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Taking Stock - Sleeping Better and Worrying Less - March 2023

Friday, 17 March 2023

 


Making: Time for change again. There are many who may not understand the motivation behind my choices this year. so here is a mini explanation.... My life is running me yet I am meant to run my life. This is starting to show on my body. I have gained weight, my anxiety and sleeping patterns are running a muck. Last year I accepted that I am also a worker bee, I like to have purpose, office politics can't be avoided but it should not take up 80% of my workload, so I am moving to where I can be more productive. Being productive is good for my soul. Taking control of my life means having good work-life balance, progressing through my masters, losing weight, sleeping better and worrying less. Let me stress again I want to run my life. 





Reading:  Africa is not a country by Dipo Faloyne, Spare by Prince Harry, 23 things they don't tell you about capitalism by Ha Joon Chang. 

Watching(and Watched) :  Little Women, Next in Fashion S2, Crash Course in Romance, Love is Blind Brazil (S2), Love is blind (S3) Meet yourself, Move to Heaven, Little Nyonya, Glitch, Firefly Lane S1 , The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko Home, The King's Affection, Cafe Minambang, Ginny and Georgia (S2) , The World's Most Amazing Rentals, Your Place or Mine, From Scratch, Vatican Girl, The Two Popes, New Life Begins, The Watcher, Ancient Apocalypse, Emily in Paris (S3) Dubai Bling, Bing Empire (S3), Bling Empire -New York, The Empress, Blood and Water (S3)  She and her Perfect Husband , MH370: the plane that disappeared, Harry and Meghan

Listening: Unpopular Opinion UG,  Daily Routine

Writing: For my new job and this blog. very excited about this. 

Loving: The Ordinary's Retinol 0.2% in Squalene , Victoria Secret's Overnight Lip Mask

Eating:  I am still making progress with my intermittent fasting journey and this week I tried Melatonin to help my sleeping pattern recover and wow... forgive me for the cliché but I slept like a baby 

Drinking: More water and no alcohol for the next three months.  Wish me luck

Learning & listening: Four new languages and this podcast episode changed my life...




Noticing & Feeling: I am the best version of  self right now.  I am enjoying thriving in my technical expertise. I am more assertive than the Maria of ten years ago. Maybe I will write about this in more  detail on the blog, not sure yet.... 

Knowing: The only two people who really love me in this world are my niece and my nephew. When I returned from Zambia they were the happiest to see me. They just enjoy my company and it is vice visa for me too.  My niece is was so upset when she found out  I was leaving again. It made me feel really sad and slightly torn about my decision to move.... but I reminded her that I will return and we will have so many stories for each other when I do. Aside from family connection, for most of my life I have been trying to avoid being alone. Looking for friendships and even sometimes romantic love, it is starting to occur to me that maybe those are things that I need to accept I may have failed at doing. I have to stop running from being alone. I have to accept the kind of love that is available to me. Love wins because love is such a vast big thing. 

Thinking: Set the intention. Tell God. Start the journey. I have a prayer commitment this year to complete. 

Giggling Over: Elyse Myers, just discovered her on you tube and enjoying her videos. 

And yourself? What are you taking stock of in this new year? 

Do something you future self will thank you for quote



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The Privilege to Fly

Saturday, 4 March 2023

 


I writing this so I don't forgot to have gratitude. 


Somethings have become so routine that we forget how wonderous they are. 


I had passport before I could read or even spell my name. 


I travelled on a plane before I could speak in sentences, use a spoon to eat or I could even go to the toilet alone. 


I think about this because I remember my father once told me that he used to attend primary school barefoot cause he did not own a pair of shoes.  My mum  was born at home, the only record of her birth is her baptism certificate. To forget how far my parents had to  have come to instill flying on a plane in their children as a normal and possible part of life from an early age would be very disrespectful.

 

As a child the excitement of being able to go to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport just to see the planes land and take off was quite an adventure.  At that time you could go to the top of the terminal building  and watch them even if you weren't travelling. There was a tiny shop that sold soft drinks and snacks and we had to pay an entrance fee. When members of the family were arriving during the day, my father liked to take us to witness it. Little Maria was always ecstatic seeing her Mum or brothers stepping off the plane. This was in the early 1990s; today understandably, there are so many security measures in place you can barely get into the building. 


Everyone would clap for the pilot when the plane landed; travelling was an event! Passengers would be dressed up in their best outfits, My mum in her bold pointy heels and me in my cute puffy dress. The air hostesses were admired for their uniforms and perfect make-up. They still look smart today, but back then I remember they had to be perfectly-put-together which couldn't have have been healthy I guess. 


When my elder brother was travelling to the United States to study, three BIG families packed into three not-so-big cars to go to the airport. Some of us sat in the boot of the car. More than twenty people seeing off one person at the airport. Those were the days...


As I said at the beginning of this post, I am writing this so that I don't forget what a privilege it is to fly. Even if it has become quite the routine now days.


I am grateful. 


           Do you have any special memories? Share them in comments, would love to hear them 


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Goodbye Zambia! Goodbye 2022!

Monday, 27 February 2023

 


I moved to Zambia for career growth mostly, but really to gain a different perspective.


I needed some uncertainty to challenge and propel me to make positive life changes.  A very tame down version of Yes theory and the Seek Discomfort challenges but non the less a bold action for me to take in 2021. 


From the beginning of my stay in Zambia, there were great colleagues who created an expat community and welcomed me into it. There were many dinners, meet ups and BBQs (Something I hope to take with me to Italy). There were always laughs, information sharing and companionship; I never once felt lonely.  


Moving to Zambia wasn't too much of culture shock for me. It felt like I just moved to a different part of Uganda. One that didn't grow and  eat Matooke. 

However I went from "Yes, let's do this!"  to "What am I doing?" 

many times throughout the year.... 


  • When I was in transit and got to Addis Ababa airport and my flight said Harare and not Lusaka
  • When I realized I would have to pay double what I budgeted for in rent
  • When I realized how expensive things were
  • When I realized my workload made it difficult for  me to keep up with my  masters studies
  • When the hot water pipe burst in the bathroom at 3.00am  and I thought a bomb had gone off
  • When it took a while to find a good hair salon


 I had to adapt to a new office culture and learn how to work within my new  team. It was like finding my voice and purpose again.  I wrote about some bullying that took place mid year here.   Digging deep within to keep going during that time was needed,  luckily I had previous experiences and a supportive friend with a sincere listening ear.   




Outside of work my life in Zambia was calm, almost like it had rhythm and pattern. I will say at first I found things expensive when compared to Uganda, so it took me a while to curb and adjust my spending and find out where I get the best prices.  Renting on my own in another country was an  experience too. The house manager was very good at ignoring my Whatsapp request for repairs while also needing proof of rent payment every month.  

There was also some heartbreak in 2022 but that another blog post. 

My contract was only for a year so before I moved I set a goal to either get my contract renewed or  find something else by the end of the year. Fortunately God granted me both and after internal consultations I decided to leave and seek discomfort and growth again. 
 

The things I will miss most


  • My lovely home with big screen TVs, a washing machine and a teeny-tiny pool(for the super hot days!). Btw...my home was on the cheaper end in the  area I choose to live in. 
  • My friendship circle and our gatherings. I went bowling for the first time in many many years. Special mention of Latitude, Cantina, Prime Joint, Arirang Korean Restaurant, JCS Food and Indian Fusion for all the lovely lunches and  dinners. 
  • My 15 minute walk to work and to the supermarket.
  • Mini local adventures with Kathrine, Suraj and Maya
  • Ulendo Eats mostly 3 trees, Mint Active and Eataly   were my picks for takeaways. 
  • Ulendo and Yango taxis.... there were no Boda Bodas carrying humans in Lusaka and I didn't want to buy a car so this app was very convenient. 
  • Nandos! (Why did you leave East Africa? I miss you already.) 
  • Weekend Food markets for all the ribs, lemonade, cup cakes, cookies and biryani that I enjoyed. 
  • African Butterfly Trio Dip....so addictive!
  • Our honorary YES Unit, my colleagues have a fantastic sense of humor.
  • Getting my nails done ...I had some serious nail game in 2022!
  • Sitting in an arm chair in my bedroom drinking  my first cup of coffee of the day and watching a #kdrama or #cdrama on a Saturday morning...


Goodbye and thank you Zambia!

 Goodbye 2022!
































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Read All About Love by Bell Hooks - healing and self esteem building

Monday, 6 February 2023

 




It is the month of love. 


I hardly ever write on theme but for once I am on time and intend to contribute to this conversation.


My word for 2022 was 'heartbreak'. 

Both old and new; the wounds were seeping.

Unfortunately, in this world of innovations and AI,

 I couldn't make my way to the nearest  pharmacy and buy a self-medicated pill to fix it.

Why isn't there an antibiotic to clear emotional trauma yet?


Reluctantly accepting being disappointed by Number One, 

and the other significant two that followed was the only way to go. 


I had often pondered whether I was too impatient, but Number One returned to my life and in his alcoholic-abusive-confused-state confirmed very clearly that he was the problem not me.


My fault was that I allowed it until my big brother Paul said "WTF?...No!"


He told me I was worth more. I knew I had to listen because

Paul and I never have such conversations.


That was the trigger for everything I had been holding in.


In this new year I just want healing. Come what may... I just want a healed heart.


My intention is set and I have informed God about it. 

I am devoted to this mission.


This weekend, bored of Netflix and you tube I decided to finally read a book my dear friend from University had mailed me years ago. As fate would have it, I packed it in my suitcase when coming to Zambia.



All About Love by Bell Hooks......and deep...deep....exhale. .. There are so many layers to this book. It is a journey not a quick read. I know there  will be many days of reflection and correction, possibly a lot of re-reading, highlighting and note-taking.


"Everyone assumes that we will know  how to love instinctively. Despite overwhelming evidence to that contrary, we still accept that family is the primary school for love."


I knew nothing!


"Most psychologically and /or physically abused children have been taught by parenting adults that love can coexist with abuse"


I am one of those! According to Bell Hooks many of us are.


"I got what I was accustomed to getting-care and affection, usually mingled with a degree of unkind-ness, neglect and on some occasions outright cruelty." 


My whole dating life!


"Estrangement from feelings makes it easier for men to lie because they are often in a trance state, utilizing survival strategies of asserting Manhood that they learned as boys. This inability to connect with other carries with it and inability to assume responsibility for causing pain."

 

Not just romantic relationships and but all types of relationships with men. 


"The wounded heart learns self love by first overcoming low self esteem." 

 

I wrote once that my mum had a big heart and so much love yet she never received that love back. In my childhood I watched her receiving the opposite and felt helpless to change anything. This book made me  wish she was taught to love herself the same way she loved those dear to her.


She REALLY  deserved so much more.


Bell Hooks' book says all the kind things I wish we all could have said to her before she died.


Now I am the one listening to those kind words. 


  I hope I make progress. 


Have you read the book? Are you on a journey too? In the comment section write your thoughts

Let's tell the truth as Bell Hooks so elegantly wrote.


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A Professional Creative

Thursday, 26 January 2023

 





I co-facilitated a workshop in Zambia this week with twenty refugee children.


The  moment I saw their internal spark come alive was during the digital storytelling session that I was leading on. 


The objective of the session was to teach the power of storytelling to influence positive change in their communities. 


It was really wonderful to watch their creativity thrive, as they tackled their projects. 


I wanted to write about this on the blog because I too am a creative at heart. 


For the last ten years of my career I have been allowed to demonstrate this through copy writing, photography, graphic design and video editing. 


I have been paid to do the very things that delighted me as a child; tell stories and make things!


I have made a professional career  doing the very things that I thought would remain hobbies for the rest of my life!


And some how over the last four years, there have been opportunities to teach children and young people to nurture these same skills that I thought were worthless when I was a mere naïve teenage! (Dear creative community, forgive me for my thoughts I was young🙈)



I am grateful.

I've  worked hard. 

I've  found joy.

Ultimately, God put me in those spaces. 

God showed me that this was possible.

I am now moving to another country to do the same....to be creative...how!?

I am am so grateful.  



Thank you God for showing me that my existence and purpose is relevant. 

Thank You for showing me my place in this large and interesting world.

Sometimes I forget but You never miss an opportunity to remind me.


"The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable." - Robert Henri 

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Watch The Little Nyonya 2020 remake - Screaming at the screen Questions, Questions and more Questions...

Tuesday, 24 January 2023



 



It is only fitting that my first blog post of the year should be about an Asian drama that dared to be epic; the 2020 version of The little Nyonya! A really enchanting story and semi educational experience for me (My grasp on Asian culture and history is limited, I was googling in between episodes).

There are some exceptionally wonderful food and cooking clips. 
Just look at  how the  trailer really pulls you in right from the start...



Aren't you curious? Maybe a little hungry? Are you going to leave my blog post mid-read and go watch? Make sure you return please.

The Little Nyonya is based on four families connected by marriage through three generations. 
The original popular version first aired in 2008.  I have read many articles of people referring to its impact on their childhood. 

This is a soap opera kind of drama....it reminded me of the experience of reading a Danielle Steel book; everything that could happen to our main character happens but somehow they magically escape at the last minute! I was soooo invested in this 2020 story, many times I was screaming  at the screen while watching. I cared about the characters.  

spoiler alert 1

I was a little thrown off by the main character playing two main roles Ju Xiang and Yue Niang (Xiao Yan). After more contemplation I didn't hate it.... Maybe that was 'the effect' the producers were going for? 





 I have mostly questions....just questions...that's what I am going to do in this blog post... ask questions.  If you have answers feel free to comment below. 




The matriarch , Old Madam Chen ( Xiang Yun)
Every thing started with you! You decided to and kept on picking  ALL the wives.
Why did you allow everyone to suffer for so many years? 
Unfortunately even though you are a likeable and endearing character, 
really everything was your fault...





Yue Li Na  really played the *&%$#  out of her evil character, Lin Gui Hua. I always praise unapologetic roles because one must be committed for us to believe. Trust me I believed her! Every time she came on screen I would just naturally frown, then sigh and wonder "What now?!?"  

spoiler alert 2

When she throws Ju Xiang and her child off the ship, she simply rearranges her clothes and goes back to have dinner with the family....no guilt!?!  As first legal wife she has a clear distain for the concubine Tian Lan(Tu Ling), but why did you never challenge your husband?  He was not a domineering character...so why?




Mr. Liu Yi Dao(Darren Chiu) in the beginning your loyalty to Ju Xiang was cute. 
Why did you remain devastated for so long though? 
Why did  you ruin your life? 
Other parts of you could have prospered. 





Huang Mei Yu(Sun Zijun) I felt so sorry for you.
There was nothing you could do. 
Your husband could have been much more respectful and nicer to you 
Why did you keep listening to your mother?
Nothing she said ever helped you. 
Then you recruited your niece into the same lifestyle.....why and for what?



Sisters Huang Yu Zhu (He Yu Hong) and Huang Zhen Zhu( Le Yuan Bing) have heartbreaking storylines! They were used and manipulated and not one of them ended up winning in the end. That's why I blame the oldest generation in the series. They really ruined it for all the women and girls in this drama. No questions for these tragic sisters.






Special mention for the women above, Li Bierer and Xiu Juan who showed us what not fitting the mold was about . 

spoiler alert 3

The latter opened doors for the rest by fumbling all her relatives plans and stealing ALL  their money as  a counter for their nasty continued  plotting to harm others. No questions for the pioneers.







No questions for Yamamoto Yosuke (Dai Xiang Yu). 
You  did what we needed your character to do. 
It is also a really nice touch to know that you were in the 2008 original. 





Chen Xi(Ryan Kou) , you were what your Uncle should have been. No questions for you. You did what was needed. 


I loved the homage to this museum. I have added it to my travel wish list now. 




You can watch this drama on IQIYI here

Do you have questions? Share them in the comments below! Let's discuss.

Wishing you a fruitful drama watching 2023!
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My name is Maria. Welcome to my blog. Click on my picture to learn more about me. Otherwise feel free to roam around.

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      • Taking Stock - Sleeping Better and Worrying Less -...
      • The Privilege to Fly
    • ►  February (2)
      • Goodbye Zambia! Goodbye 2022!
      • Read All About Love by Bell Hooks - healing and se...
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      • A Professional Creative
      • Watch The Little Nyonya 2020 remake - Screaming at...
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