Officially...

The week started on a very good note. I got notice on Friday that the result of my ICSA (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators) exam would be released on Monday but that only students that have paid their annual dues would be able to access the portal. I am still pained as it was my last exam and wouldn't need the student site anymore plus that money would have bought me some fantastic shoes. My frequent readers would recall that the last time I wrote the exam was in 2008.

I passed three out of four then and decided to take a break. I couldn't write it in 2009 'cos I was doing my LLM and since I was doing double degrees, there was no extra time to spare. Fast-forward to 2011, I decided to take the plunge again. Studying and working full-time is very difficult. The exam was written in June, one of the busiest times of my career so far. I would get home at 10pm or later and still study.

I also remember hiding in one of the conference rooms during break to study. And the week of the exam, I juggling my office and the conference room! I was not given exam leave as you had to have applied about 4 months before the exam. I couldn't 'cos I had not spent u to months then.

The exam itself, was alright except I didn't finish! I answered three out of four questions and I was worried. I can't afford not to pass. The first time around I didn't study hard enough 'cos all my devotion went into the other course, Corporate Financial Management. The whole debt/equity/(in)solvency calculations and formulas was overwhelming. I had to go back to SS1 maths text books to cope and I got a maths tutor to take me through! It was that hard. I still hate maths.

Here we are in August and I passed with a merit! So I am officially an ICSA grad now. Yep, I can add Chartered Secretary to my titles! The funny thing is, when I was at law school, I swore I wouldn't study for any more exams! I finished and I immediately registered for the ICSA. Then I repeated the mantra but I still went ahead to do an LLM not one but two. That done, I registered for my ICSA retake. Now that I have conquered that, I am wondering whether to register for another professional course. I am either crazy or I love studying!

To everyone having a set back in any of their goals or targets, don't let anything deter you, just keep at it, keep working hard and you will reach it with time to spare.

Have a blessed week.

Here Again.

Ramadan Kareem to all my Muslim brothers and sisters. How is everyone doing? This fasting is not easy seriously. I am not a big eater but declare fasting and all the things I wouldn't normally touch just becomes very desirable.

To compound matters, workload has reduced drastically which leaves room for a lot of distractions. I can't even fall asleep to catch up on the extra early hours I have to wake up. The courts are on vacation, so I can't even pick anyone's brain from the Advocacy department and the Olori oko has gone on vacation! I am in Transactions and we get busy all year round but it's like the clients all got a memo to go on holiday!

I have a sneaky feeling they will all return in September and bombard us with their mostly insurmountable problems! Usually caused by greed and lack of patience. I am almost dreading the endless meetings and back & forth emails. Most especially the foreign lawyers who all think they are superior. We have been putting them firmly in their place sha! I have been closing early too, I am dancing for joy for that at least! When everyone comes back, it will be back to the 15hr work days and work vigils!

Most of all, I like this period. The calmness of Ramadan, I can't really engage in the heated discussions as wont to do by lawyers when they are less busy. The reading of the Qur'an in serene moments. My colleagues have even stopped eating in my office out of respect! Yay.

I share an office with a guy and it's just the two of us while the others are in a pool. So people sneak into my office to eat all sorts instead of going two floors down to the kitchen.

I don't miss the distractions they bring especially when I am busy!

On an unrelated note, Our Presido is falling my hand o. This single term proposal is ill-timed and not what he should focus on at this time. I remember his meeting with the youths, it took place right across my office, where he promised to tackle power. Why has he forgotten that so soon? At the very least, he should focus on the health sector. May God guide us right.

My next spate of weddings is October, plenty time for my finances to rest before they take another hit. Seriously though, I will soon stop on the aso-ebi. I don't need it. Mostly over-priced things I would never pick for myself. No accounting for taste in some. I recently saw one, and it looked like something you would use to cover a table as decoration. It was supposed to be silk damask, but we have a material so light, it cannot be constructed into anything meaningful to justify the price. I have politely declined.

Have a blessed weekend people.

We are not friends!

So yesterday, I made plans with friends to go to Swe bar for their weekly Thursday Live band shows. It's been long since I went there. This job of mine is robbing me of my extra curricular activities!

As usual, it was packed. Finally found a seat, and ordered a cocktail. I had forgotten how long it takes to get your order when the place is full. Finally the waitress brought my drink, but wait it was the wrong drink or so I thought. Apparently I mixed up the order, even the bartender came over to ask inquire. Nice touch. So I ordered a daquiri instead of a capirinha! Blame the intense gbeborun I was doing. BBM just doesn't deliver the lascivious part of a face to face juicy gist!

I don't like white rum or vodka! It always leaves me delirious and I cannot be responsible for my actions after ingestion. So I thought I could handle it, but for where, my body rejected it like poison! I was tipsy from the first few sips! I even ordered some food to combat the effects but no, it didn't help.

I managed to drive home. (Drinking & driving is not a a good idea, I know, but I ensured I was in full control before I ventured out). I even saw past school toasters! The age process hasn't been kind to some people sha. I was home in less than 20mins! The strangest part was that, I felt like I was looking outside myself. I was hyper and at the same time, my reflexes were slow. And I was laughing like an idiot!

Got in and said hello to my Mum. I even managed a shower but my body felt heavy! I climbed into bed and slept so soundly that when the alarm woke me at 5.30, I was up like a shot. I took some very cold water and went by my morning rituals. At work now but my eyes are 'lerry' according to my colleague and he won't stop asking my opinion on all his assignments!

I have told him that if my brain can cope with his incessant queries, then I am fine. But I am not fine, I want to sleep! I know I will escape to the library soon to catch a nap. The last time I had vodka was my sent forth party in 2009. It was a disaster! I was so hung over I could barely walk! I blogged about it. My sister had to support me and we were flying. The air hostesses all thought I was just ill and were extra nice!

This is my second incursion into white spirits, no more! We are not friends. You don't treat my body right. The weird thing is that, I am fine with dark rum or brandy. I can't stand red wine. I need to lie down or something.

Currently...

Hello All,

Last week was boring at work. So boring that I had to engage in some work unrelated activities. I won't mention them here. Who knows who might be reading. So on Thursday I was armed to the teeth preparing for another dose of boredom, (don't get me wrong, I had work to do but nothing challenging for the week, just regular updates and stuff I could do in my sleep).

A single phone call I was very tempted not to pick saved me. I was nominated to attend a conference. Yay! The conference was wonderful, highly motivating and oh so interesting. Plenty movers and shakers of the profession, networking opportunities, fabulous food and an outlet to showcase the pencil skirts, shift dresses and heels! Two whole days of fantastic fun (read combining work with great opportunities).

Reconnected with classmates, made new contacts, a renewed vigour and passion to reach my goals and what do you get? A very motivated individual.

In my usual internet prowls, discovered ASOS now delivers to Nigeria at no extra cost! Yup you read that right. Now you can cut those extra delivery costs. The best part is that you use your regular ATM card. The website says its for a limited time only sha. But until then, the bliss of direct delivery!

On to other things, I have two scenarios that I need your views on, how soon is too soon to visit a friend that just got married?

Second one is, I recently discovered a friend's husband is cheating, married less than two years, in my mind, I don't think its my place to tell her, I have in fact resolved not to. Nevertheless its very painful to watch. I see the love rat every other day with his paramour. He is yet to catch me sha and I know its only a matter of time. What would you do?

Its Monday, payday today, Yay! I like this time of the month I can't lie. Have a blissful week people.

Oleku!

Y'all know the song in my title, the only word for my weekend is that. For the uninitiated, google 'Iceprince' go on, google is your friend and no one is looking :D

Omotee's wedding was funtastic! I mean that literally! I left Lagos at 6.00am having previously arranged with my cousin to meet up so he could drive. We picked up my brother on the way and what did we have? Yes, a 6 hr road trip! I lurve those. Been of the same mind and genes, we love long drives (read traffic-free smooth express ways) and stopping to buy any and everything that catches our fancy! I so blame our Grandfather for this (story for another day).

So there were the usual bottle-necks along the road. The former second toll-gate that has degenerated to a trailer park, the Moniya-Ojoo and Iwo road traffic in Ibadan. But past all these, it was smooth sailing. Even the hair raising over taking of massive trucks and trailers on the single carriage way from Oyo-Ogbomosho didn't lessen the fun.

On a side note, people cushioned by ignorance and false safety that live mostly in affluent areas in Nigeria and argue fervently that Nigeria is not a 'third world country' or in the throes of abject poverty should take a trip outside their comfort zone and see how the other parts of the country really are.

Back to the gist, got to Ilorin and and went straight to my family friend's house. We were all attending the wedding, parents inclusive. Omotee was radiant and very excited and I was moved to sniffles when I went to say goodbye. There was also a very emotional part during the thank you address (I hate the phrase 'vote of thanks' thingy!) delivered by the Groom, it was so touching, we were wiping our faces, the Groom's father, the Bride and of course the Groom! At that point, if ever there was a shadow of doubt in me (there never was) that my friend was in good hands, it simply vamoosed.

The journey back was even more interesting we practically floored the accelerator, I have pictures! It was pure undiluted madness! Frequent stops along the way to take pictures on the road side was even more fun than I thought. We had mini-hiccups on the way but that is one trip that was well worth the effort. There is one more wedding to go on Saturday and that will conclude the back-to-back wedding attendance series of mine that started in June. I want my solo weekends back!

On a very unrelated note; I found myself attending this all-important meeting yesterday, as the parties were having their intense discussion, I had this evil thought of breaking wind, not the silent odious one that stinks like a sewer but the very loud butt cracking type that stops conversations and stinks like a sewer! The type that got people labelled with horrible nicknames throughout primary school. In my head it was all so funny, I had to hold my breath rigidly to keep from acting out my ridiculous fantasy. I wonder what the client would have done and the counter-parties. It's all just so funny to me.

Back to reality, I have unrelenting incessant headaches torturing my working hours! I think its the glare of the computer, I spend too many hours in this chair staring at the screen and my social after-work-hours life is in shambles. In total rebellion, I am blogging at work and dedicating the next consecutive hours to Marian Keyes. Hopefully the powers that be will not need my input on anything for the rest of the day (solemn prayer).

Until next time, Enjoy the rest of the week!

Hello... Goodbye

I don not feel exactly bad that it has been eons since I last put up a post. It used to bug me in the early days, but I have since let go of that guilt! Not to say I haven't missed all you wonderful people, I have but events in my life have overtaken the need to blog.

My wonderful beautiful friend Omotee is tying the knot in a few weeks! Need I say that I am ready to rock that party! I am so glad and happy for her. She deserves all these good things. Some of us know her journey to finding love and to be here when it has happened is just amazing!

My last post highlighted my jobless status. I accepted an offer two months after that. I can't say I love my job but there is a satisfaction in having a place to go in the morning and receiving that bank alert at the end of the month that your salary has been paid :D

The job is stressful walahi! I leave home everyday at 6.30am. Get to work 7.30-7.45, on hellish days at past eight! Blame VI traffic. Utterly annoying. Then I close anytime between 8 and 9pm! I swear I have seen red. There were days I would be on my way out, actually driving home when the dreaded call would come that I should come back because there is an urgent mail yet to be sent or replied! Some of my colleagues sleep over on occasion. I have said I wouldn't complain about the job so I will stop here before I have a full rant!

On a personal note, I am in a very happy place, not to say I don't have my low moments buy hey that's just life. I am good and making the best of what I have.
I have missed this space. I hope I will have the urge to blog again soon. This was totally spontaneous! I laugh at my colleagues when all they want to do is blog, well been there, done that.

I have weddings from next weekend till the end of July! Talk about Gbese and stress. My weekends have been over-crowded of late and I know there is no rest until the very last weekend in July if nothing comes up. I am so looking forward to a weekend that will be spent doing nothing but staying in bed. I am so going to plan it. I will load up on fruits, juice, maybe a bottle of vodka and some cheese and crackers! I will not drive and will definitely switch off my phones. I hope I can achieve this solo weekend thing.

Forgive the lack of structure, I think I will adopt it as my new style. Have a blissful week everyone.

XOXO

The grass isn't always greener

Thank you all for your comments on my last post.
I was in Ghana over the weekend for a wedding. I was very excited about that trip because I am jobless, single and love to travel :D.
So, we took off early landed in Accra and headed to our destination. Forget all the Nigerian Banks advert about their 'Visa' cards and 'Mastercard' working everywhere! Shame really. Thank God I had Naira and Dollar back up. It would have been a major disaster. And Airtel does not work! All that story about wider coverage and One network across Africa is hogwash. Apparently, you have to set up the roaming service before you leave your country.

The wedding itself was very simple and lovely. The bride's mother puts the crown on her daughter's head. There is no traditional ceremony. It was we the Nigerians that had the gele etc. Everyone else was simply dressed, we stuck out like a sore thumb! But it was fun.

We managed some shopping, plenty in fact, cosmetics is much cheaper. Went clubbing on Saturday night, not the nest night to do that as the club night is Friday but it was ok. We went to about 4 before landing at Aphrodisiac. No cameras allowed. I love the decor, spacious dance floors, beautiful pin dot lights and we saw Majid Michel.
There is a club called Papazz where the decor is all about Moet & Chandon.

My friend and I call Ghana, 'Booty Central'. There is booty everywhere and they show it, as in. Tight short gowns with slits everywhere! I say that literally.

I say the grass isn't greener because I hear a lot of complaint about Lagos traffic etc. Forget it. Traffic in Ghana is also bad, this is my second trip. Almost missed my return flight because of it. Every city has traffic, lots of it, just go out at rush hour!

Have a nice week.

Honestly

I believe half of the problems in world would be solved if only people respected other people's beliefs.

I am a Muslim and I love practising my religion. If I had a penny for everytime people tell me 'but you don't look like a Muslim' I would be very rich by now. Which gets me wondering what exactly Muslims look like.

I have had people ask me why I am a Muslim! I have absolutely nothing against other religions. I think it's interesting the different forms of faith and communication with a Supreme Being.

My Grandma is an Anglican and her parents were too but she married a Muslim and she still remains an Anglican. To my knowledge my Grandpa never had a problem with it till his dying day. I guess I understand why when some ladies get married, they take up their husband's religion.

I understand that for unity and the children's sake, it is better to have a common religion but what I don't like is the expectation from people that because you married outside your religion, you must adopt your husband's religion even when you don't believe in it.

I know it would be difficult for me to change my religion for someone, very hard indeed. All my boyfriends have been Christians and I don't have any problems with it. I fell in love with the person not his faith. My family don't have issues either as happiness and compatibility is what matters.

I have had people inviting me to church over and over again but when I deign to ask them to come for an Islamic program, they act like you just hit them with something foul! I also remember a fasting period when a former colleague asked me why I was observing the fast and I responded that it was part of my religion and also good for the body, she looked at me with disdain and did that thing with the nose.

I have nothing against other religions and I respect other people's faith but I am not going to accept anyone speaking/acting towards me as if I were not a person simply because we don't practice the same faith. If we all treated others the way we would like to be treated, there would be peaceful co-existence.

I have this friend who was brought up a Muslim, both parents have performed the Hajj but she changed her religion and no one said anything. Her parents never hassled her, they respected her faith and the fact that she has one.

You certainly don't have to like/understand/believe in the tenets of other people's religion but respect it. If I have one more person preaching to me to convert, I might start screaming and never stop. Your religion won't take you to heaven (if you believe it exists) but it is your action and deeds that will determine whether you get to the pearly gates. Live and let live.