International Friends in London

A couple of months ago, I came across an advert in Gumtree for International Friends in London. 4 friends had gotten together to organise socials for people who were new to London, and wanted to explore London with other likeminded people. Of the original group, Laura from Nice, France remains.
The only condition to be part of the group is that you have to be an International who is living and working in London. I thought to myself. Interesting... might be fun!

I joined their mailing list, but unfortunately could not attend socials that were almost always held on Saturdays- the day I work at the restaurant

So you can imagine how thrilled I was when they organised a picnic in Hampstead Heath last Sunday. I rallied up my flat mate, Yati and colleague Sin to go check it out!

Like any Single, in the back of my mind I was also hoping that maybe I'd meet someone...

I didn't!

What I did meet was a bunch of lovely people in their mid 20's to early 30's from France, South Africa, India, Moldova, Turkey, Malaysia and me, Uganda.

Even though we were from different countries and had different jobs, our 'foreignness' fostered a sense of kinship. I can't explain it. I just felt a connection, like I'd known them all my life. We all have similar experiences... the culture shock, the woes of shared accommodation, the loneliness. ..
At first everyone was a little bit shy, conversation a bit stilted, and the thought did cross my mind to make my excuses and make a quick exit. But glad I stuck it out because when everyone relaxed it became really interesting to hear their insights into and experience of London. Topics ranged from the current economic situation in the former Soviet Union countries, Bollywood, Nollywood (...and did you know there was also a Lollywood?) to Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty!
There was a lot of jokes and laughter... a great afternoon!!
When we were leaving one of the guys commented
'Well that was a productive afternoon. Otherwise I would have spent it on my own... in my flat.., lonely...'
Which elicited a lot of 'Awwwwsssss!"
We all hugged goodbye and exchanged 'mwah mwah' French style kisses.

Yati and I agreed that these are the type of friends we would definitely like to meet up with again.
I'm looking forward to the June event which will be at the London Dungeon and then a lunch at nearby Borough market!

Online Dating... again!!

I've been feeling lonely, so once again have turned to online dating. Signed up to 3 websites - christiancafe.com, Tangowire.com and loveandfriends.com
The first few weeks have been spent feverishly checking my mail, responding to 'winks/smiles', emailing but with very little success
On Christian Cafe, I seem to be attracting only Nigerians and recently a 55 year old man who was looking for a woman in her early thirties who was 'keen and able to have children soon, not overweight'. Hmm... a broodmare I think. Clearly he had not read my profile which specified desired age range (30 and 40), and that I was not interested in having children.
On Tangowire, I was contacted by a randy Italian whose idea of a compliment was 'You are also sexy! I seen it in your eyes, and I would try on my skin that sexiness'.
Er... delete!!!
Then there was the Bostonian who used so many ellipses (...'s) that his emails looked like a 'join the dots' page

I joined loveandfriends last night so still waiting to see what happens there.

A friend recommended, The Rules for Online Dating by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider and my eyes have been opened to all mistakes I've been making e.g. a long 'heavy 'profile, initiating contact with guys, being too available by responding quickly to emails and Instant Messages, responding to 'smiles' which according to the authors involves no real effort on the man's part- merely a click of a button. He could send 'smiles' to scores of women

"You want man who reads your ad and writes you something, however short, and specific to you"

But what if no one I like is answering my ad, and I find or receive a 'smile/wink' from a guy whose profile is simply too good to be true. He is definitely my type in every way and I feel I just have to answer his ad?
Well the authors have said, even if this happens, ignore it!

"The man must initially feel a spark for a woman; the man must pursue the woman; and all men love a challenge. If you are answering a man's ad, you are not using any of these premises... answering a man's ad is to pursue a man..."

"If you write a light and breezy ad and post your best headshot and still don't get a lot of responses, just tell yourself it's not your time"

Sensible advice.

I know as Christians we are cautioned not to take 'worldly' advice, but such issues are never addressed in Christian circles. The occasional Singles seminar that are dedicated to bemoaning our unfortunate state.
Perhaps this is the reason why there are so many Single women in the Church?

I've been Single a long time, I don't want to be Single anymore and to be honest at this point I'll take any advice that works.

From now on I will be a 'Rules' girl!

A friend's wedding!

Bring Me To Life

I was watching MTV today and 'Bring me to Life' by Evanescence came on. It's got a really catchy guitar riff, and the vocals are beautiful.
I'm not sure who they were singing to (I don't even want to know really) but the song lyrics really resonated with me and I made it my prayer to God!

how can you see into my eyes like open doors,
leading you down into my core,
where i've become so numb.
without a soul, my spirit sleeping somewhere cold,
until you find it there and lead it back home.

wake me up inside,
wake me up inside,
call my name and save me from the dark.
bid my blood to run,
before i come undone
save me from the nothing i've become.
bring me to life

now that i know what i'm without,
you can't just leave me.
breathe into me and make me real.
bring me to life.

wake me up inside,
wake me up inside,
call my name and save me from the dark.
bid my blood to run,
before i come undone.
save me from the nothing i've become.
bring me to life.
bring me to life

frozen inside without your touch,
without your love, darling,
only you are the life among the dead.
bring me to life.

wake me up inside,
wake me up inside,
call my name and save me from the dark.
bid my blood to run,
before i come undone.
save me from the nothing i've become.
bring me to life.
bring me to life.




First single from Evanescence multi-platinum debut album Fallen.

Thoughts on Bricks and Mortar!

When I bought 40% of my flat in 2005, I took out fixed rate mortgage for 2 years. The 2 years are almost up and I have to make a decision about what to do next

On 1 June 2007, the Government is introducing a new law in England and Wales which states that anyone selling a property must provide potential buyers with a set of documents providing important information about a property including energy efficiency, searches and evidence of title called a Home Information Pack. (HIP).The cost of a HIP is yet to be confirmed but figures mentioned in the press vary from £300 - £400

In order to escape paying the extra HIP costs, I would have to put the flat on the market before the 1June.

The flat was always a temporary thing- a way to get my foot on the property ladder. I determined from the start NOT to become attached to it. This wasn’t hard. It is tiny and has been built using inferior materials such as a cheap chipboard base and plaster board walls. The appliances that came with it such as the cooker, extractor fans, electric heaters and shower are dated and need replacing. Any changes I’ve made in the last couple of years, such as tiling the bathroom floor, have been very expensive.

So it would really be in my best interests to sell!

BUT am I in a position to do this?

The previous owner had owned the property for 3 years during which time it's value rose by 40% making him a profit of £22,000 when he sold it to me. I was hoping for something similar, but the property market has slowed down and value has only gone up by 5% in the last 2 years. Not worth selling for!
In addition to this, my sister who originally loaned me the 5% down payment when I first bought the property would be expecting me to repay her with interest and half the profits from the sale.

I have very little savings, which wouldn't even cover the solicitors fees - let alone other home selling related costs such as home staging, surveyors etc

It appears that I am stuck with the flat for a few more years!

I love my neighbourhood though! It’s quiet, clean, and safe. The nearest train station is only a 10 minute walk. After a busy day, it feels peaceful turning into my street which is lined with trees sporting pink and white blossoms! I love it!

Hopefully in another 2 years, property prices would have gone up and I'll be able to make a profit on the sale which I could then use as a deposit on the next property

I will also have saved up enough to move on.

Here's to hope!

Highlights from Easter Bank Holiday weekend

On Saturday I went for the recording of ITV 1's new reality show, Britains Got Talent! Through a stroke of good luck, I sat on the second row, so got a good shot of TV presenters Ant and Dec! It's going to be aired on TV on 14 June 2007, so I really need to figure out how my DVD recorder works by then!




On Sunday, Ngonzi and I dressed up as Easter Bunnies to go street skating from Hyde Park corner. We got pulled over at the beginning by the Marshals because our skating wasn't quite up to the standard. However, it wasn't all bad because we were given free skating tuition instead! Nice one!





On MondayI hooked up with my Kenyan friends and visited Leeds Castle in Kent. We had a picnic, then wandered around the castle and it's grounds! It was with wicked pleasure that I introduced my friends to the Maze! I told them to go in ahead of me, and head towards the grotto in the centre. They were understandably bewildered when it took them longer than they expected to get there! All those twists and turns! HAHAHA

It's a really beautiful place and the weather was lovely! They have all sorts of exotic birds on site, including the peacocks. I was privileged to get up close to one of these brilliant creatures

Amazing Grace

Last Thursday I watched ''Amazing Grace', a film about William Wilberforce - the man who was the driving force behind the Bill to abolish slavery in 1807. I was impressed by his dogged determination to fight for what was, in his time, an unpopular cause! God creates us for specific purposes, and Wilberforces' purpose was to crusade for the abolition of slave trade. It took him years to get that bill passed. At one point he'd given up in disillusionment, but his wife talked him into going for it again.

Made me think though. I don't have a 'Cause'!

Do I care PASSIONATELY about anything? Not really.

As a Christian, my Commission is to be a witness and make disciples for Jesus. Personally, I lean more towards Christian social action. Meaning, if I had to choose between giving my time and resources to either a Street Evangelism team or to Philanphropists who actively address the social needs in a community, it would definitely be the latter.

Occasionally I've been involved in projects to help Homeless people like the Crisis Shelter at Christmas, and recently as a Job Coach in the Business Action on Homelessness programme that helps them get back into work. I don't feel I am doing enough though. Would like to do more...

One of my spiritual gifts is 'Acts of Service' and perhaps this is reason why Amazing Grace resonated so strongly within me. I am a 'Martha' and would go absolutely potty if I had to sit at the feet of Jesus like 'Mary' and do nothing!

But Martha was the one who was reprimanded by Jesus! I've always felt this was unfair. Do I hear a collective gasp as I dare to criticise our Saviour? I'm sorry but You wired me this way! You know what I'm like!

I've often wondered what Martha did after that. Did she turn the cooker off and say "Sod the meal I've been slaving away for hours to prepare!" Or did she go back into the kitchen and sulk about the lack of appreciation for her efforts (I know I would have)

I strongly believe that there is a place for Martha's and Mary's within the Body of Christ and the best combination would be for us to work together to proclaim the Kingdom of God through our actions and our words!

I think all Christians should watch Amazing Grace- not just because it is a great film, but to also be inspired!

As I was!

An Unusual Request!

My friend Simon has just asked me to be his 'Bestman'!

I mean a Female BESTMAN or whatever you call it!!!! Simon has refused to call it Grooms Honour Attendant because the word 'Attendant' reminds him of a toilet attendant. Between us we've come up with names- 'Best Woman', 'Best Friend' etc. I'm sure there'll be more (If I know Simon, some not so polite!!!)

I remember back in the day I used to tease Stephen about one day being his Bestman, but I never EVER thought it could seriously happen. (Actually I didn't even attend Stephen's wedding, we had a falling out a few months before, and never really patched things up... long story! )

Simon's been hinting about this for the last few weeks! Telling me about the colour scheme and nagging me about what I'm wearing to the wedding; asking me to help him decide on his suit; sending me links to stag party organisers sites, asking me outright to organise his stag do etc. I guess I should have picked up on it but I'm really slow at these things. Today he sent me a formal request and I was utterly flabbergasted!!! At first I thought, 'It's a bit early for an April Fools Day joke' and expected him to come out with a "Hahaha gotcha!!!"

But no! He really IS serious!

I checked to see whether fiancee Sharon is ok with this. She is!

So I've agreed to do it and was ok....

...until I learnt what a bestman's duties are including the all important best man's speech. This is apparently the measure of how good a wedding is! (no pressure!!! GASP!!!)

And there I was thinking that my job would be to organise stag night, keep the wedding rings safe, sign register, and take photos!

Fortunately the speech won't be that much of a problem. There are plenty of websites including http://www.bestmanspeech.com who for a fee could give me ideas. Here's one of the examples from their website.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Kim and I’m Simon's best man. That’s right, I’m a woman. Now, according to Sharon, the reason I’m stood up here in the role of best man is because none of Simons' male friends could be trusted to look after the wedding rings and do this speech without swearing ….[pause]….. or mentioning the phrase ‘sheep lick’ – whatever that’s supposed to mean!

See? Nothing to worry about - I'll just copy and paste from their website!

But then there is the issue of what to wear! Should I wear a suit or a dress the same colour as Simon's suit? But he is wearing black. Hmm that won't do. I'd look like I'm at a funeral! Perhaps a trouser or skirt suit the same colour as the matron of honour - burgundy! I still haven't decided yet!

There's a mixed bag of reactions to the whole Female bestman thing. Some hail it as a welcome break from tradition. Others see it as an aknowledgement that these days it is not uncommon for people to have close friends of the opposite sex. Most of Simon's friends are female!

It felt kind of assuring to know that I won't be the first female best man. Although not sure how Sharon's West Indian relatives will react to this! One of the forums warned 'Expect the photographer, the dj, the priest/rabbi/whatever, and grandma to give you some really confused and almost disgusted looks'

I hope it is nothing more than that!!!!

Job Hunting

The person who was supposed to allocate me work assumed I didn't need any (Don't know what gave her that impression???) So I've been sitting here trying to look busy! This is part of the 'busy-ness'

The longer I stay in this job, the more I realise that I honestly do not give a damn about my company and it's objectives. I see people all around me like my manager who do!
There was a time when I was keen on getting ahead in the company - but my enthusiasm died when I realised that there are no opportunities to move into the sections that interested me. When job application upon application were rejected, I realised that I have become too specialised. Stuck!! There are opporunities within my section to progress, but the last time there was a job trawl, my manager and colleagues could not understand why I did not go for promotion. I'm just not interested in carving out a career path in my current work area.

The time has come to leave my company! There's more to a job than just paying bills. I've got to have satisfaction, fulfiment, a sense that I am making a difference in this world.

Someone asked me the other day 'What is marketable about you?" It really got me thinking. What IS marketable about me?

I can be quite shy, and cannot seem to meet any deadlines that involve writing reports. But I have a pleasant character and build up good rapport with most people that I meet in person. If I believe strongly in something, I can be quite persuasive. And even though I do not often come up with new ideas, I enthusiastically support people who do! I am a good listener and have great empathy for the suffering. I like trying out new stuff - the more extraordinary the more appealing it is to me. I can work in a team or independently - quite flexible really. I am a fast reader, have good memory and learn practical things really fast! I like organising events and bringing people together.

So quite marketable, but WHERE??

Ideally I would like to work either within the Entertainment industy or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). In my company CSR is closed...really...vacancies hardly come up and I don't know anyone there to start networking. So I have to look elsewhere!

I'll start researching into the different companies. Ideally it would be the corporate social responsibility section of a large entertainment company?
Perhaps I should step up my volunteering activities and work it from that angle?

I need something to hold on to!

I had a disagreement with someone the other week which sent me into a spiral of depression. One of my many faults is that I am deeply sensitive. I get emotional, irrational, suicidal...
Suicide is only successful when you act immediately. If you pause to think about it, or something interrupts the flow you will most likely not go through with it.
I remember the first time I attempted suicide, I tried to slit my wrists but the knife was too blunt. I lost momentum
The second time was almost successful. I tried to hang myself. I stood on a chair, looped the rope around the beam; kicked the chair away, but the rope couldn't take the weight and it broke. My siblings who were in the house heard and came out- saw what had happened and started laughing at me. My mom did not see the humourous side and took me for Confession to save my soul. I was a Catholic then.
I've been reading about the lives of English female writers who committed suicide like Virginia Woolf who put stones in her pockets and drowned herself in the river Ouse, near her Sussex home and Sylvia Plath who took a bottle of sleeping pills and stuck her head in a gas oven.

I know that I will not die by way of suicide.
True, I've thought about it several times, but there's something that always makes me pause and ask
1) Are you sure there is absolutely no hope?
2) Are things really as bad as they seem?
3) Do you want to leave your family and friends with this legacy?

Perhaps it is God speaking to me in those moments? I don't know. What I do know is that the hesitation is long enough to make me realise that
1) My situation isn't the worst
2) There is no such thing as a completely hopeless situation
3) Suicide is selfish

To beat depression Christianity has prescribed confessing positively, citing Scripture, binding demons, focussing on others. But these things take time and I guess I don't have enough patience . Like many, I seek a quick fix solution to my problems. Yesterday on TV, I watched in fascination as, Paul McKenna through hypnosis cured a woman of her 20 year fear of show jumping.

I wish I could wave a magic wand over my circumstances...
In an instant I would become beautiful, popular, significant

But the God that I've thrown my lot in with, does not do 'quick fix' .
Everything has to be worked at, everything takes time - something that my impatient soul finds hard to take

AFRO vs DREADLOCKS

I am trying to decide whether to start growing dreadlocks 'Rasta' style or not! Last weekend I put in temporary 'locks' using gel, to get a feel for what I would look like with them.
If I do decide to go ahead with it, I will use 'beeswax' which is permanent! Meaning if I ever grow tired of the dreads, the only way to get rid of them would be to shave off ALL my hair!!!!!

It's a BIG DECISION!

Afro -Pros

1) Shows I'm proud of my African roots
2) I can go swimming without worrying about messing up an expensive hair style

Cons

1) High maintenance -I have to plait my hair EVERY night so that it's soft and pliable enough to comb through the next day. Then it takes AGES to put into shape!

2) I can't wear a hat, lean against anything or walk in very strong wind because it knocks it out of shape!

3) Bits of my hair scattered all over the flat

Dreadlocks- Pros

1) Shows I'm proud of my African roots

2) Very low maintenance- run fingers through hair - and go!

3) Associated with creative hippy types (I think I am one...)

Cons

1) An Unfortunate association with Rastafarians

2) Can't wear hat (none big enough)

3) Can be messy and therefore not very professional!

4) The first 2 months, I am not supposed to wash my hair so that it locks into place. This can be quite smelly!

I don't know what to do!!!!!!!!

Parla Italiano?

This year for my birthday I am making another pilgrimage to my beloved Italy! Yati has found some cheap flight deals for June! We'll hire a car and spend a week touring wine country! Throw in a couple of handsome guys and we are set!!!

This time I've decided to do something different! Learn how to speak Italian!!!

Last year in Venice I learnt how to ask very basic questions like how much? (Quanto?) Where is? (Dove?). This was great, but the person I was asking would reply in a rapid torrent of Italian- stopping mid flow at the look of complete bewilderement on my face

'Non ho capito?" (You don't understand?)
"Non capisce!" (Not a chance in hell I got that!)

I bought 'Italian for Dummies' but it was a bit heavy on grammar so I exchanged it for a simpler one called 'Teach Yourself Italian - Italian Starter Kit' which claims that I can learn how to speak basic Italian in just 7 weeks. This morning I learnt...

Andiamo a Italia? (Let's go to Italy)
Mi piace l'Italia. Il solo, il mare. il vino...(I like Italy. The sun, the beaches, the wine...)
Andiamo a Venezia in Aprile! (Let's go to Venice in April)

Not bad! And all from memory! I'm off to a good start!

Survived Valentines...

Such a relief that is has finally come and gone! Despite previous post (numbing myself) I did pray that God would give me a date on Valentines.

Nothing happened!

The cinema called me in the afternoon to ask whether I was available to work since they were short staffed
"No I can't... I've got plans"
I didn't elaborate that the 'plan' was to show up at the cinema with my mates to watch a film for free. That scuppered that one!
So when I got home, I lit candles all aorund the living room and read 'Adrian Mole- The Cappuccino Years' - at least I had a good laugh!

The day before I'd sent an email to my sister - pouring my heart out about my feelings of rejection at this time of the year. She came back with a slap in my face exhorting me to be more proactive by doing something with my friends instead. I'VE BEEN PROACTIVE FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS OF MY LIFE!!!! Give me a break!

But you know... the grass is greener on the other side

I asked my married friends what their Valentines Day plans were. The majority HAD NO PLANS! Even the newly weds!

"It's expensive. Why waste £100 on just one day!"
"February the 14th isn't the only day in the year when we can celebrate our love" (neither is Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day...)
"He doesn't do flowers or cards"

The general impression is that for them Valentines day is no big deal. I bet when they first started dating it WAS!

Where has all the romance gone?
Makes me think. Do we Singles place too much stock on Valentines Day?

On another note:

My church House Group volunteered to cook the Alpha course supper on Tuesday. It was really fun and the punters seemed to like the food. Especially one of the guys who I find particularly attractive. He's got lovely olive skin, dark hair, long eyelashes, athletic body (broad shoulders, narrow waist) beautiful smile and plays the piano beautifully! I've always admired him from afar but have never said a word to him. I was serving the food and he came up for seconds saying he really LOVED it! Music to a chef's ears! He later came into the kitchen to personally thank us again for a wonderful supper 'The best I've had on this Alpha course"

I just stood there grinning like an idiot!

The next day I was bemoaning this fact to my friend and confidante Simon (expert on all 'Men' affairs) and he says
"If a guy you like compliments something you do - TALK to him...... at least you could hint that if you like it that much I'll make it just for you someday, if he supplies the wine!!!"

Maybe the 'numbing' isn't such a bad idea after all!!

Valentines Day Looming

Valentines Day is good for business. I hear this is the busiest and most profitable time for florists, card shops and chocolatiers. Restaurants have been booked out and in my local Tesco, the seasonal Valentines Day aisle has made a reappearance.
There's just no getting away from it!
London Christians recently invited speaker Debbie Maken who wrote Getting Serious about Getting Married: Rethinking the Gift of Singleness . I really wanted to attend her seminar. But to be honest, it was not to listen to Debbie. I just wanted to meet available single Christian guys. At the last minute I decided not to go. And with good reason. All the Singles events I've been to, there's always too many women and too few men. What would be my chances of standing out in the crowd and meeting somebody? Debbie commented on her blog

'What struck me more at both talks was the ratio of Christian single women to men. I had sixty attendees at the first talk, and double that at the second. Both times, it looked like there was a 3:1 or 4:1 female to male ratio. It was disturbing on many levels because even though most all of the men attendees told me that my book had inspired them to be serious about getting their affairs in order and pursuing a wife, it was plainly evident that there would still be a large number of single women left holding the bag. As we all know, I refuse to redefine their unwanted single state as something more glamorous than what it is, I refuse to flatter them and tell them that they are whole single people when they very well know that they are not, and I refuse to tell them that church work or something else will make up for the lack of a spouse and family. So, what now in this modern conundrum?'

I've decided to numb myself to the whole singles/ relationships thing. Much like the same way I’ve numbed myself to shoes. I never find any that I like that fits. Whenever I go shopping, to avoid disappointment, I don't even look at or go into shoe stores. I've got to be the only person on earth who doesn't buy her own shoes. My sisters do that for me - after they've grown sick of seeing me in the same shoes for 3 - 4 years! I'm still good for another year! ;-)
It’s the same with guys. The ones I like don't like me! And the ones I don't like, like me. The Security guard at work was chatting me up yesterday. Gave me his whole life history and his future plans! Said that he is from Ghana and his family don't mind if he married someone who wasn't Ghanaian - like from Nigeria, England… Uganda! He was ok – a bit on the short side (5’5) A supply teacher – maths and is looking for a full time job now so that he can stop doing security work. I was polite. I went 'umm, arm, how interesting!' NOT
He asked if I was free to go out on a date. “‘Unfortunately’ I work 7 days a week mornings and evenings.” Okay I lied a bit, but don’t want to encourage him. He is not interesting enough to date! How can I explain this! I like guys who are different! Who are unique and march to the beat of their own drum; whose list of interests and hobbies is wider than just football! I’m now convinced that such a person does not exist for me and rather than just ‘settle’ I might as well just numb myself to it
And what better time to practice than on Valentines Day!

Baby Steps...

Spiritually I am feeling more optimistic.
Last Sunday I hooked up for lunch with Laura from church. I knew her from the choir in my old Pentecostal days. We've agreed to meet up once a month to pray together and charter our spiritual progress. She’s quite spiritual – every second word from her mouth is straight out of the bible... verbatim. Hopefully it will rub off on me!
I also bought a new bible and a daily devotional guide . It's early days, but I have been studying it every morning for the last 3 days.
So going well!

Salvation not guaranteed?

At the moment, I am weary of all things Christian, the jargon, the songs, the Bible…

I am literally going through the motions hoping that if I stay inside the 'loop', maybe something will come along and ignite my enthusiasm. As they say of the Lottery, 'You've got to be in it to win it'

One of my closest friends Sheila is reading a book called ‘Heaven Is So Real’, by Choo Thomas. She is on a real spiritual high! My curiosity took me to the author’s website. There was the usual jargon, and then I got to one line that started a chain of thought...

‘Remember, none of our salvations are secure until the end. We must do our best while we have a chance.’

Coming from a deeply religious background, I’d lived many years in permanent guilt. No matter how hard I tried, I could never sustain a good genuine Christian life. Even when my behaviour was all correct, there were still all those sinful inner thoughts. To me God was ‘Big Brother’ who logged everything I did wrong and getting into heaven relied heavily on the status of my Sin’s Balance sheet.
The way things were looking; there was no chance (excuse the pun) in Hell that I’d get to heaven!

Then I heard the good news! Jesus paid the price by dying on the cross to save me. All I had to do was accept that this was true for me and I was sorted! There was no catch, just believe

“What about this good deeds stuff?”
“The Holy Spirit will come to live in you, and will change you from the inside. You’ll find that your desire to do wrong things will start to fade away”

No other religion offered such guarantees and so I threw in my lot with the Christians!

I can’t tell you how relieved I was. It felt like a burden had been lifted and I was now free to live secure in the knowledge I am loved of God and that He would take me to heaven when I died!

It WAS a good deal!

You see security is very important to me! I’ve had so little of it in my life! I don’t trust people or things easily. To trust someone I’ve never seen or heard… TO TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD… is a big step for me.

I don’t like signing up to things only to discover that the rules have been changed, or that there was some small print that I wasn’t told about!

Of course there is the ‘you reap what you sow’ principle in Christianity whereby all behaviour, good or bad, has consequences. I understand that this applied to my time while on earth as a part of every day living
But not on the SALVATION thing! I believed that to be a DEFINITE, a NON NEGOTIABLE that could not be affected by anything I said or did!

What’s the point then in being a Christian if my salvation, according to Choo Thomas, is down to my behaviour? That means I’ll never make it! No one can make it! Why would God raise my expectations only to dash them to the ground! It just goes so totally against the grain of His character to break His word. (At least from what I’ve read about Him in the Bible)

If I can’t trust God, then what’s the point of life?

What will the Bazungu think of next?

Everyone I showed this picture to thought it was a wind up, probably something set up by Channel 4. Michelle at work said

"You'll go in, then some guy will pop out from behind the counter and say, 'Smile you're on Candid camera"

Yati and I decided to do a bit of investigating. Just before we entered we checked for any hidden camera men, TV Vans... that kind of thing...

All Clear (Mission Impossible theme music)

First thing you notice is the wet doggy smell (urghh). I whipped out my camera and started taking photos. Yati (the look out) was giggling nervously. There were 2 basins, hoses on either side with a set of instructions above them. Vending machines dished out gloves, soap, treats for £3 a pop (pricey!!!).

The most interesting thing was the 'Pee pole' in one corner where dogs can take a leak, and then owners flush it!!

So what if they want to do a 'Number 2?'

Just as we were about to make our getaway, a girl came out from the back door. I checked to see that she was not being followed by a TV crew before asking, "How is business?" "Great" "Tee hee hee hee"(Yati)

It is a weird concept, but it is clearly working.

Innovative...

Different...

I wish I'd thought of that!!!

Cheer Up!

As a melancholic I am pessimistic by nature and tend to focus on the darker side of life. Almost like Marvin from Douglas Adams, 'Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy' (ok not as bad). You know in the movies when the hero is in a tight situation, there's always the one whimpering in the corner saying
'It's no use! We are all going to die!!!'

That would be me!

Come to think of it, Marvin was abandoned by the group because they found him really depressing!

The other day a customer at the restaurant asked me to read an inscription 'OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE'

Me: "Opportunity is no where"
Customer: "No read it again!"
Me: "Opportunity is no where" (privately thinking 'Idiot! Doesn't he know I've got other customers to serve?)
Customer: ' Nooooo, read it again... slowly!'
Me, "Opportunity is"... penny drops... "NOW HERE?"

You see?

The thing is, people who complain really BUG me! But is that because they remind me of myself!
In Britain there is this culture of complaining (or moaning as we call it) and people find it all so...normal! If someone is too cheerful and optimistic, there is an automatic assumption that they are either naive or insincere. You almost feel that it is your duty to burst their bubble or expose them for what they really are! The kind of humour I like (and most Brits) is sarcastic or very satirical in nature. But if you look at it really closely - isn't that just negativity dressed up in clever words?

Life has been going great for me! Some people would count me as VERY lucky - especially fellow Ugandans! So why then is my cup still half empty?
... the debt; poor track records with relationships; a dead end job; the fact that I own only 40% of my flat...
When I should actually be thankful that at least I've got credit facilties and TIME to pay off the debt. And even though I don't have a boyfriend, I've still got very good friends. At least I have a job and a roof over my head!

Perspective!

I'm really trying this year to focus on the bright side of life! Obviously means I will be much quieter - especially when I feel the urge to complain! Bite my tongue when I come across those annoyingly optimistic people and try to join in with the cheer instead of giving my negative take on things. I will also give myself loads of pep talks in a bid to drive away those negative thoughts!

Let's see how long I can sustain it. After all old habits die hard... (and the pessimism's just made a reappearance)

I CAN DO THIS!!!!

Never Give Up

My 6 year old niece said something very profound to me last weekend. I’d been struggling to open one of those little balls dispensed out of vending machines located mostly at amusement arcades and outside off licences. This is supposed to be a KIDS toy, but is sooooo hard to open! After 10 minutes of struggling with a knife, my teeth and all other implements I could get my hands on – including waitress, I handed it back to my niece saying, "I am defeated! I can’t open it!”

She refused to take it saying, “Aunty Kim, Never give up!”

I looked at her in shocked surprise and she repeated, “Never give up!”

With a renewed sense of determination, I grabbed the ball back and, Hey Presto opened it like in 10 seconds!

Sometimes kids can speak such wisdom. I’m not saying my niece is the new King Solomon – so please don’t flock to my door in search for the answer to all life’s questions. She was probably repeating by rote something she has heard from her Mom.
My sister is like that! The tenacious one. Probably explains why she is the most successful in our family! I’ve seen it in her education, projects, work ethic, businesses, and her kids! She’d keep pushing at something and only give up if it was beyond repair or completely dead!
She inspires me!
Perhaps this is something to start 2007 with! Never Give up!

Looking back at 2006...

1. I was introduced to blogging
2. I took up weekly Salsa dance classes and made it to Intermediate level. Next year I intend to progress to Advanced level.
3. I put on so much weight - went up to Size 18. However, joined Slimming World in May, lost 10 pounds and a few more while on holiday. By November I could fit into my old clothes (Size 16) again. However since Christmas they're beginning to feel a little tight!!!! I have purchased a Lateral Thigh Trainer which I intend to use regularly. One of my new years resolutions is to stop eating chocolate, sweets, crisps and biscuits. The aim is to get down to Size 14
4. Relationships - I took a risk, really stuck out my neck here and stepped out of my comfort zone. I went Speed dating and even put my profile on dating websites. Met and fell for a couple of guys who were not really into me! They both have girlfriends now and are very happy. I was crushed!
5. My best childhood friend, Eddie died! The lowest point of my year! This made me evaluate all existing friendships and gave me the push I needed to totally break free from a negative relationship!
6. I went on a round the world trip - to East, Central and South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.
7. Went into huge debt to finance aforementioned trip, so when I got back I found part time work as a waitress to pay it off. I have experienced God's generosity through the people around me.
8. Made friends with some really cool people this year through blogging and on my travels
9. Was finally Chief Bridesmaid for one of my closest friends'. I wore I bright scarlet dress and looked absolutely stunning!
10. Didn't make much progress with my relationship with God. This shall be my priority in the New Year.