21st century Homemaker

When I came back to Nigeria, my mom encouraged me to join Toastmasters, a leadership and public speaking club she was an active part of. I mostly joined because I was curious and didn't have much to do anyways. Can I just say it's been wonderful! There are not many spaces in Nigeria where young adults can mix with much older people freely and be spoken to as equals (sort of). The environment is so welcoming and positive, I immediately felt comfortable. I've been attending since then and I've won "best table topics" (a 2minute impromptu speech session) twice :D I have already started improving. I'm really thankful for this space.

Anyways, last thursday we had another meeting, our meetings are great because anyone can come so we usually have new people visiting each time. After the speeches and general activities for the day are done, the guests are made to introduce themselves to the members (name, profession etc) and what they liked or disliked about the meeting. So this gorgeous woman, who was really well spoken (her table topic had been funny, cos she was so nervous and cute)- i had basically been wondering about her since- Got up to speak.

She introduced herself; "My name is Mrs. XXX and I'm a homemaker" with a dazzling smile. All of a sudden I wanted to know everything, who is this woman? What does it mean to be a homemaker? What does it entail? So I went to speak to her afterwards and asked her. She gladly answered me; She was a mother of five and she had dedicated her life to raising her children and taking care of her home. The idea was so profound to me- it wasn't that I had never met a housewife before, it was that I hadn't met one like her. I always imagined dreary, overworked women. Or something. Defintely not her. Two years ago I would have scoffed at the idea of a housewife, and even now that I was open to it, it was nice to encounter something that broke that stereotype I had created. And she got paid! very well! I won't lie I was already dreaming could I? Would I?

It was a pleasure to talk to her and I hope she comes to the meeting next week so I can pick her brain some more and make her my friend! I love being in the company of older people. Speaking of which, there is an older couple who I also love at our meetings! The man is a neurosurgeon, has his own practice and his wife works with him as the clinic manager. They are so cute, always dressed up, his pocket squares are just too dapper.  Everytime she gets up from her seat, he does so as well out of respect,- basically the perfect gentleman.Sigh I'll stop gushing.

Love, old age, and good choices,
Sabirah