Sunday, December 31, 2006

Saturday, December 30, 2006

My 2006 Year Review

This is a break-down of the notable times of the past year for me. I had a good number of highs and lows, good and bad news, pleasant surprises and disappointments, laughs and tears. But all is well that ends well. I'm looking forward to a 2007 with plenty of hope, starting afresh and an assurance that whatever life throws at me, I can handle it with God's help.

January 2006
The year started with lots of expectations for me. I had finished my Masters degree in September 2005 and started job-hunting. So by January I had been playing the perfect housewife at home for 3 months. I was applying for hundreds of jobs everyday, attending countless interviews but to no avail and it was becoming frustrating. I was itching and praying for a good job to come up soon. My classmate and friend had also been in the same boat as I was, but she started working in January so I felt left out. Hubby tried to encourage me at times. And I soon found that I was on the prayer request list for a job at house fellowship!

February 2006
After applying for loads of jobs to no avail, I finally got a phonecall from a lady regarding a 3-month internship. I had the interview and was offered the post immediately afterwards. I jumped at it, because I felt it was better than nothing. At least it was something to do, to keep me busy while looking for something more permanent. I was really pleased with the role, because it was fun. I got to meet interesting people, attend financial markets training courses and stuff, and I was still allowed to go for other interviews. Hubby was pleased to, probably because I stopped grumbling. And I finally came off the prayer request list.

March 2006
I was amused to hear people telling me they were expecting a baby from hubby and I by now. Like I had even finished sorting myself out. Hubby and I cooked up an elaborate story to tell anyone who asked us what we were waiting for. And then we would ask if they would be willing to come and sit down at home to look after the baby while we went to work.
My internship was going well, and I was still attending interviews. I got an invitation to attend an assessment centre for a finance graduate role that I had applied for, so I was really excited.

April 2006
My cousin got married this month. It was a nice weding. Hubby and I worked hard. All my family members were saying that I had put on weight since I got married. Hmmm. Like I need them to tell me.
I prepared very well for the two-day assessment centre. I was still very nervous though. We had to do group exercises, interviews, scenario tests and presentations, and by the end of the day I was well exhausted. The company said they would get back to us. I was very surprised and happy to get a call that I had been offered the job! I didn't think about it for long, before I accepted the offer cos I was too excited. Hubby was very pleased too, but he had some reservations.

May 2006
I turned 23 this month. Gosh I'm getting old! I had a small celebration with hubby. He bought me some nice presents and took me out to dinner after work. I ate so much food and chocolate cake. Then I felt really guilty afterwards.
I finished my internship and I concluded that it had been worth it. I gained a lot of new useful skills (They had also allowed me to stay an extra month). Since I had another job offer in hand, I was pleased to take a break and chill out. Hubby and I were planning to go off on a short summer break, my friends were planning to come to England for their summer hols, so it was looking like summer would be lovely.

June 2006
It was a lovely month. The weather was nice, warm and sunny. My mum popped into the UK for a few days on her way to the US. It was the first time she visited hubby and I in our home. She was really pleased to stay with us. Soon after, my good friend from Nigeria came to spend a weekend with us and we had lots of fun. We then had a small reunion with our classmate from secondary school, that was so cool!
My sister went to the US for a summer work experience programme.

July 2006
I had been eagerly waiting for this month. Hubby and I celebrated our 1st Wedding Anniversary! To me it was a very important milestone. It was also hubby's birthday this month, so we had a double celebration. I had to get him two presents though. We had been planning to travel to celebrate, but we had to cancel due to work commitments. Still had a nice time though. A friend of ours also got married that weekend so we were at that wedding. Hubby wrote me a lovely poem, we received lots of cards from friends and family and we watched our wedding dvd from beginning to end, to remind ourselves of what we were celebrating. It was fun reminiscing and looking back at our first year of married life. Here's to many more happy years!
Funny enough, I started a new job this month. I found out that the job offer I had accepted required me to relocate twice as it was a 3-year rotational scheme and I could be posted anywhere in the country. After a long time deliberating and considering all options, I decided to defer the job offer till Sept 2007 and see how it goes. Then another job came along completely out of the blue. I got a phonecall on Friday and started the job on Monday just like that. And it's been great!

August 2006
My new job was going great. I was a bit disappointed about the other one, but I knew that God knew what was best for me. So I left it all to Him. When one door closes, another one opens.

September 2006
I discovered blogging! Yay!! Wish I had started sooner.
My sister came back from the US with sooo many stories of her adventures.

October 2006
Summer was over. We are trying to move, so we have been house-hunting. I've started studying for exams. All the while re-thinking my career path. Serious doubts have been creeping around in my mind since then. Am I really doing what I'm meant to do? Ooooh!

November 2006
Found a new place and started planning move. Had exams so not much fun.

December 2006
Christmas time came and went too soon, but I had a nice time. Finally moved into a new place. New place is still in a mess as all our stuff are still in boxes. Anyway it's just a matter of time.
Looking forward to 2007. New year, new opportunities!!

Have a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

Thursday, December 28, 2006

After Christmas....

I had a very lovely christmas. The day was lovely from beginning to the end. At midnight on christmas morning, hubby gave me my christmas present. Then my sister and I called our parents in Nig. My little sister had left the US on the 21st, arrived in Heathrow, but had missed her connecting flight, so she only just arrived in Lagos on the 23rd. She told us how she roughed it by sleeping at the airport! I was worried sha, but glad that she was at home safely. We talked and talked, and we didn't go to bed till 4.00am christmas day. When we finally woke up, I flew into the kitchen to cook up a feast. Here's where multi-tasking came in handy. Soon our families arrived and we had a nice time, eating, gisting, opening presents and taking photos. The in-laws were well impressed with my excellent cooking skills (lol). But at the end of the day I was well tired!
Boxing day was a real "boxing day" for us cos we are moving out soon! Hubby and I have started putting our stuff into huge boxes, ready to be taken away. So while clearing up after the christmas day festivities, we have been trying to pack stuff. Our flat is a complete mess at the moment. Unlike previous years, hitting Oxford Street to spend my vouchers is not a priority this year. The good thing though, is the end-of-year sales going on at the moment, as we are looking to replace some furniture. Here's hoping we grab a bargain at furniture stores!

My sister left yesterday to go back to her uni. She really enjoyed her christmas break with us. Not only did she get presents from the in-laws, plenty to eat and drink etc, she also took full advantage of the fact that we are moving house, and carted off with my new mobile phone, half my wardrobe and shoes! Sisters eh? I know...I know.... I'm too generous. But I love my sis! In fact, I'm missing her already. I can't wait for my sister in Lagos to drop by on her way back to the states. It'll be fun!

Well I'm back at work now, and seriously bored. The office is so quiet cos most people took the rest of the week off. But I was doing "good girl". Anyway I had a meeting today that could not be shifted so, oh well. Hubby is still on holiday though, so he will be doing most of the work with moving, while I am at work earning some money. Division of labour runs. Although when we move next week, we won't have our landline and internet connection for a while. I'll find a way.
Gosh I can't believe 2006 is almost over. The year has gone sooo fast! But I have reasons to be thankful. That's what matters most.
Maybe I'll borrow the "2006 Review" from Belle's page and do that before the end of the year. Hope you all have reasons to be thankful too. And to those going to Lagos, enjoy!!

Friday, December 22, 2006

A Partridge in a Pear Tree!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me.... Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree!

I love singing christmas carols. I remember singing carols in primary and secondary school. It used to be fun. So I was quite pleased that my church is organising a midnight carol service on sunday. Christmas is really in the air now. I took the day off from work today (it was a half-day anyway). The weather is cold and foggy. My sister has arrived to spend her christmas with us. Some of my family came to visit us today and we had a nice time. And tomorrow hubby and I are going to buy some ingredients for christmas lunch. I have planned my menu. Who wants to come to my house for christmas? The menu consists of fried rice, beef stew, roast turkey, fried fish, fried plantain, prawn salad, yam porridge, salad, cake and ice-cream and many more stuff. I'm presiding in the kitchen whilst looking hot in my new christmas outfit. Here's to multi-tasking perfectly :-)

The year has really really flown by so quickly. I remember when it was just February! One of these days I'll write about the highlights of my year. God has been good.

Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Christmas Plans

I've finally snapped out of my bad mood. I'm just getting into the Christmas spirit now and enjoying it. Shops are playing christmas songs, lights are twinkling in the streets, we are ordering presents from amazon, christmas cards are arriving at our doorstep. I am now looking forward to a nice time at Christmas. There are decorations, carol services, plenty of food, presents, and family members coming round to sort out. I must find time to relax and enjoy myself as well. I've even started planning my christmas day menu. Got to go food shopping soon, and buy the largest turkey in the shop, lol. One of my sisters is coming to stay with hubby and I for the holidays, so I'm looking forward to that while my other sister is going to Lagos. My in-laws are spending christmas day with us, so we are having a full house. Should be fun. Hope I get lots of nice presents!

At work, people have been giving out christmas cards all throughout last week. People have been smiling more, so as not to get crossed off christmas card lists. We had our office christmas party on Thursday. It was a well-planned event - lovely venue, good food, good music from a live band, nice entertainment and even a poker table. Everyone made an effort and we all got glammed up for the evening as it was a black-tie event. Before the party I had heard funny stories of staff getting drunk and making a fool of themselves. You would have thought people would learn from their past mistakes and not drink too much this year. But whenever there is an endless supply of free wine, things are bound to go wrong. I had a great time with my colleagues and got to meet a few people that I didn't have a chance to socialise with before.

On Friday evening, I attended hubby's work chirstmas outing as well. This time it was in a restaurant. It was fun too, but by the end of the night, I was too full, I was tired and I needed my beauty sleep! Meanwhile, we are planning our move to our new place for the new year. We've been choosing new furniture and stuff. That's something fun to look forward to after christmas.

Hope you all are having a nice weekend!

Ups and Downs

I've had a really really busy week. Well the last two weeks have been hectic. I've missed a lot of new posts in blogland, so I need to catch up. I hear lots of people are flying to Nigeria this week. Have a safe journey and have lots of fun! I'm soo jealous. I'm stuck here in the cold weather. But hey, it's christmas time. Anyway here are some of my thoughts this week.

Highs and Lows
It's odd when you get good news and bad news at the same time. You don't know whether to be happy or sad. Why is life like that? Last week, at some point, I was feeling very low emotionally. I had received some disappointing news and I was sooo frustrated that I felt like crying. Sometimes you just have to count the blessings in your life over and over again to help you keep hope alive. Otherwise you just might give up. It gets me down when I feel like something I want to happen is not happening and it is completely outside my control. There's nothing I can do other than to pray and hang in there. Oh but it drags me down!
Then my very good friend left me a yahoo offline message. I called her and she told me that she had broken up with her boyfriend of six years!! They had been together since uni days, they had been planning to get married. Now it's all gone. I felt so bad that I didn't know what to say. I hate break-ups. Especially when it seemed like the relationship was perfect and the two people were right for each other.
The week went on, and thank God I got some good news. I heard from another good friend that she had gotten a good job. She had told me she wanted to change her job so I rejoiced with her.
For me, I finally got some good news on Thursday. I had my review at work, and my boss was pleased with me. That means a better salary and benefits, still subject to some conditions though! But at least I could smile. As someone said, "when one door closes, another one opens". So that was my emotional rollercoaster. I need to go and count my blessings one more time. I hate feeling sad.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

419 Scammers Busted

I saw this video on youtube and I was quite upset. What is the problem in Nigeria? High unemployment and poverty. That's why many graduates turn to scams to try and get rich. I think it is unfortunate but not enough reason to turn to criminal activity.



Nigerian 419 Scammers Busted

The truth is, it is embarassing to all Nigerians. At least it looks like something is being done about it now. I think it is time for honest and decent Nigerians to stand up against these rascals ruining our country's image everywhere.

Friday, December 8, 2006

Life Lesson #46789

It is not a good idea to have a serious discussion when you are tired, grumpy and hungry.


This I found out two days ago. I had come back from work late, I was hungry but there was no time to eat before I rushed out again to attend house fellowship till 10pm so I was really tired when we finished. Between when hubby and I left fellowship and when we got home, things got frosty. Then there was a big misunderstanding. In the best of circumstances, that was bad enough, but when you add all the other factors wrong with me, it was not a pretty sight.

We got home and I logged into my msn. Who should I see, but my relationship mentor online. Now this is someone I have never seen online before. In fact since we got married I have only spoken to him once. Why is he online tonight? He starts chatting with me. Asks after hubby. Asks how is married life. Errrrm... I said married life is sweet. Well it wasn't sweet at that moment. But I didn't dare tell him that we had just had an argument.

Anyway sha, the whole episode is sorted out now, over hugs and kisses. I don't like it when we are quarelling.It takes so much energy to remain angry with someone when you are living in the same house. God help us all.

Friday, December 1, 2006

10 Things About Me

Hello all! I've had a reeeeeeaaaally busy week. Nothing but work work work!! (Although I got to know hubby a bit more as well ;-) I've also been catching up on reading all the blogs that I have missed out on in the past week since I finished studying. You guys have given me jokes man. Anyway since Overwhelmed tagged me, I thought I should get off my butt and put up a post of my own.

So here are 10 things about me. I don't think I am particularly weird. Even if you think I am weird sef, I'll call it being special. He he he.

1) I process information for days and weeks. For example, I could watch a movie on Monday, and still be analysing every scene a week later. Or I could read a book and still be thinking of an alternative ending to the story 2 months after I read it. Or ruminating over some gist my friend told me a week later.

2) I'm such a keeper. I hold on to emails, letters, text messages and birthday cards for as long as possible. I still have letters my friends wrote to me when we were in secondary school. And I still have my 13th birthday cards. And my diaries from 1998. Hubby recently tried to get me to throw some things away but I wasn't having it.

3) It just dawned on me recently that the world existed long before I was born. I know that sounds daft, but it was such a profound revelation to me.

4) I would rather spend my money on experiences like travelling, enjoying good food and wine, going to see plays and shows, visiting museums and art galleries, having massages, etc than buying stuff. I think life is for living to the fullest, not for accumulating material things that only depreciate.

5) But if I must spend money on buying things for myself, well........ I prefer to spend my money on expensive creams, lotions, potions and make up. Most of my friends prefer to spend money on clothes, shoes and accesories. I get bored with clothes easily. After all, fashion changes every season.

6) I like laughing. People who know me say I laugh a lot. I can't help it, maybe I just find lots of things funny. In the office, my colleagues would be having a conversation and I would be laughing to myself.

7) I can hear a song twice and learn all the lyrics off by heart. Sometimes this is good, because my family and friends are soooo impressed when I know the latest songs off by heart already. Sometimes it is annoying because I pick up songs that I don't even want to.

8) I was a virgin until my wedding night. Not because I didn't have any offers (lol), but I made a conscious decision to wait when I was 13. It was hard, but sooo worth it!

9) I try to avoid getting addicted to anything. When I realise I have started liking something too much, I stop doing it immediately. This applies to everything except chocolates.

10) Following on from point 9 above... I have a terrible sweet tooth. But I don't like some things. I don't like biscuits, cookies, and things like that. But things like ice-cream, chocolates, yoghurt hmmmm.... Never put me and cake in the same room.

Hey this was fun! Maybe I'll do it again somethime....
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...