Items by Wambui

VIOLA's IRIS

• THE VEIL DROPS

  Posted: June 21, 2011, 3:04 pm by Wambui

  Bye, kwaheri ya kuonana, arrivedeci and selamat tinggal… yes it’s that point in time when one realizes that a certain chapter in their lives is over and it’s time to move on; and that time is neigh for me & this blog or rather me & the “ViolasIris” character/personality/alias. I’m calling it a personality coup … Read more

• PRAYER FOR A DAUGHTER by Tina Fey

  Posted: April 21, 2011, 7:18 pm by Wambui

  Check out Tina Fey’s lovely, touching and totally true ‘prayer for a daughter. “First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches. May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty. When … Read more

• IT BEGINS WITH US – OBAMA 2012

  Posted: April 4, 2011, 2:50 pm by Wambui

  As Kenyans discuss various ways in which we can change how we do politics in our country (especially with the new constitution and the elections coming up next year), perhaps it’s about time we take the reigns from the politicians, and actually run the campaign ourselves from the grassroots or at least start to.

• CAN URBAN YOUTH AFFECT THE GRASSROOTS?

  Posted: March 22, 2011, 1:56 pm by Wambui

  I’ve been toying with this idea for a while now, but please note I’m not claiming that it’s a brand new idea or that it’s never been done anywhere before. I’m just wondering if it can work in our beloved country Kenya: I’ve been made to understand that I belong to the tax paying middle … Read more

• THOU WITH SWAGGER SHALT NOT BE AN MP

  Posted: March 1, 2011, 6:12 pm by Wambui

  “Parliament halted substantive business for 20 minutes to discuss an MPs’ mode of dress Tuesday. The subject of discussion was Makadara legislator Gidion Mbuvi, who was wearing white stud earrings and sunglasses in the debating chamber. (read more)” March 1st 2011, Daily Nation. Hmmm… well that’s Kenyan parliament for you and that’s what happens when … Read more

• WE SANG IN LAGOS #KENYAFEB28

  Posted: March 1, 2011, 11:46 am by Wambui

  We sang: KenyaFeb28 in Lagos

• A TEAR FOR MY COUNTRY #KENYAFEB28

  Posted: February 28, 2011, 1:32 pm by Wambui

  I’d blogged about it, debated on the merits, argued with skeptics and re-thought even doing it… but once I actually just did it…my racing pulse calmed down, all thoughts faded away, shivers ran up and down my spine and my whole body resonated with the sound coming from the depths of my lungs… Then I … Read more

• OUTCOME OF FEB 28TH…HOW ABOUT NOTHING TANGIBLE?

  Posted: February 23, 2011, 1:39 pm by Wambui

  Someone queried what the grand outcome of Kenya Feb 28th (singing National anthem) day is… and I wondered… should there be an outcome? To answer that question I ask you another.  If you are a church going Christian, why it is that we sing praise and worship in church before the sermon? Personally I’ll tell … Read more

• I WONDER…ABOUT OUR ANTHEM

  Posted: February 21, 2011, 4:13 pm by Wambui

  I’ve previously stated on this blog (and we’ve all been taught and somewhat believe) that our National anthem is a prayer; therefore a prayer for our country, its borders, people, passed and future. However, as we gear up for 28th of Feb 2011 when at 1pm Kenyans are being asked to stand up and sing … Read more

• WHY I’M STANDING IN PRAYER

  Posted: February 16, 2011, 5:53 pm by Wambui

  I’ve been watching the whole Middle East political crisis/liberation, with much interest pretty much like I was watching a National Geographic documentary drama or 24 series on TV. It’s been interesting to say the least, seeing people who have finally stood up to oppression after so many years. Seeing the youth hold up the country’s … Read more

• STAND FOR KENYA

  Posted: February 16, 2011, 5:52 pm by Wambui

  We are extremely proud to be Kenyan! We are proud of our beautiful country! We are proud of our diversity cultures and traditions! We are proud of our heroes! We are proud of our high achievers! We are proud of being hustlers! We are proud of our hoods! We are proud of our tribes and twengs! … Read more

• NAOMBA SERIKALI ITILIE MARUFUKU SIKU YA VALENTINES DAY!

  Posted: February 9, 2011, 1:37 pm by Wambui

  Yes I said it so sue  me! I’m tired of this “love” day, the red roses, women wearing red in town (thank God I’m far away and won’t have to endure that atrocity) and the whole SMS to 2223 for love messages crap! In case you don’t know what am on about, it’s that time … Read more

• SEX SCANDALS AND SCRIPT WRITING

  Posted: January 27, 2011, 12:00 pm by Wambui

  My current read is “It’s Our Turn To Eat” by Michela Wrong, and as I was thumbing through the pages today morning there was a mention of some two Nation media executives who at the time traveled to London to receive the explosive dossier on the Anglo Leasing scandal from the then whistle blower John … Read more

• AND ABOUT THOSE 1BOB CALLING RATES…

  Posted: January 26, 2011, 6:19 pm by Wambui

  Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of how the lowering of calling rates in the Kenyan market, specifically by one KenCelZainTel company is sure to mess up our economy big time! That if these telecommunication companies, who are the spine of our economy, continue to lower calling rates it will translate to lower profit margins; … Read more

• FRANKLY, I REALLY DON’T GIVE A DAMN!

  Posted: January 24, 2011, 1:26 pm by Wambui

  DejaMoo: A feeling that I’ve heard this bull before -  From a friend’s post on FaceBook. Every morning I make a point to log into the leading Kenyan online newspapers and proceed to read what is happening  in my home country. However, today and for the passed few weeks I’ve realized I’m totally unmoved about … Read more

• RESIGNED TO MY FATE…*sigh*

  Posted: January 21, 2011, 3:32 pm by Wambui

  I think so. Every time something techy comes up in a conversation or situation I tend to accept that maybe not everyone was meant to understand everything under the sun…and don’t mistake me I’m not giving excuses for not understanding in inner working of my Mac computer, it’s software or what Error 404 means among … Read more

• I SUPPORT THE ICC PROCESS

  Posted: January 18, 2011, 4:52 pm by Wambui

  I have just signed The Kenyans In Support of the ICC Process petition… Why? I’m suddenly intrigued by what’s happened in Tunisia and the ripple effect it has had across Northern Africa and Yemen. I believe we as Kenyans need to start somewhere to stop this insanity that is our Government dragging our name across … Read more

• GO STICK YOUR HEAD IN A TORNADO – BRAINSTORM!

  Posted: January 18, 2011, 11:54 am by Wambui

  Awesome words from Lil’ Kim in her comeback to Nikki Minaj in the song Black Friday. Speaking of brainstorming, I’ve received two briefs which are proving to be quite a challenge! But I like such briefs, once you read them panic sets in, you wonder if you’ll be as creative as expected! Can you match … Read more

• VEESNAPS

  Posted: January 17, 2011, 2:02 pm by Wambui

  My new baby www.veesnaps.wordpress.com Enjoy

• OF HAIR GROWTH AND BLOGGING

  Posted: January 17, 2011, 1:59 pm by Wambui

  I know I promised to blog about my life in Lagos, Nigeria; but to be honest life here is not as fascinating as when I first came. Instead a lot of the things that I go through have become the norm unless someone asks me directly about one specific aspect of being here, as it … Read more

• NEW BLOG(s)

  Posted: January 17, 2011, 1:38 pm by Wambui

  Introducing a future Governor of Nigeria’s personal/social/political blog NDUKWE and a refresh of AL KAGS own. Enjoy.

• 20ELEVATION

  Posted: January 12, 2011, 1:20 pm by Wambui

  Yup it’s finally come to me what this year will be about but before that quick recap: The passed two years have been 2000&MINE (from Vicky/Louise with thanks) and that year was all about me and my boo as we planned our wedding and life thereafter, then came 20TENACITY which was about hanging tough for … Read more

• BASED ON vs COPYING: SAFCOM & QANTAS AD DEBATE

  Posted: November 10, 2010, 7:18 pm by Wambui

  I don’t consider myself an Ad Girl, yes I’ve worked for an agency or two but through and through I am a Graphic Designer; not entirely sure I want to get into that debate right now but the whole (the copier) Niko na Safaricom Ad vs (the copied) 1998 Qantas Ad has been on my … Read more

• WELL DONE EQUITY BANK

  Posted: November 10, 2010, 5:18 pm by Wambui

  A few years ago, right after Equity was formally made into a Bank, I was sipping on an ice cold Tusker Malt while listening to a conversation that was going on around me. It involved a prominent  lawyer who was sharing his take on the scam that was Equity Bank. He said that, just that … Read more

the mobius strip

• Hiatus…

  Posted: November 9, 2010, 8:06 pm by Wambui

  Talk of taking a hiatus! I have been away from my blog for ages for a good reason- my book is coming along and I have decided to focus my energies on getting that completed, add the lazy days of … Continue reading →

VIOLA's IRIS

• MUGUKU TO AKUKU: SUCCESSES WE DON’T CELEBRATE

  Posted: October 13, 2010, 1:43 pm by Wambui

  I’m not a proponent of polygamy, and not because am a Christian but because I have never heard or seen a successful venture in that regard. But until I read the Daily Nation’s story one of Akuku Danger’s wives and how he managed both his huge family and businesses it’s no wonder that he was … Read more

• VOTE SHEILA ON BBA ALL STARS

  Posted: October 11, 2010, 3:22 pm by Wambui

  I know you are wondering why a reality TV show named Big Brother Africa has gotten my attention enough for me to post it on my blog. Well it’s simple, I’ve watched every BBA since the 2nd installment where Richard from Tanzania won and honestly I think BBA All Stars has for me been the … Read more

• (. ) ( .) CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Posted: October 7, 2010, 8:55 pm by Wambui

  Ladies it’s that time again to touch yourself, or let someone else touch you… either way be touched and most of all be aware…

• YES! NO MORE MOI DAY!

  Posted: October 7, 2010, 8:16 pm by Wambui

  One of the things I supported about the New Constitution is the removal of Moi Day as a public holiday and the renaming of Kenyatta Day to Mashujaa Day. The reason for this is simple, I personally don’t see why we were taking a day off to hail our former & late President(s) more so … Read more

• PLEASE SCRAP KCPE & KCSE

  Posted: October 7, 2010, 4:13 pm by Wambui

  Dear Mr James ole Kiyiapi (PS Education, Kenya), In my humble opinion the KCPE and KCSE examinations should be scrapped all together. In its stead students should do an annual exam based on what they’ve been taught that year alone. That will reduce “Cramming for Exams” and introduce “Understanding” of the curriculum. How will they … Read more

• IT DEPENDS

  Posted: October 5, 2010, 2:34 pm by Wambui

  It does, honestly! It’s dependent upon many things, things I myself cannot fathom or understand… my thoughts, actions, habits, friends, family… myself. Not just who I am, who I think I am… who people want me to be… there is also the girl in my dreams, the woman in my mares… but still it is … Read more

• If This Country Burns, We Burn With It – Kuweni Serious

  Posted: September 29, 2010, 9:12 pm by Wambui

  I watched this video and it quickly resonated with me. Since I obtained my voter’s card, and therefore the right to vote, I have voted; and I easily get tired of people who complain about the state of our country yet do nothing when the day comes to make a change by casting a vote. … Read more

• BROTHER TO THE NIGHT!

  Posted: September 27, 2010, 3:22 pm by Wambui

  Recited by Darious Lovehall a.k.a Larenz Tate in the movie Love Jones (1997) Say, baby… can I be Your slave? I’ve got to admit girl you’re the shit girl… and I’m digging you like a grave. Now, do they call you Daughter to the Spinning Pulsar… or maybe Queen of 10,000 moons? Sister to the … Read more

• DIS POEM (ME LIKE)

  Posted: September 16, 2010, 4:21 pm by Wambui

  dis poem by mutabaruka dis poem shall speak of the wretched sea that washed ships to these shores of mothers cryin for their young swallowed up by the sea dis poem shall say nothin new dis poem shall speak of time time unlimited time undefined dis poem shall call names names like lumumba kenyatta nkrumah … Read more

• THE CREATIVE FAST

  Posted: September 15, 2010, 9:00 pm by Wambui

  Every time there is a shake up in my life, and I think moving to Lagos is fair to say a shake up, I get a Creative Spurt as in one of my many creative/design faculties crop up and I get consumed by it for a while thereafter. When I went to Malaysia it was … Read more

• OKADA ACCIDENT, AJEGUNLE (AJ) & BACK

  Posted: September 5, 2010, 12:48 am by Wambui

  Suffice it to say I’ve had an interesting & restful weekend. To begin with it was the first Saturday in a while that neither the hubby nor I had something to do but sit at home and listen to the rain outside, eat, pray, love & enjoy each other’s company. Today, Sunday, we set out … Read more

• WHERE’S MY PILLOW

  Posted: September 3, 2010, 8:05 pm by Wambui

  If you’ve read Let it never be said you’ll understand why I’m excited about my friend’s blog WHERE’S MY PILLOW that I’ve only just stumbled upon. He might not be too happy with me telling the whole world but oh well, what’s a girl to do? *insert big lovely smile*

• MORE NEW FRIENDS

  Posted: September 1, 2010, 3:51 pm by Wambui

  Once again have a look see at whose blog/website am peeking at: Diary Of A Life Jason Runo Enjoy!

• GOD BLESS KENYA

  Posted: August 27, 2010, 9:02 pm by Wambui

  It’s with so much pride mingled with homesickness and nostalgia that I write this post. Looking back at my childhood, I realized I never knew that I was part of a journey until I watched the promulgation of the new constitution of Kenya today and my eyes stung with warm tears. In retrospect I remember … Read more

• GOD BLESS KENYA

  Posted: August 27, 2010, 9:02 pm by Wambui

  It’s with so much pride mingled with homesickness and nostalgia that I write this post. Looking back at my childhood, I realized I never knew that I was part of a journey until I watched the promulgation of the new constitution of Kenya today and my eyes stung with warm tears. In retrospect I remember [...]

• NEW LINK FRIENDS

  Posted: August 18, 2010, 1:12 pm by Wambui

  If you know me, you’d know I love linking to new blogs & talking about it… if you don’t know me… well… you don’t know me. period. So here we go *clink* to new friends: MUSE…AND MORE Nonye Arrrrrhhnike!

• ILLICIT BREWS: PROBABLE SOLUTION

  Posted: July 28, 2010, 3:02 pm by Wambui

  I’m currently watching “Thirsty Traveller” on TV right now and they are showing how a drink called Cachaca, native to Brazil, is made from beginning to end. It comes from sugar cane, squeezed of all it’s juices, fermented, and distilled at the sugar farms and sent to a Cachaca depot where it’s regularized & bottled [...]

• AKIWUMI REPORT: REVIEW OF MEDICAL COVER

  Posted: July 22, 2010, 3:17 pm by Wambui

  CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THE TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT  - MEDICAL COVER 66. The National Assembly provides a comprehensive medical insurance cover, with the following limits to the Members of Parliament through AON Minet Insurance Brokers Inpatient benefit – Kshs 10,000,000/- per family per annum Outpatient – Kshs 100,000/- per family per [...]

• LA NINA MIGHT RETURN!?

  Posted: July 12, 2010, 1:19 pm by Wambui

  It seems the DRY SPELL that Kenya faced in the last two years might be planning to make a comeback. So that makes me wonder what the “let’s pay ourselves first” and “let’s divide the country along yes/no lines” government is planning to do about this? Are we currently boosting grain & milk reserves as [...]

• A MUST READ BLOG

  Posted: July 9, 2010, 6:52 pm by Wambui

  … really it is and it’s not just because I know the authour… THROUGH MY LENSES

• THOSE BAD, SELFISH & GREEDY POLITICIANS!

  Posted: July 9, 2010, 2:34 pm by Wambui

  “Raila Odinga, Kenya’s prime minister, rejected the pay increase he was awarded by the country’s parliament last week. MPs had granted Mr Odinga a rise to nearly $430,000 a year, while giving themselves a 25% increase to $161,000. This boost would place Mr Odinga among the highest-paid political leaders in the world. More worryingly, his [...]

• FROG THE SAVIOUR?

  Posted: July 8, 2010, 3:21 pm by Wambui

  So as I let the chicken pieces grill in the oven and the okra curry simmer on the stove… I picked up the ripening plantain to cut it up in readiness for a fry up… only to be met by a tiny frog that leapt out from among the plantain. Please note it wasn’t the cute kermit-the-frog-type-color [...]

• GHANA ME LOVE YOU LONG TIME!

  Posted: July 8, 2010, 3:04 pm by Wambui

  Going through my previous posts it’s clear my love for Ghana and distaste for Brazil goes way back: VIVA GHANA

• WRITER or AUTHOR?

  Posted: June 30, 2010, 3:09 pm by Wambui

  “To be or not to be…” from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet I was debating with my hubby yesterday on the difference between a “Writer” “Author” “Blogger”… turns out I was wrong on all the definitions. I’ve never thought of myself as an author but rather just a blogger. It turns out the words are interchangeable depending on what you [...]

• NEW LINKS

  Posted: June 30, 2010, 2:11 pm by Wambui

  Interesting blogs that am now reading: My Naija Memoirs The Black Campaign Never cook your cabbages twice The Long Harmattan Season Enjoy!

• NAIJA CHRONICLES

  Posted: June 25, 2010, 5:37 pm by Wambui

  So I relocated to Lagos, Nigeria about more than a month ago and so far it has been a pretty interesting jaunt to say the least. I’ve been trying to psyche myself up to blog about the experience so far but it has come to naught until I decided to email my Sister and it just [...]

• DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

  Posted: June 14, 2010, 1:13 pm by Wambui

  I’m deeply saddened by the news of the bombing that killed five people and injured scores of others at Uhuru Park yesterday evening as I can’t get my head wrapped around that evil action. I really wonder what it is that the perpetrators aimed to achieve. I don’t care too much for the arguments making [...]

• SHADES OF ME

  Posted: May 27, 2010, 1:35 pm by Wambui

  by vee   when all is said & done, i’ve been many things in my life, a daughter, sister, friend & even now a wife. like colored pencils in a quaint little box, my life’s memory bank, has shades of many sorts. blue colored my childhood with oodles of love & guile, life had a [...]

• KENYA AIRWAYS (KQ) RESPONSE

  Posted: May 17, 2010, 1:23 pm by Wambui

  So a few days later after my ranting email to KQ for delaying our flight to Lagos I got this response. Whether it’s sincere or not that’s a matter for another day: Dear Ms Wambui,  RE: FLIGHT SCHEDULES  Thank you for your email. We are very sorry for the impression you have gained regarding our [...]

• WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

  Posted: May 11, 2010, 8:19 pm by Wambui

  A friend texted me this a few days before I left the +254 area code “a trailing wife is always to be admired.” Now as I sit here in area code +234 (for those who need to be informed that is the greater country of Nigeria) I wonder what that sentence really means? Is it [...]

• KENYA AIRWAYS (KQ) SUCKS!

  Posted: May 8, 2010, 9:46 am by Wambui

  Incidentally, I read an article a few days ago on how KQ as a company needs to re evaluate their priorities and only yesterday they had an Ad in the papers announcing that they are now flying to Muscat! Very good but who cares especially if that flight will be delayed or cancelled most likely [...]

• WE NEED TO PRAY…

  Posted: April 26, 2010, 2:29 pm by Wambui

  In this whole drama of the 2010 Draft Constitution’s yes & no strongholds, coupled with vivid flashbacks of the country’s division post 2005 referendum, and the PEV fracas of 2007/8… I hope we are really praying for this country – and not just as “80%” Christian majority but anyone & everyone who claims their religion [...]

• …AND ME?

  Posted: April 13, 2010, 11:48 pm by Wambui

  I just spent the better part of last night watching season 1 of The Cashmere Mafia, a show about four 30-something successful women in the corporate world. The other show I love to watch is Lipstick Jungle with a similar storyline only that the ladies are 3 (instead of the 4 in Cashmere Mafia). In [...]

• CONSTITUTIONAL BABY & BIRTH WATER

  Posted: April 12, 2010, 12:54 am by Wambui

  The metaphor of throwing out the baby and the bath water apparently comes from the middle ages in England when bathing was a family activity which meant that the father or head of the house used the bath water first, followed by the wife, the children and lastly the baby by which time the bath [...]

• SOME ODD YEARS AGO…

  Posted: March 3, 2010, 5:26 pm by Wambui

  …I was with my friends celebrating the release of our KCSE results! We  were excited, delirious and so hopefully expecatant of our futures. Some of us were attending art college on River Road while others were planning to fly out to US, UK or Australia, others were in driving school, others were gearing up to [...]

• POCKET OF SILENCE

  Posted: March 1, 2010, 11:18 pm by Wambui

  Today my breath was taken away… not by anything stunning but by silence… today there was silence in and around me… I liked it and I would like to have more of it. I would like to learn to listen more to my friends, instead of interrupting to give my own story, I would like to have [...]

• blank canvas

  Posted: February 23, 2010, 12:09 am by Wambui

  by vee reach out through distant plains capture my soul in the horizon of sand prostrate it to the ocean now whisper sweet nothings resurrect the essence of our love that now lies between this world & the endless air about us. speak of nothing but lust as I climb the tree of knowledge taste [...]

the mobius strip

• Take Care of You? You Take Care of Me!

  Posted: February 12, 2010, 12:01 am by Wambui

  We hear the advice that “Kenyan women need to take care of their men to keep them” so often that it should be officially retired to the ‘Museum of Cliches’. That in 2010 a man my age needs ‘taking care … Continue reading →

• Who are these ‘People’?

  Posted: February 4, 2010, 10:34 pm by Wambui

  Apologies- this is long…with usual digressions…am just exuberant to be back! Recently my friends and I were discussing a gossipy story out of Nairobi regarding a certain man’s (alleged) infidelity. A story that came complete with the usual villains: a … Continue reading →

VIOLA's IRIS

• PROJECT BUMMVILLE ABORTED!

  Posted: February 1, 2010, 7:58 pm by Wambui

  So yes with anticipation that I handed my letter of notice at the beginning of January and finally the day came when I said bye bye to the house of coffee & tea which has been my good employer for the passed one year and six months. But on day one of proposed Bummville  I found myself [...]

• HeeeeeeLLLOOoooo…

  Posted: January 25, 2010, 4:33 pm by Wambui

  …this passed weekend a friend mentioned that they liked my blog… I was very grateful but a bit scared at the same time. Most of the time when “virtual” and “real” connect the real is jolted a bit… I’ve been blogging for so long I actually forgot that real people read my blog… So to [...]

• SUNNY SIDE UP!

  Posted: January 25, 2010, 3:02 pm by Wambui

  January – the god of the doorway – hence the beginning of the year… many things have happened in the passed month… A dear friend of mine is the proud mother of a her first son… and there be many proud aunties as well, I being one of them which makes my baby cravings shoot [...]

• BUDALANGI ‘09

  Posted: January 14, 2010, 11:32 am by Wambui

  Now that I think about it… what’s the status on Budalangi? I mean year in year out for the passed 2 decades we’d always hear of floodings and people stranded in need of assistance in that region but this time round in the 2009-2010 flash floods we didn’t get any mention of them and what [...]

• Haiti Earthquake & Kenyan Response!

  Posted: January 13, 2010, 10:06 pm by Wambui

  First and foremost my heart goes out to those affected by the earthquake in Haiti and that region of South America. I hope help can start to arrive and may God be with them. As I watch the news with much dread that the Kenyan Special Programmes and Emergency Response arm of the Government is watching [...]

• Job Description for Future Nairobi Mayor

  Posted: January 8, 2010, 2:40 pm by Wambui

  The Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2009 might just be one of the best things for Kenya to start of the next decade with. DPM Musalia Mudavadi is proposing that the Mayor be elected in every 5 years through Universal Suffrage and best of all that this individual should hold an honest to God University Degree [...]

• SHAME ON YOU!!!

  Posted: January 8, 2010, 11:25 am by Wambui

  Akilano Akiwumi, Phoebe Asiyo, Joseph Chirchir, Connie Kivuti, Partrick Lutta, Betty Maneno, Dr. Stephen Karau, Mr Farah Huseein Abdi, Jason Namasake and Dominic Dabalen… I have nothing else to say to you but SHAME ON YOU!!!!! Are you seriously telling me that one year after your appointments this is the best you can come up [...]

• MATATU GRAFFITI CULTURE

  Posted: January 7, 2010, 11:30 am by Wambui

  “A day after Matatu operators ended their 3-day strike, traffic police seized about 50 vehicles with graffiti and others fitted with TV screens. Police said Matatu owners will have to remove the offensive material before they are allowed back on the road.” Daily Nation 7th January 2010. Pg 28 Excuse me? Offensive to whom? And how [...]

• SILENT WONDER

  Posted: January 5, 2010, 11:31 pm by Wambui

  Where do deaf people go for dinner!? How do they order their meal, or ask for special food considerations!? How do they ask for the Manager when the order is wrong or the food is cold or a waiter is rude? These are thoughts that ran through my mind as I watched two deaf men [...]

• 20TENACITY!

  Posted: January 4, 2010, 3:38 pm by Wambui

  I don’t make new year resolutions, I come up with a word to define the year! Last year was all about Positivity’09 The way I see it 2010 is going to be about holding on to what I believe in, want, desire, dream of, love, hope for, have faith in… If you didn’t have something to work [...]

the mobius strip

• Proust Questionnaire

  Posted: October 23, 2009, 8:31 pm by Wambui

  I enjoy reading Vanity Fair magazine. The last page usually carries the Proust Questionnaire that a celebrity gets to fill out (right now they have a feature on their site that allows you to fill out the questionnaire, then compares … Continue reading →

• I am back!

  Posted: October 22, 2009, 3:23 am by Wambui

  There is nothing like “your account is temporarily available” to end your love affair with Facebook. I am tired of always having to wait to access my account. Screw it. From now on my friends, if you want to know … Continue reading →

• Kenyans and Facebook…

  Posted: July 30, 2009, 9:20 pm by Wambui

  Can you tell that I am ‘otherwise occupied’ with Summer fun? Let’s say that since the sun started rising at 5 am, I have been busy enjoying it to the max (and I have the sunburn to prove it!). Working … Continue reading →

• How I Spent My Holiday, Part II

  Posted: June 4, 2009, 9:52 am by Wambui

  It has definitely taken forever to finish writing Part two! Blame it on my new found success at Spider Solitaire (Difficult- Four Suits)- for years I have not managed to finish a game, then suddenly I complete three back-to-back games, … Continue reading →

• How I Spent My Holiday, Part I

  Posted: May 26, 2009, 6:07 am by Wambui

  So, after the serious must come some lightheartedness. But first, a mini-digression. In primary school, each beginning of term we would be asked to write a composition titled ‘How I Spent My Holidays’. We would also be given a page … Continue reading →

• Justice. Outrage. Reality Check

  Posted: May 15, 2009, 2:54 am by Wambui

  From the first time Mr. Cholmondeley appeared on Kenyans’ radar (after he shot and killed a KWS ranger), the public anger unleashed against him has always seemed interesting to me. In no way do I think that outrage at the … Continue reading →

• Going Home

  Posted: April 3, 2009, 11:18 pm by Wambui

  For me, traveling to Kenya usually happens on a whim. Rarely do I plan months in advance (or think it through very much). I just wake up with this longing for that warm sun, the sound of insects, a wider … Continue reading →

• Nobody Told Me ‘It’ Would Be Boring

  Posted: March 10, 2009, 12:23 am by Wambui

  We all knew it was coming. This ‘downturn’. The government, the opposition, the pundits…even the Tweeters said it. Repeatedly. We braced ourselves as though for a  Tsunami. We cringed at the figures as they were bandied about: Half a million jobs lost, three trillion dollars of debt, 20% capital loses. Our vocabularies grew: Asset Backed Commercial [...]

• Kilifi or Bust…

  Posted: March 3, 2009, 9:34 pm by Wambui

  It all started in early February when I moved temporarily to having more responsibility in the workplace…suddenly I found that I was expected to have all the answers to all the questions- even the ones which my predecessor had already nixed in the past. Soon those who shied away from taking on the added responsibility [...]

• Elliptical Apologies

  Posted: March 2, 2009, 11:09 pm by Wambui

  Dear E (I feel that I may address you this way since we will be spending so much time together from now on ) I have been lying to you since the day we met. None of it is true- the stuff I told you. My age, my weight, all of it was lies.The only true [...]

• In Response To Your Email….

  Posted: February 27, 2009, 8:10 pm by Wambui

  During the average workday how many emails would you say you send out, or receive? Before, my ‘official’ emails were crafted painstakingly, edited for clarity, brevity and typos. At times when I would click ‘Send’ I said to myself “that was a good one my dear!” Sadly, I quickly learned that many recipients would not [...]

• More Swahili Banditry…

  Posted: February 19, 2009, 9:48 pm by Wambui

  Say you were walking down a street in one of the seedier parts of Nairobi and some hoodlums descended on you with kicks and punches in an attempt to rob you of your fake Rolex and crystal ‘diamond’ earrings. Let’s say your attack was witnessed by a passerby who then rushed to your aid. If said [...]

• The Next Chapter

  Posted: January 28, 2009, 8:17 am by Wambui

  The varied sounds from downstairs echoed around the upstairs landing: overexcited aunts cackling raucously, the beeping of text messaging cousins’ phones, the phlegmy coughs of grandparents wilting from the previous night’s festivities, the pacing feet of an anxious father accompanied by the bolder strides of bravado-filled uncles syncopated by the frantic cries of a woman [...]

• Mother May I?

  Posted: January 15, 2009, 9:01 am by Wambui

  As a Kenya passport holder, travel whims are not so easily satisfied. For every whim, there is a rule. A short while ago, my girlfriends and I were sitting around just shooting the breeze when the subject of Argentina came up. One of my friends (let’s call her the Fat One) has been to Argentina before, and from [...]

• Goodbye 2008

  Posted: January 1, 2009, 6:43 am by Wambui

• 31 Inspired by Makeba, Chiwoniso

  Posted: November 26, 2008, 7:16 am by Wambui

  Someone pointed out to me yesterday that I post to my blog roughly every 21 days. It’s not that the will is not there, I just seem spend so much time wallowing in inspiration that I end up missing opportunities to do more than just come up with creative ideas. I spend so much time stopping to read, [...]

• How to End War in Africa 1.0

  Posted: November 22, 2008, 2:18 am by Wambui

  Dear Rest-of-the-World, Do you want lasting peace in Africa? I have the solution. Stop selling weapons to Africans. Yes, all weapons, to all Africans- even ‘legitimate’ governments. Then, sit back and watch as the brutality we call war declines. “Why would it decline?” You ask. Well, have you seen Africa’s maintenance record? Just take one look at our roads. We seem unable to [...]

• Kenyans- Take a Leaf

  Posted: November 5, 2008, 7:50 pm by Wambui

  It’s over- the US Election. Barack Obama is President. Kenyans dance in the streets of Nairobi. I’d like to think that they don’t just dance because he is half Kenyan, but because they have heard Obama’s message and it resonates with them. I would like to hope that Kenyan voters will take the message of hope and change [...]

• Entering Glum-free Zone!

  Posted: October 21, 2008, 11:52 pm by Wambui

  I am surrounded by people who permanently wallow in the deep, dark, depths of sadness. They could have a choice to be happy but they would rather frown. Some days we all feel somewhat down- I would know, depression is never that far away…it’s like my shadow, chasing me. But when I have a choice, [...]

• TMI Tuesday, and Other Titbits

  Posted: October 16, 2008, 6:29 am by Wambui

  A few weeks ago on a Tuesday, a few Kenyan MPs trotted out to announce how they had undergone circumcision (I’m assuming as adults). It was all a part of an effort to encourage men from Kenyan tribes that traditionally don’t practice circumcision to have the operation. I sat thinking “TMI (too-much-information) Tuesdays are here!” Here’s [...]

• Snobbery and Afro-Lurve

  Posted: September 15, 2008, 8:10 am by Wambui

  “My Sister! Where are you from?” The overly eager voice cries out to you as you walk through the shopping mall. Surrounded by expensive dress shops, beautiful people, mannequins strikingly posed, You can’t help but focus on his ill-fitting pants; the overly eager face, his almost drooling demeanour. You debate which country to choose in this moment.   “Somalia!” You reply. A [...]

• Getting the Mojo Back

  Posted: August 12, 2008, 9:01 am by Wambui

  After four glorious days in Seattle I’m back! It was so good! The city made me think of Montreal with the brick apartment buildings. I didn’t understand the point of Pike Place Market- what’s the fascination in visiting a market (especially when Customs rules prohibit the importation of certain fruits and veggies from the US into Canada [...]

• 10 Years On…

  Posted: August 7, 2008, 6:02 pm by Wambui

  The radio was on. Background noise as I lay napping on that hot August day. As the news came on, I began to blank out when the newsreader began to read the report of a bombing in the KENYAN capital NAIROBI…that was all I heard. I sat bolt upright, heart pounding and got off the bed, [...]

• Summer Joys

  Posted: August 5, 2008, 9:15 am by Wambui

  Growing up in Kenya, the sun was never this ‘big’ thing…it was just there. Omnipresent, always available, hardly a topic for conversation.The thing is, having lived this long in Canada, I’ve come to understand why the obsession with the sun! You don’t get that much sunshine here most of the time, or rather, it is [...]

• Making A Stand

  Posted: August 1, 2008, 8:56 am by Wambui

  I have spent this afternoon registering my disappointment in the Associated Press. There was a story on CNN.com re: the increase in child prostitution since the post-election violence in Kenya last January. There were names, pictures etc on the site that did little to protect the identities of the victims of violence and exploitation. The [...]

• A Little More Respect Please…

  Posted: July 18, 2008, 9:14 am by Wambui

  Why is it that Kenyan parents would trust their 30-something year old daughter to make important decisions e.g. relating to her career, what car to drive, how much money to save or invest, how much money to contribute to her parents’ upkeep…yet they cannot trust her to make the decision of the man she chooses [...]

• For When it Mattered

  Posted: July 10, 2008, 8:37 am by Wambui

  To: my friends, my family, random strangers I have encountered Whenever I did not ask Whenever I thought I could not ask Whenever I did not know to ask Whenever I thought I did not need it Whenever I knew I did not really need it Whenever I needed it. Badly You reached me You touched me You loved me You pushed me You called me You [...]

• Where’s the Love?

  Posted: July 4, 2008, 7:04 am by Wambui

  A few weeks ago I read about a ban on mourning and reporting about/from assemblies of the parents of children killed in the earthquake that devastated Sichuan province in China. They were asked to cancel a memorial for their children (no doubt for political reasons). I sat silent, shocked that any person would tell another how to [...]

• I’m back (yay!)…not that anyone ever knew I was gone

  Posted: June 29, 2008, 1:03 am by Wambui

  With the sporadic nature of my blogging habits, I can’t really say I was gone- more like I was just procrastinating 90% of the time these past few weeks, then I got really busy for the remaining 10% of the time! If something can be put off so that I can pursue any of my [...]

• All Creatures ‘Great’ and Small

  Posted: May 27, 2008, 8:41 am by Wambui

  Two stories I have read today leave me convinced that before the internet my life was very staid and dull. How did I survive without stories that leave me chuckling or in most cases gasping for breath at their hilarity?  Honestly, my days are much brighter thanks to stories of camels humping their owners to [...]

• Who’s Your Mummy!!!

  Posted: May 12, 2008, 3:10 am by Wambui

  My mother and I are not the world’s closest lovey-dovey mother-daughter team. If I actually told her explicitly that I loved her, she would probably roll her eyes and change the topic…or suspect that I was dying. We will never be winners in the ‘shining-example-of-mother-daughter-hood’ category. We are more like the world’s best mother-daughter acquaintances/sometime-friends. [...]

• Faster Pasta

  Posted: April 8, 2008, 7:38 am by Wambui

  This is the first actual recipe in what should be a series…if I can keep up the energy and remember to bring my camera to the kitchen (I’m no EGM, so it takes ages to get the pics just right…a real eye opener). I really love pasta because it is filling or light depending on what [...]

• Beer and Strawberries

  Posted: April 5, 2008, 1:57 am by Wambui

  Once, I found myself in the situation where all I had to eat in my fridge (that did not involve prep work) was beer, strawberries and feta cheese. My distaste for ready-to-eat, or waking up to line up outside the local brunch spot had come back to bite me because right then I could have killed for a [...]

• A Picture = 1,000 Words, 2 Pictures = 2,000 Words

  Posted: March 12, 2008, 7:01 am by Wambui

   When you think you have seen it all, the fashion world proves you wrong here are 2,000 words worth: A model displays Japanese designer Kazuaki Takashima’s manga-pattterned coat during 08-09 Autumn/Winter Collection at the Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo Tuesday, March 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi) And, Martin Margiela’s shredded jeans:

• International Women’s Day- March 8, 2008

  Posted: March 10, 2008, 2:13 am by Wambui

  If you have wondered what this day is about, here’s a quick primer on IWD from The Official International Women’s Day 2008 website: […] Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. While there are many large-scale initiatives, a rich and diverse fabric of local [...]

• DRIVE Me Crazy!

  Posted: February 28, 2008, 7:31 am by Wambui

  Getting around Nairobi on any normal day always makes for an interesting story. There is always something happening around you that if you are not careful, you might end up becoming the story! There was a time when taking matatus was like breathing for me. As soon as I passed the driving test and got [...]

• What to Say?

  Posted: February 23, 2008, 2:12 am by Wambui

  In the days since I came back from Kenya I have suffered from a serious malaise about writing. You see, most times I write frivolous, light-hearted stories, or blog posts. The way things were (and remain) in Kenya, I did not want to be another voice muddying the waters, or to seem to be in [...]

• Wading Into the Fray

  Posted: January 1, 2008, 9:30 pm by Wambui

  We’re halfway there. Halfway to Nairobi. In a few hours we’ll leave Amsterdam and land in a city that I don’t recognize from the news online. People waving pangas, policemen all geared up and ready for battle…I won’t lie, I am scared about where we are headed. I’m mad as hell that we have a self-appointed [...]

Wambui's World

• Careers

  Posted: December 19, 2007, 7:22 pm by Wambui

  I read this interesting article today on how to avoid certain behaviors that lead to career sabotage. I realized that a lot of folks ...that I know are on the correct path to career sabotage.
  
  The number one thing that leads to career sabotage is not having a life plan. I usually call this a strategic plan for your life. I am constantly updating mine - I actually know its time to revisit my strategy when I start slacking off on my goals, become lax in my chores etc....the document that I created for myself is "business strategy' in itself. I write out my goals (long and short term) and break each goal into chunks that trickle down to my daily to do list. This way I know for sure that every day I am doing something that will lead me to achieving my long term goals. I incorporate a calendar and make sure every little chunks of my goal has a due date on it and I track it often. My strategy document also contains my vision and mission for my life. In short it keeps me focused. According to John McKee author of Career Wisdom "without a plan, we leave out successes in the hands of others who may or may not have time to look after other people's successes" (CNN, December 19, 2007) .
  
  Not keeping you skill set current is another major reason for career sabotage - with the business world as it is today, ever changing and more competitive than ever, it is imperative to stay "on top of your game". Best believe if there is someone in your department or group that can do what you do better, your azz is at risk. It is for this reason that I resolved to what I call my results driven career path plan - I work for corporate world like I am a business selling my services to them. I resolve to stay with the company for a term no longer than three years. Within those three years I will do all in my power to advance to a new position or department, or take on a major additional role every year. Basically I make sure I exceed expectations each year and move on to something else more challenging. Right before the three/ two years are up - I start getting myself out there with another organization....I have a list of organizations that I want to work for...I'm crazy like that...LOL
  
  Failing to deliver results is another way to sabotage ones career...like I said above....the goal is to create realistic achievable goals then work your hardest to knock their socks off with outstanding results that exceed their expectations. Its like show.biz......its all about the ratings..no one wants to hire or even retain staff with low ratings.....that's just extra baggage...
  
  Confusing efficiency with effectiveness - People people people - they are all human, CEOs, CFO.s basically all levels of leadership within an organization are made up of red blooded people....communicating in person is always the best, people remember you better by associating a face with a name.
  
  Irreplaceable myth - no one is irreplaceable - by now - EVERYONE should know that.....
  
  Do not be a know it all - learn to ask questions. this keeps one in the know additionally new ideas are generated through communicating with others through constructive discussions that arise when people ask questions
  
  The writer also discourages surrounding yourself with brown nosers. For obvious reasons you will never really get their real opinions - surround yourself with people that are honest and not afraid to state their opinions about matters in a constructive way.
  
  Toot your own horn....I often "blow my own trumpet" - not in an arrogant way but in a way that lets others know of my teams successes and the role that I played in them.
  
  Losing perspective - stuff happens - it happens all the time - life is not perfect.... true leaders have the ability to maintain their perspective regardless of the roadblocks they encounter along the way. I remember one time in my old organization - a colleague received an award for employee of the quarter and his team received team of the quarter for a project that the company spent tonnes of money on but the client decided against going with our company for the job. They got the award because the team was highly dedicated, maintained focus and cohesiveness despite having the deal with a myriad of issues including dealing teams across geographic boundaries, obviously different time zones with the potential client, across several lines of service to deliver a solution that portrayed our company as being seamless in providing solutions. Wouldn't you know it - the company built a center of excellence around that solution.
  
  I love such articles - they remind me of the stuff that I am made of....
  
  Ta!
  W

the mobius strip

• Vaulting Horses and Growing Pains

  Posted: December 19, 2007, 5:06 am by Wambui

  I ache all over. My fingers are bruised and bloody, my brain hurts from trying to figure out what the nutty designers at IKEA had in mind when they designed the new office chair I bought…it took the inhuman strength of fractious (nearly tearful) frustration and yes, hint of rage, to finally get the damn [...]

Wambui's World

• Baack

  Posted: December 18, 2007, 3:15 pm by Wambui

  Got caught up with life.....tooo many things happening at the same time...good stuff all of it...I forgot what an outlet blogging was to my life.
  
  Highlights since the last time I posted...lil man is doing great. He graduated to swatching by himself...no longer scared of the imaginary monster. He spends alot of time in his room watching movies and throwing "parties" for Mr. Cuddles, Telie.t.ubies and Tw.eet.y bird....they seem to have tonnes of fun - I hate cleaning up when the fun is over....
  
  Work is good. things are slowing down abit due to the holidays but i am sure they shall pick up pretty soon.
  
  This month I have gone to a bunch of parties....my new thing is to network as much as possible...stay in the same organization in the same role for two - three years but change organizations every 5 years. In todays corp.world - it is neccesary to do that in order to grow and fastest way to move up the chain (i'm fiercely ambitious like that!). (Note: I have edited this paragraph)
  
  My mu.mmy us here - has been here for three weeks - needless to say my azz has grown so lazy - I havent done housework the entire time she has been here.....i tell you - i am living the life! I have also gone out every Friday and saturday , sometimes even thursday night....im a party animal all over again - then again i keep telling myself that I am networking...LOL...
  
  I havent done my holiday gift shopping yet - Ive done my tree, bought dishes to serve my dinner for my third annual holiday dinner on Saturday....even came up with a menu and this year - it does not involve nyama.choma(bb.q) - I know I have keny.an blood running through my veins but by golly - there is only sooo much meat one can handle!!! So I told everyone that I am making dinner - all of it by my dam self....told them to consider it an extra xmas gift from me - crazy azz family....i luuuuuvvv dem tho!
  
  W

the mobius strip

• Giving It Up

  Posted: December 16, 2007, 10:52 am by Wambui

  Some days I’m ready to just cave, give in, and give ‘It’ up Never before though, have I come this close Never have I gone past mere thought and actually filled out the forms. Tonight, I’m not ‘this’ close, I am giving ‘It’ up. Can I ‘lose’ something that is my essence? I am really just a pretender these days when [...]

• Jamhuri yangu?

  Posted: December 8, 2007, 8:36 am by Wambui

  Heading into the holidays, Jamhuri day celebrations will be the start of the festivities. Many Kenyan communities across the world will probably do something to mark this milestone. Being too young to have stood and watched the new Kenyan flag be hoisted for the first time, I can only imagine the thrill that must have [...]

• Milestones

  Posted: November 27, 2007, 10:56 am by Wambui

  30 years = 10 957.266 days At midnight (literally- I was born at midnight), I’ll head into my 3rd decade of life! Regrets? Nothing major, just stuff like: - I never learned how to dive (the swimming gala trophy at my primary school was named after a girl who dived into the shallow end and cracked her skull…’nuff [...]

• What is

  Posted: November 24, 2007, 11:11 am by Wambui

  Hope… Counting down the days till Montreal, Nairobi Drooling over the menu at Pêche Pêche, Mesquite Dreams of a kiss long delayed Imagining my grandfather’s face on a hot January day Cheering on dear ones in the August house race Bliss… Managing (against all odds) to get your friend on the same 23 hour flight Knowing that almost all your friends will be [...]

• Beautiful Girl…

  Posted: November 7, 2007, 9:51 am by Wambui

  I knew a girl once She made me laugh all the time I think I made her laugh as much Many a day and night did we spend on dreams/boys/music/food/laughter Always- laughter! We were usually on the same wavelength Words were not always necessary Some people thought that she was over the top Some people thought we were sisters (not!) Some people thought she [...]

Wambui's World

• MFKR!

  Posted: November 2, 2007, 6:24 pm by Wambui

  It just hit me!
  
  Your cookie cutter pet names makes me totally sick! Mirra ??????????? huh ? come again ???? Who-TF!!!!!
  
  U better not call me no more dude!!!! I hate you!!! And I miss you like crazy.
  
  All my love,
  W

the mobius strip

• The Ex-Files

  Posted: October 26, 2007, 8:00 am by Wambui

  I was watching a random TV show where the characters were discussing whether you should tell the person you are in a romantic relationship with about your former partners/lovers/dates/flings. It was one of those comedies where all the responses are witty/smart/cute/cliché and long after the laughter had died, I was thinking about the ex files. Here’s [...]

Wambui's World

• New Me

  Posted: October 25, 2007, 4:19 pm by Wambui

  Most of you that know me know that this year had been full of ups and downs for me. Mostly ups though. I havent had a chance to blog about what changes have come with my new life, well I told you abt my new place - I LOVE IT!!! it is sooo the place to go and relax. Well - our lifestyle has changed alot too. We can now actually go on REAL vacations - like for real!!! I cant wait for lil man to get a few years older coz mama needs to go to di.sne.y!! Next month we begin our annual camping trips and this time I am done with the tent thing - I want a full blown cabin in the woods for a whole fr.ikin week! Ya thaz right - a week - I want to go skiing ....mostly - I just want to wear ski clothes...LOL.
  The other day - there was a cold front in Htown. well it happened like in the middle of the day and I was one of those parents that took their kids to sch in shorts and sandals - coz we all know htown weather changes every 2 seconds - well I was WRONG!!! My child had to stay indoors all day coz it was freaking cold! SO the next day I had a rude shock when I found out that he had grown 2 inches taller and none of his pants could fit. Luckily I had a size 4T adjustable pair of Jeans that I folded up to fit him and took him to sch. That afternoon I took off to go shopping for my child. You should have seen BD "Why are we doing this? there is no way he could have grown that tall" (WTF) anyhooo so off to s.ea.rs, m.ars.hal.ls R.os,s we went looking for 2 heavy jackets, 4 sweatsuits, 4 jeans, long sleeved shirts, 2 formal church type outfits (coz apparently its not appropriate to wear sp.i.derma.n or pow.er.ra.n.ge.rs shirts or pants to church) - WTF! anyhoo - at one store, I actually saw an outfit complete with leather jacket (for real) for a 6 month old - WTFFFF!!! I mean for real - it was like almost 40 bucks........somethings I just will never get. Everything that lil man wears to sch or sleep - I but from tarjay or wMart. shirt no more than 4 bucks a piece and pants not even 10 bucks because first of all- he plays in them all day and gets all sort of nastyness on them, then second, he only wears them for that season coz they grow like frikin weeds!!!! anyhoo - bottom line is I dont care how much more money I make, the stuff he wears to school and play, and sleep all will come from the same stores. The other stuff I just bought - thats for other events.
  
  Next post I will update on changes Ive made in my life.
  
  1,
  W

the mobius strip

• Adventures in Making God Laugh*

  Posted: October 13, 2007, 10:03 pm by Wambui

  After weeks of walking by my desk, eyes averted, ashamed that I haven’t written anything here (or anywhere outside of my head for that matter) in ages, I’m back! In what I can only call the irony of ironies, I landed another gig through a former colleague’s spouse whose company was in need of…you guessed [...]

Wambui's World

• Random Thoughts

  Posted: October 1, 2007, 10:44 pm by Wambui

  Ok - so I have been soooo gone from the blogging world I realized that Angry Black Man does not seem so angry anymore...has actually made me think about re-doing my blog. Just dont know what direction to take. I am definately at a place where I feel a bit more confident to share my pieces or poetry and writting that is based on grown.folks.bidness.....just not completely sure yet, so still noo.dling on the idea....
  
  Perhaps someone reading this can give me their opinion: Heres the thing, those pieces of writing are passionate, deep, raw and absolutely grown folks only type ...in a cleanway (nothing trashy) - the dilemna is this: me coming from a culture that does not talk about some stuff (noooooo! not what you are thinking....get your mind out of the gutter puhleaze!) feel somewhat shy about sharing things that to others would be considered raw emotion. Anyhooooo! Just me thinking....
  
  Its 5:51pm - I skived going to the gymn today - I want to have a mimosa and a samosa before I head home.......I really hate going into my kitchen on weekdays - its like a sin in the world according to me.....I however feel shy having a mimosa on a Monday so .......whatever....
  
  Peace, love and Mar.yJ.ane (LOL - I heard someone say thing over the weekend it just cracked me up!).
  
  1,
  W

• Change

  Posted: September 27, 2007, 6:35 pm by Wambui

  Its been a while...these days it seems as though I can hardly get enough time to email let alone blog. I cant complain though, I feel blessed.
  Did the grad thing, went on a weeks vacation with the guys, we all desperately needed it. Life can get crazy when we dont take the time to stop and appreciate everything and everyone around us.
  Recently, I forgave someone from my past. It felt so good appreciating the role that they played in my life. That is one part of my life that I know I have come full circle on - forgiveness. I harbor no ill feelings for anyone and feel very glad about that.
  I miss lil man today. This morning he dressed up by himself, I was so proud of him.
  My career is going great. I love it - the organization and the fact that they appreiciate me and my input.
  Dont have much else to post coz I am not the "zone" / mood. I have been doing alot of writing though - perhaps soon I shall get motivated (read: Brave) to post some of my pieces here.......speaking of which, need to go pick up Jill's new album today...cya!
  
  W

the mobius strip

• The Woman Who Forgot

  Posted: September 19, 2007, 10:32 am by Wambui

  Striding purposefully along Moi Avenue, Christine’s thoughts were focused on the meeting she had just left. Her client had agreed to a new contract for her services. Desperate, he had hardly quibbled about her fee, or the delivery schedule. Christine enjoyed earning the money, but the challenge of each job was the most satisfying thing [...]

• Props, Mad Plugs

  Posted: September 5, 2007, 11:07 am by Wambui

  A while ago when I visited Nairobi I kept vowing and declaring how, before I left, I wanted a skirt made of khanga fabric, or featuring khanga fabric. Now, I don’t have to imagine it…I can just log on and buy it. Run by two friends (you know the 3 degrees of separation typical of [...]

• D- is for Dowry

  Posted: September 2, 2007, 9:45 pm by Wambui

  Main Entry: dow·ry Pronunciation: ‘dau(-&)-rE Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural dowries Etymology: Middle English dowarie, from Anglo-French, alteration of dower, douaire — more at DOWER 1 archaic : DOWER 1 2 : the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage 3 : a gift of money or property by a man to or for his bride 4 [...]

• Attitude: Gratitude

  Posted: August 27, 2007, 7:40 pm by Wambui

  I woke up with a feeling of contentment I decided to stop looking at what I did not have To pay attention instead to the bounty of ‘gifts’ I have in my life I stopped a minute to acknowledge: I have more than I really deserve, enough of what I need I know that: There are things I will still long [...]

• Good Fences…Good Neighbours

  Posted: August 24, 2007, 9:56 am by Wambui

  The decline of any neighbourhood is gradual, slow, mostly unnoticeable until a new ‘normal’ is established. In the average Nairobi housing estate: first, homeowners tack on ‘extensions’ to their homes, so that each home stands out. A little castle or testament to the owner’s pocket depth and taste (or lack thereof), following which a ‘local’ [...]

Wambui's World

• Been Long

  Posted: August 24, 2007, 7:02 am by Wambui

  Ive been gone a while -so much has happened - its amazing when I go through my past blog entries and find that I have grown so much - a true testament that if you trully believe in something - it will come to fruition.
  We finally moved - I love my new place we have been here a week now - we havent had visitors yet - just family so far, so they really are not guests. Lil man is actually sleeping in his own room now!! I am soooo happy abt that. I love his room, even more than mine, partially because mine is still full of boxes. We both have patios that attach the two rooms together.
  Work is going great. Its just soooo amazing. I was laughing at myself when I got my business cards and all them electronic leashes that corp.amer has to offer......that was when it all sank in. Then it sank in some more that I actually had made a MAJOR career move because I am now in the Oil.&gas industry - its a whole other world - so Im having to take classes just to get me acclaimated to the industry - all paid for by the big boys of course!
  I miss my friends tho. Been so busy I have not had alot of time to myself or anyone else for that matter. Im glad I have my family though, they are trully my strength, my core support - without them I wouldnt have gotten this far.
  Its like 2am cant sleep, so doing laundry while blogging and then will embark on doing my nails. Lets hope that I dont start to get sleepy right at 5am.
  
  Hugs,
  W

the mobius strip

• The Music Edition…[1.0?]

  Posted: August 22, 2007, 8:51 am by Wambui

  The ‘Music Edition’ has been ‘pending’ for ages…finally it sees the light of day. I am a HUGE lover of music. My love of music dates back to childhood…I vividly recall the first time my father played a Mendelssohn symphony…I was instantly hooked…I would ‘conduct’ this symphony in my head. When we would go to [...]

• Placeholder…

  Posted: August 18, 2007, 12:49 am by Wambui

  I am the self-appointed queen of weird and quirky news a.k.a. the ‘diversions’. Most days at lunchtime, one of the managers at work will look to me for her dose of zany news. I love reading about human folly, government bungling and the downright weird. Since I’m due to loll about on my bed reading [...]

surviving the college years

• out and about

  Posted: August 13, 2007, 4:26 am by Wambui

  1. Although I spend a ghastly amount of time on the computer, this is not the cause of my headaches!
  
  2. I've finally escaped from blogger. Here goes my new home
  
  
  kenyangal89.wordpress.com

• taking a break

  Posted: August 3, 2007, 3:52 am by Wambui

  Okay people, so it seems that there are two possible reasons for my recent constant headaches.
  
  1. I am addicted to the computer and am consequently spending too much time infront of the screen.
  
  2. I have not been eating a balanced diet, which is kinda hard to do when the only live beings you put in your mouth live in the ocean.
  
  For the latter, I have slightly modified my diet - which just means making sure that everything I put in my mouth which isn't fruit has atleast 5 grams of protein per serving...the good thing about it is getting to eat Pizza with a good excuse: cheese has about 8 grams of protein per serving. Actually now that I think about it, I really like this high-protein thing, I mean I get to eat lots of dairy products without feeling guilty, i.e. icecream and pizza :). Speaking of Pizza, did you know you can call the pizza place and not order pizza? Seriously, I called just to order that cinnamon bread with icing which-is-soo-bad-for-you-but-is-the-one-dessert-that-tastes-soo-good-that-
  if-I-was-stuck-in-a-dessert-Island-and-could-only-pick-one-dessert-that-would-be-it... but back to the point here.
  
  For the former problem, well the only way to investigate this is to take a break from my beloved friend my laptop - which is the other thing I would take with me to a desert Island, as long as there was wireless internet and a power plug ofcourse. I mean, then I've got pretty much everything no? Bible- check. phone and email-check.TV and movies - check. What more could a girl ask for?
  
  Anyways, so yes, I have to stop spending 14 of my 16 waking hours on the laptop, which means I have to take a break from blogsville and all it's joys...maybe I will get some time to think on that resume no? Anyways, cuidense mucho (take care), eh? This probably won't last long, but I intend to keep through at least the weekend..
  
  
  Okay, so that was a very random post, I think it's the sugar rush from the cinnamon bread I just ate :).
  
  P.S. bloger and I have decided to call it quits but the separation process is taking longer than I expected, but watch this space for mi new casa, which as we say in spanish, will be su casa as well.

• Position Vacant

  Posted: July 31, 2007, 4:49 pm by Wambui

  Haiya. Aki, I disappear for one stupid weekend because my cabeza (head) will not stop hurting and what do I find? Ati inexcess has selected me as one of the top runners for his PA!
  
  For a minute, I was excited: I mean- top contender, added advantage, no way I'm going to lose this, no way, plus I need a job manze!Then I realized ati the deadline is in 11 hours, and even worse, I read 3 types of Crazy's resume
  
  Okay,so seeing as how I wasn't aware of this whole thing until today. And seeing as how I'm one of the few people in this world who hardly ever procrastinates, how am I supposed to come up with a resume in 12 hours that competes with that?
  
  But trust me if I had more time, I would have won hands down. I mean, athletic(which implies comfort in different weather)? check. comfortable in heels (and I'm not talking safari boots here)? check. Speaks four languages (which implies comfort in different environment)? check. I could go on but ..
  
  Given that
  1. I don't think accepting the job would go well with HWSNBNITB
  2. I don't have enough time to prepare a good resume,
  
  I desafortunadamente cannot apply for the position of PA this time around.

• Accepting God's love

  Posted: July 31, 2007, 2:30 pm by Wambui

  In the past few weeks, the sermons in church have emphasized the fact that we are children of God and we should view ourselves that way. It's really taken root in my heart to realize that God loves me and accepts me just as I am, coz I have numerous hangups for sure.
  
  I always had the habit of brooding whenever I'd do something I knew I shouldn't. I'd grow apart from God, thinking he's unhappy with me since this is only the thirtieth time I've made the same mistake.
  
  The amazing thing that is still marvelous to me is, God loves me anyway. Everytime you ask God to forgive you of your sins, he wipes your slate clean, even if it's for the thousandth time! The bible says he removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. I know, it's hard to believe that there is someone who loves us that much, I mean have you ever given anyone a tenth chance for the same mess-up?, but it's true!
  
  So what I've realized is, most of the time, it's our thinking that keeps us away from God. We sure can't imagine anyone giving us a sixth or twentieth chance, so we don't accept God's forgiveness and we turn away from him.
  
  There is a certain redemption and freedom that comes with realizing that God loves me anyway. You'd think it would make me just keep messing up because I know God will forgive me if I just ask him, but I find it makes me want to be better.
  
  I don't really know how to explain it,I think it's something everyone has to experience for themselves, but it really is liberating.

Wambui's World

• A Jumbled Up Mess

  Posted: July 29, 2007, 6:51 pm by Wambui

  I filled out my application for the apartment that i have been wanting to move to. I took it to the property and paid the deposit and fees associated, I cant wait to move on August 18. I love starting a fresh, gives me the chance to throw out the old mess, clear up stuff that i no longer need in my life and bring new stuff and energy into my life.
  
  Kitchen:
  
  Theres stuff in the cabinet under my sink - some of that isht needs to go, empty containers crowding up my space. Pots and pans are worn out - they need to go - I have no use for them. My pantry needs clearing up too - have stuff there that should be expired by now - been holding onto stuff for too long thinking that I will need it incase of an emergency - not anymore - heck no - need more supplies for my pantry.
  My refirdgirator is the worst - specifically my freezer - have stuff in there that is YEARS old - needs to go - My freezer is always full of stuff - stuff that i never will use - its frozen solid and sometimes I think no amount of heat can thaw that stuff out - so I need to turn that mof.o off and use a scraper and remove that isht and throw it out. I also have like a gazillion...ok perhaps 6 different types of cheese - need to go to - I love cheese but dang! not that much.....
  
  Living Room:
  
  Im only moving with my peaces of art and TV- everything else gets trashed/ donated.
  
  Bed Room
  
  Only thing Im taking with me is my computer and workstation, everything else goes. Even the clothes - only taking about 6 outfits and my jeans - everything else goes - even buying new undies the works. Same with my bathroom - only carrying lil man's and my towels.
  
  Patio
  
  Taking lil man's Jeep and c.o.p car - and my new patio set everything else goes to charity or and the trash.
  
  Dang! I cant wait to move on with my life!
  
  For the first time in my life, I am in control of my life. Its the most beautiful feeling ever.
  
  Forever,
  W

surviving the college years

• making ends meet

  Posted: July 27, 2007, 11:40 am by Wambui

  Got this in my inbox today, enjoy!
  
  Kibaki said "Wewe fanya kazi, na kazi ndio hio, na hio ndio iko. Kwani utafanya ingine gani?.Kiuks have given it a serious thought.
  
  ManyKenyans have been travelling abroad to seek
  green pastures. Many are nurses who eventually
  take their husbands with them. Unfortunately, these
  men can't find decent jobs and find themselves doing
  the rat race or funny jobs just to make ends meet.
  So one of them finds a job as a zoo attendant.
  But as there are not many wild animals in UK zoos, the
  institution decides to hire people and have them
  pretend to be zoo animals - dressed in real animal
  skins so as to keep zoo attendance figures up.
  One Kiuk happily takes up one of the jobs
  dresses up in a monkey skin doing all sorts of
  acrobatics swinging from tree to tree.
  As he is busy entertaining people, he accidentally
  falls in a lions den. The lion roars so loudly that
  the "Monkey" shouts MAMAA WEE!! NISAIDIENI!! NAFA LEO!
  Then the lion approaches the ALMOST DEAD "monkey" and says
  "Ni kii we urauga mbu ta mwana?" (why are you screaming like a baby?)
  
  For the resident the event on that day ticket
  sales almost doubled!! bcoz people thought it waz a
  unique thing to see a monkey chat with a lion.
  Yet till now, nobody knew that those animals were
  well and trully HOME BOYS!
  mmmhh. iko kazi.!!
  
  rofl. I don't know how much truth there is to this story, but it does bring up an underlying existing issue no?

• random 8

  Posted: July 25, 2007, 1:45 pm by Wambui

  I got tagged by....well actually I didn't really get tagged, I was reading I believe excess's random 8 and he tagged anyone who hadn't been tagged yet. and seeing as how I can't think of anything else to blog on...
  
  
  1. I think in Spanish sometimes...I think it's the effect of watching all this Spanish TV. I'm at the point now where I know phrases in spanish but can't translate them to English. I plan on learning French and Chinese,and maybe Russian. That way I can speak to over 80% of the world in their native tongue.
  
  2. I'm very picky about what I eat. I stopped eating eggs in third grade, avocados around the same time, and all meat except fish about 2 and a half years ago. Regardless, I eat quite alot, and I cook meat better than most meat eaters...
  
  3.I cry alot, even when I'm happy. I laugh alot too. I'm easily amused by the tiniest things, most people find it weird, but it's just the way I get through life.
  
  4. I love school and I plan on staying there my whole life. In the seventh grade, my math teacher told me I would make a good teacher after explaining some math to the class...of course at the time I paid him no heed, I had bigger dreams. I've come to realize that he was right...
  
  5. My idea of the perfect weekend is just a lazy day at the house, watching a good movie and eating good food. I feel very incomodo (uncomfortable)in most crowds/gatherings. I tend to come across as stuck up because I don't mingle away from my friends when I go out, but I'm just sheltered.
  
  6. I have pretty crazy faith in God, which I think is one of the reasons why I get what I want. I've never thought there was anything too small or insignificant to go to God in prayer for. I'm learning now that neither is there anything too big or impossible for God, and that has made my faith even stronger.
  
  7.Most people are surprised at finding out my age. I've always been quite mature for my age plus I'm also quite old fashioned in my thinking and most of my mannerisms.
  
  8. Apparently I grind my teeth in my sleep..found this out the hard way when my jaw started to lock in the morning or after long bouts of exercise about a year ago, still have to see a doctor about it.
  
  who to tag? I think everyone who reads this has already been tagged, so I'll stop the chain :).

• update

  Posted: July 24, 2007, 12:03 pm by Wambui

  Phew, the last 3 days have been pretty crazy so this post will be more like a rant.
  
  First of all, I hate airtran. For the third time in a row, they managed to mess my plans up yet again. I left school on Friday morning at 7:15 with a 10am flight scheduled to arrive in North Carolina at 3:15 including a 1 hour layover in Atl. Lo and Behold, on reaching Atlanta, my flight to N.C. had been delayed until 3:30, 30 minutes later it was delayed until 4:01. Needless to say boarding did not start until 5pm. Oh joy. So I end up getting home at around 8pm. Add this to the fact that on Saturday I had a wedding reception to attend in VA beach and still didn't have a dress..., let's just say I hate airtran.
  
  Second of all, HWSNBNITB happens to be the kind of person who keeps to himself and alienates the world in case of a problem. After almost 5 years you'd think a girl would get used to it, but somehow it always seems to irk me.
  Anyways, despite Airtran's attempts to mess up my weekend, i did manage to get to a store that hadn't closed yet and buy a dress for the reception , which was a really beautiful affair, the cake and the food were just amazing!
  Last but not least, infact this is probably the most important thing on this post, my project and presentation went really well!! The professor and my supervisor were so impressed with our work that we get a chance to continue working on it in the Fall! And the presentation was very well received too. The mostly Math and Computer Science audience was curiously attentive to our Statistics/Computational Finance talk for the whole 15-20 minutes, which was very pleasing to see. I must say, I felt very satisfied with the final result, it really showed 7 weeks worth of research. It's the first time I've done something like that and you know, I definitely see myself doing this 10 years from now :). The topic is quite interesting methinks, I will do a post on it soon as I can't summarize it in 2 or 3 lines.
  
  Breaking News- At a gas station on my way from NC to VA beach on Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised to see that VANILLA COKE IS BACK! Vanilla coke is the one soft drink that will bring me out of my no-soft-drinks-unless-there-is-nothing-else-to-drink mode. that stuff is good!
  
  I haven't had a chance in the last 2 weeks to read blogs so I've got quite a bit to catch up on, but I've got some free time on my hands now.
  Ok, that was a pretty long post, hopefully it wasn't boring.

Wambui's World

• Who the Fkuc are you ????

  Posted: July 19, 2007, 10:57 pm by Wambui

  Excuse my french, but I'd like to know......
  
  So many of us walk around with an air, confidently speaking when we really dont know who he fakk we really are. I was talking to a gal friend of mine a few minutes ago, a ride or die type of friend who is going thru some stuff and I asked her who the fkuc she was and what did she want out of life, was she living an authentic life.
  Why are we so quick to lay blame on others or our circumstances when in reality, we put ourselves there in the first place. Why cant we be strong enough to realize when we are in deep isht, accept it as a fact and work from within ourselves to get out of the funk? Ive been there, blaming everyone and their grandmother for things that went wrong in my life, feeling sorry for myself and throwing full blown pitty parties for everyone who could attend.....in reality, I was shifting blame and running away from the real issues.Granted, Im still a work in progress, only now I know better not to blame anyone but myself for the things that i let happen to my life, its called taking charge and not letting life take charge of me. I realize that I have faults, that I can be a mess at times, but heck, I know that I am a beautiful mess and I love me for who I am. I define myself, just as you do you.
  
  W

surviving the college years

• Expectation

  Posted: July 19, 2007, 2:19 pm by Wambui

  Is the root of all heartache. I don't know why I never learn

Wambui's World

• Its Coming Together Now...

  Posted: July 17, 2007, 6:39 pm by Wambui

  Today is day 2 of my vacation and boy have I accomplished alot!! I found a new apartment. Went shoping for Objects d'art for it. Even managed to pick up a journal, met friends for lunch and squeezed in an hour at the gymn and took a ride or die buddy to the doctors.....that all happened yesterday!!! Talk about maximizing on a vacation.
  Today I got up, made bfast for the lil man, watched a kids show, gave him a bath, took him to school by 9am, hit the stored again and then came back home, took a nap and now I am here - giving you an update before I hot the gymn again at 4pm then meet a friend for coffee and book shopping at 5:30pm! Later on I have two papers to type up - all due tomorrow!!! Im just loving this.
  So it hit me, yesterday when I was looking for a place to live how the other half live! I drove around looking working off a list that the locators provided, I was shocked at the amount of rent folks pay - like waay over a thousand bucks - WTF!!! This is Te.xas! I caught myself saying - dang! I cant afford that - then it hit me - YES I CAN!!! I sooooo CAN!!!! (LOL) I guess my mind is still working off of my former paycheck....either way - I am not one to spend just for the sake of spending....so I settled for a place deemed luxury but still within a moderate price range.....in my opinion, in Htown T.X if you are paying anything over 1100 - then you need to be buying a house of condo or something - heck anything - even a shack as long as you are not renting it!
  
  I also went to look for a sch for lil man......I almost fainted when the lady told me WTF!!!!! Hence the reason my #1 goal is to raise him in Kenya - fking crazy private schools.....I wonder if they will give them golden crayons studded with diamonds? WTH! So, as much as I loooooove him, I need to go to the drawing board and come up with another option atleast to compare it with.....I can just see BD's face when I tell him...LOL. It will be priceless.
  
  Toodles,
  W

surviving the college years

• being a doer

  Posted: July 17, 2007, 3:00 pm by Wambui

  "The best way to do anything, is to do it. " ~Amelia Earhart.
  
  **Another Grey's Anatomy reference**In, I believe early season 2, after Meredith and Christina yet again take the most interesting medical cases from the other interns, Izzie tells George,"there are two kinds of people in this world, watchers and doers. Meredith and Christina, they're doers. you and me, we're watchers."or something like that.
  I think Izzie was pretty close. I've come to the realization that there are two kinds of people in this world- dreamers and doers. Really, the difference between the millionaire with a private Jet and the guy who has a good job, but makes just enough to get by? Well the millionaire, unless his wealth is inherited, he had an idea, he had a plan, he had a dream, then he went out there and did it. The just-enough guy? he had an idea, he had plan, he had a dream too, but he was too scared to do anything about it.
  Fear is crippling thing. It's hard to tell what just-enough guy is scared of really. Most would say that he is scared of failure, I say he's scared of success. I say he's scared of change. I say he cares too much about people's reactions to his actions. I know this for a fact, because it so happens that I am just-enough guy, or girl in this case.
  He who shall not be named in this blog (HWSNBNITB) once told me that I needed protection against myself. I'm beginning to see what he meant. I am my own worst enemy, I am the danger I need shielding against. The only thing between me and the sky is my thoughts, but it just so happens that the battle against oneself is the toughest one of all.

• "Too sexy for my bus," woman told

  Posted: July 16, 2007, 11:40 pm by Wambui

  Ok. this is too funny to leave out
  
  

  BERLIN (Reuters) - A German bus driver threatened to throw a 20-year-old sales clerk off his bus in the southern town of Lindau because he said she was too sexy, a newspaper reported Monday.

  "Suddenly he stopped the bus," the woman named Debora C. told Bild newspaper. "He opened the door and shouted at me 'Your cleavage is distracting me every time I look into my mirror and I can't concentrate on the traffic. If you don't sit somewhere else, I'm going to have to throw you off the bus.'"

  The woman, pictured in Bild wearing her snug-fitting summer clothes with the plunging neckline, said she moved to another seat but was humiliated by the bus driver.

  A spokesman for the bus company defended the driver.

  "The bus driver is allowed to do that and he did the right thing," the spokesman said. "A bus driver cannot be distracted because it's a danger to the safety of all the passengers."

  source
  
  2 days to the finish line!

• phonecard

  Posted: July 13, 2007, 12:21 am by Wambui

  If you read this and know where I can get a good calling card that won't make me want to smash my phone into a million little pieces, please help :)

Wambui's World

• Tomorrow is my last day!!

  Posted: July 12, 2007, 8:13 pm by Wambui

  I did it !!!! I signed the offer and great one it was - I am proud of myself for what I made them provide!!! I didnt even believe that was me talking !!! Also, I turned in my resignation.
  
  I am so excited - it feels so good to finally be done. Tomorrow I will go into the office to pack and turn in computer, keys, tokens and badges and my soon to be former boss is taking me out to lunch, have happy hour plans after that and then I have one WHOLE week of vacation!
  
  Next week will be spent looking for an apartment and school for lil man. Also plan on shopping coz I need to spruce up my wardrobe (FUN!!!) and getting a new hairdo! YAY!!!! FUN!!!!
  
  So I am signing off today, once again on a happy note.
  
  Toodles!
  W

surviving the college years

• random number generator

  Posted: July 12, 2007, 3:27 am by Wambui

  
  1 - The number of weeks I have left until my final presentation for the research I've been doing the past 7 weeks.
  8 - The total number of hours of sleep I've gotten since I got up monday morning.
  12 - The number of excel workbooks I've had to fix for my data analysis
  500 - The number of rows in each of the excel workbooks I've had to fix
  20 - The number of hours I spent extracting data for the 12 workbooks.
  9 - My level of mental tiredness on a scale of 1-10.
  7 - The number of missed calls on my phone in the last 12 hours.
  
  3435549 - The level of satisfaction I will feel after all this is done on a scale of 1-10.

Blah blah blah

Fish cakes

Alas a fish cake.

Yet more fish cakes

Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.

The end of the fish cakes