2018 in Retrospect

in front of University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Yesterday was our Annual Thanksgiving Service at church and it was a perfect time to reflect on the year 2018 and how it's unfolded into many parts with the attendant surprises.

Considering my position at the onset of the year, I'm still amazed at the blessing that 2018 has come to signify in my life.

One of the most significant impressions this year has made on me

My Highs and Lows for November || 30DWC || Day 30

November!

It's been a crazyyyyy month. There have been highs and lows and some in-betweens.
I'm however grateful that the month has finally ended.
And it's 25 days to Christmas. There's definitely more to be excited about.
So, to the business of the day - the highs and lows of the month.


Highs

• Doing this writing challenge for the whole month
• When I chose to undertake this writing challenge for this month, I really couldn't trust myself to stay on schedule not to talk of completing it. Yet, here we are today. I intend to keep up with my writing for a long time to come.
• My finances were better managed this month compared with previous months. I won't tell you the secret.😉

Lows

• A nagging headache for the whole month
• It started right from the first day of the month and really affected my productivity all through the month.I only summoned courage to properly treat it at the end of the month.

1 Thing I'm excited for ||| 30DWC ||| Day 30

On this last day of November, I'm excited for so many things.
However, like I keep saying over and over again, I'm excited for the future.
I have no regrets about the past. It has contributed in shaping me and bringing out the best in me.
I can look towards the future with utmost enthusiasm and courage.
I have direction for the future. I cannot be confused.
My dreams will not be cut shot. I will live a long and full life.

Goals for the next 30 Days ||| 30DWC ||| Day 29

1. Do some extra reading to catch up on my book-goals for the year.
2. Try to avoid the end-of-the-year spending rush
3. Catch up with some friends who have become distant during the year.
4. Try to continue my daily blogging

The Night of my 21st birthday ||| 30DWC ||| Day 29

I'm struggling to remember full details of my 21st birthday but I think it went this way

• A small get together for my closest friends on campus (still have pictures of that)
• Went visiting to my younger brother's who couldn't make the get together because he was indisposed
• Spent sometime praying for the new year's plans and visions.

Things that make me laugh out loud || 30DWC || Day 28

1. When I achieve my stated goals
2. A good comic or skit
3. When someone errs grammatically
4. A quirky reply
5. 
   

Phrase I use regularly ||| 30DWC ||| Day 28

I use different phrases for different situations.

E.g.

• It is well
• Man's tired (my wife completes this for me)
• Bring your head here
• Bush girl (when someone does something in a "local" way)
• Talk to me
• Etc

What I wore today ||| 30DWC ||| Day 27

An orange patterned shirt on a black trouser with a black monkey jacket.

Something I would like to improve upon || 30DWC || Day 26

Time Management.

I do tend to procrastinate sometimes and this tells on my convenience as vital work tends to pile up.

Things I'd say to an Ex ||| 30DWC ||| Day 26

Dear Ex,

If you had not left, I won't have found something better. Thank you.

My Thoughts on Thanksgiving || 30DWC || Day 25

Thanksgiving was last week Thursday and while it is not so much part of the culture around here, I still consider it a worthwhile custom that is worth emulating.
Thanksgiving has a way of bringing positive vibes and improving our overall well-being as it helps us to focus on what we have, however little it may be.

4 Weird Traits I have ||| 30DWC ||| Day 25

I don't know whether they are weird but...

1. I have very strange food preferences. I am not a fan of milk and egg. Apples nauseates me. I threw up the first time I had strawberries; among many other food idiosyncrasies.
2. I have a strange way I stare at people when they speak with me that unsettles them. Some have described it as "seeing into the soul".
3. I can go 2 - 3 days without sleeping or batting an eyelid, especially if I'm working on a project
4. I could be very emotional. I'm easily moved to tears 

A Lesson I've learned the hard way || 30DWC || Day 24

A written contract is better than a verbal one.

Replace "contract" with promise, result, will, document, etc.

I would not go into specifics so as to protect the identities of some of the actors involved.

So...a few years ago, I needed a certain certification to move to the next level at the time and I thought I had satisfied all the conditions needed and had even extracted a "verbal" commitment that I had been given already.

To cut the long story short, I had to go through considerable strain and traumatic episodes due to a lack of a written evidence of the commitment made by the parties involved.

This singular incident has left me with one of my sternest lessons.

A letter to my wife || 30DWC || Day 23

Dear Oluwagbotemi,

Whenever I count my blessings, I count you twice. Making the decision to marry you would go down as one of my best decisions ever. I'm confident of the future, and I know, with God, we will not have a better yesterday.
This is your boo saying "I love you".

Oluwamuyiwa

A Family Member I dislike ||| 30DWC ||| Day 23

None.

I consider myself privileged to be a part of my family. I am blessed and surrounded with incredibly great people all around and would not exchange them for anything.

My Nuclear Family

First 10 Songs on my Music Shuffle || 30DWC || Day 22

1. Aka Jehovah - Gabriel Eziashi
2. Alpha and Omega - Israel Houghton
3. Heaven on Earth - Micah Stampley
4. Gbotemi - Kemi Olaitan
5. Akodaiye - Philipage
6. Intentional - Travis Greene
7. Imela - Nathaniel Bassey ft. Enitan Adaba
8. We Ose - Benita Iyere Okojie
9. Made a Way - Travis Greene
10. When I call on Jesus - Nicole Mullen

My Morning Routine ||| 30DWC ||| Day 22

My morning routine is not so interesting.

I usually wake up between 4.30 am - 5.30 am.

My first chore is to do some light reading and catching up on current events till sometime around 6.30 - 7.

Devotion with my wife follows, after which I would go prepare for the day, which might include getting the car prepped up, eating breakfast and having my bath.

3 Lessons I want my children to learn from me || 30DWC || Day 21

1. Don't despise relationships. Have those friends that you can always call on when in need. If you don't have them, be them.
2. Only the bread gotten through hard work, integrity and honesty would be eaten with peace of mind.
3. Your word is your bond. Be a man who keeps to his word even when it is not convenient for you.

3 Celebrity Crushes || 30DWC || Day 20

• Nse Ikpe Etim - by far my favourite Nigerian screen goddess. There is something about her that gets me captivated when I see her movies.

• Kerry Washington - my favourite foreign actress; and then she is married to a Nigerian too...so sweet. I've not seen Scandal yet, though.

• Kiefer Sutherland - I've seen 24 Season 1 - 8 twice, in addition to the sequels. I've also seen Designated Survivor to the last episode shown on screen.

First 3 Songs on my Music Shuffle ||| 30DWC ||| Day 20

1. William McDowell - Withholding Nothing
• A song of deep consecration to God. Probably the most important stage of our consecration - Surrendering all.
2. Frank Edward - Oghene Doh
• Frank Edward is an "Epa". He keeps churning out such magnificent tunes that gets one lost in worship.
3. Enrique Inglesias - Hero
• The love song that played on our wedding website.

5 Fears that I have ||| 30DWC ||| Day 19

1. The Fear of walking and crawling insects 😀😀
2. Claustrophobia - fear of enclosed spaces or being confined; especially by people
3. Money Anxiety Disorder
4. I also sometimes harbour a fear that honesty and integrity would not pay in the long run
5. That's all 😐

My First Love || 30DWC || Day 19

Let's call her A.

A was that girl most guys had a crush on in our class then.

I wasn't one easily fazed by beauty but everyone kept talking about A's beauty.

It was in JSS 3 when circumstances brought us together and we started out as friends.

As the days went on, we grew closer and closer, and I naturally fell in love.

To cut the long story short, I got to know about 4 years later, that I was in love with her, but she wasn't in love with me. That was the end of my first love situation.

N.B. Did I forget to mention that A is 4 years older than me?

30 Facts about me || 30DWC || Day 18

I had a 10 Interesting facts about me write-up on a previous day in this writing challenge.

I would prefer to stick to that article. Find it here.

My Favourite Colour and Why ||| 30DWC ||| Day 18

The boy is blue.

I cannot specifically remember when I adopted blue as a favourite colour.
What I do remember is how as a kid, my mum would always buy blue products for me so as to help distinguish from my brother's belongings. It helped to reduce the "fights" at home as the colour determined who owned it.

I recently checked the meaning of the blue colour and I am hugely impressed.
You can see it here

My Zodiac Sign || 30DWC || Day 17

I was born on July 22 and that puts me in the Cancer Zodiac.

I tried to read up on the horoscope some time ago and it seemed to be true. I have however kept away for a while now as the whole astrology thing significantly contrasts with my religious beliefs.

A Quote I try to live by ||| 30DWC ||| Day 17

1.

2.

Something that I miss || 30DWC || Day 16

The days of no cares;

the days when the little things were all I cared for;

the days when the world seemed to be without problems.

My Whole Day || 30DWC || Day 15

My day usually goes thus:

• Wake up between 4.30 a.m. and 5.30 a.m.
• Do some reading online between 5.30 a.m. and 7.00 a.m. 
• Have devotion with my wife just before going to prepare for work which includes having my bath and having breakfast
• Kiss my wife goodbye at 8.15 a.m.
• Arrive work at 8.30 a.m.
• Make my patients happy till 3 - 4 p.m.
• Arrive home some minutes after 4.00 p.m.
• Do some light reading till 6.30 p.m.
• Watch serials on t.v. between 7.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.
• Retire to bed to catch up on news and happenings of the day
• Sleep off at 11.00 p.m.

3 Pet Peeves ||| 30DWC ||| Day 15

I've written about this already

See it here

Favourite Movies I never get tired of watching || 30DWC || Day 14

3 Idiots

• I did a twitter thread on this movie a while ago
• Find it here

My Life in 7 Years ||| 30DWC ||| Day 14

It would be easy for me to speak in generic terms that I would be in the center of God's will fulfilling purpose and destiny.
I'm however not going to speak in such terms. I'm however just going to speak about my hopes for career. Other aspects of my life, I would rather not prospect here as they are more private.

What do I hope to be (do) in 7 years?

Career wise, I should have made a switch from my present line of work, or more likely a tweak to my present line to accommodate the talents I am endowed with. I intend to take a few development courses that would better position me for my preferred position of work.

What I am excited about || 30DWC || Day 13

The future.
I can see clearly and I recognise that the victories of the past is the least I can achieve.
I'm excited about the oncoming mountains I would surmount in the future.

My Commute to and from Work ||| 30DWC ||| Day 13

My daily commute is somewhat rigid.
My drive to and from work takes about 15 minutes for a distance of about 4 miles; the time partly occassioned by the uneven (bad) roads that takes up about 10 minutes of the journey.

5 Blessings in my life || 30DWC || Day 12

1. My Family
• First on my list of blessings is my family. I am privileged to have been born into my family as this has formed the unique blend of life experiences I have been fortunate to encounter so far
2. My wife
• I got married exactly 100 days ago and I'm fortunate to be married to Oluwagbotemi, God's own answer to my prayers.
3. I'm born again
• I  got born again some 18 years ago and this is one of my most defining life experiences because this has marked the difference between what I am and what I could have been. Jesus truly makes the difference.
4. The gifts and talents I possess
• I count myself blessed by the unique talents and gifts I posses. My uniqueness, versatility and intelligence are some of my greatest strengths.
5. My friends
• I make great friendships and have been privileged to have been of impact to quite a number. I count it a rare joy to have these people around me.

Two words/Phrases that make me laugh ||| 30DWC ||| Day 12

Frankly, I cannot remember any for now.
I  get a hearty laugh from a good comic movie or skit.
I also get comic relief from witty comebacks and stand-up comedians.

What if... || 30DWC || Day 11

What if all our life so far is all but a dream?
...that I would wake up one day and discover I'm still just a 2 year old who's been dreaming about the future?
What if...! What if...!! What if...!!!

My Current Relationship ||| 30DWC ||| Day 11

Of course, I'm married

To an amazing woman

Something I feel strongly || 30DWC || Day 10

I feel so strongly about the future and what it holds.

In the midst of all the seeming chaos and uncertainties, I know my future is secured and I can look forward to it without fear.

A Fruit I dislike and why ||| 30DWC ||| Day 10

Strawberry.

I had the fruit for the first time about 20 years ago and I straight away threw up all my stomach contents. I still cannot explain why that happened.

By the way, strawberry flavour still remains my favourite biscuit flavour.

Some words of wisdom that speak to me || 30DWC || Day 9

One of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, we build the trust of those who are present.  - Stephen R. Covey

My feelings on Ageism ||| 30DWC ||| Day 9

According to the WHO, Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age. Ageism is widespread and an insidious practice which has harmful effects on the health of older adults.

In my line of work, elderly people constitute a large percentage of patients I encounter and I find them exciting and stimulating; their life experiences and mannerisms serve as invaluable lessons that should not be discounted by the newer generation.

I also do not think it is right to discriminate against elderly people on the basis of their age. What they need is understanding and empathy as they go through the inevitable changes that come with their age.

Something I struggle with || 30DWC || Day 8

I sometimes struggle with self acceptance.
This is an irony as I am sometimes very self confident, have a tendency to be full of myself and could be very very expressive.
I however struggle to own some of my strengths and weaknesses. This sometimes makes me reclusive and unwilling to reach out for my desires.

This I have been working on for a while now.

A book I love and another I didn't ||| 30DWC ||| Day 8

I count myself an avid reader as I am wont to read or skim through any book I read.
However, one book I really would read over and over again is that masterpiece from Stephen R. Covey - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

At the moment, I cannot exactly place a book I did not like.

10 Songs I'm loving right now || 30DWC || Day 7

1. Nara by Tim Godfrey ft. Travis Greene
2. You deserve it by J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise
3. Alpha & Omega by Israel Houghton
4. Onise Iyanu  by Nathaniel Bassey ft. Micah Stampley
5. I know who I am by Sinach
6. Made a way by Travis Greene
7. Turning around for me by VaShawn Mitchell
8. Redeemer by Nicole Mullen
9. Aka Jehovah by Gabriel Eziashi
10. Heaven on Earth by Micah Stampley

Tattoos I have ||| 30DWC ||| Day 7

I no get.

What did you expect before?

Five ways to win my heart || 30DWC || Day 6

1. A kind demeanor
• Don't we all enjoy a little bit of kindness here and there. It warms the heart and makes the world a very better place
2. Gala and Coca-Cola
• This should have been the first but who puts this as the first. Those who know me well know this gladdens my heart well.
3. Intelligence
• I am attracted to people who are knowledgeable and who are eloquent. Knowing how to communicate is a winner any day any time.
4. A Good Read
• Books. Journals. Articles. Any good read wins my heart irrespective of theme.
5. Honesty
• Honesty is charming! 

Someone who fascinates me ||| 30DWC ||| Day 6

Donald Trump!

I'm still fascinated by how the most unlikely and the most "unqualified" candidate for the office of the President of The United States of America in spite of his past, braved all the odds and surprised the bookmakers to win an election to that office.
It will probably be a puzzle that would take centuries to unravel.

5 Places I want to visit || 30DWC || Day 5

1. Accra, Ghana

Been there once and would definitely

A Place I would live but have never visited ||| 30DWC ||| Day 5

The City of Love and Romance - Paris, France.

Someone who Inspires me || 30DWC || Day 4

I am privileged to have so many people around me who inspire me and give me the confidence to face life with full assurance.
Top of this list is

My Father.

Words fail me to talk about a man who has literally given all (and is still giving) to make sure his children become the best they are meant to be.
He is my hero and I'm proud to say so.
Thank you, Sir.

10 Interesting Facts about Me ||| 30DWC ||| Day 4

1. I'm a millennial
• probably the most interesting fact about me because most people cannot accurately predict my age. I actually look older than I actually am, a trait I inherited from my father, I think. I also get accorded a lot of respect on that basis.
2. I am multi-lingual
• English, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Ondo, Hausa, French
• I understand and speak the 6 languages in varying proficiencies.
3. I was always the youngest in my class, even till my early university days.
• My body size and demeanor almost never gave me out.
4. My favourite food combo is

My Top 3 Pet Peeve || 30DWC || Day 3

According to the Urban Dictionary, A Pet Peeve is Something that is maybe a bit annoying to most people but is very annoying or upsetting to a particular person.

My top 3 Pet Peeves are:

1. Dishonesty + Pretense
2. Shabbiness at point of duty + Lackadaisical attitudes 
3. Ignorance

My first love and first kiss ||| 30DWC ||| Day 3

Hmmm...I wold rather not write anything about this subject - in total regard for the persons involved. 😉😛

So...seeya

Something someone told me that I never forgot || 30DWC || Day 2

A dear friend who was also a classmate once sent me an e-mail during a forced break at school about how she appreciates my person and my ability to relate so well with people in spite of differences in age, status and religious affiliations. Her exact words were "You are just like Jesus".

That's one experience I've not forgotten 11 years later.

My Earliest Memory ||| 30DWC ||| Day 2

I attended Early Life Kiddies College at Yaba, Ondo in Ondo State and this formed my earliest memories.

• My earliest memory would be

10 Things that make me really happy || 30DWC || Day 1

I'm quite a happy person and these are just a few of the reasons why I'm happy today.

1. That I'm born again
2. My wife, Oluwagbotemi

Five Problems with Social Media ||| 30DWC ||| Day 1

Social Media has come to be known as an effective tool for communication, community relations, news dissemination, business outreaches, social networking and all what not and all what not.

In spite of the very commendable positives that social media has brought to our lives, there are some attendant negatives which we cannot ignore. 
I enumerate them below.

1. Fake News

My 30 - Day Writing Challenge ||| Muyiwa Olasehinde

So...The Desert Flood!

It's been a while I posted anything on this blog.
My write-ups have become as "regular" as rainfall in a desert land. I guess that's why the blog is named The Desert Flood...lol.

However, to put life into this blog, I am subscribing to a 30 - Day Writing Challenge for the month of November in which I would be writing on a variety of subjects everyday of the month. My intent is to motivate myself to write since I will have a daily structure that I have to keep up with.

I am however committing myself to put up 2 posts per day as per the different topic-schedule I came across. By the way, the schedule is shown above.

You can follow on all social media networks using the hashtags #30DWC  #TheDesertFlood

So...Let the Challenge begin.



N.B. I recognise I'm starting a little late already but I'm definitely going to catch up beginning from tonight.

theGMwedding

So...

In a few days time, I would be taking a major step in life and destiny as I take the walk down the aisle with the lovely Miss Oluwagbotemi Fadiora.

The scheduled date is August 3rd and 4th, 2018.

More details can be found at 

http://www.theGMwedding.com 

I write to specifically invite you to join us in prayers as we march towards these date.

I desire your prayers towards the success of the big day and the establishment of our home on the right foundation.

I am deeply grateful for your care and support over the years.

Thank you in advance for obliging this request.

The hashtag for the wedding is #theGMwedding