tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30575743151911926542024-02-28T12:29:03.476+01:00Welcome To Buki's Blog......I'm a bundle of randoms and that's what this blog would be about. I also drive an online initiative called #AllHeartsAlways, which is simply a call for everyone to care for the needy around us, always. Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.comBlogger1138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-5313095806585927682024-02-28T12:28:00.001+01:002024-02-28T12:28:23.923+01:00Give A Little Love<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC0iZOmE5XA1xR34UlqiH01QXgWDthn-dAhtqJ8reEoLpW-CCf12br12TlDpI2amgaKip_ZIPfb-oH1zWZCy1aLTPi2sl7ZsStyIfwUqduyjqFwiMlaRM99VkVocS4kQoNz8i9J1PlaCmCx66jP4_LfL7uUPZSEWylUyN0-Q33Lc1L-RkW8bCZHJE194/s550/337526.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="550" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC0iZOmE5XA1xR34UlqiH01QXgWDthn-dAhtqJ8reEoLpW-CCf12br12TlDpI2amgaKip_ZIPfb-oH1zWZCy1aLTPi2sl7ZsStyIfwUqduyjqFwiMlaRM99VkVocS4kQoNz8i9J1PlaCmCx66jP4_LfL7uUPZSEWylUyN0-Q33Lc1L-RkW8bCZHJE194/w400-h291/337526.gif" width="400" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yup. We own this month, us February born people <strike>and some of you people as well, lol</strike>. ๐It's the month of love. As a matter of fact, the entire year should be a year of love. Now, you may have been hurt, betrayed, jilted, dumped and so on by the seemingly love of your life and probably sworn off love but I'm here to tell and encourage you to give love a chance. Love is what makes the world a beautiful and wholesome place to live in. Let go of your pain and hurt and let love lead your way to greatness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know firsthand how desolate things might be when you have been betrayed by the very person who was meant to protect you and love you and I also know how beautifully you can blossom if you pull through and get past the hurt. Don't let nothing or nobody weigh you down. Never be afraid to start afresh and to love and be loved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know the month is almost over <strike>yes, I have been writing this post since the beginning of the month but I got caught up in other stuff. My apologies ๐ถ</strike> but that doesn't mean we won't celebrate love and life. Let us make the most of the daily moments we have.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cheers. ๐</div><p></p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-64924541982115817942024-02-05T13:04:00.001+01:002024-02-05T13:04:01.655+01:00I STILL Better Pass My Neighbour!???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkth-5Jey7G-Si-ZGxmODCeEPuazPDZ0BjiJrsJjj-a4MHy1JdDE7rk1WrcylIBNvCJV6HdvAnTFrfM-ZUuF7ojG0gUpKKpseVVkbFLimOoelAAVaMeefdKxcF6Scc_wr3gZE-DnBytBDfSMA8Xo-6gckDDVQixgo7XS_qiXLV5CBa9qRE2cHwQW4GlLg/s474/OIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="474" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkth-5Jey7G-Si-ZGxmODCeEPuazPDZ0BjiJrsJjj-a4MHy1JdDE7rk1WrcylIBNvCJV6HdvAnTFrfM-ZUuF7ojG0gUpKKpseVVkbFLimOoelAAVaMeefdKxcF6Scc_wr3gZE-DnBytBDfSMA8Xo-6gckDDVQixgo7XS_qiXLV5CBa9qRE2cHwQW4GlLg/w471-h272/OIP.jpg" width="471" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Dear Readers,</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Would you believe that I wrote the post below since 2014? How time flies indeed. Alas, little or NOTHING has changed since I wrote this post. People are even more self-absorbed and have become more ridiculous in their manners and attitudes. The worst part is that the betrayal that comes with this selfishness usually comes from the closest friends and families rather than strangers even. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Truth be told, I feel a lot of these craziness is driven by the unnatural desire to get rich quickly by any means possible thus showing that you are indeed better than everyone else. To what end, you wonder? I have not the foggiest clue, but I know that such mindsets are destructive and unsustainable. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some of you might have heard the news of the 22-year-old nanny that stole the baby of her employer and ran away a few days ago. That news proper stressed me out, but I just kept praying the poor wee baby would be found safe and in good time. Imagine learning the nanny was apprehended a few days ago, questioned and confessed to selling the baby off to a buyer for N800,000!! A whole child that the mother carried for ten months and laboured over being sold off like a piece of furniture because some people's twisted minds thought it would be a good scheme to get rich. Gosh. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully, as of today, the baby has been found while the search is still on for the buyer and possibly the cartel behind this madness. We all need to do better as human beings and make this world a better and more comfortable place for everyone. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Please enjoy the oldie but goodie piece below and do have a beautiful week ahead. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">====================================================================</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRmiDaH_1AkYxWA_SH4PyclH2OfoLXR3ZcG6IYiLR3u18sqVobvl15b4MpibSfPJnrK5QbTbPj8m-R2ykl4GsYQ2ocrsj4WSv01TLOQ_qRyczIyF_bA7v6bwau-nIlqeJO52dytS9yM_h/s1600/i+better.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRmiDaH_1AkYxWA_SH4PyclH2OfoLXR3ZcG6IYiLR3u18sqVobvl15b4MpibSfPJnrK5QbTbPj8m-R2ykl4GsYQ2ocrsj4WSv01TLOQ_qRyczIyF_bA7v6bwau-nIlqeJO52dytS9yM_h/s1600/i+better.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Seriously guys, who coined the slogan <i>I-better-pass-my-neighbour? </i>I would like to meet the person and pick their brains for a while. For those readers from outside Nigeria, the small petrol power generating set is what is referred to by some Nigerians as <i>I-better-pass-my-neighbour. </i>The generator is quite small and makes little noise and can only power bulbs and fans and a few small machines.<br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY2Ti3VaN2I25GoT7EAPFpcpqzFTYrpLO5T7OpYPnDD6cMY9RNwsPRdTbpW4sJQX__oeAGba2i2MfFU3gICd0tqn1JytYjWuTampPnrqvoJ9ZIqZ0GDb3Omvdv1B5GLpSelLNvaeAihtc/s1600/i+better+pass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY2Ti3VaN2I25GoT7EAPFpcpqzFTYrpLO5T7OpYPnDD6cMY9RNwsPRdTbpW4sJQX__oeAGba2i2MfFU3gICd0tqn1JytYjWuTampPnrqvoJ9ZIqZ0GDb3Omvdv1B5GLpSelLNvaeAihtc/s1600/i+better+pass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It is fairly affordable and thus accessible to the lower- and middle-class citizens. Some people own at least one of these smaller generators and an average sized one that can power equipment such as the freezer, refrigerator, washing machine and air conditioners. By now I'm sure foreigners are wondering if they are reading right. Yes dears, you are. We, the wonderful citizens of Nigeria, have to provide our own power supply individually. Those who cannot afford these generators, have to do without power until the power companies find it in their dear hearts to provide such. Sigh.<br /><br />Anyway, this post is not about them today. Rather it is about the selfish nature of some Nigerians who think they have "arrived" by owning an <i>I-better-pass-my-neighbour </i>or anything such might connote<i>. </i>I find the name and mentality very distasteful<i> </i>and a tad too cocky. What makes you think you are better than those who cannot afford an item? If you go around with such a mentality, then it simply means you won't help the less privileged when they are in need because you are better than them.<br />RME.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yz578H3258k8jErGLJ7EtiKP7HoL9aBzN0NTBQcpNSR3_kXZziVGFUGS_AA0mAQeqNgNfmbwAtL6NLcjUaghS5V7wv3TzHbEt2sc7W8IGOZCp66sL_hS98aV_bRrX1JOymbu7WTYtL5w/s1600/10492444_10152573578019104_6981837637653888491_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yz578H3258k8jErGLJ7EtiKP7HoL9aBzN0NTBQcpNSR3_kXZziVGFUGS_AA0mAQeqNgNfmbwAtL6NLcjUaghS5V7wv3TzHbEt2sc7W8IGOZCp66sL_hS98aV_bRrX1JOymbu7WTYtL5w/s1600/10492444_10152573578019104_6981837637653888491_n.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br /><br />We must love and help our neighbours as often as we can without getting weary of reaching out. That one is privileged today doesn't mean one should act out, especially when no one knows tomorrow.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopG1RDGmdT0-49xdrbhAMrtiDy0JZndGKZgVMt6ViGbGHrBdPz5fydlIn22hONs5BeRtyq8Qet3Nzt4SstDlAVoHryzC2hutbd2BQ8eRJDdR99wiOmTM_oQsX8awtT5413CexJLl97J4u/s1600/pride.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopG1RDGmdT0-49xdrbhAMrtiDy0JZndGKZgVMt6ViGbGHrBdPz5fydlIn22hONs5BeRtyq8Qet3Nzt4SstDlAVoHryzC2hutbd2BQ8eRJDdR99wiOmTM_oQsX8awtT5413CexJLl97J4u/s1600/pride.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbwUSCgb4nhtE-Zg-DnyefvT4g1UgUoqs0OVmfF7RzEfaCaLvwnUuif1oWLibN3x9a44PjzpJZZzkNU191ZC0vwk6uTyXfEwzxab3Cd-sUx-nayrA0HW_nHR8rger5P5HXclveeAz_hSO/s1600/i+better+pa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbwUSCgb4nhtE-Zg-DnyefvT4g1UgUoqs0OVmfF7RzEfaCaLvwnUuif1oWLibN3x9a44PjzpJZZzkNU191ZC0vwk6uTyXfEwzxab3Cd-sUx-nayrA0HW_nHR8rger5P5HXclveeAz_hSO/s1600/i+better+pa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I rest my case.Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-9082311258421829612024-01-18T06:06:00.002+01:002024-01-18T06:10:47.859+01:00Bad Systems and Anyhowness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAsmL0WLqavkhrspXy8-wxDNEsk44qZKQn9r6ffafBEbOPcR_SxuQJoarZfbJwSgbLSu8CDRtxKENKopPSMr0P2SobDmQmZsfBvL4RQa7T1hTCsVy5UlU3l8cuGJW1DHCWke7IM_9nmo2FCgtvzS2qqbK2sa_W38YR2tocEmfFWknYy4K8kU2MnSUIac/s1040/7348D3A1-94BB-490D-B4DF-547443495C44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="585" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAsmL0WLqavkhrspXy8-wxDNEsk44qZKQn9r6ffafBEbOPcR_SxuQJoarZfbJwSgbLSu8CDRtxKENKopPSMr0P2SobDmQmZsfBvL4RQa7T1hTCsVy5UlU3l8cuGJW1DHCWke7IM_9nmo2FCgtvzS2qqbK2sa_W38YR2tocEmfFWknYy4K8kU2MnSUIac/w225-h400/7348D3A1-94BB-490D-B4DF-547443495C44.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Sigh. We are not even a full month into the new year and already, a huge devastating disaster has struck in Nigeria and largely due to human error/carelessness and surely <i>anyhowness</i>. There were reports of a massive explosion in Ibadan last night and the first visuals from houses a distance from the actual scene showed a preview of how damaging the actual site would have been. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It took over an hour before sketches of rumors started trickling out as to the cause of the blast. While some said it was a gas plant explosion, others said it was bombs that went off. Of course, it took several hours before official rescue and aid could come to the scenes of the blast. The Governor swung into action and asked that free medicals and accommodations be provided for the affected people. It was still a hot mess as people appeared confused and in the dark as to what had actually happened to bring such destruction to the city of Ibadan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As of this morning, there have been more somewhat accurate reports of the cause of the blast stemming from a stash of dynamites stored inside a house in a residential area!!! You would think and wonder how on earth this is possible with the level of health and safety surrounding owning, storing and using dynamites in civilized countries right but this is Nigeria, a country with no functional system nor adequate repercussions for perpetrators. Anything goes here and it breaks my heart every single time the innocent ones have to pay for this. I saw some really horrific images of dead and dying people caught up in the blast and I really do not have the right words to express how I feel about this avoidable incidence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I really do not know whose blood must be spilled before we act right and put appropriate measures in place in this country. We have learnt to be mentally immune to these abnormalities around us and we mask our pains with comedy, food and music, a fickle coping mechanism that only lets the issues fester and rot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My condolences and prayers goes out to the victims and families of those affected by this explosion.</div><p></p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-39275082005040279392024-01-05T12:19:00.005+01:002024-01-05T12:19:57.379+01:00Autocorrupt And Vegetarian Mosquitoes<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5M1GXYNB7m_iuwTny3JdVb9oL40eul8BPt31JkH7ITpDmvoT0IuMOpAaVPkijwjTLldvi0Al_JB5SWl8Q4NRHPypOAJdgjdOLQ9P1zmv8bJBizCKGAw1P9OpttO1Dty7o-UN66dCydLdM9YBbBuJJkSl0CP104DnVZeemObxAjCHoOwHDDsSRgKJF50/s300/download%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5M1GXYNB7m_iuwTny3JdVb9oL40eul8BPt31JkH7ITpDmvoT0IuMOpAaVPkijwjTLldvi0Al_JB5SWl8Q4NRHPypOAJdgjdOLQ9P1zmv8bJBizCKGAw1P9OpttO1Dty7o-UN66dCydLdM9YBbBuJJkSl0CP104DnVZeemObxAjCHoOwHDDsSRgKJF50/w400-h224/download%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You know how you type one thing on your mobile phone and autocorrect frequently changes it to some complete hogwash instead, that is how the term <i>autocorrupt</i> came to being (that's my story....๐ถ). The world nowadays seems to be turning upside down and nothing is as should be anymore. Basic things like good manners and common sense are now a rare thing, while abnormal things are now seen as normal and vice-versa. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I noticed some mosquitoes flying around the other day and my mum noted how observant I was about them but she said it was ok for them to fly around since they weren't biting anyone. I thought to myself "<i>ahnahn mummy, what in the vegetarian mosquitoes is going on here please?</i>" </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I made it my mission to kill at least one of the mosquitoes for research purpose and truly, it had sucked no blood. ๐ฒ I was thoroughly perplexed. ๐ณ I guess my body got the "<i>No gree for anybody/predator</i>" memo this year and refused to be violated by any buggeroo 'quito. ๐</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, I just want you to know that even when all others around you are neck-deep in corrupt shenanigans under the guise of "<i>hustling</i>", you do not have to join them. Be you, be true to yourself and do what is right even when no one is watching.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cheers. </div><p></p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-76753890719133129322024-01-02T14:56:00.002+01:002024-01-02T14:56:18.360+01:00A New And Different Year<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuuyORAkkbU9CcdA43JT35a-i8RlRc5b12U77B4DlrJhZAsVUT2if2sNZhf319t9a8-0xDP4bjp4w_twk0hBUt8IzZNnyw-Oc1SkA6fY81nDYFhYu9LzcW95tmBe08uofO14QIfJQHdoEL5wIUVGL4aUwQDfGQ1uq6imth33Pjp3geCEaqssSN1Ff6Yo/s225/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuuyORAkkbU9CcdA43JT35a-i8RlRc5b12U77B4DlrJhZAsVUT2if2sNZhf319t9a8-0xDP4bjp4w_twk0hBUt8IzZNnyw-Oc1SkA6fY81nDYFhYu9LzcW95tmBe08uofO14QIfJQHdoEL5wIUVGL4aUwQDfGQ1uq6imth33Pjp3geCEaqssSN1Ff6Yo/w320-h320/download.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Happy new year everyone. If you are reading this, I truly rejoice with you for making it this far on earth because the past few years have felt like there's an irrational person ticking names off a living people's list at every slight whim. Life felt like some weird survival game but hey, we made it through.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">This new year, I aim to take a different approach towards life, living and people </span>relations. Life isn't getting easier, people aren't learning to be better as they should and for empaths like me, it is very daunting and stressful so this year, we are switching things up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfQQdYjkTHnOlESGhIUgkfhwoHblfnr6jwjh3vqHa9bSAhlPbyloI9fdWo_moiQrD04YRgR22BuG-t_Q5ym5cYNX1BuAcfjlYqe0T_wp6VE78cgCnQswukmX3u2ScozA1twOr8-YyyS8HQia6hT2-GVaWJd5Z2KgLtcjviqATMOwfG8dYIp9n4o5OHqk/s1280/da5b2a47-bd49-4a2d-8385-da3b5001bf31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfQQdYjkTHnOlESGhIUgkfhwoHblfnr6jwjh3vqHa9bSAhlPbyloI9fdWo_moiQrD04YRgR22BuG-t_Q5ym5cYNX1BuAcfjlYqe0T_wp6VE78cgCnQswukmX3u2ScozA1twOr8-YyyS8HQia6hT2-GVaWJd5Z2KgLtcjviqATMOwfG8dYIp9n4o5OHqk/w300-h400/da5b2a47-bd49-4a2d-8385-da3b5001bf31.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The image above sums up my rule/new year resolution for 2024. <i>I shall not gree for anybody.</i> If you are nice and kind to me, I shall reciprocate 1000 times over. If you are mean and nasty to me, I will hit you with all I have and then borrow to add to it, 10000 times over. I am simply done with indulging rubbish from anyone. I am going to fight for the life that I want and deserve. ๐</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigt8s3uA16HlVIUXf-HO19rqIlMP43lzYPcsfG8rLI5RsrudkfQ84NjWLHaf_V9cL39c1Pf4sotV0NFatPaJbNmCkCJklZmmXAZTgMtDaurcmld6pCtAmtihPFHp_NneooNhJM_Xh6lnj01RAP6Vkk5TkhrSffCN1qYSCt6ppXSjDLk_PSO5IwHIVsFdU/s1286/IMG_1030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigt8s3uA16HlVIUXf-HO19rqIlMP43lzYPcsfG8rLI5RsrudkfQ84NjWLHaf_V9cL39c1Pf4sotV0NFatPaJbNmCkCJklZmmXAZTgMtDaurcmld6pCtAmtihPFHp_NneooNhJM_Xh6lnj01RAP6Vkk5TkhrSffCN1qYSCt6ppXSjDLk_PSO5IwHIVsFdU/s320/IMG_1030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Be a little bit "unreasonable' this year. Do not let people walk all over you, do not let them steal your joy, guard your heart and peace very jealously. Foolish people rarely change their silly ways, so do not let that foolishness drag you down. Set yourself free from the shackles of frenemies, unfriendly friends and enemies alike. You will feel better and grow stronger if you adhere to all of these. It is only the second day of the year and I have been putting this to test since about a week ago and boy, is it working. I feel way better with the newly set boundaries that protects me mentally and physically from bullshit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do not be afraid to try new things in this new year. Try new towns/countries, new food, new love, new approach, new music, etc. Give life a try and come back to share your joys and wins with me here. I am counting on you. Cheers.</div><div><p><i><b> "If crying does not solve your problem, try joy" - Apostle Suleiman</b></i></p></div>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-30750452229142104072023-11-14T16:06:00.005+01:002023-11-16T21:53:06.017+01:00Knock Knock
Itโs been a looooooooong minute, hasnโt it? You wouldnโt believe all that Iโve had going on in the past few months. My life reads like fiction sometimes and Iโve learnt to lean into it, knowing that come what may, I will ALWAYS TRIUMPH. ๐ช๐ผ๐<div><br /></div><div>I have missed writing and Iโve missed you all. Howโs life treating yโall?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn9KT7bWYOHT0DCtchcPMb6s84W-x6x53pW9WgtUNjgwssMu9cOUZg1EZN50j9W0H05JbV97c9JXQNTvbJm5xWUalII4GsR5UwEze2UYe0-4iCcdK2Z3rZN09Yd46ZTYDUqS6DuR_8icGJAE3IzfNrT7Ld5AnTDfSCXTrSGVIsF7JWUz9ENTL0yF49eI/s2208/IMG_8541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2208" data-original-width="1242" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn9KT7bWYOHT0DCtchcPMb6s84W-x6x53pW9WgtUNjgwssMu9cOUZg1EZN50j9W0H05JbV97c9JXQNTvbJm5xWUalII4GsR5UwEze2UYe0-4iCcdK2Z3rZN09Yd46ZTYDUqS6DuR_8icGJAE3IzfNrT7Ld5AnTDfSCXTrSGVIsF7JWUz9ENTL0yF49eI/w333-h386/IMG_8541.JPG" width="333" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-11159015131970987222023-06-01T15:20:00.006+01:002023-06-01T15:30:38.472+01:00Somewhere Over The Rainbow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1ZQTEypyuiTfeCS9XPiZw4vdhDpLbKDZgSuhWZ2xM4tl4qdHTr_P591aBQmAQUuaMBS6SnOzkrni8-8Sj4mOKdfMYkLAHQBhojUX_6dXO8imS6Sq4-1rNOlJhOmGhkLL0qoCb8e8E6H-7jA_0llMIoCaYC3MGpGSCJVweZb4BZT-vQjWYMl_uCIb/s276/Somewhere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1ZQTEypyuiTfeCS9XPiZw4vdhDpLbKDZgSuhWZ2xM4tl4qdHTr_P591aBQmAQUuaMBS6SnOzkrni8-8Sj4mOKdfMYkLAHQBhojUX_6dXO8imS6Sq4-1rNOlJhOmGhkLL0qoCb8e8E6H-7jA_0llMIoCaYC3MGpGSCJVweZb4BZT-vQjWYMl_uCIb/w400-h265/Somewhere.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>So I found the write up below on FB the other night and it touched me deeply because I've always known the song but never the story behind it. I went on YouTube to find the original song and thoroughly enjoyed it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jfrAQJOAaMs-2Ckp9YdG4WwARTxAGGuzIeuTd-MBN5oHxQabCx4-rl8DKxTtYttBzo93yWFyn1TGiz1MyEp-AEs9pp5xtsN0KSYhL1tKz7Z1LZCuoqi2jWRnt8LBCKWHVxNStcJ7YQE12ZThFYuUKQbNnNrzc8zkuWE93N4CUMJI2Sz6V38wCqGN/s225/somewhere2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jfrAQJOAaMs-2Ckp9YdG4WwARTxAGGuzIeuTd-MBN5oHxQabCx4-rl8DKxTtYttBzo93yWFyn1TGiz1MyEp-AEs9pp5xtsN0KSYhL1tKz7Z1LZCuoqi2jWRnt8LBCKWHVxNStcJ7YQE12ZThFYuUKQbNnNrzc8zkuWE93N4CUMJI2Sz6V38wCqGN/w400-h400/somewhere2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>At 3 a.m. one night in 1988, Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole called a local studio and said he needed to record something right then and there. He pleaded with the engineer: "Please, can I come in? I have an idea."</i></div><div><i>Then, in a single take, Kamakawiwo'ole recorded the iconic version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" that would soon touch countless people across the globe. The recording, featuring just Kamakawiwo'ole's voice and ukulele, seemed to captivate everyone who heard it in a way that was utterly unforgettable.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Even after Kamakawiwo'ole died in 1997 at just 38 years old, his haunting music and his short yet inspiring life have continued to have a profound effect on people the world over.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Long and short lesson on this post is to remind you to make hay while the sun shines or like my Naija people say, "As e dey hot, do am sharp sharp". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-34500522914752957712023-05-08T14:05:00.000+01:002023-05-08T14:05:10.383+01:00Eleven Years Onโฆโฆ #Aluu4<div class="section article" style="margin: 0px 15px;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I recall the horror washing over me when I watched the #Aluu4 video eleven years ago.</span></font></div><div class="section article" style="margin: 0px 15px; caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></font></span></div><div class="section article" style="margin: 0px 15px;"><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I recall the helplessness on their faces as they were dragged and beaten and mocked and tortured by a mob.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall the hope in their eyes that perhaps, just perhaps, a miracle would occur and ONE person would step in and save them.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall the painfully outstretched hands pleading for mercy and begging for their lives to be spared.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall the rage, venom and madness that overtook the murderous crowd as they pummeled these young men to death.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall imagining what their parents would go through, knowing โfellow Nigeriansโ murdered their children in cold blood.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall crying and cursing at the injustice behind the savage act.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall my shock and disbelief at the fact that in that crowd were human beings as well, yet they acted as beasts.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall wondering how we got to such a low point in humanity and how such hatred and evil has came to reside in our hearts.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I recall seeing faces of women and youths and men, people with families as well yet they stood </span></font></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">by and did nothing.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I recall my utter disbelief and shock at the fact that even the police who were on the scene did NOTHING TO SAVE THOSE FOUR YOUNG MEN.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall wondering why they did not shoot into the air to disperse the crowd, why they did not call for backup and if they did why it never arrived before the tragic end.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall wondering how ALL those who partook in the lynching as direct murderers and as onlookers slept that night.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall pondering on how they could live with themselves afterwards.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall the lingering horror that remained with me for months despite the fact that I did not </span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">watch it to the gruesome end, I couldnโt.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall thinking eagerly that surely, with video evidence there would be justice for the families of these innocent ones.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall putting my effort into a mini campaign of awareness about the evil in lynching suspects and even convicted criminals.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I recall that it took years for convictions to be made but thatโs never going to bring them boys back. So I will keep remembering and posting these articles with high hopes that someday soon, jungle justice would be a thing of the past. </span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I fear for what we, Nigerians and human beings as a whole, have/are becoming.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">I vow to do my best to enlighten as many as possible on the ills lurking in the hearts of people.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I vow to do my part for humanity and get justice for helpless victims in any way I can.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I vow to raise my children right and teach them about good and evil and consequences.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I vow not to sugarcoat the truth to those I reach out to and to ensure they know that abnormal things cannot and should not be taken for normal.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br>I vow to do my bit for humanity and for our beloved country Nigeria.</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What would you do?</span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="caret-color: rgb(131, 96, 96); color: rgb(131, 96, 96); font-family: "EB Garamond"; font-size: 19.799999px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></font></span></div><div class="content" style="position: relative; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">REST IN PEACE Lloyd, Chidi, Tekena and Ugonna.<br><br><br></span></font></div></div>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-28125409891941013532023-04-29T22:34:00.003+01:002023-04-29T22:34:41.637+01:00Undulating Adulthood <p style="text-align: justify;">Adulthood........ gosh I remember how eager we all were to attain adulthood and live our best lives without a care in the world. LOL. Well, would you look at us now? Battling with all the fcukeries that comes with adulthood and then some. Wading our ways through the paths life daily charts us, nary a solid clue (for most) of how to truly get there but striving to, we keep at. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I think the part no one and nothing prepared me for the most is grief. Loosing friends and loved ones and not knowing what to do with all the pains and aches but letting it hit hard every now and then whilst yet keeping up a brave face to the world, a faรงade of beauty, strength and flair above the intense pains and gloom grief bears like sour gifts. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Adulthood......... You know you have done more than enough and you know you are worth way more yet doubts cling on to you like luxury perfumes on garments adorned. Yet, you keep going because those looking up to you and drawing strength from you are many. They are legion and you simply cannot let them down because to let them down is to let yourself down. So you keep pushing........... to what end? <strike>Doesn't matter really</strike>. To keep their dream alive because they live forever in your heart largely so their visions and hopes doesn't die with them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Just keep going and try not to hurt or be hurt too much. Be any type of adult you simply can but just be a kind one while you are adulting.............................................</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>P.s. The above was written on a whim and served as a ladder, an outlet if you may, from a dark place into a place of light and love. If it made no sense to you, it's OK. Keep going. If it made sense to you, know that you are not alone, ok?</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Live. Love. Dance. Smile</p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-31116010566138806072023-03-08T16:42:00.003+01:002023-03-08T16:42:18.999+01:00Happy International Women's Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVxBqxlHHnm9C5hlTaNB9Ep4cXWGSdV1z95AYcfn5SkwHa7tE3EAwrvQQH7zCGpVfn_iIuhMc3GEFcgi1LOY-PS7Qr6q2K0v_TWIwbvwbgWjPNzQqyzUEEHtgwIWozASxUysmmENBF9TgmRXsOTsiiTBXykJpvr8pnZW3Nq22J3HeeKjD9jSwPhd5/s1600/aditi-mar-2021-iwd-womens-day-123rf.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVxBqxlHHnm9C5hlTaNB9Ep4cXWGSdV1z95AYcfn5SkwHa7tE3EAwrvQQH7zCGpVfn_iIuhMc3GEFcgi1LOY-PS7Qr6q2K0v_TWIwbvwbgWjPNzQqyzUEEHtgwIWozASxUysmmENBF9TgmRXsOTsiiTBXykJpvr8pnZW3Nq22J3HeeKjD9jSwPhd5/w400-h225/aditi-mar-2021-iwd-womens-day-123rf.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being a woman takes a lot and often, there are not enough words to aptly describe the struggles, pains or joys of womanhood. Today is about celebrating all women, in all forms which we come.</div><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"> To all the women out there, the strong, weak, ecstatic, bereaved, thriving, struggling, surviving, barely surviving, pushing, lifting, dragging, weary, sick, healthy, happy, sad, chaste, slutty, hardworking, lazy, peng, washed out, slayest, abused, traumatized, stigmatized, dickmatized, achievers, under-achievers, over-achievers, all of these women sacrificing it all just because we women. I see and hear and celebrate you ALL.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-66SH-nE40mF1V5bF3Hl7L22jPiluJvd0uTmwiw_u0bLhKbAem_WOrrUBBj8sSok9ickYvJIo_E99hLstIdKUh9s--OKw68baC-9PBFjWddwtqVb24FyxIHzgdYusxLZwXNEKIBGNPp8Idtlzj_b1kzwU3-mHThXtVWqkYuargeoVeaKd7MaCM8T1/s1200/Greetings_3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-66SH-nE40mF1V5bF3Hl7L22jPiluJvd0uTmwiw_u0bLhKbAem_WOrrUBBj8sSok9ickYvJIo_E99hLstIdKUh9s--OKw68baC-9PBFjWddwtqVb24FyxIHzgdYusxLZwXNEKIBGNPp8Idtlzj_b1kzwU3-mHThXtVWqkYuargeoVeaKd7MaCM8T1/w400-h225/Greetings_3-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-4517009935261539592023-02-04T14:29:00.001+01:002023-02-04T14:32:48.058+01:00Turn Every Situation Into Heaven<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0jfIuPl474PpCFTV5omhE9j2_4oNTvW53AmAeMQWM8VxYndB_aAtAyngFtdV3cw4RQnKPm9CO9r2Qqh8Cz2_9Ogt5_ECQ0jaLU9WLdgYEn-zoZGLvn_BmfwJHeth8J8Lpf5VuWTmImf7oUeuuRBQeIWl2jx4bPWIa8XTwggaI1xSrQFZf26NyB46/s1170/e685ceb3-818e-4acc-965d-e36eed751761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1170" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0jfIuPl474PpCFTV5omhE9j2_4oNTvW53AmAeMQWM8VxYndB_aAtAyngFtdV3cw4RQnKPm9CO9r2Qqh8Cz2_9Ogt5_ECQ0jaLU9WLdgYEn-zoZGLvn_BmfwJHeth8J8Lpf5VuWTmImf7oUeuuRBQeIWl2jx4bPWIa8XTwggaI1xSrQFZf26NyB46/w400-h384/e685ceb3-818e-4acc-965d-e36eed751761.JPG" width="400" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>So I found this picture today and I loved it because I could totally relate to the words. I love music and I really love to dance because I find these lifting and joyous. No matter the mood I'm in, music cheers me up and dancing gives me a great boost.<p></p><p>What I forgot to remember was that the "world" being referred to in this picture excludes Nigeria. This country defies every norm, logic, or rule in the book. The events of the past few weeks have slowly unraveled and then rapidly escalated to doom and gloom. What with the change in currencies, scarcity of the new notes, scarcity of fuel, fuel queues causing endless and horrendous traffic, traffic robberies, people losing their minds inside banking halls because they cannot access cash and eat or fend for their families, etc etc. The list is endless for real and so heartbreaking to witness. This country will test every resolve within you and only God truly knows how we all get by here. </p><p>Anyway, I danced in my room this morning before checking out to go board my flight back to Lagos and I had a spring about me all the way to the airport. Of course, Nigeria being Nigeria soon took the winds out of my sail when I got to the airport way earlier than my flight only to be told the flight had been moved three hours forward. I was furious because my outward trip was also delayed for eight hours and now this. Why this particular airline choses chaos and violence rather than the peace they should give beats me! ๐ก</p><p>I was so cross and frowned all the way past security and into the lounge to wait. As I sat there, I noticed there was a beauty salon within the lounge and suddenly remembered my mantra for this year 20203. I have made a decision and resolve this year that <b>"For every time life shows me <i>shege</i>, I will retaliate with enjoyment". </b>So I went in there to get a relaxing manicure and then ordered my favorite beer and food. <strike>No be me una go run down for this country as I dey so. </strike> I refuse to gree abeg.</p><p>I noticed a long queue of people at an ATM the other day, they had been standing under the harsh sun for hours and it was just so crushing to witness. I had to send for a pack of water and distributed to those on the line. Things are really tough out there and we must all try to alleviate the pains and sufferings of those around us in any way we possibly can. Kind words, kind acts, hugs, etc. Just try to be #AllHeafrtsAlways to the needy around you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOPcTyE5viuphWP34xZlsR0AX5rwBwvA7jx0zWZW5mrbFl_6UpTdAxfwonUfZLJa47bxUJpUSqEK3EOdB8TY7LydTQEg0WZqCJ7PcKii90JDxzQn-t_FbdBMK2Hhvbuu6TTbuKSYdAHYgn-QXdCXSoRtq8g1Y9kK8B2KuBLQtaA8uh2HXLHa-sYzE/s300/download%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOPcTyE5viuphWP34xZlsR0AX5rwBwvA7jx0zWZW5mrbFl_6UpTdAxfwonUfZLJa47bxUJpUSqEK3EOdB8TY7LydTQEg0WZqCJ7PcKii90JDxzQn-t_FbdBMK2Hhvbuu6TTbuKSYdAHYgn-QXdCXSoRtq8g1Y9kK8B2KuBLQtaA8uh2HXLHa-sYzE/w320-h179/download%20(4).jpg" width="320" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><p><br></p><p>I'll dare to say that come what may, keep dancing and turn every situation life throws your way into heaven. Heaven is whatever, whomever or wherever makes you feel joyous and fulfilled.</p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-81567982382503420342023-02-01T17:39:00.001+01:002023-02-04T11:48:39.467+01:00When His Ways Are Not Our Ways<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7y0iVtW4wCgHIoFFXAdMyYUAQqFjXX8xxJDtqhX6wbrCQlH_nVa1GVupweDSdHlNJw9w4J2afheFclp26t4ON1O_2XnLuDqQFLhdFYH_WvURAkdSnn9lWYz_y3bCDWjJcziujBwhYTdNROsbRfX-rB8K37p4pF-JRa445W92TgiaZvkB3H0MMyFPz/s2778/IMG_6688.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7y0iVtW4wCgHIoFFXAdMyYUAQqFjXX8xxJDtqhX6wbrCQlH_nVa1GVupweDSdHlNJw9w4J2afheFclp26t4ON1O_2XnLuDqQFLhdFYH_WvURAkdSnn9lWYz_y3bCDWjJcziujBwhYTdNROsbRfX-rB8K37p4pF-JRa445W92TgiaZvkB3H0MMyFPz/w369-h398/IMG_6688.PNG" width="369" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The thing about Godโs Mercies is that it wears many caps and not one size fits all. While we all know that His ways are clearly not our ways as we are often thrown in the lurch about certain things He allows to happen, we must however note that His varying mercies differ from person to person. While He is merciful to save some from death entirely, He is merciful to let death take others away to ease their pains and sufferings. </span><div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnBiuYlZf_u3AEzen9HsAEmtm4At_sf98bzaf1NDXxAN48l4yNetVL0JYqbiK8MZ0_b7phTSaq5EBgawVgBs5adjpMRwEFDgJajbPx1_tnVVjs9WYvgfooJusQa25tp1HexnAYYdX1XHMVcxdIrqq0KOA9NkdlkpYPmAZ6OCFvydoTyNRbmMNL4Wi/s225/download%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnBiuYlZf_u3AEzen9HsAEmtm4At_sf98bzaf1NDXxAN48l4yNetVL0JYqbiK8MZ0_b7phTSaq5EBgawVgBs5adjpMRwEFDgJajbPx1_tnVVjs9WYvgfooJusQa25tp1HexnAYYdX1XHMVcxdIrqq0KOA9NkdlkpYPmAZ6OCFvydoTyNRbmMNL4Wi/w320-h320/download%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Donโt bother trying to ask why because He is the all-knowing creator who does as He deems fit. Maybe someday, when the entire world ends at the same time for us all, we the mere mortals would get answers to our numerous pending questions. For now, we must learn to accept His decisions and carry on. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd9f7Zt_xr2RBxday6BSv9a_eSvflrU1P-yQ4xMeKZm8sWgrwKxuSmUNjfjR2pVyxhB2z7LK0EuEQIkF1C1PwflPasxjEJLcG_TVuxfgA-YyUqAlQAukeSuTpbGmCUql1jo5yFyP5LWHD-9hA_TScX04s-R4Dh70Y5jRkBlL405bJWMeL6_hlmjsY/s275/download%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd9f7Zt_xr2RBxday6BSv9a_eSvflrU1P-yQ4xMeKZm8sWgrwKxuSmUNjfjR2pVyxhB2z7LK0EuEQIkF1C1PwflPasxjEJLcG_TVuxfgA-YyUqAlQAukeSuTpbGmCUql1jo5yFyP5LWHD-9hA_TScX04s-R4Dh70Y5jRkBlL405bJWMeL6_hlmjsY/w320-h213/download%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sending love and comfort to all who have lost their loved ones.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5krVLFYBZcYsrVkXZdlb0uOq6S2xaWwW7fUAJvPa5aXzaEm6cCgInUW6R3QRpcvVF_9lbk_klSGenxv-NseQqzT3qiQPOL4vGydqf7L4pbwTnijBaFBsaTrxET63DsMcnD4dYS55XIi81YpTJVfK5kt2w5i41e3XwM5PyoWa6k9lttFSeDnG9bbr/s300/download%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5krVLFYBZcYsrVkXZdlb0uOq6S2xaWwW7fUAJvPa5aXzaEm6cCgInUW6R3QRpcvVF_9lbk_klSGenxv-NseQqzT3qiQPOL4vGydqf7L4pbwTnijBaFBsaTrxET63DsMcnD4dYS55XIi81YpTJVfK5kt2w5i41e3XwM5PyoWa6k9lttFSeDnG9bbr/w320-h179/download%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rest in peace Francis, Danjuma and Tayo. <img alt="๐" aria-label="๐" class="an1" data-emoji="๐" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f494/72.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-67253271272014317282023-01-30T09:54:00.003+01:002023-02-04T11:45:02.564+01:00Just Be Happy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwiNxJEA6JJmmkq17QYnVZbWaJAJ4JT12ypfWFH_L0FakTXXw48ZndDzHFYP9iweGVTQnaNC2A7ERncjPs9Eb1chC9SA62RkL7GgFsIRSMn0OwHq5gBJL0LBaK6v6vedB-FQSarqBWnu6EHzIsIG_cODAHSFrUChISffvem7Y2ohrEVYyzNo2bJow/s225/Smile.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwiNxJEA6JJmmkq17QYnVZbWaJAJ4JT12ypfWFH_L0FakTXXw48ZndDzHFYP9iweGVTQnaNC2A7ERncjPs9Eb1chC9SA62RkL7GgFsIRSMn0OwHq5gBJL0LBaK6v6vedB-FQSarqBWnu6EHzIsIG_cODAHSFrUChISffvem7Y2ohrEVYyzNo2bJow/w320-h320/Smile.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello people and a very happy new week to you all. Adulthood has been <i>adulthooding</i> and it's a drag that's so different from <strike>balabluebulaba</strike> what we ever imagined it would seem. I strongly feel there should be a critical course offered in all universities called <i>LIFE; Brace yourself</i> or something like that, which would prepare people for what's ahead. Our various experiences make for more than enough live case studies.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Amidst all of these though, we must make very conscious and precise efforts to remain happy and keep smiling, come what may lest we find ourselves spiraling into a dark place within our own minds. These days, we have a </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">generation of sad people with happy cameras in good phones. Make sure youโre happy in real life. Don't be intimidated by all you see on social media but let your heart feel and experience real joy. </span></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fkKXuKipLIrQOW6NSh4jZ5isPUYMXGcTalnpRp5-ZAPL1PjqIoLn9xQvISyje08yLsNFAKvgcyD5DgTUw8se90yRv8IssODUYdFvv6usukjzIUJ5akDJSOsHaVEvAGC7Qnx5_n4xIM6tAd5DkYG2taS-R78wuwkcsKa8EzghiicwJpLJJfWXSESZ/s259/happy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fkKXuKipLIrQOW6NSh4jZ5isPUYMXGcTalnpRp5-ZAPL1PjqIoLn9xQvISyje08yLsNFAKvgcyD5DgTUw8se90yRv8IssODUYdFvv6usukjzIUJ5akDJSOsHaVEvAGC7Qnx5_n4xIM6tAd5DkYG2taS-R78wuwkcsKa8EzghiicwJpLJJfWXSESZ/w240-h320/happy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a splendid week ahead and don't forget to be #AllHeartsAlways ๐๐<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><p></p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-12894771724740825542023-01-16T13:04:00.002+01:002023-01-16T13:04:18.150+01:00Japa And Anyhowness<p style="text-align: justify;"> The <i>anyhowness</i> of Nigerians is a disease that remains to be studied for understanding and solutions. If you are still wondering what <i>anyhowness</i> means, according to the urban dictionary, it means "doing things without direction". However, my own definition of this is simply "the carrying out of recklessness and rude acts that mostly endangers the lives of others and yourself, without you giving a single care in the world whilst you are at it". </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Japa on the other hand is another local term for migration. In the past couple of years, the number of Nigerians migrating to other countries, far and near, have been mind-blowing and scary especially those in the medical field. <strike>It is looking like we might either have to travel out for medical care ourselves or just resort to trado-medical care when ill as doctors and nurses have left the country in droves.</strike></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, when you combine these two words, you can see that the international level of disgrace and embarrassment awaiting migrants without common sense and decency is only a matter of time. I see how a lot of people carry themselves daily in their interactions with others. I see the condescending arrogance with which line managers and employers relate to their staff and I just know how utterly unacceptable that would be over there in the better civilized countries. Over there, people have values placed on their lives and mental well-being is taken very seriously.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">People need to know to do better across board and treat others with respect. You cannot carry your <i>anyhowness</i> abroad and expect to get away with it the way you do over here. Your silly <strike>ass</strike> self will go to jail and/or get deported before you can say Jack Robinson. Here in Naija, even when a person is breaking a law or doing something utterly stupid, they will have <strike>co-idiots</strike> Voltrons to defend and support them. The amount of <i>anyhowness</i> I witness daily is just mind-boggling. Full adults would eat a snack in their cars and chuck the wraps out the window. Never mind that the items they litter the roads and invariably gutters with cause bigger problems for us all soon enough, but what do they care when they can easily blame the government for incompetence. When you, the logical law-abiding citizen, try to correct them and make see the errors of their ways, they and others around them will turn on you for not minding your business and (check this bit out) also for trying to render the street sweepers jobless!!!!!!! Every time I hear this thought process, I legit well up in tears at how pathetic the situation is.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyhowness is why people employ underaged staff and maltreat them. They just don't care. Anyhowness is why drivers feel the need to face oncoming vehicles without a care for how the rightful lane owners would go about their way. They just don't care. Anyhowness is why an inexperienced and unqualified person would open a hospital/pharmacy and run it like they know what they are doing while killing and maiming innocent people. They just don't care. Anyhowness is a politician brutally assaulting a shop attendant yet going ahead to contest for further political positions. He just doesn't care. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The list is endless but you get my point, yes? So for those of you who have already japa-ed or are planning to, you better unlearn the huge craps you have learnt over the years and have an open mind towards people, situations and things in general. If you do anyhow out there, you will collect <i>wotowoto </i>and it will serve you right.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-1946020946918646682023-01-13T13:50:00.004+01:002023-01-16T11:35:06.112+01:00Happy New Year 2023<p> Yes. I know today is the 13th already but I'm sure it's still a brand sparkling new year for some. ๐</p><p><br /></p><p>I miss writing.......</p><p>I miss you all. my faithful blog followers and readers............</p><p>I aim to be happier, healthier, <i>write-ier, upload-ier </i>and all of that this year. ๐</p><p>As always, I wish you all a brilliant year ahead. Whatever you do this year and regardless of what happens, ensure you keep forging ahead for better. Life is way too short to be miserable and sad. Live a little.</p><p><br /></p><p>Keep being #AllHeartsAlways</p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-1370000529309091962022-11-30T16:10:00.001+01:002022-11-30T16:12:13.970+01:00Life And Curve Balls<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYBggnL9a-0Ae_BCf8ItU1o4_FnCDETUQ2sUqfRH_vtas7ZMUm9rMNzHdzG8pj1CzrWHzSSn1ZuQHkZtB7PcB5K0bcCtqjJvvBrWE86IsCPGGecSK8NLuGDRdzP1cCqc101lZR3SSGjdC2gc00GAm2e1-zA8Pm3ODQDTAh42CnOLKTlx9XIW76EWQ/s1000/When-Life-Throws-You-A-Curveball.001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYBggnL9a-0Ae_BCf8ItU1o4_FnCDETUQ2sUqfRH_vtas7ZMUm9rMNzHdzG8pj1CzrWHzSSn1ZuQHkZtB7PcB5K0bcCtqjJvvBrWE86IsCPGGecSK8NLuGDRdzP1cCqc101lZR3SSGjdC2gc00GAm2e1-zA8Pm3ODQDTAh42CnOLKTlx9XIW76EWQ/w400-h300/When-Life-Throws-You-A-Curveball.001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Life.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It often comes at you quite unexpectedly, fast and hard. Sometimes, the curve balls life throws at us comes out of the blue and smacks us in the face. There's nothing we can do to stop or properly prepare us for these curve balls when they hit other than to do our best to rise above the challenges and emotions that comes with.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KOnE2dqxwFJOPVqh-5pieS106oc9P6VoYlMTqa-GOuHT_srxO3rdqQxoHHGP1uiYwmA6PxAWochOKoNlmJixen7d_wC2s2Xn7QTKcsVQaWs8qfxrCv0lSZso8NT6ioovlgSUmBubhq5dn6iDxYuTXhUm4SedVDwcNzixqDVioQlyPX8ds57SoC40/s285/EfX_vyfWsAISce_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="272" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KOnE2dqxwFJOPVqh-5pieS106oc9P6VoYlMTqa-GOuHT_srxO3rdqQxoHHGP1uiYwmA6PxAWochOKoNlmJixen7d_wC2s2Xn7QTKcsVQaWs8qfxrCv0lSZso8NT6ioovlgSUmBubhq5dn6iDxYuTXhUm4SedVDwcNzixqDVioQlyPX8ds57SoC40/w382-h400/EfX_vyfWsAISce_.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br /><p>I feel like there should have been a course in university tagged <i>'Life, Curve balls and Adulthood: How to overcome.</i>" A full module with real life case studies helping us to know what shockers life could and would have waiting for us as we approach adulthood, and likely solutions to help overcome these challenges when they do come.</p><p>I have been through some really deep, life-threatening, life-changing situations in the time I have spent on earth so far (I do not go by the e-name Survivor17 by mistake) but the events of the past one year broke me in more ways than I can ever put down here succinctly. In simpler words, life has shown me <i>pepper shege</i> <i>ooooooooo </i>BUT I <i>no gree</i>. ๐I am not one to give up or quit on anything at all. So for every Gbas (hit) life lands me, I give back as much of a resounding Gbos (hit back), even if this just means taking it all up on the shin but not giving up on life itself.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3Ht9Bg40Vt8Kpl5BU1SZNCWS1BmLbPLJ95w8uBoj1DDKN0znoBIRhext2sc_FxPXmzTdsDSfdz-JPdDoVwY5sEKZWBSv5Wtv2xt2OSruRg0yGXiBD2l56qzV62NM2WbV8eNJegvq1CvjGk6VXlCpus9oBYtY-xfg0wVHbt_OcH14bu6EaGLpfBur/s2778/IMG_3433.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3Ht9Bg40Vt8Kpl5BU1SZNCWS1BmLbPLJ95w8uBoj1DDKN0znoBIRhext2sc_FxPXmzTdsDSfdz-JPdDoVwY5sEKZWBSv5Wtv2xt2OSruRg0yGXiBD2l56qzV62NM2WbV8eNJegvq1CvjGk6VXlCpus9oBYtY-xfg0wVHbt_OcH14bu6EaGLpfBur/w388-h415/IMG_3433.PNG" width="388" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Anyway, that is <strike>gist</strike> a post for another day.</p><p>Today, I am here to show gratitude for my life being preserved after I had a near-fatal accident six years ago. I wrote a bit about it <a href="https://bukiotuyemi.blogspot.com/2016/12/much-ado-about-personal-silence.html" target="_blank">here</a> back then but I did not quite capture what happened in details. It was bad and up till now, I still do not know how I came out of that wreckage alive. The crushed car was totally written off. I was returning home from a work event with a colleague, who was driving, when we got hit by something and our car started somersaulting. For some weird reason, I felt a very calming peace envelope me but after I counted the fourth overturn, I just closed my eyes and resigned myself to fate. Several somersaults afterwards and we came to a halt on the other side of the road facing the wrong way. </p><p>After the accident, we were helped AND robbed by passersby. The car was a complete write-off. It was a wild experience but I am glad I lived to tell the story. Between then and now, I have been the Survivor I always am, regardless of what life throws at me. Still, I keep rising. ๐ช๐</p>In conclusion, adulthood is harder than the rock of Gibraltar but we must persevere and LIVE life right. When life throws lemons at you, cut them up, pour them into a glass cup, add some vodka and ice and drink up.<div><br /></div><div>Cheers.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-87579022581100094982022-05-18T16:48:00.002+01:002022-05-18T16:48:20.458+01:00RISE ABOVE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmi9wSrabu21RXiN62IeZma8fWEgXpVGbMWqmdz9Bv1mjAq-tSp2RSgnBtYoCwzmWE4yz58lrBcX_N33fJ3CKPO1sOR0BoooJTUfVxgytss9q9XnBsk0zvksNPwelFzRMcuo_SZz14M4CD7aznmcCaczofBJpHILM4DHgjIIWVB-i_kcqlis39yzc/s224/peek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="224" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmi9wSrabu21RXiN62IeZma8fWEgXpVGbMWqmdz9Bv1mjAq-tSp2RSgnBtYoCwzmWE4yz58lrBcX_N33fJ3CKPO1sOR0BoooJTUfVxgytss9q9XnBsk0zvksNPwelFzRMcuo_SZz14M4CD7aznmcCaczofBJpHILM4DHgjIIWVB-i_kcqlis39yzc/w400-h400/peek.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Hello my dearest readers <strike><i>(in Bridgerton Lady Whistledown's voice)</i></strike>, it HAS been a minute hasn't it? (inserts deep sigh) I have no excuses other than that Nigeria and adulthood has been happening to me. In my head, I have written everyday since I was last here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzI5ZebLx3m0PVGJiSzc1yzoxy34hMgZMVAM9NIBo793qeuwC5SkEEJvpN1RVQ6Smew0RUZPFwBVho4B8jl1lH6_kLzAo-m7NsR6uOAkWr3iNWoUcJBQd_djLZJ02RAWWK_3drSF7ejwwi0MXoiQT89wsfvH-bsX9oVt4qHKXfosCMksQp9s1SnWR/s300/apolog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzI5ZebLx3m0PVGJiSzc1yzoxy34hMgZMVAM9NIBo793qeuwC5SkEEJvpN1RVQ6Smew0RUZPFwBVho4B8jl1lH6_kLzAo-m7NsR6uOAkWr3iNWoUcJBQd_djLZJ02RAWWK_3drSF7ejwwi0MXoiQT89wsfvH-bsX9oVt4qHKXfosCMksQp9s1SnWR/w400-h224/apolog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">My sincere apologies for leaving it for this long. I aim to do better. ๐๐๐</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9SeuWycN8sLYFSpAu0ail_3LI9-ITPQdoRpzu1qs1v50bf_8DRgjcpwRaTQYUzCJBepLHCsKPZgkrNv_u3VtIV7EIU7nzESSsUAFgqgupZVMMKdqZKYyrGMqGmfWPsgM0kGuMYbODbQacLYulGKn3eySw7fIguBkeDlT_344Xpp4zyI_zUprwgNz/s1200/Quotation-Nelson-Mandela-Everyone-can-rise-above-their-circumstances-and-achieve-success-if-53-78-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1200" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9SeuWycN8sLYFSpAu0ail_3LI9-ITPQdoRpzu1qs1v50bf_8DRgjcpwRaTQYUzCJBepLHCsKPZgkrNv_u3VtIV7EIU7nzESSsUAFgqgupZVMMKdqZKYyrGMqGmfWPsgM0kGuMYbODbQacLYulGKn3eySw7fIguBkeDlT_344Xpp4zyI_zUprwgNz/w400-h214/Quotation-Nelson-Mandela-Everyone-can-rise-above-their-circumstances-and-achieve-success-if-53-78-60.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The thing
about depression is how it creeps up on you and takes over your sense, leaving you near helpless but desolate. Your mind reads an
article and several minutes or hours afterwards, your brain goes into nibbling
overdrive. Take for example my seeing the news about the explosion in Kano
earlier on Monday and how I was physically sick after reading the news and seeing
snippets of the video which had frightened little children in uniforms and a burning torso in it. It saddened me a great deal that this is what we have to deal with almost on the daily in Nigeria
now. Death, blood, gore, kidnapping, domestic violence, religious violence, horrors of all sorts. Hours later, my brain suddenly whispers to me that โ<i>some mothers who
dressed their kids up for school this morning, are in tears now because they no
longer have those kids</i>โ. That thought brought tears to my eyes, had goosebumps all over my body and sent shivers down my spine. It is a cruel and sickening occurrence especially after the lynching of the undergraduate Deborah in Sokoto State a few days earlier. For a few seconds, it made me wonder what this whole existence is really about and if it is worth the pains.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It took some serious mind control over the matters at hand and lots of prayers for me not to fall down the slippery slope of darkness the awful news around me was pushing me through. I also had prompt support from close friends and family so that helped but it made me realize how very easily one's mind can snap without the right support when faced with dire news or situations. It made me realize that there are lots of people out there who are not equipped with the right support system to help them go through dark times/phases and I wonder how they cope and rise above. My heart prays for everyone going through rough times and I'm sending out love and light to you all. ๐๐</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8fHEtlvpeX0f4deb1K1Vg06KJz5isVJ7k53sqfbUfa7FoyIKV74or2GqamCmfqlcW4nMRV09mGMLaS_MGsqEu1p9ZG1xS8KZbZMm3MRH9HsmI11Ux-qbcXhHm7CzhZyAutwceStMSQ9USb-8gASwymmaCQ9snsfV-3WMfKfyAFYXR2Dif7YWCO78/s265/rise%20above.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="265" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8fHEtlvpeX0f4deb1K1Vg06KJz5isVJ7k53sqfbUfa7FoyIKV74or2GqamCmfqlcW4nMRV09mGMLaS_MGsqEu1p9ZG1xS8KZbZMm3MRH9HsmI11Ux-qbcXhHm7CzhZyAutwceStMSQ9USb-8gASwymmaCQ9snsfV-3WMfKfyAFYXR2Dif7YWCO78/w400-h287/rise%20above.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One thing for sure about adulthood is that everyone is going through one thing <strike>(or 50)</strike> or the other but we all just keep smiling and pushing through. <i>No be only you waka come o</i>, so do not feel alone when you are down or going through tough times. Rather, reach out and take whatever support you get. Do fun and happy things to lift yourself up. Also reach out constantly to your friends and loved ones because oftentimes, the most cheerful of people are the ones needing care and support the most.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Assuredly, dark clouds will ALWAYS lift and there is ALWAYS a rainbow at the end of each storm so donโt let
the gloomy and dark thoughts drown you. RISE ABOVE. </p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-76186525322472778172020-10-24T11:20:00.001+01:002020-10-24T11:20:27.599+01:00EVERYBODY HURTS<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Xd3rCYZbaHn2DqZlQL1yc75FYApgLKpH62gRHE5TPCk2KCFP_dh3X1x243xfkGSgDgsMqZWymr1yort5uKX10HgZZFeZpHCD3qzTmZtRNHq2vlgTh1T6VakwfrchNx676W2_OMf9lY/s1200/67056-flower-pavement-crack-gettyimages-ipopba.1200w.tn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Xd3rCYZbaHn2DqZlQL1yc75FYApgLKpH62gRHE5TPCk2KCFP_dh3X1x243xfkGSgDgsMqZWymr1yort5uKX10HgZZFeZpHCD3qzTmZtRNHq2vlgTh1T6VakwfrchNx676W2_OMf9lY/w522-h311/67056-flower-pavement-crack-gettyimages-ipopba.1200w.tn.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Hmmmmmmn.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We are still raw from the pains and destructions we witnessed this week. It hurts so much, way more than I can put into words. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1mygIvpffAMrTukPi8eMqSs2S6idCrXyWTz3Y8Gz03MbWMthoysz7Vt-0-2CJTBBPHX0GCe6S3wd0A4cIjqtUMe6Wq66wkm7NgOqwKXjv_omuOHsI_vd2PPkO3Uy2ZZam_r7bjmaFek/s610/musicbrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="610" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1mygIvpffAMrTukPi8eMqSs2S6idCrXyWTz3Y8Gz03MbWMthoysz7Vt-0-2CJTBBPHX0GCe6S3wd0A4cIjqtUMe6Wq66wkm7NgOqwKXjv_omuOHsI_vd2PPkO3Uy2ZZam_r7bjmaFek/w400-h290/musicbrain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I typed the paragraph above over an hour ago and I am still unable to put the words in my head into <strike><span style="font-size: x-small;">typing</span></strike> writing. So, I have decided to share with you my therapy, which gets me through everything life throws at me. <b>MUSIC</b>. Music, sweet tea and fresh flowers always make everything better and I would strongly recommend either or all of these three whenever you're feeling blue.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A particular song comes to mind today because the words, melody and everything about it are so soothing. It's "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. This song will most likely make you cry but you will feel better afterwards because you are not alone. We are all in this mess together and we will overcome together. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5rOiW_xY-kc" width="320" youtube-src-id="5rOiW_xY-kc"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The lyrics are below:</p><div class="PZPZlf" data-lyricid="Lyricfind002-1436100" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="bbVIQb" jsname="Vinbg"><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">When your day is long</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">And the night</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">The night is yours alone</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">When you're sure you've had enough</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Of this life</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Well hang on</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Don't let yourself go</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">'Cause everybody cries</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">And everybody hurts sometimes</span></div><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">Sometimes everything is wrong</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Now it's time to sing along</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">When your day is night alone (hold on)</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">(Hold on) if you feel like letting go (hold on)</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">If you think you've had too much</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Of this life</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Well, hang on</span></div><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">'Cause everybody hurts</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Take comfort in your friends</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Everybody hurts</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Don't throw your hand</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Oh, no</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Don't throw your hand</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">If you feel like you're alone</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">No, no, no, you're not alone</span></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc OULBYb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">If you're on your own</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">In this life</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">The days and nights are</span>โฆ </div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc OULBYb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div class="bbVIQb" jsname="WbKHeb"><div aria-hidden="true" class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span></div><div aria-hidden="true" class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span></div><div aria-hidden="true" class="ujudUb WRZytc xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcX7gznsPfmZLRWx6awwllZgVahpy7xS8tmVCTn4GA9-KLH0orqqJo-YlrLfZ0OR05UjJUQX7fvpsNOEsFZJqKYzJ9J08n0jil_OqmojM_kIXM_UfleQ1QK8jI0LMbxPZE9esIlSj7Q64/s499/shutterstock_137307233-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="499" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcX7gznsPfmZLRWx6awwllZgVahpy7xS8tmVCTn4GA9-KLH0orqqJo-YlrLfZ0OR05UjJUQX7fvpsNOEsFZJqKYzJ9J08n0jil_OqmojM_kIXM_UfleQ1QK8jI0LMbxPZE9esIlSj7Q64/w590-h306/shutterstock_137307233-2.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">HANG ON AND STAY STRONG. ๐๐น๐น๐น๐ธ๐ธ๐ธ๐ป๐ป๐ป๐บ๐บ๐บ๐</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-23385215693381704002020-10-23T04:04:00.003+01:002020-10-23T04:04:49.126+01:00Kept Up By The Monsters They Created<p style="text-align: justify;">This week has been one of the most trying weeks I've ever had to go through and trust me, I did not coin the user name @survivor17 without having really gone through some major stuff in life, but this week took the absolute biscuit. Between having three family medical near-crisis, the protests which eventually turned into an absolute nightmare and the president's <strike><span style="font-size: xx-small;">awful</span></strike> speech last night, I think I was almost about done with everything.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Skipping the family medical near-crisis, while being <u>EXTREMELY</u> thankful for miracles as usual, I'll go straight to the protests and outcomes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have not the words.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">You see, <b>20-10-20 </b>is the <b>Black Tuesday</b> we <b>MUST NEVER</b> forget in Nigeria and worldwide if we must be honest. What started as peaceful protests across the country in a bid to try to end or at least curb the insane police brutalities happening across the country especially in the Eastern and South western parts of the country, quickly spiralled into chaos and ended in sorrow, tears, pains, and blood. ๐๐๐๐ข๐ข </p><p style="text-align: justify;">All most of us wanted was for peace to reign and for young people to be able to live without the fear of being snatched randomly and tortured by the same SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) that should otherwise have been keeping us all safe. Alas, some unscrupulous elements in the society chose to have war, unrest, blood and all the horrors of hell instead. A bunch of unknown yet heavily armed soldiers went to the toll gate in Lekki (Lagos State) and opened fire on <b>UNARMED</b> citizens who sat there singing the anthem and waving their flags. It felt like a full horror movie was playing out right before our very eyes. Thank God a brave young lady called <b>DJ Switch </b>was on scene to share the horror to over a 100,000 of us all via her instagram live. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have not the accurate words to describe the horror I saw and heard that night but I'll try. There were absolutely terrified but <b>BRAVE</b> people singing the National Anthem with trembling voices and just the national cloth-flags to protect them, people bleeding out from gunshots wounds while wailing in raw pains as the weeping but unharmed tried to prise bullets out of them with rusty pliers sterilised with sachets of cheap alcohol, people taking their very last breaths right before our eyes, some injured being carried to safer distances with the hopes that ambulances would arrive in time to save them, and so many more that I I shudder to relive now. I watched it all LIVE on instagram. Lord!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was the stuff nightmares were made off, that Black Tuesday.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">How could any sane human being, let alone an elected government have ordered a hit on its own citizen, even moreso harmless ones? It beggared belief and still does. I simply cannot wrap my head around it all. I was shaken to my very core and absolutely broken by what I witnessed. They didn't even let ambulances through to help the injured for hours, still they kept shooting at intervals till morning. It was <b>horrific</b>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">By the next morning, naturally tempers were flying all over the place and people came out really angry and started targeting certain establishments they felt were owned by the person they assumed was behind the attack. I mean they didn't just start attacking his supposed businesses but they were practically lured and goaded into doing so by some cowardly instigators who fed off the chaos. It felt like a scene out of a zombie movie as people came out in droves to destroy and burn properties of anyone with perceived affiliation with the government. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The larger end result of this were <a href="http://bukiotuyemi.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-day-of-reckoning-beckons.html?spref=tw" target="_blank">miscreants and hoodlums</a> <i>(read this piece which I wrote <b>SIX</b> years ago)</i> who had clearly had enough of the economic divide and situation in the country over time also joining in the melee and as such gave way to murder, arson, jail breaks, looting, destruction, sexual abuse, robbery, and every other evil you can think of. A lot of this occurred regardless of the curfew imposed by the governor of the state. People went stark raving mad and acted like monsters who had had a taste of rare human blood and longed for more. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I couldn't stop crying for two days, couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. I was numb. How could this happen to our beloved nation despite all we have tried to do over the years to keep things on track and make them better? ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I started to feel a bit better yesterday evening after I got two funny caricature videos. They cracked me up and I was glad I was able to laugh amidst the despair. This however only lasted for a short while until I saw a fresh video from that Black Tuesday night. It sent me spinning into near depression as I relived the horror afresh and broke out into a cold sweat while quelling panic attacks. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">You see the things about all I've written about is that it isn't even close to half of what I have been through this week at all but I will move on to the last bit which was the president's speech last night.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Per the speech, I absolutely do not have the heart nor words to fully describe the emotions that went through me before, during and <strike>after</strike> it. Oh wait, scratch that last bit, I know what I went through after it and it was a firm resolve not to wail in despair but to restrategize my outlook on life and a sweet sense of comical hysteria because if I had not chosen to find humour and laughter in my pains and anguish last night, I would have completely lost it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So here I am, another night of being unable to sleep at all for fear of flashbacks from that Black Tuesday and absolutely frightening nightmares for when I do drift off. I keep wondering that if I feel as awful as I do now, how are those <b>BRAVE</b> ones who stood firm in the face of death feeling now? We all need counselling as a nation but that's another story for another day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I want to say God bless Nigeria but even my tired is tired. ๐</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I wish us all well and I pray the souls of the dead find the rest they require after they seek justice out. ๐๐๐</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Keep being #AllHeartsAlways in all you do and where you find yourself. ๐๐๐</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-29052328296162332212020-10-10T18:54:00.003+01:002020-10-10T18:54:34.603+01:00Enough Already #EndSARS<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmSJC-etoOLJ8Kc1VKvbgZyS0wgQTOqrc0OE4ybETwjYrouv6W6LG1U_g9XOAxBwrai8wezFcwTFMhWMuFQJtsf5Z81YpPmaWETfOTfaeGFW2G-5GC28tTpB9T_lR25Wr14lADsGl0cs/s389/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="389" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmSJC-etoOLJ8Kc1VKvbgZyS0wgQTOqrc0OE4ybETwjYrouv6W6LG1U_g9XOAxBwrai8wezFcwTFMhWMuFQJtsf5Z81YpPmaWETfOTfaeGFW2G-5GC28tTpB9T_lR25Wr14lADsGl0cs/w458-h183/images.jpeg" width="458" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <strike>revolution</strike> revelations over the past few days has weakened me mentally and I honestly don't know where or how it would all end. I have been crying randomly for the last two days and the tears just won't stop. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I came on here to write and pour out my mind but seeing that my <a href="https://bukiotuyemi.blogspot.com/2020/06/who-cap-fits.html" target="_blank">last post</a> can't be so much different from what I'd come to write about made me more sad. I am tired of the injustice meted out to Nigerians daily. I am sick of it. I have been saying something must give and it seems the time is upon us at last, albeit at a grave cost. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There has been ongoing protests all over the country for the past few days as thousands of Nigerian youths take to the streets calling for an end to SARS. Those who were created and paid to protect us have turned into killing machines over time. SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) is a unit of the Nigerian Police Force created to covertly trace, track and arrest armed robbers but alas, they have completed deviated from their calling and moved on to carrying out highly nefarious and gross acts of irresponsibility at the detriment of the Nigerian youths. There are endless reports of them raping, harassing, killing and maiming people. They carry out raids and extort innocent citizens in the name of keeping peace. They target seemingly rich and young Nigerians especially those that use high-end phones, who have tattoos and/or dreadlocks, etc regardless of what these young ones actually do for a living in real life. Too many people have been killed or are still languishing in prisons as we speak because they fell victims to the raids carried out by this killer squad. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, the youths have had enough and have taken to social media in protests and also to the streets all over the world. The hashtags #EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutality #EndSARSNow and #EndSARSProtests have been trending for days. We are tired and have had enough. No one (OLD AND YOUNG) is safe from these guys and almost everyone has a story to tell about their cruel acts, ether firsthand or by third-party experiences.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, the government has not said anything the people want to hear so the standoff continues. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Already, a young student named <b><u>Jimoh ISIAQ</u></b>, was shot dead by the Nigeria Police Force this afternoon in Ogbomosho. He was a victim of circumstance because pictures taken just before he was killed showed he was not with the protestors but was a mere bystander. <b>The Nigerian Police fired live bullets at peaceful and unarmed protestors. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't even have the right words now and the tears won't stop so I will stop here for now. I would appeal to those of you with the President on speed dial to call him and let him know how grave the situation is. This is not the time to be an ostrich and bury our heads in the sand hoping this would "<i>fizzle</i>" out. He needs to address the country, allay our fears and anger and #EndSars.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">#EnoughIsEnough</div><p></p>Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-30588352480950287902020-06-04T16:47:00.000+01:002020-06-04T16:47:09.934+01:00Who The Cap Fits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The past couple of weeks have been absolutely exhausting for me as a woman, even more so a black woman, as a citizen of Nigeria and as a human being as a whole. I have watched several videos and read several gut-wrenching stories of inhumane acts on fellow human beings especially women and they broke me. I have seen such cruel unfeeling racist attacks on blacks and the retaliations. I have read accounts of sordid rapes and the unthinking and absolutely mad defense of rapists by rape apologists that has made my blood boil as I literarily saw red in fury. I have tried not to let all the madness going on around me get to me mentally and that in itself is a day's job in one. </div>
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Bob Marley's lyrics in Who The Cap Fits keeps ringing in my head as I sadly realize that nothing has changed since the decades ago that he wrote that song. Truly, man to man is so unjust and it's hard to trust anyone these days. I look at my kids and I worry about them. I pray evil is forever far from them and while I thank God for giving me strong and sound kids who can hold their own, still I fret and worry. It does feel like the whole world has gone absolutely bonkers. </div>
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How do you deliberately jail an innocent person and go home to sleep peacefully? How do you lure a girl, lady or woman and violently rape them? Age is no barrier for these rapists as I have read of rape cases in the past week that involved females of all ages ranging between SIX MONTHS old to SEVENTY EIGHT years old!!!!!!!!!!! How does the tears of another, whether caused by you or caused by another, not move you one bit? How are you comfortable in the face of injustice, racism, pain and murder? </div>
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What has dulled the conscience of human beings and drained their milk of kindness?</div>
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I don't have all the answers to how to fix things and make the world right again. I can only do my part and if we all do our parts in our own corner of the world, perhaps, just perhaps the world can become bearable again. Do not ignore the things happening now, thinking they are far from you. the world is getting smaller and the internet has connected us all, one way or the other. Today it's them, tomorrow it could be you or your loved one. you are as complicit in your silence as are the perpetrators. </div>
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Do right by humanity. Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-28416786403542006232020-05-24T03:03:00.001+01:002020-05-24T03:03:06.485+01:00There's Hopeful And Then There's Archie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had an appointment yesterday and was running late and rushing to get ready when a notification popped up on my phone. I went to Facebook to check it out and it turned out to be one of, if not the, the most touching and inspiring videos I've ever come across.</div>
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A man walked into his session for American's Got Talent audition and blew everyone away with his story and his performance. You see, Archie Williams had been WRONGLY but DELIBERATELY imprisoned for 37 years in Louisiana, USA for a crime which he did not commit. In 1982, Archie was accused of attacking a woman and even though he insisted he was innocent with all evidences supporting his claim, he still went to prison for nearly four decades for it. </div>
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His is a painfully heartbreaking story of being a fall guy for a crime he was no where around when it happened. The fingerprints found at the scene of the crime did not match his at the time and THREE people testified that he was at home at the time of the crime but that did not matter to the judge or juror who sentenced to him to life imprisonment without parole, before he was freed in March 2019 thanks to the efforts of the Innocence Project, a non-profit organization that works to put end to wrongful convictions.</div>
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When the host of the show asked Archie how he coped with being locked up for almost 40 years, he replied saying <strong><em>โI went to prison but I never let my mind go to prison.โ</em></strong> </div>
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He further said that he would โpray and singโ during โdark times,โ and would watch American Idol on television from prison, hoping that he could compete one day. How incredible it was to watch that day and dream come true for Archie as he delivered a powerful rendition of Sir Elton John and George Michaelโs 'Donโt Let The Sun Go Down On Me', which all four judges praised glowingly.</div>
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I had goosebumps watching the entire video. His story moved me to tears as I felt all sorts of emotions course through me in their entirety. I was so angry on his behalf for all the lost years and things he's missed out on, I was livid with the justice system, I was baffled at how God let it happen, I was sad for what he'd been through, I smiled through my tears as he performed with his whole heart and soul, I marveled at his strength and positivity which got him from 1982 to this point, I shuddered at the unspoken in-between stories he'd yet to tell and for those he can never speak about on his journey. Archie's story shredded me of all emotions and I tried to put myself in his shoes over the years but couldn't quite fathom it all. I wanted to hug him so bad and tell him it would be alright after all but his strength pushed through his performance and I felt like he knew that already.</div>
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One thing stuck out for me the most through this rollercoaster journey I embarked on for those nine minutes with Archie and the thousands of people in that hall with him. I realized that life can be cruel and unfair but it is still up to us not to give up or give in to the pressure. Never let the sun go down on you as you journey through life.</div>
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Just keep pushing through no matter what.</div>
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You will be alright, eventually.</div>
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Love......</div>
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๏ปฟ</div>
<br />Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-54197544224420041232020-02-14T13:38:00.001+01:002020-02-14T13:38:20.349+01:00Lovely day, Daily Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy valentine's day. Before you fanatics have a fit on whether this day is for pagans or whatchamacallit, take a deep breath first. </div>
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Knowing how topsy-turvy the world has become when it comes to the amount of hate-crimes against humanity we read about everyday, I think it is just as well that we have an entire day on the calendar set aside to celebrate LOVE and LOVERS. </div>
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So please cut us some slack and allow people show and display their love for themselves. </div>
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Do have a special and beautiful valentine's day. Remember to love and show love every single day though.<br />
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Cheers.<br />
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๏ปฟ</div>
<br />Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-35336820688032462922020-02-13T21:03:00.000+01:002020-02-13T21:03:19.389+01:00New Is New Whenever New!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooooo everyone, especially all ye faithful blog visitors of mine. :) I cannot believe it has been this long since I last posted on here. Sigh. <strike>*covers eyes in shame o*</strike><br />
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Anyway, I'm here now and I wish you all a very splendid and prosperous new year. Yes, the new year starts whenever I say it does and I say it starts again now. There's no rule that states we have to be stuck in a rut for always. <br />
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Well, here's to new and beautiful changes in each of our lives. So much has happened to/with me in the past six months but the one thing I have taken away from it all is that life is too short so I MUST live! Not merely living but living right and living well.<br />
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Cheers to 2020!<br />
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I will do better with writing and blogging this year. :D <br />
<br />Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057574315191192654.post-62107945288914809802019-10-16T19:14:00.000+01:002019-10-16T19:19:29.818+01:00Clearing The Cobwebs Off<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFD9Ws8D5pPKghDqa0sY3PQhR2j6H7LF2iQSP545w-aDAuBV6DuM0HyIk3Ui8PBeCsDjVVvfd2qGZJZz-InkCnHEf2czadu7h0XICCIjbm4HilwQ1Dxekr8kkoBL1d7E5iG0lKBKB-2g/s1600/spider-cobwebs-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFD9Ws8D5pPKghDqa0sY3PQhR2j6H7LF2iQSP545w-aDAuBV6DuM0HyIk3Ui8PBeCsDjVVvfd2qGZJZz-InkCnHEf2czadu7h0XICCIjbm4HilwQ1Dxekr8kkoBL1d7E5iG0lKBKB-2g/s320/spider-cobwebs-main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Helloooooooooooooo!!?????????????? Anybody home???????? Yoohooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!! ๐ปโบ</div>
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<em><strike>*crickets chirping, cobwebs hanging*</strike></em> Na wa o! Someone cannot even play with you people and disappear for <strike>only</strike> ten months again? ๐๐๐ </div>
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I'm kidding though but oh, how I have missed my blog, missed writing and missed reading/hearing/getting feedback from <strong>YOU</strong>, my dearest readers. Believe me when I say that I have thought about writing every single day since the last time I wrote here but I had just been unable to do so until this evening. <br />
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This year has been incredible in more ways than one, such that I do not even have the right word to aptly describe it. One thing I can say though is that it has been a helluva ride from January till date. I will be giving you the gist of it all over time and with pictures and stories for daysssssssssssss. <br />
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I remember tweeting a few days ago saying "I miss writing" and OOMF (One Of My Followers) retorted cheekily that I <em>was</em> "<em>writing</em>" even with that singular tweet! Well hey presto, how hard can dropping a line be amidst my busy schedule, right? So here I am, with so much more that those three words. ๐๐<br />
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I won't even make any promises or give y'all false hopes of hearing from me daily but I just want y'all to know that I am <strong><u>BACK</u></strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ๐คธ๐คธ๐คธ๐คธ๐คธ๐คธ๐คธ๐คธ<br />
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Buki O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11979404521206644630noreply@blogger.com0