Celebrity Story 1: "How I Met Your Mother"

Year 202X

My dear Godchild,

Happy 18th Birthday!!!! Aside from the attached gift, I have written you this letter. I know you have always wondered how your mother and I met and how we have managed to remain friends over the last couple of years. Yes way before you were born, infact before your parents got married and thought of having you (smile). Well now that you are all grown, I will tell you that story today because I believe you deserve to know.

The year was 2004, way over 20 years ago! I had returned back to Nigeria from Uni a few years before and moved to Lagos but didn’t have so many friends. My younger sister noticed this and suggested hooking me up with one or two of her senior girlfriends who were around my age. I really wasn’t looking for friends to be honest because I was in touch with my two close friends from Uni even though geographically we were seperated. However I thought to oblige my sister. She introduced me to a lady but we didn’t really flow. Later on, she mentioned that she wanted to introduce me to her former group leader’s (in her uni fellowship) girlfriend. She mentioned that we attended the same church in Lagos so we could catch up after service. I said no problem. She emailed the girlfriend (let’s call her W) and myself to introduce us. We exhanged numbers etc. W and I agreed to meet the next Sunday after church. My dear, the whole thing was beginning to sound like a blind date. In my mind my game plan was meet W in church, exchange pleasantries and life moves on. If only I knew better!

Sunday came and as I was getting ready for church, I got a text message from W saying she and her boyfriend couldn’t make it to church because they had to travel out of Lagos and hoped we could meet somewhere after church since they were just on their way back. I replied saying sure. Like I said earlier I really wasn’t putting too much thought into the meeting. I had to go to the office after church, so I just told her to call me when they get back into Lagos. She replied saying OK she could come and meet me in my office, so we left it at that.

After church I went to the office to get some work done. When I was nearly done I got a call from W saying she was on the ground floor. I told her I was just finishing and would meet her downstairs. I started getting nervous, why, I don’t know o. I told myself “Aloted, get a grip, she is a woman like you. Remember you don’t have to impress anybody, no be bobo”. So I went downstairs and saw a lady wearing, gosh I remember so clearly, an orange top and brown pants. She had an afro kinky hairstyle I think (does this hairstyle still exist??). Funny enough I can’t even remember what I was wearing or what hair style I had! (Hmm strange). Anyway I can’t even remember what we started talking about but we certainly clicked.

She asked me if I had other plans for the day and I said not really, so she suggested we go to her boyfy’s office which wasn’t far off from mine. We both didn’t drive then so we took a cab there but I think he wasn’t there or maybe he was in a meeting. I really can’t remember. So she asked if I didn’t mind coming over to her place and I said no I didn't. I was just going with the flow. We got another cab and went to her house and got gisting till much later in the evening when her boyfy came over. She introduced us and then it was time for me to go home. I really didn’t want to leave as I was having so much fun. We agreed to meet the next day or so.

I think, I was on vacation that week, my memory fails me right now (your godmother is growing old!), but I went to her office in Ikeja the next evening as I didn’t stay far from there. After she was done, we walked from her office to Maryland bus stop in the hot sun! It was quite a walk but I don’t think either of us noticed as we were just gisting like old friends.

I can’t remember the last time I met someone and clicked instantly with them but W (I am sure by now you must have guessed W is your mum and her boyfy then your father) and I clicked all the way. I found myself telling her stuff I won’t normally tell someone on a first meeting. Case in point, I was in a relationship crisis/triangle then and I told her my dilemma and she was able to advise me objectively. In fact her advice helped me deal wisely and confidently with the mess I had put myself in. Thank God for your mum.

Since that fateful day, we met, your mother and I have been close friends. We are very similar in so many ways yet so different. We both love the Lord, we both have similar set of values, we both enjoy talking (though I think your mum is more of a talkative than I am), we are both readers and writers (she professionally). We are both sensitive and sometimes get upset over little things. However, your mum is the neat & finicky one, I am scattered (we drive each other nuts over this). Your mum is the mushy softy one, I am only mushy when necessary (which is rarely..lol). The list goes on and on and am sure you can also point some similarities and differences yourself.

We have been through all sorts together; we have supported each other through different tough decisions we needed to make in our individual lives even when we don’t agree. We have gotten on each other's nerves. Our friendship has gone through different stages: single days, me moving abroad, both of us getting married to our respective husbands, to having you children. Indeed, I can say our friendship has stood the test of time. It’s funny because sometimes your father and your uncle (my husband) think your mum and I act or talk like lovers. Very strange..you might need to ask them why they think that way because till today I am not sure what they mean. Bottom line, I am eternally grateful my sis hooked your mum and I up.

So now, you know how your mother and I met. Part of the reason I am sharing this story is for you to know that you will meet so many people in this life but only a few will be/remain your true friends. Cherish these people and focus on cultivating those few real relationships. Don’t focus on the 80% that are trying to pull you down, that drain you emotionally or have negative influence on you. Concentrate on building the 20% that have made a lasting impact in your life. You will certainly reap the benefits at the end of the day.

So here’s to your mum, one of the greatest women I know in this world. You should feel proud to have her as your mum. At this stage as a teenage, you might not understand her role in your life as a parent (most teenagers never do) but treasure her. She is one in a million and I know she is setting a good example for you.

I love you my darling,

Your Godmother (Aunty Aloted)



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Bloggers am sure by now you've guessed who this post is about? :)

Count Down to 100th Post (Intro)

Hello Peeps, I hope you are all doing well. It has been a while but I am here again. I am thankful to God for his faithfulness over my life. There is no one like him in all heaven and earth.

So, I have finally decided how I want to mark my 100th post. Sorry no answer and question session. Maybe I will do that for my 150th or 200th post. Haha.

I have come to realise that in this life, many of us seem to celebrate families, friends, mentors etc when they pass on to the other side. Sometimes we acknowledge them in our heads but never really voice out our appreciation till it is too late. Take for example Michael Jackson. He was ridiculed when he was alive, but now that he is gone a number of people are celebrating him. Why wasn’t this done when he was alive?

Well, I have decided that for my next 4 posts (97th-100th), I will make it about others by celebrating some key people that I cherish and that have influenced my life over the course of the years.

Please take time to celebrate the people you cherish today. I cannot overemphasise this.

Stay tuned and God bless you blogville.


N.B- On a totally random note, Koko Mansion has come to an end. Sob sob! I enjoyed watching the show and I think Bolanle deserved to win, though I was rooting for Rita (hehehe, don't shoot me abeg! I just dey gbadun the chick as razz as she is). To know what I think of the show, especially for those that did not watch but are quick to judge, please read Nolimit's views on it. She has spoken my mind. No need to repeat long story. Kudos to the producers and D'banj. See you next season, God willing. Ahhhhhhhhhh Oooooooooooooseee!
Fi le!

Aloted goes to Maryland!

My peeps, I hope you are all doing well? Many thanks for all your wonderful comments on my last post. I am glad we all agree that both men and women are intelligent. We are all created by the same God, equal yet with different purposes.

So a few weeks ago, I went to Maryland, not the one in Lagos o…na the one in the US of A… lol. I thank God for journey mercies. I was there for 10 days and I had a wonderful time. I stayed with Baale's sister and her family. They were such wonderful hosts. Midnight crew visited their church and I got to see the singers live and direct!

So I met up with Nefertiti, it was as if we had known each other for years (though we usually chat online). We clicked like bread and butter (can’t think of anything better...lol). She took me round town and I had loads of fun with her. I got to meet her husband and beautiful daughter and they are both just wonderful. Thankfully, her alter ego did not show face (maybe once though..lol). Neffie, thank u for such a blast. By God's grace, I shall retaliate when you come to the U.K

Guess who else I hooked up with- Vera and Bumight!!! Yes ooo..lol. I must confess I was a bit reluctant to call Vera initially cuz we all know how popular our Vera is and I didn’t want to be on a queue waiting to talk to her. Anyway I "gathered" liver and called her up. She was so delightful on the phone. But u can guess now, like I thought, I had to hold on for a few minutes because another blogger was also calling her at the same time! LOL…I thought that was hilarious…

Anyhoo, so Vera suggested we meet up with Neffie and Bumight. It was a good thing Bumight had finished her exams then so she could come. We went to see a movie- Terminator Salvation. The gals made fun of me afterwards, because I kept on saying I wanted to see an action movie but in the cinema I was cringing during every “action” scene. Kai, that movie had too much action! After the movie which ended around 12 midnight, we hung out and gisted like old friends till about 2.30a.m! If not that I had to go home, you know as per JJC in town, who knows we might have hung out till 5a.m. Fun times!

I met up with another friend, we went to uni together and it was great seeing her. I got to call family members and a lot of other friends in the states as well. I also spoke with Good Nigerian Girl. I was the first to call her on her birthday. Yippee! LOL. I was also meant to hook up with Abbie, remember her, winner of the last blogsville idol (she hasn't blogged in ages sef) but unfortunately that did not happen. Hopefully, next time.

Overall my trip was fun however I left with a nasty cold & cough. I had to call in sick in the office when I got back. What a way to end a wonderful holiday. On the whole, I thank God I had a nice time.


I surely missed u guys and I am glad to be back. I have had blogger's block for a while now so thought I might as well gist you about my trip and hope that my blogger mojo comes back soonest!

Oh before I forget this is my 95th post (i think) so that means my 100th post is just around the corner...yippee!!! I was going to do the standard you guys get to ask me any question, but when I saw how you people bombarded Writefreak & NoLimit with powerful questions, fear catch me..lol. So I have proactively chickened out and will think of something different. Hopefully will come up with a plan by my next post ;)


God bless!

Are you for real???

Warning-Rant post

Blogging this evening was the last thing on my mind but if I don't share this, I might just burst! I hardly rant on my blog, as it doesn't fit into the purpose of this blog but I think this one is necessary.

I left work early today as I was not feeling so well. Been in a foul mood because of hay fever and my boss stressing me at work etc. I thought browsing through blogville will cheer me up but alas! I had barely left standtall's blog talking of her illiterate "friend" and I was still reeling from what the guy had to say about women, only to be confronted with more drama at home!

So Baale comes home with one of his friends. This is someone I get along with very well and kinda respect. I always make sure he eats when he comes over. Anyway this evening, I asked Baale to sort him out as I was still feeling poorly. Everything was going fine (actually I wasn't even listening to their conversation, as I was still browsing through blogville) till mr friend lets call him T for talkative..he talks a lot kai said he wanted to watch the Apprentice as it was the semi-final show or something like that. I am not sure what they were talking about but next thing I hear T say "I have never come across an intelligent woman before". I was like "excuse me, what did you just say?" He repeated himself, that women are not intelligent. At first I thought he was joking. I was like T "how can you make such a statement". He was still forming, I was like "Baale, pls I want this guy out of my house, how dare he insult women". I was really upset o. I asked him if he even knew the meaning of what intelligent what and guess all he could come up with "challenging". Clap for yourself intelligent man. I went as far as saying only illiterates talk like that and that I was so sorry for whoever married him. I know that was harsh but I had to say something! To be honest at that point, any respect I had for him, as per Baale's friend, diminished. I really wish I could send him out of my house but for Baale. Baale told him not to talk like that but he was still mis-yarning.

I now asked him how many men and women were left on the Apprentice (I don't follow it that much) and he was like that's TV blah blah, but check this there were four women and 1 man left. I really wanted to fight o but Baale told me to take it easy so I kept quiet but was seriously fuming inside. To be honest T knows how to wind somebody and I didn't want to fall for it at the same time I wanted him to take that statement back about women.

Anyway I kept quiet and heard him say something about even the top women he had worked with in banks were not smart. That in meetings they keep quiet and all they can do is market. In my mind I was like wow...that is such a dumb thing to say. This is someone who is out of job o (let me not even go into that story). I also heard him say he isn't saying women are not good with other things and that he wasn't generalising. I was just shaking my head that this guy is very very dumb...what part of "all the women I have met are not intelligent" is not generalising. I decided to ignore him.

Guess what at the end of the Apprentice show, Sir Alan fired the guy...even though i don't follow it I was so happy...and was like "you see now and women are not intelligent". Mr T was still yarning dust. At this point I wanted to ask Baale, pls when is your friend leaving but decided to chill. Thankfully, a few minutes later Mr T decides to go home and said good night. I didn't answer. He repeated his goodnight again and I was like "sebi i am not intelligent enough to have a conversation with you so please just dey go". He was like " pls o don't take it personal" and I said "I am a woman so I will take it personal".

I was so glad when he left, I felt like disinfecting my living room. Se if I had known he was coming to say all that nonsense in my house, I won't have offered him food in the first place. LOL. He eats my food, and then has the energy to insult women in my house. Mscheeewww.

When Baale came back from seeing him off, he apologised and said he can't believe T made that statement. That he must have real issues. I totally agree, he either has major issues or he is just a male chauvinist. I am not sure if I can relate to him on the same level any more. Any one that thinks less of women cannot be in my good books.

Men like this get on my nerves. For a long time I felt many men were narrow minded but decided to give them the benefit of the doubt but apparently they are still plenty out there and one of them is Baale's friend. Sad very sad.

Thankful post- the "A" edition

Apologies once again for not posting this last week. Work has been so busy, in fact i think i need to take my manager to God in prayer so he can stop stressing my life. Anyway as some of you know today's thankful post is a bit different from the usual. It's all about the "A" stuff I am thankful for.

Here's a link to my last TT.

I am thankful for God's Amazing Grace in my life. Ever since when I can remember, I have always seen the evidence of God's grace in my life, marriage, family, work etc. Even when I don't deserve it, he showers me with his unmerited favor.

I am thankful for Abundant life. This year I have heard of a number of young people dying and I am no better than any of them. I am grateful for God's Assurance of life for me and my family. Not just any type of life but a life filled with goodness, love and plenty more.

I can not be grateful enough for Accident-free journeys. Since I started driving last year, I have not had a single accident even though I have been very close to having a few. I must confess anything accident scares me so I am very thankful for my safety.

I am thankful I have a good Appetite. A few weeks ago my eating habits was sporadic but am glad it is getting back to normal. Reminds me of the song we used to sing in primary school: "some have food but cannot eat, some can eat but have no food, I have food and I can eat, glory be to God on high"

I am grateful for Acquaintances & Friends I have made on blogville. You guys are just too much. God bless you all.

So what are you thankful for?

Please check out Icequeen's "I" thankful list from last week. I found it really refreshing! :)

Thankful Tuesday (13)

I know, I know, I have been slacking seriousily with my thankful series. Does not mean I am not thankful. Anyway I am back again to give thanks. It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord!

Here's a link to my last TT

Recently I haven't felt like the good daughter I should be, sometimes I do not acknowledge God but He is forever faithful and good to me. Father I thank you and I am sorry.

After church on sunday, heading home, I tripped and fell down the stairs. I landed on my left arm and side and it hurt! I was half in pain and half embarassed; I just wanted to get out of there fast. I thank God that it wasn't more than that. My side and arm still feel sore but I am alive! And to think my spirit told me to take the elevator and I didn't listen.

My sis-in-law and her family came visiting from the states. This was my first time meeting her in person (we talk on the phone). She is such a lovely person, we got along well and we had loads of fun. I thank God for Baale's family. They are really wonderful people. Bless them.

Update on my dad (sorry it's late but better than nothing)- the cast has been removed. He has graduated from using crunches to using a walking stick. He is now back at work. Praise God! Once again, thanks for all your support.

I am grateful for Baale, he is doing so well at work. God's favor is certainly on his life and I know God is taking him to higher places. I am thankful that Baale cares for me, and checks up on me "Are you ok?" he always ask. Love u loads.

Thankful for wonderful friends around me and you guys on blogville. You rock my world. x

What are you thankful for???

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I was thinking, for those who do the weekly thankful post, we could do something different for next week or the next time you do your thankful posts. Can we list 5 or more things, starting with the first alphabet of our blog name that we are thankful for? So for instance, the following people should do a thankful series with the highlighted letter:

Adaeze, Aloted, Enkay, Good Nigerian Girl, Lolia, Icequeen, Nolimit, Mojisola, Rethots (do you still blog???), Seye & Writefreak.

I hope you get my flow and I believe this will be fun. Anyone else is welcomed to join. I have just listed the people I know who do the thankful series (I hope I have not left anyone out, if so, apologies!)

Catch you next time with my "A" thankful post ;-)

Too much!

Sorry this is coming late o!

Special thanks to Writefreak, Afrobabe, Nolimit, BSNC, Scarlet, Rita, theicequeen, Tigeress, doll, Kemi Penelope, Enkay (birthday mate!!!), SSD, Standtall, Funmie D rebirth, Buttercup, Laide XSchoolNerd, Nefertiti, Good Nigerian Girl, Parakeet, Bumight, Olufunke, Temite, Seye for the birthday wishes via blogger, facebook, voicemail, email, messenger, ecards etc. You guys are just tooooooooooooooooooo much!!!! Mwuahhh. God bless you all.

Easter baby like me, I had loads of fun on my day courtesy Baale. I went to the spa for a full body massage, manicure and pedicure. It was very refreshing and I felt pretty. ;o)

I thank God I am still alive today to declare his glory. By his grace, many more successful years to come for all of us. Amen!

I am getting very close to 30 and I am not finding it funny at all.

Will be back with a proper update.