WORDS in my mind

Do you have certain words or phrases that you know exactly when you heard of them and knew the meaning? well here are some of mine!

Gubernatorial - this I think every Kenyan now knows - after devolution this word was often said by journalists and so we came to know that the Governors race is called gubernatorial race..google says this word relates to governors particularly in the US - well I guess we have also adopted it!

Vacancy - when I was in class 3 we had to change schools because of fees and so my mum kept using this word, she was looking for vacancies in other schools for us, and I knew exactly how to use that word!!

Guillotine- now now in primary school some teachers had heavy accents (language interference) and one used to pronounce this word off; however he was making reference to that machine that was used to cut paper. Now now - so this machine is simply called a paper cutter since google says guillotine is a machine with a heavy blade sliding vertically i grooves, used for beheading people - yaikks!!

 

Culvert - this is a a tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railway/ so being on Isiolo Moyale road a lot, I heard this word - and it was pronounced as caravat; until someone corrected me and told me its actually culvert LOL

Volumetric analysis - so we had a young chem teacher in high school and when covering this topic, I listened to her keenly and wrote it in bold red pen - FORUMETRIC ANALYSIS... can imagine my amusement when I came across the phrase in a text book!! waa....this mother tongue influence!!

Diaspora - one of the dorms in my primary school (Mukumu Girls) was called diaspora. I think i knew the meaning of the word much much later!!

Corrugation - back to Isiolo Moyale road....the road was not tarmacked for years and the movement of the car was often refered to as corrugation! the word means the groves/ridges on the road!

Fire - as in to fire someone - so when I was growing up, we had a neighbour whose kids were much older than us...and they had a gardener....and one day the friend declared ' we fired the gardener!' and my young mind was mortified! I had images of him being set ablaze....and wondered to myself why not just let him go as opposed to burning him! much later I learnt the meaning of the phrase...LOL

Anyways, these are just some words that I can pinpoint when i first heard of them!

REPOST....and now we are 8!

#REPOST Dec 2, 2010

My dearest Raha

Today you turn 2!

 At exactly 9.09pm two years ago I was very glad to have a girl…no one believes that curious me didn’t know I was expecting a girl…but that’s the truth, I wanted it to be a surprise…and what a lovely surprise it was! I must admit your Daddy was sure the baby was gonna be a girl while your aunty was convinced I was carrying a boy since the expected weight was 4kg….The experience of having your brother left me saying one kid is enough for me but later we realized it’s very easy to spoil one child and so decided to have another one….then we can balance out the tough love that needs to be given out once in a while.

I always knew for the longest time that should I ever be blessed with a girl her name would definitely be Raha (I was later told it also means abundance in Amharic)

Its just two years and your growing vocabulary amazes us every day;  and how you already have a definite opinion on what you are to wear – I honestly thought I would a few more years of my views on wardrobe reigning supreme…but I was wrong….

Of course Raha you have greatly benefited by being a second child – the way your brother and cousin treat you like a princess….and your parents can now claim not be so naïve about matters children… oh my, we rushed your brother to hospital at every sneeze and later realized its not the best way…so you can imagine our surprise when the government released a whole list of medicines that they claimed were not the best for children and we knew most of them!! But I digress; such lessons are what life is made of…….

My sweet,

May the Lord bless you, and keep you;May the Lord make His face shine on you,And be gracious to you;May He lift up His countenance upon you,And give you peace

 …and may you grow up to be the fiery little Ms Independent that you already are…

Happy birthday Raha!!

 Love and Kisses

Your Mummy :)

This day in 2006

So today marks 10years since we had our wedding!!

All the planning comes to this day...looking for fabric in a road called DuBois (kumbe its pronouced du-bwa)....fabric called crashed tafeta (we didnt get it, and settled for tafeta instead...yeah...there is a difference LOL)....many trips to the taylor in hurlingham....going to almost every shop in town that claims they have wedding gowns for hire (yes for 1 week then you return), kumbe its for size 2 people!! and finally getting one shop right in the middle of town, with gowns that fit!!.....running around town with Sam to literally all the shops that sell suits....waaa.....giving up on finding flowers and finally ordering them from the person on groundfloor where i used to work!! We could not have imagined the details that go into planning for a day like this!! many meetings in a restaurant in Nakumatt lifestyle....all the varied ideas...waaaa...

So the day had finally come....and what a day it was!! I was happy and anxious at the same time, but mercifully everything fell into place as the day wore on.

In the morning, woke up early enough and had a good breakfast, so many people in the house! Aunties, grandmother had come the night before and were all chatting animatedly. My dad and people from Dar also arrived the night before. We dressed up slowly since we had enough time and the church (Our Lady Queen of Peace, South B) was literally round the corner!

The isukuti team came in early and started beating their drums...if jirani didnt know there was a wedding, now they knew. It was a Friday, but schools had closed, so many children came near the house to see what was going on. My lovely aunties sang loudly to the isukuti beat...cant go wrong with that beat I tell you.

A friend had told me she would get me the car that would drive us around, and I told her, thanks. Kumbe it was a sleek black mercedes benz!! imagine that, with a gracious driver to boot.

Sam and his group were in Golden Gate getting ready also and he was driven to church by his cousin...apparently they had agreed a long long time ago, that during his wedding, she would drive him to church.

Mass was lovely....Fr Clement  Alekwe (may he RIP) was solemn during the whole occasion. I think he had another appointment, because he left soon as after mass was over (before we could take a photo with him!)

Anyhoo, photoshoot outside the church and off we went to Nairobi safari walk for more photos. Reception was indoors in south C because November can surprise someone with showers and thunderstorms...less speeches at the venue, some dancing and it was a wrap!! In all the planning we totally forgot to have a designated car for gifts!! but a friend quickly offered her car to carry them home...phew....The gracious driver dropped us back home at 6pm and he was like this is the earliest he has ever dropped a bridal party...hehehehehe.

Night dancing was at Club Afrique huko Westlands :)

We were so so happy to see friends and relatives celebrate that day with us! Thank you to all of you who turned up - for your positive thoughts and prayers...for stepping in to fill the gaps we had not anticipated. One friend took photos on the side and gave them to us a gift...was so lovely & thoughtful since he captured almost everyone, as opposed to hired photographer who concentrated on the 'high table'!!  The little gal who walked in front of us (my cousin) sat her KCPE this year and the little boy (my nephew) seats his exams next year....yeah, its 10years alright!!

Cheers to many more memories and years together P!!

Amen!!

Marriage and young minds...

So I was in a forum recently and a young lady and I took to each other and she was comfortable talking to me for some reason - me the one who doesnt talk much! anyways, she was giving me some tips on my hairstyle and how I can rock a different one given that my hair is natural and this product is good...and dont wash with that else.....she was very knowledgeable I must say...about hair then out of the blue she starts this conversation on marriage...

so how is it being married??

its ok...great actually!! why??

you didn't fear giving all your power to someone else?

am like, eh...(in my mind - that sounds so serious when you put it like that)....its a thought but you make a decision and make it work

We talked some more...her main concern was having to rely on another person 100%....power balance issues.....it got me thinking, mmm...whatever her reasons for thinking that way about marriage, her concerns are valid. So let me put on my Big Sister hat and dish out some thoughts.....so here it is ....to all my young sisters

1. Marriage is interesting - interesting since you are two very different people, from different homes, different personalities, different experiences, different values and now you are together. Considering that what we hold as true has been moulded for say 25+ years and now trying to make new memories together - that's a recipe for something interesting if I dare say so myself...all depends on how you look at it, right?

2. Marriage is challenging, some periods definately more challenging than others....one can even begin to doubt the decisions they have made......and you can have egos blocking what you want, but never loose focus of what made you want to be together. Hopefully you are not both strong willed since one or the other has to back down for the sake of the union....however, of course there could be a bigger problem is you are the one constantly stepping back!!

3. Marriage is about two people - two complete people decided to come together and make a perfect union; defend it - don't let others into your space, whether emotionally or physically...there are too many vultures out there!!...eh, now more than ever, the vultures can also be virtual!! internet things!!. Hopefully both of you want it to work, so both will defend it.

4. Marriage is dual submission - #hiding - and that's my humble submission

5. Marriage is a project - it has to have a joint vision and of course the resources to  actualise it - resources is not only cash....time, energy, enthusiasm etc....can all be resources as well!!. These have to be clear for both else it gets counter productive -so communication is key---so better if you are good friends to begin with right??. If one doesn't like how the 'project' is headed, better say it while the issue is still hot else you boil inside you and maybe there was a good explanation as to what happened!!. For instance, I once heard a priest say, if one of you doesnt want to offer sadaka, better don't offer it than offer it in hiding!!

6. Marriages do last!! we have many examples around us.....so no need getting all cynical that it doesn't work....ask God for the grace to make yours work!

7. Marriage is ordained by God himself.. so it goes without saying that prayer is central to the union....

there is much much more I can say, but since 7 is a perfect number, so let me leave it there


...and this I know for sure!!

Four years & counting!

My lil soldier turned 4

I love this age!!

No limits.....some words still jambled up, and oh sounds so sweet!! Like when he was asked, ehh unakula lollipop na uko na homa? he says...ah ah...mimi sikuyi yoyipop...na yamba (lamba) tuu!! hehehehehe

Very expressive...all the time  out of the blue saying ......me napenda wewe!!!!....this simply just melts my heart ...awwww!!!!!

The age when imagination grows ---and one time he was crying loudly as if very hurt....i ran towards him to ask what was wrong...and he said brother had eaten his cake...which cake?? this one?? his IMAGINARY cake!!!! I had to hide my laughter!!!..... :)

The huge smile and big hug that you are received with every single day, or every single time you enter the room...a loud Mummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm greats you!!

and to crown it all....every so often....he picks flowers and brings them to me with a big smile saying...fyawas for you Mummmm <3 <3; pure. sincere. unconditional love.

Slowly getting independent...these days you dont walk him up to the class....he says, simama hapo niende!!

My Buja, my litu cub, may God protect you always...may your joy & laughter never fade!

Happy happy birthday!!

Rome was my mind...then....

I love travelling

I love planning for travel

So for months now, Rome was on my mind

My sis and I are in sync that attending mass at St Peter square would be the grandest thing yet...and just like that an idea was born. That as we turn a new year in September, we mark this with mass in Rome, Italy- dates were set September 22-26

Then boom!

Earthquake in Italy

Too scared to go there

Mission changed (mission aborted sounds bad)

So now Dubai it is

Yes we have been there - but cant get enough of all the grand things to see there

The trip was grand....and this time, we took the open air bus tour round the city, day and night!! So glad we did this!!

Thanks be to God for the successful visit

Now, where next?? I wonder!!

But...Rome is still on my mind!

My new best time...

Its 2pm

House is silent...there is less noise outside as well

No movement, housework is done...and lady who helps us is asleep...so that my 4 year old who has just come from school can also agree to take a nap

This is my new best time....because of the silence...bliss!!

The work I had lined up for today is 80% done...I was busy at it from 7am and  so am basically through with it...can brush it off at night

I seat, in the silence of my own thoughts...

Plotting out my weekend plans...good time to think...

I put off my phone, switch off wifi (ok, for a bit only)

3pm

I get up to warm some left overs from yesterdays supper

Watch a bit of TV

4pm...my bubble bursts

The rest of the kids run  into the house with energy from school screaming at each other (wonder why they never talk in normal tones when they come from school....)

There goes my silence

Oh well...

Lets wait for tomorrow

for my #magicalmoment

Another year...

Another year, another chapter
I have been granted the GRACE to see the start of a new year in this wonderful life
I thank God!!

Maya Angelous poem comes to mind....Phenomenal Woman, thats me!! :)

Phenomenal Woman 

   

         

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Scaling Longonot!

Three years ago on this date I scaled Longonot!!

 Ok it’s a small hill compare to others, but I had never been so this was a fete to me

You see the local church had a group of people who used to train every Saturday and the aim was to be able to go up Longonot. I was quite diligent in attending the Saturdays, and it was quite rigorous…I almost gave up, but I was determined to be fit before reaching the fourth floor mark!!

Then came the Saturday and off we set to Longonot. We were to get there early, but we were a large group and so delays are expected,….we reached at 10am and this was apparently late.

Took some time to clear at the gate since we had some foreigners with us….but that got sorted and off we started. I appreciated why 10am was late when the hot sun hit us as tried to reach the top!! Ehh that climb was gruelling for me!! Soon I was the last one in our group and I was tempted to just wait for them to all go up and then come back down and join me and we walk back down. The coach could hear none of this and so I heaved myself up the mountain!!!

Of course what was also discouraging was the number of kids running up the mountain as if it was flat ground. I finally made it halfway, there is a nice place to seat and after a few minutes rest, made it to the very top. When I reached, the group had already assembled ready now to walk round the mountain….am like nope, this is good for me….the view is of course GLORIOUS!!!! I sat there as other groups made it to the top and experienced the exhilarating feeling! There was a considerably old woman…probably 70 who walked slowly to the top and imagine does this every so often! What a great way to experience nature!

The walk down hill was more manageable and we were soon at the bottom. There was a college group that was part of the group going down and sad thing was that one them was so drunk and was basically dragged down the hill by his also tipsy friends!! Wonder where the teacher was…I could not even imagine what could have happened if he slipped and fell down the mountain….eish….we kept shouting at them, be careful….hold him better….eish!!

Meanwhile….there was no network up the hill and so when we were back down and settled in the bus, is when I saw all the messages on the west gate attack!! Waaaaaaaaa

 

Wonder if I can do this again???

 

It can wait!!

Today someone sent a video to a whatsapp group on texting while driving

Showed people giving reasons as to why they text and then someone who was hit by a vehicle because of lack of concentration

The clip is so touching I immediately shared it in all the groups am in

This is so true!!

I use public means and sometimes in a bid to pass time, count the number of people who are on phone as they drive!! its shocking.....all it takes is a split second...and thats it!! whatever it can for sure wait

Be safe!!

DONT USE THE PHONE WHEN DRIVING

IT CAN WAIT!!

9/11

So September 11th passed two days ago

Highlight was that Hillary Clinton fell ill during the ceremony and had to be helped into her car - hope she gets better!!

Am remembering that day 15 years ago

I saw the events unfold while watching a TV at a restaurant which was on mute...it was after work so around 5pm....I was not paying much attention, I actually thought it was a movie!!

So when I reached home and now saw the news proper i was in shock!!

I related to the twin towers because just the year before i had the honor of undertaking a 6 week internship program in NYC and in one of the evenings, one of my colleagues took me to a restaurant at the 80th floor of this twin tower. Why i could remember it so well was because i was wearing sneakers that day and was turned back and had to take subway back to my room in the International house and wear proper shoes and subway back to this venue!!
I cant imagine what the families have been through

War is bad

War that preys on the innocent is event worse!!

May peace prevail

That kind of August

Four separate friends of mine had a rotten August

Four lost their parents - two fathers and two mothers

From Siaya, Bondo, Maua and Kakamega

Different parts of the country

I cant even imagine the pain

I cant even imagine the emptyness

I dont want even to imagine

I pray that they gain strength over this loss

I dedicate this new song by Filah to all those experiencing loss at this moment

http://mdundo.com/song/35206
An apari Mama (am thinking of you mum)
an apari baba eh (am thinking of dad)
an aparo u duto eh(am thinking of all of you)
e ndalo duto ma pok a neno u (in the many days i haven't seen you)

Eternal rest, grant unto him/her O Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon him/her.

May s/he rest in peace. Amen.

May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

FlashBack...earth tremors in Nairobi!

A couple of years ago....I was seated at my desk minding my own business

Office was on 5th floor of a building in Westlands....suddenly I felt like I was in a lift that was going down...that inertia that leaves your tummy feeling funny....I looked up and at the same time, my colleague looked up...(open office manenoz) and said....ai...did you feel something?? Suddenly an item on top of the cabinet moved........waaaaaaa panic...........off we went to the other offices....everyone was at the corridor...this was strange....another colleague was standing and had felt nothing.....we all ran downstairs ...with someone shouting *don't* use the lift!!!......the guys in first and  ground floor wondered what we were all about - turns out they felt nothing.

We all ran to the front of the building....the Director was frantic wondering where everyone was (you see we didnt have any drill of where one is to stand once there is an emergency....so we were not all at the front of the building)...she made the call....lets close for the day!

So...silly us....we went back to our desks, shut computers, picked handbags...that kinda stuff....aki...you should have seen her....we were not supposed to do this...she is the only one who walked out with her handbag....so how were we to go home with nothing....

Haki drills are important!!

http://www.panapress.com/Unexplained-tremors-spark-panic-in-Nairobi--13-506412-17-lang2-index.html


My heart goes out to the victimes of earthquake in Italy last night...I cant even imagine how that feels!!

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37171953

Sea Food...different...

Am not really one to try out new tastes...I really fear a soft tummy!!

So anyways, some 6 years ago, we ganged up old gals from high school and took off to Malindi..I had never been to Malindi before, so this was exciting for me...the kids were small....so didnt bother tagging them along

On one of the afternoons, we took a boat ride and the tour guides came along with shrimp...I think that was shrimp....and once we had parked...or is it docked....they lit a fire and roasted it right there!! Imagine that!!!  The ones who knew what to do with it showed the novices like us how this weird looking formerly pink delicacy should be eaten...mmmm...new taste...

Again, we were deep into the waters (ok, not too far, but heck we were in the ocean) and I was not about to have a you-know-what situation, and clearly the humble boat had no such 'facilities'. Lets just say I didnt have much of the roasted feast :)

Fast forward to 2015 and I go for dinner at the Ocean Basket....again, I had never heard of the place before and was pleasantly surprised at the concept....entire menu from the sea....gerrit??....from the ocean basket :)

I was not too sure at first, but after seeing people munching away, I decided to give in ...I mean...I was on safe ground....whats the worst that can happen??....so I tried a lot of different types of sea food that I had never eaten or seen before!! from sushi to other things I dont even know their names....BUT they did have interesting taste I must say

And my tummy behaved!!

Wonder if my peeps at home would love this experience.....mmmmm

Olympics 2016!

The 2016 Olympics wrapped up last Sunday

This time I really didnt get to watch it much....just the highlights when I already know the results

For the opening ceremony, I got the timing wronggg...thought it was 11pm....sat up late with the kids until my sister wrote me and said, by the way the opening ceremony is at 2am...well thats too late for me so off I went to bed

Next morning I woke up to the exciting news that the first Olympia Laurel Distinction was given to our very own Kipchoge Keino....I searched instagram and twitter for updates so that i could like, forward etc...but nothing from the agencies I expected!! So the entire team that went to Brazil didnt have a communications person that could be updating us? I think David Rudishas team did a splendid job on the updates! They were personal and with great shots to boot!!

http://www.brandediq.com/kipchoge-keino-to-receive-olympic-laurel-distinction-in-rio/

Despite the embarrassment that we caused ourselves n the organising of our representation to the games, the atheletes outdid themselves and made us proud with 13 medals...6 gold, 6 silver and 1 bronze...well done #TeamKenya!

Clearly a lot needs to be done...alot of blame games are already being played....lets see how this pans out..

http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-kenya-rio-olympics/440808-3352124-4oy4do/index.html

https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/shocking-details-dp-rutos-trip-rio-olympics-revealed

Me thinks that its easy to get people to pay back.....just get the list of travellers, have each justify their presence and surcharge them....make some heads roll on this one!!!


Meanwhile, sportsmen and women better just prepare themselves for next Olympics...Yego Style ...unfortunate, but true! and then we blame them for moving to Bahrain??? we had better style up!

Tokyo 2020 - here we come?

One Humanity

Today is World Humanitarian Day - the theme is One Humanity

Its been marked every Aug 19 since 2009....started by UN Secretary General Ban Ki- Moon, and in his own words, its an..."annual reminder of the need to act to alleviate the suffering. It is also an occasion to honour the humanitarian workers and volunteers toiling on the frontlines of crises. I pay tribute to these dedicated women and men who brave danger to help others at far greater risk."

http://www.unocha.org/whd2016

So who is a humanitarian? one definition is that its a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms; a missionary of sorts, they leave comfort of where they grew up decide to go to another place to help out

What could be their motivation?? for some its the profound need to ensure everyone gets justice, for some (if religiously inclined) its the innate need to extend Gods mercy and kindness to others, and for others it could be,well, more personal - the need for adventure, career progression and of course money.

Never mind their motivation, they find themselves in unfamiliar territory, hopefully since they are different, they can be impartial and ensure what needs to be done is done without prejudice.

However, aid work can be romantisized...to appear charming and that one sails through this with the gratification of having helped someone in need....I doubt this is the case....aid work, is HARD, very HARD. The challenges aid workers face are immense...I have heard several accounts of their experiences and you are tempted to ask the (insensitive) question - but why do you bother?? so you don't ask...you try and sympathise.....but it doesnt make so much sense to you...BUT they carry on doing what they do....there are many blogs about that

https://www.odi.org/comment/9795-life-humanitarian-frontlines-challenge-staying-course

http://www.redr.org.uk/en/News/aid-worker-stories.cfm

http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/08/17/490383488/aid-workers-provide-harrowing-account-of-being-attacked-in-south-sudan


BUT, I choose today to still celebrate those that, despite these challenges, and regardless of their motivation, choose to do this work.

Hats off to you.

Pledge Allegience

In campus, the CU guys staged a major performance when they reached final year - they called themselves Elders :)

 

So when in my final year, I sat in the audience, waiting in anticipation to be thrilled by the performance that tooks months to prepare for.....and this final class did not dissapoint!!!!

 

One of the songs they sang along to was I Pledge Allegience To The Lamb....I had never heard it before...and loved it immediately!! Everytime I listen to it I remember that great evening...I pray that they are still steadfast in their faith!!

 

Here are the lyrics......................

 

 

 

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
With all my strength, with all I am
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

 

I have heard how Christians long ago
Were brought before a tyrant's throne
They were told that he would spare their lives
If they would renounce the name of Christ
But one by one they chose to die

The Son of God they would not deny
Like a great angelic choir sings
I can almost hear their voices ring

 

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
With all my strength, with all I am
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

 

 

Now the years have come, and the years have gone
But the cause of Jesus still goes on
Now our time has come to count the cost
To reject this world, to embrace the cross
And one by one let us live our lives
For the one who died to give us life
Till the trumpet sounds on the final day
Let us proudly stand and boldly say

 

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
With all my strength, with all I am
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

 

To the Lamb of God who bore my pain
Who took my place, who wore my shame
I will seek to honor His commands

 I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
With all my strength, with all I am
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

 

Songwriters
BOLTZ, RAY

Published by
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Read more: Ray Boltz - I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb Lyrics | MetroLyrics

# REPOST #TBT Dubai Lights...

#REPOST
I must say one of the greatest perks of being a twin is that you can be effortlessly enjoined in a plot with her friends and feel no shame….that is me J. My twin sister Gertrude and her chama mates Anne, Sophie, Janet and Lillian planned to visit Dubai to mark turining 40 years!

Plans rolled out in January and payments made early in the year. The Sunday of August 10 arrived…..and finally we were airborne to Dubai. Must say we got a great deal….Return flights and airport transfers, 6 nights BB accommodation, Tour of Dubai and Dhow cruise dinner, desert trail and BBQ dinner….all for a very considerate price a piece! Much as we tried, we could not tell where the profit margins came from!! 
Anyways, we arrived through Sharjah airport since we used Air Arabia. Small hitch on arrival…the airport transfer happened after one hour of frantic phone calls….the hotel we were booked in was situated in a predominantly Indian area….Fortune Grand hotel….not bad…good wifi (10 points for this as we all are wired by internet)…..exhausted we slept and woke up early Monday morning to enjoy the experience that Dubai was to offer. In the group, some had been to Dubai, but none as tourists, but for business (which translates to knowing the inside of one hotel, one mall for a limited period and airport only!).

Monday was day for Dubai tour,… that was nice….we drove round the main streets of old and new Dubai with a tour guide who sang praises for His Highness, Sheikh (could not catch the full very long name). Gist is that he is a generous fellow and has ensured the “Dubains” are in comfort. What was apparent was the effort to make the city green…we were told that the soil is imported and that the smaller shrubs are uprooted and new ones planted every three months, while the bigger ones are replaced yearly…aii that one sounded doubtful….but who knows? When cash is no problem…anything is possible!! She also mentioned that Dubai didn’t have a single 7 start hotel - that the first one in Dubai is under construction (we all thought that one that looks like a Dhow was 7 star – Dr Google says that it’s not a star rating they have embraced…so, there you have it!) It was great to see Palm Jumeira via an overhead tram…that is one megaproject – the land was reclaimed from the
sea and is shaped like palm leaves – magnificent to say the very least!…..That evening was dinner at the creek on a dhow…quite nice…mainly Eqyptian, even the dance performance…interesting and strange to some level given the puppets they used J

Tuesday was for the desert trail. Since it was starting in the afternoon, we did quick visit to the Emirates mall and headed on to the desert in a landcruiser that came for us. The driver, Abdul was pleasant, told us he came from Oman, that he has been at it for several years, that he is teaching his 10 year old son the skill of desert driving and that he sometimes brings his mother but she gets so scared of the ride up and down the dunes. The ride was quite something, so many cars! And the hot sand!!...anyways, we got several chances for great photo ops and moved on to the site where the BBQ dinner was to be served. Must say that was quite a sizeable crowd for a loose Tuesday evening!! Dinner was great, and we watched a similar Egyptian dance, but with additional belly dancers.

The rest of the week was not scheduled…so it was malls, malls and more malls (retail therapy at its very best)….we discovered the metro train and attempted to visit all the major malls, Emirates, Dragon Mart (by taxi), Dubai mall, Deira City mall etc; even managed to bump into Hon Joho in one of the malls and gave him a loud greeting J. For some reason the dancing fountain at the Dubai mall simply blew me away….mesmerizing to the least! I can watch it again and again….we had a vantage point from one of the restaurants overlooking the man-made lake that has been fitted with the fountain….and right next is the grand Burj Khalifa…..tallest building in the world (like 8 KICCs stacked up on each other!!!)….we could not miss taking photos next to it!!

My personal favourite was the Gold Souk…..rows and rows; and more rows of shops selling gold and silver…..my oh my….I was in gold heaven….the prices are regulated so moving from shop to shop is about looking for a design that you fancy, not so much for best price. And West Africans were many….mpaka attendant asks you whether you want the price in Naira!!...no security checks here….everywhere is safe….my kid sis was right, the gold wizard cast a spell on me and can’t be found to unlock me from this spell….I had to get myself a piece …. priceless!

One thing often came up – that when will Kenya open up / develop like Dubai?? Vision 3020 or nearer?? Yaani, God is great…making plans in January and actually everything goes as planned….tunashukuru! Anyways, all great things have a beginning and an end….and Saturday morning came faster than we thought…..back to Nairobi….Girls, you the best….may the next phase of our lives be filled with the love  and laughter from family and friends, be blessed, be surrounded by uncommon favour and ever more glorious….FOREVER YOUNG!

Plus size challenges..

Nairobi is cold....very cold!!

So I decided....mmm....nows about a good time to get me a pair of knee high boots

I checked online shops...to determine the price...and yes, they are available...for my kind of foot.....the price is steep - upwards of 14k....I toy with the idea of sending a friend who is going to the US soon...but....mmmhh....she has a busy schedule so sitaki to be dissapointed when she comes back with a very expensive pair that she just had to buy from duty free since she didnt have time....I know that feeling...

Next option is second hand shoe shops....the ones along Bus Station have wide variety....and what do you know....the first place i went i found them..just hanging there waiting for me and my big foot...and the exact type i wanted....and they fit me like a glove!!! I was excited......but wait....madam ebu we zip it up....zilch.....try again....no luck......the zip could not pass by mazgwembe!!!!! I was mortified....thats when it hit me (again)....girl you have a BIG LEG!!!!!

Woi....the guy didn't even laugh.....he told me, madam wait i go to another shop and get you the one that will fit perfectly...(meaning, fit my shin/calf??? ) and sure enough, he got me one that folds so does not have to fit straight.

I happy!!

#keepwarm!!

Oh Vista!

You can have an item for so long that it literally becomes a member of the family!!

Today we sold the Vista...been more than 8 years with us (my sis kept saying SELL IT, SELL IT!!!)

So, we found a buyer and gave it up - turns out the guy also had a vista and loved it, but it rolled, so he was looking for the exact same car as a replacement, luck was on our side, since he knew a guy, who knew a guy, who knew a mechanic, who knew my bro, who....anyways, we go connected and exchanged vista for mulla... :( :) :( :) :)

Been trying to sell it since January but no luck - and the way they say Toyota is easy to sell!! Maybe we didnt try hard enough???

Anyways, I remember when we got her (its a girl, tihihihi)

It was in late 2007 and we needed a more spacious car....so off  I went to the Ngong road to check out the many car bazaars.....the first one i went into....was right opposite the matatu stage and I guess the salesman saw me walking in and i kid you not, gave me a once over, and basically paid little attention to me...and the way I was a serious buyer.....pana dharau watu jameni.............so I moved on to the next bazaar and an eager very young sales lady showed me around. When i told her i wanted a spacious family car, she told me, eh...let me show you one that came in yesterday...and sure enough it was a Vista....and I was sold!!! I loved it.....me, its about how it looks....engine manenos achia wengine....hehehehehe.

And what do you know, its first major mission in January 2008 was to ferry an expectant mother to hospital to get baby!! Imagine that :)

Goodbye Vista, hope you make some other people happy!!

PS This happened so fast, didnt remember to tell the kids....when I mentioned it, they said....woiyeee we didnt get a chance to say Goodbye!!!!

Maternity leave(s)

So this week is World Breastfeeding week (1-7 Aug)

I have had the honour of having 3 maternity leaves...each one very different....

For my first one in 2006 I only had 60 days and no more...and anyways a very very major report was due end of the month that I was expected back so could not even think of extending the leave....I was  not too sure about how to breastfeed....and assumption was that this was natural....well it wasnt for me....and I struggled with a hungry baby until we got the grip of how best to do it....Once that was in the bag, back to full relaxation mode! This break was my introduction to the world of DVD series...I used to watch TV a lot...but then someone gave me the House series and I was hooked!! waaaaa.....so long as baby was awake, I was seated in front of TV watching that series!! The house was very quiet most of the time....since it was just one housegal and me most of the time....60 days passed in a flash!! and before i knew it was back to work and consumed by the usual race. The first kid receives a lot of visitors!! I came to appreciate not extending a visit when you go see a new mother, not insisting on holding baby for long hours, NOT going near baby if you have a cold among other do's and donts...Meanwhile, I was doing my MBA and completed the course work before baby came; and the supermom in me, thought i would do the research paper during maternity!!! thats a story for another day #thestruggleisreal!!

For first one I didn't even attempt exclusive breastfeeding - boy was so hungry all the time he was on light uji as soon as he was three months old and off Naan by the time he was 9 months! Thankfully he enjoyed his milk so much that he used to drink 3 packets in a day!! All this ended when he joined preschool :(

Second one was during the month of December and was much easier to feed her...maybe its true about girls....but I didnt feel like a cow with her...hehehehehe...For this one, the holidays were around the corner and so by the time baby was barely 3 weeks old, the holidays had set in and so she was already making visits since Christmas time comes with a lot of visits to people...For second baby, I had 2 girls helping me with work and my sister in law was staying with us. So house was full at that time and I had company so I barely noticed the free time I had in between...this was 90 days and by the third month I was truly ready to get back to work.

I tried this exclusive thing since my friend also had a baby and really encouraged me to do it....I was on a roll till one day, I came home and found baby being given milk...on testing it, it was cold...the milk had hardly thawed from fridge and she was being given....ehh...I said, better to have warm naan milk than cold breastmilk!!!

I did one visit to Garissa when she was five months and when I came back, she looked at me like I was crazy when I offered to breastfeed her :)

Third one was during October and this I must say is a perfect time to be on maternity since by December, all have adjusted and you return to work mid January when the rush is over! The leave was uneventful...I had gotten the grips of taking care of a small baby so things were smooth...baby was not such a hungry one so even breastfeeding was a breeze. I didn't even bother with exclusive since the milk was kidogo and trying to pump it just left me a frustrated Mum!!

By this time I had a handy laptop and a good supply of movies and series. I stationed laptop near bed, and soon as baby woke up, I fed him while watching a movie/series...and once he was asleep, i pause it and sleep too!

Now there is talk of 6 months maternity leave so as to ensure babies are breastfed exclusively - whereas I support this 150%, wonder if private sector will be for this!! My own take is that better to have options where possible eg creches at work (Safaricom does it, dont they??)...working from home arrangements....flexihours....since baby doesnt feed whole day every time....and also Mummy needs a break!!!!....and truth be told, work can be a VERY welcome break....so a win-win for everyone!

http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/

Schools Out!!

Today many schools are closing for the holidays

My kids are over the moon….the instructions are that there is gonna be a party so please dress your child up in party clothes! This we dutifully did …complete with coloured nails for effect…tihihihi

Flashback to my own closing day in primary boarding school….undoubtedly this was my BEST day in school. I did not mind all the hard work washing and scrubbing the desks..chairs…classrooms, and dormitories…the image of all things hanging out to dry is still so vivid in my mind…..the idea was so that we leave them clean before we take the break! I wondered why we just didn’t do this when we opened so that we don’t get dusty desks and rooms??

Next event was to confirm that we (my sis and i) are on the list for those heading out by train to Nairobi…aii glorious days!! I looked forward to this day from the moment I entered the gates for a new term (clearly I didn’t like the school much)….but that was life, and I had been dealt with this primary school so I had to deal with it

 

Times have changed for sure!

Going back in time...

St Michaels Church, Langata

I find myself in Langata at 4pm with my sis....so mmmm, why not visit our old church St Michaels?? Good idea!!!!…so off we go

Challenge is, there are so many buildings that have mushroomed here until we are not sure of the route anymore. After getting to deadends, we finally decide to drive through Ngei estate via Otiende, and it all starts coming back to me. I wonder how we walked all the way to this church….its seems far away from where  we lived…..my sis reckons that since that was the only option we had, we had to get to it! As we drive slowly through Ngei, she points at a house where her friend stayed and she says maybe her folks still stay there – and what do you know, a lady at the gate with a head full of silver/white hair is looking at something across the road, and my sis say, alar, that’s her mum!!

The church looks pretty much the same! We say a prayer inside and take a walk around it….not too big. The guards must be wondering, eh, and what do these women want on this odd Thursday afternoon?? One guy actually follows us into the church…can never be too sure these days, cant blame him. There is a secondary school next to the church…doesn’t look familiar….

We take some photos

 

I recall a Priest who used to take us to Safari Park hotel (before it was renovated) for swimming on Saturdays or was in Sundays?? Not sure anymore….goodness, that was YEARS ago!! The mama who used to sing loudly and off key? i probably am that Mama now!! hehehehehe

My sis recalls singing in the choir and that she is still in touch with some friends from the choir, wow

Very major #TBT for us!!!!

Prayer to St Michael, the Arch Angel

Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

 God bless St Michael’s parish, Amen!

 

 

Me Time

9pm

House is silent…I have battled with the kids to go to bed…please Mum, one more story….Mum...I need some water….Mum…my leg is paining…oh the excuses! The list is endless…good thing, they really go off like a light…after all the resistance and I get them into their beds, 5min later, am back to the seating room for some me time!!

 

Shhhh

The house is silent

I can watch news…but with the constant updates on social media I feel I have the necessary highlights. And anyways the analysis and counter analysis on matters politics is not something I want to consume during my me time!!

So maybe some Nigeria movie…I have come to like to the ones that are in a rural setting….and as I flip through the channels,  I catch one….that is just starting….lucky me! Oh and Genevivie Nnaji herself has the lead role…this should be interesting…I read old newspapers  as I watch the movie….it’s got an interesting plot…

2am….part IV of the movie is about to start – eh these guys can stretch a movie….this definitely is not good for me…I will be a zombie next day… I pull myself from the chair, consoling myself that a repeat will be on TV anytime soon! So much for me time….now am truly exhausted and sleepy!

Comedy Nite!

So the other day my sister was in town and we thought, mmmm long time since we watched Churchill Live, so why not….off we trooped to Carnivore for a good laugh

We laughed alright….the new acts were funny…..and we laughed hard!!

BUT what was disturbing was the way in which MC Jessy ‘enjoyed’ the visiting South African musician. And she even sensed it and kept saying that I don’t believe what you are telling me! That was in bad taste! I was embarrassed to even watch it unfold…..waaaaaaaaaaaaa…… The audience was laughing at her!!! Adding salt to injury, he made very inappropriate comments to a lady clad in a hijab, it was uncalled for and utterly immature of him!! I was so annoyed!!! Eish!!! 

Other than that very strange episode I came to a REALISATION! I have outgrown these ‘tribal’ stereotypical jokes. They can’t even get a smile from me!! I know it takes a lot to prepare to  entertain people and I can only imagine what it takes to prepare for Thursday comedy…and I also know  that our wonderful cultural differences make for rich fodder/ material for comedy..... but it’s no longer for me! I need a different brand of comedy!!

SO I enjoyed the ones for situations like the one beautifully crafted by MCA Tricky…regarding visit to Parliament! That was hilarious and of course the young man with his string instrument and eerily seems like its talking!! Talent, raw and refreshing

 

 Cheers to laughter always, its indeed the best dawa!

Last possible minute....

Am not a last minute person

I try and prepare in advance and leave the surprises for the last minute

If I have a flight, especially one that is early morning, believe you me, I will pack everything the night before and be ready to go before I sleep. I will check in online! I will set my alarm to an appropriate time....

Now now now....when they say opposites attract, I think we (S and I ) are a classic example

Yaani, S has a very early morning flight and we all wake up at 3 am to do the packing, iron some shirts, look for safety boots, and where is that novel he was to read....have you seen the power bank?? what about the charger??!! exhausting to be frantic so early in the morning....much as I have tried, I cant change this in him. Best i can do is assume what he will carry and keep them within range so he confirms which ones he will take this time round...& I set the alarm .....

and when all this is done off we dash to the airport barely making it...him reassuring me....ahh we are on time!.....and no, we didnt check in online!!!!!!!

Lesson learnt, you cant change someone....so dont get hot and bothered about it, just roll with the flow (while biting fingernails)... :)

Fundi!!

Ah the frustrations of dealing with jua kali/ fundis!

So I needed a tailor for my kitenge - I was referred to this guy and I thought, oh well...I can always try him with this piece and if he prooves to be any good, then he becomes my official tailor.

Well he seemed to understand the kind of design I wanted, a peplum top - simple enough- and yes, he confirmed the fabric I had was enough. He took measurements, we agreed on price...then he said...come for it after one week....my wife will be done...am like, eh?? he says, yes, my wife is the one who makes the clothes but at another site, I just sell them from this point. I was like, aiii.....isnt part of the process is to look at how the client actually looks like??

Sure enough when I came back for the top, the peplum part looks like a tutu...it doesn't lie flat....like the ones worn by traditional dancers.....am already plus size, dont need more plus!!!..

Reminds me of another tailor who slowly took measurements for my trouser and made a tiny one that could fit me probably when i was 10!!!! and he looked at me, looked at the trouser, shook his head (with hand on chin for effect) and said...kweli hii ni ndogo (for sure this one is small)!!!!!!! and he is the one who took the measurements!! aiiiiiii....back to my expensive tailor!!

Lesson: cheap is expensive :)

Ukereketwa aka Advocacy

Advocacy...I was introduced to this big word in 1998 when I joined COVAW ...the organisation worked on womens human rights and the basic assumption was that everyone in the office was an activist...even if you are the Adminstrator!!

So here I was, a young impressionable lady....and activists like Hon Millie Odhiambo, Hon Adelina Mwau, L. Muthoni Wanyeki, Atsango Chesoni, Anne Gathumbi, Jackline Anam, Antonina Njau were the board members and the kind of hands on people who  called often and asked for this and that to be done. First of all, since this was not my circle before joining COVAW, I really didnt consider them big wigs in advocacy!!

Years later, is when i came to realise that I was among greats!

My initial encounter with advocacy work was the 1998 16 Days campaign...that was in November and I had joined two months earlier. The work we had to do...goodness!! The press statements had to be done and words/ phrases like 'condemn in the strongest possible terms' ...'demand that'...were the order of the day. I used to wonder whether a small agency like this can make such demands to big government offices! Dont they risk arrest or something serious like that?

Now the landscape has changed. Human rights are being violated left right and center; the press statements we used to write could get to the concerned public officer but not always to the public. The best we got was a mention in an article in the newspaper...sometimes depending on the issue, the entire Media brief is published! we celebrate....but honestly nothing visible was seen after that..almost like a PR stunt....that we didnt keep quiet when the issue was 'hot'. Today we tweet and the issue can easily trend globally - concerned officers dont want their names splashed all over the internet as being unconcerned

Today I make a statement #IamWillie...I may not be able to go on the streets but am with the wakereketwa 150%. May Justice prevail

#JusticeforWillieMwendaMuiruri

Who is my neighbour??

Sunday reading was about the Good Samaritan

Gospel Lk 10:25-37

......
"And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus replied,
"A man fell victim to robbers
as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho.
They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.
A priest happened to be going down that road,
but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
Likewise a Levite came to the place,
and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him
was moved with compassion at the sight.
He approached the victim,
poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he lifted him up on his own animal,
took him to an inn, and cared for him.
The next day he took out two silver coins
and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction,
'Take care of him.
If you spend more than what I have given you,
I shall repay you on my way back.'
Which of these three, in your opinion,
was neighbor to the robbers' victim?"
He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy."
Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

 

....and i loved that this message was also passed to the children in Sunday school - so I asked youngest one (3.5yrs)...so what did you learn?? '...mtu alimia...alikua chini...' and the rest was colouring...he didnt add that we need to help...to show extend Gods mercy to others......but thats ok for now, I guess??