Okay, it has been a while. Not sure why it has taken me so long to come back to the warm embrace of blogging. God knows I definitely need it. Been a bit down with what feels like the weight of the world on my shoulders
Have been working really hard at work and at business and at home. Nice distractions but tiring. So what have I been up to??
Work. Had to get to work at around 7.15 for the last 4 Mondays to turnaround some critical work. Note to self, need to get a new job with loads of money.
Got a cleaner. She asked if we sold shirts as my husband has at least 80 - 100 shirts and she is getting through all the ironing. :)
I have taken my daughter to loads of shows and finally took her to the London zoo. Nasty gorilla proceeded to do a poo and then he ate it. Had to shield her eyes.
My garden is pretty again, thanks to Hassan the gardener. He even planted some colourful plants in the border and has taken down DH's junk laden shed so I can put up Lopes playhouse and play hide and seek outside.
Mum is coming over for surgery in a few weeks so I have had to literally interview surgeons and confirm it they are worthy. Living in Nigeria makes you think that as long as you are paying for something, you can dictate. Imagine asking a surgeon based out of town to come to London to perform an operation!! Small wonder he did not tell me to go forth and multiply!
July was definitely party month. Lopes had a party, sometimes two, every weekend and we have one on Saturday and another on Sunday this week. God help me.
Come magnify the Lord with me, and let us exult his name together. Had great news. Lopes no longer has a hole in the heart. All gone and we have been discharged by the hospital.
So now I am lounging at home alone with Sandra ironing downstairs. She has a gospel CD on which is great. She actually prays before she starts work. Reminded me that I need to pray more and not take things for granted. Lopes and DH are on their way home soon. In the process of doing up her room, new bed has arrived and wardrobe comes on Tuesday.
Pardon this post. It has been a therapeutic flow of consciousness. I remember when my MBA marketing lecturer described one of my essays as such. Needless to say, I had to do it again!
Will be back soon and won't leave it too long.
KK
Ps. FIL wants to stay with us again. Chineke God of heaven and above. Na who I vex? He will be having surgery and wants to recuperate here. Spare room is no longer spare as Lopes is moving in there so what to do. Watch this space, I might just run away.
Friday, 3 August 2007
Thursday, 28 June 2007
No vex :)
Okay, I get the message CG :)
So sorry for the tardiness of my posts. Have been running around like a blue bottomed fly!
So far in the last couple of weeks;
- I went out with the girls and stayed out till around 2am. Have not laughed so much in ages. Old and New friends are the best.
- I read for my UK citizenship exam that I have been putting off for over a year, passed the test and now agonising about signing a cheque for £655 for my naturalisation forms!
- I have also worked more full time days than ever, and managed to get my business orders out. Lord I praise mums who work full time. I can definitely say it is not for me. Career or no career, I know fit quench.
- I saw Anita Baker in concert (Tuesday 26th of June) at the Royal Alert Hall, lovely but we were kept waiting for almost 2 hours before the start of the concert. Was worth it, though. Need to keep taking my Omega 3 capsules; I had forgotten most of the songs!
- Went out with the work team to entertain out customers. Not a drinking girl else I am sure I would have fallen asleep at around 9pm. Lightweight
Somewhere amongst all these, I saw Oceans 13 at the cinema, my first movie at the cinema in almost 4 years.
So I think I deserve a medal even if my to do list never gets shorter. Still need to sort out my driving and my lardy bottom. Hmmph. Off to bed and then to the post office and the doctors for a checkup. Bah Humbug!
Oh Lord, the Spice Girls are reforming. I am going to sleep. Wake me up when they are gone. Take That, yes, Spice Girls, NO
Sunday, 3 June 2007
60 Questions
Found this on Calabar Gal’s blog. Thought it would be a good way to update. Life is just humdrum at the moment. Something interesting must happen soon. Please God.
1.What time did you get up this morning? 8.30am. Needed a lie in.
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Ah, confession time. Saw one of the Matrix films when I was pregnant 4 years ago. Fell asleep halfway through and have not been since. Will be seeing Oceans 13 but need to see Oceans 12 first.
4. What is your favourite TV show? Can’t choose. So it’s CSI, Hotel Babylon, New Tricks, Columbo. Just remembered the New Dr Who. That’s my favourite
5. What did you have for breakfast? 3 chicken thighs at around noon.
6. What is your middle name? Adeola
7. What is your favourite cuisine/meal? Pounded Yam with Okra Ogbono from My Ondo Side and Ikokore (water yam pottage) from my Ijebu side. Now I have Okra Ogbono with fish and prawns and Orisirisi which I cooked last week and I have a tuber of water yam. Decisions, decisions. Will have some meat and veg instead. This low carb diet :(
8. What foods do you dislike? I wish. Dislike sushi, smoked salmon, oysters. You get the drift. All raw seafood. And asparagus
9. Your favourite Potato chip? Will swap with plantain crisps. Homemade by Mum and sent over in huge tubs.
10. What is your favourite CD at the moment? Romanza by Andrea Boccelli
11. What kind of car do you drive? I do have a car but can’t drive yet. Was supposed to be motivation.
12. Favourite sandwich? Must have meaty bits
13. What characteristics do you despise? Deviousness, procrastination, Selfishness, … Hmm, have at least one of these. Must do something about it.
14. Favourite item of clothing? Any black skirt. Hides a multitude of sins
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? The Rome of my childhood. Have refused to go the Rome so I can keep the memories.
16. What colour is your bathroom? White.
17. Favourite brand of clothing? None. As long as they fit.
18. Where would you want to retire? Don’t want to.
19. Favourite time of day? Mid day.
20. Where were you born? Ibadan
21. Favourite sport(s) to watch? Football. Used to be an avid Leeds United fan and loved going to the Stadium. I blame their downward spiral on the fact that I moved to London.
22. Who do you least expect to respond to this? N/A
23. Person you expect to respond first? N/A
24. What laundry scent do you use? Comfort Pure. Have a 3 year old so less things to irritate her skin
25. Coke or Pepsi? Coke Zero
26. Are you a morning person or night owl? Neither. Like mid day.
27. What size shoe do you wear? 5/38
28. Do you have pets? Nope. Had a goldfish once. Will be acquiring one soon for Lopes.
29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? Nope.
30. What did you want to be when you were little? A doctor specialising on Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Was crap at sciences. Should have stuck with Maths and Economics
31. Favourite Candy Bar. Any on a bad day
32. What is your best childhood memory? Dad reading King Solomon’s Mine to me. Still my favourite book. Try to read it every 2 years, so I am due another read soon.
33. What are the different jobs you have had in your life. Film extra in Cinecitta in Rome when I was 10, my parents had gone to Israel and my cousins were bored. Mail Order Processor, MBA Admissions Administrator, Analyst, Analyst, Analyst
34. What colour/type underwear are you wearing? Black Big Mama Pants
35.Nicknames: In School, Big Yansh(Hence the big Mama pants), Now Amoke
36. Piercings? One in each ear
37. Eye colour? Brown
38. Ever been to Africa? Lived there for the first 18 years of my life
38b) Ever been to South Australia? Nope
39. Ever been toilet papering or rolling? What??
40. Love someone so much it made you cry? What made me cry was my foolishness and High expectations. Note the past tense was. Don't do crying anymore :) Ahh. Does my daughter count? It's not the loving so much that is the problem. it's the big bad world outside.
41. Been in a car accident? Nope
42. Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
43.Favorite day of the week? Friday. Lopes and I have a lazy day
44. Favourite restaurant? Changes every 6 months. None at the moment.
45. Favourite flower? None
46. Favourite ice cream? Haagen Daz Pralines and Cream.
47. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Not taken one yet.
48. What colour is your bedroom carpet? Beige, Caramel sort of
49. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Is this a trick question. Same as 47.
50. Before this one, from whom did you get your last email? N/A
51. Which stores would you choose to max out your credit card? Must be a home store. Would love to get a new kitchen for me and a bedroom for Lopes
52. What do you do most often when you are bored? Lie down with a snack and all the remote controls in the house.
53. Bedtime? Anytime from 11pm to 2 am.
54. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? N/A
55. Last person you went to dinner with? Lunch with Lopes
56. What are you listening to right now? Silence. Hiding away with my Sunday Papers. 57. What is your favourite colour? Blue, Green, Purple
58. Lake, Ocean or river? The smaller the better. Not a fan of water bodies. Can’t swim.
59. How many tattoos do you have? None. Do post pregnancy stretch marks count?
60. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Both taste good and have no carbs
1.What time did you get up this morning? 8.30am. Needed a lie in.
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Ah, confession time. Saw one of the Matrix films when I was pregnant 4 years ago. Fell asleep halfway through and have not been since. Will be seeing Oceans 13 but need to see Oceans 12 first.
4. What is your favourite TV show? Can’t choose. So it’s CSI, Hotel Babylon, New Tricks, Columbo. Just remembered the New Dr Who. That’s my favourite
5. What did you have for breakfast? 3 chicken thighs at around noon.
6. What is your middle name? Adeola
7. What is your favourite cuisine/meal? Pounded Yam with Okra Ogbono from My Ondo Side and Ikokore (water yam pottage) from my Ijebu side. Now I have Okra Ogbono with fish and prawns and Orisirisi which I cooked last week and I have a tuber of water yam. Decisions, decisions. Will have some meat and veg instead. This low carb diet :(
8. What foods do you dislike? I wish. Dislike sushi, smoked salmon, oysters. You get the drift. All raw seafood. And asparagus
9. Your favourite Potato chip? Will swap with plantain crisps. Homemade by Mum and sent over in huge tubs.
10. What is your favourite CD at the moment? Romanza by Andrea Boccelli
11. What kind of car do you drive? I do have a car but can’t drive yet. Was supposed to be motivation.
12. Favourite sandwich? Must have meaty bits
13. What characteristics do you despise? Deviousness, procrastination, Selfishness, … Hmm, have at least one of these. Must do something about it.
14. Favourite item of clothing? Any black skirt. Hides a multitude of sins
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? The Rome of my childhood. Have refused to go the Rome so I can keep the memories.
16. What colour is your bathroom? White.
17. Favourite brand of clothing? None. As long as they fit.
18. Where would you want to retire? Don’t want to.
19. Favourite time of day? Mid day.
20. Where were you born? Ibadan
21. Favourite sport(s) to watch? Football. Used to be an avid Leeds United fan and loved going to the Stadium. I blame their downward spiral on the fact that I moved to London.
22. Who do you least expect to respond to this? N/A
23. Person you expect to respond first? N/A
24. What laundry scent do you use? Comfort Pure. Have a 3 year old so less things to irritate her skin
25. Coke or Pepsi? Coke Zero
26. Are you a morning person or night owl? Neither. Like mid day.
27. What size shoe do you wear? 5/38
28. Do you have pets? Nope. Had a goldfish once. Will be acquiring one soon for Lopes.
29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? Nope.
30. What did you want to be when you were little? A doctor specialising on Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Was crap at sciences. Should have stuck with Maths and Economics
31. Favourite Candy Bar. Any on a bad day
32. What is your best childhood memory? Dad reading King Solomon’s Mine to me. Still my favourite book. Try to read it every 2 years, so I am due another read soon.
33. What are the different jobs you have had in your life. Film extra in Cinecitta in Rome when I was 10, my parents had gone to Israel and my cousins were bored. Mail Order Processor, MBA Admissions Administrator, Analyst, Analyst, Analyst
34. What colour/type underwear are you wearing? Black Big Mama Pants
35.Nicknames: In School, Big Yansh(Hence the big Mama pants), Now Amoke
36. Piercings? One in each ear
37. Eye colour? Brown
38. Ever been to Africa? Lived there for the first 18 years of my life
38b) Ever been to South Australia? Nope
39. Ever been toilet papering or rolling? What??
40. Love someone so much it made you cry? What made me cry was my foolishness and High expectations. Note the past tense was. Don't do crying anymore :) Ahh. Does my daughter count? It's not the loving so much that is the problem. it's the big bad world outside.
41. Been in a car accident? Nope
42. Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
43.Favorite day of the week? Friday. Lopes and I have a lazy day
44. Favourite restaurant? Changes every 6 months. None at the moment.
45. Favourite flower? None
46. Favourite ice cream? Haagen Daz Pralines and Cream.
47. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Not taken one yet.
48. What colour is your bedroom carpet? Beige, Caramel sort of
49. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Is this a trick question. Same as 47.
50. Before this one, from whom did you get your last email? N/A
51. Which stores would you choose to max out your credit card? Must be a home store. Would love to get a new kitchen for me and a bedroom for Lopes
52. What do you do most often when you are bored? Lie down with a snack and all the remote controls in the house.
53. Bedtime? Anytime from 11pm to 2 am.
54. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? N/A
55. Last person you went to dinner with? Lunch with Lopes
56. What are you listening to right now? Silence. Hiding away with my Sunday Papers. 57. What is your favourite colour? Blue, Green, Purple
58. Lake, Ocean or river? The smaller the better. Not a fan of water bodies. Can’t swim.
59. How many tattoos do you have? None. Do post pregnancy stretch marks count?
60. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Both taste good and have no carbs
Wednesday, 16 May 2007
Ah What Bliss
I work part time and should have been at work today but took the day off as we are off for a naming ceremony today. I had thought the ceremony would start early but it's due to start at around 6.
So Tolu went to nursery and DH went to work and I had my day planned out. You know how you carve out the day into sections so it was 9 - 10.20, clear sitting room, unload and load dishwasher, pick up bits, clear workstation, 10.25, pack orders while watching Oprah, go to post office etc.
But the day went like this, clear sitting room, download and print orders, sit on Sofa with bread and cheese, watch Oprah, Eat Eba and Ogbono for Lunch and fall asleep while watching Columbo. What Bliss :) Have cooked some white rice to go with the designer stew for the naming ceremony, the rest is being picked up at the caterers as I type.
This is the life. And better still, I get to do the same thing tomorrow and will pack some orders. Must dash, Columbo is on again. Twice in one day on Channel 5.
PS. CalabarGal, the eba was only one tablespoon, honest!
So Tolu went to nursery and DH went to work and I had my day planned out. You know how you carve out the day into sections so it was 9 - 10.20, clear sitting room, unload and load dishwasher, pick up bits, clear workstation, 10.25, pack orders while watching Oprah, go to post office etc.
But the day went like this, clear sitting room, download and print orders, sit on Sofa with bread and cheese, watch Oprah, Eat Eba and Ogbono for Lunch and fall asleep while watching Columbo. What Bliss :) Have cooked some white rice to go with the designer stew for the naming ceremony, the rest is being picked up at the caterers as I type.
This is the life. And better still, I get to do the same thing tomorrow and will pack some orders. Must dash, Columbo is on again. Twice in one day on Channel 5.
PS. CalabarGal, the eba was only one tablespoon, honest!
Monday, 14 May 2007
To my Child
To my ChildJust for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear,and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles..
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys!
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars .
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favourite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing,
except one more day..............
(My friend, Omara sent this to me via email. )
PS. The attached picture of my daughter can be found online at my cousin’s shutterchance photoblog. I am biased but Suby and Sinem have elevated photography to an art form. Please book them for all your events, big and small and include my invite to come chop!
Thursday, 10 May 2007
Best Birthday ever
I know I have been useless with updating....
Anyway, was my birthday on the 28th of April and after my introspection and annual introspection, I settled to having a nice day. We all went out for lunch at Mama Calabar with the inlaws and Tolu. Nice food but slow service. Got loads of phone calls from around the world, and felt a bit of a star.
Best present was being whisked to the Hilton for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. I simply love hotels and could live in one for ever. Love the decadence of fresh sheets everyday and food on tap. My husband says I don't need to fly out for holidays as my ideal is peace, quite, good books and room service and I can get that at any hotel in the UK!So dropped my daughter at her favourite cousin's house and went off to the hotel. Resurfaced the next afternoon and felt all was well with the world. Time out was great for DH and I to talk loads and sort out a lot of stuff.
Funny thing about hotels. We were running a bit late for check in so I told DH to go ahead and check in and then we can go back later. Oh no, he refused to fall for that. Apparently, I love hotels too much and the mere thought that he might accept a substandard room was too much to bear. When we go into hotel rooms, DH is always a few steps behind and is usually preparing to turn round and leave as he is sure I will ask for another room as that one is not good enough. I admit to being a bit of a nice hotel room freak but all I want are clean floors, no dust/grime on the window sill, and definitely no mildew in the bath grouting which must be gleaming. Also good temperature control, not too hot and not too cold. Now that's not too much to ask??
So loads of high points and one low point. Seeing my behind in the hotel mirror. Yikes! Must do something about the increase soon. Not pretty!
So I am back and in the meantime, have gone to some family parties, had a new addition to the extended family; new baby son for DH's closest friend and life has plodded on.
How have you all been?
Anyway, was my birthday on the 28th of April and after my introspection and annual introspection, I settled to having a nice day. We all went out for lunch at Mama Calabar with the inlaws and Tolu. Nice food but slow service. Got loads of phone calls from around the world, and felt a bit of a star.
Best present was being whisked to the Hilton for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. I simply love hotels and could live in one for ever. Love the decadence of fresh sheets everyday and food on tap. My husband says I don't need to fly out for holidays as my ideal is peace, quite, good books and room service and I can get that at any hotel in the UK!So dropped my daughter at her favourite cousin's house and went off to the hotel. Resurfaced the next afternoon and felt all was well with the world. Time out was great for DH and I to talk loads and sort out a lot of stuff.
Funny thing about hotels. We were running a bit late for check in so I told DH to go ahead and check in and then we can go back later. Oh no, he refused to fall for that. Apparently, I love hotels too much and the mere thought that he might accept a substandard room was too much to bear. When we go into hotel rooms, DH is always a few steps behind and is usually preparing to turn round and leave as he is sure I will ask for another room as that one is not good enough. I admit to being a bit of a nice hotel room freak but all I want are clean floors, no dust/grime on the window sill, and definitely no mildew in the bath grouting which must be gleaming. Also good temperature control, not too hot and not too cold. Now that's not too much to ask??
So loads of high points and one low point. Seeing my behind in the hotel mirror. Yikes! Must do something about the increase soon. Not pretty!
So I am back and in the meantime, have gone to some family parties, had a new addition to the extended family; new baby son for DH's closest friend and life has plodded on.
How have you all been?
Thursday, 19 April 2007
I am grateful...
This was written in 2005 as a testimony I wanted to send to my pastor. I did not want to be called up so I chickened out. It is a bit long even after my edits!
Here is our Testimony.
On the 23rd of July 2003, I was sitting at my desk at work, when the Holy Spirit said “Go to the Bathroom and say 7 Alleluias, the time of your breakthrough has come” Now, God speaks to me often, but whether I hear is another story. I always say, when I hear from God, there is no escaping. Anyway, I paused, thinking to myself how odd it was. I stood up and went and did as I was told. I was 3 months pregnant at the time and had been having loads of trouble at work since I told them I was pregnant. I had already consulted a lawyer at this time as they seemed to be putting a case together to get rid of me. I later found out that 7 was the number of completion.
A director came to my desk and asked if we could have a meeting to discuss some work which was odd for 4.30 on a Friday. I went to the meeting and was told that I was being dismissed as I was incompetent etc etc. I had worked with them for just under 2 years. We went through the motions and had further meetings and the last thing my boss said was that “While I had a good case and would make a credible witness, he would drag the case till my children were in school” My lawyers were sure we had a great case. My favourite prayer for my employers was Psalm 109 asking God to totally annihilate them! Thank God that I was not answered. I will pick up this later.
We went into hospital on the 1st of December to have our baby and after a few hours with minimal progress, a Doctor came into the room and after examining the heart rate of the baby, he said he was going to operate straight away as it showed the baby had the cord round its neck. The midwife and other doctors were unhappy that he wanted to operate straight away as there were other cases but he remained adamant that it must be done before his shift finished in the next hour. The midwife asked if we were related.(The doctor later visited us in recovery and also came to see us on the ward before we were discharged. We found that he trained under my father in law in UCH) On the 2nd of December 2003, I gave birth to our daughter by emergency CS after 19 hours and she did have the cord round her neck. It was also discovered that due to her position in the womb, she had a problem with her knee as the ligaments were overstretched. Basically, if she kicked out her left leg, the knee did not stop the leg from folding on itself, which thankfully I did not see it. We had all the x-rays of the knee, hip etc. I recalled the word a friend gave me during my pregnancy Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it”. My pastor prayed with this same verse when he came to visit us in hospital. We were given a splint to put over her knee and we were told we would have appointments at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.
When she was about 8 days old, we noticed that her hands and feet were swollen and went to the GP who sent us straight to hospital. When we got there, they tried to take a blood sample but her limbs were too swollen. We were told to come back the next day for more tests and before we left we were told that swollen limbs was one of the symptoms for Turner’s syndrome which meant Tolulope had only one X chromosome instead of 2 and would not be able have children. We got home, got on the internet and got all the information we could about Turner’s syndrome and prayed against it as anything that had a name had a knee which would bend to the Lordship of God. We returned the next day and they took the blood samples and told us to make an appointment to see a consultant to discuss the results which they would rush through the labs. I then told them that we were not coming in to discuss any results as my daughter had no syndrome and that they should call when the results are through. A few days later we got a call that she did not have Turner’s syndrome and that there was no explanation for her swollen limbs.
However we were told to come back for a heart ultrasound as a heart murmur was picked up. At the ultrasound, we were told that Tolulope was born with a hole in the heart but that they would like to see us in a year’s time to reassess it
Back to the work situation, we went to the Tribunal on March 2 and 3 2004. All 3 directors turned up and told a good story. Actually, they lied quite well. My main witness was unable to testify as she had initially promised, as she was scared of losing her job. Anyway, we lost which I naively believed was impossible as I thought all I had to do was tell the truth. We had huge legal fees to pay but God came through and we paid the bills. I did complain bitterly that we had better use for the money, but a friend told me to thank God that at least we were able to pay it. That was when I realised that I had limited God, I thought my promised breakthrough was to win the case and get a huge payout.
After a few weeks, in April 2004, I started an online business and then a few months later, got a part time job. I get to work with excellent people part time, run my business full time and spend quality time with my family. If we had won at the tribunal, I would have summed that up as my breakthrough. I have since realised that the beginning of the breakthrough was for me to leave my old job but as I was refusing to budge, I had to be pushed but not before God gave me a word that it was well. I have also realised that the richest man is not one who has the most, but one who needs the least.
Incidentally, there is no lasting effect of the knee problem and Tolulope started walking on Christmas day. At the appointment for the update on the hole in the heart, were told that the hole is all but closed up and Tolu won’t be having surgery. I am sure there is no hole there now as the update was over a year ago and they want to see us in 2 years.
So now I choose Joy.
A director came to my desk and asked if we could have a meeting to discuss some work which was odd for 4.30 on a Friday. I went to the meeting and was told that I was being dismissed as I was incompetent etc etc. I had worked with them for just under 2 years. We went through the motions and had further meetings and the last thing my boss said was that “While I had a good case and would make a credible witness, he would drag the case till my children were in school” My lawyers were sure we had a great case. My favourite prayer for my employers was Psalm 109 asking God to totally annihilate them! Thank God that I was not answered. I will pick up this later.
We went into hospital on the 1st of December to have our baby and after a few hours with minimal progress, a Doctor came into the room and after examining the heart rate of the baby, he said he was going to operate straight away as it showed the baby had the cord round its neck. The midwife and other doctors were unhappy that he wanted to operate straight away as there were other cases but he remained adamant that it must be done before his shift finished in the next hour. The midwife asked if we were related.(The doctor later visited us in recovery and also came to see us on the ward before we were discharged. We found that he trained under my father in law in UCH) On the 2nd of December 2003, I gave birth to our daughter by emergency CS after 19 hours and she did have the cord round her neck. It was also discovered that due to her position in the womb, she had a problem with her knee as the ligaments were overstretched. Basically, if she kicked out her left leg, the knee did not stop the leg from folding on itself, which thankfully I did not see it. We had all the x-rays of the knee, hip etc. I recalled the word a friend gave me during my pregnancy Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it”. My pastor prayed with this same verse when he came to visit us in hospital. We were given a splint to put over her knee and we were told we would have appointments at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.
When she was about 8 days old, we noticed that her hands and feet were swollen and went to the GP who sent us straight to hospital. When we got there, they tried to take a blood sample but her limbs were too swollen. We were told to come back the next day for more tests and before we left we were told that swollen limbs was one of the symptoms for Turner’s syndrome which meant Tolulope had only one X chromosome instead of 2 and would not be able have children. We got home, got on the internet and got all the information we could about Turner’s syndrome and prayed against it as anything that had a name had a knee which would bend to the Lordship of God. We returned the next day and they took the blood samples and told us to make an appointment to see a consultant to discuss the results which they would rush through the labs. I then told them that we were not coming in to discuss any results as my daughter had no syndrome and that they should call when the results are through. A few days later we got a call that she did not have Turner’s syndrome and that there was no explanation for her swollen limbs.
However we were told to come back for a heart ultrasound as a heart murmur was picked up. At the ultrasound, we were told that Tolulope was born with a hole in the heart but that they would like to see us in a year’s time to reassess it
Back to the work situation, we went to the Tribunal on March 2 and 3 2004. All 3 directors turned up and told a good story. Actually, they lied quite well. My main witness was unable to testify as she had initially promised, as she was scared of losing her job. Anyway, we lost which I naively believed was impossible as I thought all I had to do was tell the truth. We had huge legal fees to pay but God came through and we paid the bills. I did complain bitterly that we had better use for the money, but a friend told me to thank God that at least we were able to pay it. That was when I realised that I had limited God, I thought my promised breakthrough was to win the case and get a huge payout.
After a few weeks, in April 2004, I started an online business and then a few months later, got a part time job. I get to work with excellent people part time, run my business full time and spend quality time with my family. If we had won at the tribunal, I would have summed that up as my breakthrough. I have since realised that the beginning of the breakthrough was for me to leave my old job but as I was refusing to budge, I had to be pushed but not before God gave me a word that it was well. I have also realised that the richest man is not one who has the most, but one who needs the least.
Incidentally, there is no lasting effect of the knee problem and Tolulope started walking on Christmas day. At the appointment for the update on the hole in the heart, were told that the hole is all but closed up and Tolu won’t be having surgery. I am sure there is no hole there now as the update was over a year ago and they want to see us in 2 years.
So now I choose Joy.
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