As The Year Draws to a Close

Hey everyone! Hope you had a Merry Christmas and you are rounding up 2009 on a great note. I had a nice time over the Christmas period, with time spent hanging out with family and friends. And of course, lots of things to eat, and the exchanging of gifts. Apart from the small hitch of some of my Christmas shopping being delayed in the post, and hence some people not getting their presents, it was all good.

That is, until I heard the news about the Nigerian terrorist. Until that Boxing Day, I never thought I would hear of a Nigeria attempting a suicide bombing... ever. In fact, for many hours, I was at a gathering of friends and we were all speculating that perhaps the guy was not even a real Nigerian, and was just an imposter posing with a Nigerian passport. Until CNN, Sky News and the BBC released (and keep releasing) further details of who he is and the stories surrounding how he became a terror suspect. I have read countless blogs, articles and commentaries about the story and all the angles, even some wild, crazy speculations. All I can say is, the guy did Nigeria as a nation and all Nigerians no favours at all. It's hard enough trying to shake off the negative images we already have as fraudsters, a corrupt nation, a failed state, etc now we have to deal with the added 'terrorist' tag. I can just imagine how much more difficult it will be for ordinary, decent, honest and hardworking Nigerians to get a visa, or travel around the world. I know how I feel every time I travel around Europe and my passport is given extra attention at immigration desks, and I am subjected to extra scrutiny. This latest incident will only make it worse. Sigh.

So what can I do? As one person, I can only continue to uphold Nigeria's name by showing the rest of the world that one individual's actions cannot and should not define who the rest of us are, as a nation. I will continue to proudly declare that I am a Nigerian, and no, I am not fraudulent, neither do I have any intentions of blowing up airplanes.

Moving on, I am thankful to be alive to see 2009 coming to an end. It really did fly by so quickly! Thankfully, I'm ending the year with many many many reasons to be grateful to God. I've grown older and wiser, learnt many lessons, received tangible and intangible blessings, made new friends, travelled to new places, enjoyed some new experiences and fulfilled some dreams. Yes, it's been a wonderful year.

I'm looking forward to 2010, it looks like it's going to be a very interesting year. Here is wishing everyone a wonderful year 2010! May we spend the year in perfect health, may we move many steps forward in achieving our dreams and may we all be far better people in 2010 than we've ever been. Happy New Year in advance!

Off to Lagos

I'm in a real hurry as I type this. I'm travelling to Nigeria in less than 24 hours and I still have a ton of packing to do, all while trying not to carry excess luggage. Hubby is laughing at me at the moment because I tend to stuff too much into my boxes and then start worrying that I'll be charged for extras at the check-in desk.

I was ill last week, which was the last thing I needed because I hadn't started shopping, packing or getting ready for my trip. I couldn't do anything for two days. Doctor came round, said it was a virus and gave me a load of pills to chew on. I'm feeling much better now but I have to be careful not to stress myself too much. I cycled out yesterday and I started feeling dizzy so I'm definitely not pulling that stunt again until I feel 100 percent.

I'm looking forward to seeing family and friends again, and also a few bloggers. I also have four weddings and two reunions lined up already so I know I'm going to be out and about a lot. It should be fun! Well, anything to escape the freezing cold going on here at the moment :)

I'll be in Nigeria until early in the new year. I'll try to update my blog while I'm away but I can't guarantee that. So I'll just wish everyone a very happy month of December, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Advance. (It's surreal to think that 2008 is almost over isn't it?)

I'll bring back goodwill, photos and gists :)

Later, friends!

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!!

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!!

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!