Author: stgichuru
Promise me more…
“I, too, have done my damndest
to kiss and touch and bless
and now I, too, am through with it all
and am simply like the rest” – Barry Taylor I, Too
We all have big dreams. We all want to do something about it. We are all probably up to something then stumbled upon this post.
From when I can remember someone has been promising me one thing or the other with a utopian reward.
“The right one has not been born yet…” “Your business will still work after you are done with your course…” “Finish the exam then we can go for ice-cream…”
Apparently, it will all work out if you do as it pleases this guy, these people… for them it is not the perfect time. For you, you just can’t get rid of the itch. It is obvious where am getting to. You choose your path. But wait there is more…
Promises; promises.
There has not been a shortage of free thinkers (shout out Dr. Stockmann). Every day I hear how people want to change the world with this initiative, reform and leadership. They all promise me the perfect world. Where my starving brother in Turkana and uptown sister will talk about their days in paradise. As long as I vote them in or offer them my friendship.
Thomas Moore proposed the utopian idea some time back. His logic seems radical and idealistic at the moment. The ideals will be easily accepted by any person struggling to make ends meet. But what of the rich that have gotten comfortable. We all know that people don’t find it easy to change. It takes time and effort… it’s sticky and messy. So how do we expect them to change?
Well we don’t… that’s the trick.
We shan’t beg. We shan’t cry. What is our goal? To be comfortable too… you don’t need to own the whole of Central to be happy. All you need is a happy family, with all their basic needs met. It is violent to not do that for your family.
“All the gold which is under or upon the earth is not enough to give in exchange for virtue.” Plato.
Once the goal is set. Be creative. The beauty of a capitalistic economy is that anyone can get themselves out of the mud.
So get your hands in the mud. Get dirty and build something from it. (Guess which movie that is from… 🙂 )
So if they can get to the top; so can you…
I would not wait for promises that are 50/50. I’ll get on my feet; and do it myself because this is the perfect time.
Who is this God in Exodus: Gods and Kings?
If you have not watched the movie, I would warn you to beware of spoilers. But I doubt I will be spoiling anything…
They say you should fear god. This means revering God such that we obey, respect and worship him. But this movie must have taken it a bit far. I was scared of this god.
When Moses goes to plead with him. He just grins as though he has a bigger plan in his mind… and mischievous plan. Even Moses is completely pissed and you couldn’t blame him.
Why does he have to appear as his son? That was scary! I watch horror movies which are much worse. However, this is a movie I was watching with my 10 year old cousin. And my mucho/grown up mojo I’ve been holding up disappeared with that one scene. That was messed up. It was as though that god had possessed the kid. It is not something you would expect.
“I want no part in this”
He is all knowing. And wise. But all the non-Hebrew children, just because… even the messenger was not convincing when he went to plead with Rameses. It is as though he wanted it to happen. Which god would do this?
So now, I wonder why none of the character doubted Moses’ state of mind. In the 21st century, it sounds hilarious to talk to a burning bush. And talking to a stone. He might be the One. But it kind of sounds like a cultish following of Moses in the name of God and salvation.
The god depicted seemed to not always be available. With leaving Moses hanging sometimes, and not coming for some of his unscheduled meeting.
What does it mean when He is portrayed as a child?
Those are just some of my thoughts… what do you think of the movie? What message do you think they were trying to bring out in the movie? Do you believe that it was an accurate depiction of God?
13 People In Every Matatu (Minibus)
Matatus are the most common method of transport in Kenya. Within the matatus there is also a trend in terms of people…
+1 The Complainer
I enter the mat at tired. The day has had me. All I want to do is get home and binge on the latest series of House of Cards. Then they happen…
They seem to comment on every turn the driver is making. How hot it is in the matatu. And shouts over the music of how she knows her ears are now punctured.
When it comes to alighting they remind everyone of how they have been “pitishwad” stage (the minibus has dropped farther than expected).
+2 The Non-payer
You entered with them. They sit conveniently behind the conductor. Silent and busy observing the dusty roads of Nairobi.
Suddenly the conductor, starts poking every one in front of him for the 30/- they deserve. In their nonchalant manner they go unnoticed.
You give your 30/- wondering whether the conductor will also ask them. Upon arrival to his stage, they bravely demand that they be dropped. And from there he is free…
+3 The No Loose Money Guy
They give 1000/- expecting 970/-. The conductor must walk in traffic on the highway to ask for change…
They will definitely get it. But you still wondering why give a crisp note for dirty sweat ridden notes…
+4 The one on the phone
“Yes send him 100k… the rest is to smooth things over!”
In just one phone call I know about your girlfriend, wedding plans, break ups, investments and religion. I don’t know why I listened…
+5 The Hot One
Yes, the one that should be driven to and from work. The one you wondered what she does with her life apart from being gorgeous 24/7…
You might try to get in a word or two… but that’s all it will ever be. A matatu crush… 😀
+6 The Worker
They have a brown envelope filled with office documents. They feel this is the apt time to show your business name, board of trustees’ contacts and sign documents on a shaky under-serviced vehicle.
They are so busy they forget to claim their balance from the conductor… probably paying for +3
+7 The Texter
The whole mat knows you are texting. The whistle notification sounds make it every obvious. You can’t stop giggling can you? Can’t resist flashing your OLED display?
Sometimes I fall in this category. Hehe! Why am I lying… no one remembers me. #jk (This is the vaguest sentence you will ever read).
+8 The Couples
This is the most awkward. Two young couples decided to join me on the backseat. I’m already irritated by +1… now these two feel compelled to showcase their love. As well as discuss their relationship.
To get my mind off what they are doing. I focus my energies on +6…
+9 The Procurer
“Could you search for me my seat belt?”
Without notice, they have invaded your private space and claimed a few of your valuables. They then alight on the next stop having earned a free phone on a lazy day.
+10 The Marketer
They will sell you their business within the 15 minute ride. You are very tempted to invest and buy. But you just met the guy. So you ask for the card and promise to call when you can.
+11 The Sleeper
The Ongata Rongai fellows know what am talking about. These guys don’t even make an effort to be wake. Once they have paid that is it… they are off. They request to be woken up when the matatu reaches the last stage.
+12 The Conductor
They forgot to collect +3 fare. Probably because they have been ogling at +6 the whole ride. And has deliberately forgotten to return +7’s money.
Poking their head out, They scan for new passengers and police officers. They seem to be enjoying the music more than anyone else on the matatu. And what is that they are chewing?
+13 The driver
Is it me or did the traffic rules change today? Didn’t you see the oncoming car? Who are you racing? And why do you keep jacking the car?
They are very relaxed and constantly begging for a way in… in a 3 way traffic on a one lane road. In traffic, the newspaper serves as their entertainment, as he jokes with the conductor in vernacular.
Much Love,
Steja.
5 Ways To Make Sure You Have Victories Each Day
We have gotten ourselves out the rut and gotten things rolling. Life is moving forward. In this busy world we live in we need to come up with easier ways on how to deal with monotony… how do you prevent yourself from getting back to another routine?
We’re going to share with you what I believe has worked for me this far.
+1 Be extremely ambitious
Very obvious it seems but not really. We need to find something that challenges us. Something that requires you to set goals. “Unrealistic goals” they call them.
I need to be able to read ‘A Feast for Crows‘ by the end of the week. As an example.
Why? How can you came up with innovative ideas if your goals remain constant?
+2 Make a list of interesting things you can do
There is a lot happening. Your boss, friend and family want a slice of your 24 hours. Remember those are your 24 hours. So make a funny list of what you would want to accomplish for yourself. Not necessarily changing your life; but putting a smile on your face…
This list made me smile…
+3 Support a charity or join a business
The reason anything exists is to solve a problem. This has lead to many innovations like the air plane to solve traveling issues.
The sooner you join a cause the faster ideas to improve or solve the problem arise.
+4 Do a pilot
We do not encourage risky behaviour without a safety net. For some it works out. But for most people unproven solutions don’t work out so well…
So try it out. Adjust and move on. You’ll find the best mix. And the mix will work for you.
+5 Ignore the hater
There will always be people that do not understand. If they are not offering constructive criticism don’t listen.
When they complain. Ask them to offer an alternative and listen for their answers… 🙂
Much love,
Steja.
A Culture Of Lies (Episode 2: The Exam)
10:00 a.m. This is it. This is the final exam. Turn over the paper. There it is… the topic you assumed will never come.
What is this creature? I turn to my right. Everyone is busy writing. It’s 2 hours in and I think I’ve reached the limit of knowledge. People seem to know more… my desk mate has written 3 pages on his essay paper. I’ve 30 minutes. But how do I describe urination for 30 marks? That’s when the warm feeling comes. The sudden drop of sweat from your armpit. You correlate this to men in black repossessing your big house by the lake. Being on the no-loan list. Losing your first wife…
“What is the answer to no.4?” my train of thoughts disrupted. I stare at the guy… like how am I supposed to know? I also need some divine intervention now. I ignore him. And keep on writing my exam.
Papers are being slid on the exam floor. Phones are being pouched. Scrolling on the tablets. Everyone has to go to the bathroom… but still my desk mate writes. Is he the only not struggling here?
“Give me my phone back!” I thought it was me. So I avoiding looking back. “Give me my phone back!” Ok. He is definitely talking to me, right? I turn back. No one is looking at me. So I look forward and there he was. The invigilator, who obviously had nothing better to do than scare me every 10 seconds of how half an hour has passed, looks my way. And we made eye contact.
He walks closer. This is it. I’m done. Now I’m going to be framed for cheating. My passion down the drain, even tears start to materialise… I try to break eye contact by “focusing” on my paper. But his eyes are glue. I keep looking up and he is still looking at me. I look down again… I’ve only written a paragraph. This essay is going nowhere.
Then he gets closer to my desk. And hesitates. I’m already imagining the disappointment on my parents face.
“You and you!” he points behind me. The rest was like a blur of “Please please”. Next thing I hear is: “You have 5 more minutes!” All at once, inspiration came and an essay was produced.
It is a mystery why people cheat… and we will talk about it more this week.
Much Love,
Steja.
This picture made my day…
Let us know what you wanna read about next 🙂
Today Chronicles 