spend time talking to them about how to behave in marriages, there are few books that concentrate of manhood and African society itself is liberal to men. I am blessed to be born into a semi-modern and middle-income family but I still observe sometimes the bias that exists. For example, my brother is allowed to stay out late, he is chastised less, most of the time gets his own way and I and my sister are forced to compromise.
So I ask myself this question; Am I in a hurry to get married? No, I view it as a huge responsability.
I want to wear the white gown, walk down the aisle and go for a honeymoon in an exotic location but am also aware that it also entails being in the kitchen for long hours, getting pregnant, gaining weight and balancing working hours and motherly duties.
My Prayer: Lord help me be the Woman you want me to be, give me the strength,meekness, and perserverance to achieve that goal. Amen
God bless you all!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
So little time and so much to do.
Sorry guys I went on a short hiatus although it was not pre-meditated , it just happened like all the previous times. Well, there is so much to tell ! I could start from the best valentine day surprise I've ever had to a poetry recital I just came from. This month has been eventful and wonderful till it's last day which is today as I am writing. So, please join me in saying goodbye to February the 29th we wont meet it till four years!
My schedule has been pretty hectic this semester and it is stressing me out. Aaargh!!
My day starts at 5:00 am. I wake up early to pray, meditate and study to have a headstart on the day. Then I get ready for my school if I have early lectures, if not I return to sleep for a few minutes. On the days I don't have early lectures I cook my dad's brunch. Later I take a car to school or get dropped and sit through two or three lectures return home like 8:00 pm exhausted and famished. Then, I'll have to cook for myself, my dad or brother and wash piles of dirty dishes. Well this has been my schedule for some time but this year it has become worse because I am trying to stick to my new year resolution. For example, going for choir rehearsals on Saturdays which used to be my washing/cleaning/learning/relaxing day.This has changed the organizational structure of my daily schedule. On top of that I'm doing some extra-curricular activities now. I'll tell the details later.. :)
I need a strategy.. so I'm off to googlesearch to see what theories I'll get on time management and organizational skills. LOL
P.S Let's not forget to live, love and laugh even through our busy schedules.
My schedule has been pretty hectic this semester and it is stressing me out. Aaargh!!
My day starts at 5:00 am. I wake up early to pray, meditate and study to have a headstart on the day. Then I get ready for my school if I have early lectures, if not I return to sleep for a few minutes. On the days I don't have early lectures I cook my dad's brunch. Later I take a car to school or get dropped and sit through two or three lectures return home like 8:00 pm exhausted and famished. Then, I'll have to cook for myself, my dad or brother and wash piles of dirty dishes. Well this has been my schedule for some time but this year it has become worse because I am trying to stick to my new year resolution. For example, going for choir rehearsals on Saturdays which used to be my washing/cleaning/learning/relaxing day.This has changed the organizational structure of my daily schedule. On top of that I'm doing some extra-curricular activities now. I'll tell the details later.. :)
I need a strategy.. so I'm off to googlesearch to see what theories I'll get on time management and organizational skills. LOL
P.S Let's not forget to live, love and laugh even through our busy schedules.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Chipolopolo inflict shock of death.
Today is the 12th of February two days to Valentine but am not going to bed not thinking of romantic fantasies but saddened by the loss of my football team. The Chipolopolo(copper bullets) won the 2012 African Cup of nations to Cote d'ivoire my country of birth. I knew all along that Ghana (Blackstars) wouldn't go far because they seemed unprepared and lacked organization so I had been cheering for the 'elephants'. Three days ago, I was in a heated argument with a boy we spent about an hour talking on who would win the finals. At that time Zambia had not yet kicked Ghana out and I remember saying 'if Ghana gets to finals with Cote d'Ivoire I will support elephants wholeheartedly'.
Now, am brokenhearted twice. It was always fun to have a Plan B so that if Ghana dissapointed I could rely on Cote d'Ivoire.
Anyways all the best to Zambia it was an epic game and it is awesome that the won the cup for their lost teammates.On 27 April 1993, a Zambian Air Force Buffalo DHC-5D which was carrying the team to Senegal for a 1994 World Cup qualification match crashed, killing all 30 passengers, including 18 players and a number of coaches.
I am off to bed..
Now, am brokenhearted twice. It was always fun to have a Plan B so that if Ghana dissapointed I could rely on Cote d'Ivoire.
Anyways all the best to Zambia it was an epic game and it is awesome that the won the cup for their lost teammates.On 27 April 1993, a Zambian Air Force Buffalo DHC-5D which was carrying the team to Senegal for a 1994 World Cup qualification match crashed, killing all 30 passengers, including 18 players and a number of coaches.
I am off to bed..
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Am I double?
I thank God for friends and particulary the girlfriends I have got now. He really does work in mysterious ways, it's funny how I met all of them through one person at one location. That person is called Naa, I can't remember the first day we met but through her I joined a psychology study group and became friends with her girlfriends.This week she invited me to join her with her girlfriends and we prayed on pressing issues and fellowshiped together. It was a great experience and can't wait for another meeting. Things happen when women pray together.
The strange thing about all this is that we kind of look alike, have the same interests and share the same faith.One day a stranger just walked up to us and asked if we were twins, also my Dad saw her a few days ago and said a similar comment and to sum everything my boyfriend met her just last week and said we sound and alike. Guess how am feeling?? Absolutely nothing, would have been bothered a few years back but am actually quite pleased for having met her. So I guess it is true when people say everyone has got a replica of him/heself somewhere. Luckily mine is just as awesome as me :)
1. Counting blessing number one for 2012 having P31 sisters like Akyere, Karen, Lily, Eva and Naa
The strange thing about all this is that we kind of look alike, have the same interests and share the same faith.One day a stranger just walked up to us and asked if we were twins, also my Dad saw her a few days ago and said a similar comment and to sum everything my boyfriend met her just last week and said we sound and alike. Guess how am feeling?? Absolutely nothing, would have been bothered a few years back but am actually quite pleased for having met her. So I guess it is true when people say everyone has got a replica of him/heself somewhere. Luckily mine is just as awesome as me :)
1. Counting blessing number one for 2012 having P31 sisters like Akyere, Karen, Lily, Eva and Naa
Saturday, January 28, 2012
La Vida es Sueño ( Life is a dream)
One of the spanish literary books I got to read last semester was 'La Vida es sueno' by Calderon de la Barca. It was strangely philosophical and it dealt with illusion and reality but I loved it because of it's absurdity and the fact that it dealt with critical themes. Are we certain we are living or just dreaming?
Click here for the play's synopsis.
Today, especially I'm asking myself these questions because my aunt was buried just this afternoon leaving three young children. The last one is just nine and I could see that he was confused and dazed he was just going through the motions. How do you tell a child that mommy would not be coming home again? Why did death take her so early? I guess it is true when they say death does not respect age, status or time. We are just pilgrims passing through this earth. The time we spend here does not count but the impact we leave. When the preacher told the congregation to take a minute of silence and likewise reflect on what would be said at our funeral it struck a nerve. Personally I think am on track but I have a long way to go. What would be said at your funeral?
I am going to share with you the most famous monlogue of 'La vida es sueno' it is said by Segisnundo the protagonist. It sums the whole idea of Calderon's play.
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Monday, January 23, 2012
Religion versus Jesus
Yup you hear right. This debate has been ongoing for ages and has resurged once more because of a youtube video posted by a Christian young guy titled ' Why I hate Religion but love Jesus' it has gotten 16million views!! In my opinion a personal relationship with Christ and Religion are two different things. Religion is a set of laws and principles to be obeyed by the believers and several times Christ condemned the law and Pharisees. I think John 14: 6 sums it all ' I am the way the truth and the life no one goes to the Father but through me'. I encourage you guys to watch this old christian movie 'The Perfect Stranger' it's insightful.
P.S sites that debated this video. http://www.dare2share.org/students/why-i-hate-religion-but-love-jesus-and-love-the-church/
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/women/2012/01/why_i_hate_religion_but_love_j.html
P.S sites that debated this video. http://www.dare2share.org/students/why-i-hate-religion-but-love-jesus-and-love-the-church/
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/women/2012/01/why_i_hate_religion_but_love_j.html
Monday, January 9, 2012
Video: Gungor- Beautiful things
Friday, January 6, 2012
Old things have passed away..
Happy new year to all those who read this blog! Sorry, I'm late had so much issues with my internet which is common occurence in this part of the world. Anyways, hope you guys are done with your new year resolutions? Well, I am done with mine finished it on the last day of 2011 and pray I would keep to it this year. God has been really talking to me these few days and I believe He wants me to decrease so He can increase in all aspects of my life(spritually,physically and mentally). Don't be freaked it was not a loud voice shouting my name it was more like a stirring in my spirit or a little voice pestering me to act right
I have found 3 great videos to begin this year with hope you like it.
1. Best news in 4 minutes
2.Your either IN or OUT
3. Mr. Right is worth waiting for :)
N.B Two of the videos are from http://www.p4cm.com/ you should check them out.
I have found 3 great videos to begin this year with hope you like it.
1. Best news in 4 minutes
2.Your either IN or OUT
3. Mr. Right is worth waiting for :)
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