Going Natural!!!

It was 2010 and I had just resumed in Lagos, the heat was biting and the sun hotter than ever. Haven recovered from product buildup, my hair was now long and black again but I couldn't get th full head of hair I wanted.
So, that day I went to the salon to get it retouched and afterward asked the lady to cut it in half...AH! her expression was as suprising as mine, it took me ten seconds to finally decide it was time...Well, the hair finally half it's length (barly making a pony tail) I still didn't want to go low and start growing the hair again so I decided to let it grow out, but a few months later I got frustrated (combing had become a nightmare).
I moved back to Abuja and february 2011 stumbled on a Youtube channel 'beautiful brown baby dol' she had almost all the answers..that was the first time I heard the word transition used in relation to hair...then I found blackonyxxworld.com  and learnt how to care for and style the hair as short as it was..
Today I'm almost 2 years full natural and I can say I have seen tremendous improvement in hair health and growth..

feeling my twist out?





 

 I faithfully watched, followed and devoured every suggestion I saw on youtube and other natural hair blogs, some good, others were just plain  bizzare..

 Transitioning:
 It was a trying period but fritful as I came to find out. let me pause to share with you some tips on transitioning.  From the day you decide to go natural you have two basic options, a BC (big chop) or Transition.It's actually a more delicate process than the BC, when transitioning your hair tends to break cos the weakest point of your hair is where the new growth and the permed hair meet..
when you decide to transition you need to;
 - start treating your hair as if it's all natural
-avoid using heat on your hair too often (no matter how tempting)
-keep it moisturized all the time (I use shea butter, coconut oil water etc)
-wear protective styles (braids etc)
-avoid touching your hair so much;
-comb your hair wet or damp..(use a wide tooth comb)
-research (read,study,ask questions,join groups online)
-get support (get in touc with other naturals, you'll need the support)
- know your hair type (e.g 4a,b,c)and how best to treat it...all hair types don't demand equal attention (mind you, you can have two hair type on your head...it happens).

wearing protective styling..

This is actually the time where you can experiment things that'll end up being routine for you as you evolve..

 Now back to my story:
As I transitioned I always trimmed off bits of  hair..it took about 8 months before I had my BC; I cut off all the permed hair leaving me with a TWA (teeny weeny afro) by then, all those that had things to say would say them but I had built tough skin (and it's my hair so I didn't bother)
I also learnt eating healthy and drinking lots of water helps hair and skin health. I also took some supplements during that time.


one of 'em days

So as you make the fabulous decision of going natural, need I say you have to convience yourself it's what you want (hence shutting all nay sayers out); and it's not automatic, just as you care for permed hair, your natural hair won't be healthy if not catered for... So whether you want to remain natural like me, or go back to perm after a while, you need to research proper ways of caring for your hair type...
You deserve better looking hair
I'll be back with more hair gist...

 

ATM palaver !!!

I used to be an advocate even marketer for them; I lured everyone in my house to believe in them, I even went the extend of defending their minor mess-ups (or so I thought) then i get slammed.
with all that has happened in Nigeria's banking sector and technological advancement, one would expect that certain things never occur or be cut to the barest; well I was shocked, I'm still shocked.

Ok, I operate like 3 different banks (as a matter of personal choice) 2 for saving and one a spending account (you know just to have some order in my life).

In 2011 I needed an ATM replacement for one of the cards, I walk into a branch of the Bank (not my main branch o) and in 15 minutes I had it in my hands. So silly me, thinking other banks (especially my beloved) would be in that phase I waited till the month my GT card was expiring and made a request for the already produced card to be sent to my base.

It has taken 5 weeks (..and counting) for one card to be transfered from Bauchi to Abuja, the latest I heard was, the card was transfered (on an unconfirmable date) but not received and I had to pay (again) for another to be produced (how incompetent) I had to pay twice for someone's mess.
 I came back to the office lamenting after an hour of loitering the banking hall and my colleague had been experiencing similar issues with another GT branch (ATM issues)he was also making the not so tough choice of leaving the bank (which I'm still considering).

In this long wait I have had to call GTconnect like 3 times (sorry to say, the people on the other end of the line don't know what they are doing) nothing, absolutely nothing came of it even after wasting valuable air time. I even met several customers at the bank who were debited (some today others as far back as January) and the money is yet to be returned; I heard one of the ladies who happened to be visiting Abuja say, ''they just lots a customer''... what hope do I have...ehn, and to think someone will be rude to me and even roll their eyes as I make my case, they expect one to just be calm (there goes my order...so much for 3 accounts)

I'm tired of how incompetent people are at discharging their duties leaving others to suffer the consequences......this continues in 8 working days Lets see how this plays out(it will be about 2months plus when I eventually get the card).

Girl Power!

The power puff girls used to be one of my favorite cartoons, I can't remember if it was the fact that they were products of a lab mixture or the powers they possessed that got me hooked but, I was a fan (saying it now still makes me wonder).
Every woman has super powers; it's a myth I love to hold on to, it makes being a woman explainable (cos we're like super hero's).

This piece is for women across the world who struggle daily to find expression in a society that puts a lid on their potentials; women who don't have a voice even in the confines of their homes, women who make the desire for equality needful; women who have to work twice as hard as the male folk to be noticed and recognized.. then there's that bit about being the weaker vessel, is it ever going to be our world too?

To all those who lost their battle with breast, ovarian, cervical and other cancers not because they were weak but because basic health care was lacking.
For women who died in labour,for lack of primary health care... making the maternal mortality rate in Nigeria the largest in Africa...

To all the young girls who become hawkers for their brothers to go to school while they are deprived the same privilege. 
To all those who survived horrific rape and domestic violence and have to watch their attackers roam freely because the justice system has flaws and society blames you anyway!

To all professional women, working mothers, who manage the home front and still excel in their chosen careers. 
To women who nursed children that turned out to be great men...

To every woman who does not allow her femininity connote weakness, who isn't afraid to make an impact and prove the nay sayers wrong.
To every woman who struts in stilettos being classy and fabulous yet impactful.   
Women who aren't defined by what they wear (head to toe) or smell like but by character.
Woman celebrate your beauty, your strength and great wisdom; celebrate the women around you (they are on your team).  

Until you've walked in a woman's shoes (literarily) you can't understand what we go through to become who we are.

Our deepest fear isn't that we are inadequate, 
our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure... Marianne Williamson.

Hair, health et al...

at the very start...

In the last few months (maybe a while longer :D) I have said nothing about my natural hair journey and as I have come to find out, (I must say) each day comes with it's peculiarities but, I haven't had to regret the choices I've made.

My first few months of going natural was rough (as with most new things) and there was little or no encouragement (something I tried preparing for). I recently realized  I just got use to the stares and 'not so silent' remarks people made about my hair, kindda made me feel special :D
Some were good others bad and some, outright disrespectful...(well everyone has their opinion)
Then there are those counting down to when I relax the hair (as if I have complained to them...)

my mantra...

What I do now is maintain a routine I can handle, try to block out the bad comments and watch the hair grow.

Valentine day 2013

Shea butter has got common place in my routine as well as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil mayonnaise (sounding like a pantry...) like me, I'm sure you'll realize the healthiest hair regimes are better with natural products.
Wash day is always exciting, the smell of fresh pressed lime, the feel of mayonnaise on my hair and the final gratification I get from knowing that I can just wash and go..

Health and weight loss have been another priority on my list of things to do. my rude awakening came after I saw people shed weight, some might have used artificial aids (teas and other stuff) I desired the result but didn't want to use artificial means, making a life style change was a better option...now I know and think differently; besides the need to build more body confidence and feel good, I need to keep fit and stay healthy.

The next couple of weeks will be filled with breaking sweat (making the most of the hot weather too :D) I may stumble here and there, but I'm motivated to make it work this time..really make it work. I may not have cheerleaders, I am my own motivation!!!
So watch this space...follow me in the next few weeks and lets see where this takes me...

As the health fight begins; I hope the results will be as pleasant as my hair has been...I'm glad now I can say without mincing words that I have a head full of hair :D
Oh....for those who care to know, I'm not relaxing my hair soon, not in a number of years hahahha

Venezuela mourns Chavez

Hugo Chavez

After 14 years in power, 58 year old Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez dies, loosing a hard battle with cancer. The last year was a difficult time for the leader and his family as he underwent series of treatments in Cuba.

Chavez was a self acclaimed revolutionary and controversial figure in world politics; a strong critic of the US and the inspiration for the emergence of a left-wing revival across Latin America.

Spokes person for the Government Elias Jaua says, Vice President Nicolas Maduro resumes the presidency until an election is held in 30 days. Maduro has already been picked as choice candidate for the ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV)

Mr Maduro amid tears announced the death of the President and the seven day mourning period. The body will lie in state till the burial this Friday.

The self acclaimed revolutionary leaders death will be felt not just in his home country but across the region especially; Cuba, Bolivia and Ecuador his closet allies.

The opposition haven sent their condolences through leader, Henrique Capriles, (the man Chavez defeated in the last elections in October) but they had earlier argued that President of the National Assembly take over as President in the event of Chavez' death...
The opposition is yet to point an official candidate for the election but it is likely Mr Capriles could be chosen to run against the VP.

The streets of Caracas is filled with thousands of Chavez supporters who were chanting: ''we are all Chavez; Chavez lives'.'

Awaiting the smoke signals

At 8:00pm on Thursday, Feb 28th, Bishop of Rome, Successor of St. Peter, Head of the College of Bishops, Vicar of Christ, and Pastor of the Universal Church Pope benedict XVI took his last steps through the vatican becoming the first retired Pontiff in 600 years.

 About two weeks ago,the world was greeted with the news of his decision to resign; now the Catholic church is left to pick a successor before easter.
Usually when the pope dies, the college of cardinals (made up  of 115 cardinals) elect a Pope within 15 to 20 days; but time it's different. Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi says the selection could be done before March 15th; this would give the new Pontiff about a week to prepare for the mass celebrating Palm sunday (March 24th).

  Having the current pope involved has made the process different; a little amendment has been made to fast track the process. First changes were made in 1996 by Pope John Paul II, who anticipated modern forms of communication and forbade recording devices in the vatican during the process.
 The traditional method of choosing a pope has been cut to two; leaving the cardinals to do so by paper ballot only.
 When the cardinals get to the concave, the ballot is burnt in a furnace together with any piece of paper they used to write during the process, if no decision has been made, a chemical is added to make the smoke black; however, if there is a winner, no chemical is added leaving the smoke white, telling the world that a new Pontiff has emerged.

One last time, the now Pope emeritus took the stage at St Peter's square, before crowds that gathered to bid him well speaking on moments of joy, pains and peace in the church world wide.

He says, his life in retirement will be "simply a return to the private place. My decision is to forgo the exercise of active ministry, not revoke it. In order to return to private life, not to a life of travel, meetings, receptions, conferences and so on,"  
He will keep the name Benedict XVI and still be addressed as ''his holiness''

Cease Fire!!

Nigeria's Islamist militant sect Boko Haram is demanding the release of it's members imprisoned by the Borno State Government or face the risk of continued security crises indefinitely.

 A man; (Sheikh Muhammed Abdulazeez ibn Idris) who has identified himself as the commander of the islamist sect (Boko Haram) announced a cease fire January 29th urging members of the sect to lay down their arms. The speech read in hausa lasted about 10 minutes.

It is not clear if this means the Borno State government had prior discussions with the group. Speaking for the State Government, Isa Gusau did not confirm or deny such a meeting only that the State Governor had repeatedly called for peace talks.

Last year, a presidential aide said, the Federal Government will not dialogue with the sect calling them "faceless. It is yet to be heard if a dialogue will be held between the Federal Government and Boko Haram.
Lieutenant Sagir Musa, security force spokes person  identified Abdulazeez as Boko Haram's leader. he says, the announcement of cease fire by the sect does not mean they will be relaxed on their operations.

What comes to mind is the amnesty program the Federal Government offered the Niger-Delta militant groups and rehabilitation for members. while leaders of these groups were paid off, other members were enrolled in rehabilitation programs and reabsorbed into society.

Activists have said, it is understood if the Government is being careful to scrutinize the conditions the group has given; because this is  the first time anyone has appeared in the press claiming to be leader of the sect.
The Boko Haram insurgence started in 2009 and over 3000 people have been killed since then.
Most Nigerians are looking forward to an end to the spate of attacks and loss of innocent lives.

Nigerian Troops in Mali

Fighting's between foreign military forces and Islamists continue in Mali not without casualties.
Women and children are always the worse hit by conflicts and war situations.
The conflicts which started in 2012 did not gain much international attention until early 2013 when former colonial masters France decided the world had seen enough blood shed in the war torn country.
Many say the French may have won their push for the deployment of West African forces to the north African nation. The French now have about 1,400 troops in Mali and are hoping the number will increase to 2,500.
The former French colony is receiving military Aid in a peace keeping effort as the war continues. The African mission being lead by Nigeria has started giving support. One hundred Togolese soldiers arrived Bamako last thursday while a 900 man strong military troop including fighter jets; left Nigeria for Mali. Neighboring Benin, Ghana, Senegal and Burkina Faso have also pledged their support.
Since the French were pushing for African support they should be relieved by the arrival of the Nigerian contingent.
The UK and germany have given transport planes for logistic purposes.

Critics say the world is finally waking up to the war torn nation after ignoring the conflict for almost a year.

The crisis in Mali erupted after Islamist forces captured northern Mali the better part of last year; the group has since began it's advance to the south capturing small towns near Bamako the capital of Mali.

As the fighting's continue it is not far fetched what fate awaits the women and children in the regions worse hit. It is hoped this mission will provide for better life and well being for the weaker members of the Malian society.

''RIT has a cold''

Well the title might be familiar to some; I'm no Frank Sinatra, I may not be holding a bourbon or cigarette in hand at a fancy club in Beverly Hills; but I find myself in a similar situation 'having a cold'..
I remember reading Gay Talese's piece ''Frank Sinatra has a cold'' and saying to myself...one day someone will write about me..(not just having a cold)

Well, I'm writing and I have a cold that has lasted more than 7 days; the period for common cold is usually between seven to ten days..imagine my constant sniffing and coughing..even I am tired of it.  I haven't stopped carrying a big roll of tissue and Aboniki (soothing balm which I advise you rob to a handkerchief and sniff; don't apply to your skin..believe me I learnt the hard way) ..maybe i'm even the new nuisance.

 I have carried the stench of ginger and garlic after doing a marathon home remedy, I have lost a day at work from being drowsy on cough medicine and my tongue is sore from sucking on sweets and lozenges that promise fast relief. one of the days I even lost my voice for several hours; the mimicking and laughing just made me feel worse than I already did; and then someone thought I was pretending...(like I wanted to have a cold)
Like Sinatra, the common cold became so uncommon with me but I didn't get plunged into depression.

So I have a cold which is almost gone; looking back I saw all the symptoms and didn't address it in time; like other things in life. We see things that are a remedy for disaster and we ignore them only to be hunted when it blows..

I'm hoping my story's happy ending comes sooner than later...

2013

It finally started for me..
it's 2 weeks into the new year and it just started for me. As pathetic as you may think it sounds
(trust me, that's a good thing) The first 13 days I used settling how the rest of the year will go.

Having a plan always points you in a direction. I'm not one to make resolutions, I stopped after several years of routine and not keeping true to any. In recent years I have plied a different route; making conscious efforts at life improvements instead of thoughtless resolutions.

I was almost getting into routine mode but my better judgement told me 13 days effort cannot be put to waste; so I brace myself in an effort to make the most of this year of 'more than enough'.

So work resumes and all the annoying stuff too..I thought the 2 weeks away from everyone had given me time to adjust: the prying eyes, nose picking and loud gum chewing...hmmm I was wrong; it was as if the break never happened.This must be a test..am I seeing or hearing things cos I ought not to??!! Then i begin to rethink, maybe I need to start seeing things differently..

Often times the thought of us being the ones that need change is frightening, truth be told, change can only start with you.When one makes a conscious effort to change something it doesn't matter if those around don't change instantly...give them time I'm sure they'll get the cue.

It's my first post this year and I hope it won't sound 'complainy' (if there's a word like that) well I tried :D...
It's not too late to map out a strategy...15 days have gone by and you have 350 more to go.
Daily routines determine the quality of life you have... when you succeed at mastering 24 hours you can succeed at mastering 24 years. Take each day.