Day 16: Aidee

2012 started off on a ‘bleh’ note. It was my birth month and I wasn’t looking forward to my birthday, there was no light for about two weeks (screw you PHCN) and there were the Occupy Nigeria protests going on. Birthday came with very little fanfare – I slept for most of the day, a couple of friends came to visit, I drank a bottle of wine and that was that. Things began to look up days after my birthday – I became aware of a young man who had been trying to get my attention (the protests/strike was called off and I could finally travel. So last week in January saw me back in Port Harcourt and back to my happy self.

This year went by so fast just like all the other years. Trying to capture the images/moments in my head and all I can really see is me looking out through windows – rooms, airplanes, buses, taxis, boats.  I spent so much time moving around, there was no time to do anything else.  Maybe I was searching for something, maybe I was running away from something but the things that kept me grounded were songs like:

“You are God alone from before time began, You were on Your throne, You are God alone. And right now, in the good times and bad. You are on Your throne, You are God alone.”

I know for a fact that I am who I am, I have what I have, I am where I am only by the grace of God.  There were moments when I questioned God, moments when I wondered if I was on the right path. There were times when I got tired of being strong & just bawled my eyes out and He always reminded me of His love. I’m a big fan/lover of gospel music – some gospel artistes sing and you can literarily feel God’s presence and the one song that has connected me to Him this year is ‘Ebezina’, it goes

“Ebezina. Chukwu nonso. O gini bu nsogbu gi?” (Don’t cry. God is here. What are your troubles?)

And for the days when the songs couldn’t lift my mood, there was church. Serving, attending meetings, knowing that somehow in my little way I was contributing to the Kingdom has such a profound effect on me. Many of my happiest moments this year were spent in church.

“I sustain myself with the love of family.” – Maya Angelou

This year was a big one for us. My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and my dad was officially made a professor – YAY!!! And despite the fact that many aunts & uncles kept asking when they were coming for my own wedding, I had a really good time. I didn’t know my dad was such a stepper, lol.

“Home is where you are loved the most and act the worst.”- Marjorie Hinckley

This is so true, especially for me. There were so many times this year when I acted up at home – shouted at my brothers, ignored everyone, banged doors, grumbled when I was sent on errands, made fusses about the littlest of things. I had gone home to visit once when I was going to take my bath and I realized one of my brothers had taken my towel. Both of them denied it and I got so angry and was throwing tantrums (x_x) when my dad heard and got a new towel for me. Despite my spoiled child behavior, my family always showed me love, I love them right back & I’m trying to be the best daughter & sister ever.

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” – Elbert Hubbard

I am blessed, blessed beyond measure that somehow in this cold, cruel world that we live in, I have people I can call on at any time and they will be there for me.  Three of my friends gave birth this year –  two Ethans and a Zak.. YAY! My childhood friend became a doctor – free medical care – YAY! Lol.

If you’re my friend reading this, you should know I love you and I’m thankful for you.

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth.” – Jess C. Scott

I never realized how selfish & self-centered I had become until I had to share myself with someone. I had built walls and even though I had been waiting for the person who was going to break down those walls, I was unwilling to let him in. It takes a strong person to be vulnerable and I’ll admit – I was weak. Two of the most important lessons from this year have been how to give of myself and how to dream – and I have you to thank for that B

In retrospect, 2012 hasn’t been a bad year. The one regret I have is that I didn’t achieve any tangible goals. There were some things I tried to do that didn’t quite work out and others that might well affect 2013. And though this year started off on a low note, it’s ending on a very high note and I’m thankful.

So here’s a toast to 2013 and all the great things it has to offer.

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Aidee hardly expresses herself like this. I’m pleased. Totally enjoyed the flow. Thanks girl. You rock.

Tomorrow, the programmer Glory takes us with her in a dive into her personal world. Don’t be told. See you 🙂