INTRODUCTION: How to succeed as a woman

Hello,
It feels good to be actively blogging and doing what I love to do beside radio presenting and being a Mum.

A while back I had written a couple of posts about successful people, I have also posted on pregnancy (What to expect, my experiences and the experience of a friend, the foods I loved to eat). Feel free to check previous posts. Today and in subsequent posts, I will blog about something that is almost a cross between them, 'HOW TO SUCCEED AS A WOMAN'.

If at any point you have looked at Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, Ngozi Okonjo - Iweala and other women who may or may not have their own families but have made a success of their lives, you will agree with me that their current state does not give you a peep into their past efforts. Why not join me to step on the shoulders of these 'giants' as we navigate through life. If you are a woman or you know a woman, you need to read the next 10 posts and share them with friends and family so stick with me and get a front row access and the possible passcodes these women have.

Also, the comments section has been enabled for non-google mail users, please subscribe to my blog and leave your comments. See you tomorrow.
Merci

PEARL

Faster or Farther

Hello,

This post title is a question, take a minute to ponder and answer it.

Faster or Farther?
One day, my Father told us of something that happened when he was recently employed as an accountant by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (N.N.P.C.). A colleague of his told him that 'in NNPC, it is either you choose to go very fast or very far but you cant have the both of them'.
Of course, my Dad elected to go far while some others by their actions showed they only cared about going fast.

I have realised that this question stares us all in the face at one time or the other.
Let me take the liberty of explaining far or fast (what it means to me).

FARTHER: To get ahead, to continue in positive motion towards a goal and be ahead (when it matters) in comparism to a similar subject (my definition - I hope I have not confused you.)

FAST: To speedily make motion (my definition once more).

In this sense, the option before my father as well as everyone else was:
Acquire so much money by all means necessary on the job, be financially well off than your peers through bribery, corruption e.t.c (a.k.a Focus on now) OR be satisfied with your pay, do your job and rise slowly, steadily financially & otherwise (Focus on the future).

I have seen a lot of examples and have come to the conclusion that the 'grab all I can find' mentality does not lead very far but at the end of the day it is up to you... faster or farther?

INSPIRATION?

Hello all,

I have been blogging a lot about pregnancy recently and it has been educative and fun.

I have also decided to mix it up henceforth even though you like my stories and experiences. For today, just take inspiration also hidden in the beauty of the pregnancy experience... 'you are never really too weak or small to birth a wonderful thing'.

It does not matter whether it is a human or an idea, you are never really unequipped. You may be unprepared but never unequipped.

I remember before my son that I was so scared of pregnancy (not anymore, duh! Hehehe)... infact I felt sorry for all the pregnant women I met and considered myself as having a phobia for pregnancy.

I know what some of you are thinking, 'why get married?' 'Is it possible this type of fear exists?'
To answer the last question, YES! & it is pretty common, I wish more people will testify :-)

The purpose for today's post is to make you see that no matter how tough, rough, painfilled & scary that GOOD & LEGAL endeavour of yours is, take the first step & then endure the waiting, commitment & hardwork stage, success & result awaits you.

Enough said,
I love you.

INTERESTING READ: My Labour Story by Anita

As shared by our friend Anita, Enjoy! :-)

I woke up on the morning of Jan 8 2015, after a very troubled tiring sleep during which my baby kicked and turned all night! In retrospect, i believe he was adjusting into the birthing position.
So... I woke up... and had to use the bathroom But I was wet. So I thought to myself, "Who would have thought I would pee on myself at night???" I chuckled to myself as I remembered other mom stories of how they had pee on themselves. But this wasn't pee! No sire! My water had broken.

RECIPE FOR PREGNANCY

Hello,
As I earlier promised, I will share some of the foods I was able to eat during pregnancy.

Early pregnancy I fell in love with boiled white rice but it was a romance that didnt last long. Soon my love for rice was replaced by an intense dislike for it and I couldnt stand the smell of food such as rice, stew, indomie et al. It did get better at the end tho.

As I have earlier said, all pregnancies are not the same so you may totally find you do not like my food choices when pregnant. Although I am yet to find a pregnant woman who didnt like yam.

Yam was my favourite and I never tired of it. I ate it with dodo (ripe & over ripe plantain), pekere (unripe plantain), Akara (fried bean balls) and ketchup mixed with salad cream or mayo since I couldnt stand stew.

The recipe I have for you is different, you may wish to try it (pregnant or not).

AFRICAN SALAD (ABACHA)

Ingredients include:

EXPECTING: PREGNANCY CONTINUATION

Hello,
I had earlier talked about pregnancy month one to five. In the previous post, I promised to conclude... thats why I am back here :-)

Let me start on a lighter note. My husband did not strongly believe or maybe the right word is comprehend that I was really pregnant, he was expecting all those Nollywood type running outside to vomit :-) *hahaha-hehe*. I never vomitted throughout my pregnancy.

PREGNANCY: WHAT TO EXPECT MONTH 1 TO 9 (I INCLUDED MY EXPERIENCE)

Hello,

Every pregnancy is different but my experience may help you a great deal. I also have great pleasure sharing my experience with you. Feel free to contact me personally if you have questions or just need to assure yourself all is well with you and the baby. (pearlokoli@gmail.com)

I would also reply your comments and questions on this platform. Happy Reading!

Month One: You barely notice

I did not know I was pregnant but I noticed my skin became extra sensitive and my face was no longer clear (smooth). It was my graduation month and I was in the UK but I did not shop because I had no idea (maybe a tad lil feeling).

Month two: Some are still unaware and some other begin to feel unwell

I started to experience heavy eyes and feel a little unwell towards the beginning and excruciating stomach pains toward the end

Month Three: Majority already know, they get the symptoms. Boy! it is not Fun

This month was much like the second month only worse. I could not stand the smell of most foods. The stomach pain had me going for scans. I had to stop work

Some people are filled with strength and are relatively okay during their pregnancy. Just so you know, I envy them too and please do not judge me for having to quit my job (hahaha).

If you are just like me, it is okay to feel unwell and get tired easily when you are pregnant, do not mind naysayers

Month Four: Symptoms persist (A few get respite)

I decided to seriously pursue radio as I had worked as a radio presenter and disc jockey (DJ) in Ujima radio, Bristol (UK).

I first started 'guesting' Inspiration FM on the Friday Night Mix with Charles Dallas where I met wonderful people like Wanawana, Eyo Henry but this time I wanted my own gig. *smile*

I also was on Top radio platform joining Tosyn Bucknor's morning show (I know, you did not hear me almost at all *smile*). I did not have it nice here. *hehehe* I have come to conclude that it was my pregnancy and not that she was a rude choleric

Long story short, at 5 months plus pregnant, I realised I could not continue and took a long health break.

Month Five: More people get respite (but not me, phew!)

Now at home, I had gotten used to being cranky (when you are pregnant, those around you dont just get it... trust me, your partner may be empathetic but he would not still gerrit).

I suffered major dizzy & fainting spells and scares because most food smelled to me. I could only eat sharwama, yam, akara and traditional classics (those types of 'not everyday' meals) such as Okpa, African salad, nkwobi et al)

Let me stop here for today, I will continue from month six next and probably give you the recipe to these traditional classics in subsequent posts.

Always a pleasure to have you here, 

PEARL.