Not Culture Shock.

I am always looking out for things I might have missed since moving here. It is easy to have a preconceived idea about a place or people which is something I have come to realize a lot of people have about me ( Nigerians and Africans in general) and I have decided that rather than be offended, I guide as correct if it’s welcomed.

I am always surprised when people don’t expect me to speak fluent English or are surprised when I do and do it with a clear understandable accent.

I have come to learn the difference in culture also that’s can be seen here also in respect to race, age , religion or the lack of it and geographical location.

It’s been an eye opener for me and I am glad to have the opportunity to learn about the way of life of others.

Have you experienced culture shock recently or in the past? What was your experience and how did you deal with it?

Seasons

This year has been a whirl of Ups and Downs but at long last I am finally where I am supposed to be. We go through seasons and each of them are geared to show and teach us something. Doesn’t mean the lessons will be easy, kind, good or even bearable but when we come through on the other side we end up forever changed. One thing to keep in mind is to ensure we come out the victor rather than letting the process break us.

What’s bee happening (if you’ve been wondering)

So for those of you who’ve been following my adventures, I am sure you’ve been wondering why my posts have been sporadic and all over the place?

Well I just recently moved! More like relocated really 😁 to a different CONTINENT!

If you’ve read any of my long distance relationship (Ldr) posts, you would know that my husband and I dated long distance and this spilled over into the first 2+years of our marriage with a lot of juggling of time difference, finding cheap flights and trying to squeeze as much quality time together while still trying to make a living or be functional members of society if you may lol

So the BIG move happened recently after going through more than a year of immigration processes, rejections and validations to finally bring us to today. Today represents our current state of finally living together and building the life we’ve always dreamed and planned for. It’s been just over a month since the move and I would love to say it’s been all sunshine and rainbows but no it’s not!

Transplanting your life isn’t as easy as they make it look and sound in the movies, books and songs. There’s a lot of back work involved. Documentation, work/ possible career change, money differences, shopping and food diversity, a different system and all that.

But all that is a walk in the park to finally have “Today”. We don’t have 6000+ miles between us anymore, no sleepless nights, no time difference, no horrible network problems and so forth. It’s not perfect but it’s still paradise.

I get asked if I would do it differently and change our process. I would love to say yes, but my answer is I don’t know if having the opportunity to do it differently would make us as strong as we are and as purified going through the fire (our process) as we have.

It’s our process and I am happy that we conquered it and made it to the other side.

Our story isn’t over by any means, it’s Just starting a new chapter ❤️.

Things That Have Made Me Happy This Month.

As most of you know, I just started blogging again. So blogging is definitely on the list of things that have made me very happy this month and I can’t wait to share more of myself, lessons learned, crafts, stories,  tips, DIY,  lifestyle and relationship tips to help you grow as an individual, blogger or business.

1.My Marriage.

A lot of people wonder how my husband and I do it, they always ask me questions on how we manage or cope with the distance and time apart. There are a ton of Ldr tips and advice that I have shared on my blog and that others have shared, but as with everything in life, you need to find what works for you. And that’s what my husband and I have done.  Anyone who knows my husband or I, knows that we spend a lot of time in communication. We call one another several times in a day, text, chat, email, video call one another and support one another with work and business also. It’s very important to keep up with your spouse and communicate effectively, plus you need a large dose of patience to be in a relationship and drum ”fulls” to be in an LDR.

Below are links to some tips, experiences, growth  and struggles that can help you in your LDR.

Ldr posts

sometimes it hurts and I write about it also. can you?

Some Poetry I wrote to help me cope and they might help you too or encourage you to write about it. ldr poems  A couple more ldr poems .

2.Family.

It’s been a joy visiting with family this month. I am one of those people who love seeing new places but never actually likes the process of going there. Well this applies to old places too. I love the idea of being somewhere, but I don’t actually want to get off my behind, sit in a car, train, ship, plane or even bike to get there. But if you ask me if I love to travel I would say yes! because my brain is interpreting it as an opportunity to see or be in a different or new place. So yes going to visit my family makes me very happy.

1. Being part of a healthy discussion.

I love stimulating conversations and this month I have enjoyed being part of various such discussions. Because of a game I play, I have gotten to meet and enjoy chatting with a group of really awesome ladies and a young man. They are funny, smart, amazing and magical in their own way. Though a game brought us together, It’s grown to something resembling sisterhood instead. I am grateful for them and they make me happy too.

4.New Projects.

My friend and I are currently working on something that I shall be introducing you all to very soon, and working on this has got me all shades of emotional lol; Joy, laughter, annoyance, frustration (new things and the frustrations they bring) , happiness etc. This project has taught me a lot about myself and I am happy with the results. I have learned that I am patient, resourceful, resilient and very smart.

1. Running My Business.

Making money isnt always easy or direct. It can be a rollercoaster of disappointments, hurt, anger, loss, gain and other things especially when you are just starting out. So be patient and keep moving because quitting isnt going to take you to your desired goal. And yet running my own business albiet very small and not always rewarding financially has its perks and I am enjoying them immensely. This makes me happy.

Through out the Month of February, there are so many experiences that I can draw on that have made me happy, but this will do for now. I just wanted to share a little part of my month with you and how some of these things have changed my life. This month might have not seemed all that great to you, but if you also take some time out to make a list of the good and happy times, you’ll be surprised to find out that its not as short as you think.

Take a moment to share the things that made you happy with me in the comment section below  😁☺😁

 

 

Zoo trip (pictures at the end)

So last week the family and I went to the zoo. I was really excited because my zoo trips are quite few and happened a long time ago.

I was also really excited because we were taking my sister’s 3 year old and her 11 month old twins and I was looking forward to having them enjoy the out doors and the general experience. 

Obviously the twins are least likely to have as much fun as the 3 year old. 

But surprisingly they had a great time enjoying the fresh air and the activity around them. So that was amazing.

Unfortunately the zoo was not as impressive as I had hoped. I saw snakes I think pythons. I saw horses (rolls eyes), I saw goats ( common! These roam the streets here) I saw two not very healthy looking camels even though I was told they were really young in reference to their size. 

I saw buffalos, I saw various species of monkeys and two baboons. 

I saw two turtles or is it tortoise . What’s the difference? Anyway they were really big. A male and a female. I can’t remember if one was 200 or 80 years old.  I found out the males grow way bigger than the females. And some really curious Nigerians decided to sit and climb on the bigger of the turtles just because they were told about how strong it’s shell is. And I am like really? 

Don’t get me wrong I was intrigued but come on!!! Riding a turtles back? Seriously! 

I saw crocodiles and their baby. Or was it an alligator? Well there where also rabbits, ostrich, peacock,guinea fowl etc.

Nothing wild lifey though or ferocious. So a little disappointed again.

Anyway all in all it was a good day and I had fun.

Here are some pictures

Zuma rock.

Crocodile/alligator not sure 😁

There are more interesting pictures but my network won’t let me upload them lol.

So tell me about your local zoo.

What has been the most interesting and shocking thing about it. 

😁 I look forward to your reply.