Move On; Walk Away...

The challenge for this week is "move on"

I don't know if you have been or you are at a breaking point. A point where you are convinced beyond every reasonable doubt that this is the final straw.

It could be an unhealthy relationship; you love him and he don't love you or she is cheating on you with your friend. Instead of ignoring the signs, move on and walk away.

It could be a job that is draining your time and money and is far from giving you satisfaction. Instead of staying there and frustrating yourself and your employer, move on and walk away.

It could be that grudge you have had against that friend or co worker. Instead of nursing malice in your heart, move on and walk away.

It could be the misdeeds of your past that has come back to hunt you. Do not beat yourself up AT ALL, move on and walk away.

If there is one thing I know it is that life is too short to spend time in anything that makes you unhappy and that is also detrimental to your walk with God. Spending too much time in an unhealthy zone is not good for your destiny. Get yourself together and walk away.

But he loves me or at least I think he does; move on and walk away.

But she understands me like no one can; move on and walk away.

How will I survive if I quit my job? Move on, walk away.

But she hurt me so bad. Forgiveness is too hard; (forgive jor!) Move on, walk away.

People will hate me when they hear of my past; dude, babe... You are a NEW creature. Move on and walk away.

I have moved on and walked away.

Will join me?

Visit the hottest site in Nigeria www.yadamag.com

Trotcha!!!


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The Scars Series

Scars. I hate them God knows every time I look at them I want to throw up. How did I get to this point. Give my heart away so many times and it ends up broken. It is like the same cycle over and over again.

My name is Chinonso Eze. I am 21 years old and my heart has been broken 3 times by 3 different people. Crazy right? People say guys don't get their hearts broken but really that's a BIG lie. My life has been a series of heart breaks and its like I have had enough. Truth is I am at a breaking point. Everyone sees girls as the victims but really are they? You give someone everything and then its like it is over...

I need help. I need healing. I want to believe in love again.
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The Scars Series is based on personal stories of people who have been hurt. One of the things I want us to do is to put ourselves in the individuals shoes and then make suggestions or recommendations or offer advice to the "person". So I encourage you guys to comment ok.

And please visit the hottest site in town www.yadamag.com

Trotcha!
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Music Video: Viktory- Livin' It

The challenge of this week is "Flaunt Your Faith" and this song is a reflection of that message. Listen, enjoy and be blessed

In God's Waiting Room

Please, you have to read this spoken word piece. Click here
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The place is dark, very dark. The only light in the room comes from glow-in-the-dark wristbands. There are lots of people in this room and I can hear them but cannot see them. We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of The Light. Every once in a while the light comes and takes some people away. Thing is you have to be ready. The stronger your wrist band glows, the stronger your chances of getting picked.

The thing about this room is you come in here voluntarily. You figure out that there is so much more to life that is available in your comfort zone and then you decide to try something different. You decide to be used by The Light.

Walking into this room means forgetting all rational thoughts and deciding to take a chance at being used extraordinarily by the light. It means not listening to what anybody has to say but trusting that The Light is called in.

You walk into the room uncertain by what tomorrow brings. Immediately you enter, there is a feeling like your slipping into a dark hole. Getting to this stage, your motivation is that irrespective of the present situation, the darkness will give way for The Light. All I have to do is be patient and make sure I keep my wristband glowing.

This is where I am now. God's Waiting Room. It is not a very exciting place to be in but I am here anyways. The thing is that when I wait on God, he renews my strength like the eagles. I will run and not be weary and I will walk and not faint. His light will shine in my darkness and my darkness will not comprehend it.

This is NOT a sad post. It is a VICTORY post. The Light is coming and when it comes...

BRACE YOURSELF!!!!!!

Trotcha!


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New week: New Challenge

Hi guys,
I really hope you were blessed by yesterdays post. If you did not read it, please go and read it. It is the foundation for this new post.

I guess we have all made that important decision right? Well, based on my decisions I have decided to give myself a challenge for every week. With this, I can effectively stand through on my decisions. So my challenge for this week;

FLAUNT MY FAITH

This week I intend to stand firm for all my beliefs. I will talk about Jesus with no shame involved. This week I am UNASHAMED of the gospel or His name. This week, I am flaunting my faith.

What about you? What is your challenge for the week?

Trotcha!

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Pastor Paul feels me

First of all, if you were not at the Urban Worship service today at the Eko Hotel and Suites, TRY and be there next week. Click the ad at the right side of the blog page for more information.

Now, to the gist of today. Pastor Paul Adefarasin feels me. Can you remember the "There is that point" article I posted sometime back. Remember I had a couple of thoughts that might have sounded inappropriate. Well, I wasn't the only one who felt like that. The only difference is that he actually responded to these thoughts verbatim. He wasn't mincing words and he answered every question I had in mind.

If there is one thing I learnt is that my destiny is a direct result of the decisions I have made or will make. Decisions are very important and I think it is high time we start making the right decisions. Here are some of the decisions I made today.

1. Get extremely close to God.
2. Surround myself with GREAT minds, not "great" people. If your mind is in a box, au revoir.
3. My past is gone. It has no hand in my future.
4. Never stop hoping. It is needed if my faith must work.
5. I have to keep asking and thinking because God will do exceedingly, abundantly, far above all I can ask or think.
6. I refuse to be bitter. Ever!!!!
7. Try and avoid fools. This is because I "become wise by walking with the wise and hang out with fools and watch your life fall into pieces. Prov 13:20 (The Message)
8. Stay grounded in God's Word
9. I need to get delivered from people's opinion
10. The battle is not mine, it is the Lord's. I refuse to fight His battle.

This is an amazing point of my life and I want you to join me here. There is a decision you have to make as regards something in your life. It could be about your lifestyle, your career, your spirituality or whatever. Make that decision now and trust that God will help you. We have ONE life to live. Let's live it the right way.

"If we are going to be Christians, let us be Christians" Pastor Paul Adefarasin

Have a blessed sunday

Trotcha!
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Do I have to scream for your Respect????

This post came to my mind and I just poured out my thoughts as it came.
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I am a guy. I am in a relationship with this girl. She thinks because I am the guy I should do ALL things for her happiness and comfort even if it means depriving myself of my own happiness and comfort. I can even try and deal with it but when she comes between my family and friends, make unnecessary demands and then talks to me anyhow in public: it gets me angry. She even says I ping her too much.

I am a girl. I am in a relationship with this boy. At first everything was good and lovely till he got bored. He looks me in the face and says I bore him and that he is tired. Does he want to break up? I don't know. Does he want to have sex? I am not sure. Would he be honest and tell me what is on his mind? He thinks he will pass.

Truth is, this is the story of many people today. They find themselves in relationships were the other partner has no respect for them and after they have gotten past that stage of the relationship were everything is all rosy, they begin to act up. They feel like breaking up but they don't want to look like the bad guy/girl so they frustrate you till you break up with them so they can look like the victim.

Too me, that is a sign of disrespect. I am not against breaking up a relationship. It is said that a broken courtship is better than a broken marriage and I totally agree. If the break-up is healthy, you guys can stay friends even after the break up. What I hate is the immature way of ending relationships. If you are no longer interested, be honest with the person instead of trying to frustrate the other party to break up so you can look like the victim. Doing that only shows you have no respect for the person and that is wrong.

Right now, I think respect is what is lacking in most relationships. People don't put value on relationships and are moved by fickle feelings. I am bored. I am tired. I am not feeling it anymore. Relationships are more than how you feel in the morning or in the evening. It is a time to be a friend with the person you might spend the rest of your life with. It is time to see how compatible you guys are. It is not a time to get a sex-partner or the time to get the guy who will spend all his money on you. If relationships are done the right way, breaking up is easy and done the right way. I know a few people who were in relationships before and are still good friends. Will a guy remain your good friend if all you did when y'all were going out was ask for money? Or will a girl still go out with you if all you do when you were going out was pressure her for sex.?

Think about this. I don't have to yell from the top of the Empire State building before you know I deserve some respect.

Trotcha!
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Love is right there at home

There is one thing common to everyone. We are all looking for love in diverse places. From the slums in India to the city of Dubai to the beach in Miami and the city of Lagos, everyone is looking for love. The thing is only few find it.

Some find love in money, some in cars, some in a guys kiss, some in the girls eyes, some in their many university degrees and others in themselves alone. So I ask, what happens when the money stops coming, or when the cars are stolen or when the guy starts kissing someone else or when the girl looks at you with those eyes and says 'I don't love you anymore', what will you do? Will you give up on love altogether?

Truth is, love is right there at home in your heart. The Bible makes us see that Jesus takes residence in our heart and that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. This means that love is at home.

God is love. You can't love if you don't know God and love him. Out of Eden says a lot about this love that God gives us, they say it is an "eternal fantasy that will never go away", they say the love "goes on and on and on" that means it is continuous. They also add in another song that this love is "deeper than the ocean and wider than the sea". My point is that this love is the perfect love.

If you are looking for love like me and have been looking in the wrong places, you need to go back home. You need to go back to the One that loved you before you knew His name. He has a love letter to man and there His love is expressed in His death on the cross for our sins. He then tells us that NOBODY can separate us from this love. He also says that His love is perfect and it drives away ALL forms of fear. When we learn to love Him, we find ourselves making the right decisions as regards matters of the heart. We learn how to love unconditionally and when it is time to give our hearts away, we would be convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that this love is from the same source as mine.

I don't know if you are feeling me?

If you have questions on love? Go back home. If you are confused, go back home. If you need somebody to love you, go back home. If you need somebody to love, go back home instead of singing about it? No matter the questions, no matter the circumstance, no matter the issue. One thing I know and remains all through eternity...

Love is right there at home.
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The Power of New Media

I think my generation is "dulling"

God has blessed us with the internet and we have absolutely no idea what to use this innovation for. We would rather Facebook all day than do anything else. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE FACEBOOK but that is not all we can use the new media technologies for. If only they could see that.

The internet is a universal database of information. Anything you are looking for is at your fingertips. There are many how-to websites available for you to learn things. Also, there is free access to the content of many media organisations. For example, I love Time Magazine but cannot afford to subscribe to them so what I do is go to their website and I have access to their content.

I could go on and on but my point is this; think outside the box. Facebook and Twitter is not all the internet can do. There is so much you can do. Taste and see. Experience the power of the new media.

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There is that point...

There is that point an individual gets to where he/she is tired,
I am at that point right now.
Tired of all the prayers, it "seems" they are not working.
Tired of all the sermons, give me something new.
Tired of the "testimonies", when I share mine?
Tired of the prophecies, it "seems" they don't get fulfilled
So I am at a point where I ask is this all?
Is this all there is to life?
What is my life going to count for?
There are so many unanswered questions.
Is this the only benefit of salvation? Money, fame, cars; is that all?
Is the purpose of our living to get material things?
I am at a point where I need to search the Word of God.
I need to know Jesus for me.
Nothing moves me anymore.
There is nothing you can tell me.
Been there, heard it all, seen it all.
Nothing excites me.
All I need is to experience Jesus for who he really is.
That is the point I am, right now.
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Monday Thoughts

New week... New possibilities.

That is my motto for this week. For God to enable me see this week, I believe He has got so much in store for me.

Currently, I am working on the new YADA website and God knows I want it to be one of the best information sites in Nigeria. The thing is, there is so much work to be done and there is that feeling that the site won't be good enough. You have no clue how my mind has been spinning when I saw a new site similar to mine.

Despite all of these, I choose to meditate on this one thing only "New week... New possibilities". Today offers me a fantastic opportunity to be the best at what I do. This is not ambition speaking but an opportunity to make a difference and affect my generation and the one to come positively.

I am so grateful for this new week. God is going to use me in ways you can only imagine.

Have a blessed week yourself.

Trotcha!

Ps: if you missed the Pain of Separation series, make sure you check it out.


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Pain of Separation 10

Hey guys. Seems we have gotten to the end of this story. Thanks guys for the support and reading my attempt at writing out of the box. Hopefully, more stories will come from me soon. If you have not read the previous instalments, please do so before reading this one.
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It had been two years since I was in Cupid's Park. I remember the last time I was here, I told my ex to leave me alone. He is a sweet guy and even though I am married to the sweetest Urhobo man in the world, I still miss Tope. There is something about your first love that you can't let go.
I remember the last time we were in Cupid's park together. He told me to look into his eyes and tell him I did not love him. Truth is, I could do that even though I did love him. My life is not a romance movie so the boy gets girl theory doesn't always work.
I told him off including his mother and the next thing I know they are at my doorstep apologising. It was sweet and I thought we were going to be saying our final goodbyes. Well, I guess I was wrong. Tope kissed me and his kiss is so... Words can't describe it. It was amazing and very scary. After the kiss, he just walked out. Who does that? We didn't see for two whole weeks. It was good because it gave me time to come clean with Ovie. We then decided to tell Tope to back off so we could save our marriage. Tope amazed us and showed up in my office, telling Ovie and I he was going to back off. We were impressed and told him he didn't have to come to our wedding if he didn't want to. A part of me, hope he came and he did and I was happy.
I have not heard from Tope since I went back to LA. Attempted to see him when I came into Nigeria but I changed my mind. Let me just see my mother and go back to the US.
I walk to the statue of Cupid and I could still see the inscriptions on Cupid's heart. I guess Cupid could not make that relationship work. I turn around and standing behind me is Tope Taiwo.
"Tope! How long have you been behind?" I ask him
"Just a couple of minutes" he is smiling "how are you Jumy?"
"I am ok. Came into Nigeria for my mum's 50th birthday"
"Oh. So we are going to party hard right?" He said.
"Yes oh"
"Is Ovie not coming for the birthday?" He asks
"He is. He flies in tomorrow"
It felt good seeing him again.
"So what are you doing here?" I ask
"I am meeting someone here" he says. Just then a tall, light skinned girl advances towards us.
"Jumy, meet my darling wife, Bola. Bola, this is the famous Jumy"
I am in shock!

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Pain of Separation 9

Hey guys. We are finally coming to the end of this series and I hope you all have been enjoying it. If you have not read the previous ones, please do so, so you won''t be lost. God bless

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I had waited for this day to come and finally it was here. I was getting married to the girl of my dreams. She just wasn't any girl, she was Jumoke Johnson. Who would have thought that despite all the arguments and the misunderstandings and the lost years we would still still end up together, making our union valid in the eye of our creator? Who would have thought that despite our "differences" we would still decide to make the commitment to spend the rest of our lives together? Men, who would have thought?

I stand in the Church and await my bride. I am putting on a black tuxedo and my best man Ebuka is standing beside me. He looks really fly in his own suit but you know now, you cannot outshine the groom. It is not possible. Seating in the front pew are my parents in their very expensive lace and beside them is seated Jumoke's mum. My mum has a straight face and it is like she can't wait to get the service over with. I smile to myself thinking of how far my relationship with Jumoke has come and how we were able to make it against all the odds stacked against us (Odds meaning my mother and her drama).

The organ starts and everyone gets up. The doors open and my bride emerges looking beautiful in her white strapless gown. I am 100% sure every guy in the church is going gaga for her. As she approaches, she smiles at me and I wink at her as we turn to face the pastor.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining together in holy matrimony of Jumoke Rosemary Johnson and Temitope Darek Taiwo. If anybody has anything against this union, speak now or forever hold your peace" 

Nobody speaks up. I scan the crowd for Ovie and hope he doesn't pull any stunt. After a while, he continues with the formalities, we say the I do's and finally he goes 

"You may kiss the bride"

Suddenly I feel a nudge on my elbow and I jolt.

"Guy, wetin they do you na? You dey person wedding and you dey think about. Stand up jor, Jumy wan enter church"

I stand up and think to myself, Oh how I hate dreams!

Pain of Separation 8

If you have not read the previous instalments, please check them out before reading this one.

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It has been two weeks since the kiss and I have been avoiding Tope like crazy. What was he thinking? Kissing me and running off like that. who does he think he is? Does he think this is a romance movie where you kiss the girl before her wedding and then run away and the girl runs after you and says how she made a mistake and then you guys get back together and you live happily ever after. Well, this shorty made no mistake.

I have thought about everything. I mean, I had a long talk with Ovie yesterday and I opened up to him. We thought it best to set the record straight with Tope so as soon as Ovie arrives, we are going to the restaurant to resolve this.

Tope was a darling, no doubt. He was an amazing boyfriend, lover and friend and to say that I am going to miss having him in my life will be an understatement. Truth is, we have a lot of memories and these memories will remain in my heart but I feel there is a point in a person's life when they realize that there is so much more to life. Love is not the only thing to consider whrn you want to get married to a person. I mean, love can really be intoxicating during the engagement period but after you get married you realize that you guys are not compatible. Your choices are different; spiritually, financially and every other "lly". I cannot deal with that. Tope has told me he does not want to marry a woman who is like his mother and I see myself evolving to be her.

Ovie comes into my office and I know it is time for us to go and do the main deal. Just then, my secetary buzzes my phone and I answer.

"Yes, Busayo"

"Ma, there is a Mr. Taiwo here to see you"

Ovie gives me the look.

What is Tope doing here?

Pain of Seperation 7

Hey guys. We are currently rounding up the Pain of Separation series. Thanks for the comments and the love. The series will end in the 10th instalment so keep your fingers crossed. Also, if you have not read the previous instalments, do so before reading this one.

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I knew Jumoke would be shocked to see my mum and I in her house. Thing is, I had to do what I had to do. If we are all going to be moving on we should do so on a good note.

Jumoke and her mum invited us in, we did and made ourselves comfprtable on their sofa. I looked over at my mum and it was so obvious she was very uncomfortable. This woman sef. She cannot just act like she is accumstomed to he lifestlye of the middle class. Now,I am sounding like her. After a few moments of awkward silence, I speak up.

"Jumoke, I know you and my mum have not been the best of friends and so my mum has something she wants to tell you. Mum"

I look at my mum and I know she is going to have a hard time doing this but this was the only way I could at least get myself into Jumy's good books again.

"Jumoke, this is hard for me to say-" My mum pauses and looks at me. I motion to her to continue and she does "I am sorry for all the times I have insulted you. I am sorry about the times I made fun of your background. I respect you as a person and I don't think you are a gold digger"

My mum looks at me and I nod my head. She stands up and says "I'll be in the car". Jumoke stands up and tells her she appreciates me it and apologizes to. She sees my mum off to the door and closes it behind her.

I look at Jumoke and I can tell she is happy. If only she knew that my mother did not mean any of those words she said. According to my mum, her opinons about Jumoke will not change and  she did this because I begged her to. Inasmuch as I want to move on and walk away from it all, my feelings for Jumy are still strong.

Jumoke's mum excuses us and goes into the room and as soon as she does. Jumoke speaks

"I think what your mum did was cool. Thank you. Even though I know she didn't mean it" We both smiled. I love Jumy's smile it is wwhat I describe as captivating.

"Well, at least it counted for something" I told her "Goodbye Jumy" I told her

"Bye Tope" She said. I go over to her and give her one last hug.

But somehow, my lips find a way to hers and I have the bess kiss of my life...

Pain of Separation 6

If you have not read the previous instalments, please do before you start this one.
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I have been crying for 3 days straight.

I don't know whether it was the run in with Mrs. Taiwo or my fallout with Tope at the park or the fact that Ovie forgave me despite my keeping Tope away from him but I have been crying.

If it is Mrs. Taiwo, I am trying to understand why I am very angry with her. I used a friend of Tope to travel. Maybe I am not a gold digger but at the same time... A girls gotta live the life

Looking at Tope that evening at Cupid's Park and saying those things were hard. Tope was right. I still loved him. I wanted to kiss him and tell him I was sorry for leaving him. But is love enough for a good and healthy marriage?

And Ovie. He is sent from heaven. He is everything I have dreamed in a guy. He is loving kind and we share the same mindset. We are perfect for each other.

A knock on my door jolts me back to the present. My mother opens the door and walks in. She gets herself comfortable on my bed, puts my head on her shoulder and starts stroking my hair. My mother always knows the right things to do. The woman is just too amazing.

"Mum. Am I a bad person?" I ask her

"What are you trying to do? Find yourself?" my mum asked me. It is true what they say. Nigerians answer questions with questions.

"Maybe" I reply her

" Sweetie. If at 31 you still have not found yourself, why are you getting married?" My mum tells me, maintaining the same position.

I pause and think about what she just said and she had a point. I should know what I want.

"So what is it?"

"I have feelings for Tope and Ovie" I tell her

"A double minded man or woman is unstable in all his ways"

My mother sef. She just has to find a way to bring Bible inside the matter. There is a knock on the main door and my mum and I get up from my bed, advance to the sitting room so we can open the door. My mum take a seat and I go and open the door and guess who was there...

Tope and HIS MOTHER!!!


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Pain of Separation 5

If you have not read the previous instalments, please read them before you start this one.
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I have missed Cupid's Park
The place has changed since the last time I was there. That was 10 years ago. I couldn't bear to go back there, not after what happened there. I still have pieces of my heart, scattered all over the place.
I took my seat on the bench were Jumy and I loved to sit. Even though the bench had changed colour from red to green, there was no way I would have forgotten that bench. Opposite it was the statue of cupid. Jumy always had an issue with that statue. She said it was weird and tacky and that cupid is something you see in American movies and not in a park in Surulere.
I walked to the statue to look for where we inscribed our names. Ok. I inscribed the name while she just ooed and aaahed. I went to the chest and I saw it "Tope & Jumy. Together forever" I remember her asking why the chest and I tell her so that our love will be safe in Cupid's heart. Well, I guess cupid failed us.
I turn away from the statue and approach the bench when I see her again. She looked stunning; her hair down to her shoulders, her gown looking amazing. Her earrings sparking in the night and her eyes...
"Hey. What you doing here and have you been crying?"
She nods her head and takes her seat on the bench. She pulls a ribbon from her bag and ties her hair at the back.
"I saw your mum today. At the Otuba Gbenga's party" she says. She is looking at the cupid statue, her leg crossed.
"That explains the dressing. And the tears" I tell her
My mother has NEVER liked Jumoke, not for a second. When I told her Jumy and I had broke up, she was happy. Thanking God for delivering her son from the clutches of a gold digger.
"Your mum hates me and I don't blame her but you have to talk to her. She told Ovie about us" she said
"Oh so you didn't tell him?" I asked. Why did she not tell him.
"I didn't see the point?" She says almost immediately
"You didn't see the point of telling him about your first love. Or wasn't I your first love?" I could feel my temper rise.
"That doesn't have to do with anything. I love Ovie and the past is the past OK? I moved on and I could not carry baggage from my past-"
"Now what we had was baggage. Jumy-"
"Jumoke! Call me Jumoke don't call me Jumy! What are you doing here anyway?"
"Last I checked you met me here"
"Whatever" she stands up and starts to walk away. I go after her.
"Jumy. Sorry. Jumoke. Can you look me in my eye and say you don't love me"
"I can look into anybody's eyes and say anything. I am a legal practitioner. I do that on a daily. It was a mistake going to your restaurant. It was a mistake going for a party where I was going to run into your mother. But I want to stop making mistakes. In 3 weeks, I am going to marry Ovie and I am going to move with him to LA. The faster you deal with it the better for you"
With that she begins to walk away again. She stops in her tracks and comes back to me.
"One more thing. Tell your mother, that the nervous little girl she met 13 years ago is all grown up. She thinks this is a charade? Tell her if she messes with me or my wedding, your heart will be the least thing she would be worried about. It has been 10 years. She should let it go"
She turns back and walks out into the darkness. I go back to the bench and in anger, I stone the statue.
Jumy just ran a dagger through my heart, again!
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Pain of Separation 4

If you have not read the previous instalments, can you do that before reading this one. Thanks.
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Can Fatima just shut up already!
The girl has been going on and on about how her heels her hurting her. I had forgotten what a pain Fatima can be. I should have come with Ovie but Fatima begged to come with me so, here I am, stuck with a blabbing 30 year old woman.
The Otunba Dosunmu. Black & White Ball is a VERY high profile event that holds in Lagos on the regular. This is the first one I am attending because my company requires me to network and also because Fatima is in search of a husband.
"Is that Gbenga Dosunmu?" Fatima asked me as she spotted the Otunba's third child and only son.
"Apparently" I said. I may sound like a kill joy but I just want to get through the evening.
Fatima quickly walks up to him and starts a conversation. The girl is good and has always had her way when it comes to meeting guys. I had to get her a card reminding her that it is a man who finds a wife and not the other way around.
I am trying to find Ovie when I hear my name.
"Jumoke Johnson"
I turn around and I am speechless. I should have figured out that our paths will most definitely.
I turn and face Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Taiwo. My greatest nightmare and Tope's mum.
"Good evening ma" I say, sounding courteous even though I know the woman wouldn't recognise courtesy is it hit her in the face.
"So the heart breaker returns. So who is the new rich guy you hope to nail. Otunba's son? The president's son? You know he and Gbenga are best friends"
Tope's mum has always saw me as a golddigger. I remember when I met her in my second year, she hated me cause I was raised by a single mother with no knowledge of who my father was. She felt I was in the relationship to get a taste of the acclaimed Taiwo wealth. In my 3rd year, when Tope told her we were going to get married after graduation, she was furious. If not for Tope's dad (who is a darling) she won't have given her consent. I remember she looked me straight in my face and said "You might have Tope and his father fooled but not me. You don't want a simple life. You are not Tope's girl. He is a good guy and you want power. You are me when I was your age"
Truth is, I have not given her reason to think otherwise. I proved to her that I am like her. I meann she was a struggling singer when she met Tope's dad and everybody knows the Taiwo's and their wealth.
Maybe that is why I fell for Tope. He wasn't moved by the wealth. He loved to hangout with my mum and I in our 2 bedroom apartment in Surulere. His father was (sorry is) one of Nigeria's wealthiest men and he is still humble and sweet. I wanted a simple life once but look where simple got my mother. History was not going to repeat itself.
"It seems like I am boring you" Mrs. Taiwo's voice brought me back to the present.
"No ma. You are not" I tell her. Just then, I see Ovie and I signal him. He comes over.
"Ma, this is my fiance, Ovie-"
"Ogheneovo" she cut me short. This woman knows everybody "Impressive. Nice catch, Jumoke"
"It is a pleasure meeting you ma" Ovie said
"I know you. Your mother and I go way back" she tells him smiling
"Ovie, this is Mrs. Taiwo. Her son is the guy we met yesterday, Tope" I tell him
"Oh. I see you have met my son, her ex-fiance"
Oh no she did not.
"Ex fiance? Was he your ex" Ovie is angry now
"Its not like that. Please" I start to explain
"And you could not tell me. No wonder you were so eager to try the restaurant. I need some air. Nice meeting you, Mrs Taiwo" With that, Ovie walks out.
I look at Mrs. Taiwo and she has a smile on her face
"It seems you still have a lot to learn my dear Jumy. Come for lessons" she tells me
"With due respect ma, I'd rather take lessons from Fatima. Yes, I broke up with your son but I don't need you to rain on my parade"
"You call that a parade. Honey, you are still playing charades. No one breaks the heart of a Taiwo and doesn't feel my scorn. No one at all"
With that she walks away, as tears form in my eyes.
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Ije: Nollywood's finest...

First, I do not review movies. I am bad at it. What I do is just share my experience with the movie and my experience with the movie was awesome.
The movie stars Omotola and Genievieve as Anya and Chioma respectively. I am not giving a synopsis of the movie so please don't bother.
As I watched the movie, one thing came to my mind, Nigeria has got talent. Funny thing is I am not referring to any of the popular actors featured in the film. The talent I am talking about are the writers, producer and director. They did an AMAZING job. The shots were on point. Even the not so popular foreign stars were fantastic.
Just want to say that Ije is a must watch. It its a family flick and I employ that if you are Nigerian, you must watch this movie.
Trotcha!
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Pain of Separation 3

If you have not read the previous instalments, please do so before you start this one.
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It has been 2 hours since Jumoke walked out with her "Nigerian American" boyfriend. Please. Which one is Nigerian American? Na dem sabi.
The truth is I am still in love with Jumy (that's what I used to call her). I am so happy she finally found what she was looking for. She wanted success and power and fame, that is something only a Nigerian American can give her, right?
I looked at her card. It read Jumoke Johnson, Legal Adviser to some huge multinational corporation. I can imagine her salary.
At that moment, Ebuka my bestfriend walked into my office.
"Idiot! How far?" He said as he made himself comfortable on one of the sofas in my office.
"Cow leg! I dey oh" I replied.
"Wetin dey? They kill ur papa?" He asked me
"Funny. Guess who come here today?" I asked him, even though I knew he won't guess. If there is one thing I know Ebuka Nwachukwu hates, it is guessing. I pity his students at the University where he lectures.
"Abeg talk wetin u wan talk. Which 1 be guess" he was already eager to hear more.
"Jumy"
"Jumy? Which Jumy"
"My Jumy now"
"Jumy. The i- wanna-go-to-Law-School Jumy?"
"Yes oh. She was here"
I can just see the excitement in Ebuka's eyes.
"That is wondeful news. So when una go hook up?"
"Hook up. Person come here with her bobo, u dey talk say hook up. No hook ups day oh"
"Bobo?"
"Yes oh. She don find Nigerian American husband and they wan marry in 3 wks"
"Ewo. Wetin u go do now?" Ebuka can be so dramatic
"Nothing oh. She give me her card sha"
"Bad girl! She wan make u call am"
Is he rigjt? Does Jumoke want me to call her?
"I no know oh. She give me her after I give am my own"
"So wetin u go do?" Ebuka asks me. He is no more on my sofa. He has already dragged a chair beside me
"Well. Here is what I will do. I will sit back and wait for her call" I said. With that, I reached for her card, squeezed it and threw it out of the window.
"What did you do that for?" Ebuka asked me looking perplexed.
"It is called moving on"
"Yeah right. Na u sabi"
"Bros, forget Jumy. Wetin dey?"
Soon, Ebuka stars to blab about some party he got us invites to. He talks about all the high profile people he can meet there and how he will talk to them about how we can make Nigeria more eco friendly. The truth is even as he keeps talking, I remember my first kiss. It was soft and I tasted her strawberry lip gloss. It was OUR first kiss. It was in Cupids Park.
It was Jumy and I
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Pain of Separation 2

If you missed part one, read it before you start this instalment.
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He is still as HOT as ever!
When Fatima told me Tope was doing very good, she left out many details. He had evolved into a handsome young man. And when we hugged, he smelt so good. His cologne is amazing.
"Tope, meet my fiance Ovie. Ovie, this is my friend Tope"
Ovie stretched out his hand to shake Tope, who by the way seemed a little bit reluctant. I guess he still kind of liked me. Well, I did.
Tope and I dated for four years and those were the best years of my life. Tope was not a jock and he wasn't a nerd. He was just himself. He had amazing dreams and he wanted to live a simple life. I thought I did but I had to face reality, I mean my folks were not as rich as Tope's folks. I need security. Something I did not enjoy in my childhood.
"Nice meeting you Ovie. You are lucky to have Jumoke. She is an amazing girl. So when are y'all tying the knot"
"In 3 weeks. We fly back to LA immediately" Ovie said proudly
"LA?" Tope asked.
"Ovie is Nigerian American. I met him while I was in UCLA"
"Oh. Ok. Well enjoy. Your bill is on me" Tope said
"Thanks. We have to leave now though. But you should come for the wedding" Ovie said
"I guess. Here's my card. Call me with the info on the wedding" Tope hands me the card
Why is he giving me the card? It was Ovie that invited him. Not me. I think I should give him mine too.
"Here's mine" I handed it over to him. "Nice seeing you again Tope" I give him a quick hug and walk away with Ovie. I could feel his eyes on me so I link my fingers with Ovies'
We get into the car and Ovie remembers he needed to make a business call so he goes out of the car to call. It is the perfect time to call Fatima.
"Hello"
"Fatima. He is still cute"
"I told you the brother is doing good? What happened?"
"He met Ovie, Ovie invited him for the wedding and he gave me his card"
"Does Ovie know Tope was your 1st love?"
"No"
"Are you going to call Tope?"
"No. I am with Ovie now. It was nice seeing him again but I am not rekindling old feelings. I think Ovie's done with his call. I will talk to you later. Bye"
"Bye"
I cut the line and put the phone in my bag. There I see Tope's card. I squeeze it and throw it out of the window. At that moment, Ovie gets into the car.
"Are you ok darling?" He asked me
"Never better" I tell him
He gives me a quick kiss and he starts the car.
Even as we drive out of the parking lot, one guy is on my mind. Tope Taiwo.
He is still as HOT as ever!

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Pain of Separation

I am still in shock.
I mean it was perfect. We were going to get married after graduation. We were in LOVE. Everybody knew us. From our first year to our final year, we maintained a consistent relationship. We planned everything and managed to convince our parents why we needed to get married after graduation. I was gonna be a chef, she was gonna be an event planner/decorator. We were going to live very simple lives but most importantly, we were going to be very happy.
On graduation night after all the celebration, Jumoke and I took a walk to Cupid's Park (It was where we met and it became our spot). I noticed that Jumoke looked very distant but I knew what was going to cheer her up. So what I did was as soon as we sat down, I got on my knees and brought out the engagement ring I have been saving for for 2 yrs.
"Jumoke, will you marry me, officially" I asked her
We have always talked about the moment when we would make the proposal official so I expected her to laugh or smile or something. Instead, she burst into tears.
"I can't, Tope" she said admist her tears.
"You can't do what?" I asked her. There is no way Jumoke was going to break up with me.
"I want to get an MBA, I want to go to Law School. I want to be rich and famous. I want to be on the cover of Genevieve Magazine and I know it may sound conceited, it is the truth. You want a simple life and I don't think I want a simple life. We are 21 and I have so much I can do. Its a world of possibilities out there and I don't want to be the wife of the owner of the small fast food down the street who plans mini events. I love you and I really do but I can't marry you. I pray God gives you a girl that will want the same thing"
She stood up still in tears, gave me a kiss on my head and walked away. I was in shock and could not contain myself. I just sat there a wreck and I could not go after her.
Now 10 years has passed, and there she is in my small restaurant/coffee shop. Looking radiant as usual. I should have gone after her. I should have chased her. I tried calling her 2 days after but she had travelled. I have to talk to her.
"Jumoke Johnson" I said, standing in front of her table
"OMG! Tope Taiwo" she stands up and gives me a hug "How have you been?"
"Good. I am on my lunch break. Do you work here?"
"I own this place" at that moment a tall, dark handsome guy works in and puts his arm around her.
"Tope meet my fiance, Ovie. Ovie this is Tope"
I am in shock
*****************************
Watch out for more
Trotcha.
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Inception: Classic or Classic

Yesterday, I had the privilege to see the best movie of 2010, Inception.

To understand what I just said, you will have to see the movie. Till now, the movie is having my head spinning. Couple of things I need to highlight though.

First, Leonardo is back!

Second, the film was brilliantly shot bin four locations: Tokyo, France, USA and Canada.

Third, if you thought Juno was the last bus stop for Ellen Page, you thought wrong. The girl is back and better.

Fourth, even though the movie is Sci-fi, EVERYONE can relate to it. You won't be able to relate to it if you don't dream and since we all dream, we can all relate to it.

Fifth, not because everyone can relate to it but not everybody will relate to it. I am just saying..

Truth is there is so much I will love to say about the movie but I can't. There are no words to describe how the movie rocks. The movie focuses on Leonardo' s character who is an extractor; this means that he has the ability to access your mind and thoughts through your dream. Need I say more. I can't even effectively review it so I employ GO and SEE the movie (preferably at the movies) and answer the question; is the movie a classic or a classic.

Till my next post,

I remain, The Talkaholic

PS: if this movie doesn't bag an oscar next year...
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