Miss Cally

Ah, Calabar my Calabar...I'll one day write a poem for you. There are few places you go where you can say home sweet home. For me, Calabar was one of those. You know how you meet certain people and you just have an instant connection? That's what happened between I and Cally. My dream city's what I call her. Going to Calabar was like coming home. I don't have any roots there sef but these things happen; inexplicable connection to places and people.

My mandatory one year service took me to Calabar and I was instantly hooked. Well, I took myself there cos I redeployed from my original state of service. I've loved Calabar from afar and it was one of the Nigerian cities I'd longed to visit, so when I saw the opportunity, I pounced on it.

KrossKopa

Jos is another place I'd like to also visit but seeing Calabar and living there's calmed my thirst. For now. You'd be surprised at my reasons for loving Cally, but love's love. There's a casualness to Cally that I like. Those people know how to take life easy. Oh, and they know how to enjoy life, like really enjoy it (story for another day).

Chilling after watching a match at the stadium. AFCON qualifier I think.

This match.

Everywhere I turned to, it was a park, more like a garden park, everywhere for chilling. Infact, it's a garden state. Every inch of ground's well tended and groomed. I'm sure it's serene environment's specially groomed to drive business. You know Cross River's known for its tourist attractions hence, everything has to work to promote the touristy feel. They did eat my money and made me spend more, but I didn't mind. Yeah, it's quite an expensive place to live in with limited employment/business opportunities (believe me, I tried getting a job). Most of the businesses there are concentrated in the hospitality industry. This again is due to the state's appellation as a destination spot for touristy tourists.

Entrance to my *PPA.

I really did enjoy Calabar. The people are friendly, cuisine's on point. I learnt how to eat white rice with pepper soup instead of tomatoes sauce by force. There's a dearth of tomatoes over there that's why (so I was told).

My *boli joint for when I couldn't bear to down white rice and pepper soup.

Not so clear but quite enjoyable. Especially liked the herbal leaves used, forgotten the name. It was slightly bitter. 

My journey to a healthy lifestyle started in Cally. I learnt to eat more fruits and veggies there. I even learnt to enjoy watermelon and cucumber. Two things I'd previously hated with passion. All my memories of Calabar are beautiful, thanks to amazing friends as well. I couldn't tour the *state as I'd intended due to financial constraints but I have no regrets.

And yes, I did make friends (surprise). They were that friendly and open too. They're not closed off like my Abuja people of which I'm one. Witnessed three weddings (could've been more) and turned down an offer to go for a burial ceremony (can't fit shout).

The view from my window, lol. Can't recall what festival. The road was later tarred and my ears heard it.

My stay in Cally was well worth it. It opened my eyes to the finer points of life. It's one aspect of my life I see as a major landmark.

I'm watching Jenifas's diary btw, and it's so frigging hilarious.

Well, what can I say? I had an awemazing service year in Cally and I promise to share more about it on my 5th year serviceverssary which will be June 2nd or is it 6th? I forget. Just stay tuned.💋

The pictures ain't exactly snazzy I know. Didn't have a blog and an audience in mind when I took them. Bear with me mbok.

*PPA: Primary Place of Assignment where during the mandatory one year service, you're attached to a School/Company/Organisation to give back to your Fatherland.
*Boli: Roasted Plantain
*Crossriver.

Dream Chasers

She's a dream chaser

No dream's too small or too big.

When I published this post, in my heart of hearts I knew the author was talking to me (dunno about you). It struck a cord deep down on the inside of me (that's not grammatically correct btw). I've always had my friends see my potential even before I see them, I dunno why. God's blessed me with an amazing set of people who are always looking out for me and for that I'm grateful. I do abuse the privilege sometimes Lord knows *coversface* but I'm glad to know that they've got my back anyday, anytime even over our long stretches of silence.

Yeah, I can be silent sometimes. Really silent. Were I to be a man, I'd be known as the strong and silent type (lol).

Once a friend knew about a particular skill set I possessed, the next thing would be them urging me to do something with it, go train it or walk it or whatever, don't just leave it idle.

I'm seated in my room and I ought to be asleep. I mean, sleep's practically crooning in my ears to come to my not so appealing bed but I want to put this down before I turn in.

If there's one thing I've realised is that our fears are just that. Fears. Groundless fears. Baseless fears. Ok, some might be based on something but that's not the point. The point is, even knowing that our fears are groundless, does that still change anything? No.

Most of us' got big dreams and huge awemazing ideas but fear keeps us caged in. It closes us in like a predator and we like the typical prey, turn tail and run.

I believe I'll elaborate on this post another day but one thing I want to say, it's advisable to remove yourself from the noise every once in a while. By noise, I mean anything that'll act as distraction to you meeting your goals.

I started something this year and I'm so thrilled. The signs were just too many to be ignored.

Having said that, I want to use this medium to encourage anyone with a dream; you've nursed it long enough, it's time to let it go forth.

Don't be afraid of failing; be afraid of not trying.

Photo Credit: Omoniyi David. That's a picture of my friend btw, she's a fashion designer; Secafitz. I love what that picture says to me. I'll gush about it another day, not today tonight.

Peace.

Hello 2017

Bless God for 2017 and all the goodies it has for us. Fresh into the year, we're saying welcome, welcome, welcome and we've got quite an eye opening piece from our guest author. We pray 2017 bring you all that your hearts desire and more. Enjoy.

***

I bring you greetings from 2017. Before I continue, let's take a brief review of 2016.

2016 ended amidst the Wizkid-Caesar slight. But first, the beginning. It arrived with the usual prophecies and breaking stories, expectations and of course, resolutions that if you ask me, went ignored even before the first week expired. It was filled with tons of drama and jaunty escapades in all the spheres of society; the football world, the political world, entertainment world and what have you, with their fair share of outrageous statements and outlandish behaviours. 

I dunno about you, but I sure learnt some lessons from these events. Also in the beginning was the carry over beef between Olamide and Don Jazzy's back-to-back comment over the 'Next Rated' award at the headies and that was all the social media could talk about with the 'coman get it' inspired memes flying upandan. 

Everybody keeps claiming someone else is '*egbon' to avoid taking responsibility and then pass the mantle of leadership and control to another. Whereas to be the next rated in the new year, we have to say to ourselves that I am the '*egbon' (boss). 

If we must succeed in 2017, we must make ourselves the bosses of our lives. It's not about arrogance but being matured enough to be responsible for yourself and your actions (or inactions as the case may be). A wise man once told me, "God's in control but he put man in charge." Not to lord it over everyone but to be his eyes, ears and hands here on Earth, watching over others, listening to their needs so I can be a helping hand. 

Back to 2016, the 'coman get it' drama was shortly followed by Davido's baby mama travails with uncle Momodu showing forth. 

Also  from 2016, was the rumble 'n' tumble of the U.S elections; filled with punches, scandals and alleged interference by the Russians. Surprisingly, the most embattled candidate won and would be inaugurated come 20th which goes to show that being the next rated, you don't have to play by the rules. You create your own  rules after all, you're on a battle field all by yourself. 

It is said that birds never clash in the sky. Not because they don't have same flight plans or travel same routes, but because there's room enough for them all. As for you, remember that you're in a battle field all by yourself.

Try pushing yourself beyond your limits. Push yourself against all odds. Push yourself beyond the contentions and opposition of your contenders because if you must succeed, you must be in a class all by yourself.

Strangely, from a 2016 where not many new fashion trends were put out, ladies still decided to go crazy with their combinations and I'm not talking about the colour blocking of 2015 but a combination of them all. All the way back to the '70's.

Instagram went bonkers not because of the pretty dresses but with the flooding of skits. These 3 minutes videos kept us (LOL) laughing out loud all through the year. Not that they've not always been there, but 2016 spot lit them.

Truth is, we've all got talents, skills and abilities but I guess we're waiting for someone to start but think on it, what if no one had started? What if there was never any stand-up comedian? What if there were no skits by Crazy Clown or Akanm D Boy saying "issokay, issokay"? Would the new fellas out there ever have recorded their skits if they'd waited? 

Quit waiting for others to start. God has blessed you with skills, as Obahiagbon puts it, "inherently ladened" to make you shine in your world which you won't unless you start.

Start something. Do something. Be something. Be remembered for something. Leave behind something. 

2017, learn from 2016. Be your own year. Create your own style. Do your own thing because, you're your own '*egbon'.

*As used in this context, it means boss.
Guest author

Photo Credit: Fotolia

Hate to see you go, Love to watch you leave (Repost)

So today marks the end of the year 2016 at exactly 00:00 hours; count down's begun and it's time to close our books and usher in the new year.

Yo! Hands up in the air if you're excited to see 2016 end. I pretty much am. 

Share with us, how was your 2016? Did you meet all of your goals? Like, all of 'em? Did you? Did you not? Did you lose the weight? Save more money? Laughed more? Lived more? Well whatever your response is, you did fine and that you're alive to see year's end is proof. In my previous post, I borrowed a movie line about not ticking your last tock and tocking your last tick. Well, it's true. Go on ticking until you run out of ticks. Oops, didn't mean to sound dreary.

Don't have much to say but as a family here at AsC, we say thank you for being there, for reading, for your feedback and above all, for sticking with us on this journey. We love you.

Before I sign out, here are a few highlights of 2016 in adniLs cornerville in case you missed them:

• Here we're introduced to Ztembe and her workers' tale in Monday Moaners' Club
• Here's Ana in Journal of a Missionary Wife
• And in pieces of me, we have the Frank Friday entries
• And our first ever debut guest post. Yaay, pretty much pumped about that one and lemme use the opportunity to encourage anyone that might have a write up to share with us. We'd love to feature you on here, feel free to contact us at adnils.corner@gmail.com

So that's that, there are much more but I said 'highlights' so stick around and search out this treasure land for yourselves.
Happy new year's eve friends.

Peace.

Photo Credt: A friend

Frank Friday: Alice Through the Looking Glass

Hello there, how's the holidays been? 
As for myself, I've been indoors reuniting with my movie self where I stumbled upon 'Alice through the looking glass' and upon the phrase; 'you have not ticked your last tock and tocked your last tick' *insertmentalgiggleshere*. For some reason I find it very funny but there's a valid message there. 

So, lemme give you the low down of what I've been up to;

• At last minute, I decided to go down to the family home to spend the Christmas break. I had initially thought I was...well, let's forget that since it didn't happen.

• Christmas came calling, answered the door unlike this young lady here👇

• Then spent the rest of the day and the days that followed indoors eating and watching movies amongst other things (I'd rather not say) until a friend dragged me out.

Well, I just made this post to say that you have not ticked your last tock nor tocked your last tick. 😁😂😁😂
Peace out.

Photo Credit: boredpanda.com

Who am I? - Annie

😟

I've had 'Annie's' 'Who am I?' on repeat all day and it's doing a lot. It's put me in a sober mood basically that I don't feel like talking or doing anything other than think.

I'm enjoying this weather BTW sans the dust. It's nights like this I miss my hot blankie. Yeah, I once had a blankie that was electrically powered. I miss it.

I love this song.
Make every second count.

P.S: I actually came across a news item that's put me in this mood. I really need to keep away from the news but what's going on really?
*sigh*
God help us all.

Photo Credit: pxleyes.com

To the lady in the long skirt...

To the lady in the long skirt

I see you daily
You in your flowing long skirts
Not minding that such's practically gone extinct
Yet you carry on
Like your flowing locks of hair

To the lady in the long skirt
I like your attire
Clothed in modesty's best
I'd like to be you
I'm glad I'm you

Your flowing long skirts to me
Represent unconformity
Defiance
They speak to me
They tell me that I don't need to cater to society's standards of beautification or adornment

They tell deep things

They tell me that I don't need to be naked
To feel loved
That I don't need to go unclad
To be admired

You young lady are brave
You are strong
And I admire you

To the lady in the long skirt
Despite the ridicule
And the laughter
And the name calling
Keep being you

To the lady in the long skirt
You're the girl after my heart
Rock on girl
Don't believe the lie that you're outdated
And old-fashioned
And out of touch
And not fashion forward
Rock on girl
With your long flowing skirts

This is to that lady in the long flowing skirt...

Sunday Special: Journal of a Missionary Wife V

Hi there journal,

it's moi Ana, sure you know that. Well, here I am checking in. Today's sermon was really something and no, I'm not being biased.  Geoff looked so dashing seated at that altar today. I know I'm yet to mention how he got there (the wheelchair i.e) and I'm not so certain I'd be telling anytime soon. It still hurts that's why and I'm not so sure I'd like to revisit those memories, no.

Looking at him today, you wouldn't believe what he's had to go through. My Geoff's always been much stronger than I. Always has. God's been good to us I must confess. So, kids or no kids, I am dedicated to serving Him all the days of my life.

So journal, here's saying bye to all of my griping about starting a family. I sometimes ask myself what sort of life they'd have considering all of our non-stop movement. Well, over to You master of mine, Thou knowest best.

Bye journal.

Oh, I've got exciting news, I'm embarking on a new project. Geoff's feeling much better now and is beginning to get irritated by my constant hovering. He no longer needs me obviously and I no longer need him too (two can play that game lol). So! Get readyyy project of mine...

Take charge Lord.

Photo Credit: Source

Frank Friday: I Gotta Feeling (November 6th)

Geez, hi guys. This inconsistency bug that keeps getting into me is just darn too strong, I need deliverance I tell you. Hopefully, I'll join the new wave of bloggers that'll make a new year resolution to keep the contents rolling in on a daily basis (each to his/her own).

So, how've we been? How's been the daily grind and hustle? I've been riding on cloud nine ever since November came knocking. Why because, it'll be my birthday in two - really short - days' time and I'm keeping real calm (ice queen things). It's a lie, can't keep calm else I won't be talking writing about it *biggrin*

I just came on here to tell ya'll that it's Friday and that it's time to unwind. Yeah, forget about the trials of the week, forget about the friend that failed to fulfill a promise, forget about the economy, forget about the bills to pay, forget about the peanuts you call salary. Yeah, fogerrit all and just focus on today, on now, on this very moment.

I'm learning the art of mindfulness, that is, being present and I tell you, it isn't easy. The very little success I've managed to achieve so far, I'm so celebrating it cos if that weren't so, I'd probably be worrying about the fact that I can't celebrate this year's birthday but who celebration don epp? So, back to the forgetting, fogerrit all broda, sista.

On being mindful, it didn't turn out the way I'd thought it would not that I'm not making progress cos I so am but it wasn't as easy as I'd thought it'd be. I mean, how difficult can it be to focus on the present right? Well, what I failed to do was factor in my errant, wander lust of a mind. 

My mind's prone to daydreaming and creating up myriad of fantasies so I tend to wander off along side it most times and it's almost always fun in there. It sometimes seems like it's got a mind of its own, you know, another mind of hers minding her (now I'm confused). Well, it just keeps racing on and on (always without me cos I don't race, I stroll) without nary a pause, whew.

It's really trying keeping it in check. No wonder I'm almost always exhausted, cos I'm always running after a naughty mind that won't be still. Well, since we're stuck with each other, I guess it wouldn't hurt to practice mindfulness every now and then. Aiite, I'm done here, you have a swell weekend and...

...nice talking to ya'll.
Peace and cakes.
Back to my 'ohms'.
SOTD (Song of the day) - 'I gotta feeling'...

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

MMC: Gripes

This is what happens when you have a shitty weekend, Ztembe fumed. Too short a weekend was the response she gave to all who bothered to ask how her weekend had been. Why can't there be a day between Sunday and Monday, why?

The Phone rings cutting her off from her mental diatribe.
"Yes?" she barks into the phone.
"Zee darling, I see your phone-tiquette has not much improved as your bedside manner," the voice drawls from the other end.

Ztembe's face undergoes an instant transformation, "Oh hi darling, I apologise. I've just been so caught up with work. It's like Monday's my personal demon sent to torment me."

There's laughter from the other end of the phone, "oh you! You've always had it in for Monday, free the lady jare."
"Lady ke? It's a man noni. Monday's so a man or what are you trying to say?" her voice tilts dangerously low as she asks the question.
"Abeg, I didn't call you to have a discourse on feminism or any of your other 'isms'. What time you closing from work?"
"Hmm, it's Monday o, let's consider that."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning I'm not so certain myself when I'd leave, but I'd give you a call when I'm about leaving. Is that ok?" she asks.
"That'll be fine." the voice confirms. "You didn't even ask me why I want to know," it continues.
"Jay, I know why you're calling, leave matter for Martha. Thanks for checking up on me, got something to look forward to now."
The voice laughs again, "you're welcome dear. So, I'd be expecting your call. Try not to kill someone today eh?"

Ztembe laughs off the comment and proceeds to end the call. Where art thou Monday? I'm ready for you.

Kool Kat