A pretty face should be enough

I've always wondered why my parents named me Marvel...well Marvelous (had to change it to Marvel 'cos people always sang 'Marvelous is Your name' when they saw me)? I never did and don’t think I would ever ask why I was given the name. In my own opinion, I figured they were marveled at the beautiful baby GOD gave to them and decided to call me Marvel. So what does my name mean? According to the Advanced English Dictionary, it means 'being or having the character of a miracle' (I can live with this) while Marvel means 'something that causes feelings of wonder'. Oh well, I’m not going to say anything more on that, it quite explanatory...I am a walking miracle and it causes people to wonder :-)

Moving on, I have always asked myself if a pretty face is enough for any guy wanting to choose a mate. In my undergrad days, the guys used to run after the slim girls no matter how ugly they looked... which meant fleshy girls with pretty faces had no chance and this led to my beginning my journey on the way to winning the battle against F-A-T. However, as the years went by, I discovered that these guys were young and just wanted to have sex and since slim was in vogue, they didn’t care about the face... how do I know this? My friend Greg loves pretty faces no matter how they look and he was confronted with a lot of beautiful fleshy girls and not so beautiful slim girls. Now Greg was in a dilemma, he wanted a pretty girlfriend but his mates were all dating or chasing after slim girls and he didn’t want to be the odd one out. He eventually settled for a slim girl he didn’t find attractive. Needless to say, he couldn’t take the relationship beyond sex and ended up breaking the girl's heart. I can say now that Greg is married to one of the prettiest girls I have ever seen and guess what? She is extra fleshy and thick. In his own word, 'I’ve always wanted a pretty girl and I got my pretty girl'. I told Greg that beauty will always fade and he goes 'she had to be pretty for me to approach and fall in love with her so I don’t care if her beauty fades now, I have fallen in love'.

Another scenario, my friend Aisha is one of the prettiest girls I have ever seen. She is about 6ft 1, beautiful skin and very friendly. Aisha was a fleshy girl (notice the word ‘was’…Aisha is now slim) but had so much confidence. There wasn’t a club we went to that guys wont be all over her…I mean I had my days but hers was everyday. Aisha had been dating her husband, Ehighale since they were 16 and at 16, Aisha was at her biggest. Ehighale’s friends were all into slim or skinny girls at that age but he wanted Aisha and would not succumb to peer pressure. They dated all through and finally married when they were 27.

The scenarios above are wonderful but I would say these are exceptions. Employers these days don’t have the patience to train an employee; they want an experienced employee who is ready to go. The same goes for spouses, these days, guys want a ready made wife and don’t have the patience to get to know the heart of their spouse. That is, if they are attracted to the lady (mostly slim), they go for it. There is no time to get to know and love the personality (most guys are impressed by sight).

Lately, I have been up and about; going to the gym, movies, work, lounging etc. These have been good. I can’t believe that the highlight of my days is when I have to go to the gym. I used to find going to the gym a chore but now, it is a habit and I must say I am enjoying it. I am trying to get the food part right though. Everyone says I am not eating enough and will soon start looking starved and emaciated. I think I am eating enough, I know I have given up a lot of things (sodas, biscuits, sweets etc.)But I have taken on board some healthy stuff like vegetables and fruits and loads of water. I just try to limit myself to 1,200 calories a day and try to work off at least 400 calories a day (tedious, but worth it).

Ok people, I gotta leave you here. Just to let you know that you are beautiful no matter the size you are and there is always someone out there who will appreciate you whether you are skinny, slim, curvy, extra thick etc. Just continue doing your thing, love yourself, build your confidence and finally, trust the Lord ‘cos He has got the MASTER PLAN for your life.

Ciao!

TIP: Have a piece of Kola nut before exercise. It helps build your stamina.

Who am i?

I should have done this at the time I started this blog (2007) but in 2007, this was a different blog with a different name.

I was born in an era where "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" by Ian Dury & The Blockheads (UK) and "Le Freak" by CHIC (USA) were topping the charts (don’t ask me what song was no. 1 in Nigeria), Mother Theresa had just won the Nobel peace prize and the average cost of a dozen eggs in the USA was $0.84 (pretty expensive if you ask me). I know that I share a birthday with some famous peeps such as King Charles V of France (d. 1380), Lloyd Cole (British singer) and Justin Timberlake (American singer).

I was born into a family that if I had to do it again, I will still want to be born into that family. My parents brought us up to love the Lord and walk according to His counsel but with every human, I have tried to live according to these principles but sometimes, I fall and have to get back up. I used to have a best friend and other friends but as the years have progressed, I now have some best friends and so many acquaintances (don’t need to point out the difference; everyone knows where they fall into).

As a child, I was very athletic and remember winning prizes for sports. I could also and can still dance. There wasn't a party I attended and didn’t come back with all sorts of gift such as Exercise books, pencils, sharpeners etc...Life was good. My family owned a big farm which I hated working on. I couldn't understand why we had to have a farm (why couldn't my parents buy stuff from the market like other parents and worse, why did I have to go to the farm...after all they didn’t ask my opinion before starting the farm).

I currently live and work in Lagos, love my space and being alone (I'd rather curl up under the duvet and watch a good movie than go clubbing). I don’t drink nor smoke (what’s the point?). I am very adventurous with food and can eat anything as long as it tastes nice.

So who am I? My name is Cynthia Marvel and I am F-A-T!

WONDERFUL DAYS

Hi y'all,

What's popping and how have your week been? First i have to apologise for not sending last week's blog. School is becoming tougher by the day and i have to really buckle up so i dont misuse this opportunity. I'm glad that i'm able to find time to send this missive...remember those letter-writing days lol!

Anyway, let's get down to brass tacks. How did you all enjoy your vals day? i hope you all had fun? I had fun...at least i watched a romantic nigerian movie where the girl had to really suffer to get her dream man (typical) and err...it was kinda interesting. This year was a bit dry, i didnt get any flowers...yea, Olude would be thinking that i have lost my touch init? At one point i started wondering whether the postman had my correct address. Anyway, it wasn't all bad, i got loads of flowers on 'Facebook'...cool init? the wonders of the internet, everything is now done on the internet...cant wait for when people will start getting married on the internet... it'll save time and money. Anyway, i took something from this whole vals day episode, my daughter will not go thru the same thing cos she'll be born on val's day so even if she does not have a date, she still gets pressies and flowers for being born on that day...clever init? but not as clever as being born on christmas or new year's day.

My week has been so tedious, i have a management report due in next month and i have to do my research within a short period of time and write down my findings and reccomendations...wow, that sounded so professional coming from me. Anyway, i have been doing a lot of reading and interviews to get things started and coupled with that, i have been attending choir practice for a night vigil this friday. Yap, the redeemed churches in aberdeen, inverness, glasgow, dundee etc basically the whole of scotland is having a combined Holy Ghost service on friday and the various choirs have been practicing very well. I am kind of worried because i have been told to be a soloist for one of the songs and i've not been myself...i dont like standing in front of so many people, talkless of singing. That is why you would not catch me dating a celebrity, being a celebrity, being in the spotlight etc. I love my life quiet with no one noticing me...infact i like being invisible. Anyway, i have been practicing the song but i hope i dont have to do the solo...abeg so i dont fumble or faint.

I'll be going to Aberdeen this weekend but it will be for just a day and i hope to catch up with Ebele, Seun and Bimpe...at least i hope to run into them on Union street (since that is the major street in aberdeen)...just kidding. will let them know i'm coming and maybe we could all do lunch or dinner, whichever one is cheaper and appeals to us.

Anyway i gotta go now, but before i go, i have got to thank you all who have sent me emails this past year........

Take care y'all and enjoy the rest of your week.

Ciao!

HAPPY LOVER'S DAY

Hey people,

Whats up? how has the week being? mine's been spectacular. Saturday was especially cool...never seen so much sunshine since i got into this land. It was so hot that i felt stupid putting on my winter jacket but i didnt look at anyone. I think spring is approaching and then summer will creep in ( men, i gotta loose enough weight to wear all those colourful and beautiful dresses without a jacket). I think i'm almost there.

I am so fagged out this morning after a full and exciting weekend. My church had an all night vigil which was cool. We had a combined choir with the other RCCG churches in Glasgow. Everything was cool but i was sad that we didnt get to sing the song we practiced for the programme. The preacher was very interesting. She preached for about 2hrs and a half (Mobola you might know her. She lives in Ibadan...Mrs Funke Adebuteru or Adetuberu. She took preaching to another level and i must confess that i was really blessed. I got home about 4am and slept at 5am (waking up at intervals to turn on the water heater and also to switch it off). Finally had to wake up at 10am to clean my room and get ready for choir practice. Practice was cool but took longer than i anticipated and after that, i had to prepare food for my choir members ( i made Okasi/ affang soup the day before and made pounded yam). Everyone enjoyed it and were complimenting my culinary skills. I got into bed about 12 am because i had to go for the second leg of the church programme after cooking.

So i'm doing my management research report and i got my supervisor. I kinda knew she would be my report supervisor but i was hoping it would be someone else. This woman puts the 'bore' into boring. When she teaches in class, people are looking at the clock and waiting for when her time will be up. I was always in La la land whenever she was teaching and sometimes, i just felt like stabbing myself with a pen. Trust me, she is that bad! I'm ernestly praying to God that whenever i meet with her, i wont be tempted to start day dreaming... wish me luck.

Valentine's day is fast approaching...gen gen. Everyone who has somebody will be celebrating it. The best valentine's day i ever had was when...i'm sorry this experience is for me alone but i can tell you that it was lovely, flowers were involved...hmmm...ok i'm back. Ladies do not hold back this val's day, go the extra mile to please ur man. Do something you have never done before and dont be hesitant in trying new things (if u know what i mean) and i guarantee, ur next holiday will be in paris or wherever you choose or something better (please note that this advice for married women only oh...). Men...by now, you should know what your woman likes. Try to please her in anyway you can. For once spoil her! If you have children, send them to your mother or hers,take her to that special restaurant (please no 'Iya Basirat'), give her a single rose (if you can afford it), open the door for her, compliment her looks, give her a kiss every now and then (this really assures us), look into her eyes whenever you are saying anything, tell her how wonderful she has been and the value she has added to your life, tell her that if you had to do it again, it will be with her, playfully feed her (especially ice cream and save some for later...if u know what i mean). I know valentine's day is on a thursday and you might not have time but saturday is a free day and you can take her breakfast in bed to start the celebration. Again, my advice is for the married man only oh...

Ok people, i gotta go. Have a wonderful week ahead and enjoy the 'lover's day'. God bless

Ciao!

EKO ILE

Hi y'all,

What's been happening? I'm okay and very well thank you. I dont know if it is the weather or something else 'cos i've just been very happy in the past few days...I guess Jesus makes the difference.

I've been listening to this song 'Eko ile' by the crew from storm records (Jazzman Olofin, Dare, GT the guitarman, Nkiru and Sasha), hence the title of this blog. The song amongst other songs have been making me nostalgic. I cant beleive i actually miss Lagos. Yesterday in Church, we were all reminiscing about Lagos and it's many activities...you know, the traffic, carjackers, flooding, robbers, island, mainland, cinemas, clubs, fast food joints etc. The moment i got home, i started daydreaming about Lagos...i mean, Lagos will not be the same without all those activities 'cos if you take those away, you just have Abuja or some other boring city. Speaking of church (my face always lit up when i think about church), it was good and interesting. The preaching was awesome and i led praise but for some reason, i was very nervous. I baked and took a cake to church. It was a chocolate and vanilla/coconut cake. Aparrently, the cake was so lovely because people ate a lot and i barely had a little left to eat. All the same, i was proud of myself.

Speaking of cake, well thursday was my birthday and i just want to thank each and everyone of you who took time off your busy schedule to wish me well. Awele and Ibrahim really made my day. They actually called me and i was so touched that they would sacrifice some credits to call. Thank you guys. I really appreciate you all and pray that God will will continue to bless you. Also note that the level you are now, is the least you will ever be. It can only get better... trust me, God told me so. Special thanks to my sweetie pie 'Ekemide or Mideke'...I hope noone has been harrassing you? just let me know and i'll deal wit that person in my own way.

So my friend Rita and i started a business. You wont guess the sort of business... yep! Mary Kay. Some woman came around and with her sugar-coated tongue, convinced us. Trust me, it had to be her marketing skills because her make up wasn't impressive at all. I mean, even without any make up on, i was looking better than she did. Oh well, Rita and i got our 'Starter Pack' and we opened it on saturday (bring on the business). I must confess, i wasn't excited about the pack at first but now, i'm thinking 'Bring It On'!... this is so exciting. Maybe, i should do this full-time...nah! i want a proper career in an Oil company. Anyway, my optimistic self cant wait to start driving a Mary Kay car. My new vision now... 'Think Mary Kay'!.

My placement is going well, i have drafted the synopsis for my management report and cant wait to start the report itself. I still feel guilty that i'm not doing anywork and will get some money at the end of the programme. I was even begging them to give me something to do, even if it is to photocopy or answer the phone. At least at IPML, i would have gladly cut pictures (no offence to anyone). Right now, i'll do anything, 'cos i'm getting bored. Anyway, so long as i get my report done, every other thing is fine with me.

Alright people, i gotta go. Take care and have a good week ahead... i know i will. Luv you all.

Ciao!

HE PUT A SONG IN MY MOUTH

Hi y'all,

Whats up? I really want to apologise for the delay in sending this week's blog. Had a lot to do and it kinda skipped my mind but you all didnt.

So my week was ok (i say ok becos it wasn't great). I thot i would have a week after my exams to relax before school starts but i was very wrong. I only had one day off which i partly spent making my friend's hair (sadly, we didnt get round to making mine) and the next day, i headed to the place i'm doing my placement. It was cool but i spent the whole day reading things i didnt understand and was just so glad when the clock struck 5pm. The next day was even the worse. It was drizzling a bit and to catch the 8:10 bus, i had to walk really fast. So i swapped my heels for my pomps and started moving. I stepped on a stone that wasn't well placed and water came from beneath and splashed all over me. My legs began freezing as i had on a normal lenght skirt with no stockings on. Upon getting to the bus stop, the bus was just pulling out and so i decided to head to the 8:20 bus stop. It suddenly began to snow (wet snow) and because the wind was so bad, my umbrella broke and i had to put it away. My hair was getting wet and i just started crying. How could my day go so horribly wrong but i trusted God that the rest of the day will be cool and it was.

My workplace is cool and this chick from school whom i'm working with is ok but i'm not feeling her. The office staff gave us a lot of stuff to read and the chick gets down to writing stuff and i'm like 'what is there to write?' then i ask her what she is writing and she says she doesn't even understand what she is doing. I just started laughing in my mind but the next day, not to feel left out, i just started copying out the whole stuff from the files (u know kinda of look serious) and at one point, i even started writing a book...lol. I dread going back there but i have to for 8weeks and guess what? i'm getting £20 per week. I know the amount sounds pathetic but guess the number of shoes i could buy from that money (just kidding). Anyway, i've asked them to give me the money at the end of the 8weeks.

So this term, my workload has grown times two and i'm not finding it funny. My friends are all having it easy. They dont even have lectures, nor exams. They just write essays and i keep wondering if i changed my career path too soon. Oh well, i'm trusting God as He sent me here and so He would not disappoint me. Well, all these work at school amongst other things have been weighing me down and my friends have started noticing. One even told me that i'm getting moody by the day and that i'm not as smily and happy as i used to be anymore. I know he is right because i have even lost the zeal to make fun of people. But i know i will be fine and i dont know when. I just hope it wont be too late.

So hollywood lost another talented actor (Heath Ledger). It was a really sad period for me. I get sad when someone dies and even worse when that someone is young and well known. Anyway, my prayer for the family is that God should comfort them at this low point in their life. I will really miss Heath.

Well, after all these things happening in my life, i know that God will put a song in my mouth very soon and y'all will hear my testimony soon. Have a good day and enjoy the rest of the week. God bless.

Ciao!

I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!

Alright people click your heels together and show me the money 'cos innocent sweet Eke is back!!!!

Hi y'all,

whats been happening? First of all i want to apologise for the long silence... i know i missed you all too. I know i even went offline but trust me, it was for my own good. I was weighed down with exams and me being me, i had to study...u know daddy spent some good money and i have to utilise the opportunity. Oh well, lets get started here.

Happy New year y'all and welcome into 2008...a year of good beginnings! If you have been beleiving God for a lot of things, this is the year. Can someone please say Amen!... whoo...good to be back.

Ok so christmas was good...actually very beautiful. It was a full house with no parents around. I had my sister, brothers, friend and my brother's girlfriend (who is so great and i should call her and say hi). Christmas day was great. We all woke up and had morning devotion after which everyone went doing what they wanted to do. Not me, i went to get the kitchen clean as i had to start christmas lunch. We made rice (jollof and fried), roasted a whole chicken (took forever but the stuffing was great), made cake, dodo, salad etc. By the time we settled down to eat, the time was about 3pm. The table was beautiful and we took pictures which i cant get a hold of now but as soon as i do, y'all be getting a taste of how christmas was for me.

It was so good to be with family and i must say, i was missing them so much that i became ill...had a terrible cold, lost my voice and couldnt really do my solo very well (i'm in the choir). But it was all good. Mom was around for the new year and we had that mother and daughter talk again...if you know what i mean? and dad called to wish us well. Needless to say, i'm very hopeful this year and have decided to put my whole trust in God. Well, we had fun spending time as a family and my friend felt right at home (she couldnt stop complimenting my family and how much she loved my mom...well, i know the feeling, she is my mom u know?). She is also ibibio and so she felt right at home with the kpong,kpong language...lol.

London was so nice but i got bored and plus i wasnt able to read for the duration that i was there (10 days) but at least i had fun with the family and no, i didnt watch any film that had Jesus and His disciples speaking yoruba! It was beautiful all the way. I came back to school and started forcing myself to read but when crunch time came, nobody told me to read, i was reading like crazy. Awele was so worried that she even sent a mail to ask if i was ok (i'm sure she really wanted to ask what was happening with the blogs...see, she misses the blogs more than she misses me...lol). There was a lot of sales around and y'all know me and shoes! i bought loads and i must admit, i'm ashamed of myself but who cares, they are shoes and i have lovely feets to go with them (wish i could say the same for my body, my choir leader and pastor says i had so much fun over the holidays so i'm taking drastic measures...getting a lipo!).

Ok people, it's so glad to be back and i want to thank you all for being patient with me. Dara, it was so nice to see u again (i hope u enjoy all them things u bought) just remember to come naked next time and then u can start clothing yourself from the airport...lol. Seun honey, i'll see u, Ebele and Bimpe very soon...will let y'all know when. Nkem, thank you very much for everything and please note, that wasn't my mom. Alright, i'm out. I want to hit the shops and see how many good shoes i can get for a £1 (Seun, get it?). Take care y'all and happy new year once again.

I love you all.

Ciao!

PS: I was kidding about the Lipo...just getting down to regular dieting and exercise (wish me luck).