4sheezy

World Forests Day and Bamboo industries in Kenya

2011-03-18T02:55:00.000-07:00

I read this entry and really thought it was an informative entry especially for those interested in forest conservation and bamboo industries.

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'Short' Development of Bamboo in Kenya
By Bernard Kigomo, KEFRI

The regional development of bamboo started in Kenya but more vehemently in 1985. Kenya has had a long relationship with INBAR since its establishment in India and
now in China where it has moved recently. KEFRI for a while now has made
world collections of bamboo species and established these as trials in the
country. There are published records of what can grow and where of about 12
of the over 20 tried species. Data on growth of the various successful
bamboo species has been collected, documented, published and shared. Growing
and management of bamboo was the early occupation of bamboo development in
Kenya. Kenyan expertise has been able to assist Sudan and Ethiopia to
develop its capacity in the growing and management of bamboo.

Recently the development of bamboo has moved to the concern of processing
and use of bamboo in several front areas. A project has therefore been going
on since 5 years ago mainly between Kenya, Ethiopia and UNIDO to improve
capacity of local people in the use of bamboo in Ethiopia and Kenya. Groups
in Kinale, Olenguruone and Kakamega have been focal points of these hands on
training through this project. The first phase of this project has ended.
This project has attempted to create awareness on bamboo development at
policy levels by arranging tours in Asia/China and Ethiopia for the
management of KFS (selected Board members and 10 senior managers), KEFRI
(Senior staff and selected Board members) and Ministry (Two PSs, Minister of
MF&W)and several 5 NGO executives who were partners to this project. This
project has produced several guidelines on production, management and
processing of bamboo that it has shared with a number of outlets. Joint
training of trainers has enabled to have capacity for regional training in
bamboo growing and furniture, handicraft and basketry making. We have had
several training sessions for CBOs locally, three training sessions in Rwanda
and presently two KEFRI experts are holding a two week course in Uganda for
Sakin, and NGO, with the support of UNIDO.

Another effort through the government support has been training groups
coming from Coast, Central and western Kenya, lo0caly and at the KEFRI
workshop at Karura. Three groups in southern Nyanza have been trained in
use of bamboo in furniture making and weaving by KEFRI through the IDRC
support to Maseno University. The Southern Nyanza bamboo project of Maseno
University has aimed at introducing bamboo as alternative to tobacco and the
utilization of the planted bamboo.

The results of these efforts have started showing with several individuals
and youth groups organizing themselves to focus on products development from
bamboo. Several architectural students in the local universities are already
working on the use of bamboo in housing. The potential is great but has
been least tapped realizing the use made of bamboo in Asian countries,
especially China and India, among other oriental countries.

The government through KFS and KEFRI is already coming up with a country
bamboo strategy and the two have been agonizing on the issue of lifting the
ban on bamboo harvesting to provide means of sustainable harvesting before
the eventual flowering of the bamboo culms/stems. Bamboo is a grass and
flowers and die.

KENYA LACKS RESPONSIBLE LEADERS

2011-03-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

Responsible leadership. Mature leadership. That is what is lacking in Kenya.You can be strategic in your engagements but miss the point in being responsible as a leader.When a person in leadership engages in anything other than noble talk in a public space,he reduces himself to the street urchin who sometimes has no idea what he engaged in the previous day.
Kenya has been through enough turmoil.A responsible leader is the one who takes the high road of not trading words in public.What would happen if one of these leaders takes the high road and publicly declares,'l have chosen a high road.l will not engage in cheap propaganda that cheapens me even further.'So for a second, pause...what would happen if our leaders took the high road?

DON'T TAKE THIS CAMPAIGN LIGHTLY

2011-02-28T02:57:00.000-08:00

Leadership...A lot has been said about this subject and will continue to be said. Today in Kenya at 1pm, people from all walks of life will take time out to sing the national anthem as a sign of patriotism. This is a strong statement that is being sent to our leadership,specifically the political leadership. Like the rest of the countries that are running revolutions, this has been a mostly Facebook campaign that has materialized into action.

The leadership of this country needs to wake up and ask themselves, why would a simple campaign motivate hundreds of thousands of Kenyans to desire to sing their national anthem? What is it the political class is doing that is driving Kenyans to this? I know patriotism is one of them but it is mostly the fact that the leadership is not living up to its bargain three years after signing the national accord.If they did, Kenyans would not feel the urge to congregate to sing their anthem.

This campaign should not be taken lightly. It is the genesis of other campaigns. While this one is led entirely by very patriotic Kenyans who really want their country governed properly, the next campaign by others may take a different turn if the political class doesn't catch on this message.

The Facebook avenue is getting quite popular.What with more than 50 per cent of Kenyans with phones, it should tell you something. One can also surf the internet on most of these phones. So really, this is a ready platform that comprises of eager Kenyans willing to show where they stand on issues pertaining to this country. The best indicator for future behavior is best told by past actions.A brilliant leader should know better than take this campaign lightly.

I WILL RISE UP AND I WILL MOVE ON!!!!

2010-12-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hmmm!!! what to do when a project goes horribly crazy? Pick yourself up baby and move on. Salvage what you can and keep moving.I am reminded that failures stay as failures and winners are those that stood up, amended their strategies and moved on.So today in spite of all the negativity l feel, l will pick myself up and move.I will make it good.I will be vindicated.I am willing to put in the work and the effort.Yes, even though the holidays are here, l will salvage what l can and move on because that is only when l can hold my head high in the midst of all the screaming negativity.I will make it with God's help.I will be vindicated.Majaliwa.

Living my dreams one day at a time

2010-11-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hmmm!!! Finally...living my dreams.Thank heavens. Doing social campaigning is so rewarding. Causes that mean something to people and making them visible to the right people. Oh how rewarding...:-)

Hmmm!!!

2010-07-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

Hmmm!!!! that is the expression l find myself having these days.Not a bad Hmmm!! just an interesting and curious one.I am learning that for you to get to where you want to go, guts are needed. Guts that don't back out when you finally go into what you want to do.So here l am in this journey that could take me anywhere l want.I hope that when l look back 5 years from now l will be saying...good l took that journey.

C'est la vie

2010-04-13T23:36:00.000-07:00

I have truly come to respect those that wade through life with determination and finally achieve their dreams.I think it is hard work coupled with loads of tears and sweat. Some praying won't hurt...

2010-01-18T00:16:00.000-08:00

So, good morning world or is it life...LOL!! my second working week has began on a high note this year.I hear that if you have goals set out for a a week at a time you begin your weeks on a high note.
Hmmm!!! Really!!! I believe because l am so glad l have goals that l am working towards. It helps in controlling disruptions.I tell you with all the social media around us, it is wiser to plan the timings of when you want to work and do a little FB or Twitter. All in all, lets begin with goals...tight goals.

2010-01-05T02:03:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness!!!Its 2010. I was thinking the other day by the time vision 2030 is here l will be...years old!!! LOL!!If you are living in Kenya you must know what l am talking about. Yes, l am beginning to realize that life is what happens to us when we are waiting for real life to begin.You can actually be in your 50s and still waiting for life to begin.So this year promise me something, that you will go out and do something you have been wishing to do for a long time.Get out of your comfort zone and run towards your dreams.Start no matter how small because for real...life ain't a rehearsal.That said.... l hope you had a good rest because to achieve highly your body, mind and spirit must be at a place of rest. You have only one body with no replacement for it.

Here's to you .....have a good one y'all

A LASTING LOVE AFFAIR

2009-10-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

I am in love with you and l can't explain it

I just know thinking about it brings tears to my eyes

Thoughts about you bring warmth to my heart

They bring a profound feeling of beautiful satisfaction

I am in love with you but l can't explain it

I just know

I sit in Your presence and hear Your children sing

I hear them worship and beautifully praise You

With the Knowledge that your children accompany

The Cherubims, Seraphims and the 24 elders who stand before you day and night

I am so mesmerized in Your presence

I feel broken yet whole because l know You

I am in love with You but l can't explain it

Because truth is....l can't

You overwhelm me with the essence of You

Who are You?What are You? I have this love affair with You

Yet l can never totally grasp You

I can never understand You because You are God

Who am I for You to love like You do? So intensely, so genuinely, so jealously

Who am l that You have commanded angels to be at my service?

You overwhelm me with the essence of You

I am deeply in love with You

Even though l can only love You with my earthly understanding limited way

I am in love with You but l can't explain it

Because truth is ....I can't

I want this love affair to go for eternity

aaaaahhh I want those that watch on the side to say

Indeed that is a love affair

I am in love with You

It is not what You do, though that is part of it

But the essence of You, the beauty of You

The knowing that l am loved and cherished Just as l am

I am so in love with You, You the creator of the universe

I am in love with You but l can't explain it

Because truth is....I can't

I am in love with You and that thought

That thought brings warm tears to my eyes

You...I am in Love with You

C'EST LA VIE

2009-09-10T23:54:00.000-07:00

I am reading my last entry and l am all smiles. Cynical about God?!Really??? Hmmm!!! I thank God that that phase was part of my life.Now l know how gratefulness starts.I am really grateful to Him that when things really got rough l stayed in the presence of God.God has our solutions.He brings solutions.He grants us brilliance to maneuver out of life's messes and then some.

Now l am at a place where l trust Him completely.I don't get smart with Him.I just trust. Trust me,life has never been this better. I guess l needed to go through that cynicism stage for me to get here.I want to stay here. A place dreams are realized because He is in control. A place of comfort, trust, beauty and grace.

UNCHARTED WATERS

2009-06-16T01:52:00.000-07:00

I have not been here before. I have become cynical towards life, God, love among other things.I don't know when l got here.I just know l am.I need to get out of here though.I need to get to a place where l have a better outlook on life.I don't know if it is because l have been trusting God for a number of things and have waited for so long.I need to get out of this moment that is so stressful.I hear people say that someone became an overnight sensation.What crap!!! By the time those dreams come to pass, you have died a thousand deaths,lost hope and gotten back.Plus life loses its meaning.So you go back to where you started and hope that your dreams will come to pass.

I need to get back to where l dreamt big dreams and knew it would actually come to pass.How do people go through this stage and live to tell about it in a victorious session? I guess that is where my journey will start.

You still have the thunder girl!!!

2009-06-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

Wassup!!! Today l spoke to someone who was referred to me by a friend.Oh!! my friend went on about something until this person said...ok lets call her up.

Anyways, what really got me was that this person,who l have never met, reminded me how it used to be when l was psyched up doing fundraising and communications.

Lately,that is up to like 2 hours ago, l have been having those moments that are called discouraging.Hmmm!!! l never had a lot of those.But the gist of this share is that l am now feeling alive.Is it because they just believed l could do this insurmountable task or what?I can't quite put my little finger on it.All l know is that l have gotten challenged to stop laxing,to stop giving excuses and stop acting like the rest of the crowd.

This is when l know God surely loves me. That at your end He sends someone to remind you that you still have the thunder in your spirit.That you can still achieve your dreams no matter how idealistic they seem to be.And for that...l am grateful...truly grateful.

Ruthless, lack of loyalty..Obama?

2009-05-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

Have you read last and this week's Newsweeks? There is an article in last week's Newsweek which is an exclusive interview with President Obama. This week there is one title Getting to Know Obama. The following were my comments to Newsweek.

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Mr Jacob Weisberg's piece ..Getting to Know Obama...throws in a catch 22 spanner into the whole Obama personality and leadership style. Jacob's piece is what l need to temper the Obama on Obama article. Yet in my heart of hearts l don't want to hear that He is ruthless, arrogant and that he has a lack of loyalty(hey read the article.Not my words). So this is the part l agree wholeheartedly that everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

As a Kenyan, l want to read Jon Meacham's interview with Obama and leave it at that. That interview clearly tells me that there is a responsible president on board and a world leader to reckon with.

And so my dear editor, this is the part where l feel compelled to quote John Adair from his book Inspiring Leadership where he says..."Thought precedes decision;decision leads to action.Depending on the circumstances, and especially upon the degree of crisis, as a leader you need to know when to cut off the debate and to initiate the action phase." Some paragraphs in Jacob's article actually agree with the above statement. Obama is a man who likes to make decisions and stick to them. Plus he is surrounded by competent advisers.

I don't like the tempering bit but it helps me stay sober about this man whose personality easily overwhelms. This is a man with a lot of common sense. And believe me, common sense is not so common.

I wonder ..four years from now what....

2009-05-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

There is something funny that happens when you read your entries of them days.You could have two reactions.It would either be shock at your naivity or brilliance.You would also be wondering what happened that you had either reaction.

Today is such a day.It is kinda going to 8.30pmish here in a cold Nairobi and l am reading some of my old entries.I laugh aloud at my struggles and victories of gone years.Hmmm!!!!! I keep wondering...what will l be saying about this part of my life when l look back 4 years from now?

All l know is that life is in God's hands.I can't wait to see what l will say.I only pray it will be of no regrets.

Hmmm!!! So how are your goals doing?

2009-05-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm!!! June is here....at least around the corner.Can you believe that...June 2009.So checklist of your goals that were set at the beginning of the year.I know.Been there, done that bought a tshirt and baby won't you believe..it didn't fit.

Anyway...l have decided to be kind to myself and to always remember God is in control.God knows it all and God will not let me go through what l can't handle.I love Him completely even though sometimes not so perfectly.I still am in love with Him for who and what He is to me.

Now that right there...is a goal l want to keep having.Loving God completely even though l know He knows it is not so perfectly.

OBAMA MANIA HAS HIT HOME...AND RIGHTLY SO!!!

2008-11-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees...tumeshinda OWADA!!!! Thank You Jesus. Oh my goodness. This man came close. Yes he deserves..not that Mccain doesn't eeeeh coz truth be told they really fought it out fair and square. Just that Obama has worked so hard for this.

The message of hope is what we all need. People are experiencing foreclosures left right and center. The inflation is not helping. Plus every time you put on your telly, its like bad news is having a field day.

So when someone comes along with a message of hope and encouragement, he or she will be embraced.We need hope that we can become better, love more and do more for our country. The one who gives you a message of hope propels you to a platform of greatness starting with the mind.It helps you visualize and see how better a world this can be. It helps you see that you can actually do it.You can actually make it happen.Plus this guy came from a background that is so mixed grill that your everyday Joe identifies.

Dear God remind us that You can pick us from wherever we are to greatness.That our background doesn't matter if we avail ourselves to You.It is beautiful to know You God.

THANK YOU SENATOR OBAMA

2008-11-04T00:19:00.000-08:00

You can forgive my enthusiasm. I am Kenyan. But on this historic eve,l want to say that Obama gives me hope. He represents what we yearned for when we were kids. When you would be asked what you want to be when you grow up and without flinching you would say...an astrounaut, doctor, lawyer or whatever it is you wanted to be.

I want to go back there.Because to go back there is to achieve what you want written on your tomb stone.To go back there and start all over again is to acknowledge that there is hope for the human race.To go back there is to say God still does miracles.

So today as the world prepares to watch the outcome of the election..l want to be the one who says thank you Senator Obama for reminding me that l can make it and that l shall make it.For matching word for action.For not relenting even when you had all odds against you. Sir you have made believers of us. Your winning will not only be for the United States...it will be for all the underdogs in the world. It will be for the African nations.It will be for all those that seek encouragement.

CALL ME WHEN YOU DO

2008-08-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

Thank God for all His mercies. Yes sweets...l got me a job..no its more like..God got me a job and

that is humbling. There's nothing l did to deserve this. Good salo and benefits. No nothing l did to deserve this. I keep hearing people saying that l prayed and fasted and twisted and what not. Trust me...this l know for sure..God decided it was time for me to have this job. I thank Him for this opportunity. I tell you l have never been this grateful for something.

I have never wanted something this bad and then felt so helpless when it delayed. I have never learned my patience lesson..that is up till now. So l cannot take any credit for this. Believe me when l say..l didn't do anything to deserve it. I guess it was God's timing that totally humbles me.

I whined, cried, begged, shouted, threw 3000 tantrums and then calmed down. When l was already very calm and l mean like still waters only then did l see something that appeared to be a mirage of what l desired. This time it was a mirage that became the true oasis.

My sister said yesterday...it was worth the wait. Yes it was.

Have you ever waited for something that was promised and no one was telling you no...just wait? Have you ever waited and wanted to pull the hairs out of your head or even went ahead and knocked your head on the wall? Now have you ever waited until all you could do is busy yourself until you got so tired then you slumped and slept and waited some? Baby call me when you do coz l have been there..done that, bought a t-shirt....it didn't fit. Call me when that happens coz you will sure have a story to tell.

Patience is crazy for some of us. The only way God can teach some of us is through these experiences.Now when l say to you in a tough moment that this too shall pass...l know that this too shall indeed pass....

Just about to exhale

2008-08-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

haaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh that is the feeling have right now. Finally something l wanted has started. They call it teething issues. But slowly l am learning that to make anything happen, patience is of the main essence. I hope in the middle of all of this l will find my footing...sooner than later.

Here's to a dream l have ...

2008-07-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have been writing this entry in my head for the last one week or so. Life is funny. Just when you think things aren't working out life hands you a surprise. Glad that there are beautiful surprises mostly wrapped up in people who have decided to be kind human beings.

When someone decides to make sure that your dreams become a reality, then you know that selflessness is not for those in other planets. I am so trying to make one of my dreams come true-financial stability. To tell you the truth...it takes work and loads of it. You get drained by the major and minor decisions you have to make. Dreams come true but the part they didn't say was that it was going to be tough but doable. l am there right now ...wishing that soon l will be grateful for these moments of crossing my fingers hoping that everything will soon be in sync.

Some day l hope to just have worked hard enough to not have debts. I am working towards a debt free life.Dear God help. I have made it my immediate goal.That day should be six or slightly less or more months from now. I just pray l will have the stamina to work round the clock to make sure that this materializes.

A debt free life...what a life.aaaaaahhhh don't tell me about good debt and bad debt.No difference. I just want out of debt. If there is a God ...and l know He is there...please hear my prayer. That some day sooner than l think, other than waking up to a debt free life, l will have serious investments. Talk about a Change that l need.

I WANT TO BE THAT PERSON

2008-07-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

Today, l wished l came home to something very simple… a hug, listening ear and some tenderness. Ever had one of those moments? It happens whether you are married or single. The singles usually feel it most. Like today that was what l needed. So when you get someone who actually listens, you feel honored and appreciated. Yes this very independent woman has a soft bone in her. And yes, she is marshy on the inside. Its only the exterior that is intimidating.

I guess this feeling came on because l watched as one of the gentlemen on Apprentice Africa gave a lady a hug who was really crying her eyes out in what sounded like a hearty cry. Man, was she having a bad time. But just in time was a warm hug and the encouragement for her to let it all out. Yes, am a sucker for beautiful human relationships.

I am beginning to accept that human beings are selfish and self centered. We like to be taken care of, be the center of attention when things are not going our way. Yet when someone tells you that they are not having a great day, we don’t have time to ask…hey spill and let’s sort it out. Honey

l want to be that friend. I pray to God that l will be that person who when someone is having a dark spot in their lives, they can call me at night and just cry without saying anything. That l will be that friend who won’t want anything back in return. But that God and this universe will bring goodness and tenderness to my doorstep in return. Baby, l don’t wanna save the world coz l know l can’t. I just want to be part of the shoulder someone desperate will be leaning on. And in turn, l pray God gives me that…sweetness, tenderness and love.

ZIMBABWE, I CRY FOR YOU

2008-07-01T14:13:00.001-07:00

Wooooooooooooooooooooiiiiiiiii!!!!!

Zimbabwe, l cry for you
I cry with you, daughter of Africa
How long will you endure this torture?
How long will you perservere?

I hear you
When will this end?....you ask
Where are the rest of the voices?
Am l alone?
What went wrong?
What have l done to deserve this?
How do l end this?..you wearily ask

Mothers wail, children cry
Fathers are hungry and dying
Others have altogether left, emotionally and physically
The land no longer smiles
The money worthless
Helplessness, hopelessness, overwhelming fear grips even the boldest
Your beauty fading away
How do l end this?...you wearily ask

Africa, wail for your child
Stand up for her
She bleeds, she's been violated
She has tipped over and no longer on the brink
Africa wipe away the tear of that frightened girl
Protect the mothers, encourage the fathers
Give hope to the youth
Mother Africa, where is your wise voice? where is your protective hand?
Zimbabwe, l cry for you
I cry with you, daughter of Africa

By Maria Wanza...a dedication to the people of Zimbabwe. Hold on...We cry with you daughter of Africa

NO ROMANTICS IN LIVING YOUR DREAM

2008-06-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

I am watching very impressed at the Nelson Mandela concert in London. Good work to the organizers. But even more congrats go to Nelson Mandela.

I am sitting here and wondering how many trials this man had to go through to be what he is today. Those very lonely years in prison. Those very terrifying moments when he got tortured or when he watched his fellow men meet their untimely death. Oh the pain of seeing a dream come to pass. So today l will be happy that a man together with his colleagues fought for a better tomorrow for Africans. Even though l face some tough times because of a dream. I will stand and know that some day this too shall pass. Some day l will remember this moment. We romanticize living our dreams. There is nothing romantic about it. It is tough and scary and especially when you are broke. May God hear me and those like me who are following their dreams. May we get Angel investors and donors who believe in what we believe in.

So yes..today l tip my hat to this great man..Nelson Mandela.

Lord do you ever hear this?

2008-06-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have done interviews and told to wait. Now l sit here and l have been waiting. No, Lord l know it won't be long but this waiting is killing me in the process. I need a regular income. The regular income is going to be abit slow but it is coming. Lord what do l do till then? I am so in a mess. I thought l wouldn't be here again. But here l am. Sad and alone. This must be the end as l know it.
That is how l feel. Yes l have color on me but not enough. I needed to make some in the stock market. But my portfolio manager actually said...hold up. Put in only that which can last longer than two weeks. He's right. He doesn't wnat so much pressure that he can't help me out. So now l am stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I need You Lord. Do you ever hear desperado prayers and come through like the knight you are?

I AM SERIOUSLY INTO HIM

2008-05-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

This was meant to have been done way back in March 2008.

Yes,March 2008. A month l will never forget. I resigned on the 4th March 2008 and moved on.Yes l did.

For some of my friends they are still in so much shock that l have to calm them down. They are still in a daze.I guess l really liked what l did. I still do.Just that now l am doing pure PR communications. I love it. It is fun and l am learning a lot on the job and applying what l already know in fundraising.

But most of all..l have learned about me.Dreams that were deep seated that were not getting out...suddenly find me as the reluctant one. Meaning..God is bringing big things into fruition.

I am here thinking Lord thank you l moved. I am happier.Of course the money and terms are better.But no one should lie to you, every place has its advantages and disadvantages. The pace here is frenetic. It could actually kill you in the process.But l am learning to be happy with what God has allowed to come into my life.Because He is in control.I love God seriously.I am so into Him..not because of what He does but who He is. I love Him. I love Him because of how He spoke through so many people about my future and the way He was patient when l doubted my strengths. I love Him for His genuine love for us mere mortals.

Oh yes l moved on.

FIGURE THIS OUT

2008-02-18T22:06:00.001-08:00

I am really trying hard to keep a straight face with this.I don't know how this happens but l ain't seeing the sense in it.I am in the middle of fighting to move to the next level in my life.But in the middle of all this a friend of mine is crying faul.Why?She says l am not allowing men into my life.Okay back up alittle.

My concept is that men always find or will find me ahead.The idea of waiting for a man to do stuff for me or do stuff together is ridiculous.I just don't know how to peg my dreams on a man.My mum says its because l haven't met the right one that l keep saying...l am yet to meet a man who keeps his word and one that l can go out with.I have people surrounding me all the time.But men who keep their word....weeeelll that is a story for another day.No.l don't have a standard so high that they can't meet it.

Just that it gets confusing when l am investing in my future and you hear a guy lament...so what will you hubby do for you if you are already moving this fast?Oh well,l ain't a man basher because l don't think it is godly.I will only venture to say...utanipata mbele.I need to keep moving and rocking the boat of my life. Meanwhile l look to God for everything.

Yes..its magic in the air

2008-02-18T21:48:00.000-08:00

And yes l feel magical today

Today is a day God reminded me again that He cares for the little things in my life.

Sitting at home early in the morning,someone decided to send me credit to my phone.That was overwhelming.Because just last night l was thinking l need to get money for my mo-phone.To others that might be an easy decision that doesn't seem to warrant a lot of headaches or calculation.But to someone like me who is starting again after losing everything to some investments, that is a big deal.

So it tells me that God knows all that l need and all the desires that l have.He knows them before l even mention them and is literally watching my back.

This was a beautiful reminder to say the least.I am in the middle of so much planning for my future.I am working and working around the clock so that some stuff happens in record time.I have never prayed like this. I have never needed God like this.I just need all to work out and move on smoothly.

I PRAY FOR THIS FOR KENYANS....

2008-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Today has ended up on a high note.l guess l prayed for it in the morning.I mean when you get to listen to people like Joel Osteen, what do you expect? So today when l thought that kindness has escaped the human spirit, someone actually offers to pay for me a bill that was eating me up.Ok..that was God.

I wish as Kenyans we can find this spirit.A spirit of kindness.A spirit that transcends tribal lines. The spirit of giving selflessly and without any expectations to be given back.

Dear God give Kenyans that spirit ...l pray....

THESE TWO KENYAN MEN!!!

2008-01-21T06:53:00.000-08:00

Seems like l have been quiet about our situation in Kenya.No, l have not actually been quiet.I have been blogging for some people. So here l come.

I hate it..yes l HATE it that our politicians make utterances that cause chaos and then sit pretty in their villas with all the luxuries of the world.Yes l hate it that these two men are refusing to budge.When the elephants fight it is the grass that hurts.

Today, l spoke to a friend whose father and brother died.On top of that their Kisumu home and business was looted and burnt. This business was doing well.My goodness if you hear the hate in her voice and the bitterness in her breath...you will understand how painful starting again is and this time with no father or brother. I am praying for families like this one.

So yes...l have been quiet but seething.What has come over our Kenyan politicians?

Two men are actually holding the whole 33million of us at ransom.Two men who are putting this whole country to shame.Two men whose words have now caused rifts between communities.Yet two men who if they wanted this to all come to an end would actually say so and the country would move on. Just two men. So l pray for them.Because these two men have caused us as Kenyans, untold pain.Lord have mercy on these two men.

LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME!!!!

2008-01-21T06:15:00.000-08:00

Hey wassup world...no l didn't die.Am still here. Thank God for life.In Kenya right now you can't take life for granted. That sunset right there is treasured.

Just that my life is painful.l am wondering does anyone loose everything and rebuild again? I hear those nice stories everyday of people who lost everything and rebuilt their lives to even greater heights with God.How the hell did they do that?I lost everything but took time to realize.Now l am wondering how l will start.Everyday l am numb.I wake up at 5am and yet cannot step out of bed.I sit there wondering..Lord how do l start all over again? How does anyone start again when all you worked for has been taken away from you?The feeling of helplessness is just too much. Then comes compromise.People who offer you everything you need but at a cost.Lord have mercy on me.

This month l am doing a 21day fast for my life.I am hoping that God won't take me for a ride.I know He won't but l am totally scared coz of that thing of waiting on God.It can be tough.It is tough.

Pray for me.If you know any tricks to get me back on my feet, share them.Realistic ones that is.Hehehehe.I love God for who He is.

THE PARADOX THAT IS KENYAN POLITICS

2007-11-20T02:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a topic l have been avoiding...but sometimes an acute lack of common sense goes missing from our leadership that avoiding this topic altogether is difficult.

I think this weekend’s nominations were the greatest shams on this planet. Leaders endorsing defeated candidates are disgraceful human beings. To say it politely, they are shameless. It all comes down to human beings using force and a lot of it. I am saddened by the violence that was witnessed across the country during the nomination primaries. But this violence is a sign that leaders are not listening to wanjiku.

Do you know the paradox that is Kenyan politics? The paradox is that Kenyans have witnessed a growth in democratic space and therefore have found their voices. Finding their voices has helped them learn to say what kind of leadership they want. The other side of that coin is that if they don’t like something and it is being forced down their throats, they go berserk.

This is not the Kenya where you could force any decision down the throats of docile human beings. This is a Kenya that has found its own voice. The leadership in this country should be aware of that. Something else, leaders should remember the euphoria goes both ways. This simply means that the same voters who thunder your praises when they think you are right are the same ones who will crucify you if they even think that you crossed the line.

We as Kenyans have suddenly learned to hold our leaders to their promises. So if you ask me, those who promised heaven had better be ready to deliver it together with the angels therein.

TAKE A BREAK DEAR, WORK AIN'T GOIN NOWHERE

2007-11-11T22:30:00.000-08:00

Leo hii, am tired. I just travelled from Voi this weekend and my body is just tired.So here are some thoughts.....l was thinking....that people need to learn to take a break when their bodies get tired.

I just don't get it when l see humans insisting on working while fatigued.Tired human beings are just useless.They make unbelievable mistakes.When a surgeoun has been on his feet for over 12 hours don't you think that is a tired man or woman?So why would l want someone like that operate on another human being?

When you are tired you get irritable in terms of mood.But you also become vulnerable to diseases because your immune system is compromised. A compromised immune system gives way to a sick body and what can you do with a sick body?

Next time you get fatigued and want to press on...remember all the above.A healthy individual is a more alert worker and therefore more productive.All the employers said ....AMEN

SO NOT IT IS MY TURN TO ASK....

2007-11-08T00:27:00.000-08:00

Hey wassup...

Dreary moments.Exciting moments.Painful moments.Confusing moments.

Moments in my life.I kinda need a huge miracle.A miracle that will erase pain and stuff.The other day l heard about someone's miracle about how God financially saw them thtrough.The lady lost her money in pyramid schemes. It became very hard to exist with the remaining funds because they were practically nil. But God.I love that phrase...But God. So now an opportunity opens and she is going out to work.All the money that she lost is going to be recovered...plus more.To tell you the truth...that amazed me.

I guess for me that is really something because it is an opportunity that has come when she just needed it.That l love.So today is my day of asking Lord won't you remember me? Know that song of pass me not oh gentle saviour....?

TO DREAMS COMING TRUE...

2007-10-19T04:24:00.000-07:00

Hey wassup.....

God is good.No not because of what He does but who He is.I guess l am saying that alot nowadays.

I have been learning one thing ...that God has alot planned for you that is good.No l am saying this with all the honesty that l can master.Everyday l am realizing that the Lord will always watch out for me no matter what it is l am doing and that He hears those little bathroom prayers that l make.The bathroom prayers are those small things that you cannot imagine He the Lord of Lords actually heard it. So when it happens, it kinda takes you by surprise.

So leo hii,l am praying that what l hope and pray for, what you pray and hope for will actually come to pass.

Those dreams that become persistent prayers of...Dear God,l wanna do this or that, l wanna build a sawa house for me and my folks, l wanna travel the world or what not ...l pray they will come true. Here's to the Lord making our dreams come true...Cheers.

He loves me inspite of me

2007-10-12T01:19:00.000-07:00

Wassup
God is good all the time.I am learning that life is going to hand me lemons but like someone said...make lemonade instead.

Have you ever gone through a loss you thought dear Lord how am l getting out of this?

Yeah,went through that not out of the woods completely but thanking God that He loves me inspite of myself.

Away but not a writin'

2007-10-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh!!!

l never thought l would be away this long.

Away not travelled only but away from posting on my blog.

Thank you so much God for the opportunity to talk about life. To tell you the truth,l really love citizen journalism. It has taken the world by storm. I hope it keeps being that way. But l know that someone has said, even the freedom of speech has its limits. How nice though to be able to say what you want how you want it.

Watch this space because loads of update coming up.

Man, but don't l love God for who He is.

HE WAS MORE THAN A LEADER

2007-06-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

Have you lost someone who is close to you yet not related to you? Have you experienced the devastation?

Well,l did a few weeks ago. We lost one of the most dedicated directors that ever served in our organization. The first reaction l had which seemed to be repetitive was that..it can't be. I was in such denial that when the photo finally hit the obituary section of the daily l was totally devastated. You see, this is not just a leader we lost. He was a great leader who was more like a father to us both professionally and personally. This man who walked the earth was totally given to God and His plans. No people...this is not a praise venture. For crying out loud, the man is gone.But truth be told,his legacy has caused all of us to wonder aloud about our kind of legacy that we are leaving behind.

How am l living my life? And when l am gone, what will those left behind say about me? Or will they forget me because l have lived a life that is not worth mentioning because of the shame l brought them? Sorry it sounds morbid but eeeeeeeeeh like l said, he was more than a leader.

You see, l keep hearing Africa needs selfless leaders. Nice and juicy as you hear it. But can we handle the loss of a leader who holds you together and literally steers you in the right direction? A paradox for me.

Just a thought....

2007-06-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know how it happened but l just couldn't access my blog. Just when l had started to commit myself to write in this blog on a regular basis...then something like this happens?Hmmmm go figure. But am good. Faced challenges and aced them. Of course with God's help. I love it that God is awesome and that His grace is sufficient.I love it that He is Him and not me or you or another merciless human.

So today l start out again...l need to say thank you to Him for all He has continually done for me.

I guess everyday l am realizing that l need to be grateful to Him for everything He does for me no matter how small or big.

ANY DAY OF THE WEEK & TWICE ON SUNDAY:-)

2007-04-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

Lets discuss this...l have found out something that is propelling me to live a very satisfied life.

What would you rather have more of...money or time? Let me tell you something l have found out that is now driving me like crazy to live out my days with great purpose.

A disclaimer here before l make this statement is that ....l know money is very very important.That it helps a lot of stuff that is good happen.

But l have come to appreciate a very critical thing that l should learn how to create time. Yes baby, creating time. I used to hear you can create time to do this or that. But when you ask these same people how do you do that? They simply have no answers. If they do, it comes in a form of you having to work more days and hours.

I have created time by just paying someone to do something they are good at. Like that delivery that would take me about two hours to deliver thereby denying me time to write up my precious concept papers or discuss how to raise funds for a community that really needs help.

Did you know you can walk out today and blow off all your money and then turn around and make that same amount of money in less time because you are wiser? Okay, that's a mouthful. But you try and blow off your time. My dear, you will never recover it.It is gone.It can't be replaced. But money...money can be replaced.

But hey, l am not encouraging anyone to go out there and waste their money.Nopes. I am asking you to sit back and think through this time and money balance. Yes, you can create time by working more hours and days. Yes, you can create time by working smart. So what's your choice? Any day of the week and twice on Sunday...l had rather work smart.

WHAT ARE YOU SO AFRAID OF?...

2007-04-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Its a beautiful Saturday morning here in Nairobi, Kenya. Hmmm!! how nice to have good weather. Well, its been very cloudy and wet especially this week. So a change is as good as a rest.

I am encouraged every day to live out my dreams. I was watching a movie the other day in which Queen Latifah and LL Cool J star. Very encouraging movie even though l can't remember the name now.Yep it is Last Holiday...brother does that name escape my mind. But one thing l came away with was that we should not be afraid to reach out for our dreams. We should live every day with all the psyche in the world...remembering that you have only one life. One of the most moving scenes in that movie for me is when Latifah's character looks at herself in the mirror and is talking to her reflection...Next time don't be so afraid...travel more and it goes on and on. That right there, is what is very close to my heart. Don't be afraid things will go wrong if you start to live out your dreams. God will give you enough grace for it.

Go out and get a copy of that movie and sit down and watch it. This is the kind of movie you keep a copy for yourself because you will watch it over and over because you will definitely not get everything the first time. It has deep lessons. I am moving from a place where l just watch movies simply because they have good titles. I have made up my mind to watch movies that are motivational, movies that compel you to live a better life...a great life.

So my dear, go out and watch Last Holiday and pick up your dreams from where you left them.

WHEN I GROW UP....

2007-03-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite persons in the world is in Kenya. Richard Branson
...Sir Richard Branson.I like the energy he has for this life.You know
that thing we all say...when l grow up l want to be like him or her? Me?
When l grow up l want his energy and his dare.Oh wait...l am already
grown up. So Dear God, l need his energy and his daring moves. This man
is an enigma.

I JUST KNOW.I JUST CAN'T EXPLAIN IT

2007-03-19T06:04:00.001-07:00

Have you ever known something was right to do only you didn't know it was right to do until later when things went right?Mouthful...?I thought so.

Today and especially after the last time l wrote ...l am having a good time. Not because things have changed dramatically but because l am holding on. Faith is funny. You can't quite explain what it is you know will happen or why you hold on even when it is hopeless or tense.... But you just hold on. Funny how days, weeks, months or even years later things work out and you can't explain the happenings.

I have been getting this vibe lately that l should be good at what l do. If already good l should push to become the best in my field. In other words, become an expert in my field. It takes time and effort and money and especially in what l am doing.

But l have a feeling that l cannot explain. A feeling that soon l will say of it...l just didn't know why l needed to walk this path but God knew. Why? Because l have this witness in me that the tide is bringing in bigger things. Dear God...make it true. Make it true God.

I just know. I just can't explain it. You know, how when you have a witness to take a path (of course not destructive) that you can't quite explain why you need to take it yet you have this feeling that soon you will reap big time? I can't pin point it. I just know.I just know. I have this funny feeling that soon l will be rolling high and that God will open one of those doors that only Him opens it.

I just know. I just can't explain it.

Having a really bad day

2007-03-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

I am having such a bad painful time and wondering if God hears or makes anything better. Ever been attacked by people you wish they just didn't? Have people who you needed to agree with you ever stabbed you in the back? It feels like hell. Ever done something right only for you to feel like it was better for you to have not done the good at all? Talk about having a very very bad day. I don't know when it is l will see the light.

Before the morning...

2007-03-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Wassup!!! Its truly been long. December seems to be 3000 years ago.

But am good. In the process l have grown and learned new things. I have become a better person plus made better decisions and moved on to better things. Its funny how when God is doing something in your life the devil makes your life a living hell.I have also found out that when the morning is about things just get gloomy. Totally gloomy. You even wonder...what just happened?!!!

So here l am hoping that stuff will work out for me sooner than later.

LIVING WHERE DREAMS ACTUALIZE

2006-12-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

Dreams are funny.

When they happen you seem to be in a trance. Actually in disbelief that they are actually happening. But today,l thank God.I know for sure there is a God. Even though sometimes l don't see it. But there is nothing as rewarding as living your dreams or walking towards them with boldness.

I have been telling God not to allow me to live in fear of reaching out to my ultimate dreams.I want to live there- in a land where dreams are achieved whether easily or through hard work and sweat. But for sure, l am not living in a place where l am not going forward into what l believe in.It is a waste of time.

A question l keep muling over is...when all is said and done...what legacy do l want to leave behind?That has caused me to think about why l do what l do.
Why do you do what you do? What will be said during your eulogy? Hmm!!! Those are questions that got me thinking.

KUDOS TO YOU MR PRESIDENT

2006-12-13T21:33:00.001-08:00

Okay, lets start from the top. I am pleased.Correction...very pleased with His Excellency's refusal of an addition to his salary. I don't know what drove him to that decision.It could be the thunderous noise that came from all quarters or a genuine conviction that engulfed him. Whatever it was, l thank it.This move alone has given him political mileage.

It is a move that the ministers and the rest of the crowd should follow.As it is, Kenyans are totally angry about the increaments these supposed 'public servants' seem to award themselves.

As a society, we are not stupid.We are watching. You can say all you want but during the elections we will speak and that is where it hurts most.A number of these leaders should know by now they are on their way out.The undeserved increaments among other things put you there.You can correct it by doing right by Kenyans,the very people who elected you.

So kudos to Mr President. I wish all the President's men would follow.Oh,what a change Kenya would experience.

MR MINISTER, MATHARE SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED!!!

2006-11-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Kuresoi has come to Nairobi.

This was not supposed to happen. No, not in this city and not in this country. The Mathare crisis should not have happened. Neither should have the Kuresoi attacks. The outright war between Mungiki and Taliban, the outlawed vigilante groups, should have been a thing of the past. This should have been settled a few years ago when the Mungiki sect got so rough on innocent populace that there was an outcry.

The repeat of violence emitted on innocent people by the Mungiki sect shows clearly that the government didn’t do its job in taking care of business. Plastic solutions are what were applied. When a problem is dealt with properly, it never rises again and if it does, it doesn’t go to this frightening level. This vigilante problem was not plucked from it’s root. Instead it was smothered.

Violence is a story until it happens to you. It is a story for those who are have not experienced it. They just can’t relate. The government of Kenya needs to be firm in it’s delivery of security in this country.

Mathare and Kuresoi are reflections of a country’s security gone bad. Where is the Minister of internal security when all this is going on? Why are we having bloodshed right in our backyards? This occurrence was predictable. In fact, it was a time bomb waiting for it’s detonator to go off. A lot of things as far as security is concerned in this country are time-bombs.

Hon. Michuki should know that this kind of insecurity only goes to prove right those giving security alerts about Kenya. No, don’t think for one minute that you can divorce the two issues. Oh, that one is a terrorist attack and the other a vigilante attack? No. Who is a terrorist? Simple…someone who causes terror. And what did those attacking our fellow Kenyans in Mathare and Kuresoi do? They spread terror. We don’t need this Mr Minister. Put your act together and do your homework. Who will believe us if we are forever running away from vigilante groups?

CLIMATE CHANGE - STOP WITH THE FINGER POINTING -START ADVOCATING

2006-11-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

The other day l was in a meeting where we laughed when the speaker told us that he was being charged for extra land which seemed to increase by the hour as a result of the lake moving inwards.That was a laugh we won't be having for a long time because of global warming.

Today during the United Nations meetings l was wondering.... what are we waiting for to understand how serious global warming is? Do we need a mallet to our heads so that we can begin to scream that everyone should give this critical issue all the attention it needs?

Again,l come back to civil society.We need to hear your voices. The civil society organizations understand better about the importance of these issues of climate change and particularly global warming.Therefore, they that understand best need to scream loudest without taking a break.

We are probably seeing more of Climate Change stories because of this United Nations meeting.What about after 18th November 2006 when this meeting will be over? Will this be an issue?

Civil society together with all other interested parties need to keep up the momentum if not increase it.The media only catches on if it can pick this as being a serious issue as presented by the interested parties. Of course l won't abdicate the media from its responsibility of reporting issues that are of concern to the society. They live in this region and therefore have a responsibility of making this place better than they found it by bringing to light issues of concern.The media affects decisions whether personal or national.They therefore need to use the power of their pens.

Africa, this has to be a concerted effort from all areas.If we are to survive this and have the generations that follow us live a better life, we need to plant seeds of responsibility right now. We need to do less finger pointing and more resolving of the contentious issues and actioning what we decide at international meetings.

CLIMATE CHANGE MEETING - HON. KIBWANA PUSH THE PROCESS

2006-11-06T04:12:00.000-08:00

I am writing this from the United Nations complex in Nairobi where the COP 12 meeting on Climate Change is going on.

It is exciting that the world is continually discussing issues that concern us.But we need to move from the discussion table to the action table. It is a sad state of affair when all we do is talk and do very little about issues that pose great danger to our society.

I keep hearing ..you know the west is the greatest emitter of Green house gases and yet it is taking very little responsibility. I also hear that... although it might be the emitter of the most green house gases, it's people suffer the least. Who suffers the most? The developing countries whose emissions are unbelievably low. So what is wrong with this picture? Other than the west needing to take responsibility, we need our African countries to give Climate Change issues the prominence they give to issues of health.

Climate Change issues might not affect us right now, or so you believe, but later this issue takes a turn for the worse. Look at our weather patterns. Look at the Budalangi floods that happen ever so often. Why can't our government connect this disaster to the changes in climate? Why do we wait to invent the light bulb in the middle of the night when it is totally dark? Why can't we anticipate these changes and do something about them before they happen?

The Hon. Kibwana is the President of this COP 12 meeting.This means that Kenya has a visible status in this meeting.But it is sad that even with this prominence, Kenya is looking bad in terms of making sure that issues of Climate Change are well represented.

The civil society need to lobby the government so that issues of climate change don't take a back seat. You know, the most dangerous thing about Climate change issues not being given precedence right now is that later we will all wish we had done something.The repercurssions will be so great and so irreversible that we will all wish that we did something when we had a chance.

Hon. Kibwana, as we sit out here and listen to you chair the meetings intelligently, can we have the same vigor and intrigue put forth to engage the government of Kenya? Or are we forever inclined to be on nature's angry receiving end? The deaths that occurred in the coast as a result of the floods were a mistake.No not of nature, but of the government of Kenya. We should have ministers and other bodies thinking ahead of schedule. For example, these floods we now face are building up to an El Nino of some sorts. Are we prepared to counter that?Or are we waiting until it is too late to do anything?

Mheshimiwa, it would be good to hear from you.

I WANT TO LIVE MY DREAMS NO MATTER HOW SMALL A WAY....

2006-10-23T02:27:00.000-07:00

Dreams are funny especially dreams that are big.

Now, l am sitted at home in my jammies and on the net. I have really wanted this for a long time.But you see having this in Nairobi is a big dream.Sometimes not possible. But today l know what it is to work at home while in touch with the office through the net. Its interesting. I feel sawaz.Plus l know that that anything is possible if you want it to be.

The only thing is that you have to keep dreaming big. But remember the bigger the dream,the harder it gets plus the more painful it is when you hit the ground.But when you reap,you cannot compare it to anything you know.The feeling is exhilirating.

I mean what is the point of living and not living your dreams?You know, l don't want to look back later in my life and then wish l had pushed a little harder and lived my dreams even in a small way.I pray to God that someday this will be something l look at and thank Him that l fought harder.

THIS ROLLER COASTER OF A LIFE

2006-09-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

My life has a way of throwing me onto roller coasters.

Today, l was excited about new prospects in my life. A minute later l was thinking ...okay now you really need to get it together so that your contracts are in tact.

Life is a total roller coaster right now.I guess l will figure it out as l go.Even when l don't feel it, the God factor in my life is powerful enough to keep me from falling off the edge.

KENYAN LEADERS BEHAVING BADLY!!! PART 2

2006-09-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

72hours had not elapsed before Kenyan leaders behaved very very badly. What's with the fist fighting?

Can't people settle their disagreements amicably?What's with the getting physical? Do these gentlemen know that they are in the public eye?

No,l am not giving you a break.Yes,l know you are human beings and therefore not perfect. But the reason l cannot give you a break is because you were very alert when you got elected to office.You were not elected in absentia neither were you absent minded.

A public office comes with it's responsibilities and therefore, expectations. Sorry ladies and gentlemen, but part of the bargain is to almost be perfect.No mistakes.No sympathies when you make any errors.The public is not an extension of your bedroom or otherwise.Is this so difficult to understand?

Just a suggestion.A number of you need to either read leadership books or go for lessons on the same.It could actually keep you from behaving badly in public.

CHARITY BEGINS IN THE USA OR UK FOR KENYAN LEADERS!!!

2006-09-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

Lets start from the tippy top...Charity begins at home but for our political leaders, it begins in USA or UK.

The much celebrated United States Senator Barack Obama is a man who knows clearly that looking good starts from the home front.This man who was busy looking good abroad was looking even better back at home.Home here meaning the USA.What most of us didn't know is that while Senator Obama was here, a bill he had fought hard for together with his Oklahoma counterpart, Senator Tom Coburn, was getting passed by the Senate.

The 'Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act," is a bill that will create a Google-like search engine and database to track approximately $1 trillion in federal grants, contracts, earmarks and loans.

Senator Obama hopes that this bill will help lift the veil of secrecy in Washington adding that'... this database will help make us better legislators, reporters better journalists, and voters more active citizens.'

Now, why all the talking about the Senator? One thing is clear.He doesn't just go out there and show his sweet side while at home he is wanting in leadership.I can't say that about most of our leaders.

Funny isn't it?They go out there and look all good.But back home they are wanting in their leadership.No waheshimiwas.I am not against you travelling and fundraising or doing whatever it is you want to do out there. What l frown upon is that, you go out there and make Kenyan leadership look like it stepped out of hell, while back at home you have nothing to show in way of intelligent judgement in your decisions.No,l am not saying the leadership here has saintly rings over their heads.No.

What l am saying is that most of you have reputations that are totally wanting.You are the first guys to cause commotion,entertaining infantile behavior is your cup of tea and many other things that are shameful to mention.

As national leaders, you need to learn that charity begins at home. You need to be saints both out there and back here.That can't be emphasized more than it has.

KENYAN LEADERS BEHAVING BADLY!!!

2006-09-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

leadership,leadership, leadership.aaahhm!!!What happened to maintaining respect and cordial relations as far as leaders are concerned?

The last time l checked we still had democratic space to say whatever it is that we wanted to. Hon. Ngilu expressed herself and for that she got some predictable tongue lashing from her counterpart Hon. Michuki.But for Hon. Ngilu it was not enough to punch back in front of a media that was clearly having a field day.She had to go out there, surrounded by women power to show this man 'who needs to have his head checked by the doctors,'who she really is.

First, l think Hon. Michuki's comments were in bad taste,very bad taste.It showed disrespect.To even mention the Kamba dance with disrespect like that was unacceptable.And no,its not because l am a kamba kivindyo.That has nothing to do with it. Muheshimiwa, that was really disrespectful to the Kamba community which l should remind you will be holding your destiny with their votes next year.

Away from a rattling Muheshimiwa, what was it with the dancing women and a marching Hon Ngilu to her counterpart's office? Okay, now supposing they would have met, fist fight? Hon. Ngilu knows better than showing up at another minister's office with loud-noisly-singing-out-of-key women.It is so down there.

Question to both of you waheshimiwas..couldn't this have been settled any different? Fighting in front of the whole country is disgusting.It could actually cost you your votes.Plus l don't think it shows a good picture of the government when you keep doing that.Kenyans want leaders who are mature enough to know which fights to pick.We have children's drama if we want them. We don't need leaders who don't understand that they are first national leaders before they are politicians.There is a distinct difference.

It is infantile thinking to flex childish muscles that don't mean squat to anyone watching and listening.

When leaders get into such fights something suffers, and that is the country's welfare. I mean, if you have spoken like Hon Michuki or run around with your girls club like Hon Ngilu, where will you get the energy to address meaningful matters of state?I mean one is busy running their mouth and getting away and the other is busy chasing.

When will this infantile behaviour stop?

THIS GUT INSTINCT!!!

2006-09-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

I have said this before..that l write mostly in my head. This is especially true as far as this blog is concerned.l usually have all these issues in my head and l argue my case and it makes sense. Only it is me who decides if it does indeed make sense:-).

Anyways, been all over the place.I have loads of work.Finally, dreams really come true.I have two jobs.Dream jobs if l may add.You know the other day l was telling a friend of mine that sometimes we ignore what we know intuitively even though it is what we should do. I have come to believe that,it doesn't matter if l can't prove something.If l know that it will work l will go ahead and execute it. No, not anything horrible.

What l mean is, l have come to trust my gut instinct.Most of us just think it is another voice that is unreasonable.But truth be told, people who have had great breakthroughs just trusted their instinct.If you could have asked them in the dead of the night if they thought it could work out, the answer you could have come away with could have been shocking.

So shortly,l am learning how to trust that gut instinct.Of course, l weigh it. But trust me,l always run with it. As a result,l have started to feel like l am getting to where l have always thought l belong....where my dreams live.

There's no feeling like that. So can you imagine the day things just open up?!!!

THESE INCOMPETENT KENYANS!!!

2006-08-07T01:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, l need to complain. I need to shout until l choke and my voice gets hoarse.What is wrong with this picture?

Nearly 4 years later they now come up from their little holes to say, "oh we will have water shortage because oops!!! the Sasumua dam got damaged," "when?, " "2003." 2003?!!! Where were they all this time?Why didn't they repair it when they noticed that it had gotten damaged? This is the most annoying thing to hear on the Prime News. Some smartly dressed Kenyans purporting to be experts. Experts? Which experts let things slide to this extend? Do these experts from the Nairobi Water company have performance contracts? When we are being told ...Tujivunie kuwa Wakenya.. this just dampens it.Who put these 'experts' in charge? Do they know how much water costs?

They should actually pay for the damages.And don't tell me about the system.Ati it would have taken long to get stuff running. The system is you and me. If we bog it down, it will be bogged down. A system can never be bogus. It is the so called 'experts' that are bogus thereby rendering the system bogus.The system is amorphous,remember?

Get your act together Nairobi Water Company.Don't show up wearing designer suits and give us garbage during 9 O'clock Prime News.Kenyans don't believe talk anymore.The government taught us to believe actions.They are experts at promises when they are desperately searching for the winning vote. So why should we believe words? Nairobi Water Company ...YOUR ACTIONS ARE SO LOUD WE CAN'T HEAR WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.

WHAT IF I HAD HAD MEETING WITH BILL GATES?!!!

2006-07-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

I called to have a meeting arranged for me to meet with Bill Gates and when l put the phone down, my colleagues laughed. Hysterically.

Up till now,l haven't figured out if it was out of spite or shock. When l asked a number of them, they said it was out of shock that l made this meeting look so trivial.Why?l wondered. Is it because of who l wanted to meet and discuss critical HIV/AIDS projects with?

Bill Gates was in Kenya. Obviously, it was silent because by the time l was calling l was 4 hours late.He had already left the country. What l don't get is the laughter.I like what Mr Gates is doing for Africa. I like what he is doing for the US and indeed the world.I like that he is out there trying to get a vaccine for this disease.That l totally love.The effort that is.

It is with such people l like to spend my time with.People who strive to make this world better than they found it. I guess some of my colleagues think l was way out of my league. But you know, l once read...How will you know that you can achieve the impossible without trying it? Someday, like l told the tour firm contact, l will get to have a meeting with Mr Bill Gates. This man is doing a great job.

Now, l wonder what if l had had a meeting with Mr Bill Gates, would it have been so funny?

FOR SHEEZY, LIFE AIN'T A REHEARSAL

2006-07-21T01:51:00.000-07:00

I have been all over the place and l have learnt a lot in the process.

One thing stands out though.That at the end of the day it is important to be clear on what you want to achieve for your life.I know you have heard, but let me say it again...life is not a rehearsal. Your turn on the stage will actually come to the end.You my dear will get to leave the stage to allow for another actor to get on. What will you be remembered by? If not others remembering you, what will you personally want to be remembered by?

The other day as l watched Usher dance off the troubles of the world on EATV, a thought just hit me. "Look at this kid, the other day he was a boy, now he is a man." That hits you in the pit of your stomach and especially if you haven't been doing anything of meaning with your life.

So today as l go about my life,l know that this ain't a rehearsal. No.l just didn't hear that cliche. But that statement just got reinforced,real hard.And now, it is personal.

Go on, get on stage and strust your stuff like there's no tomorrow.Today might be the only day you have.

DA VINCI CODE - THESE KENYAN CLERGY AND KNEE JERK REACTIONS

2006-05-24T03:24:00.000-07:00

Its interesting...The Da Vinci Code argument that is.

I am a bit concerned by the stand that the Kenyan Clergy took today on the Da Vinci Code. No, l am not agreeing with Dan Brown's book or Ron Howard's movie take on the issue. In fact, l am totally out there trying to get people to go the opposite direction as far as belief is concerned.Lets start here..the clergys' knee jerk reaction to this movie.This is a typical reaction to this movie from these clergy quarters. The clergy waited until the movie got here and then reacted.

By now, dear Kenyans, we all know we are a global village - that cannot escape your mind. Surely some clergy must have watched the reaction this movie was eliciting from the other parts of the world and predicted the same would happen here.

A number of Clergy in the US and Parts of Canada took advantage and actually addressed the contentious issues brought up in the movie.My advice? Allow your members to watch this movie. Surely, like someone said, you cannot ignore a book that has sold more than 40million copies. Neither can you stop a movie that opened in over 124,000 movie theatres around the world.There goes the global village again.

Instead, this is what l think the church should do. Research about the issues raised in the movie and allow the discussion to take place in the church.If you are too lazy to do your homework then visit Lee strobel's site and get information on it. Lee Strobel is a Christian apologetic who is a Yale educated lawyer, in case you are wondering. Lee and others make the Da Vinci Code's contentious issues so easy to comprehend. They have done their homework and have proof.

The Da Vinci Code is a work of fiction.Even the agnostic documents that the author Dan Brown quotes from don't agree with what he says. It is basically 10% truth and the rest? Well you guessed it..90% fiction.The Outreach magazine points out that 7 out of 10 churches in the US are either planning to address or are addressing the contentious issues brought up in this movie.This is what the clergy in Kenya should do.

There have been claims that most Christians in Kenya are a centimetre deep in their knowledge of the Bible. Meaning? A great percentage of Christians in Kenya get swept, worried and even shaken by everything.They are not grounded in the Bible and if challenged, they would actually come up short. Right now our clergy is experiencing the chicken little state where 'the sky is falling on our heads' because of a fiction movie. What does that tell their Church members? If the father of the house hollas about something without first understanding it, the children will obviously go out and check out whatever it is that is eliciting that adverse reaction.

Trust me clergy. Do your homework. Get it right the first time so that no matter what gets thrown at you or your members no one will be experiencing knee jerk reactions.

To quote Mike Licona the director of the Apologetics Evangelism, "Christianity does stand under scrutiny." So stop with the annoying knee jerk reaction.

KENYA MOURNS

2006-04-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

Its a feeling l cannot explain.They were my leaders and fellow citizens. So if l feel this numb, how numb do their families feel? Starting today Kenya will be in mourning.

We have lost people who fought tirelessly for their people.My heart goes out to all of their families. Most of all to Dr Bonaya Godana's family. Dr Godana rose from being a herdsboy to a serious intellectual.He fought tirelessly for pastoralists in the area he represented in parliament.This man represented more than leadership. He was a symbol of hope for his people and indeed the whole citizenry. His story is the kind that is used in motivational meetings because it is motivational.His life should be documented.

My heart goes out to all the families that have been grieved. And in the same breath l would like to thank our Honorable speaker Ole Kaparo.This is a gentleman who feels with the people.By the time you are through listening to him, you get the feeling that he means what he is saying and that it is not out of duty.He is in touch with the pulse of the Kenyan citizenry.That is nothing to take for granted in Kenya.

THE DREAMER DREAMS ON.....:-)

2006-04-05T02:13:00.000-07:00

Dreams.

A life at its twilight should have smiles from memories of dreams lived.

I am learning that it is important to have dreams. But it is more critical to follow them. More important to activate them.

That activating part is the point at which l find myself tripping. I have all these grand dreams which are someone else's reality. That's how come l know they can be achieved. No, not to be as insanely shapely as Halle Berry. Nopes. Kawa dreams.But making sure that those dreams come true is another thing.

Effort 90% genius 10%.

By the end of this year l want to say it was a good one. But to make sure l say this it means all the effort in the world will need to be employed.Lord help me. This life.

MEN I TOTALLY LOVE TO HATE!!!!

2006-04-03T04:17:00.000-07:00

Okay lets talk about this relationship thing that l totally don't get.Not totally relationship but eehhh something like that.

I go out with this jamaa. I am totally at peace with me. Man the guy is cute and moneyed. Not that l care. Hapana not uongo. Dated loaded guys only for them to be the devil's advocate a few months down the line.

so this jamaa keeps telling me about his nyumba and his white carpet and leather seats. No, not wivu. Just wondering...eehhh did you pull me out of a possibly working evening - not that l don't thank you for that- but aaahhmmm!!! did you pull me out of the office to tell me how rich you are?

Hiyo kwisha. Now there is another lot of guys l love to hate. But sweetie as it is this intense love hate relationship is my curse.For sheezy. Hebu bambua this kitendawili. Half the time l date cute jamaas. And why not, they are the ones l end up liking and eventually loving. Bite me sweetie...ooops!! But you know what l hate about cute jamaas...they know they are all that. Plus my dear, they rub it in your face....ukae ukijua.

Question...why is it so hard for a jamaa to be cute and chill with his other half like a normal person instead of being the dog his friends are?

Woiye...si attack just that l needed to unleash. My curse.. l am choosy for real. I like handy men. I don't know why. My defense - its how l am wired. But those are the very guys l walk away from.At some point you will wish you dated a ngomongo because this jamaa will not keep his hands from anything that wears skirts.How else do you explain cute chicks with some odd looking guys? Sorry am not a looky person. l just have talk about this.

It has taken me a long time to figure it out...my curse that is. So now l am sitting at a corner thinking...how do l get out? It is a catch 22 situation for real.Get hooked up to that kind of jamaa ..get headaches forever. Don't get hooked up to that kind of jamaa and am not walking that aisle. For ukweli. So what to do what to do?

I am totally wondering if there any cute jamaas who don't stress women, who have character.

From where l am standing, cute jamaas are spoilt brats who need to be baby sat all their lives. Na mimi siwezi. Kwa hivyo jo...l need all the help in the world.

KENYAN WOMEN - QUIT COMPLAINING AND VOTE FOR YOUR OWN

2006-04-03T02:10:00.000-07:00

What Honorable Njoki Ndung'u said was profound. A few days ago during a TV interview she said that and l paraphrase.... 'for women to get their issues handled by people who understood them they had to vote women into parliament." I totally agree. How many times do women complain that their issues don't take centre stage in parliament yet they make up over 50% of the electoral vote?

A timely question somebody asked was ....who votes these people in? Don't the women do? And that tells you something.

For change to occur in parliament women should start believing and voting in their own. Other than the vote, business women should support their own as they go fighting for these positions. There is power in numbers.

A good percentage of small businesses in Kenya that actually support the economy are owned by women. Imagine ...what would happen if these very women decided they needed to have their issues articulated in parliament and they actually put their money where their mouths are?

No this is not feminism. It is a fact. The fewer women are in government the fewer issues that concern us will be taken seriously.Women voters need to understand that women can make good leaders if given a chance.

So no complains come 2008 and nothing is being done that makes women smile.

THIS FRENCH MINISTER!!!!! PWANA!!!!

2006-04-03T01:33:00.000-07:00

It might be none of my business but when l see management of conflict issues not handled well...l just butt in.Sorry!!!

What is it with the French Prime Minister Villepin? Every time we turn our TVs on he is the object of anger from French nationals. Hasn't he learned that before you make a decision you need to consult? And for heaven sake - who is advising him? Aren't they supposed to be his eyes to avoid pitfalls?

When leaders make decisions without consultations it exhibits grave miscalculations. Mistakes like this are unacceptable. An intelligent government will understand that they are expensive. Imagine the kind of damage experienced when all these unions and whoever else goes on strike and messes up property. Can you think about the thousands of burned cars that the world witnessed just a few months ago? That mess ran into millions and lets not talk about the latest ones.Plus when people don't show up at work more money is lost.

Mr Dominique- get the right people around you. People who will teach you that consultations are critical to good leadership. You don't wait until the fire has burned up the house for you to realize that the smoke was actually a sign of an impending fire.Get your act together.

A LESSON FOR KENYA- AS FAR AS ATHLETICS IS CONCERNED

2006-04-03T01:07:00.001-07:00

CONGRATS KENYAN ATHLETES FOR MAKING US PROUD!!

I met Kemboi the other day and for real he is a humble man. When asked why he is always slowing down to encourage his fellow athletes as they come to the finishing line he said... l would rather not win alone. If that is not humility, then tell me what is? In a world where everyone fights for themselves and keeps as much for them and their families, this attitude is like a breath of fresh air....aaaahhh!!!:-)

Moving on...l think l am totally grateful to God that we as Kenyans experienced a let down in the last few international athletic events. That is, up to now. We took it for granted that we were the athletic champions and that no one could overcome us. We were so blinded by the euphoria that comes with being number one. A position that sometimes is considered a curse.

When we were busy being blinded by our own status, the world was busy studying us and trying to understand how it is we could hold athletic titles for so long. What made us this good they asked? They got to know.Ethiopia overtook us. Japan caught up. And so have others.

This lesson was a good one. When you become too good, stop and evaluate your progress with honest voices from people who aren't biased. It helps you get grounded and see the fall before it happens. I can tell you for real, Kenyans will never take athletic competitions for granted. We will never assume that its a given for our athletes to return with a bagful of medals.

Our athletes need all the support they can get and from everyone they can get it from.

CONGRATS ONCE AGAIN FOR MAKING US PROUD

KENYA - DRAMA & THEATRICS

2006-03-20T00:11:00.000-08:00

Drama and theatrics....those are the only words that can describe Kenya today.

First, the guys who vamiad KTN hadn't they learnt that close circuit cameras are always installed in high tech offices? Or they thought we are too backwards to afford them? They need to live in the 21st century.

Plus all this drama of who said what and who was seen where...Lord drama drama drama. My advise - sought yourselves out.But in the process of soughting yourselves out allow me to thank you for making our newspapers become like romantic novellas and lets not talk about the news especially at prime time. Kenya just became the best place to live..for real.

How do you explain an interesting story that keeps moving forward regardless of weather or whatever else? Jioni you want to check the news and just see hmmm...so who has said what about Anglo leasing, Goldenburg or whatever else is in motion.

Drama drama drama.Journalists all over the world should know..Kenya just became the best hub for news makers.

A LIFE OF NO REGRETS IS LIVED WITHOUT EXCUSES

2006-02-26T22:46:00.000-08:00

l promised myself that when l blog next, l would be doing my exercises and having a blast.I am:-)

5.30am every day l hit the road for 30 minutes. I come back home exhausted but refreshed. Did l mention after the jog l cool down for 10 long minutes? You can imagine when l get to do one hour, how long l will need to rest!!!

I have come to accept that it is very easy to give excuses. If given a chance l could fish out excuses from my coat pockets, hand bags and wherever else. But l have also come to realize that the people who make it, the people who live with no regrets, didn't make excuses part of their lives.

Isn't it nice to live a life of no regrets?!! It is so simple...lets stop making excuses for ourselves or for anyone else.

OF AN UNFRIENDLY KENYA AIRWAYS!!!

2006-02-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

Titus Naikuni should help me understand this. What is the job of air stewards other than making a customer comfortable?

I don't know if it is me or l just want to complain. But its with great cynism and sneering that l watch Kenya Airways little PR stuff on TV trust me,l have told my friends about all these.

Do bosses know that when you actually get to the ground that is when you know what is really happening? And that you can be having all these media friendly stuff going and yet have customers complaining or frustrated?

The other day l went to Uganda. I had luggage with me. It was obviously too heavy for a mama like me. But what did the three Kenya Airways stewards do? They stood at the door with their hands folded as l pulled my bags up the stairs.These were books and knowing books - weighty is the word.I actually had to stop on every stair. Yes a few books but heavy.

I could not believe it was happening. No,l didn't expect their help but yes as a human being it is their responsibility to make customers comfortable.

So what were they doing there staring with hands folded? Doesn't courtesy extend to immediately l seem to be boarding your flight Mr Naikuni?

BIRD FLU IN KENYA??????

2006-02-26T22:24:00.000-08:00

Is it me and my panicky self or is bird flu in Kenya? If you watched KTN on Saturday night and witnessed dead birds on trees, in the estates and some just dumped, you know what l am saying.

When birds don't have a good reason to die and then you hear its starvation or whatever other unbelievable reason being dished out, you get worried. This is an era of Bird flu. It is not those other times when kukus would drop dead and no one would pay attention. When you see an ignorant Kenyan touching a dead bird, you get chills all the way to your toes.

Officials need to carry out an awareness campaign on this Bird flu thing.If this Bird flu thing figures a way to go from human to human, it will be the catastrophe of the century. And don't tell me that Kenya is prepared.Not when we are holding dead birds bear handed on national television.

So please tell me l am not paranoid.If it was in Nigeria what makes this country different?

OF ILL MANNERED JOURNALISTS, POLITICIANS AND A TECHY GITHONGO

2006-02-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

Like the rest of you,l have been reading the newspapers with baited breath. How did Kenyans get so corrupt?

I have total respect for the media. But sometimes like someone once said...Great blessings come with great responsibilities. So it would be nice to balance the equation here as we go after a crowd that thinks it can take us all for granted. So the writer who went looking for Hon Kiraitu's 89 year old mother should wear a mask for the next few days. You should be totally ashamed of yourself for going beyond media ethics. That mama is too old to know about Anglo leasing. Did you want to give her a heart attack or what?

Okay no digressing just l thought whoever wrote that should get a lashing. Corruption eats a nation from its head. Ever heard a fish rots from it's head? Yeah right.

Its amazing that these people actually thought they wouldn't be caught. Such audacity, such stupidity.

Well l will give it to Githongo, Sir, thank you for reading all the spy novels and watching all the spy movies. And who said technology and people embracing it won't be helpful in politics:-) Man these guys had it coming. They were actually recorded. Manze if you see a kid watching all those spy movies don't harakisha them...they might be the next Githongo. God knows we need them.

Hey technology actually brought down these folks.

THIS DOG FOOD THING!!!

2006-02-26T22:00:00.000-08:00

Okay l know it is totally late for this comment...But being me l will write. Upende usipende.

After listening to all arguments plus reasoning that befits a mosquito and its generations...l have to say the mzungu who talked about giving our children dog food is totally absent minded if not ill informed.

Going on national TV and doing an interview that truly degraded Kenyans exhibits her lack of intelligence. Why? If she had researched on Kenyans she would have known that we are actually not apes but human beings. That we have cities that have electricity plus we are truly forward moving.Did she forget that this country has a Nobel laureate?

To think that giving us dog food is doing us a favor is to display your stupidity beyond words. I don't even think that whatever she suggested has a word in the English dictionary. Her actions are better explained in the Kamba dictionary:-) Some words said in mother tongue sound better and hit the nail right on its head.

WHAT LEGACY?

2006-02-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

Last saturday l went to a funeral. Not new ha?!!!

To me this was a funeral with a twist. Everyone who came to speak about my friend just said the same thing..she was joyful, added color to people's lives, loved her family and God dearly. After the funeral l went home thinking what legacy l will leave once l am gone. This question has caused me to look at life differently.

Funny isn't it, we look at life from a serious angle when we lose someone we love.
But have you ever had a moment, as the noisy sounds of the city seek to drown our inner voices, to just sit and evaluate what kind of legacy you will be leaving behind?

IS IT JUST ME?

2006-02-07T23:12:00.000-08:00

Is it me or is there somebody who goes through this once in a while?

I am really beginning to realize that everything we do takes effort. And that no matter what you plan, without effort, life will stop to mean anything.

Okay confession time. I started to go out to jog in the morning at 5.30am. Oh it was serene. I would jog for 30minutes and go home take a cold shower and dress up for work. By the time l got to work,l would be feeling totally great about myself.

Then l slowed down because l as l always say, reasons can come from anywhere, if given a chance. l kept thinking oops l am getting late for work.Actually l wasn't. Just that l needed to be in the office one hour earlier but it had gotten reduced to half an hour after l started to go out jogging.

Now sitting back even as l andika this message, l don't seem to even make sense to myself.So l have been asking myself lately ...what is wrong with me? Now l know ...ain't nothing wrong. I just got lazy and excused myself with a bunch of reasons.

When l next write here,l will tell you that l am doing well. And that l started to jog in the morning.Hmm!! Dear Lord have mercy on all of us.

ARE YOU WAITING UNTIL THEY ARE DEAD?

2006-02-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

I am going through a sad period in my life. In a span of two weeks l have lost a not-so-close a cousin and a dear friend of mine. One of them is already buried and other not yet.

I sit back and think about these two lives. One was celebrated and the other died feeling alone and condemned.One of these knew that she was loved, appreciated and thought of. The other died bitter. His family contributed to the bitterness. Yet his eulogy read like glory itself.

As l think about these two lives l am mesmerized at just how appreciating people can truly make the difference.Why, l keep wondering, do we wait until someone is dead for us to eulogize them with such glowing intensity yet when they were alive we made their lives so difficult? Why can't we let them know they are appreciated and loved and that you often think about them? And if you don't have anything nice to say about them when they are alive, don't practice hypocrisy 101 during a funeral. You know, the university offering the degrees on hypocrisy should be closed and its keys thrown into Lake Victoria or better still, the chilly Atlantic? Because it makes 99% of us live hypocritically.

Don't wait until someone is dead for you to appreciate them. Janet's song ...You don't know what you've got till it's gone is truly appropriate right about now.

HOW TO ENTER A NEW WORLD

2006-02-06T04:01:00.000-08:00

This l found truly inspiring and interesting.Read on and get encouraged.Josh hinds has very good stuff on his website..www.getmotivation.com

How To Enter A New World

During my presentations, I often pose this question to the audience: "Over the course of your life, how many of you went from having a relatively low level of self-esteem to having a much higher level of self-esteem?" In a group of 100 people, about 10 people will raise their hands.

I then ask those 10 people, "When you changed your feelings about yourself, how many of you found that you attracted very different people and very different circumstances into your life?" Inevitably, all 10 hands go up.

When I invite them to explain what happened after they increased their feelings of self-worth, they tell remarkable, inspiring stories about the positive changes in
their lives.

Some will explain how they advanced in their careers. Others will proudly describe how their relationships improved or they met a wonderful person who they later married.
Listening to their stories, you'd think that these people were dropped into a new world, one they never inhabited before.

Before I continue, a definition of self-esteem would seem helpful. A simple definition is that self-esteem is the degree to which you like and value yourself. One of the best definitions I've seen was offered by Nathaniel Branden,
author of The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem.

He defines self-esteem as "the disposition to experience oneself as competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and as worthy of happiness."

Let's get back to the stories told by my audience members.
What explains the changes that take place in their lives?
What we're seeing is the Law of Attraction at work, or the principle that "like attracts like."

You attract into your life what you habitually dwell upon and what you feel you deserve. Your inner thoughts and feelings are projected outward and, like a magnet, you attract conditions that are in accord with those thoughts and feelings.

Now, I'll admit that I can't show you a movie demonstrating how the Law of Attraction operates. It isn't visible to the eye. It's working "behind the scenes" but it is very real nevertheless.

Here's an analogy that may help to explain this principle - the stations on your radio. Assume there are 10 radio stations that you can tune into. Stations 1-3 are for those with low self-esteem; Stations 4-6 are for those with self- esteem in the middle range; and Stations 7-10 are reserved for those who feel good about themselves.

This is an oversimplification, to be sure, but stay with me. Let's assume further that your life is "playing" on Station 5. Your self-esteem is in the middle range. You'll find that the vast majority of the people you attract are on Stations
4-6. Thus, you're interacting with people who are on a similar "frequency."

Occasionally, you will encounter some people from other stations. However, you will not feel comfortable spendingmuch time with those on Station 2 - nor will you feel that you fit in with those on Station 8.

It all comes down to what you think you deserve. You then attract the people and circumstances to confirm your feelings of self-worth.

The choice of who to attract is made below the surface - at the level of the subconscious mind. Consciously, nobody says"I want to attract people who will not treat me well or who won't appreciate me."

However, at the subconscious level, they feel this is what they deserve. These feelings and beliefs are often formed in childhood. Often we re-create the relationships our parents experienced.

Think about your intimate relationships throughout your life. Think about your relationships at work. Do you see any similarities with the relationships your parents experienced in their lives?

The example of your parents can be deeply embedded within your mind, whether you realize it or not. It's true that some people will create relationships and experiences that are the opposite of their parents, but this is more the exception.

Moving Forward

The concept of entering a new world and reaching the next level is not limited to those who feel they have low or mediocre self-esteem. It is also available to those with high self-esteem. After all, you can always develop a higher level of self-esteem and when you do, the circumstances in your life will improve dramatically. It just gets better and better!

How can you raise your level of self-esteem so you can take advantage of the Law of Attraction? Here are some techniques you might find helpful:

* Take responsibility for the people and circumstances you have attracted thus far. If you continue to believe that forces outside of you are responsible for your relationships and your circumstances, you'll remain stuck.

Once you accept that YOU are the cause of your present situation, you'll make different choices moving forward, which will attract new people and new conditions.

* Stretch beyond your comfort zone. Self-esteem is not developed by simply standing in front of a mirror and saying "I love myself." As Nathaniel Branden's definition suggests, there is an element of competency to self-esteem. You must engage life and feel capable.

When you sit on the sidelines and refuse to explore the limits of your potential, you feel stifled. You know there is more you can experience in life, and yet you're backing away. This lowers your self-esteem.

Jump start your self-esteem by challenging yourself to move beyond the familiar. Learn a new skill. Take a public speaking class. Apply for a position in your organization that you've always wanted but were afraid to pursue. It doesn't matter whether you're successful. You will raise your self-esteem immediately by "getting in the game."

* Change your vocabulary. You can't have high self-esteem when you continually put yourself down. What you say about yourself matters ... as does what you allow others to say about you.

For instance, from now on, whenever someone pays you a compliment, respond by saying "Thank you." If you reject the compliment, as many people do - "oh, it was nothing," they say - you're telling yourself that you don't deserve the
praise and you'll attract people to confirm your low feelings of self-worth.

* Respect yourself. Until you respect yourself, nobody else will respect you. Thus, when someone makes a verbally abusive comment to you or puts you down, make it clear that you won't accept that kind of language. You don't have to argue or prove that the other person is "wrong."

As you show more and more respect for yourself, you will find that you don't attract abusive people into your life anymore. You're operating on a higher "frequency" and you now attract others who will value you instead of criticizing you. It's the Law of Attraction at work!

We're all human magnets, and our thoughts and feelings attract certain people and circumstances into our lives. As you value yourself more, you'll enter a new world of
possibility. Exciting times lie ahead!

-- Jeff Keller
(c) Attitude is Everything, Inc.
_____________
Jeff Keller is a motivational speaker and author of the
best-selling book, Attitude is Everything. He's also
released a fabulous audio program called "Success from Soup
to Nuts" at http://www.getmotivation.com/qk.cgi/successtonuts-jk
-- For more information about his motivational presentations
and resources, go to http://www.attitudeiseverything.com

-----------------------

THIS I KNOW FOR SURE!!!4 SHEEZY!!!

2006-01-23T22:31:00.000-08:00

I have not been here for long. I am officially a tired girl. I have been running all over making sure that some contract actually works.

Now here is a lesson l have learned. This l knew but kept thinking hmmm!!it should be practical some day. I have learned that it is important, actually crucial, to perform at a level of excellence.

When we are asked to do something how do we do it? Well l learned. With God's help l went beyond the call of duty. As a result a huge huge contract got transfered to our office. I am talking huge. I have also learned that doing your best is not enough. It is doing your best plus plus.Delivering beyond expectations is something that should not be negotiable.

When you deliver beyond expectation it might not get noticed immediately but soon it will. I always say you had better be prepared because you never know when preparation will meet opportunity.We always miss opportunity because we are not prepared. No matter what you do, keep excellence as a friend. Let excellence be the monitor by which you measure yourself.

This l know for sure...Never underestimate preparation meeting opportunity. I tell you, it becomes like a great explosion which no one can ignore.And it totally pays,no matter how long it takes.

WANT IT SO BAD -YOU WILL LIE, CHEAT AND SCHEME TO GET IT?

2006-01-04T00:59:00.000-08:00

I don't want to want it so bad that l will cheat, lie and scheme to get it.

Okay back up right there.Ni nini?

Okay l am talking about this Korean scientist who lied about the cloning stuff.
I believe the world watched in horror as he said all that he needed to confess. Some of those around him were even crying.I don't know if it was in disbelief, dissapointment or the feeling of being let down.

But as l watched that piece l just kept having a nagging question that refused and refuses to give way... why is it we want something so bad that we lie to get it? Why is it that an athlete wants the medal so bad that he takes enhancement drugs? Baby you want it so bad you lie, cheat, scheme and do whatever else to just get it.

aaaahmmm!! lets make something clear. I am not a saint. I have my chaotic side as do all of you. But l am at a place where l have decided and told God to help me not to want anything so bad that l have to lie to get it.

My question is ...don't you ever think you will get caught? Maybe you don't care about being caught. But Lord where did our morals go? Where did our consciences go?

Do you want it that bad that you will lie, cheat and scheme to get it? Mimi a Kenyan l need to be enlightened. Kwani nini?

OH MY GOODNESS!! THIS ADDICTION ...PART TWO

2006-01-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

I am trying to finance an addiction l have. I need you to help me.

The addiction is reading books and business mags. I am actually trying to figure if l am reading or buying books because it gives me a high or its a need. I just have this need for information. I just don't know where it came from.

Flashback kidogo...l used to read 2 or 3 books a day when l was in primary school. The Hardy boys, Nancy Drews, Mills and Boons and zingine nyingi. If l borrowed your new novel and you said no, you needed to guard it with your heart. Otherwise by the time you went home, you would not have it. Plus you would out rightly know l had it. But l had to read it anyways. On top of which, l would surely return it the next day. I didn't know that this habit would get to this.

Sometime back,I read 3 or 4 magazines that mentioned the book Emotional Intelligence. I mean some 2 Harvard Professors had quoted it, plus a Fortune mag l was reading plus some other books l had bought. Shortly, l had to get that book. Do you know, l had to go to three bookshops before l found it. Meanwhile some executive was waiting for me because l was like 15 minutes late. But maaaaaan!! my addiction had to get watered.No l didn't keep the executive in the dark. I called and asked for a few extra minutes.

Now this addiction is going to chaotic places. I get reading bouts once or twice every week. How else can l explain them. Sometimes l just get this urge to know. I get all my latest books and read them - underlining, bouncing the ideas in my head as l analyze them aloud. These reading bouts can go anywhere from 5 to 8 hours in a night. No, no, no l am not reading for exams. I am reading just so that l know.

I get satisfied just having read 3 chapters of a challenging author's book. I get such an adrenaline rush when l buy a book l have been looking forward to read. It doesn't matter how expensive the book is, l will get it and l will seek to understand it. I know this sounds so bad. But this is what my life is.

Okay now, l have to figure how to finance my reading addiction because baby,l ain't getting off this train.

ANY IDEAS TO HELP MY ADDICTION?!!!:-)I AM SERIOUS.

MY ADDICTION PART ONE

2006-01-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

Hmm!! Today is the first day of work. Manze nimechoka you'd think l was in a shamba limaing. My holiday was a real holiday. I slept loads, bought books and read them, watched tv, slept and then read some more. What more would you want from a holiday?!! So trust me when l say fatigue is written all over my face.

Happy New year to y'all who set goals in January. I am actually reviewing my life. And no, that didn't start on the 1st. It started in September when l celebrated my birthday. Yes, my year starts then not in January. So by the time guys are getting excited and are setting their goals and promising to keep their end of bargain, mimi, either nishaboeka or am in full gear.

I am beginning to be very cautious about this life. I am at a place in my life where l know success does not come overnight; where you will not excite me with get-rich-quick schemes(for y'all who send me those:-) ) Have l given up? Actually no. I have this relationship with life that makes for a romantic read.

I have all these ideas l am working on. Right now, l am almost debt free. I have paid up quite a number of debts l had. Eeeh!!No l didn't win the lottery. I just realized to get a head l need to have good debt, not debt that is meaningless. If l have to use my credit card l need a sawa reason to use it. If l need a loan l need a good reason to actually get one. No my dear, my life is not strict.

In fact, l think l am very lenient with me. I walk into bookshops and hug like 5 books. I end up leaving about 5 or 6k of my money with the smiling attendant. I love reading and especially books that challenge me to greater heights of thinking. I like books that stretch me.

Do you know books that stretch? Okay here...those books that you have to read one sentence 5 times to just understand what the guy is trying to sema. Why bother? You wonder. Baby,l loves the challenge. So l ask, why not bother?

That stretching of mind l experienced it when l first started reading Havard Business Review and Fortune. Men!! l'd read a sentence till my head just went giddy. Now however, something bad happened. I am an addict to these mags. Of course and others including National Geographic.

Okay this year l am not kicking these habits. Instead l have to find a way to finance my reading addiction.Actually l have been trying to finance this habit since September.

So to y'all who set goals in this new year, l hope you stick with them mpaka mwisho.

TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES, SUCCESSFUL 2006

PART OF GREATNESS...NOT KNOWING YOU ARE!!

2005-12-19T01:29:00.000-08:00

I think part of greatness is not knowing you are great. Part of being considered kind and sweet is you not even knowing it. And even if you do, not showing it.

Have you ever met men who respect women without sweating it? No, he is not doing it for show. That's just him. No he doesn't expect anything back. All he wants is for you to be you.Being kind and nice is reflex action for him.Hmmm!!! The day l become that nice remind me not to blow my own trumpet.I have a talent for blowing my own trumpet:-)

I mean this person is a gentleman without trying. This is someone you stay up with just talking about whatever it is you want to talk about until the both of you get too drowsy to talk.Then you you know it is time to go home.

Today l honor him for giving men a good name.Thank you Teddy Bear for being you.

IGNORANCE JUST SLAPPED YOU IN THE FACE

2005-12-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

Now l know why Oprah has to work extra hard to help the Americans get back to books.

I have now come to accept that most of us read because we have an exam. After campus or high school or whatever,reading a book for just gaining knowledge becomes a foreign idea. No wonder why most executives go into meetings and have no idea what hit them when they lose a contract. What actually hit you was your ignorance.

You have the money, purchase books and just read for the heck of it. Then watch how people marvel at the knowledge you have. For real try it out. A lot of people that read come across as arrogant. But what people watching them don't know is that these people have invested a lot in terms of time and money to get to where they are.

Of course there is a way to share info without making others feel like they are little crawling ants:-)

But for heaven sake try reading a book for just the heck of it then you will know for sure why Sir Bacon was right when he said...Knowledge is Power.

A FOOL LEARNS FROM HIS MISTAKES

2005-12-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

In the last few months very little writing have l done on this post.But l have written a lot. Only it was on my mind. True. Last night l was thinking how when and if you want to get something done, it is safest to actually do it and not hope that one day you will get round to doing it.So here l am writing as always. I love writing.I also love reading.

Lately what gets to me is when l hear ignorance portrayed in a sentence which in the larger picture is part of a conversation. Oh no!! not ignorance of me being arrongant. No.It is ignorance from top executives.I keep wondering what happened to these people. For instance l keep witnessing firms getting into trouble with their employees because the firm didn't take into consideration the employees grievances.I watch large organizations in Kenya make mistakes that the west has already made and learned from. Then l wonder who is advising these directors? Who is sitting in their board of directors and steering the organizations?

My honest take...a fool learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from others mistakes. Don't wait to learn from your own mistakes which could cost you thousands of dollars or in my case shillings especially if you are running a large business operation. That is why we are over 6 billion people on this planet.You don't need to be a first in goofs. Somebody went ahead of you and made the goofs for you.

ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN

2005-12-05T01:37:00.000-08:00

There’s a sort of catch 22 situation going on in President Kibaki’s kitchen cabinet. This week he will make a critical announcement, which will change some of his men’s lives.

He could choose those that seem to agree with him and be sure that the squabbling will end. He could also bring in the Orange Democratic Movement - ODM and seek to work with them. Either way he will experience a catch 22.

This is how l see it. It is good to have the president’s ear. It is also noble to work with him without squabbling. But in the process of being agreeable to country’s CEO there’s a tendency to suck up. The President’s advisers are supposed to be people who are not tainted. People who live above the politics of the day in order to advice the President in making objective decisions. If you ask me, the President’s men didn’t act objectively.

By not bringing into the flock the Orange Democratic Movement the president will lose objectivity. There’s a lot of talk going on. A lot of speculation is doing rounds as to who is likely to be named. Either way, l believe it will be to his leadership’s detriment to keep the ODM out. No l am not sympathetic to ODM, l am being observant.
A lot of leaders don’t like to have people on board who challenge their ideas. They deem it safe to have all the boys and girls who agree with them surround them.

They should take a lesson or two from Jim Collins, a CEO who was featured a few months ago in Fortune magazine – Europe edition. Jim has a board that is comprised of people who don’t agree 100% with him. According to him these people are very key to his success as a leader. Why? They keep him alert. He likes to explore their line of thought to know exactly why they choose those views. He also says it keeps him humble because he usually thinks through his options before presenting them knowing very well they might be trampled on. You might wonder why go into all the trouble then? You see, this is the trouble that President Kibaki doesn’t want to face. Or should l say his ‘closest allies?’ That, among other reasons is why the draft constitution didn’t see the light of day.

Trouble is when you have everyone agreeing with you, you never see your pitfalls. People who seek the CEOs attention always have an agenda but the CEO doesn’t always see the bias. No one needs to hear the truth more than the CEO. Even though this is true, according to Harvard Business Review David Nadler the Chairman and CEO of Mercer Delta Consulting notes that, ‘in the CEOs presence, people are guarded, unwilling to raise difficult topics.’ This then feeds into people telling the CEO what he wants to hear. If he hears something negative he responds to it with difficulty because those around him will not allow him to dissect it with the open mind it requires.

Half the time these advisers are taking care of their jobs. The closeness they have with the CEO blinds them as to whether they are loyal to the boss or to his effectiveness as a leader.

In this case, the advisers who surround President Kibaki didn’t tell him the truth when it came to the referendum. I believe they told him what he wanted to hear and what they thought he wanted them to say.

African leaders need to learn from this. If you surround yourself with people who don’t stretch you, the pitfalls will not be very far. There will be unrest because the information you receive is biased. Sadly, even the advisers won’t know that their info is biased. This information is biased because although the adviser should be independent, there are all these people lobbying him. Why? Because they know he has the president’s ear. Yet half the time what the advisers hear from their sources is propaganda and not intelligence.

It’s a tricky business of being the country’s CEO and being the country’s CEO adviser. It’s unique. You need to define boundaries and have what Mr. Nadler calls – Zone of connection. Simply put it’s the balance between strong personal bonds with strong personal boundaries. Creating this helps the adviser keep his value to the CEO because he won’t get compromised.

As for the president, the lessons that Mr Nadler gives could be turned around to help him get the right men on board.
Personal advise – don’t bring all the boys and girls who agree with you on board. Instead have a balance. Get stretched and seek to work with those that have different thoughts.

Also don’t try and incorporate them like you did with the Coalition government. Don’t allow their voices to be drowned. Because then you will only have the suck ups as part of your cabinet.

Either way Mr President, it’s a catch 22 situation you have in your hands.

SOMETHING ABOUT SOME GUYS I REALLY TRULY HONESTLY LOVE

2005-10-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

Its freezing outside. I stare outside the office window with me just bundled up in warm thoughts. At least l have a pullneck and some knee-length boots to warm my legs seeing that l have mini skirt suit on. Anyways, that's not the point.

I Like it when l see or hear a guy just make a woman feel good. And no we are not talking about what it is you are thinking about.Feeling good about herself, that's my point.

I like it when a babe's self esteem is pampered by a guy who has nothing to gain from doing that. Hmm!! Maybe this nostalgia is brought on by someone l know who does things for me and has nothing to gain. For real, this world has people who don't have to have anything in return for doing good or for being nice.And that my dear is a spirit l celebrate. It is so selfless as it is engaging.

I watched Richard and Julia in Pretty woman the other day and thought ... how nice.Yesterday l was reading when l got tired and checked out one of the channels. It had a CSI Miami episode. I loved it. Not the whole thing but just some statement the main character said at the end. He was trying to get a lady who was a hooker out of that life and so he shows up in the adult booth. Guess what he does? You can't guess in a million years. He gives her about 3 or 400 dollars. He then tells her take a break for tonight.Of course the lady is stunned when she asks what he wants and....

all he says is...l want nothing.I just need for you to take a break tonight.
The lady asks...what about tomorrow?
CSI guy says... you will make tomorrow what you want it to be.

Right there baby. That is profound.The guy walks away.Oh my!!!

I just thought that was the nicest thing l had seen someone do for another...doing for somebody something without expecting anything in return. To me, selfless love just has a hold on me and especially if it is a guy doing it for a lady.Its beautiful. Sadly, am a sucker for selfless love.

HOW DID I GET HERE?

2005-10-17T05:04:00.000-07:00

It’s dirty and ruined
Clumsy and muddied
Just yesterday it was new
This morning it was fresh
Now it looks like something from the wild
Whose smell no one will yield
Whose existence no one will believe
How did my world change?

How did l get here?
With it all my memories gone
My dreams, visions and desires
My history and breathtaking moments are gone
Everything l held dear
Forever ruined
How did my world change?

How did l get here?
My photos
Capturing my first date
Wedding day, first time l got pregnant
First time my baby walked
Capturing my first times
How did my world change?

How did l get here?
The sky’s no longer blue
The sun scorches not shines
The baby cries doesn’t laugh
Fatigue plagues me
Disappointment springs from my husband’s eyes
How did my world change?

No baby, NO!!!!
Don’t give me answers
They calmeth me not
No sense they make
Little peace they render
So allow me if you will
To find the answers on my own
To find the strength to face tomorrow
If God be there
He sure will direct me

©2005.Dedicated to all those who have lately faced storms both natural and spiritual.

AMAZING IS WHAT YOU ARE

2005-10-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

Amazing, is what you are
It’s wonderful to know you
To know you as a friend
To believe with pure abandon
That you’ve got my back

We’ve come a long way
Through the hurdles
Through the scorching sun
Through the stormy wind
We’ve come full circle

Amazing, is what you are
It’s beautiful to see you nod with approval
To just know you as a friend
To believe with pure abandon
That you’ve got my back

We’ve come a long way
Thank you is all l want to say
Thank you for the warm hug when l needed one
Thank you for the knowing wink
Thank you for the laugh that you gave and give me

Tell you what

Amazing is what you are
A beautiful gift from God
That l will always embrace
A gift so treasured.

Tell you what

Amazing is what you are
So sweetie
Thank you is the very least l can say
No matter what happens between us
Thank you for being you
Thank God l have you

Because

Amazing, is what you are.

©2005 DEDICATED TO TEDDY BEAR...BECAUSE AMAZING IS WHAT YOU ARE

LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO

2005-10-17T01:56:00.000-07:00

I stand in a corner
Knowing no better
Shaking and shivering
Fearing the thunder

A thunder l only know so well
As my heart swells
Filling up with fear
As l wonder what to do next

I should know better
Because l know you love me
Because you are watching my every move

Human is what l am
With no trust when all crumbles
With all doubt when l trip
Human is what l am

I should know better by now
Because of your promises
Because you deliver like always

But human is what l am
So help me Lord, as l hear the thunder near
To believe you will deliver me
like you always do

©2005 DEDICATED TO YOU WHO IS IN DOUBT ABOUT GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU

I KNOW FOR SURE

2005-10-17T01:53:00.000-07:00

There’s something about you that’s unique
I can’t tell you what it is
But for now l’ll tell you
What l know you know l know

I know for sure

You are gentle with every thought l share
You are sweet with every fall l encounter
You are intense with every moment l bear

I know you know l know

What’s in your eyes?
Can’t tell what it is
Looks like fondness, looks like infatuation
Maybe love
But l’ll tell you what l know you know l know

I know for sure
You are love in your every move towards me
You are love in your every word you whisper to me
Dear Jesus you are love in all you do for me

I know you know that l know for sure
You are love in every way
Dear Lord

©2005

THE WHOLE OF ME IS BEAUTIFUL

2005-10-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

This is me
The whole of me
As God created me… No apologies, No regrets
The whole of me is beautiful
Is tender and treasured
Makes me curious
Makes me glad
The whole of me is beautiful
My blossoming chest
My wonderful curves
The fluctuation of my moods
My menses
Hmmm…
That’s me
No apologies, No regrets
Because
The whole of me is beautiful
I may not understand me
But the whole of me
The whole of me is beautiful

Dedicated to the struggle to get sanitary towels to our girls here in Kenya
©2005

I KNOW HER... SHE IS ME

2005-10-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

I know her
I feel her
Her curvy self
Her sweet and shy self

Natural
Fussy
Neat
Complicated
Picky
I know her
She is me

Guarded
Careful
Hurting
Trusting
Clinging
Giving
Nurturing
I know her
She is me

Beautiful skin
Chocolate
Deep chocolate
Light
Even passing for white
Rich hair
Straight
Kinky
Curly
Shaven
I know her
She is me

I know her
She is me
Just as beautiful
Just as natural
As God created her
She embraces the beauty of God
So embedded in her
This African girl is striking
I know her
She is me

Embracing the beauty of God
So embedded in her

This is dedicated to you my sister...you are beautiful

HERE'S A MARRIAGE THAT LASTS FOREVER

2005-10-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Now l know that there's a marriage that works forever and ever.

Have you seen preparedness meet opportunity? Nothing locks in key like this two elements when it comes to dreams.

Its when you hear people say...they have had success in a relatively short time. Short time? Ask that unknown athlete for how long he has been training? Ask him how long he has been training and waiting for that moment when the silver lining penetrates the dark clouds. Ask him? Go ahead.

I know for sure...that when preparedness meets opportunity, there's nothing anyone can do to stop it.

Preparedness is faith with hope that the dream will come to reality. Opportunity is when your faith just got tangible.

I am learning that when preparedness meets opportunity the world is not big enough to hold it neither is the dearest blue sky the limit.

Now l know there's a marriage that lasts forever... that of preparedness meeting opportunity.

MY DREAMS CAME TRUE..I THOUGHT I WAS HALLUCINATING!!

2005-10-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Have your dreams ever come true to appoint you thought you were hallucinating? For real l went home and thought l was hallucinating.

Yeah!! that happened to me yesterday.4 sheezy.

Dreams actually come true. Now l know that if you push hard enough, want it bad enough, holla about it loud enough, God surely gets it to you.
Soon all my dreams will come true.Totally true in Jesus Name...and the church said...AMEN!!Make it a loud AMEN...AMEEEEEEEEEEEEENNN!! Preach preacher!!! Alrighty baby.

Yesterday someone made me know that what l needed was as easy to get as ABC.Plus they not only told me it was easy but they told me that they would help me get it. No strings attached. All of my life l have waited for this, only for it to hit me in the face and this hard. Yaani, yesterday l went home and had to slap myself to see if it was really true or l was dreaming.What helped me is that l was with a friend of mine when all this was happening. This morning l went to her and asked her if it was really true, to which she said..baby girl IT BE ALL TRUE, IT BE ALL TRUE.

The problem with people like me is that l have huge, not big, but huge dreams. Sometimes for those dreams to come true it takes you being clobbered by people's limitations to a pulp. You have no idea what that clobbering does to your spirit.

But baby when you get up,you will sing AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH till your voice gets hoarse.

HERE'S TO LIVING IN GOD'S WILL ...CHEEERS

HERE'S TO WANJIKU'S REFERENDUM COMMON SENSE STRATEGY 101

2005-09-29T02:01:00.000-07:00

Very bad!!! very very bad. Honorable Mwenje and Ndolo, that was uncalled for. You guys just gave your team a D minus. You were looking so good.Until the water was thrown through the window with the baby.

Strategy. Do you have one? Do you also have a strategist? If you do, where was he/she? I know you can't keep tabs on all your members but where was he/she?

Waheshimiwas, Kenyans love peace. If you are inclined to or even associated with any violence you will lose this vote. For sheezy, for real. No one is going to even think about it. When Mheshimiwa Uhuru alleges that people were sent to disrupt their rally, its all good. Not the disrupting No.Just the alleging part. But when the Mheshimiwas themselves go out and actually disrupt a meeting and cause damage to a city hotel's property, you have just sunk deeper than the worst sewers of Nairobi.

Wanjiku has four basic but common sense strategies for you politicians if you want to win this referendum. You can add the complex ones, Wanjiku just has four basic ones:-

Common sense Strategy 1 - you look better alleging than throwing stones and shooting in the air.
Common sense strategy 2 - you look clever when you are quiet than opening your mouth and issuing horrendous threats.Kenyans are keenly watching and listening.
Common sense strategy 3 - You look credible when you focus on what the Draft Constitution actually says than what you think it says.Believe me.
Common sense strategy 4 - Don't malign your opponents otherwise you will begin to lose ground and gaining that trust again will take a lot of damage control.Simply, no name calling.

Wanjiku rests her case.

11TH COMMANDMENT - THOU SHALT NOT IGNORE CREATIVE IDEAS

2005-09-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

Awe! Shock! and then an overwhelming feeling of horifficness.!!! Is there a word like that? I know it might be missing from your dictionary, but mine has it. I am horrified. I can't believe it. You know, human beings are funny. They wait for the knight in shinning armor.I read something on the Kenyan Pundit's blog and was just beside myself.She wants to help mentor kenyan girls from this school and yet can't even get audience with the Principal.Why? Because it is obvious she is not a international NGO. When will we learn that great ideas should be grabbed and worked on? When shall we learn as Kenyans, to respect the small person with great ideas?

It has just brought so much memory laced with pain. I get dismissed simply because l have ideas that seem strange.The other day l actually felt it.Dismissed.

Ideas run the world.But in Kenya and in some offices, creativity is trashed.The other day l prayed and asked God to help me get to a place where my ideas are not only appreciated but also funded.When people are not interested in the process they get shocked when the results are not what they were looking for.

Being interested in the process doesn't mean micro managing people.It means you need to get interested in not only the bottom line but also how they get there. No wonder people get fleeced and then you later hear the question... oh my God when and how did this happen?

We need not only to be result oriented but also process-oriented. If you are a boss you need to know what is going on in the organization you lead and l mean know!!It will also help the employees know that you are interested in their ideas. But when you dismiss them with the result orientedness in focus, you are helping dig a grave where your fleeced stuff will be buried.

Funny thing is if an expatriate showed up with the same idea in Kenya, they would get some red carpet welcome and a party would not be a second guess. Yet, you leave out someone amongst you who had an even better idea and who you could pay less than the expat.

Fat irony- same Kenyans keep chanting - buy kenya build Kenya - which Kenya?

KENYA'S REFERENDUM WILL BE BASED ON 3 CONSTITUTIONS

2005-09-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

Okay l was bound to talk about this. So lets just do a brief.

First, everything l write has to do with achieving dreams. Kenya's referendum is what l am talking about. I watched with a lot of interest these beloved politicians promise to do a round of rallies. Others just didn't put their moneys where their mouths were. It is one thing to say you will do something, it is totally another to be out there and doing it.Big difference, my dear, big difference.

Another thing l have a problem with is the fact that these leaders feel obligated to choose for me what l want to say in the referendum. They seem to forget that l have a mind of my own and that l need to make the decision for me and my future children. What is wrong with this picture?

And then those that feel they are being boxed into a corner for not doing their homework go off looking cheap by threatening others.What the*?!! And then the name calling plus shameful tactics of dictatorial leanings. SHAME ON YOU KENYAN POLITICIANS. NYINYI WOTE WA YES NA NO. You cheapen Kenyan patriotism. This is a time l am so ashamed to be a Kenyan. You look like kids fighting in the estate's car park. Wengine wameenda kuita daddy. Wengine wanapiga wengine ngoto. Kwani you don't have someone to help you sort this mess out.Shameless you all are.

You guys are giving us the different versions of the constitution. There is a constitution according to the yes camp and then there is one according to the no camp. Then there is the one that we are going to the referendum about. Kenyans like me who have read the constitution are watching in horror as it gets modified by the minute. Loudly, publicly and with no thread of shame.Half of these politicians are totally lying in broad daylight.

True there are contentious issues that need sorting out. But don't go exagerrating them to a point where wanjiku cannot make up her mind as she votes. My guess is that some of the confused Kenyans who will deem this constitution too large to go through will actually sit back and watch the others vote. Why? These versions are confusing. When you listen to the different camps you will actually be forgiven to think we have 3 draft constitutions... their versions are unbelievable.

And when you are fighting like this, who makes you think wanjiku will trust you?

KATRINA... YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS

2005-09-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

Now, at the risk of sounding like the FEMA guys who arrived late plus plus... my prayers have been with those that were affected by Katrina. Really. It doesn't mean just because l didn't say it l didn't think about it. I actually prayed for all those people plus the kids who l saw on missing kids.

It is a sad state of affairs. So my dear l will not go into the politics of who came when and who should have done what. But one thing l have learned is that it is safer to do the right thing first time round than try making it right after you have goofed. It is costly and time wasting. Plus all issues that concern life and death are emotive so no common sense is being applied. Respect is abandoned at the altar of bitterness and all we are left with after the drama and all, is a bitter taste of shamed reality.You wish you had done the right thing at the right time. Wish you had said the right thing at the right time and wish that you were alert when you were meant to be.

A mess is what this life is. We are here to make it better.

But once again, l prayed and continue to do so for all the residents of New Orleans. Stay positive l beg of thee!!!

DREAMS DO ACTUALLY COME TRUE!!!!

2005-09-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

I have come to believe that dreams actually do come true. I have also come to believe it is one thing to say you will do and another to do what you committed yourself to do.I have found that most of us don't have an idea how much hard work it is to actualize dreams. Now l know why there are few people who are celebrated by the rest of us. The difference is that they actually did their homework.

I have decided to be part of those that do their homework. I have quit talking and that is a great deal for me. Instead l am investing my energies in achieving what l see in my dreams. Of course this is coupled with prayer and a lot of wise decision making. I have told myself that if others have made it, l will surely make it. Seeing that God is a great part of my life and that l am not expecting Him to do my homework.

You know, l have come to believe that dreams actually do come true.But you have to be willing to do your homework.

WHAT THEY DIDN'T TELL ME

2005-08-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

hmmm!!!
uuuuhhmmmm!!!!
Mmmhhhh!!!

Sighs they are
Life just gave me a kick
no not a bad one
a reality one

Dreams!! Dreams!! Dreams!!
they tell you they can happen
they tell you if you are committed
if you are determined
if you are persistent
focussed, unwavering and strong hearted
there's something they don't tell you though

They don't tell you
it could get painful
it could get ugly
hurtful, remorseful and tear jerking
they just don't tell you
of the wounds you might get
of the rotten attitudes you may have to deal with
of the paining heart you may have to carry around
they just don't tell you

The horizon
has promise
is bright
My hand outstretched
And l still cannot get to it
What will l do
my hand is tired
my spirit fatigued
how will l get to the horizon
they just didn't tell me how to get to the horizon

Pray thee, What will l do?
They didn't tell me
Do you know?

copyright kamundulio 2005

TRAMPLING ON YOUR BLESSING?

2005-08-04T23:32:00.001-07:00

Voila!! Yeebo!!

I once heard that when you confess something you begin to believe it. Now l know what they didn't add, that after you believe it you beigin to live it. That my dear is what my life was until a few days ago.

I have been sourcing for funds to go to school . My first assignment is actually due this month but l will hand it over in a three weeks time. But that is not the twist.

You see for a long time l never looked at what l had in my hands. That is my income. I kept thinking it is too little to pay for school. I wanted to eat this school elephant all at once. Well, this week l actually got an idea how l could eat this elephant piece by piece without chocking.

Surprise surprise l can actually pay for my MA. Shock on me. I have learned that when you complain you actually don't see the blessing. It becomes all mixed up so that your blessing is trampled upon.

Did l tell you l love life? And that l love the way God just puts stuff in our way and knocks us to our senses to see His blessings? My blessing was all the while right in front of me and yet l could not see it. Irony. I love life.