tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26646821721392593412023-11-16T11:24:29.630+01:00Nathaniel's DaughterNow quiet! I've got something to say :)Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-87419960963278996892020-04-08T08:00:00.007+01:002020-11-10T11:24:09.380+01:00The COVID-19 Safe Spaces Project for Women and Youths in Kontagora Community: A Rewarding Experience<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3WuaGluyjAJf5MjGRjtgpbDc1B87SeSzhDKhI6A_2d_cTJSWVaLz6vibX6OHETfiSOX6mBrcmr6Fc81JMuAZfF62mme-Wzk_8mpC5M28bx17EOb5Y6GVQpkMvXMNvEeE0LukatJ78WgA//" style="background-color: white; clear: left; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3WuaGluyjAJf5MjGRjtgpbDc1B87SeSzhDKhI6A_2d_cTJSWVaLz6vibX6OHETfiSOX6mBrcmr6Fc81JMuAZfF62mme-Wzk_8mpC5M28bx17EOb5Y6GVQpkMvXMNvEeE0LukatJ78WgA/w320-h240/Anibe+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><h1 class="title" style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px;"><span style="background: white; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 40px;">As the Project Coordinator for <i>Safe Spaces for Everyone</i>, before I ever considered supporting excluded people, I had no idea how much joy it would give back to me. It’s a lot of sacrifices but so rewarding when you consider the positive impact on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups like women, children, and young people in rural communities. Our network </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 15pt;">has always loved helping under-served people but we feel so very lucky to have actually been able to do that in the past few years. </span></p></h1><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background: white; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 200%;">At <i>Safe Spaces for Everyone</i>, we have been actively involved in various charitable causes in rural communities. Supporting
the design, plan, and implementation of several development projects has opened
up opportunities for women, youths, and children. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 15pt;">It’s also changed the way we think
about our role in these communities.</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49CXUZB_nXOuEYCYxd0GU6-C0FV7WmhCZyUrhIqn5akLCfwkJs0_u5p1JCMmu7UWe2VSefix-cClo6BtvWJ0xjUrpgUQ9-sWKnxFyEEauv0C1oc0oyJ5SVGJvDHVQluFJw1R52k-MyAA_//" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49CXUZB_nXOuEYCYxd0GU6-C0FV7WmhCZyUrhIqn5akLCfwkJs0_u5p1JCMmu7UWe2VSefix-cClo6BtvWJ0xjUrpgUQ9-sWKnxFyEEauv0C1oc0oyJ5SVGJvDHVQluFJw1R52k-MyAA_/w320-h240/Anibe+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><font size="1"><br /></font></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background: white; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 200%;">The positive feedback from community stakeholders and the recipients of our various activities have encouraged us to go above and beyond to effect change in our local communities. And so, this week, <i>Safe Spaces for Everyone </i>launched the<i> COVID-19 Safe Spaces project </i>to stem the unfortunate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable people, especially
young women and young people in rural areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background: white; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 200%;">According
to the United Nations Population Fund, if the lockdown continues for 6 months,
there will be 31 million additional cases of gender-based violence.
Sadly, that's just one of the negative effects of COVID-19 as it is already
limiting women and young people's access to economic opportunities, leading to extreme poverty
and hunger.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4W-h0qbWeIK15aS7_KNDWC86COuYWfTIPhLYfJRhCUmU8h8DK_kbCQ5K-qu4T28W22Vldyzej1w-jiLc8EOsYQq18p_YVtPyR_JtZQjmJXRKjg4JKMIDB6XlH2hQ84UHmIWpxGzo_2gg//" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4W-h0qbWeIK15aS7_KNDWC86COuYWfTIPhLYfJRhCUmU8h8DK_kbCQ5K-qu4T28W22Vldyzej1w-jiLc8EOsYQq18p_YVtPyR_JtZQjmJXRKjg4JKMIDB6XlH2hQ84UHmIWpxGzo_2gg/s320/Anibe+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background: white; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 200%;">However,
through the <i>COVID-19</i> <i>Safe Spaces project</i>, I and a
team of volunteers are implementing innovative activities that fit around
women and youths affected by COVID-19. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><font face="trebuchet"><span style="background: white; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 200%;">We have reached over 388 women and youths and plan to reach 1,000 more in the next three months if the pandemic persists. In small but effective ways, our network of volunteers is working
towards a world where everyone (including people living in remote/ rural areas) </span><span style="background: white; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 200%;">can access economic, health, and social amenities, even during a pandemic.</span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></p></div>
<h1 class="title" style="text-align: left;">
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</h1>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-86484840973296664042020-01-06T08:00:00.004+01:002020-05-29T22:32:31.824+01:00Making Life Work <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuJhp1L7l7Jw7YGjtKhV2IiuD3-fYITBrrIE-OCvUygOmFbu54pXWbk5QM0kROoub9sgV4ko9AuVifDQhjUHwwZW5j2yAGpvUefZ3fR2ZG1g2YjhfzRGfSrsvY5cUqVf7nrm6jcaU7V0G/s1600/Gratitude.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuJhp1L7l7Jw7YGjtKhV2IiuD3-fYITBrrIE-OCvUygOmFbu54pXWbk5QM0kROoub9sgV4ko9AuVifDQhjUHwwZW5j2yAGpvUefZ3fR2ZG1g2YjhfzRGfSrsvY5cUqVf7nrm6jcaU7V0G/s320/Gratitude.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Like everyone else, I have challenges to overcome, plans I need to align with God's will (this
is actually the tasking part!), and of course, a lot of little stuff in between. Most pertinent is an </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">issue I have to make peace with</span> in few days. So when this
Lady who didn’t know me told me “You look good,” it was definitely well-received! I left home this morning late for work, with no make-up and a bit
down but suddenly with that compliment, I was grateful! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">I’d like to say gratitude
has worked for me. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is. No matter how
many pleasant things I do, if I‘m not grateful, I will always see things
negatively.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">I'm trying not to sound like it's all that easy but here's the thing - If you're grateful and you think
life is going to get better, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. But I know
some of us are just not wired to appreciate the seemingly little things. It's not like these kind of people are particularly ungrateful; their eyes are just set on bigger achievements. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">That said, I
believe gratitude can be learned and that we can teach ourselves to see a
half-empty glass as half-full. All we have to do is dwell more on all
the things that have gone right for us, rather than those that have gone
badly. <span> </span>I discussed something similar in a
previous post – <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://ibeidajili.blogspot.com/2013/09/maximizing-rest-of-year-be-enthusiastic.html"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">You might as well know that dwelling on negative events can induce worry, impatience and even depression. However, the thoughts of your many 'small' blessings can help pick you up. If you are a religious person, simply take a moment out and be grateful to God for His everyday mercies. It could be anything from a rewarding conversation, to your teeth looking nice, or even that it didn't rain on you when you were out on a bike.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">The bottom line is, whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Atheist or of any religious affiliation, a little gratitude wouldn't hurt. Give it a try today!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-43112902776563536802014-02-21T16:26:00.000+01:002014-02-21T16:35:26.335+01:00Routines Are Profitable!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I had this roommate who after a
quick intro with some English, only spoke Igala with me. And by the way, in Igala,
we “sh” up our ch’s and “j” up our z’s. My people will understand this <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span>. Okay, back to my
story. At first I was surprised she couldn’t communicate fluently in English
but somehow I continued and found it incredibly hard to get out of that routine
with her for the whole stay. Even when I speak to her in English, I didn’t get
answered back in English!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX-WE1IwgpkzLQ4-Yw3umZSuZPazWj1WBGrLA5NlQQqmeCf6wlRBi-bZOcPXbWmrFlBwg5m050013AmNqrxcCWJehNvgZKNGPWmUQE6B14NL_AFreFZBLbK4dTueoaWQ39BLNTNCfAzIe/s1600/consistency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX-WE1IwgpkzLQ4-Yw3umZSuZPazWj1WBGrLA5NlQQqmeCf6wlRBi-bZOcPXbWmrFlBwg5m050013AmNqrxcCWJehNvgZKNGPWmUQE6B14NL_AFreFZBLbK4dTueoaWQ39BLNTNCfAzIe/s1600/consistency.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Did I mention she was an English
Language Undergraduate? By today, I must’ve smiled at that memory at least a thousand
times because what ensued in that room was pure awesomeness:).</div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span></div>
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Before then, I spoke some
smattering Igala with my Dad but almost never with my Mum and always never with
my siblings. With this roommate, I spoke not so good Igala from the start and
slightly less terrible Igala after a few months, but within months I had
improved drastically. This proves that consistency is good and it is incredibly
hard to break a routine once you have set it. I’m really glad that I got into
this one routine. It helped me speak my language better!</div>
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That period of my life is one of
the many reasons I‘ve come to believe in consistency. One important lesson that
really needs to be emphasized is that <b>it is very hard to change things you are used to</b>. As shown in my
example above, I am as prone to this as anyone else, and I’m glad <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>I didn’t<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>restrict <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>myself to the use of English!</div>
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The secret is to start and keep
up the flow. With time you’ll be making dramatic progress towards your goals!</div>
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PS: <i>I understand this may be an
unconventional example to the topic of consistency considering the disposition
of the object of this illustration but I hope I got my point across! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span></i></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-57273043121230994642014-02-08T16:05:00.000+01:002014-02-08T17:07:11.409+01:00Lazy Weekend!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had the best week in a good long while. I was at a Shoe Store last weekend and I got these amazing books from this nice store owner, Uche. Yeah, I know I promised myself I won't be <i>begging</i> for books from random people anymore. But trust me, these books called me! Well...I almost heard them call my name!</div>
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To tell the truth, they were my only companions at night after work. And now that I'm done reading all three of them, I'm doing a whole lot of nothing! I’ve been thinking about something a friend mentioned about my reading
anxiety. It’s weird that it does seem to happen all the time. I’m
totally fine with reading without eating or sleeping! And I think part of the reason is that books provide me with a place to go when I have nowhere else to go (and even when I do have somewhere to go!) :) To see the world through another person's eyes, it is quite breathtaking and overwhelming. Reading the right books have made me a better person and helped me grow.</div>
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<b>Does anyone else have some kind of obsession? What gives you the kicks? </b></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-23808647772118848992014-01-22T08:49:00.001+01:002014-01-22T15:31:21.789+01:00Numb, That's How I've Felt<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was just a numb empty shell. I didn't know what to think. I knew it was better to let it all out but somehow there was nothing to let out! Yes, my heart was not ready to feel any more pain. No, I was tired.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYOHj-ZrdZZUX3FSdrg_9tNnyC8nrHT2jsejqU7LRW5zFHbaf5hFGhK2uNn2rWoTATxY712u_lzL3FmHZ2w8STAwCdyfDUYLGJZJxx-5jSR3XnOAZgldiUJNB381_vPhiWjJHcrlM1eqa/s1600/lost+friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYOHj-ZrdZZUX3FSdrg_9tNnyC8nrHT2jsejqU7LRW5zFHbaf5hFGhK2uNn2rWoTATxY712u_lzL3FmHZ2w8STAwCdyfDUYLGJZJxx-5jSR3XnOAZgldiUJNB381_vPhiWjJHcrlM1eqa/s1600/lost+friend.jpg" height="277" width="320" /></a></div>
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You see, I had lost a good friend a couple of months ago. And I lost my mojo! Yes, I did. Like most people, I erroneously keep thinking relationships should last forever. I had not seen her in 3 years. Infact, we've only spoken once in this period. But her passing gave me panic and anxiety attacks especially at night because of the stress. It brought back tucked-in memories of every loved one I had lost. I couldn't just understand anything anymore.</div>
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Sadly, there's no ''right'' way to respond to losing a friend or relative - it's an extremely personal response that is unique to just you. It still hurts when I think about it but aknowledging my feelings and remembering the good times we had has made me grateful. </div>
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Here's the conclusion I came to - <span style="color: red;">God is infinitely wise and kind, and He has the power to welcome whomever He wants home</span>. And that I should be grateful for every family member and friend He has blessed me with and enjoy as much time as I have with them.</div>
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If you're reading this, Daddy, Ugbe, Tumo, Oji, Tina , Ugwa, Comfort, Yebe, Bekky, Uyo, Esther, Susan, Olive, Juliet, Favour, Ebere, Eze, Oshuwa, Monday, Mary, Joy, Simeon.... hmnn, the list so long, I would never be able to mention you all. This is just to let you all know that I love you and cherish your presence in my life. Rest in peace Charity Imaji-Silas.</div>
<br />Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-45245169337350670632013-11-09T13:24:00.001+01:002013-11-09T13:24:56.603+01:00It's Never Too Late or Early!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Every time I score myself on my 2013 goals, it almost always involves the
word "FAIR". I'm all for mapping out plans on how to achieve your goals (hey, if you've got plans ...go ahead and write them down!) but I've noticed that I've achieved more outside my well-written goals :-) It's not because I'm not diligent but when it comes to New Year Resolutions, I'm not just a stickler! I find more satisfaction in being more intuitive rather than the planning of stuff. Okay... maybe that isn't too right but you see, that's me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">And just in-case you're feeling sad that some of your plans haven't quiet materialised, I put together these inspiring quotes just for you! It's never too late or early to start! Enjoy your weekend:-)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-ymxtjn3BdlJ4YxFWnvScZ3MonoDjJqQrE04Gemg9PPcHrD_zRkF81Qhvlt2pQhCViTnKAbx_OZJ6Is2Xhs8IQWTOx5NRm_JyyGZn3A0NnnWWUYWkFPAdiCipzG9kxDogqmXppxeFMzu/s1600/quote+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-ymxtjn3BdlJ4YxFWnvScZ3MonoDjJqQrE04Gemg9PPcHrD_zRkF81Qhvlt2pQhCViTnKAbx_OZJ6Is2Xhs8IQWTOx5NRm_JyyGZn3A0NnnWWUYWkFPAdiCipzG9kxDogqmXppxeFMzu/s320/quote+1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-9NhBqLp2BK-lahjR-Y7fesP0HpAM1HFsfy82G5nusEtxH5OGe574P-a-zMf2Mn5k7p9tJrplh-9YTTWiVnOBLjIUGZzZxrdIeFqba5ErBwI1MxxcjBD9d6ynQrTFbikqAeWSYchv2aP/s1600/quote+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-9NhBqLp2BK-lahjR-Y7fesP0HpAM1HFsfy82G5nusEtxH5OGe574P-a-zMf2Mn5k7p9tJrplh-9YTTWiVnOBLjIUGZzZxrdIeFqba5ErBwI1MxxcjBD9d6ynQrTFbikqAeWSYchv2aP/s320/quote+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-71248299178869313212013-10-17T09:43:00.001+01:002013-10-17T10:56:58.869+01:00Are You Too Afraid To Feel Beautiful?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_VQeCSBExSD5F49vZoKQFdObnhiiP0sT9R-hgm_Fq5GTMULyPlHaVI-o6SIWH7q7cXbiLdmoLQ5zI748llB1dQLwM_cL0bpOgwL0Ceom-l2TddGIACV1H7ln176mT58HnJh9rBvvh8HL/s1600/pretty+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_VQeCSBExSD5F49vZoKQFdObnhiiP0sT9R-hgm_Fq5GTMULyPlHaVI-o6SIWH7q7cXbiLdmoLQ5zI748llB1dQLwM_cL0bpOgwL0Ceom-l2TddGIACV1H7ln176mT58HnJh9rBvvh8HL/s200/pretty+lady.jpg" width="141" /></a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">I may own a blog but on most days, I like being a blog reader even more. </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">hehe :) </span>It's
nice to blog-hop to inspiring sites especially when you're having a not-so-good
day. I have my favorite
bloggers list:<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.worshipmatters.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Worship Matters</span></a><span style="color: black;">,</span> <a href="http://www.boundless.org/"><span style="color: blue;">The Boundless</span></a><span style="color: black;">,</span><a href="http://www.pattylaurel.com/"> <span style="color: blue;">Pattylaurel</span></a><span style="color: black;">,</span></span> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://waitingtillmarriage.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Mike</span></a>'s blog and of course <a href="http://kevinmartineau.ca/"><span style="color: blue;">Kevin Martineau</span></a>'s
blog. Kevin always gives
the coolest and somewhat hilarious reviews. I may not agree with everything on these blogs but they give me a nice view of what goes on in other people heads :). A few weeks back, I made another
discovery: Lauren's blog - <a href="http://goodwomenproject.com/"><span style="color: blue;">goodwomenproject.com</span> </a>! I read a beautiful post and I truly felt beautiful!</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Okay, here's an excerpt:</span></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">We are too scared to talk about our bodies as though we actually love them.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We forget to rejoice in having a body uniquely our own, and glorious
in its uniqueness. It’s easy to find beauty in nature around us, or look
at all our friends and find their beauty so evident. But it’s harder to
look in the mirror and acknowledge the beauty right in front of us. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s hard to accept a compliment on a day you feel particularly not beautiful. It’s
hard to accept the fact that our point of view is not the only one that
matters: there are people who love us and find us beautiful even when
we cannot see our own beauty. We are too afraid to acknowledge that we are worthy of being loved, and beautiful because of that.</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>We are too afraid to rejoice in our own beauty.</i></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Isn't that just true? You can read more on that amazing post<a href="http://goodwomenproject.com/beauty/are-you-too-afraid-to-feel-beautiful"> <span style="color: blue;">here</span></a> through Lauren's blog. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Walk through today with the solid belief that God has made you beautiful!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Have a blessed day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Ibe </span></span></div>
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Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-34995170078617114512013-09-30T08:25:00.000+01:002013-10-16T15:43:16.441+01:00My Fellow Nigerians!<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
</h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's another Birthday for our great nation, Nigeria - she's going to be 53 tomorrow! And like every other year, our President is going to give the usual October 1st broadcast to his '<i>Fellow Nigerians'</i>. But like most other <i>fellow Nigerians</i>, I'm tempted to scream 'Enough already!' The trick is old. These broadcasts have their place but they need to be put aside and let real work be done.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-yjajlApAs9GV58eqEU12uUjvjl04_jheY3dn34HSCXCScu_xM7YyKGNMv76KroVyocPAIL_R8QH58ilbSMMSWeQfKVB01fTAbb-gQSlU3KCW8ydMfVBUxbLvTqZhW7ig0pAYUCHTXKX/s1600/Nigerian+Flag.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-yjajlApAs9GV58eqEU12uUjvjl04_jheY3dn34HSCXCScu_xM7YyKGNMv76KroVyocPAIL_R8QH58ilbSMMSWeQfKVB01fTAbb-gQSlU3KCW8ydMfVBUxbLvTqZhW7ig0pAYUCHTXKX/s320/Nigerian+Flag.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It can be hard to keep hearing of promises that you know (and they know) will not be fulfilled. Our leaders seem to make light of the situation of the nation but really, they are just hurting themselves too. They don't seem to realise that this is about us as a nation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Right now, I'm at a place where I know our cries for better governance may never be heard. And no, I'm not frustrated - just introspective. I believe earnestness and seriousness often go hand in hand, and those are qualities our leaders don't seem to possess. The obvious way out is for each of us to do our little parts to better lives around us. Let's start with showing some commitment and diligence on our jobs. How about helping to fix that road, drainage or electricity problem if you could afford it? These seemingly inconsequential deeds when put together will most assuredly make a difference. May be not immediately or even in our generation but they are sacrifices worth making for our unborn children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I would feel sad if this came off as one of those '<i>My Fellow Nigerians</i>' speeches. Let's face it; it's time we put our hearts, hands and money where our mouths are or else we would be just like the leaders we complain about!</span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-36116965147330002112013-09-20T08:00:00.000+01:002013-10-16T15:43:54.531+01:00Yippie! It's Friday!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Howdy peeps!
This is somewhat late but I decided to write about it anyway. Reflecting on God's immense love for me has always made me want to scream out. Now that I'm a blogger, I love that I can scream all I want! I also understand that there's an added responsibility attached to every post I write. That's why I always feel the need to make sure that whatever comes out on this site is worthy of your time. So as simplistic as it sounds, that's how I'll be approaching my blog posts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now check out what I mean in these photos:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsgSMa_-SFntdNkgdwgdmRb1MsKKvHjbc9YCdCoLNfgMXjmAbwstXcZtvvjdbdJIZBzBAexxpzIwjIJ75he6Zd6IoaUUEsHqSfhi0RcVyoIcsEnilIpP4UC-EZ49nJaJqiWc96eImR-WZ/s1600/Nick+Vujicic-Wife-Kiyoshi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsgSMa_-SFntdNkgdwgdmRb1MsKKvHjbc9YCdCoLNfgMXjmAbwstXcZtvvjdbdJIZBzBAexxpzIwjIJ75he6Zd6IoaUUEsHqSfhi0RcVyoIcsEnilIpP4UC-EZ49nJaJqiWc96eImR-WZ/s320/Nick+Vujicic-Wife-Kiyoshi.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Limbless Nick Vujicic and his Wife and Baby Son Kiyoshi </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Nick Vujicic is a limbless evangelist and motivational speaker who got married in February, 2012 to his wife Kanae Miyahara. Recently, he announced the birth of his son, Kiyoshi Vujicic on his Facebook page, writing, “<i>Dream come true. Holding my Baby Boy Kiyoshi. Amazing grace and gift from God. Love you all so much. Thank you for your showers of prayer.”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />Indeed, God is awesome, and loves us than we know. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm happy to share. Enjoy your day and please stick around for more posts :)</span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-54403361024815504892013-09-11T08:00:00.000+01:002013-10-16T15:42:05.120+01:00Maximizing the Rest Of The Year: Be Enthusiastic!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">For some reason, at some point in our lives, we all have to deal with feeling down. The same reason why, personally, I've never stopped wondering why Mondays always signal the end of a carefree weekend and at the same time, the beginning of a work week! You're practically left to motivate and inspire yourself or the chances are that you'll end the week in a grumpy mood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlflLyTxRCb-3qat4tmECo53VtF7YRURk2MsA6rKsMBtsf219ODR08780tVYGQDEHu96l4eCwtF1nI91XORUTPLpewI5_VNVYo6iWnKwwH4kxMhfgMNP8Kwuwds3b42qWrv_lsWQjlz3l/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlflLyTxRCb-3qat4tmECo53VtF7YRURk2MsA6rKsMBtsf219ODR08780tVYGQDEHu96l4eCwtF1nI91XORUTPLpewI5_VNVYo6iWnKwwH4kxMhfgMNP8Kwuwds3b42qWrv_lsWQjlz3l/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a>It's interesting to note that the word enthusiasm comes from the Greek word "God within". It's just something you've got to pull out from somewhere within yourself. I remember walking past a man years ago - he was almost jumping, speaking words to himself. I knew he was turning himself on because I heard some of the words but for all the world, he looked like a charging lion! I thought, "My goodness, he has flipped!" I have never seen anyone act so strangely. Though, I know better now but I don't think I'll act differently if I saw someone acting that way. Mehn... that was some scary stuff!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have learnt to let my enthusiasm come out. If I'm excited about something, it shows (let's not even consider the opposite!). Enthusiasm is contagious - even for yourself. I truly believe that if you act enthusiastic, you'll become enthusiastic! Not just for a day - but for the rest of the year!</span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-28366970608978286192013-09-06T10:58:00.000+01:002013-10-16T15:44:19.067+01:00I love shoes and I'm not pretentious about it!<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zjmNa6O63Q35trE2nVebzbnYrnLVDbOjUE0NzfVn96bhoWiNndj52_Ne3QuU-YHcrBSC51Dp-FmxVp8cmUOxeqSSaLLRAnsdYqBz0kpmZw1ubxmE-5eh38eTGLf91W7SbAW9xDGkAlpu/s1600/shoes+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zjmNa6O63Q35trE2nVebzbnYrnLVDbOjUE0NzfVn96bhoWiNndj52_Ne3QuU-YHcrBSC51Dp-FmxVp8cmUOxeqSSaLLRAnsdYqBz0kpmZw1ubxmE-5eh38eTGLf91W7SbAW9xDGkAlpu/s320/shoes+(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I saw this photo of this awesome but insanely expensive wallpaper shoe online (20,000 whooping dollar!) and I've been mulling over it ever since. This shoe is impossibly stylish, I don't even know where to begin. It's so cool. Oh, the power of shoes :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Although it will take me years before I actually save enough money to get a shoe like this :) But thank God there are still a lot of good quality shoes out there that I could subscribe to! In fact, I remember making it a duty to check out a few other shoes online not minding whether I could afford them or not. I can proudly say I've stuck to my "no shoe shopping" rule for three months so I could allot my budget to food and other secure way of spending my hard earned money! hehehe. I just wish it were possible to get an authentic designer shoe without paying a big sum for it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hmmn.... I've been looking to sprinkling a bit of sophistication to my collection of shoes but I guess for now, all I have to do is just make more money and then my dream shoe will arrive!!!!! Chai, I just love shoes. We all have weak points, right? What's yours? </span></div>
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Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-14543148459537530772013-09-02T20:57:00.002+01:002013-10-16T15:44:44.598+01:00Progress Report, Anyone?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnVfpMnnTE01ZzeaANywmHb8jOFHMSSpEWPXlSr5sMBB2cOpC56pfgKmZZxzUg9iBXXOB4_qbEIyvCYyBrvdf5woWPV5iwE5Q5KR3_70mY3I0Dd70FCjCt6L65t8DUB3E9wpxpDD6xARm/s1600/quote+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnVfpMnnTE01ZzeaANywmHb8jOFHMSSpEWPXlSr5sMBB2cOpC56pfgKmZZxzUg9iBXXOB4_qbEIyvCYyBrvdf5woWPV5iwE5Q5KR3_70mY3I0Dd70FCjCt6L65t8DUB3E9wpxpDD6xARm/s320/quote+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy new month friends! Yep, I know it's been a while. And no, I didn't forget I owned a blog. I had to give some attention to the job that pays my overdue bills ...hehehe. And I've gone back to school! Not exactly sha - I've been studying for a professional exam. So you see, I've had my hands full considering that the year is fast running to a close. Wasn't it just yesterday we were saying "Happy new year?" . If you're like me, you'd be a bit concerned about some plans that haven't quite turned out as expected. Talking of plans and timing, I have never really been a deep sleeper, so I haven't religiously set an alarm for years. No need to. When you've had a mum like mine who will always barge into your room at 5:45 a.m to wake you up for prayers, you have substantially less need for beep, beep, beep. But occasionally, when I have something that just can't be missed, I'll set the alarm. And check it. And check it again. And then check it again, because maybe I unset it the last time I was checking. And then again. Okay, I know it's a few months to go but we still got some time! Maybe not much but we can get at it again and maybe this time it might just work.<br /><br />While we're at this whole end-of-year talk, have you seriously thought of learning a new craft? Hmmn... a while ago I was writing a scholarship essay on the practicability of some of the things we learned in school. You remember quadratic equation, right? What did you do with all that knowledge? And what exactly have I done with all the algebra I was taught? I'm kidding o...hahaha. Ofcourse I know we're to apply the knowledge gotten in our daily life dealings. I've also wondered why people can't get trained (professionally) in fields ranging from housekeeping, painting, vulcanizing, weaving to brick layering to raise their profile or seek better employment in a crowded marketplace like ours. I also think blue collar jobs should pay better! Yes, the amount of physical and mental efforts put into these jobs just wows me.<br /><br />I've decided on an idea that instead of just having random blog posts, I want to talk about selected topics that would be an interest to you - like me scheduling short posts once during the week on how to maximize the rest of the year. We're here to encourage each other, right? Let's get at it then!<br /><br />Love you guys<br />Ibe</span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-21365470306233472022013-08-19T12:50:00.000+01:002013-10-16T15:45:07.348+01:00Happy Two Months Birthday to Nathaniel's Daughter!<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoYz0odrqccmqgoN2rXEDKdcUZBfYR2cM7chiYgx1a8drEyI_u1rSVj6lj_hwxN2WN05pWCHSFw-4Kwusin46zF84bBjzyngDFM1MAVDl9v_1BK_fsjmzCqte-saHBycoKBJ9Vt0S7BO2/s1600/ENCOURAGEMENT+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoYz0odrqccmqgoN2rXEDKdcUZBfYR2cM7chiYgx1a8drEyI_u1rSVj6lj_hwxN2WN05pWCHSFw-4Kwusin46zF84bBjzyngDFM1MAVDl9v_1BK_fsjmzCqte-saHBycoKBJ9Vt0S7BO2/s320/ENCOURAGEMENT+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I feel blessed and thankful for this blog. I've had people call, send text messages and even drop comments on my posts telling me how inspired they've been reading my posts. I feel like a celebrity already ...lol. I've thought back to my many adventures and this has been my best so far. Yes! I’m on an adventure! My main intention is growth– my own growth. Yes, sure – of
course there’s a desire to inspire, contribute, connect, share, network, blah blah blah… But deep down, it’s all about my
own deepening, my own expansion, my own exploration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">There were times when I felt like a part of me couldn’t quite connect to this adventure.
There was the “fear” of the
unknown – new context, new ideas, new environment and the need to be different. Will people care to visit my blog? What should my posts be like? Will they enjoy it? Will I have time for myself? and oh...the big one - wouldn't I be making myself vulnerable by being honest and authentic in my posts? You see, I don't like anyone misinterpreting, or getting me
wrong – like “oh, she’s some stuck-up lady who thinks she's got something new to tell us…”. But seriously, I’m someone who loves a lot of
predictability and quietness – yes, I do enjoy a quiet room with no care in the world... Haha! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">However, a realization hit me exactly two months ago "Don’t wait; enjoy some adventure!”and boom, I started this blog! And I mean immediately. Don't get me wrong, I had nursed this desire for a while but it took that one decision.I just wanted to enjoy being myself – nothing more… In a way, I’m glad that that has
happened, because I felt it with such conviction and inner
clarity. Who knows? Maybe this is a version of my calling. And hey, you can be part of this <i>calling</i> by sending in your contributions and observations to ibenath@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you. Have an awesome week!</span></div>
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Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-28239895592770554382013-08-15T14:31:00.002+01:002013-10-16T15:45:35.405+01:00ON BEING SINGLE<span id="goog_1464783677"></span><span id="goog_1464783678"></span><span id="goog_1148027876"></span><span id="goog_1148027877"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">This post is one difficult one for me - not because I don't know what to write but because I feel it's an extremely personal matter and I don't consider myself an expert when it comes to relationships or marriage talks :). Ironically though, I've been constantly nudged to write about this but I'm going to tread carefully as this is a sensitive subject. I'm going to address it with the eyes of someone who's been through this. As someone who has had to go through being single, I know waiting can be so so difficult. Often times, you think "Is something wrong with me?", "Why didn't this courtship
work out?"<b>, </b>"I'm I not pretty/handsome or good enough?", "Why do only the wrong guys/ladies come my way?". I also understand the feelings of wondering if God even have plans of giving us a husband/wife?". How about the general perception that true fulfillment can only be found in marriage? I have to state here that sometimes, the reasons for being still single might simply just be that the guy/lady in question doesn't yet feel secure, mature or even ready! I also know of some other reasons that are even too absurd to type! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have always been one to evaluate things and learn from them. And some of the lessons I've learnt from this special period of my life are contentment, patience, faith and trust in God's word. These are not virtues I gained automatically - it took some phases and processes and I may probably keep re-learning them but trust me it can be achieved. When you get to this point, you can be sure you would be happier. </span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know some of you might be thinking "Well... Ibe, that's you, not everyone is like you. Some of us don't even have age on our sides and we're actually bothered". I'm not going to act like I have all the answers but honestly the only answer I have to this is that you choose to submit and trust in God's timing and plan for your life. Tell God about your desire to be married, express your impatience and ask for His strength to believe and trust in His judgement for your life. Remember, marriage was His idea in the first place!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Finally, I'd like to sincerely say that though the desire to be married is not wrong in itself (I want to be married to the sweetest and God - <strike>fearing</strike> loving guy ever!), </span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="st">marriage should be more than just a ring on your
finger - it should be a bond between two people that should grow over time and
add value to their lives.</span> You should also work on improving on your personality. So, no matter how big our frustrations are, let's communicate all these feelings to our maker. I came across this sweet and reassuring verse of the bible<span style="background-color: white;"> - </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span class="style4"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">Psalm 139:1-6</span></span></span><i><span class="style4"><span style="background-color: white;"> "O
LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.Thou knowest my downsitting
and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my
path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there
is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such
knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it."<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></i><span class="style4"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">Cool, right?</span></span></span><i><span class="style4"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-79748020703718379062013-08-10T12:52:00.000+01:002013-10-16T15:46:01.402+01:00I learnt My Lesson!<span id="goog_146569513"></span><span id="goog_146569514"></span><span id="goog_1321148261"></span><span id="goog_1321148262"></span><span id="goog_1107976995"></span><span id="goog_1107976996"></span><span id="goog_947017374"></span><span id="goog_947017375"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I love books ehn... I have burnt food because of them sef but that's even small compared to the other <i>wahala(s)</i> I got myself into. While my mates were reading mushy stuff in Mills and Boon, I was busy reading about crimes, detectives and spies in James Hadley Chase novels ... lols. I can't even begin to tell you the stunts I pulled to get these novels on a regular basis. One time, during my early teenage years, I had gone on an errand to Mama Amina's shop to buy something (I can't even remember what), I met this guy who was obviously a supplier, offloading some things into her shop. I don't know how it happened but my eyes caught this new book sitting pretty on the dashboard of his pickup van. I used to be terribly shy but not when it came to books. So, I summoned courage and asked if I could read the book. He went on to remind me of how that he didn't know me and that he had not even read the book....blah blah blah. I reassured him that I lived just adjacent Mama Amina's shop, that I would take good care of the book and that he could get it on his next round which was two days away. Imagine my joy when I found out it was <i>What's Better Than Money?</i> - a JHC novel!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm a fast reader and I can read all night if a book is particularly interesting. By the next day, I was through with the novel. That same day, Mama Amina called me while I was going out on an errand somewhere else. She asked if I remembered a particular guy who had come to her shop to supply things the previous day, I nodded yes. She then said "he don die o". "Die?" I asked. "Yes o, dem say him die yesterday for accident after him leave my shop" she answered (by the way, why would you tell a child such a thing?). I rushed home and quickly removed the novel from where I had hidden it in my school bag. I placed it on a small desk at a corner of the bedroom I shared with my sisters. For days I wouldn't go near the desk or even look at the novel - I was scared! Prior to that time, I had heard and read so many ghost stories.What if the guy's ghost came for his book? The book had to leave that house! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Though I secretly hoped the whole thing was just a lie or rumour and that the guy would
come and get his book but when it became obvious that it was true, I became
more afraid. I remember telling my mum casually about the incident. I made sure it sounded like I wasn't affected by it because I didn't want her to ask me to bring the book - I wasn't going to touch it for anything! She expressed how sorry she was for the guy but that was where the discussion ended. At that point, I knew it was my job to singlehandedly plan the movement of the book to an unknown location! I had become like one of those smart guy<span id="goog_102883913"></span><span id="goog_102883914"></span>s in the books I read. For days, I strategised but came to no conclusion. I didn't want to give any of my friends I exchanged novels with, I knew they would return it and I didn't want it back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fortunately for me, one of my mum's friends came to visit with her daughter, who was about my age. The girl must have noticed I was always reading. On the day they were leaving, she asked if I could lend her one of my novels. That was my clue! I could barely hide my excitement. I gave her and told her not to bother returning it. The logic was that if the ghost came, I would refer it to her. I congratulated myself on being very smart. Ofcourse she thanked me - if only she knew I was the one who needed to thank her! </span>Who said it was easy playing the role of a smart criminal? That was the end to collecting books or anything from random people. I was done! Abeg.</div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-85300705629446118822013-08-05T11:10:00.001+01:002013-10-16T15:46:26.784+01:00We've got to talk!<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had to deal with some unpalatable situation over the weekend that left me with puffy eyes. And honestly I don't know how I pulled through (I'm still pulling through sef). If someone had talked with me or even saw me then, they wouldn't have known I was going through anything - yeah, I masked it well :) but I was stressed up inside. I didn't even think I could pray, so I decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with God about it as against some fire brand praying (you know what I mean). Just this morning, Jeremiah 29:11 came to mind <i>"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."</i> I love this verse of the bible and even as I type this, it calms me. I don't see the enormity of what I'm going through - all I see is the awesomeness of my creator. Knowing that He has my best interest at heart is so sweet and it makes me feel so loved. Trust thrives in perfect love. I want to just trust in His love for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vMFpFWR0SM1uldn-hfFqpX011tFW6oPI7F5fyyhFxsEQRypEUujvs75y0-X3PiaiJjQvq3vABTPaUwd9akaOhYPbsMINkNXZmvht0VZklic0D6HGge_RcbpQr31ShIiWe6UBQk3gNyZU/s1600/quotes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vMFpFWR0SM1uldn-hfFqpX011tFW6oPI7F5fyyhFxsEQRypEUujvs75y0-X3PiaiJjQvq3vABTPaUwd9akaOhYPbsMINkNXZmvht0VZklic0D6HGge_RcbpQr31ShIiWe6UBQk3gNyZU/s320/quotes+1.jpg" width="228" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know, so many folks are going through varying unmentionable negative situations and they <i>honestly</i>
feel they can't go on. Things may have got so bad that that
your physical and mental health is telling tales. I can understand how everything
just seems to get to you - from noisy people and places to happy people and
your pulse is rising! Would you trust me if I tell you that <i>God has a plan</i>? And yes, mine might be child's play compared to yours (or vice versa) but does that make it any easier? How about talking to God about it? Remember Isaiah 43:26? <i>"Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It gets harder if you keep sulking, so stop! Don't feel down. Trust that God will make a way for you. I know it doesn't look like it now but it will if you stop sulking and do something about it. Like me, you can start by having a <i>we've got to talk</i> moment with God. Trust me, you'll get a hint on what to do. So guys, as you begin this new week, I wish you all shades of awesomeness and super strength for every trying time</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">. This is coming from someone who is working her way through one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lots of love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ibe</span></div>
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Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-76039102224949948142013-08-02T12:05:00.002+01:002013-10-16T15:46:51.254+01:00Get It Off The Ground!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ37oe0b_oHqpSmGbpKM5vsCMPH2dNet8m06jpdnmwk3ZM1cwxWQt_8sQc18WJ9833QDLXMpr_IptWfVR5SPesB7ZF5H-YTcofRKkqXlfC-w2rvafEyqC-1YfhzWlw7DFbd07YEXUP8p_/s1600/get+it+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ37oe0b_oHqpSmGbpKM5vsCMPH2dNet8m06jpdnmwk3ZM1cwxWQt_8sQc18WJ9833QDLXMpr_IptWfVR5SPesB7ZF5H-YTcofRKkqXlfC-w2rvafEyqC-1YfhzWlw7DFbd07YEXUP8p_/s320/get+it+off.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.123rf.com/photo">Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />The hard part about owning a blog is that you constantly have to come up with mind-blowing or at least interesting posts. People want you to tell them what they've never heard before or better still, in ways they've never heard it before. The ones that would least likely care about what you post are people who truly love you and sincerely want to support you. So they would regularly visit your relatively new blog to read posts they've probably read five times previously. But you know, these people are in the minority compared to your target - the whole world! That's where tenacity and creativity come in. You have to daily seek to improve on the quality of your posts - they must inspire people, make them laugh, and even solve their problems! And yes, they may agree with some of your points but it wouldn’t necessarily mean they would apply to them:)<br /><br />A lot of people I know are either doing some ridiculously low-paying jobs in cities or talking about landing that big job in an oil company, but never make it because it's a lot easier to just talk about it than actually do something about it. And they don’t want to waste their time on furthering their education, short courses, career building projects because they’ve got some old family friend over there who they hope would help them. If they told their well doing educated friends about their inability to get a good job and they are advised to improve on themselves, it will be embarrassing for them because they think people will think “oh, it's been seven years since you did that ND program and that's still all you've done”. I've had to go through this too. It’s why I don’t make stupid projections anymore. But it’s also why I desperately want to improve myself, to break away from unrealistic expectations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've heard people share their light bulb moments, triumphs in their careers that have allowed them some measure of financial success. Some of them do these jobs not because they enjoy it but because they have standards to meet, obligations and responsibilities to fulfill and they do not have the luxury to just sit and daydream like the rest of us:) Ofcourse, some have been fortunate enough to choose a career path that they love and are ...cool too - jobs that rake in a lot of money and fame. I'm not going to act all smug about this - sometimes, it's tough for me too:) I'll tell you this though, based on my experience with this issue, I would say by all means, be ambitious but be grounded on what is expected of you at the same time! You need to improve on yourself - practice further, apply for courses, talk to other people in the field you are eyeing for tips and helpful info. Arm yourself with all the knowledge you could possibly gather then, GO OUT THERE and offer what you actually have. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Basically, we spend so much time talking about our dreams and so little time actually getting our dreams off the ground. We make friends with and struggle to hang out with the cool guys who are actually living our dreams and then brag about it to our supposedly never-do-wells friends. So what’s the difference? What does it matter if we’re talking about being an oil worker or that business tycoon. It’s just something to talk about to a lot of us. It’s not real. It’s a language we speak. You can speak Yoruba and be thousands of miles away from Nigeria. You can even forget Nigeria exists while speaking Yoruba. Being successful shouldn't just be a language you speak, it should be where you are.</span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-2414211785360099102013-07-30T11:06:00.002+01:002013-07-30T11:06:53.412+01:00Maybe You're Retarded!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTO4RB6NwSP5-IUD5OXCy43JPngGHxum3aApUX30L9cMnzDuHgm1NZm4mCGd7g9YPpbjFNR8bnYphIUS6KcwzYfdElYfHbQmkPJYdz_6ffce4NEirAOhmA5XoOYdzXVLyLiTeXivrXLHD/s1600/tech_cartoon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTO4RB6NwSP5-IUD5OXCy43JPngGHxum3aApUX30L9cMnzDuHgm1NZm4mCGd7g9YPpbjFNR8bnYphIUS6KcwzYfdElYfHbQmkPJYdz_6ffce4NEirAOhmA5XoOYdzXVLyLiTeXivrXLHD/s320/tech_cartoon.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hey ... hold on, I'm not insulting anybody o. I just remembered an incident in a book I read some time ago. This guy was trying to explain to his bewildered younger brother how cars work and the technology behind them, from an auto engineering point of view. The brother listened politely and would always nod. Then his elder brother asked, "Do you understand?" and he shook his head no. Frustrated, the elder brother retorted, "Maybe you're retarded". How could he not have understood something that simple? :) I'm sure there were times when you got that "<i>Are you dumb?</i>" look too. Let me throw in some consolation here ( I need it too, hahaha) - okay, er-mm ... you're pretty smart, afterall none of us are Einstein, except Einstein, right?<br /><br />Seriously though, we use laptops, fly in planes, use appliances in our homes, wear designer clothes, shoes and bags, right? So, how come we don’t bother with understanding the technology behind them? It gets even worse, people can count off their fingers the numerous problems with the environment, our politicians, our economy, our country ... the list is endless. If we would simply bother about the science or reasons behind this, the more likely we would be to press the agencies that are involved in handling them. The less you know about a particular subject matter, the more you are likely to be manipulated or influenced by people who may not have your best interests at heart. Let's at least get a simple understanding of things. We don't even need to have technical expertise. Just have an idea!</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I wanted to get opinions before writing this post. A colleague told me, <i>"what's my own, money is meant to be spent on things, wetin concern me with how or wetin them take produce am"</i>. Okay, that may be funny, but all I could think of was NOOOO, you really didn't mean that. I can stand it when people are genuinely ignorant but being way nonchalant when we are already more of a consuming than producing nation is quite depressing. In a nutshell, I believe it's high time we changed our orientation as a nation. Our country direly needs it. Let those of us who are still young and have the opportunities, go out there, get productive, capture minds and invite people to have a much better understanding of the things they consume (use) and the world they live in.<br /><br />C'mon guys, let's break those walls of limitations! And if they remain unmoving, how about walking through them? Have yourselves an awesome week:) <br /><br /><br /><br />Much love </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ibe</span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-868580079486425192013-07-26T09:22:00.002+01:002013-10-16T15:47:13.668+01:00The Child Bride Saga<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I wasn't going to talk about it because so much had been said already but I realised I owe my myself, my sisters and every girl child this. I want to lend my voice to this cause.You see, I have four sisters - two of which are in their teens and I consider them still children! Imagine my alarm when I read that every year, an estimated 14 million girls across the world become child
brides and in Africa, 42% of girls were married before turning 18. Scary stuff!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukjtFMYQlHQ1_9FWnHidISCKcwCMdBufRPDCGjlFunc4LJt7GjfBt5Vrw3j_sw1wYRuou1EqxWXl-kO3ACYos8WtdUrX_c9yluXUXT_fLoymDoO7twhBWOT8QjWzeL4LRmNnWxQx_euEd/s1600/child+not+bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukjtFMYQlHQ1_9FWnHidISCKcwCMdBufRPDCGjlFunc4LJt7GjfBt5Vrw3j_sw1wYRuou1EqxWXl-kO3ACYos8WtdUrX_c9yluXUXT_fLoymDoO7twhBWOT8QjWzeL4LRmNnWxQx_euEd/s320/child+not+bride.jpg" width="320" /></a>Last week, the Nigerian
Senate voted on a constitutional amendment that would have
helped protect girls from underage marriage but the clause setting the age
of consent at 18 failed.There's been so much outrage among Nigerians - celebrities, groups and NGOs have been campaigning by showing their disdain on twitter, Facebook, blogs and other social media asking the senate to revisit the issue. I'm impressed and proud of the intensity and passion with which they spoke. So I found it funny that one of the lawmakers who voted for this clause, came out to say he never meant to vote for
child marriages. He said he voted in
favor of whether a married woman is deemed to be of full age to
renounce her Nigerian citizenship and not whether a woman can marry
before attaining the age of 18 years. Really? I wonder if he has daughters!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's sad that this has been going for a long time and female children have been robbed of their childhood. They are often pulled out of schools and denied education. They've been made to bear children before they are physically or emotionally ready. And most likely, they experience sexual, verbal and domestic abuse. I remember sometime ago, I saw a documentary on girls who had premature childbirth and a s result suffered</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">from a condition called VVF which causes chronic incontinence. These girls are often abandoned and ostracized by society.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let us not just fight for the National Assembly to amend section 29 of the constitution.
Let us rather fight for our law makers to include provisions in the constitution
which clearly outlaws under age marriages. It's already obvious the government has a big role to play in the matter but come to think of it, some parents also force their children to get married too! Who is then to protect these children? I give kudos to those who through social
media have brought the debate to the
consciousness of a lot of people. I just hope it will not end there. Like me, you can support this cause by signing the <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/melosoj004-say-no-to-underage-marriage_/">#childnotbride</a> petition. All girls deserve to have the ordinary life experiences like other kids.</span></div>
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Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-17902098067311151552013-07-24T11:31:00.000+01:002013-07-24T11:45:28.233+01:00There's More!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGvYI7ge7dyeIMdmWQ-_uUmageHJvvFyhk8PyeLWl_8sDKySZT0Ai9fWcmXASOoNC-OG3XvjO0Yjtxiie_JhqAwbBPWohB6K7In7sXgMbjGPCimf0aSEcpP3VBwtvpYdlLslaFrni3Xsa/s1600/quote+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGvYI7ge7dyeIMdmWQ-_uUmageHJvvFyhk8PyeLWl_8sDKySZT0Ai9fWcmXASOoNC-OG3XvjO0Yjtxiie_JhqAwbBPWohB6K7In7sXgMbjGPCimf0aSEcpP3VBwtvpYdlLslaFrni3Xsa/s200/quote+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The last three months have been the best months of my life when it comes to achieving some outward lifelong goals.
I’ve been more creative than ever and it doesn’t feel like
I’ve worked at all. Spiritually, it’s been ... well, almost the opposite:) I've come to accept that it's just a season. If someone was watching closely my walk with God, they might not be utterly encouraged but I'm a project with a goal! I've always believed I and God are best friends because I’ve experienced an incredible relationship with Him . Denying this, is like denying that He’s real. But there would always be phases, obstacles. It's not really about the outer conflict, it's the inner conflicts because that's what really shapes us. They mold us. In fact the only reason I’ll respect anyone is
their honesty about their doubts and struggles, if someone doesn’t have those, then I cannot relate to that. There is grace for rising after falling. This is the gospel that we are supposed to be living.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">What I’m saying is that, it’s not just about your good morals, singing and listening to gospel songs, regularly being at that bible study meeting , dressing conservatively or being on that missions trip.
It’s about God being your goal because all the
seasons of struggle, doubt, despair, victory,
defeat and faith are just parts in the whole story. I hope these all makes sense but you are welcome to disagree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">While growing up, I had "role models" - people I wanted to be like and impress so much. I would have done anything to be like them. But if I
had just stopped worrying about that and believed in how unique and special I was. And just enjoyed the inspiration I got from their lives and not worry
about trying too hard to be like them, I would have maybe become even more successful. I'm sure, more than anything, the Lord wants us to just spend time with Him and enjoy what we share and stop trying desperately to impress Him with works or activities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">PS: I have some people to thank for these recent changes.You know yourselves :) Thanks for giving your services as gifts to help support my cause for this blog and my other goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ibe</span></div>
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Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-13695847546276841002013-07-19T12:07:00.000+01:002013-07-24T11:45:07.996+01:00Gratitude Doesn't Even Describe It - PART 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Life on the sick bed wasn't all medicines, IVs and injections. On my bedside table were several get well cards. There was the ever squeaking shoes of the nurses. They also giggled and laughed all the time at their station even when people were dying! Anyone who has been in the hospital, even if it's just overnight, knows that you never sleep very well because almost every hour a nurse comes in and has to do something! :) Then there was me in that odd gown and sweet-smelling talcum powder all over my body because I could get bedsores from prolonged immobility. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">This hospital, like most, was spotlessly clean yet, I could smell sickness and disinfectant in the air - I was assaulted by it from the first day I was brought in in that wheelchair. But it paled in comparism to the real problem - there were injured people everywhere. Some of them would never get better. I knew because I saw it in their eyes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'd been sleeping one night when I first became aware of the commotion. Distant and muffled cries coming from down the hall. I could barely make out the words. "She's dead o" Voice one said. Then, "Where's her mum?" Voice two asked. I glanced over but I couldn't really see anything as I was tied to the bed. At that point, I just wished I could go for a walk to clear my head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">There were happier times too. One time, I had my close friends visit and we relieved funny stories. Funny images were planted in my head and the follow-through was tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">To be continued ...</span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-24480980493926575782013-07-16T09:22:00.002+01:002013-07-17T18:56:51.592+01:00Gratitude Doesn't Even Describe It - PART 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have always thought about writing about a cherished and life-affirming period of my life. It's a true-life story and it's going to be in series. I hope I get to encourage and inspire you with it. Here's my story:</span></i><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Gratitude Doesn't Even Describe It - PART 1</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">One day, some months after my twentieth birthday while I was lying on the hospital bed with my right leg hanging, writing in my diary about my many dreams, I realised something. I may never walk again. Surprisingly, I wasn't scared - I was numb of all feelings except that burning sensation in my fractured leg. It was as if I could feel the blood vessels vibrating. But I ignored it. I couldn't also pray the whole time. I thought it was odd that I felt this way but I couldn't help it. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & my hot legs! hahaha</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I saw someone coming in. I knew it was my Dad. No one else was allowed to see me at six in the morning. I looked up and for a beat he looked at me with an expression that seemed like sadness. Everyone seemed to wear sombre looks. I was used to it. He sat beside my bed and I continued writing. I wrote about how I imagined being that CEO, only right now, I didn't believe it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A moment later, I thought back to one night, a year ago. My room mate and I were discussing. She kept saying that it couldn't be stopped. "What?" I had asked. "Accidents, sicknesses and especially death." She spoke slowly, her teeth seemed clenched, eyes focused straight up at the ceiling. When I pressed her for more, she said, "I'm afraid I'll end up just killing myself." At that time it had given me shivers, a clammy feeling ran throughout my body. But I talked myself out of it saying she was only being dramatic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, here I was a victim of accident - one of the things she talked about! More than anything I wanted to break free. I worried that I might remain tied to that bed. I was stuck. So I figured if I couldn't change the situation, maybe I could pretend it wasn't happening. And I decided that what I needed were books and a small radio. And I made my dad get them. I would exchange novels with one of my favourite nurses. The books were my ticket out of whatever I thought I was in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">To be continued ...</span></div>
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Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-38573690515134794182013-07-15T08:58:00.000+01:002013-07-15T10:10:50.810+01:00Life Can Still be Fun!<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Life Can Still be Fun!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwS48T0PydkdwMfR2jVr288GAcWWO2vKUFKaalK9ZtfJtXZUVsFVV9cnhQSc3yNMf15c_EI1Mmw5GpNgm0XEs6x1hcgeN3iUl0v_tRApr7tqDlzOE0boZPchx3O4Y3Cox2J9axqUuN3Kjp/s1600/Monday+morning.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwS48T0PydkdwMfR2jVr288GAcWWO2vKUFKaalK9ZtfJtXZUVsFVV9cnhQSc3yNMf15c_EI1Mmw5GpNgm0XEs6x1hcgeN3iUl0v_tRApr7tqDlzOE0boZPchx3O4Y3Cox2J9axqUuN3Kjp/s200/Monday+morning.gif" width="200" /></a>Hi folks. So… I’m very excited that I have an another opportunity to start afresh! How was your weekend? Mine was uneventful - not boring but really quiet - I took time to rest and prepare for the new week. Thinking of which, how come Mondays come too quickly and Fridays take too long to come? Funny right? Could that mean that we are lazy people, who would rather play (or rest) than work? :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was talking with my friend Z some time ago and I said "... but God rested!" His response was thought-provoking - "It would be unfair for you to imply that He rested in between work. He rested after He was done with His work ." You are welcome to disagree like I did. You see, it can be a choice between two good options. Should I keep working till everything is alright before I even consider resting? Or can I take rests intermittently?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know, work in itself is unavoidable or else we would starve, be stagnant and be redundant. Of course the first justification is this is what God commanded. In the book of Genesis, it is recorded that after Adam sinned, God gave mankind the world and everything in it and commanded the use of this gift- we were <strike>condemned</strike> commanded to work :) It is therefore assumed that if we work more, we would eventually attain a sort of happiness and fulfillment. I agree, idleness and inefficiency is foolish but it would be too simple to conclude that because someone desires flexibility and rest in working schedules, they ae trading some ambition and prestige in exchange - they're just willing to trade it for the moment!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Like my friend Z, continuous work may give you some satisfaction but it may be temporal and full of anxiety. Yes, I'm for diligence, resilience, discipline and hardwork . At least then, you would have a valid reason to rest. </span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">What is more, any concession you make, make sure you get something in return to justify it. Have a beautiful week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Much love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ibe</span></div>
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Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-11023791169682712072013-07-12T11:14:00.002+01:002013-07-12T15:48:00.490+01:00I've Got Some Sew-cial Skills!<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've Got Some Sew-cial Skills!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2NGdOel30QaJh9MDv0-TEPUkWywLQfNeL9uNpfgvtaOo11IeQCaFERWfdiwAGt72FVVQHnK-AQ4z7aK_9_s9n9zCCnKW1ziaw77QGSKeBKgUsGTIa_LNq61LJBljPOaKVnSg8PzmJIR-/s1600/sewing+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2NGdOel30QaJh9MDv0-TEPUkWywLQfNeL9uNpfgvtaOo11IeQCaFERWfdiwAGt72FVVQHnK-AQ4z7aK_9_s9n9zCCnKW1ziaw77QGSKeBKgUsGTIa_LNq61LJBljPOaKVnSg8PzmJIR-/s320/sewing+picture.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've been agonizing for hours, thinking of a grand opening statement that will hit you like a bomb! Something so brilliant, so interesting, it'll make you want to eat my blog. But sadly, I’ve been typing words only for work related things since yesterday. Now, I feel I am ready to write again, just for the sake of writing. And if you indulge me, I would love to once more share my random ramblings with you.<br /><br />You see, my interests tend to run in different directions. I always try to understand everything and I've actually learnt a little about a lot of things. Once, I enrolled to learn about fashion designing while waiting to get into the university. I didn't get to finish though but I can't wait to learn more and show off my <i>sew-cial </i>skills! hahaha. For now, I'll make do with exploring fashion designing sites. I also love sketching things, anything. Yet, I'm still not an expert. Some of my sketches are funny, some thought provoking, and others are just down-right stupid! Subsequently I'll be showing you some of my sketches. That's not even all... I'm beginning to believe that I'm a <i>philomath</i>. Don't worry, it's not some sort of dreadful disease! I find myself in this position all the time and sometimes it's hard "<i>finding my place</i>". I hope I have sha!<br /><br />I'm working on learning a new skill to the point of mastery. Until then, I promise to be a responsible blogger hehehe! I'm excited to hear from each one of you, so please feel free to drop me a line on the comments box.</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Much love</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Ibe </span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664682172139259341.post-40494857863180713672013-07-10T13:26:00.002+01:002013-07-11T14:48:00.968+01:00Imagine My Shock!<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Imagine My Shock!</b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Wow, you talk/ look/ laugh/ walk just like your Dad!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0we7b1E9KivKBCBD2TtXZWXmuqpy2TvFe7SAyoCu7-kehXQadZU6fJJLJetUTqns6-kDfDhnCBIvdgPO-7MCQH0Rr5VeYZDFIGeLM9JIM1aFLzjPx82sELJwyH66sLbHT-QlHe5u4S829/s1600/motherdaughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0we7b1E9KivKBCBD2TtXZWXmuqpy2TvFe7SAyoCu7-kehXQadZU6fJJLJetUTqns6-kDfDhnCBIvdgPO-7MCQH0Rr5VeYZDFIGeLM9JIM1aFLzjPx82sELJwyH66sLbHT-QlHe5u4S829/s200/motherdaughter.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Familiar, right? I'm getting a little nostalgic and misty-eyed here. You see, my mum used to speak to herself especially in the shower. I disliked it. Well, I just found out I'm doing same! Ok, I'm a little worried about this one (I got other things from her too) and I know what you're thinking: big deal. I mean, it's not that bad! :(<br /><br />My mum could also obsess for the whole world! And I have come to acknowledge that it's usually hard for me to achieve anything great without being just a little bit obsessed with it. Infact, I've always believed obsession can lead to greatness! :) But when exactly can we say obsession is too much? Ok, I know what you're going to say, don't bother - I'm learning to take things slowly. <br /><br />Fair enough. I get it. It's isn't really a bad thing to take after one's parent(s) - some of these traits have been beneficial to us but I also know some may emerge problematic to us and our relationships with others. Either way, we should be thankful for having had the opportunity to learn from their imperfections. Come to think of it, we weren't even given the priviledge to choose what gene to accept or reject - there was no way to know which traits would eventually pop up in us. I hope, this brings you some comfort. I know it does for me. <br /><br />PS: Please keep in mind that this post is not intended to keep fueling the need to place the blame on our parents for every wrong thing going on in our lives, but rather, to gain a better understanding of our own behaviour.<br /><br />So, let's get a little chatty here - what trait(s) from your parents have helped you become a better person and which would you rather do without?<br /><br />Much love<br />Ibe</span></div>
Anibe Idajilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319087008736574301noreply@blogger.com0