Merry Christmas, Happy Boxing Day, Happy New Year

Wishing you the best this season and in the new year! I will be back soon with lots to say and post
Spend time with family
Eat.
Go out.
Laugh till you're exhausted
And give.

Love always!
Sabirah

12/14/12

Gosh considering all the promises I made in my last post... let's just start afresh.

Hi my name is Sabirah, I run this blog, I'm a generally happy person with an interest in maaaany different things, pleased to meet you.

How are you?
Me?
I've been well. A lot and nothing has happened in the past 2 weeks.
Let's focus on the happy. My brother is back from school! I love him so much and he drives me crazy at the same time, It's quite amazing! The house is so much more interesting with him. Last night we cozied up on the couch watching revenge (well him watching and me bitching about what a terrible show it is) then he made me indomie noodles -such a good cook- and we giggled till we slept. That's the good life.

Does any one else have spidey senses/sixth sense/third eye ? Mine has been in overdrive whattttt! I'm sensitive to every and anything and my intuition has been on point. Tell me why I decided to ignore my ever so accurate intuition on Tuesday night. As I got ready for an interview, I had the urge to practice cliche interviewer questions like "tell me about yourself" "how much would you like to be paid" etc but then I thought "oh please, that's so old school" no-one has ever asked me that, they don't do it anymore. WRONG. They asked. I froze. (but I still scaled through). Phew! Wish me luck for the last of 3 interviews (with THE BIG DOGS) coming up soon. I'm excited! It's a possible dream job.

I haven't quite caught the Christmas bug, to be honest I never quite catch it, I didn't grow up that way. Nevertheless I'm excited about my friends who are coming home for the holidays all whooping 2 of them! I'm excited for the fun and festivities. There's a Nneka concert I plan on going to (super excited) and I'd like to go to the Bez concert too (but it's quite pricey). I'll also be going to a wedding. I'm so proud of my one wedding a year policy(till all my friends decide to get married around the same time), to be honest I don't see the point of going to a wedding where I'm not close to (or at least know) either the bride or groom.

Today has been awesome, I've been stuffing my face with chocolate cookies, canoodling with the partner, catching up on my shows (Grey's and scandal really) and having the best conversations with my brother and partner (they have such a great relationship it warms my heart, caught them doing math together earlier today :'))
Life is good.
Hmmm what else?
I think that's it.

So what about you? What have you been up to?
Love as always!
Sabirah

This is not a rant.

I promise.
But Nigeria.... ughhhh
I'm going back to my country, and by my country I mean The home of the brave and land of the free, God bless America.
OK not really but still. Lagos and by extension Nigeria is just plain difficult to live in and function, this is not a rant so I won't get into it. If I'm going to continue functioning and by extension (I like this by extension oh) Imma need some structure oooookaaaay?

My "not rant" is over.

How y'all doing? I have some great things in the works and I can't wait to be on my blogging flow again. Nothing much is happening. Just wanted to say hi :) Look out for new posts this coming week and if you like the blog share!

Have an amazing week everyone!
Love always,
Sabirah

Thursday Tidbits

1. Happy thanksgiving to all my "Americans" It was always such a great time for me when I lived in the states.
2. Spent all of yesterday on my mum's friend's organic farm! It was ammmmaazing (pictures up soonish)
3. Related to the above I have been eating the most luscious fruits and veggies all day! I could live like this forever ever ever.
4. I have really few friends in Lagos, it was rather shocking because at a point in my life all my friends were here. Life changes, people move, grow apart etc. and I'm learning to be OK with that.
5. Remember the man I was attracted to in this post ? Meeeh.. I saw him today and figured it out, it was his voice. No longer attracted.
6. Remember the tailor I was hoping on from last post? She was aiit. A tad expensive for me sha, the search continues
7. I went to Covenant University on Tuesday and was really impressed by the campus and facilities. Really nice and beautiful too!
8. My mum and I are such good friends I can't bear the thought of living apart again :(
9. Cant wait for my friend Simi to be in Lagos. Fun times ahead!

Have an amazing weekend y'all :)

Love always,

Sabirah

Thursday Tidbits (late)

Late again, sorry! Nigerian factor.

1. It was our anniversary yesterday! :D
2. Saw Nigerian movie "Hood rush" great acting & story line although the singing was a bit much at times, I really enjoyed it
3. I wish the hood rush theatre was as full as the sky fall one...
4. What are we really going to do about Nigerian men peeing in public, It's so disgusting it's unbelievable, I've started taking my phone out pretending to take a picture. hahaha. Shames them quickly.
5. My mum commended me on my "faith" this morning, saying she needs to learn from me. Really warmed my heart.
6. I'm going to pick up my clothes from a new tailor today, fingers crossed. I hope she is the ONE. the search for a good tailor is reeeeal.
7. Cooking really makes me happy. Finally decided to do something about my lethargy and creative rut. Cook something new every wednesday when my friend Suyi is visiting. 
8. Everyone loved the creamy pasta dish I made. My mum who wasn't interested came back for seconds!
9. Ugh I haaaaate Nigerian salons, the have NO clue bout natural hair, back to doing my hair myself. My mum did some sexy all back for me last night. (whose mum still does their hair? lol :D)

Have an amazing weekend everyone!

Love always,

Sabirah

Girl Talk

(fine, boys you can stay too)

The other day I was thinking of how important it is to be able to talk about sex on a real level with other girls/women. I think it's essential to have that one person/people that you can talk to freely whether you are having sex or not, maybe you're curious, you're considering it soon, "saving" it till your wedding night or celibate. It's nice to have someone you can ask questions whether or not they have answers or just voice out your concerns without judgement. While reading cosmo might answer some questions, I've found that most of the information there is... well fluff.

A bit of background; as close as I am to my mother, sex wasn't just the kind of topic we got into. I think I was about 10 years old when I first got the whole "sex is for grown ups" talk. The next one happened when I got my period, I think I was about 12, the short version was "you are now a big girl, if a boy touches you, you can have a baby". And I was like ugh, this is all so gross and why would I let a boy touch me anyways.

Lot's of things I didn't know. 

1. That this "touching" was sex
2. That I would develop a "desire" to be "touched"
3. That people enjoyed the "touching"

So fast forward to senior secondary school, the rumors and stories were flying around, "bad girls" were letting boys touch them. I really couldn't understand why girls would get into so much trouble just for that in my head they were stupid. Let me be clear though, I was talking to boys and all but it was more of just enjoying attention than anything else.

My first "real talk" about sex was with my uncle's wife, I was about 14 and was on her bridal train. On the night before the wedding my friend and I were in her room and she was packing her honeymoon suitcase. She started showing us all her lingerie etc and I was so embarrassed and flustered, so she told us (my friend and  I) that she and my uncle were going to have sex and enjoy it O_O, showed us her edible panties etc and I was just like woooah. Fun night, she is still my favorite aunt.

Then college came around, I honestly can't remember exactly when but all of a sudden I was interested in boys in a different kind if way, of course by now I knew (what I thought was a lot) about sex and I had a boyfriend and I wanted to talk about it with him all the time (hahaha thank God we were long distance). I had all these questions and I was so lucky to have friends, my ( understanding albeit frustrated) boyfriend and the above aunt to have real talk with.

These conversations shaped a lot of my thoughts on sex and physical intimacy and made me really confident about the choices I made concerning my body. I think it's so important for ladies to have spaces where we can have open conversations like these, without discriminating against the sexually active, virgin, re-virginated (lol this always makes me giggle)/celibate and so on. No matter where you stand on that scale you deserve to have people you can trust enough to ask what you want/need to know

So questions for you; How did you find out about sex, who did you ask? What were your sources of information? What do you wish you had known earlier? Still have doubts and questions?

I know this is kind of a different topic for this blog but I usually write as it comes so...

As always, Love.
Sabirah.

p.s feel free to share and comment, would be nice to get a conversation going.

Thankful.

In the past two months a lot of things have not worked out exactly as planned. I was disappointed a few times and felt a bit helpless. It just seemed like my perfect plan was falling to pieces.

At the same time I tried to remain hopeful and believe that God was working things out in my favor as he promised, because he knows exactly what is best for me.

I just want to write this quick post to say I'm thankful. I'm happier than I've been in a long time and I can attribute that to being surrounded by loving family and friends. I know that even though some things didn't work out exactly as planned, God is always working behind the scenes and making the best decisions for us.

I'm really thankful for the amazing people God puts in my life, I can't say it enough but I am surrounded by the absolute best people here and thousands of miles away and sometimes I forget how much of a blessing that is.

I'm happy and so thankful.

It's November already and I'm praying that things only get better. Remember to focus on the good in your life, even if one thing isn't working out as you wanted, trust that God is there and there are many other things that ARE working out (and usually far more important than what we worry about)


Love always,
Happy Sunday!
Sabirah

Thursday Tidbits.

Woooohoooo, the irony of a jobless person celebrating thursday *shrug*

1. Mahn I've been battling a sore throat, severe allergies and some sinus pressure for like 3 days. It is not funny.
2. I went to the market today, as in Lagos Island. It's always interesting yet stressful sigh.
3. I am not ready. Everyday I see another sign that I am not ready. Sheesh... Ready for marriage and or children I mean.
4. But really is anybody ever really "ready" in the true sense of the word?
5. Anybody that tells you a relationship isn't work is a liar oh. Look them in the eyes with tears running down your face and say "Whhhhhyyyy, why do you lie to me so"
6. Unrelated to the above I might have a future in acting
7. But really, that's why it's so important to find who is worth the work. Dear Sabirah's Partner, you are so worth the work ( I know you read :p)
8. My mum just called the channel Africa Magic, "African Madness" pretty apt freudian slip! LMAO
9. Thanks to everyone who responded in detail to my last Thursday Tidbit, thanks for all the assurance and just adding your voice to the conversation, it's not too late if you haven't and you want to. Also thank you for reading and sharing with your friend's. Be blessed!

Love always,

Sabirah

Freedom Park

Two weeks ago on a Saturday evening, three girls decided to wander around Lagos Island just for the fun of it... via keke napep (a motorzed tuk tuk)- if you've never been in one you have to try it! it's exhilarating, at least I found it so.

Lagos Island was relatively calm so getting around was easy. Funlola suggested Freedom park as she had seen it and wondered what it was about. Many thanks to our Keke-napep driver Kenny who also sometimes served as our driver and was quite funny. Definitely loved his spirit!

Freedom park is built on the site of a former prison. The prison was built in 1872, and Obafemi Awolowo was once imprisoned here. Although nothing remains of the former prison structures (it was demolished by a developer in the 70's), the designer and architect Theo Lawson wanted it to retain some of it's history and built some cells with low walls to give an idea of what a prison cell looked like at the time.

I absolutely love the idea of creating something new and fresh but not forgetting history. Freedom park is beautiful and I see myself visiting often either to just lounge in the beautiful park or maybe attend a concert

 It was a fun day doing what I love, exploring, learning and enjoying what this city has to offer. Thank God for friends who love adventure :).

Visit their website here http://freedomparklagos.com/

Any places I should be visiting next?

Love always,
Sabirah

Thursday Tidbits (Late)

So it's actually Friday but please pardon me, the electricity situation in Lagos has been really terrible, even right now there is no power. Sigh.

1. What would it really take to solve Nigeria's power problem?
2. Why wasn't there more concern about the flooding in Nigeria. I mean I heard sooooo much more about Hurricane Sandy, why don't we care for our own? 1.4 million people were DISPLACED in the recent floods in Nigeria that affected 30 out of our 36 states. I mean is it just a case of bad journalism or maybe we too have come to view things from a US-centric angle?
3. Things are bad. And it's scary...
4. Apparently in 2014, Legally Nigeria will no longer be "Nigeria" and can be split. What does this even mean?
5. How much can your environment hamper your creativity and your will to just DO
6. What is REALLY Important?
7. How does a young creative person create a Legal source of income :s 
8. How do I shake off this Lethargy?
9. Again What is really important?

Different Format today, Loads of questions swimming in my head. If you have answers, have at it. :)

Have a pleasant weekend.

Love always,

Sabirah

Felabration "Lite"

It was Tuesday and my friend Sopiriala and I were just at home chilling. I knew I wanted to see my Friend Tola as he was leaving town the next day, so when he suggested we head to The Shrine I was allllll over it!

 Last year I went with Tola and Leke and a couple of other friends and we had a great time. We went for the main event though and it was crazy rowdy and jam packed ->(Last year's post), So it was nice to go for a mid-week event where we got all of the awesome live music but none of the crazy crowd. Let's call it Felabration "Lite"

I really should go back to the shrine on a quiet day and get pictures of the art and the place as a whole. It's pretty amazing.

Next stop, the newly opened Kalakutta Republic Musuem!! I Love Afrobeat!  Long Live Fela Anikulapo Kuti!

Love always,

Sabirah.

Thursday Tidbits

Wooohooo 4day weekend. even though it doesnt make a difference to me. lol

1. It's Sallah tomorrow and I will be spending it eating and drinking at my sister-friend's house! Cannot wait!
2. Will also be making some bomb sangria!
3. Went to toastmasters today! I missed it so much! Good to be back
4. I need to resume working out ooooh
5. I saw a man I felt attracted to today which was rather strange, I'm hardly ever attracted to people I haven't spent a lot of time with.
6. He wasn't even "cute"
7. We've had electricity all daaaaaay. Thank you Jesus.
8. My friend's Sister got married today! Wishing her all the best in her married life. Sad I couldn't be there
9. They just took power! wow. Imagine?

Love and Sallah meat!

Sabirah

It's been a long time...

... I shouldn't have left you, without a dope beat to step to *steppers face and secondary school break dancing*

Sigh life has finally settled a bit and I have steady internet now so I can blog. Oh how I have missed you (group hug) thanks to everyone who sent messages asking how I was etc. Means a lot that you all look forward to my posts and generally care about me!

I am fine and trying to get used to Lagos living. I've actually done quite a bit of exploring and fun stuff in the past week and since I have my fabulous camera I have tons of pictures to share! This weekend is a public holiday so I hope to schedule a bunch of posts.

Lagos is such a vibrant city. It's just pulsing with energy and if you don't pay attention it will suck out yours. I don't know how to explain it. Lagos is just a lot. You can say Lagos is polluted, overpopulated, hot  and unpleasant but it has soooo much character. The people have the most interesting stories to tell and despite all they have to deal with there is still a joke (or insult depending on how sensitive you are) slipping from their lips.

Today I was in a cab and the cab driver was so kind, his wife had just had twins after 9years of marriage and even though he couldn't be with her so he could work, he was neither bitter nor resentful. I was definitely humbled by his great spirit and said a prayer for him, his family and his newborns.

Sometimes I hate Lagos, sometimes I love it, I can't deny though that it has an infectious energy and the resiliency of the people is truly remarkable. It's where I grew up and will always be home and for now I'm dedicated to enjoying the beautiful imperfections.

Not a Tidbitty Type of thursday

Title is a tongue twister huh? say it fast 7 times!

I'm feeling down today, since I woke up today I've wanted to cry and I already have many times. I moved out from my apartment today and I'm currently at a friend's place. I guess all the stress from packing and moving and getting ready to go back home finally weighed on me. Also something I was really counting on fell through. I'm trying to see the silver lining but it's hard.

I think it's important to acknowledge sadness. I think there is a purpose to every feeling and something that can be learnt (although I'm yet to figure this one out). It's hard for me cos my normal disposition is pretty happy so when I'm feeling down I recoil into myself and don't share because, you know, "It's not me". But it is me, at least a part of me once in a while. Its OK not to be happy all the time and like I said there's usually something to be learnt. I'm remaining hopeful that everything will work it's self out soonest and that I'll get back to happy me but in the meantime I'll hold on to the silver lining and just be.

My friend is currently in class so I think I'll pass the time by watching a documentary or two. I really enjoy documentaries, it's been a while too. My current fav is "Babies". If I stumble on a good one I will share.

Also my friend has been sending me photos of our baby girl Tiwa for the past hour. She makes me incredibly happy that baby! <3

Love always,
Sabirah

Nothing + Update

Hello :)

So I've spent most of yesterday and today doing absolutely NOTHING! ...and it feels so good. Well technically I can't say I did nothing since I caught up on TV shows, called some friends ate a mini tub of ice-cream , went on a couple of leisurely walks and did some laundry. See to me all those things constitute doing nothing because I did them at my own pace, for my own enjoyment and with nothing really needing immediate attention. Feels so good. I'm glad I was afforded such a luxury :).

More good news, tomorrow, Tuesday the 2nd, it will be one week before I leave for Nigeria. I am all packed save for make-up and bath stuff. I'm very proud of myself! On Saturday after work(my last day) my dear friend Shaye came over and we went H.A.M. (are people still saying this :s? I'm so out of the loop) on all my belongings and packed and loaded. I had been worried about packing but I'm glad Shaye was here.

I am SUPER excited to be going home! Sigh, super excited! Last year on September 25th I was feeling the same way and if someone had told me I'd find myself back in this country barely 6 months later I wouldn't have believed it. So here we go, the big move back the second time around. I am excited, hopeful and a little anxious but trusting God in all things.

I get to sit on the couch and read with my mama

I look forward to having mini fashion shows everyday with my mum before heading out.

I can't wait to hug my partner and be slightly lifted off the ground

I'm so excited to re-start my business with my sisters

I look forward to real life DMC's with my friend Eresuyi

I can't wait to sing with my Daddy!

Home! The countdown begins!

Thursday Tidbits

1. OMG I just had sushi, It was sooooo good, I haven't had sushi since my birthday last year O_O
2. Then I had a tiramisu cupcake that made my toes curl.. literally. that good
3. Hey don't judge, I have a friend visiting and I'm allowed a good meal plus dessert once a week :p
4. My friend wants to go out dancing; I have no desire to go out and dance to music I don't care for, be touched by gross people and meh... maybe it won't be so bad.
5. I'm going just because this will probably be one of the last times we hang out before I leave :(
6. In other I-can't-be-bothered news, I'm going out in my work clothes because I just don't care. They are cute just not bar/club appropriate.
7. Did I tell you that I ate the most amazing cupcake today, It was light and fluffy and moist and deeeelicious.
8. I'm currently stressed out about quite a number of things, and I'm just trying to lean on faith, say a prayer for me please
9. God bless you that are reading this and thanks for all your constant kind words and support!

Have a great weekend everyone!

(i'm off to go mope at the bar. womp)

The Best of Summer 2012

It was officially the Last day of summer on Friday :(. Summer is always special for me, my birthday, breaks from school, the great outdoors and just fun in general. Although my summer got off to a late start I really did have fun and I'm so thankful for all the amazing people I spent it with. Whether next season is a new school year for you, or just the same ol' day to day work, I hope you can view it as a possible new beginning. Write down some goals, have a positive outlook and look forward to all the great things ahead!

Here are some of my favorite moments from this Summer

Fresh summer strawberries.

 

Cute summer hairstyles (I think i should do a full post on this)

Colorful wedges

Having Simi over. p.s. isn't it amazing when someone says they'll do something and they actually do? Thank you Simi for keeping to your word and coming to visit I appreciate you.

Short shorts

Getting surprised by Javier in H&M a day before I was supposed to see him <3

Spending time outside, talking and listening to live music. I am so feeling my hair. :D

Attempting to color my hair reddish auburn. Fail but fun all the same

Scary roadtrip into the mountains when we were supposed to be going to the beach

Pre-birthday dinner

Pasta for the first time in aaaaaages! My favorite from BJ's

My birthday wedges, birthday gift from Simi :*

Delicious lettuce wraps for my birthday dinner (small meal, splurge on dessert)

Blowing out my birthday candle! Yaaay 23! check out my colossal slice of chocolate cake! 

Dancing!

My Birthday Flowers from my beloved Maribel!! I love Flowers, I Love you!

My Friends hanging out and being Gorgeous <3 <3 this photo

Grabbing brunch before work all Maxi-d out

My college family reunited

Laughing and savoring precious moments.

 To catch up on other things I got up to this summer check out these posts :)
Summer crafting
Dress up party
Simi X Sab!
Simi X Sab starring mimosas of life
Through a different lens
Tea, Kale chips and Chalk art

Cheers to the next season!
Love,
Sabirah