You will go through it

Hi again,

                                                          
 Its been such a big episode so far and i have no excuse for disappearing *covers face but i could't control most of the events that have been happening. I've had great days, sad days, days I was completely broken, days I thought I can't go on any more and even days I played away the hours. But, here I am again and it feels good to be back YASS! *lol

 I promise to do at least one post a week and thank you for always understanding. *hugs. Before I forget myself with all my brouhahas, I will share a major episode of breakthrough  in my Life and how I went through it. So I hope you enjoy and learn one or two from this post.

So lets get started, 2014 has come and gone but it remains a memorable year for me. Most importantly, I lost one of the most important person in my Life, my Mother. If you've been reading my posts, you'd remember a dedicated post i did on her birthday in 2013 and if you haven't read it before please see here Maami- Special Dedication. I never realized that's going to be a sojourn to the last moments with her. The 18th of May 2014, turned to the most unexpected event of my life, it indeed have turned my life around. Truly and honestly, Maami she was the closest thing to me after God (she was my "Igi lehin Ogba- Back Bone).

I remember hopping to her room in the hospital when my brother-in-law just pulled me back to tell me, "she has gone". I asked, "gone where" thinking she has been transferred to another hospital but the guy just held me strong and told me, "maami is dead!" I screamed and shouted expecting her to just walk out of the room to tell me, "if you don't stop shouting there, tin ba gba e mu" (Translation- if i get hold of you) but no one came. (she didn't show up with that stern look that puts me in order.) It felt like life has just ended for me. Long story short, i didn't know how to move on, everything stopped and all i had left was memories and watching the time tick away.

The Breaking Point

This big episode changed my whole life completely; my relationship with God was the only solace i had. I told this short tale of my life just to show that everyone of us have a breaking point and that point decides our strength or weakness. It also determines who we are or will become at the end of the day. The following are some of the things I did and realized when I went to through my episode.

                                        

Realize you have a support system-
During my own episode, I was fortunate enough to have a good support system around me, from my family, to wonderful friends, Church and my colleagues. I can't thank God enough for them but one thing I realized was that I recognized the support i had, I could easily have ignored them and be withdrawn in my Sadness but I realized and it helped me tremendously.

                                             

Accept the Truth-
Another thing I realized at this period was to accept the truth. As a daughter, my mum also happen to be my best friend, like I earlier, she was the next after God. Though she lead me to Christ and all, I comfortably trusted her and her judgement. When she passed, at some point I would speak, have an almost realistic dream of her but then I come to question myself that, "She's really gone. Trust me, accepting the truth is very hard but you need it ASAP. Don't deny your hurt, disappointment and heart breaks , cry whenever you need to. (I remember a day I cried all the way from the office till I got home). Also, find someone you can share your thought and queries with, they might not give you the perfect solution or answer but they would listen to you and that burden will be lifted off you, like the saying that "a problem shared is half solved". That situation is not the end of your journey, a destiny is still in waiting for you to achieve.

                


Don't remain there, move on-
I don't know what the situation you might be going through or must have gone through, don't remain there. The situation must not define you, it should make you stronger and better. I remember I met some of my mum's friends at the anniversary of her passing and she was like, wow!, you even look way better than when your mum was here, we thought you wouldn't be able to move on", so i guess i shocked them all cos they all kept gazing at me *chuckles. Though very hard, you need to make a decision of what you want to take away from that episode. Tell yourself the truth and bring yourself back to reality and your reality is what you decide it would be *Capish!

Make your story a Lesson-
Yes, make your own story a lesson. I guess i wouldn't be able to share my story if i haven't learnt from it. Though i miss Maami everyday and it still feels like a dream but I've come to a realization that She's in a better place and she still expects me to keep the Torch blazing. So, have it at the back of your mind that your "story is someone's lesson" and also ask yourself, "what do I want people to learn".

                                    


Have got so much to say but lemme stop here, I wouldn't want to overwhelm you with the gory details now *lol. I'm not claiming that these are the perfect solutions to whatever issues you might be going through but these are my own lessons and I'm sharing them with you *lol.
Till next time, do enjoy the best God has given you.

I remain, Olufunke and I LOVE YOU!

Shopping Things- Tips

Hello July... Hi everyone. Wow! its July already. When did we even celebrate the new year, the election and its July already. Thank God for keeping us so far and I pray that He'll continue to sustain us for a very long time.
                                          
Its July and its all shopping galore, sales, vacations and many more sales (i love the sound of sales *big grin). You can't buy enough this season and honestly, you can also regret your purchases if you are not careful. I decided to do this post cos over my many years of shopping experiences (i'm an impulse buyer by the way *covers face), I've made many mistakes, I've had great buys and I'm still trying to get better at it. I remember when I and my older sister (my partner in shopping *chuckles) would go shopping and when we get home, it's either she complains, it doesn't fit her like she expects or something is sha wrong somewhere. Trust me, I indirectly enjoy those days cos she just toss the clothes to me with a promise that I would refund her. (which I hardly do *evil grin). Anyways, having had all those ups and downs  and my compulsive love for shopping, I've been able to come up with some few tips that have helped me get by whenever I shop and I hardly regret my purchases these days.

Here we go;

1. Understand your body, your size and how you want to portray yourself by your look

Don't force it, know your body and what works for you.

                                                 
2. Its Ok to admire something on someone but don't get to impulsive to buy such item with the aim of looking like them.
3. Browse through different on-line channels to see the latest trends and styles (try blogs, IG handles, Facebook pages etc)
4. Also look around at occasions, events, work, school etc (the point is, just watch out for trends and styles people are wearing)
5. Have a budget. (I'm seriously praying and working towards not having a budget again, just shop without checking the price tag, Amen!!! lols)
6. Window shop (it does no harm), whether on-line or even in the shops, window shop to see what they have. Thank God for IG boutiques lol, you can ask the sellers direct questions and get feedbacks (some of them are rude and proud so be careful). Windowshopping will also help you tell which store is selling the original brands, imitations and the Aba made *lol Any decision you make afterwards you're OYO ooo(on your own)
7. Look out for SALESSSSSSS (shhhh Mango store is on sale)
                                               
9. Pick a comfortable day to go for a proper purchase shopping (don't rush)
10. Go with someone whose judgement you trust, not the FRENEMIES ooo, they can help guide you before you buy (i prefer to go shop alone though)
11. When you get into the store of your choice, DO NOT RUSH!!! (you know that heavenly feeling you get when you enter a store, ehen take a chill pill and breath in and out, ok!. lol)

lols

                                                               
11. Take a walk around the store. If a store assistant walk up to you, nicely tell them, "i want to take a look, will call you when i need to, thanks"
12. Remember, your budget, your size and what works for your body.
13. When you see or find what you like, check or ask for the price; don't make a final decision yet. You can hold on to it though while you keep shopping.
14. Sometimes, when you shopping you find out that some items just match even without you thinking about it, don't rush still. You can pick the items so you can try them on (but you'd need to check with the store if they allow "try on")
15. After taking good walk round the store you can now decide on what you want to buy. (CAUTION- its not a must to buy anything in the store if you're not satisfied with what you see, don't be intimidated by those irritating store assistants, na your money you wan spend)
16. Before you decide, check the price of the item (bargain down if need be or check for discounts), also check the size, color and quality of the item (preferably try on the item carefully without damaging).
17. Also have at the back of your mind, the occasion(by occasion i don't mean Party alone ooo, it could be work, school, church, etc), event or where ever you intend to wear what you intend to buy (dress according to the occasion, look the part).
18. Stay in touch with your pocket, don't over spend.

That Face you make when You've Overspent 

                                             
19. Make sure you're satisfied with whatever you buy before you leave the store.
20. Enjoy your purchase and don't forget to take a gorg selfie to show it off *big kiss
                                

*Oh! lest i forget, I sometime hear people tell me that you need to have a lot of money to shop, that's a big fat Lie. I usually have a budget and I know where to get good quality things within my budget and if I need to go a lil outside of my budget, I save up for it.

Mind you, these are from my own personal experience over time and I hope you find it helpful. This is not all about Shopping Tips, stay tuned to my updates cos I will be posting Tips on shopping On-line next.
Till then, I LOVE YOU!

Olufunke

Don't Be Afraid to DREAM BIG!

Hello guys,

Happy New Year (covers face as usual), though its past the first half of the year

I deeply apologize for making you salivate for my delicious posts for so long. Any way, i'm back now and i hope i don't disappear again *lols.

Ok, lets get into the subject of the day. My Bible says, "the vision is for an appointed time, though it tarry, it will surely come", if the Bible ever say there's a vision means there's a Dream to be accomplished. Why not dream anyway! When I say Dream, I don't mean those horrible nightmares you have during those cold and lonely nights, I mean allow your mind to explore positively and let it bring your the "purpose of your existence". I was on a BRT bus (a commuter bus in Lagos) one day and overheard some school kids discussing how they wish they were like "Davido, Wizkid etc, i turned and i told them, "Yes you can be better than all of them put together". They looked at me strangely and confused; they alighted the bus before i could start any 'lecture' *lols.

What I see these days, scare me. Every other person wants to be like someone else, when will there ever be a true version You! Strangely but true we have one way or the other have been inspired, mentored or even have had a role model at some point or the other in our lives, but guess what, those people should only remain models not an exact reflection of who God has called us to be.

In recent times, over the last months i have come to a conclusion, that there can only be the best version of You. You might not be accepted by everyone else but then you're comfortable within your skin. You're free to make mistakes (as long as you learn from them). Don't be fooled by some sayings, your mistakes actually make you stronger and even become an aspiration for some one.

My Dreams scare me, Honestly! When i think about them, i smile. God has been faithful, i've been able to align my strengths, talents, relationships and most of all God's promises upon my life and guess what, my big Dreams unfolds everyday and i'm grateful.

Lemme stop here, this is not the post i intend to work on but when i opened my dashboard after a long while and saw this unfinished post and i decided to finish it up and continue posting hence.

A sincere thanks and apologies to you, who i might have disappointed over the last couple of months. I'll definitely update you on what has been happening (things i couldn't control) but hey, i'm back, better and a lot more mature.

Till my next post, I LOVE YOU!
Olufunke

Live Life...

Hello people and oh! lets i forget, Happy New Year guys (hope its not too late). Its still February anyway so the year is pretty fresh and promising...









Recently, i listened and downloaded a free version of Cobhams "Ordinary People"... after the first time i listened to it, if i'm not exaggerating i'm sure i listened to it another 150times *coversface. I'm totally in love and sold to the song infact it brings tears to my eyes every other time i listen to it.

You can download here  Cobhams- Ordinary People *thank me later.

This song brought a lot of thoughts to my mind. I finally concluded and also asked myself, "do we really Live", "is there any Ordinary person or would anyone want to be just an Ordinary person?"
If i can flash back to my life as a girl, a lot of things, situations, friends and most especially Television shaped my thought process. These elements have directly and indirectly affected my perception of life, how it should be and how i want it. It's sad at the end of the day when i realize i'm actually living according to the precepts as determined by the media, family and friends.

 Every parent wants their children to grow up to become "lawyers, doctors, senators etc, every friend wants to be friends with the "happening guy, big girl, "Frosh guys and avoid the smellos" like we say. With all these expectations many of us have stopped living and living life the way God wants us to. Forgetting the Talents and Passions embedded in each and everyone of by God are different and our make up and differences make Us Unique. Who dare say you're not beautiful when God says "you're fearfully and wonderfully made". Smile if you feel like, dance if you're in the mood, eat, stay healthy, read, go a trip, try out an interest, meet people, be yourself..... never forget to Live.

Whats wrong with being different, unique and just ordinary. Mind you, being ordinary doesn't make you a mediocre or a nonentity. Like i said earlier, the different make-up of people make them stand out and unique. Living life is the only measure that can make us realize who we are and what and where our interests lie. Lets find our passion by Living, lets make a difference in the society by simply living. It wouldn't cost much by Living and just being ourselves rather it would end up affecting Life positively. There was a Purpose for your creation and God has given Life just so you can find it.... you only have to Live Life to Find this purpose.

 

*My Advice: Don't die without Living... Your Life has a purpose

Be Grateful... Be Fruitful

Hello people! *blushes through the curtains* been a while. I'll be "gisting" today, would like to share a summarized journey to a better Me, Enjoy!

 As at my last post, i was eagerly and anxiously counting minutes and seconds to my birthday which was the 14th (October) *yayyyy. I had no plans for my birthday as at the middle of the year. A lot of things had happened, which had drained the energy out of me (Can't be bothered about birthday sef!); I was tired and down for the better part of the beginning of the year. I think I can say I was "Unhappy" but I was grateful for life. As my birthday drew closer I realized that I've been quiet unappreciative and because of my unappreciative spirit, I didn't realize how blessed I was (And still am). I couldn't see what I have without asking God for it, I wanted so many things and even after achieving them I still wanted other things (Didn't even realize I got what I wanted to be grateful for it). I was taking God's mercy for granted, didn't find any reason to celebrate.

*Fast forward sometime in September... Dupe (oremi) reminded me that I didn't have any plans for my birthday. At first, I wanted to throw if off and ignore it like I always do but something struck within me that its true, "I really don't have any plan". So, I told her I would let her know my plans. I got home and had a deep thought about it, for the past 3 years, I always celebrate my birthday with my immediate family. Just dinner, cake and gist, nothing more. Oh! and then I love doing something for myself no matter how small. So, this year, I thought what's there to celebrate and again something struck me from within that what's there not to celebrate, 

1. I'm alive and well

2. I've got the most awesome gift of all, God!

3. My family is fantastic and well  

4. Awesome friends

5. Wonderful experiences that have formed and Improved a better ME

6. I was ill and was Healed

7. God favors me

8. Grateful for Nigeria (we might be where we want to be but God loves Us still)

...... to list a few. And these are the tinniest bit of what I've got and I'm blessed with. I realized, I was alive but was not living. I was taking God and His mercies for granted, anyway I choose to celebrate all these, celebrate God, celebrate ME. So *jump start (Like Shade!, Dupe you know what I mean lol) myself to action and planning. So, I decided to celebrate with everyone this time.... my family, my friends and not forgetting ME *big grin. I wanted different "ceremonies" for myself, I wanted a Just family time, Just with friends and Just ME *yaayy... 

As the D-Day (Like we say in Nigeria) approaches, I applied and was approved of my first ever annual leave *whew. Prayed the public holiday falls on the 14th but hey! it fell on the 15th. No qualms, I quickly drew up my "Programme of Event" *chuckles

1. 14th October- D-Day, Office, Cake, Pictures then Church later in the evening

2. 15th October- Lunch with friends

3. 16th to 20th October- Chills, outings and enough sleep.  

4. 21st to the 28th October- Exclusive Me Holiday at MicCom Golf Resort, Ada, Osun state. 

With all these plans, actions began. Booked for my cake (Oh yes! i bought myself a Cake *blushes), restaurant reservations, food and drinks, reservations for MicCom Golf, shopped for myself and Yes, I also bought myself a birthday gift.

I had an awesome wholesome and amazing birthday celebration. I'm thankful then I became fruitful. My Programme of events went as planned, even better. Now, I chose to be grateful, I chose to be Me, I chose to Live. 
Lesson- Be grateful, Live and enjoy You!

 Enjoy the pictures...

Holiday

The pool was soo good... Holiday

Couz and her bobo.. lols

Birthday Girl

Another Me.. *blushing

The Lunch

Picture mode

Thanks for stopping bye. See you soon.

Cheers.

CAN WE?

Hello people, been a while *as usual, i know! Anyway, I've always believed in sharing and hearing other peoples' thoughts, so I will be sharing this page from time to time with your "interesting thoughts", just drop your thoughts here phunkyswt@gmail.com and lets see what happens. So this time I'm sharing this page with a friend and a colleague. Remember my post on Be a friend to have a friend well you will be hearing another perspective from my guest blogger Chika. Quiet interesting and i'm sure you will enjoy it.! *lest i forget, she writes like i like it *biggrin

CAN WE?

Takes a deep breath, opens a new page…cancels angrily…opens yet another page…C’mon! You can do this…! Ever felt that way? I can see you nodding your head and smiling *Hope so*

Wow! It’s really been a while I did this compared to the days when writing short stories and pouring out my ramblings was an addiction. I just can’t help but thank Funke aka my darling Funksy *That’s what I call her* for giving me this opportunity to feature in her blog *Climbs the stage and takes a humble bow*.

Okay so before I drift away, lemme pour out share an experience I had as a child. *Playing the rewind button on my old stereo SONY TV. I remember my very first BFF {Best Friend Forever} when I was in primary school. We were so close that we could giggle secrets away, play and dance like we really don’t care we were girls soon to be ladies, always together during and after school hours, quarrelling at times and day-dreaming of so many things that I giggle at the thought of it now!

Jumoke, is a sweet friend I could ever ask for; moments when I was representing the school in the relay race and felt so tired after exercises, she’ll run to meet me at the starting line and pour some glucose in my hand. Just as I finish running, no matter the position *Not to worry, I wasn’t the last but there’s really nothing in being the last*, she was always at the finishing line to shout my name and dance round me. Real friends will always be friends! Innit?

On a fateful day while we were walking to her house after playing, she had a terrible fall *I really can’t describe it* and burst out crying…I ran all the way, up her stairs shouting for her mum who ran out and followed me back to where Jumoke was. By the time we got there, her neighbours had gotten to the scene and picked her up. She was taken to the clinic immediately and treated but while leaving we noticed her feet began to stumble as she lost her balance and fell slightly to the ground. She tried getting up again and her feet were shaking. 

Sadly, she was admitted and had to undergo serious physiotherapy sessions for a month. During that month, school days were boring without her as I always tried visiting every now and then, crack jokes and tease her as well.

Sometimes, she looked unhappy till one day my mum and I went to visit and I created a make-shift Barbie house *That was one of our favourites* in her hospital room. We watched her try to walk to the doll house but she stumbled twice, sweating and frustrated as she screamed.

JUMOKE:  I can’t even play! I can’t even walk but I must walk again with this tiny feet.

Her mum and mine looked at each other as I ran to her and said:

ME:  Yes! We are gonna walk again and play with our Barbie doll just as we used to

She hugged me, grabbed my hands for support, took a look at the doll house and walked with every strength in her till she reached and grabbed one of the dolls and she giggled while we all clapped and laughed.

Three months later, she was back to her cheerful self but with a slight limp which she has turned to a hip catwalk style now. That was the ‘NEVER GIVE UP SPIRIT’ of a nine year old girl, my BFF.

We all have those moments in life when we feel the world is against us or things don’t seem to be going right, or the way we planned it, that even the slightest incident makes us fall and become sad or depressed. Some of us even try and try but we are still back to the same spot BUT it’s not E-N-O-U-G-H reason for us to give up.

If a nine year old can’t give up, who are you to? What you want may not happen immediately but surely it will yield positive results if we believe in our abilities and put all the best we can into it. Don’t EVER GIVE UP! No matter how tough it may be. Like I always say “Falling down is part of life, GETTING BACK UP is LIVING!”

That’s true, before I forget…*Climbing my office table* here’s an early buffday shout out to my Funksy darl. We must *pakurumo o* {Pardon my razzness, who cares?} Muah!!!

Have a fab weekend y’all! *Flips hair and dances away*

Movie Scoop- Temptation, Tyler Perry

*covers face, dusting and coughing as i walk in. As always i'm pretty late with my posts again, yeah yeah, i know and i sincerely apologize. Work have been so demanding and challenging, thanking God anyway.

Hope you guys are fine and good sha, as for me, i've been great could be better though. Been taking my time to gather my thoughts and bring you an interesting topic *like i always do lols.

Ok, Tyler Perry's movies have always been the best movies i don't want to miss. So, some weeks ago, i got to watch Tyler Perry's Temptation- Confession of the marriage counselor *finally.

 

It was like a dream come through, seriously i'm not exaggerating. The point been that i've tried all i could but i never got to see it when it was showing at the cinemas. Anyway, i got to see it finally from a friend's dubbed copy. The movie is quiet packed with interesting, intriguing and compelling details i must say. The story line is so simple anyone can relate with it.

.

I wouldn't want to bore you with the details of the movie so i suggest you watch it too. As for me, after taking time to watch and *digest the movie, mind you, i'm not trying to act like a marriage counselor here but the following are my conclusions;

1. Love is a Big decision- it should not be decided on Emotions alone
2. To be together forever (In Marriage) it takes two mature minds in agreement
3. Marriage at whatever stage should not be boring.
4. Marriage should not end *Dating and chasing... if you know what i mean
5. Partners should know each others expectation before marraige
6. Be truthful all the way- before and in marriage
7. Make out time to talk
8. Your partner should be your best friend
9. Whether in a marriage or committed relationship, it's important to keep dates of major occurrences and anniversaries in each other's lives.
10. Showing care and concern shouldn't stop at giving gifts and doing something special; it should be firmly rooted in asking questions when something unusual is noticed
11. Never assume rather be sure or simply ask
12. Create room for change- Change is constant and human is dynamic
13. Be ready to compromise
14. Marriage is worth waiting for
15. Above all choose God first before you choose your Life Partner

If you've watched the movie, i wouldn't want to take sides but i would blame Brice and Judith for immaturely taking their marriage for granted. Like i said earlier, i'm not trying to act any marriage counselor ( i'm not even married, yet!) but these are just my thoughts after watching the movie.
It will be nice and i suggest  you watch the movie, if you haven't. It'll also be nice to hear or rather read your opinions and thoughts after.

 Lets help each other. "Every marriage is worth salvaging" and "Every marriage should be a blessing".

See your comments soon... Cheers!

Olufunke