NOVEMBER OF LOVE

Dear Diary,

The November train has reached it's last stop. It's been a month of love so far even though a number of sad occurrences tried to becloud our judgement. A lot of birthdays were celebrated this month and it isn't a coincidence considering that the month of November is exactly 9 months away from February. Let's see what rocked and sucked this November.

November 1st was a beautiful Saturday this year. A number of weddings took place that day and  there couldn't have been a better way to start the month. #SLAM2014, Lamide Lagos' marriage to his boo paved the way for weddings this month and it wouldn't be forgotten in a long while. Nollywood actor, Okechukwu Ukeje also got married this month to his fiancée Ibukun Togonu-Bickersteth. They serenaded the guests with beautiful dance moves and you could literally see the love in their eyes. Let's not forget the all white wedding that dazzled us; the wedding ceremony between Solange Knowles and Alan Ferguson. Yours truly is wishing the newly wedded November couples peace, love and beautiful babies.

Your favorite series, Almost a bride came to an end this month. Ihuoma finally found brother Shola and they are even expecting a baby. The faces behind the scenes of the project were revealed and the reviews have been beautiful. Incase you missed it, read it here.

Former Destiny child crooner Kelly Rowland, gave birth to her son Titan Jewel Witherspoon, this month. Also, nigerian comedienne Helen Paul, gave birth to her second child. Alicia keys and music producer husband, Swizz beats are expecting a child. One of my favorite couples of the year, Dr and Mrs Sidney Esiri are also expecting. Congratulations y'all. Meanwhile, a video went viral this month about a baby, Aneela being maltreated by her nanny in Uganda. A very traumatizing video that'll make you question the fact that we all were created by the same person. The baby is still alive, thankfully but the nanny is being prosecuted at the moment. As parents, let's be vigilant about our children and all that concerns them. Nobody can truly love them like we do.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have lost the chance to qualify for the AFCON 2015 games. The defending champions failed to emerge from the qualifying round and as such, they won't have the opportunity to defend the title. It's sad but it's time we face reality. Luck and chance have saved us in the past but this time, they were not on hand to save the day. 

Minister, author and motivational speaker Myles munroe, wife and daughter were killed in a plane crash with some members of their ministerial crew. It was quite a loss seeing that he just preached about death in his church, a few days back. Also, Charles Bruce Chukwuma, popularly known as Chaz B, shockingly joined the saints this month. Chaz B was a motivational speaker, relationship expert and life coach. He always had a word for every situation that one might be faced with in life. He brought hope to a lot of people. With the departure of these great men, the world has lost heroes but heaven has gained angels. Like someone said, the best way to honor these men is to live the right way. May the souls of the faithful departed, rest in perfect peace.

The insurgents struck Kano this month with a bomb blast that has sent scores of men, women and children to their graves. The series of blasts left many injured and bedridden in the hospital. With the  death toll now over 100, one cannot even begin to understand this madness that is fast becoming a norm. May the bereaved be comforted at this time. 

Elections are in full gear, declarations left right and centre. Please register and collect your permanent voters card so you can exercise your right as a citizen of the country. Ensure that you protect your vote, we've wasted a lot of good opportunities in the past. I believe 2015 would be better.

It's been 230 days since the Chibok girls were kidnapped and you cannot imagine the emotional trauma their families must be going through. Let's keep hope alive surely they'll return safely. 

Eleven months have gone by this year, with only one month left to end it. How has 2015 been for you? great? Not so great? Whether you fall in the former or latter category, I need you to understand that being alive this day is enough to be thankful for. Examine and scrutinize yourself in this coming month, outline your strengths and weaknesses, be truthful to yourself as we round up the year. Make plans for a better 2015 and watch it all come to fruition.

HAPPY NEW MONTH!!!

P.S: there's going to be a Diary giveaway this Christmas to a keen reader of this diary. Stay tuned ladies et gents, 'e fit be u oh' :)

Photo credit: google images, instagram.

ALMOST A BRIDE: BEHIND THE SCENES

Dear diary,

How soon doth the great tide end?

Ihuoma has found her brother Shola.

Our darling series; Almost a bride has come to an end. The search for brother Shola was written by yours truly; Young black woman and Mz perry. You enjoyed the manner of suspense, promptness and accuracy with which it was delivered right? Well behind this beautiful story, a lot of work went into play (see what i did there?) We brought out new episodes with pictures every monday and on time too. A number of people were responsible for the success of this project and we would like to appreciate them. Watch the video to see all the beautiful faces behind Almost a bride.

 

So after watching the video, you must be wondering, "how were they able to get so many people on board?" Well it was quite feasible seeing that we all attend the only university in Nigeria: the University of first choice and the nations pride. Let me introduce to you, the stars of Almost a bride.

TEMITOPE 'SEAN OJELADE;

Twiiter: @topsyojel
IG: topsyojel

When we wanted to start this series, all sort of ideas came up for the title (let me save you the details and not embarrass myself). Tope came to the rescue with the title: Almost a bride and we loved it immediately. A Christian and a Physiotherapist (in view). Tope is also a writer, debater and actress. Check out her blog here

SANDRA IMAZENOBE: 

IG: Ms_imaz

 "A dental student. I love dancing, traveling and singing. i'm a very jovial and easy going person."

What's a story without a picture? We wanted our readers to imagine every part of the story as they read it, hence the release of pictures with every episode. Sandra agreed to be our "Ihuoma" without a hitch. We enjoyed every minute of the shoot with her. Sandra is fun personified!

SEGUN ISIOYE:

Twitter: sm1uknow
IG: segunisioye

"Don't be afraid that your life would end, but be afraid that it wouldn't start."

Standing tall at 192cm, Segun was our "Shola" for the series.I told Segun about the shoot, the exact day we took it. Worse off, i told him on the phone and he agreed immediately. Yeah, he's cool like that. Segun is a cool, calm and collected dude. He enjoys playing football and basketball.

SAMUEL ABIOLA: 

Twitter: @saga_christos

"A 600l medical student by chance, active dreamer by choice. Aspiring Jack of many trades and master of all."

Our photographer! Better known as SAGA (you don't wanna know how this name came about). We needed a photographer for our first shoot and Samuel was it. We had seen his "work" previously and being a friend of the house, it was easy for us to convince him. Samuel is very jovial and care-free to a fault but we love him anyway. Visit his blog and have the laugh of your life.

GRACE EKPO:

Email: ekpococo@gmail.com
Twitter: I don't tweet :D
IG: it's only for fine girls :(

"Book lover, food lover, Dentist, sometimes funny, writer. I'm passionate about planning and bringing ideas to life, either mine or yours"

Poet of life! Remember the poem in Episode 7? Well, it was done by Grace. Ideas, support, and lots more, she gave us to help this project. Somtimes, words are just not enough to show appreciation.

MOYO AJAYI:  

Email: moyosoreajayi@ovi.com 
Facebook: Moyosore Ajayi

"Almost a bride swept me off my feet. A beautiful story line, fine Ihuoma, the drama and heartbreaks dealt one beautiful lady. It's been so much fun, especially the part where i got to listen to unending ideas and offer advice, make remarks and just smile gently in patience. I really appreciate everyone especially my friends and roomies that let me use their devices, i love you guys"

Editor Moyo! As human beings we are all susceptible to errors. Moyo took care of our mistakes, errors et all so we ended up looking clean! A law student, Moyo writes poems, stories, plays, articles e.t.c and she enjoys editing too.

ADAMMA OLISA: 

Email: adammaolisa@gmail.com

"I love to guard my heart with jealousy for out of it flows the issues of life"

A pharmacist, nurse, editor, lawyer and dentist all in one, Adamma is a very disciplined and outspoken young lady. She loves travelling, sleeping, shopping, eating (don't call her fat) and chatting. She also brought ideas to the table to ensure the success of Almost a bride.

JANE IKONDU: 

"I love everything musical. I love listening and singing (still looking to learn the guitar someday. I also love styling people; make-up, clothes, shoes, the complete outfit. i hope to become a professional someday. On make-up: I just love the whole concept of transforming people and making them look more beautiful. I still have plans to go to a make-up  and fashion school, so help me God"

Our very own BMpro! Yeah yeah, we know we have talented friends you don't have to tell us. Janey was our make-up artist for the shoot and you'll have to agree, she did a good job.

SEUN ALAKIJA:

"I was delighted and really interested when i was asked to take pictures of other crew members of the project. I was really captivated by the sub-title: looking for brother Shola and it turned out to be fun at the end of the day"

What a man can do, a woman can do as well (before SAGA will stone us). Almost a bride is unique like that, we had two photographers. Seun was our photographer for the 2nd shoot and we enjoyed the time spent with her. Seun is a medical student and an upcoming photographer. She loves and enjoys taking pictures, meeting new people and eating (she doesn't joke with her food).

I also want to appreciate Olumide Adisa, David, faithful colleagues; Royals XV who kept pushing it, regular readers and commenters (your comments; both online and offline made me happy), friends, family and most especially my father in heaven. To those that retweeted and shared even when i kept disturbing your timeline with #Almostabride, i'm grateful.

To Mz perry, we both know all we went through to ensure the success of this project. The sleepless nights, the arguments, the stupid ideas we shared and lots more are some of the factors that helped us. It was fun writing with you and i look forward to another opportunity to do so. In the mean time, what should we write about next? Almost a groom? :)

There you have it ladies and gentlemen of the Diary, the stars of Almost a bride. i hope you enjoyed the story behind it all.  Share the link with your friends so they can join in the fun. Until we come at you with another mind blowing series, keep your feet of the ground and fly high!
 

ALMOST A BRIDE: ALL EPISODES

Dear Diary,

Almost a bride has come to an end. A lot of people have been asking for the links to all the episodes and it's only right to bring it all together in one post. 

First of all, introduction!  

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

Episode 9

Episode 10

Episode 11

Now no more excuses! Share with your friends so they can follow the series.

P.S: look out for the #Almostabride special: BEHIND THE SCENES. All the juicy gossip and pictures from the series would be up on Monday at noon. 

ALMOST A BRIDE: EPISODE 11

Last time on Almost a bride...

********************************************

 

“No, no, no. I’ve told you to always call the name in full, Captain Shola Eniola Cole.” He said laughing. They both hugged.

“Long time man!” Olaniyan said.

“I was around here and I just thought to drop by.”

Eniola looked at Ihuoma, trying to recount his encounter with her, “hmmn, the shy Nigerian lady, we meet again.”

“Yes, Captain Shola Eniola Cole, and no, I'm not shy.” She said as they all laughed.

This man was sure handsome. He was one of the few people she had  met in her life that actually fit the description; tall, dark and handsome. He was dressed in blue jeans and a white shirt that gave him a laid back look.

“You two know each other?” Dr Olaniyan Cole asked with a surprised look.

Ihuoma and Shola shared their encounter with Dr. Cole as they ate and chatted. An hour later, he was ready to leave. They walked him to his Mercedes SL65. 

"Can I have your contact this time?”

“Yes Captain.” Ihuoma said blushing. He was a fun person.

Three months of calls, chatting, outing and surprises followed that encounter. Ihuoma wasn’t in a hurry and so she enjoyed every moment of it. She was fine with the friendship they shared. She wasn’t in a hurry and didn’t make assumptions about their relationship, she really enjoyed their friendship especially with the show of care and affection he showered her even when it was inconvenient for him because of the nature of his job. One evening, he came to visit her. They chatted and watched Manchester United, Shola’s football club, play against Arsenal FC. During the half time, Shola in his usual Shakespearean manner smiled and looked at Ihuoma,

“Rise up, my darling! Come away with me my fair one! Look the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of the singing birds has come and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. Ihuoma, please be my lover.”

Ihuoma laughed heartily at first until she saw the look on his face and asked him to give her some time. She really loved him and didn't want to make a mistake with him. After a month of prayers, fasting and consulting her friends, she gave him a positive response. Shola was everything she had always wanted, God fearing, gentle, patient, caring, responsible, he loved her so much she got scared. Being a senior captain, his travel schedule was very flexible and so he always tried to make himself available. Before long, Shola became a household name among the girls, at work and Ihuoma’s family. The Nwagbuorayas' had never been happier. After six months of dating, Ihuoma's fear became a reality. Shola had always been a ladies man, showing equal love and care to the women around him that it was difficult for a stranger to point out his girlfriend. This quality in him had always been a source of worry to her but she trusted him. She waved off her fear until Regina Ugbaki, Shola’s ex girlfriend started threatening her. She didn’t even get the luxury of saying hello after she picked the call from a private number,

“He is mine! I hear you’re a doctor. If you don’t want to become a patient in your hospital, steer clear of my man!” And the line dropped.

When she told Shola, he took it with a pinch of salt. This made Ihuoma furious.

“Today is Friday, I told you about this since Monday but you haven't done anything about it abi. You are too soft, that is why your ex can talk to me in such manner. Mr. Father Christmas, everyone is your friend. You treat everyone special, I do not see the difference between me and everyone else. There should be a difference between the world and myself. I’ve had enough troubles for a lifetime. Make this work if it’s really what you want!” She said as she alighted his car.

Shola was surprised and sad even though he understood why she reacted in that manner. He pleaded with her but she wouldn’t listen. He called, sent her flowers, voice notes, apology cakes and cards, which yielded no results. After two weeks, her phone rang as she was handing over to the next doctor at pediatrics ward. She had resumed pediatrics rotation that week. It was Shola. She decided to take his call and they made up on the phone. He told her they were going to have a date the next day but he didn’t give details of the date. 

At four o’clock, they left Ihuoma’s apartment at RMO 4. The drive to Victoria Island was interesting; they had obviously missed each other’s company. They got to the shore; the other passengers on board had been waiting for them and they got on the yacht immediately. Ihuoma couldn’t believe it. It was the perfect make up outing. While they were having their candle lit dinner on the yacht, Shola got on one knee,

“O most beautiful woman, you have captured my heart, my treasure, my dove, my perfect one, will you marry me?”

She had watched it happen to a few friends and now it was happening to her when she least expected it. She used to wonder why ladies tear up during proposals and here she was doing more than that. Everyone on the yacht cheered them on and out of nowhere, Dona, Anini and Lala appeared. they were screaming, "Yes! Yes!" Ihuoma was blushing. 

She knelt down, hugged him and screamed, 

"Yes! I'll marry you.”

He had made sure photographers were on board to capture the moment. Ihuoma took a picture of the ring on her finger and she changed her display picture. She changed her personal message on BBM; Sorrow may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. She couldn’t stop asking questions of how he was able to plan the proposal. She was surprised the girls were part of the plan, and he had even gone to tell her parents. She was overwhelmed, “God saved you my nails are perfect.” She said as she admired the 18-carat diamond rock on her left middle finger.

When they got back from the ride, he gave her a handmade thank you card, inscribed on it was,

 

“Good evening my bride, welcome onboard on Shola’s lifetime airline, flight 142 to forever. My name is Captain Eniola Shola Cole. My assistant officer is Ihuoma Nwabuogaranya. I will be flying on 29,000 feet, the flight to forever will take us infinity hours. The weather is cool at 51ºC. Thank you for choosing Shola Airways. Enjoy your flight, my Lady.”

 

The tears flowed freely from her eyes. She tried to mutter "thank you" but all she did was cry the more. They were tears of joy and happiness. Two weeks ago she wasn't sure if he even loved her but here she was, almost a bride.

Two weeks later, Femi Roberts called her. They exchanged pleasantries, 

“Congratulations again Ihuoma, how’s your fiancé doing?”

 Ihuoma had received more congratulations in the past few days than she had received even when she became a doctor or got into the residency program.

“Very well dear, how is your lover too? I don't even get see her these days. Hope you are taking care of her?” She said blushing. She was happy that her two friends; Femi and Dona were dating. They deserved each other.

“That’s why I called you; I want to propose to her on Friday,” Ihuoma interrupted him and screamed.

“Feeeemmmiiii! awww, that’s really lovely.”

“As you started the trend, I thought to follow. It’s her birthday so, I want it to be a surprise but I need you girls to help me plan.”

“No problem. I’ll draw out a plan and let you know about cost and all.”

“Thank you Oma, regards to the Captain.”

Ihuoma called Anini, “How are you doing and hope the twins are kicking?”

“I’m fine, I reject twins o. You want to kill me with work.” Ihuoma told her of Femi’s intention and how they were to help. “I’ll speak to her boss; I have his card somewhere in the house. He will send her on an annoying official duty to the venue on her birthday. We will surprise her. Its business time for Lala, she should start planning Aso ebi for you two.”

“Yes o. We will keep in touch sha. Take care of yourself and regards to your husband.”

 

***************************************

A year later, Ihuoma invited the girls to her house. The girls came knocking on Ihuoma’s door and met her baking. From past experience, she baked only when she was emotionally unstable. Confused, the girls asked, 

“What has he done again?”

“I’m just restless. Things you do when tiny patters of feet are kicking in your tummy. Shola Junior is on the way.”

THE END. 

 

Next week on Almost a bride: Behind the scenes :p.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALMOST A BRIDE: EPISODE 10

Last time on Almost a bride...

**********************************

She stood in front of the notice board, her heart was pounding. She seemed to have forgotten her name as she was carried away by the long faces people wore. She remembered how the interview two weeks after the after the primaries had gone. She had wept after the interview because she wasn’t certain of most answers. She finally saw her name on the next list with a P boldly written in front of it, she had passed. Her smile was wider than her face and she could not contain it. She had driven down to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) immediately Anini called to inform her that the results were out. Immediately she entered her car, she made a conference call to her girlfriends,

 “I made it!”

“This calls for celebration” Anini said.

“Congratulations dear, latest Resident in town” Lala and Dona said.

“Dinner's on me tonight.” Ihuoma announced.

On her way home, she stopped at Yaba market to get carrots, sweet potatoes, garlic cloves, cumin seeds, butter, chicken, vegetables and flour. She prepared carrot 'n' sweet potato mash and gravy sauce for them.  As she prepared the meal, she sang praises to God for making her come out successful; she recalled all the sleepless nights and days she almost gave up. She recalled a particular night, a week to the exam, she got back from work tired, with menstrual cramps. She sat to resume reading only to start wailing uncontrollably. She had felt she wasn’t well prepared for the exam and was worried at how much she still had to read. She broke down when she felt there was no way she could possibly make it through.

 

She resumed work at LUTH two weeks later, the first week was the orientation week and that gave her time to adjust to the huge demands that would be placed on her. She was still renovating her new apartment at Resident Medical Officer’s Block 4 so she hadn’t moved her luggage from her Surulere apartment. She started her rotations at the Accidents and Emergency department of the hospital on Monday. On her first day, An unconscious woman was rushed in with a man running behind her. After clerking at the Triage, she discovered the man was the patient’s husband. Despite all the frantic efforts she made to revive her patient, she lost her. As soon as she broke the news to the man, he collapsed right in front of her. She started cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the man, and called out to the nurse, 

 

“Call the advanced life support team. Come with the automated external defibrillator” she ordered.

The team got there ten minutes later. The middle aged man was resuscitated and was stabilized after the advanced life support team took charge. Ihuoma was torn between empathy and sympathy. She knew if she had to survive the department she had to be truly empathetic and get her apartment fixed as soon as possible to reduce the stress of work. More emergency cases came in.

Ihuoma finished moving her luggage into her new apartment and Dona came to help her arrange. Dona felt it was a good avenue to leave her house and see Ihuoma since they hardly saw her since she became a junior registrar. It’s either she was on call or resting from the stress of work. Femi was also around to help Ihuoma move her load that Saturday morning. Ihuoma introduced Femi and Dona and they chatted away until Ihuoma’s phone rang. She walked towards the veranda and shut the door behind her. Femi and Dona continued talking and laughing. Ihuoma walked in ten minutes later, laughing sarcastically.

 

"This one you're laughing like this, what's up?" Dona inquired

“You wouldn’t believe it. Obinna just called me, he wants to comeback. He said it was the devil and that he is working on his temper. He even says he's attending anger management classes.”

“He is a joker.” Femi said sarcastically.

“Na wa o, until he kills you. He wants to use you to know how well he is improving with the classes or what?” Dona shouted angrily.

“You guys don’t need to worry yourselves. It’s not worthy of discussion sef. Old things have passed away, I’m not the old Ihuoma, I’ve learnt and experienced enough emotional trauma for a lifetime.”

At noon, Femi and Dona went to get them lunch. They drove to the nearest eatery while Ihuoma arranged her books in the bookshelf on the wall. They entered the room panting, 

“Ihuoma, being on the third floor isn’t easy at all.”

“I will survive.” she replied.

They ate and continued arranging. After hours of gisting, playing and working, they were on their way out. The purple room now looked habitable. Ihuoma walked them to their cars and thanked them for making her work easier and fun. Femi and Dona exchanged contacts; apparently they had enjoyed each others company. Dona got into her car and Femi let her go in front of his car. Ihuoma waved at them until they were out of sight.   

 

After grand round two weeks later, she went to the resident doctors’ lounge to order food. Dr. Olaniyan Cole, her course mate in school but now a senior registrar, was eating in the lounge. She joined him and they started chatting in their usual manner before a call interrupted their discussion.

“Hello Eniola”

“I just drove into LUTH now”

“Ask anyone for directions to ARD lounge”

“Alright”

“Ihuoma, my cousin is coming.” They continued talking until they saw the door open with a tall man standing, looking around.

“Oh, he’s here already. That’s my cousin.”

Ihuoma looked at him. She knew she had seen him before but she couldn't remember where. He waved at his cousin and he walked towards them, excited Olaniyan said, “Meet my cousin, Eniola Cole.”